Birchbox August 2014 Review - Lighten Up

My August Birchbox has arrived and, like always, I cannot wait to see what's inside. I have a few exciting events coming up, and I would love some new beauty items to freshen up my makeup bag. 

I see that new box went back to the old cardboard coloring. I love these classic boxes. I've been reusing them for wrapping gifts. I like them even more when they first arrive to my door and are filled with both samples and full size beauty items. 

The theme for the month of August is lighten up. Each description card has a funny suggestion about August. This month is all about having fun for the last summer month along with lightening up on makeup. I hope this box is full of items that will help me from piling on my face with products. 

LAQA & Co. Sheer Lip Lube Pencil in Menatour

$18.00 - 0.07 oz       

I love how many new lip colors I've worn since subscribing to Birchbox, and this lip color is no exception. I would never pick out a purple, but I absolutely love this color. Also, it goes on so smooth and doesn't dry out my lips. Plus, this color is following this month's theme by lightening up and making makeup fun. It has a nice, fresh minty smell to add to the mix. 

Neil George Shampoo & Conditioner 

$9.00 each - 3.38 oz      

This is not my favorite shampoo by far. I really don't care for the smell and the shampoo barely lathers at all. I had to use a larger gob than normal to cover my entire head, and it still left my head a little greasy. The conditioner did leave my hair soft, but again, the smell isn't my favorite. I'm a little bummed that the shampoo and conditioner took up two of my samples, but at least I know that I don't want the full size item.

                   

Benefit Total Moisture Facial Cream

$42.00 - 1.7 oz               

I use facial cream every day, so this sample is something that I will totally use. It is such a nice formula, but a little heavy for summer, especially if I am going to wear makeup on top. Also, this face cream doesn't have any SPF, so I'd have to add another layer anytime I plan on spending some time outside. I love this sample, but not for August. I'll save these for the dry winter months. 

Dr. Jart+ Dis-A-Pore Beauty Balm

$36.00 - 1.7 oz         

This BB beauty balm is tinted, which I didn't expect, but it was a great surprise. I love that I can wear this one product instead of having to apply both face lotion and foundation. Plus, this totally balances out my face. This product is the perfect way to lighten up. 

This wasn't my favorite Birchbox, but a few items definitely delivered. Most of the samples were a pretty good size, and I feel like Birchbox knows me better each month. That being said, I will definitely be staying with Birchbox, and I can't wait to see what next month has to offer. 

I estimate this box to be worth $36.70, which is much more than I payed. Birchbox always packs in more value than the cost. If you would like to try Birchbox for yourself, just click here.

Ipsy July 2014 Review - Sensationally Sunkissed

My monthy pink Ipsy Glam Bag has arrived! Ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription that comes with both samples and full size items all wrapped up in a different makeup bag. I cannot wait to see what July has in store. 

What do you know, the pink pack contained a pink makeup bag. It is super cute. I love the the girly edges, but it is on the smaller side. The month's card didn't even fit inside. That does allow me to see the theme before peeking in the bag, which for the month of July is Sensationally Sunkissed. 

At first glance, this bag is stocked full of more full size items than samples. This is a great sign, especially since the bag is so small. 

Pop Beauty Sunkissed Bronzer in Secret Sunshine

$10.00 

I am always searching for a good bronzer, especially in the summertime, so this was the perfect addition to this month's Glam Bag. Plus, it works perfectly with the theme. I like to use a bronzer as a blush for the summer. It helps define my cheekbones while giving my face a tan look. I will definitely be using this all summer!

Pur-lisse Pur-protect SPF 30

$55.00 - 1.7 oz        $16.18

I like the idea of using a SPF as your daily face moisturizer, especially during these sun heavy months. I also enjoy how this product calms sensitive skin and is light and moisturizing without adding grease. This could easily be my favorite item of this month's Glam Bag, but I am a little sad it isn't waterproof. That means I will have to use another face SPF for the beach. I guess this will be solely for day to day use.

bareMinerals 5in1 BB Cream Eyeshadow

$18.00 - .10 fl oz        $5.40

bareMinerals is one of my favorite makeup brands and I love this eyeshadow, but I would have much rather preferred a face concealer or a different color. This cream shadow is so light, and doesn't crease while on your eye. This would look great on tan people, but my pink / pale skin just clashes with the color. Great product, but wrong color for me.

