Then I wished I could have unlimited access to samples because 1. I was a poor college student who had to budget my spending and 2. I was nervous about committing to a full size without knowing how it’s going to turn out on me.
Coincidently around that time, subscription beauty boxes like Birchbox and Ipsy were introduced to the public and quickly become rising stars (for example, ’ipsy’ or ‘birtchbox’ unboxing videos were flooding among beauty gurus). I liked this whole concept of sampling service, but I personally did not like the fact that 1. I don’t get to choose the samples (which could be a hit or miss) and 2. that I’d be billed monthly unless I cancel. For these two reasons, I thought I don’t match with subscription boxes and rather chose the option of relying on Sephora or eBay for my sample needs.
However, it wasn’t until November of last year (2014) when Birchbox’s brick and mortar store opened up in Soho NYC that I finally decided to get my hands on. BYOB aka “build your own birchbox” is $5 more expensive than their normal subscription boxes ($10 per box) but I liked that I can pick the samples and that it’s a one time purchase.
Enough with my long intro rambling-- I thought I’d share with you what I got this month because honestly, I’m super excited with all the products I chose!
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The February box is not only sturdy, but also all pink and patterned. Lovely✽
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| Even though I already know what's inside, unboxing is still fun. |
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| Only one item per category: Fragrance, Hair, Skincare, Nail/Body, & Makeup. *Tosi was a bonus. |
First up is a perfume vial: Orange Sanguine Cologne Absolute by Atelier Cologne (value: ?)
As a citrus type of gal, I naturally picked this one up. I liked the scent because it wasn't overpowering and had indeed pleasant orange juice scent. However it wasn't like I-need-to-go-out-and-get-a-full-size-right-now impressive. It lacks multiples layers or dimensions of notes; it's just plainly tangy and sweet-- something that often found in Febreze air freshener or detergents. Side note: very happy to see the post card included with the perfume. I wish other perfume companies start include something that matches their perfume scent as well.
Tocca Crema da Mano Hand Cream in Cleopatra (value: $5)
Birchbox offered so many choices in nail & body section, nevertheless this was an easy pick because this particular scent stood out the best to me.
The thing about Tocca is that for some reason, only their hand cream appeals to me. The first time I heard of Tocca was about 3 years ago on my friend's birthday wish list. My friend had wished for Tocca hand cream in Stella (blood orange) and I instantly fall in love with the scent as well. But because I already owned so many hand creams back then (and I still do), I ended up with the accompanying body wash. My excitement was soon turned off though, because as soon as the shower gel blends with water in the shower, the scent now changes into something more musky and would no longer carry any sweetness.
Also during Tocca's sample sale (which could have been a great opportunity to get some candles and perfumes), all of their perfumes came off too artificial and overpowering to me. My point is, if you were turned off by many of Tocca's signature scents whether it's body wash, candle, or perfume, I would highly suggest giving their handcream a try.
This hand cream is on the lighter weight side than the average; the thickness and texture is comparable to typical body lotion but unlike many lotion-like formula it is not tacky at all.
Birchbox offered so many choices in nail & body section, nevertheless this was an easy pick because this particular scent stood out the best to me.
The thing about Tocca is that for some reason, only their hand cream appeals to me. The first time I heard of Tocca was about 3 years ago on my friend's birthday wish list. My friend had wished for Tocca hand cream in Stella (blood orange) and I instantly fall in love with the scent as well. But because I already owned so many hand creams back then (and I still do), I ended up with the accompanying body wash. My excitement was soon turned off though, because as soon as the shower gel blends with water in the shower, the scent now changes into something more musky and would no longer carry any sweetness.
Also during Tocca's sample sale (which could have been a great opportunity to get some candles and perfumes), all of their perfumes came off too artificial and overpowering to me. My point is, if you were turned off by many of Tocca's signature scents whether it's body wash, candle, or perfume, I would highly suggest giving their handcream a try.
This hand cream is on the lighter weight side than the average; the thickness and texture is comparable to typical body lotion but unlike many lotion-like formula it is not tacky at all.
Caudalie Polyphenol C15 Overnight Detox Oil (Value: ?)
As a face oil junkie, I could not resist but picking this up even though there were so many great other items to choose including eye creams from Laura Mercier and Dr. Brandt. This is probably my fifth or sixth Caudalie encountering, and I can finally say that despite my high hopes, I do not match with this brand.
Things I have tried from Caudalie are: Hand cream (so-so), Beauty Elixir (irritated my skin), Devine Oil (great scent but greasy), Vinosource S.O.S (fair performance but overpriced), Cleansing water (lightweight and fresh scent but weak cleansing action). And lastly, this Polyphenol C15 "Overnight Detox" oil was another disappointment due to its horrendous smell and no visible improvement related to its claim.
