BoxyCharm November 2015 Review - Beauty Par-Tea

I am still a new subscriber to BoxyCharm, and I have been really enjoying the products and the value already. BoxyCharm is a monthly subscription box that features five full size, yes full size, beauty products in a wide range of areas including face, hair, eyes, nails, and body. They also tend to include brushes, which are always a fun treat for me. Also, it only costs $21 a month, and it always has a value of over $100. For the month of November, I am hoping for some moisturizing products, and some darker makeup. I can’t wait to see what they have to offer me this month.

This month’s theme is Beauty Par-Tea. I really like this theme, and I think there will be a lot of great products that will match up to it. Also, the product description card this month is really cute. My one complaint about this theme is the timing. The seems like a Spring time theme, and I really was hoping for something more fall-winter related. I feel like a lot of my boxes didn’t do well with the theme timing, and at least one product in each box is related to Spring. That season is way too far away, and I really just want to enjoy this season while it here. Besides that, I know there will be some great products in this month’s box, and I can’t wait to jump in and try them all out.

Coolway Leave-in Treatment

$14.95 - 2 oz

I’ve heard a lot of things about this hair serum, and I’ve also seen it included in quite a few subscription boxes. I believe that this is actually the second time that BoxyCharm has included it in a previous box. This serum promises to help reduce split ends and also make hair shine. I worry about products like these, because my hair is already pretty fine, and these tend to weigh it down even more. Also, I do have quite a few products already that promise shine, but I have yet to receive a product that helps take care of split ends. This is great for me, especially since I have long hair, and split ends tend to creep up on you more often the longer your hair is. I also am trying to grow it out, so I don’t get it trimmed as much as I should. I applied this product to my damp, clean hair and my first response is to how good it smells. It is fresh and a great addition to my shampoo. I squirted a few drops into my hand and scrunched into my hair focusing on the ends. I really do feel like my ends feel less brittle than normal, and my hair over all was much shinier. I do wish this product was also a volume enhancer, because I could always use more volume, but I do like it otherwise. I will definitely enjoy this sample, but I will probably not be purchasing this full size item.

STUDIOMAKEUP Soft Blend Blush in Sahara

$17.00 - 0.17 oz 

I have a pinkish bronzer from the Balm, and I use it all the time. Sometimes you want both a bronzer and a blush, but both together is more makeup than I’d like at once. This mauve bronzer does the same thing and plays both roles of a bronzer and a blush. This is a good makeup to transition into winter, when you’re skin is still tan enough to pull off bronzer but starting to fade into blush territory. This color isn’t the perfect for my skin tone, but I can see it going great with fall sweaters, and velvet Christmas clothing. It is definitely a more mature look, that doesn’t suit me that perfectly, but I could see a lot of other girls really enjoying this. The pigmentation is perfect for brushing on and blending in. Also, this huge tube will last forever. So thankful for the full sizes in these boxes. I don’t see this going greatly with the theme, which supports my claim, why not a November theme in November.

Lexie Rose Gold Concealer Eye Brush 221

$12.00 

Like I said, I really enjoy receiving brushes in this subscription box. They are normally high quality, and usually a brush that I’ve never owned before. This brush in particular is an under eye foundation brush. This will definitely go to good use, because I do apply foundation under my eyes every single day, and I normally do it with my finger. This brush will not only give me a more natural look, but it will also keep germs from my fingers off my face. This brush works really well, and I am glad it is an addition to this month’s box. Plus, this delicate brush reminds me of the delicateness of a tea party.

MANNA KADAR Lip Locked Stain in Lucky

$24.00 - 0.18 oz

This is probably the only product that won’t get used by me, and I will probably be gifting this to one of my lip gloss loving friends. I am more of a matte lipstick girl, and if I am going to be wearing lip gloss, it has to be super moisturizing. Otherwise, my lips get painfully dry. I really like this brand, though, and this color is the perfect pink for fall. Also, this is a nice product to add to the value of the box. I could definitely see some tea drinkers wearing this lip gloss for afternoon tea. It goes great with the theme, but it unfortunately doesn’t go great with me.

