Birchbox - August 2013

                            
OMG my Birchbox is here! It arrived yesterday while I was out and I'm super excited to open it up and see what's inside. This month's theme is Finishing School. Here's a peek:

                            
                            

August is all about finishing touches and confidence. From bright red lipstick to something as simple as just smelling fresh. 

This is what's included in my box this month:
                 
                            

First off, I can actually say that this isn't bad at all. Slightly better than last month's. I can see myself using everything here. Also the sizes are way better too so I definitely will be getting multiple uses out of everything (except the deodorant wipe which is one use).

Starting from left to right, I received the stila stay all day liquid lipstick. Let's just say this is NOT for me. Don't get me wrong, I love love love lip color. But this LIQUID lipstick reminds me of a lip stain which I absolutely hate on my lips. The color I received was Tesoro which is a pretty bright red. A bit too red for me. Once I tried it on, it went on easily and creamy but then quickly (i mean QUICKLY) dried up. It was like it absorbed every ounce of moisture from my lips. I immediately went to remove it which was a bit hard to do considering it's long lasting and they sure were right about that. I would advise that when wearing this you use a lip balm or neutral gloss over this product on your lips to prevent that dry feeling/texture. The sample size however is pretty good so it'll last even though I probably won't be using this again. Sorry stila!

And hello body wash! Secondly I received the Whish Exfoliating Body Wash. I love exfoliating my skin because I have combination skin that is super sensitive and prone to break out so easily. I usually always have to find a way to keep it clean at all times. Apparently this product is gentle enough that it can be used as a face wash also (we'll see about that). Most of the ingredients are natural and organic which is great since it's being used on your skin. The sample size contains about 2-3 uses if using in on your body and maybe a bit more if you want to use it on your face and has a neutral (not too strong) smell which is great. I didn't mind receiving this product because it will definitely come in handy for those I need to be clean NOW days.

Next in line is the KMS California FREESHAPE Hot Flex Spray. Thank you Birchbox! This is actually something I've sort of been on the hunt for lately since I'm always using hot tools in my hair (which is bad). Since I've recently got my haircut my hair has to either be flat ironed or curled to look presentable otherwise it just looks like a short mess. This thermal protectant spray will definitely be used and is a very generous size. It protects breakage and damage which is wonderful because my hair is thick/kinky but breaks really easily especially when using hot tools which is frustrating. It's supposed to keep my strands protected until my next shampoo. Awesome!

Now for the OC8 Professional Mattifying Gel. I can definitely start off with my dislike of the size. I understand that the full size product is only 1.6oz but I hate samples in packets. It usually means I have to use it all right away otherwise it won't be as fresh and clean. Sort of reminds me of last month's lotion samples which were sort of like ketchup packets. Ugh! Other than that I will be using this product because once again I have combination skin which means my t-zone area is usually oily and this product is shine free (keyword: matte). Even though it says it's good for all skin types I wouldn't recommend this product to someone with dry skin because this product is fast drying and absorbs grease which means it probably will make your face look dryer than normal and that's a no-no. It doesn't leave your face sticky which is great for combination-oily skin.

Lastly which is a beauty extra is another Whish product which is a Hair Inhibiting Deodorant Swipe. Um...what?! This is probably the weirdest thing I've gotten so far out of the 3 months I've been subscribed to Birchbox. Apparently this wipe tackles body odor and slows down hair growth...under your arms. It is made with all natural ingredients so I'll still use it. Great to carry in your bag. I'll most likely be storing this in my school locker for one of those P.E days when I forget my deodorant. It's only a single use wipe and I only received one so it's alright. Not my favorite beauty extra but I'm still satisfied.

I've gotta say once again that this month was too bad, could have been better. I will be using all my products and definitely will be looking forward to next month's box. 

Here's everything that was included in my box to shop for as full size items in the Birchbox shop:




xox.

krissy