Category Archives: Birch Box

{BirchBox} REVIVE AND RESTORE

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“This month we’re slowing down, getting cozy, and bringing you rejuvenating products to make the most of your you-time.”

You time? I can have you time? I am a busy girl so I do not get to squeeze in to many moments of “you time.” But when I do, I do it well. It’s fall here in Minnesota and I love this time of year. The nights are getting colder, the trees are turning, and it’s time to cozy up under a warm throw with Netflix. Or in my case fight the dog for ample throw usage, he usually wins.

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Fall is my favorite time of year. Apples are plenty, the trees are turning, and the crisp air is making her way in. The mornings are cool followed by sunny afternoons. A time to remember and enjoy the warmth and bounty in your life. My skin care routine changes in the fall, our air is starting to get drier and my skin as saying “help me I’m getting patchy.” Birchbox always puts together a great box around the fall to help us prepare for the inevitable, winter is coming.

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REVIVE AND RESTORE – October 2016

GlamGlow Powermud Dual cleanse treatment: featuring ultra rare Brazilian white clay, this detoxifying mask transforms from mud to oil to deeply clean and soften.

Avene Hydrance Optimale Hydrating Cream RICH: super nourishing face cream restores skin’s natural moisture barrier and balances hydration levels.

This Works deep sleep pillow spray: clinically proven to aid a good night’s rest, this infusion of lavender and chamomile helps you fall asleep fast.
——————–> I fell in love with this product. The scent is so subtle and whisks you off to a beautiful night of sleep. The only kicker here is that the full sized product will run you $29.00, That is a little to steep for my budget.

Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo: this gold standard dry shampoo instantly cleans while boosting strength and silkiness, minus any texture or weight.

Make Silk Cream Lipstick – Magnolia: long-lasting and smudge-proof, this hydrating antioxidant-rich lipstick does double duty as a lip treatment.

The curated box was a great mix of skin, beauty, and hair care products.

If you would like to join in on the no more points for reviews fun, checkout http://www.birchbox.com

{BirchBox} MY MORNING ROUTINE

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July 2016

Mornings? I am a morning person, I love to wake up at the crack of 11AM. However my work schedule gets in the way of my sleepy time, so I am forced to get up at 6:30am during the week and well the dog has no concept of time, so I wake up round 7 on the weekends.

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Simplicity gets me out of the door quickly.Ya know because I have to catch them all, yes I to am hooked on the Pokemon Go craze. I love it! Anyways simplicity is best because it gets me out to the bus stop on time. I am a night shower person, so with that out of the way, all I do in the morning is makeup, brush teeth, and my hair. Plus walk the dog, the dog must be walked otherwise he gets angry. No one likes an angry dog.

Enough about my mornings and my dog, let’s get to it. We both know you came here to see what I got in my July Birchbox.

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July 2016 – MY MORNING ROUTINE

Benefit Cosmetics – gimmie brow volumizing fiber gel: This innovative, water resistant fiber gel has a precision tip for shaping and build-able formula for thick, lush brows.

COOLA Environmental Repair Plus Radical Recovery After-Sun Lotion: This soothing lotion uses agave to moisturize, protect, and calm any post-sun woes.

MDSolarSciences Mineral Creme SPF 50 Broad Spectrum UVA-UVB Sunscreen: Safe for acne and rosacea prone skinm this silky SPF cream absorbs quickly so it won’t leave a white, greasy sheen.

Milk Makeup Sunshine Oil: This portable rollerball brightens, hydrates, and illuminates to give skin a dewy glow thanks to essential oils.

Smashbox Cosmetics X-Rated Mascara: This unique formula uses Tripod fibers that stack on lashes for endless volume that won’t clump or flake.

This months sample choice was all about mascara, we could chose from three different mascara brands. I chose the smashbox brand and the other four samples were chosen by BirchBox.

In late June our buddies at BirchBox dropped a huge ass bomb, they this is hard for me to type, dropped their points program. We as subscribers no longer earn points for reviewing our monthly samples. I know ladies I too am in morning, maybe they will find something new to keep us intrigued. At this point BirchBox is attached to my soul and I am not ready to pull the plug on my subscription, so for now that bright pink box will still don my door step.