Pur-lisse Pur-eye Adore Quadra Benefit Eye Serum

$65.00 - 0.5 oz 

This product is the one that I am going to enjoy the most, and it is also the one with the best value. This under eye serum promises to reduce under eye darkness and wrinkles, all while brightening and hydrating that sensitive area. The ingredients are all well thought out, and definitely work to their full potential. I did recently splurge on Benefits eye cream, and ever since, I swear I’ve received about 10 under eye products. While this may be bad timing for me, I really enjoy this product, and I can definitely see and feel it working. I really enjoy the Pur-lisse brand, and have always liked everything I’ve used from their line. This is definitely my favorite item from this month’s box, and I will use it all up, eventually. Maybe I’ll have some friends over for tea and a spa day. This serum will be great to apply right after we wash off our masks.

Overall, this wasn’t one of my favorite boxes, but most of the product will definitely be enjoyed and used. The eye serum is definitely my favorite product, and that foundation eye brush will be used regularly. That blush will work great with the season, and I am a fan of the hair serum. Unfortunately, that lip gloss just isn’t for me, but it is a really pretty color, and my friend will love it as a gift. This month’s has a value of $132.95. That is crazy for a box that only costs $21, but that is also expected since they all have a value around that much. I really enjoy BoxyCharm, and it always carries great brands at a great price. I can’t wait to see what they have in store for me next month. Let’s hope it has a winter theme, though!

If you would like to try BoxyCharm for yourself, just click here. For only $21, you could be on your way to discovering great beauty products in full sizes. Also, it makes a great holiday present for someone that loves makeup just as much as you.

Popsugar Must Have November 2015 Review

While I do like so many of my subscription boxes, my favorite one to receive each month is definitely my Popsugar Must Have. It is the most expensive at $39.95, but the items insides are mostly all full size, it always has a great value, and I like that the items range from beauty, fashion, home, fitness, and food. This is the best gift to give to yourself each month, and it always contains items that I love and I wouldn't splurge on for myself. I can't wait to see what the month of November has in store for me, and I hope that it is full of items to get me ready for the holidays. 

This month's inspirations are Friends & Family, Gratitude, Gifting, and Festivities. I really like these inspirations for November, because we are heading into holiday season, and I can see a lot of the items going along with the these words really getting my in the mood. I hope the items inside will help make the celebrations brighter, help bring family and friends closer together, and provide me with some gifts to give away. What I love about this box is that some of the items aren't really for me, but I can always give those away to someone who will really enjoy it. 

Deep Gurnani Katie Crystal Headband

$56.00

This is such a beautiful headband, and it is totally my style. I wouldn't expect to receive something like this in my Popsugar box, but I am so glad I did. I also like receiving it this time of year. This can be worn for all the holidays coming up. It could easily give Thanksgiving a little sparkle, it would look great with any Christmas outfit, and of course, this is the perfect amount of added sparkle for New Year's Eve. This headband is great quality, and the detail is perfect. My only wish is that the crystals went all the way around. I would be much more likely to wear it in that case. The backside of this headband is pretty cool, too. It has a fun fabric pattern which also helps stop it from slipping. This will definitely add a little sparkle to this year's festivities. 

Tarte Cosmetics Beauty & the Box Eye Shadow in Apple of My Eye

$22.00 - 6.4 g

I know that most girls are going to lust after this item, but I really feel like I have more eye shadow pallets than I can possibly ever use. Even though I don't love having more eye shadow, this box is really cute, and the four colors inside pair perfectly together. The box has a magnetic close, and a very usable mirror inside. Also, it is much more compact than it looks, which makes this easy to travel with. Golden Delicious and Honeycrisp both have shimmer, while Caramel and Gala are both matte. I really like how all these colors are all named after apples, and they could create a really cool eye look. I like these colors with my skin tone, and I also like how they can create a natural or more dramatic look. One of my friends are going to love this as a gift!

West Emory Bingo Set

$20.00

At first, I was really confused why this was an addition to this month's box. I've never really played bingo unless it was a themed one at a baby or bridal shower. But after taking it all in, I realized a game would be a great addition to a must have box, especially one around the holidays. I could definitely see my family playing this for prizes or additional gifts for christmas. This could be made into a drinking game with my friends, too. The game itself is very pretty, and the magnets give it an extra special touch. I could place this out on my coffee table for decoration. This wouldn't be the game that I would normally pick out, but that also means I don't have it. This was a different addition that was new and a little fun. 

