September Birchbox Reveal & Review

September's Birchbox theme was "Celebrating You!" and like all my boxes that I have received and the ones that I have yet to receive, I always feel that the box is designated just for me!

*Incoco Nail Polish Appliqué* These are so neat. I've seen various companies like Sally Hansen, OPI, and Avon come out with their own "dry" polish and I would peruse the different designs, but never bought a package to try at home. I was ecstatic when I received these in my birchbox; it gave me the opportunity to try it out. It smells like nail polish and it was more durable than the liquid form over time. I'd much rather use the dry form as opposed to paying $20+ for someone to do my nails or wait an hour after doing my own for my nails to fully dry. Very convenient!

*Jouer Lip Enhancer* I don't think it enhanced my lips in any fashion, but it hydrated my lips really well.

*LIV GRN C2C Fragrance Collection in Earth* I was a bit hesitant when I saw this in the box, I don't really like earthy fragrances(any type of wood smell), but surprisingly enough this fragrance was light and flowery. The bonus: Its eco-friendly!

*Pangea Organics Facial Cream for Normal to Combination Skin* I don't really care for the smell of ginger, but I have to say that it made my face feel great. I've been trying quite a few facial masques, creams, and cleansers since I started my blog and so far I haven't had any crazy reactions due to my frequent cosmetic changes, so that lets me know that these products are not heavy on the chemicals and are keeping the pH balance of face.

*Birchbox Bracelet* This could have been made with a more durable material, but it has held its own against my constant cleaning, dishwashing, sweating, showering, and multiple mommy duties. Its cute and great conversational started to let people in on the amazing things birchbox has to offer.

(Box 5)

EcoTools Eye Brush Set

I love EcoTools and this eye brush set did not disappoint. Think of a cloud swooping across your eyelids...yes, they are that soft. They have not lost their shape, bristles, or softness under intense wear and tear: I'm the kind of person who cleans brushes daily. They are durable and definitely worth every penny ($7.99@Walgreens). I happened to get this set for free with a coupon that I received from EcoTools through their Choose To Live Beautifully campaign.

Want a coupon from EcoTools so that you can grab this set or another goody for free? Go to Choose To Live Beautifully for more detail and before they run out!

EcoTools Preview

I perused the EcoTools website trying to figure out what product I wanted. I already had the 6-piece brush roll:

• Blush Brush
• Concealer Brush
• Angled Eyeliner Brush
• Eye Shading Brush
• Lash & Brow Groomer
• Hemp & Cotton Case (Room for both brushes & makeup essentials!),

two(2) foundation brushes and I couldn't decide if I want a bath product or a body care product or more brushes. I was indecisive because I wanted to use my coupons to the maximum amount allowed--$7.99. 


Eventually, I came to my senses and jumped in the car and headed to Walgreens, it was the furthest out of all the stores that carried EcoTools so I figured I would wander store to store looking for the perfect deal and if I didn't get a good deal, I'd eventually end up back at home.


 Surprise! Surprise! Here is what I found:

Green, Clean, Go Travel Set

Sustainable Softness Body Lotion

Clean Skin, Cleaner World Body Wash

6-piece Eye Brush Set

The travel set and the brush set I got for FREE. Thanks to the coupons sent to me from their "Choose To Live Beautifully" recycling campaign and the lotion and the body wash happened to be on sale. I'll post reviews in a few days to let you know what I think of the different products!

Much love,
Eunice

EcoTools FREEBIES

I was on the hunt for an AMAZING set of brushes. I don't believe in dropping $$$$ on something that you'll have to replace every couple of months to a year, but I really wanted something durable. I stumbled upon EcoTools. I had seen their ads here and there and its always a plus when they are eco-friendly and give back to the environment. So, I bought my first set and I am super happy with them. The brushes are sturdy and they do exactly what they are supposed to do. I've had them for about four weeks now and they endure daily use plus daily cleaning and not a single bristle has fallen off.

They have a recycle program, "Choose To Live Beautifully" where you can mail in your old beauty brushes and products and in return you get two (2) coupons for any EcoTools product FREE (up to a $7.99 value)! I had bought my first set prior to knowing about the recycle program, but I still had my old brushes and mailed them out last week. I was expecting a 6-8 week wait for my coupons, but I'm not complaining about the 1 week turn around. I'm a happy girl and I think I might grab two more brushes!

Remember, if you have old products: recycle them. The sooner the better, I don't know how long or how many coupons are available. Do what you can to make the world safe for our future generations!

Much love,
Eunice

July Birchbox Reveal and Review

I just subscribed in June, so my first box was sent to me in July. July also happens to be my birthday month so I considered it one of my birthday presents!

July's Birchbox was in collaboration with designer Cynthia Rowley. The contents of the box may differ slightly from what other subscribers may receive. Remember, when you sign up, you will build a beauty profile and Birchbox uses that to figure out what they'll pack into your box.

So here is my picture by picture. Reviews directly follow.  Enjoy!

 

 

 

Are you excited yet!?! Here are the contents with my personal review:

*Redken Shine Flash 02* This product is amazing! Its a glistening mist NOT a leave-in-conditioner. I have normal THICK hair and with the Texas heat it can become dull and dry looking. If I use a conditioner or a leave-in conditioner my hair gets oily and nasty looking. So I was super happy that the Redken Shine Flash 02 gave my hair that healthy shiny look without the oil. Just spray it all over and glisten!

*Philosophy Purity One-Step Facial Cleanser* I had seen the Philosophy line at my local Ulta and Sephora, but I never really took much interest in it simply because the price tag seemed too high for my comfort and I did not know anyone who actually used the line. I had heard and read the reviews and it seems to be a good line, so I was excited to try the facial cleanser. Instructions are simple: Apply to a dry/damp face, massage for 60 seconds, rinse with warm water. At first I didn't really like it, but I'm finding that if I use it while I'm in the shower my face feels a lot cleaner. It has a fragrance to it, mostly a strong soapy smell, but it is a very gentle cleanser

*AHAVA Mineral Hand Cream* Its goes on smooth but it has an old lady lotion smell to it. I am constantly washing dishes, doing laundry, changing diapers...I'm a mom...you get the picture. I was not happy with this product. It did not give my hands the necessary moisture that I needed and with my body chemistry the old lady lotion smell ends up smelling like....well just plain gross. Sorry AHAVA, this hand cream is a no go for me.

*ZOYA Nail Polish, Shade: Shay* I'm not a big fan of nude polishes. They never seem to look right on me, but I was happy with the color. It turned out to be light pick with a hint of shimmer, more opaque, than glittery. Its a very professional looking color, one I will definitely be adding to my collection. Just to sweeten the pot: "Zoya Nail Polish is a nail polish free of toluene, formaldehyde, DBP (phthalates) and camphor." Yay!

*KIND Snacks: Almond & Apricot Snack Bar* Occasionally, Birchbox will throw in a little edible goody that promotes wellness a well-being. This month, they had to have known that it was my birthday month. This snack bar was to die for! Perfect blend of almonds (my favorite!) and apricots (my other favorite!)!

(Box 1)

So, there you have it folks. My first Birchbox review! If you are interested in signing up for Birchbox, please let me send you an invitation {I can earn points for referrals and I would greatly appreciate it}, shoot me an e-mail.

Much love,
Eunice