Simple Hydrating Light Moisturizer

I was picked to try this product as part of a SheSpeaks campaign (I received this product for free). I had previously purchase the Simple brand face wipes and I really liked them so I was excited to try this moisturizer. Here is my review of this product..

This is a great product and will now be my go-to summer moisturizer. It hydrates well but sinks in quickly so my skin is left feeling soft (not greasy at all). I would highly recommend this product for all skin types. I need a heavier moisturizer in the winter but this is the perfect warmer weather moisturizer for me. Unfortunately, this product is not as easy to find at my local Target and Wal-mart.  The only store in my area that carries this particular moisturizer is Walgreens.. although the Simple brand is carried at most stores (including Target and Walmart) in my area.

June 2012 Birchbox

This is the June 2012 "Jet Set" themed Birchbox. I apologize for the sideways pic... I took the picture on my phone and it refuses to be turned around. Here are the goods..

Comodynes Self- Tanning Intensive Towelettes- I received two towelette packets. Each packet is supposed to tan your entire body. I always like receieving tanning products and I had been wanting to try this brand out. Full size retails for 14.99 (for a pack of 8).

Masqueology Pore Minimizing Mask- This is a paper mask that is supposed to shrink pores. I can't tell any difference in my pore mask after one use but I liked that this was a hydrating mask that left my skin nice and soft. I would consider purchasing this product in the future. Fulll size of this product retails for 24 (not sure how many packets in a box).

Stila One Step Bronze- I received a full-sized of this product which is always quite nice. It is a three-n-one product that works as a bronzer, primer, and serum. From the Birchbox info card " It also keeps your skin's oil in check. I liked this product but it was a bit too glittery for everyday (perfect for an evening out though). Full size retails for 36.

theBalm cosmetics Stainiac in Beauty Queen- This product can be use as a cheek or lip stain. This is my favorite sample in this month's box. It says on the Birchbox site that Beauty Queen is a dark pink color but it looks red to me. I like to use this product as a cheek stain but it does look really nice as a lip stain too. This sheer gel imparts a nice natural looking blush color when used on your cheeks. I immediately placed an order on the Birchbox site for a full size Stainiac in Beauty Queen as well as an additional Stainiac in Homecoming Queen (a peach stain). There is one more Stainiac color called Prom Queen which is a light pink stain. I will be purchasing that in my next Birchbox order. This product retails for 17.

Lifestyle Extra

tili bags- This cute printed zip bags are pretty cute. I alway carry my beauty products in boring ziploc bags and I thought these were a cute way to carry my makeup essentials. I have purchased a pack of these bags on the Birchbox website. A pack of nine, gallon-sized bags retails for 8.49 (larger size available also).

Birchbox Man Extra

John Varvatos Star USA- This perfume sample was included in honor of Father's Day (and to promote the Birchbox Man monthly box).  My dad liked the sample but said that this cologne's scent faded quickly. Full size cologne retails for 55-70.

May 2012 Gossip Girl Birchbox

For the month of May Birchbox teamed up with Gossip Girl to produce a Gossip Girl themed box. Here are the goods..

Algenist Firming and Lifting Cream- This was a very generous sample tub which I am saving to try on an upcoming trip. I am always happy to try out new moisturizers and I have been hearing good reviews of this brand.  Full size of this product retails for 94.

Dior Diorshow Extase Mascara- I don't really use Mascara so I will be gifting this sample to a friend. I would like to note that this is a decent sized sample. Full size of this product retails for 28.50.

Dior Miss Dior Eau de Parfum- The Birchbox info card says "Chic and feminine, this longtime favorite is a gorgeous bouquet of floral notes deepened by a touch of patchouli".  I dislike anything patchouli scented so this perfume just wasn't for me. I gifted the sample to my mom who really liked the scent. Retails for 62-102.

Kerastase Age Premium Bain Substanif- 1 oz shampoo. It says on the sample bottle that this shampoo is for "mature" hair. I really like the scent of this shampoo but it is quite pricey and I don't see myself shelling out 36 (retail) for shampoo.

Lifestyle Extras-

Kerastase Age Premium Masque Substantif- Came in a sample packet. I love to use hair masks weekly so I was pretty excited to try this out. This is a great conditioning hair mask which made my hair less frizzy and fairly smooth. I would consider purchasing this product again (although it is pretty pricey). The full-size retails for 60.

Notecard- which says XOXO.. I thought that this was a cute extra and tied in well to the Gossip Girl theme. I watch a lot of youtube videos where people complained about this extra but I really liked the card.

All in all, I thought this was a decent box even though I gave away a couple of the items. Not as good as the Teen Vogue collaboration in March but still pretty good.

Happy Summer Everyone!! :)

April 2012 Birchbox



This theme for the April 2012 Birchbox was Natural Wonders. As you can see from the picture above it was all about skincare and beauty products packed with natural ingredients. Here are the goods..

Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine- This is the perfume vial in the middle of the picture. The Birchbox info card says "It doesn't get any cheerier than this juicy scent. a pure blend of blood orange, jasmine, and sandalwood". I was already a fan of this citrus perfume prior to receiving this sample so I was happy to get a sample to carry in my purse or when I travel. You start off smelling the blood orange in this scent and the jasmine/sandalwood comes out after the perfume settles on your skin for a bit. This sample also came with a cute postcard with the pic of coffee (and misc products) on it. Full size of this perfume retails for 55- 150.

Befine Skincare Sampler- This generous sampler included three (large) packets of Daily Moisturizer with spf 15 and two (large) packets of Gentle Cleanser. The packets were labelled as single use but I am pretty sure I can get 2-3 uses out of each packet. I currently use Be Fine exfoliater so I will be happy to try these out on my next trip.

Olie Biologique 004 Huile Moderne- This was another very generous deluxe sample which came in a spray vial. From the Birchbox info card " This lightweight blend of five organic essentials oils including argan, rosehip, and bergamot-  can be used to face, body, and hair. This arrived right after I developed an allergic reaction to something on my face (face was red, had hives and was itchy). I used this on my face and found it very soothing to my face (it definitely helped with the itchiness). I liked this product so much I purchased a full size from the Birchbox site. Full size retails for 56.

Revolution Organics Freedom Glow Beauty Balm- (Full size!). Got this in Bronzed. This bronzing stick is similar to a Nars Multiple (although I like it better than the Nars Multiple I own). I love a multi-use product and it says that it can be used on the cheeks, lids and lips. I prefer to use it on my cheeks as it imparts a very nice natural looking tan to my cheeks. Full-size retails for 36.

Lifestyle Extra-  Le Palais des Thes tea bags (x2).. I gave the tea to my dad who said that he really liked the fig tea. This product retails for 12.50 (for 20 tea bags).


This box was a big hit with me! :) Looking forward to the May Birchbox. Birchbox is teaming up with Gossip Girl for May's box so I am very excited for that box.