August Birchbox

DDF - Brightening Cleanser (Full size $38)

As you can see on the back of the card above, this cleanser claims to use a team of skin brighteners to fade discoloration and even out skin tone. I don't think I can vouch for whether or not this works well on the brightening part because I don't feel that I have used it long enough to determine that. However, it DOES seem to cleanse thoroughly and remove makeup effectively. I tend to lean more towards acne face washes though, and since I have acne-prone skin I will likely not purchase this product.

Juicy Couture - Viva la Juicy La Fleur (Full size $70)

If you have read previous reviews here, you know I'm a fan of Juicy Couture perfumes. I was quite pleased with getting this sample because it is right down my alley. The scent is not as pleasing as the previous samples I've received, but I still like it, and I might consider purchasing it. What I usually do in these cases is purchase one of those $20 perfume rollerballs. Since I use so many different scents I never go through a full size bottle, and those rollerballs are perfect!

Noir - Long Wear Eyeliner (Full size $15)

Noir - Long Wear Eyeliner (Full size $15)

While there is no doubt that this eyeliner stayed put the two times I wore it, I'm not sure if it is because of its formula or because of my eye primer... I use the Urban Decay eye primer and it keeps my other shadows and liners in place wonderfully. Nevertheless, the staying power is not really what I'm concerned about. The pigmentation is the real issue. This eyeliner just doesn't really impress me with its color and intensity. It's difficult to explain, but this eyeliner is lacking something for me. It seems like a clearish black? I don't know. But I like my L'Oreal black eyeliner MUCH better.

Oscar Blandi - Jasmine Conditioner (Full size $22)

Well, I hate it when I get a conditioner and it isn't accompanied by a shampoo. Am I the only one that really likes my shampoo and conditioners to match? Does anyone else hate it when they run out of one before the other? Shouldn't they balance out?! 

I digress. This conditioner is lovely. It smells really pretty and it moisturizes well. I don't need anymore conditioners though. Come on, Birchbox. 

Shick - Hydro Silk Razor

This razor was the bonus gift this time. I was quite excited to try a new razor because I have been using the same Gillette Venus razor for AGES (probably at least 10 years, no joke). I have wondered if I was missing out on anything special but haven't purchased anything because I really love my razor. Funny thing to love so much, huh?

I hate to disappoint, but I REALLY didn't like this one. I tried it twice, and both times my legs had horrible razor burn. Also, I thought it would be nice to have all the extra moisturizers that the razor claimed to produce once you got it wet... but YUCK. It is super slimy and thick and it actually gets in the way of shaving. I definitely recommend the Gillette Venus razor and the "Embrace" razor heads with 5 blades and extra moisturizers. :)

That is all for today! I received the September Birchbox in the mail this weekend... *sigh* My work is never finished! ;)

--Dixie

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July Birchbox

In July, I received a Birchbox that I was quite happy with. I hope you'll keep reading so you can see why I liked this box so much. :)

"GLAMOUR" themed Birchbox

Ada Cosmetics - Peach Bronzer (Full size $12.45)

Prior to receiving this peach bronzer, I had never heard of the Ada Cosmetics brand. Initially, because of the cheap plastic packaging, I wasn't really interested in using this product. Also, since I have fair skin I tend to shy away from bronzers. It always seems to make me look orange and like I am wearing too much makeup. 

I can't remember why I decided to eventually try this, but I did, and I LOVE it! Since it is a peach shade, it works really well with fair skin tones. It adds a nice little shimmer, but it's not too heavy. It helped to give my face a little extra color that was very subtle. I also used it to highlight below my brow bone and at the inner corner of my eye. This bronzer is very versatile!

I feel bad for judging this product by its packaging. The price isn't too bad, so if I ever run out, I may just purchase this one. :)

Alterna - Bamboo UV+ Color Protection Fade-Proof Fluide (Full size $24)

Here again we have a moisturizing product for the hair. This one is different in that it claims to be a finishing gloss that prevents UV rays from fading hair color. I really love the smell. It isn't too overwhelming, but you notice it throughout the day, and I like that about hair products. It seems to help control the frizz quite a bit and it makes my hair feel extra soft. As for the claim about preventing fading... I cannot necessarily say I noticed a difference, but I don't spend all that much time in the sun anyway!

