Birchbox Reviews

Kerastase Elixir Ultime Oleo Complex Hair Oil

2017-02-23T13:15:00.001-06:00

Kerastase's Elixir Hair Oil is my new favorite product. Every winter I notice a difference in my hair and I have been searching for a product to remedy its dryness and thin appearance. I color treat my hair and it seems to look and feel fairly healthy in the summertime, but the winter brings a dull, flyaway appearance no matter what products I try. My hair stylist finally recommended Kerastase Elixir Ultime. It is a bit pricey at $58 for 3.4 ounces but I have been using it for over a month and it is only about 1/4 gone. I use about 3 pumps after I wash my hair before blow drying and it seems to return the moisture and healthy feeling to my hair. Especially the last few winters, my hair has felt thinner (which is unthinkable because my hair has always been so naturally thick) but I feel as though I have finally gotten my hair back!! Before blowdrying, I will usually also put a heat protectant on my hair. Then after blowdrying, I will put a pump or 2 of the Kerastase elixir through the ends of my hair to add some extra shine and moisture. I will expect to have to modify my routine when the weather changes my hair will probably not need as much help, but for now this product has changed my hair for the better! My stylist told me that is is Kerastase's longest running product, so I am sad that I have not tried it sooner.

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk

2015-06-03T11:21:00.000-05:00

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk has got to be my new favorite product. As I have figured out finally that I shouldn't be washing my hair every day or even every 2 days, I have tried out some different kinds of dry shampoo for the first time in my 42 years. Klorane Dry Shampoo is hands down my favorite so far. I only use just a couple of sprays on my roots each day that I don't shampoo in the shower and it brings my hair back to life without feeling like there is a sticky residue left over on my hair. It has an Allure Best Beauty Award and I understand why so many women must love it as much as I do. I will definitely be buying more of this when it runs out.

Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint

2015-03-18T13:44:00.000-05:00

I recently tried the Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint in "glow". I have tried it before from an earlier box and wasn't a huge fan, but thought that I would give it a shot again since I could definitely use a little GLOW in these early March months. This product is very light and I think that I may have the wrong color or tone to use on my skin. I become very fair in the winter time and the "glow" may be a little much for me. I would really like to try the matte products that Jouer offers. I do like the texture of the product am really like the fact that it includes a 20 spf. Will have to come back to this one once I find the right color for me.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Rich Cream

2014-02-28T10:56:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite product lines that I discovered from receiving Birchbox is Vichy. I received an "extra" box from Birchbox in 2012 with a group of products from Vichy. I still continue to use the Vichy Laboratories Aqualia Thermal Rich Cream. Throughout the years, I have tried quite a few moisturizing creams including all of the different samples that I have received from Birchbox and keep coming back to the Vichy line. I am 41 and still can have breakouts if the moisturizing cream is too rich or contains things that will irritate my skin. I feel that it gives me the moisture I need and gives a glow to my skin especially after using it consistently.

I also use Vichy LIFTACTIV NUIT -Night -Intensive Detoxifying Firming Care cream. I feel that my skin feels and looks so healthy in the morning after using Vichy's cream at bedtime. I have always been a person who prefers to keep the least steps possible to maintain a young, healthy look, but I can always tell when I remember to use the Lift Active Nuit the night before. I will keep this in my daily routine.

Vichy has a huge line of skin care products and I have been planning to try their eye cream and cleanser. Let me know if anyone uses them regularly. I would love to hear your opinion!

Ipsy vs. Birchbox

2013-09-19T19:13:00.002-05:00

Has anyone tried Ipsy? I was told by someone who commented on my blog awhile ago that I should try Ipsy. I recently looked into Ipsy and it looks like it is very similar to Birchbox....there is a questionnaire to personalize your profile. Based on the profile that you construct, they will send you sample size and full size beauty products just like Birchbox. But, it also looks like the products come in a cute little make-up looking bag. It is also $10 per month and you may cancel at any time. It also looks like there are stylists with Ipsy who work to find the best products. I have signed up for Ipsy but have not received the latest Glam Bag yet, so I may have to compare Birchbox with Ipsy as soon as it arrives.

Ruffian Nail Lacquer

2013-09-17T13:05:00.001-05:00

I tried out my new Ruffian Nail Lacquer from September's Birchbox over the weekend. From what I read on the little product information card that Birchbox provides with each shipment is that this is Ruffian's first go at nail lacquer and it is exclusive to Birchbox. My husband and I had a "date night", so my low maintenance self decided to actually make my toes look presentable. The color is Fox Hunt. It is a bit bold but very suitable for a pop to the toes...especially since Fall is upon us. It has been four days since I painted them with 2 coats and I have to say that it has help up pretty well considering I am still wearing flip flops most days or throwing on running shoes to try to get a work out in. I can't say that the brand blows my mind, but I would recommend it for the smooth application and durability.