If you would like to join in on the no more points for reviews fun, checkout http://www.birchbox.com

{BirchBox} MULTIFACETED AND MIGHTY

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June 2016
“Whether we’re checking emails on the elliptical or paying bills while getting a pedi, we’re pro multitaskers-and we expect the same from our products. Not unlike the gems on the outside of this box, the beauty gems inside are truly multifaceted.”

Multitasking! I like the sound of that. Multitasking is a girl with ADD’s main skill, I can do many things at once and this has saved me a lot of time. If I can do many things at once, then heck yes I want my beauty products to do the same. Especially in the summer months, the fewer products the better. Lord knows that Minnesota’s summer heat can cause a girls do to fall and her makeup to melt right off, its not pretty, but we manage.

June 16

I managed to snag June’s curated box. Hello! It has Davines products in it and not to mention how adorable is the lip crayon. I needed it in my life and by golly I snagged it and fell in love with all of the products.

“Girl! Come on, what did you get in your June Box!?”

June2016

MULTIFACETED AND MIGHTY – Birchbox June 2016

LOC One & Done Shadow Stick: from Birchbox brand LOC, waterproof shadow doubles as a long lasting liner.

NUXE Rev de Miel Facial Cleansing and Make-Up Removing Gel: this French multitasker disolves dirt, oil, and makeup while soothing and softening skin.
———————-> This right here is a great little cleanser. A little bit of product goes a very long way. It even washed away stubborn mascara and left my skin feeling smoothly clean. Bonus, the scent is amazing, very citrusy.

The Beauty Corp PBJ Smoothie Stick in Rasin the Roof: this stick boasts a soft, sweet tint, and moisturizes lips with good for you ingredients.
———————>This product is adorable! I love the packaging and not to mention it made my lips look pretty darn great. Plus this is full size! Yes a full sized product!

Air Repair Complexion Boosting Moisturizing: packed with antioxidants and humectants, this rich formula works as both a mask and a daily moisturizer.

Davines Authentic Cleansing Nector Hair/Body: this nourishing shampoo-meets-body-wash uses organic oils to cleanse and hydrate from head to toe.
———————–> I am truly a Davines fan girl, I have yet to meet a Davines product that I didn’t like. I can get lost in the scent and it has left my hair and skin feeling so soft.

Davines Authentic Moisturizing Balm Face/Hair/Body: a three in one balm that conditions hair, nourishes skin, and even removes makeup.

The MULTIFACETED AND MIGHTY box was very well thought out and I loved that it included a product for skin, hair, body, and makeup. Birchbox hit it out of the park and I cannot wait to see what July’s curated box will be.

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***

{BirchBox} Effortlessly Elegant Box

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April 2016
“From sprouting buds to the first truly sunny day, spring is all about renewal – and what’s fresher than a revived looked? Our editors have assembled this box of products that will help you feel pretty, polished, and effortlessly-put-together for all your springtime adventures.”

Yay! Spring has arrived! “AJ checks the forcast……” nope nope spring only arrived for about a week in Minnesota. The past few weeks have been chilly and wet. They say April showers bring May flowers…… I will be holding mother nature to this. If I don’t have flowers in may she and I are going to have a chat. Because this cold damp weather is crazy talk.

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Lets talk about the actual box this month. For the second year BirchBox has partnered with Riffle Paper company to bring us a vibrant floral box to celebrate spring. The box is gorgeous and it made me very excited to see what was inside! For the month of April I chose the curated box which featured one of my favorite brands TOCCA.

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Effortlessly Elegant – April 2016

Marcelle 3-in-1 Micellar Solution: removes makeup, cleanses skin, and soothes irritation with natural ingredients like aloe and cucumber.

Dr. Jart+ Liftra Contour Cream: this high-tech, first-of-its-kind, collagen producing cream visibly firms, lifts, and plumps skin.

Laura Gellar New York Baked Blush-n-Brighten:baked from liquid pigments, this blush-highlighter combo delivers a natural-looking flush.

