Birchbox is having a DREAM GIVEAWAY!!!

I don't know about you guys, but I could dang sure use a trip to the DR right about now... and that's exactly what Birchbox is offering to one lucky person. Who wouldn't want a chance to spend 5 days at the Oscar de la Renta styled TORTUGA BAY RESORT, and if that isn't enough, they're also throwing in the entire SOMETHING BLUE fragrance collection! If you want to try your luck at the ultimate luxury experience, then enter here.

Quick Rave: Melvita Eau Florale de Rose

A few months ago I received the Melvita Rose Water spritz in my Birchbox and after the 1st use fell instantly in love. I'd never really been into facial mists, despite all the rave about fix+ and so many other sprays, so naturally I left it sitting in the box for a couple weeks before curiosity finally won... plus, I figured I PAID for it, so I might as well try it. The pleasant scent of roses that accompanied the cool sensation of the spray was magnificent... and I am NOT a floral person at all. I prefer more soapy scents (ala Irish Springs and Clean Linen), but the rose water is subtle enough that it didn't bother or irritate, it simply left me feeling alert, refreshed and down right perky in the miserably hot weather (or so it was at the time I tried it). I've used it by itself for a quick pick me up, spritzed on my brushes when applying my foundation and even after applying powder, not so much to set my makeup, but more to help everything blend and avoid any ashy effect. My sample was .95 fl.oz. and I still have enough left to last me throughout the end of this month despite how often I use it. I'll definitely be purchasing the full size version for $22 when this trial bottle is finished. 

On a side note, I've been rather disappointed with my last 2 Birchbox shipments, and am thinking of cancelling after next months box if the trend continues. Anybody having a similar feeling regarding their boxes? Anyone get the Goop box (which I SHOULD have opted for instead)?

-Miss Brina

February Birchbox

I'm a few weeks late on this posting, but here it is nonetheless...

This month's Birchbox shipment was actually pretty darn good, containing a few products I'd actually been curious about in recent months. If you're not familiar with Birchbox, it's a great concept: for a mere $10/month you will receive a shipment of 4-5 deluxe makeup samples from various well-known cosmetics brands. You also get a discount on any full size item from the shipment you buy, as well as loyalty points for rating the products that you can in turn save and use to purchase full sized items. How amazing is that!

In my February shipment I received:

I. Bare Escentuals Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara
II. Befine Exfoliating Brown Sugar Cleanser
III. Nars Orgasm Illuminator
IV. Pomega5 Green Tea Mattifying Moisturizer
V. (bonus) SweetRiot Chocolate Covered Cacao Nibs

I've heard so much about the Nars Illuminator in Orgasm, but just never really got myself to give it a go. I've only used this sample a few times, and it's not at all what I expected, yet I really like it. First, it has such a light and smooth texture to it... you can't feel it on at all. It has a light citrus scent, and the color is a nice, peachy-bronze color that it goes well with any skintone. It also doesn't leave any sticky feeling or residue behind, which is an added plus. I'm not sure if I will be buying a full size of this item since I'm not a big user of highlighters/illuminators, but I will surely use this sample up.

Another great item was the Befine Cleanser. Now, I've used a few products from this line, and have been pleased with them all. And I've seen this cleanser in stores and while it sounded lovely, I've stayed away from it (and any other sugar cleanser/scrub) because I HATE the feeling/ residue that they leave on my skin. And while this smells great and actually exfoliates well, it STILL left me with that tacky feeling I dislike from sugar scrubs (no matter how well I wash it off). But if sugar scrubs and cleansers are your thing, this is absolutely something worth investing in.

I'll be doing a more in depth review on the BE Mascara and Pomega5 Moisturizer (excited about this) as I use them. As for the candy, I'm not a fan of dark chocolate, but I'll update once my SO has a taste LOL

Have you subscribed to Birchbox yet? Tried any of the items? I'd love to hear what you think!

My DECEMBER Birchbox

I received my 2nd Birchbox shipment a few days ago and I have to say I really LOVE this one. Excuse the pics, as I didn't get the time to edit them. Included in this month's order was:

1. BLOW- Bow up volumizing spray

2. JOUER- Luminizing Moisture Tint (I LOVE IT!!!!)

3. SERGE LUTENS- L'Eau

4. STILA- Lip Glaze in Kitten

I really like the color of Kitten, but this is the 1st time I've tried Stila's lip glaze... and I am not a fan. It was really thick and sticky, and left my lips pretty dry when I wiped it off... and it left tissue stuck to my mouth, so I had to end up using olive oil to get the sticky off. But, the item that I just flat out fell helplessly in love with is the Luminizing Moisture Tint from Jouer. The color I received was Deep Bronze (which was a shade too dark... but I made it work). This is probably the best tinted moisturizer I have ever used. It actually has pretty good coverage for a moisturizer and made for a GREAT base under my Jane Iredale mineral foundation. I would definitely reccommend this product. The Jouer site offers this product in a full size AND a travel size tube for $38-$20.... which is a bit high, but it is soooooooo worth it.

As for the Serge Lutens perfume, I liked it... can't say I would buy it, but I would love to get it as a gift LOL I mean damn.... $105 for 100ml... we're still in a recession!

Have you guys tried Birchbox yet?