Birchbox and Ipsy July 2014

It's time!

This month I was NOT patient at all waiting for my boxes to arrive. That's why I've completely taken over this month's post on subscription boxes. Why the loss of patience? This month I cheated and took an early look at what was headed my way.

BIRCHBOX!

Remember, you can join Birchbox too by going HERE! Everyone is doing it, even my Mother!

This month the theme was Power Up! Birchbox teamed up with Women's Health so not only were there products to sample, but a free 1 year subscription to Women's Health magazine. I haven't filled my magazine subscription card out yet, but I will at some point. Now, onto the products!

Marcelle New·Age 8 in 1 Power Serum | $34

While I like the concept of this product I have not used it yet due to recently changing my toner and moisturizer. This product claims to:

1 - Improve skin tone and texture
2 - Provide 24 hours of hydration
3 - Boost radiance
 4 - Give skin a lifted apperance
5 - Firm skin while increasing elasticity
6 - Minimize fine lines
7 - Brighten complexion
8 - Visibly reduce deep wrinkles

Now, I believe 1 and 5 as well as 3 and 7 are the same so I would call this a 6 in 1 instead of 8 in 1, but that's just me. Birchbox currently has a Marcelle New Age kit with this in it, and at $49 for 4 full size products it's a steal if you're looking to try out something new.

Naobay Body Radiance Lotion | $24

I love this stuff! That being the case I will only use this when I feel like spoiling myself. The current lotion I use is half the price and works just as well, but this one smells AMAZING! Keep in mind there is no added fragrance so if most natural or organic products don't appeal to your nasal palette skip this and try something else.

Coastal Scents Revealed 2 Palette | $34

This was the only product I was sad to see in my box. Something in this brand's eyeshadows causes my eyes to swell and sting like no other. I got 4 sample shades and ironically the sample pack was called 'Ballet'. The colors are beautiful, and the texture and color pay off surprising, I just can't use them. To Ashleigh's house they go.

Beauty Protector Protect & Treat Hair Mask | $25.95

I secretly think Birchbox reads this blog. Was I not just saying how much of a dry mess my hair was? This product works, but like other products of it's type has a very strong fragrance. It's not a bad smell, just strong. I got two samples of this in my box, which for my short hair will last quite some time.

100% Pure Gingerade Shower Gel | $15

When I saw this was coming in my box I was thrilled. Not only was it from one of my favorite brands, but it was a Birchbox exclusive scent.
When I tried it, I wanted to cry. The only thing it had going for it was the smell. It's called a cream wash, but it has the consistency of water. It didn't lather at all, and after I used it I had to go back with my normal body wash because it had no effect. I still have one more packet of this to use and I'm so disappointed by it I don't think I'm even going to use it.

IPSY!

This month Ipsy's theme was Sensationally Sunkissed. Want to try Ipsy out? You can join HERE!

BareMinerls 5 in 1 BB Cream Eyeshadow with SPF 15 | $18

I was pleasantly surprised by this product. Not only was it a nice cream shadow, but once my sample was gone I noticed that my eye makeup application was smoother. I'm not quite sure what the product did to cause that to happen, but for $18 I may just invest in a full size. That way the benefits will continue and I can see what else happens.

Hang Ten Dark Tanning Oil SPF 8 | $11.99

Yeah, I know. Tanning is bad for your skin and can cause all sorts of scary things like melanoma and premature aging. Fact is, as a farmer I don't get to stay out of the sun. I normally use The Honest Company sunscreen, which is SPF 30. While this is only SPF 8 I found it lasted longer than cream formulas because the oil absorbed better in my skin and didn't just sweat right off. I will be using this in my skin care rotation as the ingredients are great and it's something I can use when the UV index isn't sky high.

Pixi Beauty Tinted Brilliance Balm | $14

I don't mind lip products in crayon form, but for some reason lip balms in crayon form annoy the crap out of me. It's a odd quirk for sure, but I have accepted it none the less. This is going to Ashleigh, who I *think* will love it.

Marrakesh Endz | $6 to 18

If Birchbox was listening to my dry hair complaints so was Ipsy! This product is an after shower treatment rather than a hair mask, so in theory you could use both. I find that I don't need to use more than my normal shampoo and conditioner if I use this product. It has argan and hemp oil in addition to wheat protein. All of which are great for dry, thirsty hair. This product is free of a lot of nasty ingredients and has a great price point. It has a spicy scent that reminds me of cinnamon and other spices. Once my sample is gone I will be buying a full size version of this.

wHet Nail Polish | $15

This nail polish is 3 free (formaldehyde,
toluene, DPD/dibutyle phthalate), made in the USA, vegan friendly, and comes in 24 shades. I do enjoy this polish, but with my favorite nail polish brands (e.l.f and zoya) having many more shade options at a lower price it's not something I would go out and buy.


That's it for this month's subscription boxes! Keep your eyes out for August.

~Amanda