Capri Blue Mercury Jewel Box Candle in Rain

$18.00

I absolutely love candles, and it has been a minute since Popsugar has added one in their subscription box. This recycled blown glass is so pretty, and I love how the light of the candle glows through the container. It reminds me of one I've recently purchased from Anthropology. The wooded lid is really cool too, and it is totally my style. The best part of the candle is the smell, it is absolutely amazing. It is a musky vanilla that really leaves the entire room smelling great. This is a great container to reuse after the candle is gone, too. This would be a great gift to give forward to someone in your family or one of your friends, but to be completely honest, I am going to keep this for myself. I just love it so much. My one complaint is this would be themed for spring time, but I'll take it now. 

Gramr Gratitude Co. Exclusive Thanksgiving Postcard Pack

$10

While I am not 100% sure what I will be doing with these, they are so cute and festive. They are perfect for November and Thanksgiving, and they also bring so much warmth, and happy feelings with them. I would hate to send these in the mail, because I would really like to keep them, but I do know a few friends and family that are out of town that would really enjoy this with a short letter. My favorite is definitely the thanksgiving feast shot with the word "Thankful," and the "Thank You for Being You" as a close second. This is a great way to remind someone that you love them around the holidays, especially since I would be really excited to receive one of these from someone else. You could also keep them and hang them up in your house for inspiration or as a decorative touch for the holidays. 

Terrapin Ridge Farms Pecan Honey Mustard

$7.00 - 8 oz

The food product has been right on lately, and this is the perfect food product for the season. Friends and family will be gathering so much more often this time of year, and it is always great to have a snack for everyone to dig into. They recommend using this as a marinade, vegetable glaze, cheese pairing, or sauce for pork or turkey. But, I know that I will use this the most basic way, and that is as a pretzel dip. I wanted to just try this out, but I seriously couldn't stop eating. The spicy dijon matches perfectly with the sweet honey. Also, it doesn't taste like it is full of preservatives. The next time I have people over and they need a little snack, I am going to pull this out with a bag of pretzels. Delish. 

Ink Dot Gift Card

$20.00

Popsugar always includes a gift card in their box, and usually it is something that I don't really need or want, and I just hand it off to a friend. This is not the case for this month. I love being able to put pictures on items to really personalize them. Also, they make the perfect gift for christmas, an anniversary, or a baby or bridal shower. This site is unlike your typical Shutterfly too. It offers some really cool frames of wood, metal, and instagram squares. Also, there are a few items $20 and under, but I think I am going to spend a little more and get an iPhone case for my boyfriend as a gift. This will get me a great early start on christmas shopping. Plus $20 off is always enjoyed. 

Overall, I really like this month. It is really getting me into the holiday mood, and besides the rain candle, everything is well themed. That headband is beautiful, that shadow palette is super high quality, and that dip is so yummy. I like the bingo game, and those postcards are really cute. Also, I will be using the inkdot card to create the perfect gift. I haven't absolutely loved a box since June, and this month's box comes close. I love everything, and even what I don't think I will use, I will be so happy to gift those items for christmas. This month has a value of $153. That is awesome, and I am really happy to be subscribed to this box. It always has so many fun items, and I like that it is a present to yourself every month. 

If you would like to try Popsugar Must Have for yourself, just click here. By using this link, you will get $5 off your first box!

Ipsy Glam Bag November 2015 Review - Beauty Blast

My Ipsy bag is here for the month of November, and I hope like always that it has a ton of great products and new brand for my to sample. Ipsy is a monthly subscription box that includes five beauty samples and full size items in a different themed makeup bag. It is only $10 a month and always has a value well over the cost, so it is really a no brainer for me. If you want a makeup heavy subscription that contains a wide range of beauty products, this is definitely for you. I can't wait to see what they have in store for me this month. 

This month's theme is Beauty Blast. The products in this month's glam bag will get us ready to light up the sky. I don't ever expect the product to go along with the theme, because they really never do. Even though that may be the case, I love the pattern of this bag. I have a favorite pair of workout pants in this print, and they always make me smile. I've been receiving Ipsy for a while, and even though the print and fabric are all a little different, these bags are always the same size and shape. It would be nice if they switched it up a little bit. I could honestly use them so much more often if they were different sizes. 

