May 2015 Birchbox

I'm really late in joining in on the Birchbox bandwagon. It's a monthly subscription box with 5 sample sized products for $10 plus tax. Make sure to fill out a profile to receive samples that are catered towards your skincare, makeup, hair, and body needs. You can also earn back half of the value of the box by writing a review of all 5 of the samples and use the points acquired in the Birchbox Shop.

Not sure why the box showed up damaged.

I was expecting to receive the June box as my first box since I signed up for a subscription at the end of May. I don't mind since it gives me a way to accumulate more points to purchase products in the shop. I paid $1 for the box plus an additional 6 cents for tax.

May's box was curated by Emily Schuman from Cupcakes and Cashmere who chose products that would bring out of the ordinary elegance to your daily routine. I'm not exactly sure what this means but I like the design of the box and card.

Let's take a look into my May box.

W3LL People Expressionist Mascara ($23.50)

This is an all natural, pro-grade formula without harsh chemicals or dyes. The clump resistance wand lifts and separates lashes while the nutrient rich formula coats them with luxe, glossy color. 
I'm not all that enthusiastic about receiving mascara but I'll give this a try. I wear mascara 3-4 times a week so it's not a must have product for me. I do appreciate receiving a natural product and wonder how this will hold up on my lashes in the summer. Since the product description doesn't mention anything about being waterproof, I really hope this doesn't smudge and turn me into a raccoon. I'm pretty sure Birchbox ran out of the Harvey Prince Sea Salt Texturizing Mist since my account doesn't include the W3LL mascara. I would have preferred the texturizing mist, oh well.

Whish Three Wishes Body Butter ($24)

A truly non greasy body lotion that contains a trio of antioxidant rich moisturizers that nourishes skin and wards off sun damage. 
This is a relatively new brand which has been receiving some hype. I know Whish body products (items like shaving cream and body wipes) are also sold at Ulta. There are 7 scents: blueberry, lavender, pomegranate, lemongrass, coconut, acai grapefruit, and almond which I received. I wouldn't normally gravitate towards the almond scent but it does smell good. It lingers around for awhile so make sure you like the scent before you purchase the body butter. The formula is extremely light, non greasy, and moisturizing at the same time. This is paraben and sulfate free with organic ingredients like aloe, shea butter, raspberry butter, seaweed extract, and rice bran oil.

Vasanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator ($34)

This powerful exfoliator mimics the results of professional microdermabrasion, minus the potential for redness and sensitivity. Papaya enzymes break down dead cells while evening out your skin tone. Dermatologist-approved microderm crystals fade the appearance of fine lines and acne scars, leaving skin smooth and free of imperfections. Aloe vera, coconut, and vitamins B and E nourish fresh skin to keep it free of irritation.
This is an unknown brand to me but I always get excited when I hear about products the fade that appearance of acne scars. I'm wondering just how powerful this is if it can create the same results as a professional microdermabrasion. Think of how much money you could save by avoiding a trip to the dermatologist. I'm not crazy about the scent but it won't prevent me from trying the product.

Beauty Protector Protect & Oil ($25.95)

Suitable for all hair types, this uniquely lightweight hair oil protects against UV rays and heat damage like no other elixir we’'ve tried, and, using star ingredient argan oil, it also protects, strengthens, and adds a pretty gloss to strands—. The paraben-free formula is also cruelty-free.
I've got so many hair treatments and oils in my stash but I don't have anything which protects my hair from the sun. The oil smells like vanilla, which I'm not a fan of. There's no vanilla in the ingredient list but fragrance/perfume is at the halfway mark on the ingredient list. I tried a little bit of this and it smooths out the ends of my hair without leaving it greasy. However, I'm not sure I can handle the scent!

Coastal Scents Reveal3D Palette Sampler Desert Bloom

An exclusive collection highlighting four amazing colors from the Revealed 3 eye shadow palette. 

Sampler with the actual Reveal3D Palette.

I already own this palette and you can read my review here. I'd be more excited about this cute sample if it weren't already in my possession. Really wish it would have been sample shadows from the second palette. This is a great overall palette with pigmented shadows and you can create many looks with it.

Overall, I'm quite pleased with the quality of products from May's Birchbox. It's nice to be introduced to new brands and receive natural/organic beauty products with a great ingredient list. I will definitely use the body butter and exfoliator. I'll try the mascara but up in the air about how it will perform with my greasy eye area. I'm not sure if I should save the Coastal Scents sampler for when I travel or pass it along. The only product I will not use is the hair oil. It's a good product but the vanilla scent is overpowering and lingers for too long.

Get $5 (50 points) to spend in the Birchbox shop when you subscribe with SUBSCRIBENOW50.

Thanks for stopping by!
Jennifer