I have seriously considered purchasing this product as well, but I have so many other oils and conditioners that I would like to finish up first. I'll definitely keep it in mind. 

Jouer Lip Enhancer (Full size $14)

Prior to this product, I have tried one other product from Jouer. I liked the product, so when I saw this lip enhancer, I was excited to try it.

This product "gives you the moisturizing punch of a balm with the satiny texture of a gloss". That is how the card in the box describes the product and that is exactly what it does. It has a light pink tint to it and no flavor. I very much like it, and I'd also consider purchasing this product. I have a slight obsession with lip moisturizers. ;)

Stila - "In The Moment" shadow palette (Full size $39)

I recently used this sample on two different days and I got several compliments on my eye makeup both days. I am accustomed to using either Urban Decay or Tarte eyeshadows, and Stila seemed to be a little different in pigmentation (a little lighter) but I still liked the finished product a lot. I actually went to Sephora recently to purchase this eye shadow palette, and ended up getting something different (that I will write about soon), but I regret not getting the Stila palette. I do plan to eventually purchase this product. 

Suki - Nourishing Kit (Full size $50)

Ahhh Suki Suki. (Sorry. You know you were thinking it.) I was NOT impressed with this product. I will be honest... I only tried the "Moisture -Rich Cleansing Lotion" and hated it so much that I couldn't bring myself to try the other samples. The texture was weird and it left a horrible, sticky film on my face after I rinsed and dried. I had to immediately wash my face with my usual cleanser.

Maybe if I was expecting it, I wouldn't have been so caught off guard, but there was no warning. So I panicked! And I don't like things that feel weird on my face. I can't handle it.

LARABAR - Uber (Variety pack of 16 - $27.95)

I'm going to be honest again. I haven't tried this. I eat Luna protein bars all the time and love them, and I imagine this would be similar, but I just haven't tried this yet.

Birchbox Earbuds

I never used these earbuds. Earbuds like these do not fit and will not stay in my ears. I gifted them to someone, and that is all I have to say about these. They were a lovely gesture. :)

There were quite a few products in this box that I loved. It always makes me happy to get my Birchbox every month. It makes me even happier to get one that allows me to discover a lot of new products I love! I hope I don't bore you with these beauty box reviews... I really like to share all the new things that I try.

Feel free to give me feedback about things that you like or don't like about my blog. If you have any recommendations about topics that you would like to see more of, please speak up! I'm very open to suggestions. :)

Until next time...

--Dixie

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June Birchbox

It's time for another Birchbox!

I love getting my Birchboxes. :) It's like a birthday present every month. Totally worth $10! Keep reading to find out about some new products that I discovered and LOVED!

Birchbox Man Extra: John Varvatos - Star USA cologne (Full size - $55-70)

The Birchbox company recently started catering to the male population by offering a Birchbox Man subscription.  Since this box technically came before Father's Day in June, they provided a sample of men's cologne to give to a male friend or family member. I smelled it and liked it so much... I just might use it myself. :)

Eyeko - Fat Eye Stick in Old Gold (Full size - $15)

This Eyeko Fat Eye Stick is really fantastic. It goes on SOOOO smoothly and is extremely blendable. I've never worked with an easier-to-use cream shadow. I used my usual Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion first, so this stuff didn't budge for at LEAST 10 hours. I have oily skin, so no matter what the eye shadow claims about creasing, it ALWAYS creases on me. But not with my holy grail primer. :)

In the photos, this looks kind of bronze-y, but it is closer to a metallic gold shade with olive undertones. Very pretty.

theBalm cosmetics - Stainiac in Beauty Queen (Full size - $17)
Likewise - Facial Moisturizer + Sun Protectant SPF 50 (Full size - $44)
Comodynes - Self-Tanning Intensive towelettes (Pack of 8 - $14.99)

Stainiac is a very cool two-in-one lip and cheek stain. It is a sheer gel that looks very dark in the tube, but once applied to the lips or face, it leaves a subtle "flushed" look. I tried to swatch it in the photo below, but once I rubbed in the little blob you see, it was too difficult to photograph. It's really great to use when you want some color on your lips, but nothing too heavy. It also tends to stick around longer than your average lip color. 