PARLOR by Jeff Chastian Volumizing Lifting Spray: this innovative body-enhancing spray uses marshmallow root to give locks instant volume and lift.

TOCCA Crema de Mano – Giullietta: loaded with natural botanicals, this green apple and pink tulip lotion absorbs in a flash.

The curated box was spot on for spring. It included a little something for everyone to change their look from winter to spring.

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***

{BirchBox} Ladies First

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March 2016
“As a company founded by women, for women, this month has extra significance, We’re marking both International Woman’s Day and Women’s History Month- two great reminders to celebrate all the strong ladies in our lives, from friends and colleagues to heroes and inspirations. There’s nothing we can’t do, and everything we can.”

Strong and inspiring women….. Many women have shaped my life and have molded my character. I am partial and a little biased when it comes to my Mama. My Mama was one of the first women to hold a class C heavy equipment license. She was the first female dump truck driver for Conwed Industries now known as USG. Even when pregnant with me, she drove the dump truck until she could no longer fit behind the wheel. Having a first as a mother meant she instilled that nothing is impossible and that women do and will always belong in a man’s world. She broke down the doors so that my sister and I could be anything we wanted in life and for that I am forever grateful.

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Beauty is just another tool in our take on the world tool kit. Makeup should enhance our inner beauty and compliment our world domination plans. I am a do it and run kind of girl, if it takes more than 10 minutes AJ ain’t doing it, cause she ain’t got time for that. This is why I love Birchbox, they send me samples to try and I can decide if it is something that will fit into my get er done beauty routine.

“Lady! Lets unbox this thing!!!”

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March 2016 – Ladies First

Clarisonic Sonic Radiance AM Skin Illuminating Cleanser: this impurity-blasting cleanser brightens dark spots, evens tone, and transforms skin for a more radiant complexion.

Milk Makeup Lip Color – C.R.E.A.M: for intense demi-matte color, try this 30% pigmented formula made with shea butter, coconut oil, and grapefruit peel.

PARLOR by Jeffy Chastain Volumizing & texturizing shampoo: this multitasker uses marshmallow root to boost body and texture, while sweet almond oil protects and adds softness.

PARLOR by Jeffy Chastain Volumizing & texturizing conditioner: this lightweight conditioner nourishes, enhances body, and boosts texture,

treStiQue Color & smudge shadow crayon in aspen pine: this shadow crayon has a creamy formula that stays put for 12 hours, creating a smooth, crease free look every time.

William Schumann Skincare Hydrating Collagen eye pads: these 100% pure collagen pads hydrate and plump the skin around your eyes for a bright, youthful look.

My Birchbox was so so this month. It wasn’t bad but it wasn’t great, I will only use some of these samples, the others will go in my donate box. I hope you got a better more enjoyable Birchbox than I did.

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***

{BirchBox} From the Vault – Mystery Box

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Mystery_Box
Call us sentimental, but we can’t let go of the past—literally. We’ve got a Birchbox Vault where we store amazing Birchboxxes from the past. And this month, we’re giving you the keys.

I’ve always wondered what the BirchBox beauty vault looks like, I bet its perfectly organized by product and color. Kind of like a candy store for adult ladies, but prettier and more useful. The mystery box is $10 and if you can part with 100 Birchbox points it will be free. I had some points to burn so I thought why the heck not, I confirmed my order and waited for my mystery box to arrive.

I didn’t have to wait long my box arrived before my March box. Fast shipping is one way to my heart and Birchbox found its way in with free 2 day shipping for Aces.

“Let’s unbox the mystery!!”

Mystery Box

From the Vault Mystery Box: I got a box from November 2015.

AYERS Body Polish – Pampering Sunrise: this body polish goes on smoothly and rinses off cleanly, leaving behind only soft, fantastic-smelling skin.

Davines This is a relaxing moisturizing fluid: this formula adds shine, sublimates frizz, moisturizes, humidity-proofs, and preps hair if you’re using heat tools.
————————-> I am a huge Davines fan girl, I love love their shampoo and conditioner, however this is one product that is not in my wheel house. I will be handing this off to my coworker who regularly straightens her locks, I feel she will put this lovely product to good use. It does smell amazing, however its not for me, I let me curls hang free and never straighten them.

