Unboxing: Birchbox September 2013

For those of you who are not sure exactly what Birchbox is, it's a monthly beauty sample subscription box service that costs $10 per month. Like with most of these services you begin by filling out a profile with questions like what kind of samples you'd most prefer, what type of hair and skin you have, color of skin, etc. Based on these questions every month 5 or so deluxe beauty samples, and sometimes full size, are sent to you. Also every month comes with a theme that the items are supposed to represent. At any time you are able to skip months or stop your subscription.

I used to receive Birchbox a while ago and was slowly becoming more and more disappointed with the things I received so I stopped my subscription about a year ago. Recently I got curious about them again so I started up my subscription again. This is the first month I've gotten and I have to say I actually really like most of the things I got. The nail polish and mascara are seriously amazing and I also really love the hand cream as well. This month's theme was "Heritage" and it was also Birchbox's anniversary month. Sadly I didn't receive any full sized products this round, but the sizes of the samples are actually very nice so I don't mind at all. I'm looking forward to the next couple of months so I can really make up my mind whether I want to keep getting the box or not.

Amika Blow Up Spray - Full Size $24

WHAT: Lightweight mist that adds lift and major shine for the perfect blowout.

HOW: Spray on damp hair before blow-drying. Use on dry hair to restyle or for light hold.

-I haven't tried this yet, but definitely will next time I shampoo my hair. I love anything that promises me volume and shine. This is actually a very nice sample size and will probably last me a good while, because it takes me forever to go through hair products.

RUFFIAN Nail Lacquer-Delirium - Full Size $10 

WHAT: Bold purple from the fashion label's first lacquer collection. Exclusive to Birchbox!

HOW: Apply two coats for a glossy finish, then share your #RuffianManicure !

-I love, love, love this nail polish. The color is the gorgeous metallic blue violet and it applies beautifully and smoothly. The only bad thing about this is I'm scared it's going to be gone soon with as much as I'm wanting to use it. 

Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream - Full Size $15

WHAT: This antiaging hand cream nourishes and fades fine lines with antioxidant grapeseed oil.

HOW: Massage a quarter-sized amount into hands and cuticles. Great as a pre-mani treatment.

-This is such a nice hand cream. It's moisturizing, yet not greasy and absorbs super easily. The scent is very lemony and herbal, so not everyone's cup of tea. The scent doesn't bother me at all, I actually really like it. I've been using this on my hands and nails since I received it and my skin is loving it. I'm also loving that the size is perfect for my purse and will last for quite a while, because you only need the smallest bit.

Eyeko Black Magic mascara - Full Size $24

WHAT: Water-resistant formula that curls, adds volume, and has major staying power.

HOW: Sweep the brush upward to coat your lashes.

-This is the first Eyeko product I have ever used and now I'm wanting to try more. This mascara is everything I look for in a mascara: super black, natural bristled, curved brush, super volumizing,  long lasting, and gives a great curl.

VOESH New York Green Tea Pedicure  - 3 step treatment $12

WHAT: This pampering mask nourishes and softens with grape seed extract and green tea.

HOW: Evenly apply on feet. Leave for 3-5 minutes, then rinse. Follow with VOESH Pedicure Lotion.

-I'm saving this foot mask for my next pamper session.