Likewise moisturizer/sunscreen is great, too! Not too heavy or oily like suncreen-containing products usually are. If it wasn't so pricey, I'd definitely purchase it. But I got a very similar product from my dermatologist for $30-something. Maybe I should review that later? Let me know if you're interested. 

As for the Comodynes tanning towelettes? Haven't touched them. I've never been a fan of self-tanning products because of the smell. I don't care how much they claim they don't smell... they do. And I hate the smell. So I've just decided to embrace my pale skin. My dermatologist was happy about my pale skin, no skin cancer for me!

tili Bags (Pack of 9-12 - $8.49 to $9.49)

tili bags are basically just fancy Ziploc bags. They're cute, but I'm not spending nearly ten bucks for about ten bags. No sir. 

I'm so glad you made it to the end. :-P Hope you learned about some new stuff today! 

Also, just a heads up, tomorrow night is a FULL MOON. *gasp*

--Dixie

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May Birchbox

For the record, this post is taking place BEFORE I received the June Birchbox. YES!

Gossip Girl themed box

I do not watch Gossip Girl... so I don't know what that means. Ha. :D

The back of the card. I don't know why I've never posted this before?

twistband - Skinny Headband (6 pack - $20)

These are just plain silly. Looks like something I would make at work out of the elastic loop on my mask when I need a hair tie. I mean, I'll use it, but 20 bucks for 6 of them? Meh.

beautyblender - blendercleanser (Full-size $17.95)

This is basically just soap. It is soy-based and claims to remove built-up bacteria and oil. It smells funny, too. I have some brush cleaner that I purchased from Sephora for much cheaper... so I will use this, but I won't repurchase.

Arquiste - L'Etrog perfume (Full-size $165)
Dr. Jart + - Waterfuse BB Cream (Full-size $32)
Color Club - Nail Polish in Disco Nap (Full-size $8)

The photo below will tell you more about the perfume. It smells okay. Definitely not $165 okay though. :-/

Dr. Jart + BB Cream: BB creams seem to be the "thing" right now. And I love them. But I'm kinda ready for everyone to stop doing their own version and move on. This one is not good for my oily skin. As soon as I put it on, my face looks shiny. I don't need that.

And can I just say... if it wasn't for them throwing some nail polish in to this box, the whole box would've been a flop. Color Club - Disco Nap would not have been a purchase I would have made, but when I painted it on my nails, I LOVED it!! Sorry I didn't take pictures of this color. I regret it now, but I will definitely use it again soon.

Notecards (Set of 12 $10)

What?! This is a May Birchbox. MAY. Not FEBRUARY! And a notecard? Bleh.

Okay... There you have it. Caught up on the Birchbox posts until my June box comes in. :)

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April Birchbox

Don't even point out the fact that it is June. Just shut up. ;)

Quickly, now.

tarte - LipSurgence lip tint in Peaceful (Full-size $24)

Swatch of Peaceful on my hand

I feel like I've mentioned this before, but I LOVE tarte makeup!! It is so ironic because just before I got this box in the mail, I had gone on a serious Sephora shopping trip and purchased an identical lip crayon in a different shade.

This one is very sheer and you can hardly tell that there is much color to it at all, but I love it. It's better than just clear lipgloss for sure! I wouldn't have purchased this one since they cost $24 a pop, but it is a nice color to have.

Marula The Leakey Collection - Omega Rich Pure Oil (Full-size $78)

I have used this a few times when the skin under and around my eyes seems extra dry, and it really seems to help. HOWEVER, I have very oily skin as it is, and this is not a product that I would purchase for myself. I am always looking for good skin care products, and I can see how this would be fantastic for someone with dry skin, but it's just not for me.

