Birchbox: June 2015 (Lauren’s Box)

I have to say I am LOVING the actual boxes that the Birchbox samples are coming in this year. I feel like every box tops the last (though I still heart the Rifle Paper Co. box we got in April!)

For those of you just joining us, Birchbox is the grandaddy of all subscription boxes. They started the whole dang trend with their $10/mo box of fun beauty samples. You start by filling out a quiz of preferences and then just really hope that they listen to them. I think that part can be pretty hit or miss for me because I don’t like getting perfume or food items and I get those things fairly regularly. But whatever. I actually decided I don’t hate most of the perfumes they send me.

This month’s theme was “Say Yes!” And basically encourages you to go have an adventure. I like adventures but I’m also really glad to be settled for awhile. Maybe being settled and making a home is my next adventure?

They also included a card with code to win a prize on the Birchbox site. I checked out what I won and I actually won a 20% coupon code. Since I needed to buy a new bottle of my Oribe Dry Texture Spray anyway (and that stuff ain’t cheap) this came at the perfect time. With my awesome Birchbox points that I get for reviewing products and referring friends (click here, friends!) the total came to $33. And that included buying a cute little decorative dish that I think is appropriate since I am a pro blogger now.   

Check out the products we got this month! I love the care that Birchbox takes to put into their packaging. They could just throw everything into a box but they add another little box to open. It makes everything a bit more fun.

Everything, including what was in the little box:   

Templespa Good Hair Day Frequent Use Shampoo & Templespa In Good Condition Hair Conditioner (Full sizes $14 each): I tried the pair of these products today and the first thing I noticed was how SERIOUSLY FRAGRANT they are. If you can’t do fragrance in things, this is not the hair care system for you. However, fragrances don’t bother me and I keep smelling my hair throughout the day because it smells so good. In terms of how well they work, I will compare them to hotel shampoo and conditioner– it gets the job done in a pinch but it’s not really something you want to use every day. Later in the day, I felt my hair was especially greasy so I don’t think I’ll be trying these again. Oh well.

OK. I actually have a lot to say about the Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Water so this might take a minute.

To set the stage, I want to tell you about a product I saw at The Makeup Show Dallas called BioDerma Sensibio H20. This is a similar type of product to the Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Water.

This is part of a huge trend called Micellar Waters. For those of you not in the know, I found a good description on this site. The gist is:

Micellar water takes its name from micelles, tiny round balls of cleansing molecules that float in the water. When you apply the product to your skin, the cleansing agents come into contact with oil and dirt on your face, allowing them to be swept away quickly and efficiently.Micellar cleansing water uses very gentle but effective cleansing agents. There is no tingling or tightening effect, and it’s powerful enough to remove eye makeup, so there is no need for a separate makeup remover.

Soak a cotton wool ball with the solution and sweep it across your whole face, paying special attention to the eye and lip area if you are removing makeup. There is no need to rinse afterwards. Just enjoy the clean, fresh sensation, then apply a suitable serum or moisturiser to your skin. Micellar waters are great for travel or for situations where no running water is easily available. Whether you’re heading off on a camping trip, running a photo shoot, on a long-haul flight or just want the added convenience of a one-step cleansing process, micellar water means you don’t need to compromise your skincare routine.

Now it is time for the REAL TALK. I think these products are a BUNCH OF HORSE CRAP. Yes. I said it. I’m speaking out against a cult beauty product. Because listen– I was so interested to walk up to the Bioderm table and see what all the fuss was about. So the woman at the table put some eyeliner on my hand and then showed me how “easy” it was to take it off with the micellar water. Rachel and I just sort of stood there. And waited. And waited. While she scrubbed over and over again. I was stunned that it took forever to get any makeup off! So… here I am. One of the Boxy Ladies is blowing the lid off of this micellar water racket.

But I will say this about the Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Water– it actually removed my eye makeup a lot better than I thought it would after that disastrous test. But rubbing it all over my face felt weird. My face definitely didn’t feel clean afterwards. Not dirty but… I like to rinse soap off of my face.

Unlike the previous product, I do not have strong opinions about the Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner. It seems like a nice product but one I am unlikely going to open it so I can donate it to a shelter at some point. I’m in a “browns/gold” phase so this teal definitely won’t make it into my routine.

As I mentioned earlier, I used to be annoyed when Birchbox sent me perfume samples because I asked them not to. But since then, I’ve just embraced the fact that they come now and I always try them. I love the brand TOCCA so I was interested to try the Eau de Parfum in Bianca. I thought it was really pretty! I have such a hard time describing scents but the card says it has “undertones of rose and sugar for long-wearing, intriguing layers.”

The Lifestyle Extra that Birchbox included this month is a Lace Headband by Pura Vida. I’ve been using it to wash my face since I got it and I think it’s actually kind of cute. I might even wear it out to run errands or when I’m out in the garden, etc.

Final Grade: B

While I know I ranted for awhile about micellar waters and how they are full of crap, I really did like that I got the opportunity to try another one. I also am a big fan of that headband and the Tocca perfume. The shampoo and conditioner seemed good in theory but were sort of meh in practice.

But one of the best parts about Birchbox is their points system! You can review your products on their site for points that turn into $$$ to buy things like I did today! Click here to check out my referral link to give me even more money to shop with! 

xo,
Lauren

Lauren purchased this box, all opinions are her own. Contains referral links.