I received my June Birchbox a few days ago. This was the second month that I’ve received a shipment of beauty supplies and frankly, last month, I wasn’t incredibly impressed.
One of the things that I expressed displeasure in last month was the fact that Birchbox says they send 5 deluxe samples each month yet these samples are all standard, small samples. I try not to get hung up on this because the samples sent are premium quality products that I might otherwise never try.
Last month, I also established a scoring system I’ll be using to express my satisfaction with each product and the overall box of goodies. I rank each sample on a scale of 1-5 ♥s; a box containing 5 samples can received a maximum score of 25/25 ♥s (provided that each sample received 5 ♥s.)
June’s Birchbox contained only 4 samples (and two extras), so it’s potential score would be 20/20♥s… However, I have not tried one of the samples yet and I can not issue a score. That being the case, for me, June’s Birchbox (so far) has a maximum score of 15/15♥s. Alright… enough with the explanation of the ♥s system…
June’s Birchbox’s theme was “Jet Set”. I guess I can see it: self tanner pre-vacation, detangler hair treatment for post-beach locks, a travel baggie… Anyway, here’s the goods:
1.) beautyblender – blendercleanser – full size: $17.95 – I gave this makeup brush cleanser a try on my eye brushes. It worked awesome! I usually use oily-like makeup removers on my brushes (although not my face); skin makeup remover isn’t recommended for cleaning brushes but it seems to work fine on my cheap-o brushes. This cleaner was thicker, more viscous, than cleaners I’ve used in the past and I think it worked better because of it.
It’s soy-based and promises to remove built-up bacteria and oil. I used about a quarter of a cap full to clean my (very dirty) angle eye brush. I swished it around for a bit and then rinsed… it was like new. I really liked this product but I don’t necessarily believe I would seek out and buy it. Never the less, a GREAT brush cleaner! ♥♥♥
2.) Comodynes – Self-Tanning Intensive – pack of 8: $14.99 – This is the product that I haven’t used yet. I definitely plan on giving these self-tanning towelettes a try. I’ve used various self-tanning products in the past and rarely achieve results I’m happy with. Whenever I get around to trying these out, I will be sure to let you know how they work out!
3.) Number 4 – Super Comb Prep & Protect – full size: $32 – This leave-in treatment spray promises to detangle and defizz your hair. It’s packed with nutrient-rich botanicals and UV filters to strengthen and protect hair.
I’ve been doing a lot of swimming recently, I’ve also been spending a lot of time at the beach. The other day, between swimming and the pool and showering, I used this spray on my hair and combed through. It definitely allowed me to be able to comb through my chlorine soaked hair before I was able to wash and condition it, which is good. After washing and conditioning my hair, I sprayed my hair with this treatment again before adding product; I didn’t notice a difference.
It seems to work well enough but I won’t be purchasing the full size bottle. Other than the convenience of bringing this bottle to the beach or on vacation as the theme of the box implies, I don’t see myself needing this product. For others who may use a detangling spray more often, I believe you can find the same or similar quality in more affordable, more easily accessible brands. ♥♥
4.) theBalm cosmetics – Stainiac in Beauty Queen – full size: $17 – I absolutely LOVE this lip/cheek tint! It’s fantastic!!! The results are subtle, yet noticable and it is super easy to blend! I’ve tried some other lip tints and I thought they were a little too thick, a little too similar to glosses. This “hint of tint for cheeks and lips” is exactly that!
This is by far my favorite product in the entire box! I would definitely, and probably will, buy the full size of this product. ♥♥♥♥♥
To show just how subtle, yet effective, Stainiac is, I took a picture of myself before applying this product and after. The makeup on my face before applying the Stainiac was the everyday makeup I had worn to work that day, applied 10.5 hours earlier.
Now, the lighting in the “after” picture is definitely a bit better, however, I think it’s still pretty obvious how much “glow” this added to my whole face after lightly being applied to my lips and cheeks.
I swept one layer of the stain across my lips blended together. Then, without re-dipping the applicator, I dabbed little dots of stain on each cheek and rubbed/blended upwards across my cheek bones. I think the results are noticeable. In fact, I can’t say I like that “before” picture very much; my face looks washed out and tired… wah.
Extras
5.) Extra – John Varvatos – Star USA – full size: $55-$70 – This mens cologne was added to my sample box “in honor of Fathers Day” (meaning: to promote their new Birchboxes for Men). I gave it a sniff and I can’t say that I’m digging it that much. Fragrances always smell different on people and even more different on individuals. I’m going to ask one of my guy friends to give it a try and report back with any negative or positive results.
7.) Extra – tili – Bags – pack of 9-12: $8.49-$9.49 – Its a baggie. That’s all. A plastic zip-lockable baggie. I think the idea of adorably patterned baggies is cute, but I’m definitely not going to pay $10 for a few. Thanks, but no thanks, Birchbox. … I’ll totally use this since I now have it on my dresser with my cosmetics though…
June’s Birchbox total: 10/15♥s … not too shabby. (That Stainiac really boosted this boxes overall score.
I’ll, of course, be reviewing another Birchbox next month and as long as it doesn’t completely suck, I won’t cancel my Birchbox subscription.
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Love, GK
Ginger Kate 