This month's bag feels a little light, except the one large item. That isn't always a bad thing, though. Sometimes the smaller products have the largest value and are my favorites in the bag. I see a few items that I'm really excited to try and a few others that I've never seen before. I can't wait to dig into each of these products and really see what they are all about. 

Novex Haircare Brazilian Keratin Deep Conditioning Treatment

$6.99 - 7.4 oz   ($3.31 Value)

This product is a number one seller in Brazil, but I do not have Brazilian hair, so I wasn't sure how this would work for me. I deep conditioner my hair about once a week to keep it full of moisture, so this product is something that I would normally use. My hair was a little tangly to brush through after using this product, but it dried really soft and full of moisture. 
I don't exactly love the smell. It almost smells like a mixture of chemicals, but with a mix of sweet floral. It's not the worst smell in the world, though. I like this product, but it's not the best deep conditioner I've ever tried, so I won't be purchasing this full size item. 

Jelly Pong Pong Liquid Gossamer

$22.95 - 0.27 oz   (Full Size!)

First of all, it is so nice to have a great value full size product in this month's box. This product alone already makes this month's bag worth twice the price. While I do use blush and bronzer, I don't really tend to use a highlighter. That is mainly because I don't like to over do it with makeup, and I don't always have a lot of time to sculpt my face. This gossamer not only works really well, but it also looks pretty natural. Also, it is super easy to use. I love how it gives me a glossy, fresh faced look, but I still look like me. I could totally use this when I don't have much time to get ready, but I will definitely use this when I want to give myself a more glamours or fresh look. 

Smashbox Cosmetics Full Exposure Mascara

$20.00 - 0.38 oz   ($7.37 Value)

Everyone is in love with smashbox products, and while I haven't found something that I absolutely love, this mascara is definitely one of the best I've ever tried. While it isn't my favorite mascara ever, this has to be top three. It lengthens, volumizes, and separates perfectly. Also, it doesn't ever fall or flake. That is really important to me, especially since I work long hours, and I don't like it when my eyes become raccoons by the end of the day. This is also a pretty great sample size that will last me at least a month. This is my favorite sample of this month, and I could definitely see myself purchasing the full size item. The price is pretty reasonable too.  

INSPR Beauty Classic Pressed Eye Shadow in Carnival

$13.00 - 0.05 oz   (Full Value!)

This is yet again another full size item in this month's makeup bag. It is crazy to receive two full size items in a $10 box. And, these two items aren't cheap brands either. This color is a dark taupe with both gray and purple hues so it is really interesting. I personally don't wear this dark of a color anywhere but in my crease, so this isn't the perfect color for me, but other than that, it is so pretty. This formula is great too. It is highly pigmented and the pressed shadow makes it easy to create a light or dark color. This is a new makeup brand for me, and I would be interested in seeing what else they have to offer. 

tre'StiQue Mini Matte Lip Crayon in Chile Red

$28.00 - color and balm   ($5.60 Value)

This is a great red, probably the best red I've ever tried, and this even looks great with my pinky skin tone. I really like the tre'StiQue brand, and their containers are the cutest. The original product comes with a matte lipstick on one side and a shiny tinted balm on the other. While I love this tinted lip color, I have always been one to go with moisture. My lips are normally so dry, and lipstick without moisturizer just dries them out more. There isn't a single color that looks good on cracked lips. In order to use this product, I will just have to apply moisturizer underneath, but I would have really liked to sample the tinted moisturizer with this matte lipstick also. 

While I really like this month's theme and bag, the products inside weren't any of my favorites, but I did really enjoy a few. That mascara is my favorite, and the highlighter, deep conditioner, and lip crayon will definitely get used. The eyeshadow isn't my favorite, but I will use it once in a while. This month's bag is worth $52.23, and that doesn't even include the cost of the makeup bag itself. For only spending $10, that is really a great value. Ipsy definitely doesn't bring me the best products suited for me all the time, but I always find something that I love each month. Also, the value is so worth the cost. 

