Sadly, this is the last month for us Canadians to enjoy Birchbox as they will no longer be providing a service to us here due to the poor exchange rate. For this month, I chose the curated “Date Night” box as opposed to regular box, which meant that I knew which products I would be receiving in my box.
The products arrived in a pink and orange box with pink tissue paper, that was quite similar to the January box.
Whish Renewing Mud Mask | Our skin acts up in all sorts of ways (think: random pimples, dryness, and flakiness). Luckily, this exfoliating mask helps us start fresh. Loaded with purifying bakuchiol and organic rose hip oil, the mud sloughs away dead skin while softening with kaolin. Meanwhile, mucor miehei extract and bionatural tropical enzymes work together to refresh and renew skin, revealing a smoother, brighter, trouble-free complexion. Another plus? The nourishing formula is free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. Approximate sample value: $14.50.
Review: Apparently Aerie sells Whish products, though I couldn’t find this particular one on the website. No odds, because I wouldn’t recommend it. It isn’t necessarily bad but I don’t find it particularly effective either. It is slightly gritty but not enough to effectively exfoliate and I didn’t feel like it benefited my skin in any way. It smells like peaches to me which is a bit odd for a mud mask, but pleasant nonetheless. Also, this looks like a decent sample size but it was mostly air – there was barely any product in the tube, which makes the approximate sample value much less than what it seems.
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar Liquid Lipstick | Warning: These intense matte shades of red are not for the faint of heart. Offering opaque coverage and amazing color payoff, these cult-favorite liquid lipsticks are infused with hemp and peppermint oils for a silky feel, plus they’re vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and free of silicones and artificial preservatives. Choose between deep burgundy Vintage, classic red NSFW, brown-toned burgundy Anita, and purple-red Strumpet. Bonus: The colors can be blended to create unique hues, and product can be layered for a glossier look (can you say versatile?). Approximate sample value: $9.96 (price based on US Amazon product pricing).
Review: Honestly, the reason I chose this box is because I wanted to try this product and I liked the color that was included. However, it was a total let down! It appears to be in a tube with a wand on the Bircbox website which would improve my opinion as it would be easier to apply. The only other option would be to apply it with a brush because the pointed top of this tube is useless. The color was nice, but I struggled so much trying to apply it that I looked like a clown and simply removed it again. It also applied really patchy but again, that could be due to the tube. Smells slightly minty which is the only redeeming factor at this point.
Catherine Malandrino Romance de Provence |
No one knows fragrance like the French, and this sophisticated eau de parfum from Grenoble-born designer Catherine Malandrino proves it. Inspired by the Provence region, it begins with subtle fruity layers and opens up to a floral bouquet of jasmine, orange flower, rose, violet and lily (all against a backdrop of powder musk, amber, and patchouli). Both sweet and sleek, it provides a je ne sais quoi that lingers all day. Approximate sample value: $3.38.
Review: I’m not generally a fan of floral scents, but this is a warm, sweet scent that I actually enjoy. It isn’t something that I will wear on a daily basis but I wore it out the night of the Dragonette concert and got a few compliments! The scent lasted all night too, which is definitely a bonus. I just wish the sample was in a spray form.
Cynthia Rowley Beauty Brightening Illuminator |
You just can’t beat the convenience of painting on highlighter with a brush. And now we’ve found the perfect formula to go with the perfect applicator: one that goes on smooth, dries to a pearlescent finish, and has just the right amount of shimmer (hint: not too much). This velvety highlighter works for all skin tones, delivering a subtle sheen that lights up your features. It’s an ace at strobing, or just adding a little extra brightness to cheekbones, brows, and the inner corners of your eyes. Approximate sample value: Unknown, but full size retails at $32, so my guess is about $4.
Review: It seems that this is a Birchbox exclusive product which is a shame, as it’s actually quite nice. It has a pink undertone that reminds me of Benefit’s “High Beam” and provides a nice sheen on my skin. I haven’t actually used this yet (only swatched it) but I’m looking forward to giving it a real try.
Amika Bombshell Blowout Spray | As the saying goes, a jack of all trades is typically a master of none. Not so for amika™’s Bombshell Blowout spray, which successfully works on both damp and dry hair to give you the perfect bombshell blowout. The lightweight spray performs a variety of functions, protecting, nourishing, smoothing, and volumizing hair. We apply it to damp strands before blow-drying to provide heat protection, texture, and lift. It also serves as a light hold mist for dry hair and can facilitate restyling. In keeping with its multipurpose personality, it works on all hair types, including color-treated hair. Approximate sample value: $3.30.
Review: I received this product in my January Birchbox, which I reviewed here. I’m not sure why they would include a product (even in the curated box) which had been used the month before, but I cannot really complain as I chose this box. Anyway, I’ve been using my sample from January and it is growing on me, though I have to use it very sparingly so that it doesn’t make my hair oily. It does provide some lift at the roots though, which I desperately need. I’m not sure if I will keep this sample or give it to a friend as it will take me a while to use my other one.
Overall, this box was just okay for me. I wasn’t a fan of the mask or the lipstick, but I enjoyed the perfume and the highlighter. The spray is a repeat for me and is just okay. The approximate retail value of this box is $35.14, which is higher than last month and a good value. I am definitely sad that this will be my last Birchbox!
Obviously it would be pointless for Canadians to sign up but if anyone from the US/UK would like to join Birchbox, I’d love if you used my referral link.
Description of products taken from the Birchbox website. For calculation of value, prices based on current Canadian price on Birchbox website. Prices may vary on other websites. This post contains affiliate links.
SaveSave
