I’m lagging with timely updates on my Birchbox Beauty updates if I am sharing the January Birchbox in February. I was tempted to skip this one entirely because I have yet to review the Birchbox that I received in February, but there were a few great items in January’s box that I wanted to share. And who doesn’t want to learn about little samples that can make you look and feel more beautiful. I’ve decided that I’m just going to have to double up this month and provide two reviews. As always, I like to start with the outside of the box. The uber talented folks at Birchbox make the outside of the box as exciting as the contents inside the box because you never know what you’re going to get!
If you follow Chinese Zodiac, you will know that 2016 is the year of the Red Fire Monkey (the Chinese New Year starts on February 8th, 2016 and ends on January 27th, 2017). Here is just a snippet of info about those born in Monkey years: 1908, 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004 and 2016 are clever, sharp, mercurial, and entertaining. They are wonderful to be around because they are fun, creative, and bring the sparkling energy that only Monkey can provide. Our son was born in the year of the Monkey, need I say more. If you are interested in additional information about the Chinese zodiac click here.
The cutest part of this month’s Birchbox was the inclusion of a mini red lipstick (red is the color associated with 2016 Chinese Zodiac). Although, I should call it more of a stain than a lipstick. It glided on smoothly and dried to a matte finish and even after I “kissed” the paper there was still a lot of color from the lipstick. The Birchbox Breakdown: Tony Tint – Though a stain that stubbornly spends the day on your winter white job interview ensemble is not a good look, a stain that stays put on your lips is a completely different story. This lightweight, super pigmented formula goes on your lips with a fruity smelling sheen, and dries quickly for a sheer, matte finish that won’t budge all day. It’s easy to create deeper color by adding layers of this non-drip formula, which moisturizes lips with rosehip and aragan oils. Plus, this long-lasting tint contains jojoba seed oil, which promotes cellular regeneration and elasticity for younger looking lips.
Birchbox Breakdown: Cargo Swimmables – Sometimes, you have all the time in the world to apply eye makeup. Other times, you’re in your cubicle using your iPhone’s camera as a mirror before a last-minute meeting. Regardless of how many milliseconds you have to get ready, these creamy eye shadows guarantee a polished look in the blink of an eye. The waterproof and smudge-proof formula glides on quickly without creasing—plus, the sticks double as eyeliner pencils. Wear these shimmery shades alone or under powder shadows for a dramatic impact.
Birchbox Breakdown: amika perk up dry shampoo – Think of this dry shampoo as a shot of espresso for your strands. The weightless spray absorbs excess oil and dirt, leaving locks clean and deodorized as well as lighter and softer. Made with antioxidant and fatty acid-rich obliphica oil, the formula simultaneously moisturizes and strengthens hair, repairs split ends, and enhances shine. Moreover, amika’s dry shampoo relies on rice starch instead of aluminum shavings or talc, and it’s safe for color-treated hair.
Birchbox Breakdown: Cane+Austin Acne Retexture Pad – We know the Fountain of Youth isn’t technically a real thing, but these powerful little pads are the next best thing. The at-home glycolic facial treatment exfoliates, evens skin tone, and turns back the clock on age spots and fine lines. They’re strong enough to deeply clean out pores and boost cell turnover, but gentle enough to use daily. The non-irritating, paraben- and fragrance-free formula restores skin luminosity on all skin types, including dry and sensitive.
Birchbox Breakdown: – Lait-Crème Concentré – Take a peek in nearly any makeup artists kit and you’ll spy a well-loved tube of Embryolisse’s cult favorite Lait-Crème Concentré. Since we’re just as picky as the pros, you’d better believe we’re fans too. This velvety moisturizer gives skin the ultimate silky finish, thanks to generous amounts of soothing shea butter and aloe vera. It’s rich without being heavy, and can be used on all skin types. Plus, it doubles as a makeup remover, post-shave soother, and baby cream. Who says beauty isn’t practical?
