May Birch Box - My very first one!!

I was on the waiting list for Birch Box for over two weeks which probably doesn't sound like a lot, but to me... it felt like YEARS!  Finally i got the much awaited email inviting me to receive my monthly goodies and i couldn't be happier!  I quickly signed up and anxiously waited!  I received my very first Birch Box last week.   When it arrived, i could not open it fast enough!  I mean, this particular box was a Gossip Girl themed box and even though i no longer watch the show, i certainly love the characters' incredible sense of style so i was anxious to see what kinds of goodies were in store for meee! The outside of the box came with a Gossip Girl sleeve with a picture of the NY skyline.  I admired it briefly, then proceeded to slide the sleeve off and open the box.  My first impression was one of disappointment to be really honest.  I was kind of like, "where's the rest??"  In fact, i was thinking the samples would be a bit bigger.  However, after examining it further, i realized it was actually quite nice. I received the 'Chic Sunday Brunch' box.   I absolutely love the headband.  The color could not be more perfect!  The BB cream was also a nice addition, especially since I've been dying to try one!  This one is pretty good though I still want to try a few more brands before deciding which full size product to purchase.  The beauty blender/brush cleaner will certainly come in handy, that's for sure!  I love the 'xoxo' note card, it's so chic!  In addition, there was a Gossip Girl trivia card containing product information in the back.  I got a fun, gold nail polish as well.  I'll admit i have yet to use it, but will do so soon!  After all, you know i love me some nail polish!  Lastly, the perfume sample... hm where do i begin... it kinda smells like men's cologne.  It's a pleasant scent indeed but certainly not for a woman!  Let's not mention the ridiculous cost for a full size bottle at a whopping $165!  What???  So that was my first Birch Box!  Although it wasn't the best, it was still super cute and certainly fun to receive and open!  I look forward to next month's, and the month after that and so forth!  Have you checked out Birch Box?  If you currently subscribe, don't forget to leave feedback for each of the items you receive.  For each review, you'll get 10 points.  This means 50 points per box.  For every 100 points, you get $10 to use towards a Birch Box purchase!  Hullo???  Major score right?  So go ahead, write your reviews and enjoy the rewards!  XOXO

 

 

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New Beauty Test Tube

As a self proclaimed beauty junkie (surely there's therapy for this, no?), I'm super excited about all the beauty sample home delivery services so easily available.  As i recently mentioned here, i am now a Julep Maven, (a member of the monthly nail polish delivery service).  I'm also anxiously awaiting my FIRST Birch Box.  I mean, seriously, I've been known to stalk the UPS truck around town (OK not really but you get the point)!  So I'm here to tell you about the ultimate product sampling program, New Beauty's Test Tube!  The way it works is, every three months (seasonally) you'll get a shipment of a variety of deluxe or full size samples enabling the member to sample/test out new products before investing in them.  Brands range from Moroccan Oil (yay),  Dr. Brandt, Mally, Skin Ceuticals and more! The membership costs $29.99 every three months.   In addition to the products, you will receive an issue of New Beauty magazine detailing all the latest beauty essentials.  If you prefer to read this issue digitally, you are also issued a special code enabling to read it on your ipad (score)!  Lastly, you'll get several gift cards to use towards a purchase at Spalook.com.  The wonderful thing about this particular service is that it comes with a folder that includes a detailed description of each sample.  You'll also get periodic emails containing video tutorials on the products included in each tube.  Overall, I'd say this is a great service.  I'm looking forward to my Summer edition of Test Tube for sure!   My favorite products from this shipment were the Moroccan Oil Frizz Control (Love MO products), the Mally evercolor shadow stick (Fun Fact: you have 30 seconds to blend, smooth and play with the color to get your desired look.  If you were to not wash it off (yuck) it'd last up to FIVE days!!! What???), and the YBF eye liner in a rich plum hue (it's highly pigmented, a super fun color, long lasting, AND comes complete with a sharpener that's built right into the cap... i mean, what more could one ask for??  I'll admit, I'm still testing out all the skin care stuff and so far so good!  I'll know more in a few days... these things take time you know!  Anyway, if you're a beauty junkie like moi, then this is for YOU! 

Here are some pics of my lovely delivery!

 

 

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