Dr. Jart+ Water Replenishment Mask: this refreshing cotton sheet mask is loaded with hydrating serum great for nourishing dry, parched skin.
————————————–> They had me at dry, winter temperature wise hasn’t been rough, the wind however has done a number on my skin and I cannot wait to give this a whirl.

LOC one & done shadow stick – On Point: from Birchbox’s new brand: a creaseless, waterproof shadow with shades curated by YouTube beauty star Tati Westbrook

theBalm Cosmetics – Fratboy: this talc-free, finely ground blush and shadow formula gives skin a fresh radiance that makes you look, and feel, young.

My mystery box was a pleasant surprise I will use all of the products except for the Davines. I had received a LOC shadow stick in a different shade and I am glad to have another one in my stash. I checked the site and there are still mystery boxes for sale, so go on now and go get yourself a little mystery.

Get a FREE Mystery Birchbox from 2015 with any $50+ purchase in the Birchbox Shop. Boxes vary, but each features one of our exclusive Birchbox designs and five or more beauty samples from across categories. Also available as a stand-alone purchase for $10!

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***

{BirchBox} What’s The Occasion 

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February is a month that I wish we could skip. It’s not because of Valentine’s Day, I’m not single and I have a valentine. February is a quiet reminder that another year has passed without Charlie. Not to mention February is usually cold as fuck in Minnesota. Lots of snow and cold tempatures leave this girl dreaming of spring. Ahh spring, hurry your ass up and get here! I am tired of freezing my pretty little ass off. 

I know, I know I should quit bitching about the cold because hey winter is only temporary! Yay! It’s only temporary and soon the sun will shine and it will be all sorts of hot again! 

  
Anyways back to this month’s Birchbox! “What’s the occasion,” fits the month of February perfectly! “This month, we’re helping you create your own not-quite-everyday looks, from easy hairstyles to versatile makeup techniques.” All of us wether you are coupled or single have a reason to dress up and hit the town! Or if you’re like me, you get dressed up and hit the champaign brunch buffet. Hey now, no judging a girls gotta take advantage of brunch when she can! So wether you are brunching it up or hitting the town with your best girls, I hope you do it in style and have a blast! 

  
  

Birchbox February 2016: “what’s the occasion!?” 

ARROW BOOST Color Enhancing Lip Balm: a high-tech, moisturizing lip balm from Birchbox brand ARROW. Formulated to adjust to your unique pH, it enhances each wearer’s natural lip color to create the perfect, just-for-you hue. 

———-> woohoo a lip balm that customizes itself to me! This balm is really nourishing and has a lovely light mint scent. 

COOLA® Classic SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face: The eco-friendly formula is made with 70 percent certified organic ingredients and protects from both UVA rays that lead to premature aging and UVB rays that cause painful burns.



(MALIN+GOETZ) clarifying clay mask: Made for acne-prone skin but safe for sensitive complexions, it taps refined kaolin clay to absorb excess oil and draw out impurities, plus pumice to polish away dead skin.

 

——-> Sunday night is usually mask night in uptown! Nothing like chilling on the couch, watching the real house wives and waiting for my mask to dry. This mask worked really well, it was a little to drying on my skin, but it did clear up those pesky black heads on my nose. I’m trying to be like the cool kids and posing with my best duck face! Yea I know, I won’t attempt this face again, I look like a crazy pants! 


L’Artisan Parfumeur: This light, sun-kissed scent from the iconic Parisian fragrance house L’Artisan is perfect for warm weather—or for spritzing on a carefree, summer vibe any time of year. Inspired by the image of children chasing butterflies, the fresh notes of orange blossom, jasmine, lime, and tuberose evoke a feeling of simple summer days. Slip this petite rollerball in your purse for a touch of fresh scent wherever you go.


Ouidad VitaCurl® Define & Shine Styling Gel-Creme: Infused with smoothing soybean extract, volumizing vitamin A and unique curl-forming polymers for long-lasting definition, this ultra-hydrating, non-sticky formula enhances the texture of curls and waves while leaving a luminous finish.

