BirchBox teamed up with Women’s Health Magazine to bring us July’s Power Up box. There aim was to amp up our summer, starting with your beauty stash. Get ready to discover products that will boost your routine—and your confidence too. Every box came with a mini magazine of 12 bite-sized challenges to inspire us to make positive changes. The magazine and box were super cute this month.

BirchBox did something out of the ordinary for the month of July. In late June we received word that we would be able to make a choice. Yes, you read that right, BirchBox allowed us to pick one of our samples. One could choose between a Ruffian polish or a Cynthia Rowley lip gloss. We even got to choose the color we wanted. This did not go down without a hitch, the website broke a few times, but with a little determination one was able to get through. I decided to add on the Ruffian polish and by the time I got the site to work the only color left was Ambrosia. I was happy with that color, so I clicked select and let the internet gods take over.

In addition to the product choice we were able to upgrade our boxes with a BirchBox Plus item. BirchBox has had this option for a while now, I just never did it until this month. There were three items for us to chose from ranging in price from $13.00 to $36.00. I chose to add on the Coloud Pop tangle free headphones. BirchBox makes it seem like the add on product will be included in the same box as your monthly samples. This isn’t so it actually ships separately. I had to call BirchBox and email, because I did not receive mine. It turns out they never sent them out. Luckily they still had some in stock and shipped them right on out to me. The cost of the plus items is in addition to the cost of the box, so you are looking at $10 + the cost of your plus item.

Now let’s power up and unbox this thing!

POWER UP

Caudalie – Divine Oil: an antioxidant-rich blend that naturally nourishes and softens skin, cuticles and even hair.

Costal Scents – Revealed 2 Eye Shadow Paette in Ballerina: From the just launched palette, these matte and shimmery shades will have you tickled pink.
——————–> OMG this sample is to die for cute. If a Mama Palette got together with a Daddy Palette, this adorable sample would be their baby! The colors I received a very versatile and are perfect for summer.

Ruffian – The Rapture Collection – in Ambrosia: streak-free metallic polish in a trendy summer-perfect shade.
——————-> I am in love with this color and the quality of he polish is darn right awesome. I only needed one coat and called it a day. Now my toes are styling in a metallic hue.

St. Tropez Tan Self Tan Bronzing Lotion Face: Multitasking, lightweight lotion hydrates and leaves beautifully bronzed glow.

Wish – Shave Crave Shaving Cream in Acia Grapefruit: A shea butter-packed shaving cream.
——————> All I gotta say is, this isn’t no coochie cream. I am a coochie cream fan girl for life! However the size of this sample is perfect for travel, its just a girl needs a little coochie on her legs and not a wish!

Every box came with a mailer card for 10 free issues of Women’s Health Magazine a $9.99 value. If you did not want the magazine you could return the card with your proof of purchase and they will issue a refund. Basically if you choose to opt out of the 10 issue subscription, you will get $10 back, which makes your July Box free. I chose to get the magazine, 1. because I actually like reading it and usually buy it while I am standing in line at Target, and 2. Its free, I don’t pass up free things!

I hands down loved my July box. Everything except the Ruffian polish was a new to me brand and that is exactly why I love BirchBox. I get to try products before I hunk down a wad of cash for the full-sized item. Not to mention I earn points for taking a few minutes and posting product reviews to their site.

Birch Box is a beauty and lifestyle subscription box program that costs $10.00 per month. For every dollar you spend in the shop you can earn 1 point. 100 points will get you a free birch box or $10 towards a purchase in the shop at birchbox.com. I know you’ve got friends so why not refer those friends to Birch box and earn a few points for doing so. If you would like to learn more and get a Birch Box of your very own go to http://www.birchbox.com for more information.

***I was not compensated for this post. Opinions are my own***