Fortunately I did not gain any adverse reaction like clogged pores or pimples (I use it for night time), but it did make my skin slightly red and my skin generally felt more oily in the morning. I'm glad this is just a tiny sample size, and I won't bother with the full size.
Things I have tried from Caudalie are: Hand cream (so-so), Beauty Elixir (irritated my skin), Devine Oil (great scent but greasy), Vinosource S.O.S (fair performance but overpriced), Cleansing water (lightweight and fresh scent but weak cleansing action). And lastly, this Polyphenol C15 "Overnight Detox" oil was another disappointment due to its horrendous smell and no visible improvement related to its claim.
Fortunately I did not gain any adverse reaction like clogged pores or pimples (I use it for night time), but it did make my skin slightly red and my skin generally felt more oily in the morning. I'm glad this is just a tiny sample size, and I won't bother with the full size.
It always amazes me when the world of beauty comes up with things out of the ordinary. It's actually very recent that I heard the word 'cleansing conditioner' for the first time through a friend of mine. My friend particularly raved about L'Oreal's cleansng conditioner, but Amazon reviewers seem to either hate it or love it. Since I have oily scalp with thinning, dry, staticky hair (very annoying, I know), I did not want to make my shampoo routine any more complicated than it is now. But seeing this in real life and reading its promises, I could not help but realizing I am overly curious.
Holy [insert noun]
what is this?!!!!!
Yup, I could not believe what was going on. When I squeezed the nozzle into my palm, white mousse-- almost mimicking that of hair mousse-- came out and looked nothing like conditioner or shampoo. I followed the direction by thoroughly massaging and rubbing the product into all over my scalp. It felt as if shampooing with ordinary conditioner: no lather, yet no tangling. I was very skeptical.
BUT, magic starts to happen as soon as I turn on the faucet and water hits the top of my head. My hair actually felt legit clean, just as the feeling my hair gets while rinsing off shampoo! What's even funnier is my hair condition after air-dry. My hair was much fluffier, more voluminous, and was not staticky, not dry nor greasy. Though temporary, it literally transformed my hair texture for the day. Last but not least, I shouldn't forget to mention how this strange little thing smells divine (mostly floral added with bits of fruitiness and muskiness) and it lingers throughout the day.
The con of this product is 1. price and 2. the nozzle (no control over the amount of product). I'm now going to explore bunch of other brands' cleansing conditioners (apparently there are so many!) and see if they can replace my regular shampoo and conditioner.
Holy [insert noun]
what is this?!!!!!
Yup, I could not believe what was going on. When I squeezed the nozzle into my palm, white mousse-- almost mimicking that of hair mousse-- came out and looked nothing like conditioner or shampoo. I followed the direction by thoroughly massaging and rubbing the product into all over my scalp. It felt as if shampooing with ordinary conditioner: no lather, yet no tangling. I was very skeptical.
BUT, magic starts to happen as soon as I turn on the faucet and water hits the top of my head. My hair actually felt legit clean, just as the feeling my hair gets while rinsing off shampoo! What's even funnier is my hair condition after air-dry. My hair was much fluffier, more voluminous, and was not staticky, not dry nor greasy. Though temporary, it literally transformed my hair texture for the day. Last but not least, I shouldn't forget to mention how this strange little thing smells divine (mostly floral added with bits of fruitiness and muskiness) and it lingers throughout the day.
The con of this product is 1. price and 2. the nozzle (no control over the amount of product). I'm now going to explore bunch of other brands' cleansing conditioners (apparently there are so many!) and see if they can replace my regular shampoo and conditioner.
Make Satin Finish Powder Blush in Geisha (value: full size, $25)
I am actually not a blush person. It often makes me look like a clown or have fever. But I liked this blush because I was able to easily control the amount of application. It swatches very softly for the first time, but after a couple more sweeping action the color starts to get built up. Geisha is a great, day time wearable pink but I'm more in love with its texture; it's very smooth and creamy but it stays matte (maybe velvety).
Tosi Super Bites Almond (value: ~$2)
No picture of actual content because after the first bite, all of it went straight down to my tummy. Love how simple the ingredient list is: organic almonds, organic golden flaxseed, white sesame seeds, organic chia seeds, organic evaporated cane juice, sea salt. This sugar content is so much lower than other bars in the market; nevertheless, its crunch, nutty, filling, and most importantly tasty. I am loving the idea that Birchbox is introducing healthy snack/supplements to their customers!
All in all, I'm satisfied with my box, both product value & quality-wise. If I had to pick the number one out of all, it would be hands down the cleansing conditioner. Because... it's just that amazing & innovative. (thumbs up)
If you find Birchbox BYOB system interesting, Birchbox do change samples for BYOB every month. You can check their monthly sample menu on here.
*not an affiliate link.
*not an affiliate link.
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