Makeup and Skin Care for Mature Skin

Birchbox is a monthly beauty subscription that is $10 per month. You receive 4-5 samples or deluxe samples each month. You get makeup, skincare, haircare, bath and body, perfume, or beauty tools. Birchbox has 3 choices each month. You can choose a specially curated box and you know exactly what is in it. The 2nd choice is to choose 1 of your samples from 3-5 choices. The final choice is to let them create the box based on your profile. I have chosen each option at one time or another. This month I went with a box based on my profile. I wasn’t thrilled with the curated box or any of the sample choices.

You can see what I typically get in my boxes here,  here,  here, here and here.   If you would like to try Birchbox you can join here. That is my personal link and I will get points. Birchbox is great some months, good others, and not great at times too. I have not been happy with my boxes for the last several months and am considering canceling. January was bad so did February make up for it? Read on to see.

R+Co PARK AVE Blow Out Balm – Those dreams of a pied-à-terre on Park Avenue may not be coming true anytime soon, but hair that looks like it was freshly styled in an uptown salon is totally achievable. This styling balm injects strands with just the right amount of body while protecting your ‘do from damage. Scented with a slightly sweet blend of orange, cardamom, fig, guava, and amber, the balm’s city-inspired packaging includes a gorgeous photo of its namesake at night. This totally disappoints. I don’t blow dry my hair more than 3 or 4 times a year. I know that isn’t Bircbox’s fault but it doesn’t make me like it any more.

Smashbox Cosmetics Always On Gel Eye Liner – Like a match made in heaven, this eyeliner marries the ease of a pencil with the qualities of a gel liner—no pot or extra brushes needed. The creamy texture sweeps along your lash line without pulling or skipping while the long-lasting (24 hours if you can believe it), pigmented color helps you avoid a melted look at the end of the day. It dries fast and stays put, so if you want to add a smoky, edgy quality to your look, smudge within a few seconds before it sets. This sample has potential. I prefer liquid eyeliner but sometimes use a pencil for more casual looks. I like all the Smashbox products I have tried.

Avène Hydrance Intense Rehydrating Serum – Just as Avène has tapped into the Sainte-Odile spring, they’ve also tapped into a wealth of knowledge about hydration. They were able to pack a high concentration of thermal spring water into this powerful, paraben-free serum, providing long-lasting (24 hours long, that is) hydration thanks to a time-released hydrophilic matrix, which soothes dehydrated and sensitive skin. The ultralightweight, noncomedogenic formula actually feels like a refreshing splash of water on your complexion and it enhances the effectiveness of any moisturizer or treatment product you choose to apply next. (French) kiss irritation, tightness, and dry flakes goodbye. This actually sounds promising. Using tretinoin has really dehydrated my skin. I have other serums open right now so I can’t try this yet.

Love Beauty and Planet Volume and Bounty Coconut Water & Mimosa Flower Shampoo – Don’t let your hair down—instead, raise it up with the help of this hydrating and volumizing shampoo that’s formulated for fine strands in need of a lift. Infused with coconut water, it helps replenish, nourish, and hydrate hair as it cleanses, leaving you with soft, light locks that have more bounce and volume. Aside from the impressive results, you’ll also love washing your hair with it because of the scent, which is comprised of ethically sourced Moroccan mimosa flower, powdery honey, and raspberry cassis. That and the fact that it’s vegan, sustainably manufactured, and doesn’t contain any harsh ingredients like parabens or silicones will make shower time feel conscientious and pampering. This sounds great but I only wash my hair 2-3 times a week so I go through shampoo slow. I also have so many shampoo samples already.

Love Beauty and Planet Volume and Bounty Coconut Water & Mimosa Flower Conditioner – Build body without any weight as in add bounce, volume, and shine to hair with this light, hydrating conditioner. Using coconut water—which is known for its moisturizing powers—and sustainably sourced mimosa flower (no silicones or parabens), the vegan formula gives your hair a boost both in height and strength so it’s less prone to breakage. It never leaves behind any residue with the brand’s fast-rinse technology (saving time and water), only an intoxicating scent with undertones of raspberry cassis and powdery honey. Same as the shampoo.

I am so disappointed in this box. It was haircare heavy and I don’t like getting haircare. (Or nail polish. Or perfume). I know that this is my issue but it doesn’t make me any happier to have a box full of haircare. I am looking forward to the serum and may like the eye pencil. This box is a 1.5/5. I am getting ever closer to canceling Birchbox.

Do you subscribe to Birchbox? What did you think of your box this month? What do you think of mine? Do you have any suggestions for other subscription boxes I might like?

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