Atelier Cologne Ambre Nue Cologne Absolue: Top notes of Italian bergamot sourced from Calabria, Sicily work in sync with Italian green mandarin to create an amber halo. The fragrance opens to middle notes of fresh jasmine and exotic cinnamon Ceylon from Sri Lanka, while base notes of African myrrh and Indian sandalwood provide an earthy counterpoint. Full-size, $190
A little bit of this cologne goes a long way-- the myrrh is subtle, the jasmine bright, and the sandalwood grounds it together. There's a note I can't place-- warm and round, very intriguing, but unlike anything in the details above. This is also a long wearing fragrance - I spilled some of this on my fingers, and now my keyboard carries the scent.
theBalm® cosmetics Hot Mama Shadow & Blush All-in-One: This illuminating powder is one of the most flattering blush, highlighter, and shadow combos we’ve ever come across. It combines subtle color with light-reflecting silica particles to give us the peachy keen complexions we’ve always wanted. Wear it on your cheeks, your lids, and wherever you want to add a dose of shimmery warmth. Full-size, $20
This has a subtle, rosy peach color that blends perfectly with my benefit foundation. I haven't used it as an eye shadow-- the shade wouldn't work with my eye color-- but I can see it working well on someone else. And as a blush, I have to say it photographs very well!
My™ Multi-Purpose Mattifying Moisturizer: This moisturizer has a lightweight, non-greasy feel and layers well under makeup. It gets its long-lasting hydrating power from patented anti-aging compounds, as well as pili and moringa oils, two potent natural ingredients. Full-size, $68
First of all, this is a GREAT moisturizer. Not only was it extremely hydrating, but it seemed to brighten my skin without adding any shine, always a concern with my aging skin. However smooth this left my skin, there isn't SPF included, which is something I need in my day-to-day moisturizer. So the search continues, even if this satisfied 3/4 concerns.
Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle: We tend to gravitate toward products that have as many functions as Imelda Marcos has pairs of shoes. (Okay, that may be a slight exaggeration.) Beauty Protector’s leave-in mist is about as versatile as they come. It conditions, shields from heat and sun damage, and–of course–detangles, among other things. Plus, it’s 100% vegan and suitable for all hair types. Full-size, $21.95
Alright this was one of the winners of this month's box-- I love how soft & smooth this left my hair, even after blowdrying! I've been using Bumble & bumble's prep product, but this one looks like a much better replacement, especially since I just hacked off a good 6 inches & am trying to protect my strands against damage.
Votivo Candle: To temporarily satisfy our wanderlust and keep our wallets happy, we light Votivo’s tropical-inspired scented candle. The colorful wax reminds us of a prized piece of coral, while the bubbly scent keeps our daydreams of exotic destinations afloat—even when we’re drowning in expense reports. Full-size, $26.00
I received the pink mimosa candle, which is as fragrant as advertised! I tend towards softer scented candles myself, so the tea candle sized sample was the perfect size. Definitely going to keep the sample size around-- it is strong enough to mask bacon
Ghirardelli Milk & Caramel SQUARES: As Mary Kate and Ashley, Simon and Garfunkel, and Mickey and Minnie would probably attest, it takes two to make a thing go right. Enter our latest Birchbox find: Ghirardelli’s melt-in-your-mouth milk chocolate squares filled with velvety caramel. The individually-wrapped squares are perfect for snacking, and each is just under 75 calories. If you can be convinced to share, they make thoughtful treats for fellow chocolate-lovers. Full-size, $4.25
Delicious! This didn't last two minutes in my house, oops.
Estimated value for all 5 6 samples: $20.74
Satisfaction with the box: Although last month had a higher value for the samples, over all this one had a higher personal value. Although the moisturizer isn't something I'd buy, I'm definitely going to use it on those days I need more hydration & am unlikely to go outside. And even the candle is going to have a use! However, I still haven't received a lip product-- get with the program, birchbox! 4 boxes, still no lip products!
amandla
andulkaphoto
turnnoffyourmind
blakekathryn
vaporwave
