Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart. - Wordsworth

November '11 Birchbox

Can I just say I LOVE this month's box? I am so happy with everything!

Atelier Cologne | $60-170
Warm notes of vanilla, oak wood and amber anchor this anutumn-ready perfume.

I thought I was going to love this, but it's just TOO potent. I guess that's a good thing though when it's so expensive. I accidentally dripped more than I would have liked on my hands. The softer wafts I got of it throughout the night were actually really nice. It's very heady, if you know what I mean.

BORGHESE Fango Active Mud | $33-65
This classic Italian treatment has mineral-rich mud from Tuscany, plus nourishing avocado and sweet almond oils to smooth skin on face and body.

I have not tried this yet but I am really looking forward to doing so. I'll update and include a review once I've tried it!

LaROCCA Champagne & Shimmer Surpreme Crème | $35
Shea butter and olive oil join forces to leave skin firm, supple and ready to set off your favorite party dress.

I'm not sure how to describe the smell of this. It's a light floral smell to my nose.  It adds a nice shimmer to my skin, like a very subtle highlight. The only thing I can fault it for that it's a little greasy and it takes a long time to sink in. Also, the smell might interfere with whatever scent you wear.

Zoya Nail Polish in Izzy | $8
The perfect party polish, this bold pink shade from Zoya's holiday 2011 collection has a touch of look-at-me sparkle.

I was THRILLED to receive a nail polish. And I was very happy it was one of the pinks rather than the darker ones they are offering on birchbox's website. Who doesn't love Zoya? This is my first time trying it but the beauty community has been raving about it forever.

Treat: Two Paper Dolls Ampersand Coasters | $15 set of six
Our  favorite ltterpress studio adds a hip, playful touch to everything they do, from notecards to coasters.

I love these! I can't see them lasting long if a glass does actually sweat all over it (think restaurant drink cards) but they are affordable enough to keep re-ordering them. I will use these in my office because I hate getting water from cold drinks all over my desk! They also came with a coupon code to make an order, so that may be a nice Christmas present for someone!

The bracelet is not noted on my information card other than saying it was a prize I unlocked. Maybe because I recently reached my first 100 birchbox point? Not sure, but that was a very nice surprise! It's something I would wear. I love the way it adjusts. It also has a card in the bag saying "Shop designer fashion jewelry without the mark-up and build your ideal jewelry-wardrobe guilt-free! Get $10 off your first order and enter win free baubles" and then it gives me a link!

I was really pleased with both the quantity and the quality of this months samples. I look forward to using all the products!

 

October '11 Birchbox

Now that it's November... I guess i'll go ahead and give this update! (My November box just shipped out! I will make a real effort to actually upload that more quickly... I'll also get my first Eco Emi box this month!)

Befine Lip Exfoliator | $25
A lip-healing wonder: Befine's gentle Lip Exfoliator sloughs away flakes and cracks to leave lips velvety.

I really was disappointed with this exfoliator. It didn't feel particularly exfoliating. I know it's more of an enzyme exfoliator than an abrasive one, but it felt yucky on my lips. The couple times I used it didn't give me much of a result.

blinc Mascara | $24
This tubing mascara won't smear, smudge or run - plus it gives lashes a sassy, extra glossy look.

I really dislike this mascara. It does come off in little strings, which is harder to remove with my eye makeup remover (sonia kashuk - i love it, non-greasy and non-burning) than my regular mascara (maybelline great lash). Also, i lost a lot of eyelashes when I was removing this. I don't know if it made them brittle and break or if it was just a normal shedding. I refuse to use this longer to find out... but I don't often lose that many lashes at once.

Pangea Organics Facial Scrub | $32
This all-natural scrub uses cranberry seed enzymes and finely ground adzuki bean to clear away dead skin so that your products can do their job.

I am happy with every Pangea Organics product I have received! I plan on purchasing the facial cream that I got a sample of last month, once that sample is gone. This is an effective scrub, and it smells delightful!

Redken Shine Flash | $17
A weightless finishing spray that uses camelina oil and Vitamin B5 to give you silky, shimmering strands.

I love this shine spray! I was very excited to receive this sample. It's a very decent size sample and I know it will last me awhile. It makes my hair very shiny as expected. The only complaint I have is the smell. It doesnt' smell BAD, it just ... fills a room even with one spray! I have to hold my breath and make sure it's the last thing I do in the bathroom so I can just run right out. I would purchase this product in the future, the only downside is that it really hangs in the air and makes me cough.

Extra: Tea Forté Mints | $9.99 for 3
Our new obsession, these tasty mints are infused with energizing yerba mate and rich cocoa.

I LOVE these!! Everyone I have shared them with loves them too. I got the Chai Minteas. They are delicious and have a nice cinnamon flavor. I am trying to locate these in a store around my area!

All in all, I was pleased with the October box. It was a lot better than the box I received for September. I love these sampling programs!