As far as Birchboxes go this was a pretty great box! My sample choice this month was the Birchbox brand “Arrow” lip balm and I am in love with it. I hope you enjoyed your samples as much as I enjoyed mine! 

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***




{BirchBox} Korean Beauty

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Wow! January marked my 30th Birch Box. It’s hard to believe that 30 little boxes have graced my door step. Do I remember them all, heck no. Has it been fun receiving them, heck yes it has! Birch Box has introduced me to so many great brands and reminded me of a few old but good ones too! 

  

As I have said before, I am loving the Birch Box sample choice option and add ons. Every month you can either choose a sample or select the curated box of the month. If neither of those tickle your fancy, then you my dear do not have to choose at all. I like to choose, so I always stock my email on sample choice day as its first come first serve, when they are gone its sad tears for you.

This month’s curated box peeked my interest as it included beauty products from Korea. I’ve heard a lot about Korean beauty products but was never brave enough to buy a full size product. The Korean Beauty box was the perfect choice for me.

“So Girlie! What did you get in your Korean Beauty Box!?”

January 2016

Birch Box January 2016 – Korean Beauty

Re:P Bio Fresh Mask with Real Calming Herbs: This soothing mask uses organic herbs and kaolin clay to reduce redness and deeply cleanse pores.
————————-> I love a good mask, the name alone peeked my interest, and I slathered this baby on the day I got my box. It went on like a past, dried withing 10 minutes and washed off without leaving any residue behind. My skin felt soft and I noticed a slight reduction in the redness factor. I decide to share a Monday Night Mask shot with you lovelies.
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IPKN Flash Cream Radiant Primer: Rich in fruit extracts, this nourishing SPF 15 primer creates a smooth, luminous canvas for makeup.
————————-> SPF is my go to BFF and I love any products that sneak it in. The primer went on smooth and absorbed quickly, I am not really sure if it made me luminous.

TONYMOLY Delight Tony Tint – Red: This lightweight lip color dries matte, flushed finish that lasts all day.
——————->The stain dried a little to quickly on my lips, I didn’t even get a chance to rub it in. I am not a fan.

Manefit Beauty Planner Cucumber Soothing + Moisturizing Mask: Infused with cucumber, this sheet mask soothes, tones, and restores moisture to dry skin.

Goodal Waterest First Essence: This high-tech formula includes hyaluronic acid and fermented lotus flower to help skin retain moisture.

Goodal Yerba Mate Bubble Peeling: removes dead skin for a brighter complexion.

Goodal Yerba Mate Cleansing foam: balances oil and detoxifies the skin.

I am so glad that I chose the Korean Beauty Box this month. I got introduced to a wide variety of K-Beauty products and learned which ones are worth investing in. It is always nice to have Birch Box as my guide in the uncharted territory of beauty and skin care products. Without them I would never have tried any of the products on my own.

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***

{BirchBox} All Wrapped Up

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Birchbox 2015
“No matter how many years go by, we still get a fizz of incitement around the holidays. Family traditions, twinkly lights, pillars of beautifully wrapped presents…the anticipation is half the fun! This holiday, feel free to open one gift early-your December Birchbox. Its filled with beauty treats picked just for you, all wrapped up in a cozy chic holiday pattern.”

Ahh the Holidays are here! If you know me well, then you know I put my Christmas tree up on November 1st and that I have more ornaments than I know what to do with. Christmas is magical, miracles are in the air and kindness is abundant. Every heart is glowing with a light that cannot be described, even the Grinchiest man on earth cannot hide from the Christmas spirit. As I get old holiday parties become fewer and fewer, which I am totally ok with. I rather spend the weekends decorating cookies with my niece, grabbing coffee with dear friends and cuddling on the couch with Jay. Oh and the muppet like dog too, I could never forget my fuzzy little cuddle buddy.
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If you ask me December is one of the best Birchbox months. They always go out of their way to make the Holiday boxes a little bit more special than the rest. The boxes are always perfectly dressed and the samples are well they are still the same. Birchbox is kind of like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get until you click on the sneak peek link. I always peek before my box arrives.