If you would like to try Ipsy Glambag for yourself, just click here. For only $10 a month, you could be on the road to discovering new beauty products and brands.  

Target Beauty Box October 2015 Review

While I already love everything about Target, they found a way to make me even happier. Now, every month, Target comes out with a beauty box full of both full size and sample size items. And while you'd think these would be your normal drugstore brands, target continues to impress me with new, all natural, and higher end brands. Each box is priced differently depending on the value, but there has yet to be one over $10. This one did cost $10, but with a great value. I already know what is inside, but I can't wait to try out each of these products. 

Each box comes with a card that describes the product. Most of them are self explanatory, but this card helps to really understand each product, and also to get a sense of their ingredients. In addition to the card, each box comes with a coupon for $3 off $15 spent in the beauty department. That is really easy to spend on items you will always need, so this is a great value addition.  

Skinfix Ultra Rich Body Butter

$17.99 - 8 oz   ($2.25 Value)

I have heard of this brand before, but I've never tried anything from their line. This ultra rich body lotion contains all natural ingredients and is the perfect weight for fall. It is definitely on the thicker side, but still light enough to wear as an everyday lotion. This seriously quenches my dry skin, and leaves it hydrated for hours. This does have a smell, but it isn't the best. I do like that there isn't an artificial smell, but I do wish it was something pleasant instead of being on the gross side. Besides the smell, I do really like this lotion, and I'd really be interested in trying more products from their line. 

Hello Mojito Mint Fluoride Toothpaste

$4.49 - 5 oz   ($0.67 Value)

Even though this is just toothpaste, this is one of the items that I was most excited to try. I really like the idea of all natural ingredients in your mouth, and I also like that this toothpaste isn't sweetened with sugar. Seriously, some toothpaste contains sugar. This wasn't as great at freshening breath as I hoped, but it did a great job cleaning my teeth. I also really liked the mojito flavor. It was something new I've never tried before, tasted pretty good, and still was refreshing. I don't even mind this small size, because I am always needing toothpaste on the go, and this is the perfect size for travel. I'd really like to try some of their other flavors. 

Olly Undeniable Beauty Grapefruit Glam Vitamin Gummies

$13.99 - 60 count   ($0.47 Value)

This was a really fun product to try, and something completely new to me. These gummy vitamins taste like grapefruit, which was actually pretty tasty, and are full of nutrients that promote healthy eyes, skin, and hair. While my hair is already pretty healthy, I could totally get down with a vitamin that will specifically improve my skin and eyes. This sample wasn't really enough to see any improvements, but I was still nice to try out the taste. I also really like the gummy, because swallowing tablets makes me gag. This was a fun sample, and I would be interested in trying out the full size product. 

Acure Organics Moroccan Argan Oil + Stem Cell Triple Moisture Shampoo

$9.99 - 8 oz   ($1.25 Value)

The Acure brand has become a recent favorite, so I was stoked to see their shampoo in this month's box. Acure's products are all organic, and their ingredients are well thought out. This shampoo contains argan oil, which provides moisture and will leave your hair soft and manageable. This product didn't have the best lather, and the formula is a little thicker, so it is hard to spread it across your entire head. Besides that, it really cleaned my hair well, and I could definitely see the difference after one use. I don't know if I'd buy this full size item, but I am really enjoying this sample. 

Acure Organics Moroccan Argan Oil + Stem Cell Triple Moisture Conditioner

$9.99 - 8 oz   ($1.25 Value)

This conditioner contains argan oil just like the shampoo, and I can really see how well it moisturizes my hair. I do think my hair is a little more difficult to brush out after using this compared to the majority of my conditioners, but once brushed out, my hair was softer than ever. This smells really nice and fresh too, and it stays with your hair all day. Besides having to use a lot of the sample in one use to cover my entire head, I really like this sample. Again, I probably won't be purchasing this full size product, but I will get the most out of this sample. 

Goody Ouchless Silicone Lined SlideProof 4MM Flat Elastics

$4.79 - 17 count   ($0.85 Value)

Hair ties seem like a freebie to me because one, I have so many, and two they are they just come and go from friends or teammates. While I wasn't instantly excited about this item, because I tend to use ribbon elastics as of late, these silicone lined hair ties really secure a ponytail. That makes these perfect for a tight pony when you really need it to stay in place. I've been using this while working out, and my hair stays tight and out of my face. I really wouldn't wear these otherwise, but they are now my go to when I'm heading to the gym. 

