It took me a little longer than Jill to get my Birchbox this month. That’s OK, because I needed a little time to think about it because Birchbox has partnered with The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation to fund one year of breast cancer lab research hours. Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent health issues women face, affecting 1 in 8. This number hits very close to home as my mother is a breast cancer survivor and my mother-in-law was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and started treatment this week. So when I see numbers like “1 in 8” they feel more like “2 in 2.” While I am thrilled that Birchbox and Estée Lauder are helping fund breast cancer research, I feel really helpless about what I can do in the grand scheme of things.
However, locally I am supporting Frogs For The Cure, which is TCU’s (my alma mater) partnership with Susan G. Koman. Frogs for the Cure’s work for promoting awareness, providing education, raising funds and supporting breast cancer survivors and their families has received national attention, especially the creative annual music videos filmed with thousands of people, including cancer survivors, all over the country. The five videos, including last years video featuring Josh Groban’s song “Brave” have received more than 400,000 views on YouTube. This year’s video, featuring NBC’s The Voice stars Luke Wade and Mia Z performing “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, will debut at the Frogs for the Cure football game on October 29. If you aren’t local and you can’t make it to the game, you could also buy the recording of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” on iTunes.
I realize that talking about breast cancer is not nearly as fun as talking about beauty products but sometimes it must be done! But now onto the beauty products. For $10/month, Birchbox sends a box of high-end, deluxe samples. They also have the best rewards program in the biz, as if you review your products you earn money to spend in their shop. Easy $$$.
Here are the products I received this month! 
I just love their packaging. It’s so fun!
Here is everything! 🙂
Caudalíe Make-up Remover Cleansing Water ($14-28/full-size)
I have to be honest, I am just not a fan of cleansing waters! I don’t feel like my skin ever really feels clean when I use them. You basically apply them with a cotton ball and it cleanses your face but I hate the feeling of not being able to rinse it off. This product just isn’t for me, but that’s a personal preference.
Caudalíe Masque Instant Détox ($39/full-size)
It’s nice that they threw in a corresponding masque! I will definitely be up for trying this guy, as masques are one of the only products that work well as a foil packet sample since they aren’t products you aren’t supposed to use every day anyway. I look forward to trying this product this weekend!
12 Benefits Instant Healthy Hair Treatment ($21/full-size)
I have tried 12 Benefits before and I really liked it so I was glad to receive it this month! While normally I’m not a huge fan of hair smoothing products but this one doesn’t weigh my hair down. 
Benefit Roller Lash ($24/full-size)
I think you know by now that I am addicted to Benefit’s Roller Lash. In fact, this was my sample choice this month and so I knew I was guaranteed more of my fave mascara this month. Seriously, you should all buy this mascara. It is the best I have ever tried!
Too Cool For School Dinoplatz Highlighter ($33/full-size):
This is my second favorite product that I received this month. This highlighter is so pretty! I took a swatch below because it has such a pretty golden sheen.
Look at how pretty that golden shimmer is! I think that is more flattering on me than more of an opal looking highlighter.
Clean White Woods ($38-69 full-size)
According to their description, CLEAN White Woods is a woody musk that weaves a cozy, comforting blanket with hints of crisp bergamot leaves, sparkling mandarin, creamy vanilla orchid, sandalwood, praline musks, and a dash of black pepper. The result is a warm, luxurious scent that embodies the pure essence of natural light dancing in a quiet wooded path. In my opinion, it was just OK. Not great but not bad at all. Did not leave me with any sort of impression, except it was a bit too musky for me.
Final Grade: A
First, I love that Birchbox is helping fund breast cancer research. Second, I really liked almost all the products in my box! I can’t get enough of Roller Lash and I totally fell in love with Too Cool For School’s highlighter! (insert heart and praise hand emojis here!)
If you would like to subscribe to Birchbox for yourself, click here for my referral link!
xo,
Lauren
Purchased, all opinions are my own
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