“Hey girl! What did you get in your All Wrapped Up Box?!”

December 15

All Wrapped Up

Beauty Protector – Protect & Detangle: This best-selling elixir that locks in color, protects from heat damage, and adds silkiness.

Catherine Malandrino – Romance de Provence: An ode to Provence, this timeless scent mixes fruity and floral nuances with vanilla and patchouli.

Costal Scents styleEyes shadow Palette – formalEyes: A bold, beautiful eye shadow palette in always-fashionable pinks and mauves.

Soap & Paper Factory – Shea butter hand cream in Green Tea: A rich cream moisturizer that soothes even the driest of hands, in a fresh, gentle green tea scent.

The Beauty Crop – Lighting Crew Highlight Cream: Full of natural antioxidants this highlighted cream is perfect under foundation or body lotion for a luminous glow.

This wasn’t my greatest December box, it wasn’t great, but it wasn’t bad either. I was expecting more holiday charm or sparkles or something festive to be included in the boxes.

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***

{BirchBox} Positive Force

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October 2015“At Birchbox, we know firsthand the power of beauty to inspire confidence, to change your mood, and to plain ol’ make you happy. This October, we’re harnessing the power of beauty in a different way: to raise money and awareness for an important cause. We’ve partnered with The Estee` Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation to found one year of breast cancer lab research hours.

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent health issues women face, affecting 1 in 8. That number is astounding. We’re proud to support a cause with dollars, awareness, and volunteer hours. We hope you’ll join us-and that you love what’s in this (very pink) box!”

Show me a woman who has not been touched by breast cancer? Everyone of us knows someone or has heard of someone who is battling the disease. Breast Cancer crept into my life when I was just 5, I didn’t understand what it was, I just knew that it meant you go to funerals. In 1987 my father’s sister Cherie Leigh lost her battle with breast cancer. I was robbed of my Auntie, a woman who I resemble to a “T”. The only thing I have of her is an old baby blanket that she lovingly cross stitched for me. I was to little to remember the times I met her or what she looked like, I only know her through my father’s memories. Yet in her death I found a bond, I know she loved me and that she is always with me, no matter where I go.

October 15
Ms. Barb, my mama’s dear friend beat breast cancer, she was with us for many years. She was and will always be my Avon lady. Ms. Barb died unexpectedly in January due to complications from an enlarged heart. She was the battle, but not war. My mama and I miss her every day. Ms. Barb taught me everything I know about makeup and skincare, she sparked my love of skincare products and makeup. I hear her voice in my head every time I pick a new shadow “child you are pale stick with taupes and pinks and you will never go wrong.” Ms. Barb was very right, taupes and pinks make my eyes sparkle.

Now lets get to this months box! I know this is why you trotted on over to my little corner of the world.

Oct 15

Positive Force – October 2015

Acure Organics Cell Stimulating Facial Mask: This green clay mask helps shed weekly dirt and grime, activating stem cells and revitalizing skin cells.
——————————-> Acure had me at the directions, the bottle literally states “smooth onto face and neck until you look like a green sea monster.” Like hello, that right there alone will make you giggle and put a smile on your mug. I have been a fan of the Acure brand for a while now and this mask lives up to their name. It is amazing and left my skin feeling smooth and sparkly clean. Bonus the price point is $12.99, so all of us can afford a little luxury in our lives.

Calypso St. Barth: Inspired by desert evenings, this is a spicy and exotic blend of coconut, violet, and sandlewood

Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin Cream: This lightweight, ceramide-packed cream calms and deeply hydrates skin

Parlor by Jeff Chastin Moisturizing & Repairing Shampoo: a lightweight sulfate-free cleanser infused with softening and strengthening ingredients

Parlor by Jeff Chastin Moisturizing & Repairing Conditioner: makes hair soft, smooth, and shiny without weighting it down

W3LL People Expressionist Mascara: all natural pro-grade mascara that lifts and lengthens lashes without chemicals or dyes

This months box was really really great. I got introduced to a new product from Acure and to an all natural mascara. I like to cut the chemicals from my life where ever I can. So all natural beauty products are a huge bonus to me.

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***