Covergirl Intensify Me Eyeliner in Intense Black

$6.99 - 0.034 fl oz   (Full Size)

I feel like I get an eyeliner is basically every single subscription box ever, and that totally sucks, because I rarely wear any. While I won't use this that often, I did like how easy it was to apply, how smooth it went on, and how it didn't budge. I normally use a pencil eyeliner, but this gel formula made it so much easier to apply and to achieve a straight line. I also like this very black color. I think this is a great drug store eyeliner, and would go with it in the future, but I don't think I will ever need to purchase one. Ever. 

Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede Lipstick in High Heels

$8.59 - 0.09 oz   (Full Size)

Not only do I really like this color, the name is so great. I really like a moisturizing lip color with lasting power, and this Color Stay formula matches both of those requirements. While I don't usually like wearing lipstick, because it looks too unnatural, this pink is the perfect amount of color without being too much. Also, it goes really well with my skin tone. This lipstick is a great addition to this month's beauty box, and I love that it is a full size item. 

RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream

$19.99 - 1 fl oz   (Full Size)

I am all about getting rid of those deep wrinkles, and this night cream is loved by so many dermatologists, beauty gurus, and everyday people. I've never given it a shot, because the price is a little steep, so I am so excited to try this out. I applied this on my clean face and in the morning I could already see a small difference. I could even feel it working. This is such a great product, and the value is insane. I only paid $10 for this box, so this product alone doubles the value. Great addition, and I am so happy I received this in my box. 

S.W. Basics Certified Organic Body Scrub

$22.49 - 4.75 oz   ($0.24 Value)

This is only three ingredients, so it is a little crazy that it is so expensive, but this organic formula works so well and makes my skin looking and feeling amazing. By rubbing this on damp skin, it cleaned my face so well, and left it hydrated and exfoliated. I also feel like it left my skin with less imperfections. Even though this sample is quite small, I still was able to get two uses out of it. Also, I feel great using all natural, pure, and organic ingredients. If this weren't this expensive, I would buy it right away, but since it is a little pricey I might just wait a little before I can't take it any longer. Great product, and I am happy to have been able to sample it from this month's box. 

Overall, this was a great box this month. It was a more expensive box to begin with ($10) but the value was great. I loved basically every item, and I was able to try out some new brands that I will continue to buy. That sea salt exfoliant, wrinkle cream, and shampoo and conditioner are so great. Also, Hello, Olly, and Skinfix were all fun brands to try. I estimate this box to be worth $42.55. That is a really great value for the price. There are three full size items too. That makes the box well worth it to me. The wrinkle cream alone makes up for the price. This is one of the better Target Beauty Boxes, and I hope that there are more to come. 

Target releases these boxes about every month, and they sell out quickly. So, if you want to snag one, you really have to keep an eye out. They are a great value, and such a cheap price!

Birchbox November 2015 Review - Glam Life Guru

Birchbox was my very first subscription box of all time, and I have to say one of my favorites. This particular box is a monthly beauty box that contains five items, mostly samples, of higher end brands for only $10 a month. I feel like the samples always fit me pretty well, and I love the brands they offer. Also, you can choose a curated box of the month or pick from one of their samples. That way the box is a little more special each month. I can't wait to try out my samples this month. 

Since I chose the curated box this month, my box design is different from most others. I was really bummed about that, because this month's box is really cute. On the other hand, I really like the simplicity and classic look to this box. I feel like it is so classic, it will be easy to set out and blend in with my interior style. I also like the touch of pink to make it just a little girly. I really like this design, and I can see myself using this in the future for sure. 

This month's curated box was put together by Tati, a beauty blogger and youtube beauty guru for Glam Life. She also helped put together Birchbox's first line of makeup and helped pick out the formula and colors for this line of LOC. I've never heard of her before, but since this box, and I really interested in checking her out. I chose this box mainly for all the products. I knew they would all be something I'd use, and I prefer skin care products in my subscription boxes. Even though I know what is inside, I am excited to try out each sample, and hopefully fall in love with some new products. 