Benefit Sugarbomb Ultra Plush lipgloss

2013-09-11T21:17:00.002-05:00

I received my September box today and I have a new favorite product! I am someone who loves lip gloss and I found my new favorite brand and color! It is called Sugarbomb Ultra Plush lip gloss by Benefit. It is a caramelly-pink color and is so smooth and natural-looking. I am someone who always needs to have something on my lips, even if it is Vaseline. I am not a big fan of the way lipstick feels, so I am always trying to find the perfect lip gloss....and I may have found it!

Birchbox points for product reviews!

2012-10-15T17:20:00.002-05:00

One thing that I recently figured out how to do is to give feedback on the Birchbox website to earn Birchbox points to use in the Birchbox shop. Each time that you leave feedback, you will earn 10 points. Every 100 points earns you $10 in your Birchbox account to use for their products. Its easy to leave feedback on their website. Once you log in, go to the "Box". Then choose whichever product that you would like to review. There is a little box underneath the "add to cart" box that says "leave feedback". If you submit a couple of reviews per month, you should be able to get a free product before you know it!

Per-fekt Beauty Lip Perfection Gel

2012-10-13T20:48:00.002-05:00

This was my favorite product in October's Birchbox. Per-fekt Lip Perfect Gel is a plumper, hydrator and shiny gloss. The sample that came with Birchbox was so small that I almost threw it in the trash without trying it, but my 6 year old daughter wanted to try some on, so I smeared a bit on my lips as well. I loved it! I am always looking for a natural looking lip gloss that isn't too pale and will also hydrate my lips. The color that I received in my Birchbox was Melrose and it is THE color that I have been looking for to use as an everyday gloss. This gel contains jojoba and hyaluronic acid for moisture and vitamins A and E for protection. That all doesn't matter to me as long as the color and texture are right and it will keep my lips from drying. I was just looking on the Birchbox website to order some because the sample that was in the box was a 1-2 time sample and shipping is free!

Goop and Birchbox team up

2012-10-05T20:53:00.000-05:00

Birchbox has thrown another interesting surprise into the monthly mix of goodies. This month they are teaming up with Goop (Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop) to put together some products that the folks at Goop recommend. I was given the choice of sticking with the traditional October Birchbox or a Goop Birchbox. I, of course, chose the Goop Box to mix things up a bit. I am looking forward to seeing what these products are and writing about them.

Bioeffect EGF Serum

2012-09-20T22:32:00.001-05:00

Bioeffect EGF Serum is a revolutionary anti-aging serum from Iceland that improves the condition of your skin by stimulating skin's own natural rejuvenating processes. Here are some testimonials discussing its rejuvenating properties....

Kristin B. Gunnarsdottir - I was presented with a sample of the BIOEFFECT EGF Serum three weeks ago and started using it straight away. I'd heard a lot of good things about the serum but wasn't expecting a miracle. Straight away my skin got better and was no longer too dry or too oily. My skin reached a balance it hadn't possessed before. The few spots on my face disappeared in few days and discolouration from too much exposure to the sun has all but disappeared. The same goes for a slight rash I had felt on my face. My skintone is more even and my skin healthier looking and softer than before. I attribute th is to my use of the BIOEFFECT EGF Serum and look forward to seeing more products from Sif Cosmetics in the future. Thanks a lot.

Valgerður Magnusdottir - I started using the BIOEFFECT EGF Serum on my hands, as I have cracked hands. I had little faith that the BIOEFFECT EGF Serum would do any more than the other products I had tried. I turned out to be wrong and the results were little short of a miracle. I no longer need to hide my hands which is wonderful. Later I started to use the BIOEFFECT EGF Serum on my face and it works really well there as well. The fine lines on my face are barely visible any more and now I just wait for the wrinkles to disappear. I've also taken to using the BIOEFFECT EGF Serum on my feet and heals : D. My experience has been nothing but positive and I'll continue to use the B IOEFFECT EGF Serum and don't hesitate recommending it to anyone who'll listen. Thanks for a great product that works.