It claims to be sourced from the rare East African marula fruit, and has sky-high levels of antioxidants that fight premature signs of aging.

Yu-Be - Moisturizing Skin Cream (Full-size $16)

Quoted from the card in the box: "This bestselling Japanese cream has a highly concentrated formula that heals cracked hands, chapped lips, and all other forms of dryness."

It's such a small tube that I put it aside for when I have really dry skin, and since it has been so warm, this has not been tested yet. I'm sure it is lovely.

Wonderstruck Taylor Swift (Full-size $49.50- $59.50)

This scent is hard to explain... Maybe it is kind of sweet and playful? I like it, but I'm not really drawn to it as much as I am to other perfumes.

MicrodermaMitt - Body Mitt (Full-size $28.50)

LOVE this thing! The photo doesn't do a good job displaying the size of this mitt. It is big enough to fit your entire hand inside, plus your wrist. This does a FANTASTIC job of exfoliating. I've used loofa sponges forever because I feel they exfoliate well... but not even close! Now this is not meant to be used with soap. Directions say to use it on wet skin alone. I prefer to bathe first and then exfoliate.

I recently got a sunburn on my shoulders and it started to peel just a bit. I hate being all flakey and peeley, but usually just have to deal with it. This removed ALL of the nasty dead skin and made me feel soft and smooth immediately. No embarrassing flaking skin. It also works really well on your face.

It is made of all-natural silk, which is likely why it is so expensive, but I think it is worth it. :)

Okay, on to the May Birchbox. Right now. And then I'll be caught up.

--Dixie

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Bonus Vichy Birchbox

Hello again everyone!

I am here as promised with my post about the Bonus Birchbox I was lucky enough to receive courtesy of Vichy. It was like getting a second Birchbox in February because it was in addition to my monthly box! I was very excited. :)

Okay, time to get down to business.

Front of the box.

Back of the box.

Inside.

The pretty wrapping.

 

Purete Thermal Eye Makeup Remover for Sensitive Eyes

Purete Thermal 3-in-1 One Step Cleanser

The eye makeup remover has cornflower water and vitamin B in it, and is very gentle on your delicate eye area. It works just as well as any eye makeup remover and does not leave behind any oily residue. It is also not drying.

The cleanser is described as a cleansing milk, toning lotion, and makeup remover. The instructions say to dab it on with a cotton pad OR smooth it directly on skin and rinse with water. I tried both ways and I prefer the cotton pad method. It is VERY effective at cleaning off makeup and it leaves your skin feeling super soft afterwards. I LOVE this cleanser for nights when I'm too lazy to actually wash my face. 

Aqualia Thermal Cream

Lifactiv Rhamnose Night

The first cream claims to provide moisture for 24 hours. This claim seems to be true, but I do not suffer from dry skin all that often, so it is hard to say how accurate my observation is. I do like the level of moisture it provides, though. It is not too heavy or too light, even for my oily skin. I typically wear it under my tinted moisturizer on a day when I feel like I need a little extra moisture, and I will wear it alone on days that I choose not to wear makeup. 

The night cream is much heavier. It claims to have anti-wrinkle and firming properties. The main ingredient, Rhamnose, is a plant-derived ingredient that helps the skin renew itself. I really only use this one when I am fighting dry, flaky patches on my cheeks and chin. I definitely only wear it at night because it makes my face oily almost instantly, and I avoid over-using it because the extra oil can make me break out. For those of you without oily skin, it would make a great nightly moisturizer!

Celludestock

Lastly we have the Celludestock. This is for treatment of the dreaded cellulite. It has Lipocidine and pure caffeine in it which claims to tone the skin on your thighs, hips, and derriere. I cannot accurately review this product because I am lucky enough to not have to battle cellulite so far (smack me across the face if you must). I am intrigued by the idea of ANY product containing caffeine, so I will eventually give it a whirl, but for now I imagine it is safe to assume it is not the magic cure or it would be all over the news by now! :-P

And there you have it. Wasn't that fun? Thanks so much for stopping by!

-Dixie

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