Living Proof. Perfect Hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo

$22.00 - 4 fl oz   ($9.90 Value)

I use dry shampoo at least three times a week, and I have yet to find one that I absolutely love. They either don't work that well, leave a white residue, or costs too much. Unlike a lot of dry shampoos, this doesn't only soak up oils in your hair, but sweat and odor. Plus, it smells really great, which leaves my hair smelling fresh and newly washed with a little bit of perfume. While this does a really great job of soaking up all access oils to give my hair the freshly washed look, it does leave a white residue. Even after I try to rub it all in. I also don't like how it makes my hair feel grimy. While I don't love this dry shampoo, I will definitely use it all up. This will be the perfect product to use when I want to create some major volume with my second day hair. 

Shiseido ULTIMUNE EYE Power Infusing Eye Concentrate

$65.00 - 15 ml   ($21.67 Value)

Eye serum is a must in my daily beauty routine, so this sample is already perfect for me. This product will strengthen skin's immunity and protect agains all environmental stressors that leads to visible signs of aging. When I used this, I could definitely feel it working, but I have yet to see any noticeable differences. I like that they recommend wearing this both day and night, and since I already have night creams, I will be happy to wear this all day, every day. While it does protect against any new lines or dark spots, this doesn't say it will take away imperfections that are already there. I will be happy to protect what is to come, though. This is a great deluxe sample that will last me forever, which is great because I can't see myself spending that much on the full size item. 

Jouer Lip Enhancer

$16.00 - 0.33 fl oz   ($7.27 Value)

Jouer is a brand that I've tried and loved in the past, so this tinted lip balm that improves the look of your lips is right up my alley. I really wanted to love this lip enhancer, but overall I think it is just average. I really like the pink sheen and how it makes my lips appear fuller and free of fine lines, but it isn't as moisturizing as I would like from a lip balm, and the gloss formula makes my lips really sticky and difficult to rub together. I will definitely use this deluxe sample, but I won't be purchasing this product again. It's too bad, because I could really use a product like this. 

LOC One & Done Shadow Stick in Day Trip

$25.00 - 0.05 oz   ($8.33 Value)

While I would prefer their matte lip color, this eyeshadow came with this month's curated box. I didn't think I would like or use it, but to my surprise, I really enjoyed this product, and the color works perfectly with my skin tone. I like that you can keep this really sheer, or you can layer it on and thicken it up. Also, it is so blendable, but once it sets, it doesn't budget. At. All. I really like that Birchbox is creating their own line, and I think they've really learned from others, because this product rocks. I am interested in trying out some of their other products from this line, and I can't wait to see what else they come out with in the future. I am also digging the pricing and the full size item.

Avene Hydrance Optimale Hydrating Serum

$36.00 - 1.01 fl oz   ($3.56 Value)

I've always thought Avene was such a high end, quality brand, and this serum proves it to me once again. It is the perfect thickness, and glides nicely over my face. This serum uses thermal spring water to really lock in moisture, and it also helps the effectiveness of any moisturizer afterwards. To be honest, when I used this serum on my clean face, it was so hydrating I forgot to apply face moisturizer afterwards. I could also see a nice glow to my face after using this product. I am really enjoying this sample, but I probably won't purchase the full size item. It just isn't something I need for that price. Also, I rather have a serum to perfect skin's impurities instead.  

While I didn't love most of the products as much as I thought I would, this box was perfect for me. The eye serum, moisture face serum, dry shampoo, and tinted lip balm are all items that I lust over. Even those these weren't all my favorite formulas, they were still great to try, and I will use these samples up. The item that I wasn't that excited about ended up being one of my favorites. This eyeshadow stick works perfectly, and I will definitely get many uses out of it. This box is worth $50.73. That is insane for Birchbox and well worth the $10 I spent. Additionally, after I review these products, I will get $5 to spend in the Birchbox shop. I really like this box, and I am glad I went with the curated one this time.  

If you would like to try Birchbox for yourself, just click here. It is a great gift for your friend, mother, sister, or even for yourself. Also, by using this link, you'll receive $5 off your first box.