February Birchbox Review: Rent the Runway Collaboration

This was the first month for me to get one of the specially-curated boxes that Birchbox offers. If you're new to Birchbox, every month subscribers have the option of receiving the regular subscription with products chosen based on your profile or the curated box which includes items from the brand they've teamed up with for the month. 

For February, Birchbox joined with Rent the Runway to give an "all about the details" box and it was filled with some fantastic products. 

derma e Anti-Wrinkle Vitamin A Glycolic Scrub | Full-size, $12.95 

I'm a fan of derma e products, especially their night cream. This product works fantastically, makes my skin feel baby soft. The only slight drawback is the clinical smell, which is to be expected due to its ingredients. Fortunately, the scent isn't lingering and the results are worth it. I got the formula for normal to oily skin and I have dry to normal skin. Thought it'd affect my skin and have it flake, but it worked well. 

Fekkai Blowout Hair Refresher Dry Shampoo | Full-size, $10-$20

Gives you salon-fresh hair. I've been using dry shampoo more when my hair needs a pick-me-up. I haven't yet to use it post-workout when my hair is exceptionally sweaty, but the product works well on my roots. 

Net Soap, Radio Body Wash - The Stuff that Cupid dips his arrows in | Full-size, $16

Love, love, love the packaging. The smell, not so much. The product lathers well, but the blackberry/vanilla scent is too overwhelming for me (guess I don't enjoy those pheromone inducers!). However, I am one of the few who do not like the smell of Victoria's Secret bath products and this scent is similar to those. 

Sumita Color Contract Eyeliner| Full-size, $11-$21

The blue/teal color is remarkable. Not a color I'd use everyday, but it's a little bit rock 'n roll for a fun makeup look. It has great pigment and glides on easily. I'm happy that Birchbox sent me something I normally wouldn't pick for myself, but will definitely use. 

theBalm Read My Lips | Full-size, $15

The product was a mismatch for me. Anything bubblegum pink does not work well for my skin tone. It makes it look like I have frosted makeup. The texture was stickier rather than shiny. Not a fan. 

Overall, another beauty-ful box. There will always be a few misses among all the hits, and I love my first curated box experience. 

If you have yet to sign up for Birchbox and want to get beauty products delivered to your mailbox every month, then you can use my referral link by clicking HERE. 

January Birchbox Review: 2015. Let's Do This.

I love being part of the Birchbloggers group on Facebook where we all talk about makeup, beauty products, and of course, Birchbox! This is my inaugural Birchbox review and I got an extra bonus this month with the Love, Lashes and Lipstick book, which I haven't had time to read since this month's been a bit hectic. Is there any other way to enter a new year? 

So, without further ado -- here we go:

Essential Elements Wake Up Rosemary Body Lotion | Full-size, $19

I am a fan of this product line. When the product description says invigorating, they mean it. It's a little strong at first, makes me flashback to me as a young child having Mentholatum smeared on to help me with congestion (or whatever it was meant to help). But, the smell quickly turns subtle and more spa-like. I have the body wash sample in the shower and the body lotion by my bedside to rub into my arms, hands, and elbows before bed.

Katherine Cosmetics Everyday Eyeliner | Full-size $26

This eyeliner glides on well and doesn't smudge. I liked trying the dark brown color since I usually use black. The color is a better choice for a daytime, more natural look. It's a pretty high price point for me for an eyeliner, so let me know if you have any drugstore recommendations. 

Key West Aloe Gentle Aloe Facial Cleanser | Full-size $16.50

I was excited for this product after several people posted that they liked the line. I've tried this product and the lotion and...I wasn't crazy about either. I don't think the facial cleanser lathers that well and with the wide variety of beauty products available, I'm going to skip this line in the future.

Ren Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask | Full-size $55

Not my favorite mask. The smell was a bit off-putting and I was underwhelmed. I like the thicker cream or charcoal masks. It's not a bad product, just not for me. 

Sweet Science Invisible Daily Tint SPF 35 | Full-size $45

Three cheers for face products with a higher SPF! I love the lightweight feel of this product and how easily it glides on. I would use this as a stand alone in the summer when I ease up on my makeup routine, but in the winter, I still pair it with more coverage from a BB cream or foundation.

Extra January Favorite: Herbal Essences Naked Collection Shampoo, Dry Shampoo and Conditioner 

This did NOT come in my Birchbox, but I was sent samples from Klout for Herbal Essences newest line, which I love, and I'm adding it to my January list of favorites. The dry shampoo is fantastic and I used the BOGO coupon Klout sent to get the full-size shampoo and conditioner. It leaves my hair smelling fresh and it makes my hair feel super clean and hydrated. 

I look forward to getting my Birchbox in the mail every month and it's fun learning from other bloggers and YouTubers about new products to try. Let me know if you have any recommendations of recent must-haves you've used!

Battle of the Dry Shampoos: Amika Perk Up Vs. Herbal Essences Naked

I am not one of those girls who can go days without washing her hair. I know it's supposed to be healthier and hairstylists recommend it, but I just can't. 

Buuut once in awhile, I do. 

When I have gone without a washing, I turn to dry shampoo. Although I have not tried it after a super sweaty workout like TKB, I have tried it post-yoga, when my hairline only get a little bit sweaty and I am going to brunch or run errands after class.

First up, Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo, which I have received more than once in my Birchbox. No complaints here! Its subtle berry smell is far better than the medical smell of other products I've tried. Since I usually shower at night, I often use this dry shampoo in the morning to perk up my locks a bit. It help maintains the wisps around the crown of my head and makes my hair feel fresher. 

The .75 oz can that I received in my monthly subscription comes in handy for travel, but you can buy a full 5.3 oz. size on Birchbox by clicking here.

Image from Birchbox.com 

As a Klout member, I often get free "perks" and last month I received a complimentary goodie basket of Herbal Essences Naked products. I love the smell of this product! It's refreshing, light, with just a hint of mint at the end. One of the interesting things about this product is that it contains tapioca starch, which apparently aids in absorbing oil. Sounds weird, but it works! The Herbal Essences Naked Dry Shampoo does not leave a powdery residue and immediately makes my hair appear less dull. It works well to absorb oil when you work it through your roots.

I received a full 4.9 oz can with my Klout package, which retails at $4.99 at Target and other similar stores. 

Image from us.herbalessences.com

Which is better? 

While both products give amazing results, the scent and price point of the Herbal Essences Naked Dry Shampoo makes it a winner...by a hair!

Which dry shampoos have you tried? Which are your favorites? And, who has used them for really greasy, post-workout hair? I'm scared to try!