Schick Hydro Silk Razor

2012-09-11T18:09:00.002-05:00

This new Schick razor was included in my August Birchbox. This is definitely my new favorite razor! I am typically not picky about what razor I use but after trying out the Schick Hydro Silk Razor, I am sold! This razor is so smooth because it has 5 curve-sensing blades that each have skin guards that help to prevent skin irritation. This razor is by far one of the best razors that I have used. All of this wonderful technology packed into this little razor means one swipe over each area and makes shaving so much faster for me. AND no irritation at all! I know that this razor can be found at any Walgreens or Target and I will definitely be seeking this one out soon as I will be needing more!

Noir Long-Wearing Eyeliner

2012-08-20T16:48:00.001-05:00

Over this last weekend I tried out the Noir Long-Wearing Eyeliner from the newest August Birchbox during a date night with my husband. I love how smoothly this eyeliner is to apply and it seemed very easy to smudge to make a smoky appearance on my eyelids. It did seem fairly intact on my return home after our outing which included an outdoor concert and I little bit of drizzle. I am sure that I will use the Noir eyeliner as long as it last for me, but am not sure that I will seek it out. I think that it is a good product and will continue to make my decision whether it is a stand out product with continued use.

To learn more about Birchbox....

Ahava Purifying Mud Mask

2012-08-13T22:15:00.001-05:00

I tried this Ahava Purifying Mask a couple of days ago and am very pleased with this product. My skin can be very oily and I am prone to break outs every now and then even though I am in my later thirties. I am always looking for products that will help prevent breakouts, yet will not dry my skin out as I also try to keep it moisturized. This mask works in 2 minutes! Put it on, wait for 2 minutes and wash it off. This is a very attractive product for someone who will hardly take the time to paint my nails! The product claims that Kaolin white clay and Dead Sea mud will draw out oil and impurities yet the jojoba oil will keep skin hydrated. My skin looks much clearer than it did a two days ago before I used this mask. The product recommends its use 2-3 times per week. I don't know if I would need to use it that often, but I would definitely use it the weeks that my pores decide to clog.

Fit Yummy Mummy

2012-07-17T22:08:00.002-05:00

I usually only post products that I have received through Birchbox on this blog, but once in awhile I come across some products that I feel may be worth discussing. Fit Yummy Mummy is a product that is geared towards new moms, but seems like a good idea for any woman and definitely a good idea for moms whether they are new or the kids have been around for awhile. The idea is that it will give you an intense workout in your own home in only 15 minutes per day. The hardest part for me to get a workout in is either waiting for my husband to get home so that I can leave to go to the gym or for a run or the time frame that I have to get a workout in. The testimonials for this product are unbelievable; not only the body changes that these women have undergone, but the shear number of them that are documented. I think that Fit Yummy Mummy is definitely worth checking out.

Click here to read more...

Tili bags

2012-07-04T17:12:00.003-05:00

These are Tili Bags. They are resealable zip-lock bags that come in lots of cute little patterns. I received one of these bags in my last birchbox and it has housed by daughters markers and crayons in my purse ever since. I can't say that it is something that I can live without because I think that a regular zip lock bag would probably do the job, but it is nice to see the colorful pattern in my bag and my daughter knows exactly where her stuff is. Cute idea. Not really necessary, but fun to add some color and patterns to a boring baggy.

2012-06-21T20:59:00.002-05:00

Check out my new site www.birchboxmanreviews.com. Yes, there is now a service from Birchbox that provides products for men. My husband has recently signed up for a subscription to Birchbox Man and has been loving many of the goodies including grooming and "lifestyle" products. He even got a pair of socks last month that he liked so much I bought some more pairs of them for Father's Day for him.

Twistbands Hair Tie

2012-06-14T23:08:00.000-05:00

This is the second Twistband that Birchbox has included in one of their monthly boxes, and I felt that after receiving this second one that I must include it in my review. I am a huge fan of these hair ties. My hair is fairly long, so hair accessories are a big part of my wardrobe. These hair ties do not pull hair at all, yet they stay in place. Not to mention, they are much classier than just wearing a simple Goody hair tie. I do plan on ordering a bunch of the Twistbands as I have already misplaced the first one that I have received and love the material and look.

2012-05-04T21:42:00.001-05:00

This product from Benefit has been one of the most surprising products that I have tried from Birchbox. This balm is called the Porefessional and claims to minimize the appearance of pores. I held onto this product for at least a month before trying it because I had so many other products that I liked to use didn't really want to add a new facial cream into the mix. Now I use this product every single day. I use it on my nose where my pores are the most visible and it is like using a foundation and a powder all in one. My nose has pores that could use a facial monthly if I could afford it, but with the Benefit Porefessional product, my nose looks flawless after each application. This product has definitely surpassed my expectations.