Faith Aromatherapy Citrus-Ginger Anti-oxidant Lotion

$17.99 - 8.5 oz          $2.11

This lotion smells great, even though I am sure I am one of a few people that enjoy ginger. I do like that this lotion is anti-oxidant, but other than that there is nothing too special about it. It would be perfect for your skin after a day in the sun. I will definitely enjoy this sample, but I won't be purchasing the full size item. 

Elizabeth Mott Tints & Sass Lip Tint in Cherry

$22.99 - 10 g

This product reminds me of something you would find in a sex shop. Despite it's cost, it looks really cheap, and it left my lips a little dry. Plus, I don't think it really works. I will glop it on, but I don't notice a change in my lip color. I don't even understand how this product goes with this month's theme. This product is just not for me. 

This month's Glam Bag was full of ups and downs. Some items I am completely in love with and some were complete misses. The pluses definitely outweigh the negatives though, and the theme was perfect for this hot, sunny month.

I estimate this month's Glam Bag to be worth $56.68, which is great considering I paid $10. If you would like to try Ipsy for yourself, just click here. 

Birchbox July 2014 Review - Power Up

Birchbox is becoming my favorite subscription box, so you know that I was excited to see it in my mailbox when I got home from work. I hope this month keeps up the great work.

Usually, the box is the basic brown cardboard, but this month, the inside box is actually decorative. Birchbox teamed up with Women's Health magazine for the month of July. I wonder how the theme will work with the samples. 

Just as expected after discovering the team up, this month's theme is Power Up. This is the perfect month to get into shape, energize your routine, and start fresh. It is summertime and bikinis, vacations, and trying new things are all inspiration to better you!

Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream in Acai Grapefruit

$20 - 150ml       

I rarely use shaving cream, but with bare legs all month long, it is nice to use a product to help them look and feel smooth, especially around the bikini line. This shaving cream did leave my legs nice and smooth without any bumps, and it smells great. I will definitely be using this anytime before I spend a weekend at the lake. 

Harvey Prince Hello Body Creme

$22 - 12 oz      

This body cream smells great, but is really strong and shouldn't be paired with a perfume. I prefer a body cream that is a little thicker, but it did moisturize and soften my skin. I won't be purchasing this full size, but I will definitely enjoy my sample. 

Marcelle New-Age 8 in 1 Power Serum

$34 - 1 oz          

Already noticing heavy wrinkles and dullness on my face, this is the perfect product for me. This 8 in 1 serum helps with texture, hydration, radiance, firmness, fine lines, brightness, and deep wrinkles. Basically everything that I would love help with. Because the sample is a little small, I haven't noticed any significant changes, but I'm interested in purchasing the full size product.

100% Pure Gingerade Shower Gel

$15 - 8 oz              .25

I am not a big fan of foil samples, but I did enjoy this body wash's smell. Plus, it was nice and creamy, so it didn't dry out my skin. Plus, this body wash is all natural and vegetarian. I have a few friends that would totally be into that.

Cynthia Rowley Beauty Creamy Lip Stain in Valentine

$20 - 0.17 oz       

I am usually not a huge fan of lip stains, but this left my lips nice and smooth without drying them out. Plus, it lasted all night. I used this on a night out, and even into the late hours, it was visible on my lips. This color is way cute too!

Along with the samples this month, Birchbox included a booklet on 12 ways to Power Up all aspects of your life from getting into shape to getting a better night of sleep. Plus, they have a box to check off once you've completed that task which makes it even more inspiring to get it done. Along with this extra, this month's box came with a free year subscription to Women's Health magazine. That is a whole year of inspiring changes!

This month's samples weren't my favorite, besides the lip stain and the face serum, but the two extras made this box just as great as those in the past. I do hope that Birchbox keeps up the great work and continues to put value in each sample box.

I estimate this box to be worth $31.55, which is much more than the $10 I spent for this subscription. If you would like to try Birchbox for yourself, just click here. Set up your own beauty profile and see for yourself what Birchbox has to offer you!