My first Birchbox!

I was so excited when I received an email announcing I had received a 3 month subscription to Birchbox from one of my girlfriends. I had never heard of this concept of a company sending you samples for you to review but I was on board immediately. I got my first box and couldn't open it quick enough. I love that they even add that little extra touch with the pink tissue paper. My box contained 5 items. Some were amazing and I will absolutely be purchasing the full size when my large dose samples run out. Here's the rundown!

Caudalie | Divine Oil

"Made with a blend of grape, argan, hibiscus, and sesame oils, this multitasking wonder gives skin, hair, and nails a gorgeous glow." 

This oil smells heavenly! Even if it didn't feel wonderful on my skin and keep me moisturized, I would still wear this for the smell. 

Full size cost can range from $9.00 to $49.00. The vial I received should keep me going for a while. A little goes a long way!

Nexxus ® | Youth Renewal ™ Rejuvenating Elixir 

"It's not just your skin that needs antiaging help. This new shine-boosting serum cures dry strands and reduces the odds of age-related breakage."

At first I was a little offended that at 26 years old I was being sent anti-aging anything and it didn't help this was when I had to get glasses for the first time either. I have mixed feelings about this product. I like that it comes in a glass bottle with a dropper. It makes it easier to get the right amount needed. It has a nice fragrance but I honestly don't see where it did anything for my hair. I'll keep using the sample but I might stick to other serums for my dry ends. 

Full size cost is $20.99. 

theBalm ® cosmetics | Mary-Lou Manizer 

"Play up your best features with this three-in-one highlighter, shadow, and all over shimmer."

I am in LOVE with this! This was the first thing I tried out and it set the bar really high for everything else in the box. The color is gorgeous and will work for any skin tone. That's hard to find! The pigment is strong but the texture is almost creamy which makes application easy. I haven't used it as a highlighter but I can see how it would make a wonderful one. As a shadow, it's wonderful. I am also impressed with the size of this sample! Normally a sample size is in a card and is one application. This is one actual bar which means it will last me about 6 months. That makes me a happy girl!

Full size cost is $24.00 so for Christmas when I finally run out, here's a stocking stuffer idea honey! *wink wink*

Whish | Shave Crave Shaving Cream

"The organic shea butter in this foam-free shaving cream leaves your skin incredibly soft and your shave insanely close. Plus, we love the exclusive blueberry scent."

 ...

Let's start with the only good thing I can say about this product. They spelled everything right on the bottle. I cannot express how much I despise Whish. The scent is an overpowering stench of fake blueberry. I'm not 12. I don't want fake fruit smell. "Foam-free" translates to "so greasy you'll repel water for days". The insanely close shave is right on...if you like your shave so close you take away 10 layers of skin. I used a brand new razor and I cut my leg so many times you would think I was a beginner. I can assure you after 16 years of shaving my legs, I think I know what I'm doing. If that wasn't bad enough, the next day my leg was covered in this horrible rash and felt like it was on fire. I threw the bottle away immediately. There's no second chances for this one.

Full size $20.00...save your money!

Birchbox Finds | Simple Revitalizing Eye Roll-On

This was sort of a freebie in that it wasn't included in the card and came with a coupon for $1.00 off. It's a cooling eye roll-on to reduce puffiness and revitalize tired eyes. I like it. It does work in reducing puffiness (I've had lots of opportunities to try it out!) and it feels cool on my eyes. It gradually tingles but in a good way - not like a burning feeling. The suggestion on the package is to refrigerate it for an added cool boost. I think I just might now that we have summer temperatures!

They sent a full size which was a nice surprise. Based on what I can find online, it looks like this averages out to be about $9.00. It should last you awhile, unless you somehow get addicted to the cucumber smell and apply it every hour. Normal usage should equal out to at least a few months worth.

So that's my first Birchbox! I anxiously await the next one! It's so much fun to see what goodies are waiting for you and to try them out. If you're interested in getting one for yourself or a friend, check out their website http://www.birchbox.com/. The women's subscription is $10.00 a month with a 4 week wait. The men's subscription (yes, men's!) is $20.00 a month with a 2 week wait. It's personalized to fit your interests such as beauty, health, even food! Refer a friend and earn 50 points. Points = money towards a purchase of a full size product from the website! Check it out!