2012-04-25T13:30:00.001-05:00

One thing that I recently learned about Birchbox is that they will randomly ask you if you would like to try a product line in addition to your already scheduled monthly Birchbox delivery. Of course, when asked, I said "yes" since the box would be free with no delivery charge! In March I received an extra pink and brown Birchbox delivery containing products from the Vichy skin care line including a cleanser/toner, a 24 hour hydrating cream, a night time firming and anti-wrinkle cream and an eye make-up remover. The Vichy line claims to be the #1 selling skin care line in Europe. My favorite product of the bunch is the Vichy Aqualia Thermal which is a hydrating cream. The only minus to this product is that is does not contain a sunscreen so there is the need to apply that in addition to the Vichy cream if applied in the morning. I have checked out the Vichy website and it does contain an extensive line of skin care, sun care and body care products, some of which have received Good Housekeeping awards. This little bonus box has definitely sparked my interest in the Vichy line and I may need to try out some of their other products namely the anti-aging line.

Clark's Botanicals Smoothing Marine Cream

2012-02-03T15:53:00.000-06:00

This cream from Clark's Botanicals is called Smoothing Marine Cream. I have to say, I really do think that this cream does something great for my skin. It claims to exfoliate, moisturize and boost collagen production. It contains glycolic acid which is intended to boost the body's generation of Hyaluronic Acid, which traps water molecules in the skin, which, of course, causes the skin to appear plumper and diminish wrinkles. I have been using this cream every night as I am afraid that it may cause some inflammation but I have not noticed any. This sample will also probably last me at least a couple of months, thanks to Birchbox's generous sample size. This may be a product that I will continue to use int he future and I would recommend it to anyone who is trying to combat signs of aging.

Fix Immaculate Complexion Advanced Antioxidant Serum

2012-01-28T12:46:00.001-06:00

Fix Immaculate Complexion Antioxidant Serum is a serum that I would never spend the money to buy in the store without first being able to try out the product. At $125 a pop, I am still not sure that I will buy this product in the future. But, I have to say, that I really do see some effects from using the product. Again, Birchbox's sample size is something that will last me at least a month or 2 and I have been using this one for at least 3 weeks. Fix claims that it contains vitamins A, C and E and another ingredient that protects skin from harmful environmental factors and and neutralizes free radicals. All of these function to prevent premature aging and help correct damage that has already been done. It seems to me to contain some sort of smoothing component also. I would recommend using this product if it is something that you can afford.

Learn more about Birchbox here

Laura Geller Spackle Tinted Under Makeup Primer

2012-01-22T09:04:00.001-06:00

This primer called Spackle by Laura Geller is something that I have been pleasantly surprised by and seem to use almost every day especially since it is winter time and my complexion could use some brightening up. The shade that Birchbox used is "bronze" which I expected to be a little too dark for my light skin tone, but it seems to blend right in with my tone as it has a very light consistency and adds a very subtle tint. I have been using it a bronzer to give myself a little color this winter and am happy that the "sample" that Birchbox sent is a quite healthy 0.5 oz and has lasted me quite awhile. I just checked the Birchbox website and their Spackle is out of stock and waitlisted!

Zoya Nail Lacquer

2012-01-21T22:03:00.003-06:00

I have reviewed the Zoya brand of nail polish earlier in a different shade months ago. This newer shade of Zoya nail polish that came in a much brighter, sassy shade called Sooki, came just in time for the holidays. I wanted to write another review about this polish because I am astonished at how long this product lasts. I applied the polish to my toes just before Christmas and it is almost flawless 3 weeks later! Mind you, it is on my toes and my feet have hardly seen the light of day since I am one to keep my feet covered the entire winter. But, I am very impressed considering I am too lazy to apply a top coat and did not apply a double coat since the polish looked so even and smooth with only one layer. I would definitely recommend Zoya!

Orofluido Elixir

2011-12-11T10:05:00.001-06:00

Orofluido Elixir is by far my new favorite product yet to come from Birchbox. Orofluido states that the oil consists of three organic oils one of which has been cultivated in Egypt for 4000 years! I am constantly searching for hair product that will tame my dry, flyaway thick hair. I apply the product to my hair while it is damp before drying. It is noticeably healthier looking and smoother after blow drying and it smells amazing. My hair gets very dry especially in the winter months. After straightening my hair, I also run a few drops through my hair to add just a little coat. My husband has mentioned on two separate occasions that my hair looks so healthy and shiny. Orofluido Elixir is a product that I will continue to use.