Birchbox July 2013 - Review / First Impressions

I've mentioned that I love Birchbox, no? I thought it would be fun to share what I receive, and a do mini reviews or first impressions on the items.

This month, I received 5 items. The theme for the month was Suits. Apparently, it's a USA show about a legal firm. In my opinion, it was kind of a non-theme. But the items were great!

I received:

1. Benefit it's potent! eye cream $32

I was really excited to see this in my box! I have been wanting a good eye cream, but I've been too cheap to purchase anything nice. I have a couple drugstore eye creams, but they are actually gel formulas, and not my favorite. This is creamy and rich, doesn't irritate my eyes, and really evens everything out. I think I'll save up some points and purchase it. Also, the packaging for the sample was so cute! I love when the sample packaging is a mini of the actual packaging.

2. DDF® Acne Control Treatment $44

My first impression of this is that I like it, and I think it's working. It's hard to tell with only a few uses how my skin will really do with this. So far, it's not been irritating, or too drying. I don't struggle with acne too much, but in the summer months it can be a bit worse. I've only used one application per day, just like the directions recommend to start. I don't know that I would spend that much on an acne treatment, but I'm sure I'll use the sample up.

3. theBalm® cosmetics InStain® Long-Wearing Powder Staining Blush $22

This is another product that I really wanted to try! I received the color Swiss Dot, which the website describes as a peach. I would call it a red coral. It's not the color I might have chosen for myself, but I really like it!

The staying power is fantastic! I have worn it for the last week, during 90+ degree days. It looks as nice at the end of the day as when I applied it.

As you can see, this blush is super pigmented. Use a light touch! It's easy to blend out, just be careful not to get too much on your brush.

I'd really like to try Argyle (petal pink) and Houndstooth (mauve) next!

4. Birchbox Bobby Pins - Set of Six $5

These are very sweet. I received two of the white and grey bobby pins. I'm not much of a hair accessory person, but these are quite subtle, and I plan to use them.

5. Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect $32

You guys, I have received this sample before. *gasp* I have never had this happen with Birchbox before, but I got a duplicate. I realized it almost right away, and figured I'd send them an email about it soon. Before I got a chance, Birchbox sent me an email. They apologized for the mistake, let me know that I should not be expecting duplicate samples in the future, and gave me 100 Birchbox points to make up for it. What?! I was psyched. I have contacted them before, for small things, and they have always been amazing. For sure, some of the best customer service I have received anywhere. In case you don't know, 100 points = $10 to spend in their store. Yay!

But about the sample... I do like this spray. It makes my hair feel amazing. Soft, shiny, no tangles. The dream. I feel like I can spray this on my hair, brush it out, and wake up with a good hair day. (I tend to shower at night. Working mom that can't get out of the house on time in the morning? Yup.) The only thing that I really, really don't like about this spray is the smell. The product description describes the scent as a "pretty floral scent" with "white freesia, amber, and musk." So my aversion to it may just be a personal preference thing. I wish it came in a different scent that I could like, cause I would be all over that!

All in all, a great box! I'm always excited to get a color cosmetics item, and when I get something that I have actually been shopping for. Are you reading my mind, Birchbox?

Have a great weekend everyone!

Rachel