“Adventure is a State of Mind”

Who doesn’t like adventure? I sure do! Is there a kayak in the box along with the beauty goodies? Nope, just beauty products. (Rats, I really need a kayak!)

For those of you who aren’t familiar with Birchbox, it’s a monthly beauty subscription service. For $10 a month with free shipping you get 4 to 6 beauty, grooming and/or lifestyle samples. You fill out a beauty profile when first signing up, letting them know what your preferences are. Birchbox also has a rewards points system. You will earn 1 point for every dollar that you spend in the Birchbox shop, 10 points for every review that you write on samples that you have received in your box and 50 points for every person that you invite who purchases a Birchbox subscription. 100 points = $10 in the Birchbox store. The points can add up fast!

Here’s what I received in my box this month:

Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo .75 oz.

photo by tracysotirakis.com

Birchbox description: “Weightless spray that refreshes sans residue, in the brand’s signature obliphica scent.” Full size: $21

I first encountered this brand at a beauty convention in Las Vegas where my friend made me go back to the booth several times to get their free trade show bags because they were so cute. Over the years, I have sampled Amika’s products and they all work and smell great. I hadn’t tried the dry shampoo and was really excited to receive one in the June box. Yes, a small bottle of dry shampoo excites me. The smell is really nice, not too perfumy or fruity. Unlike some brands of dry shampoo, this one does not leave a white cast to your hair that you have to really scrub to make it go away. Definitely a keeper and getting put into my pro hair styling kit for work.

Dr Jart+ BB Night Beauty Balm .17 fl oz

photo by tracysotirakis.com

Birchbox description: From the Korean skincare pros, this BB cream delivers sheer coverage and fights signs of aging.” Full size: $38

When I got the sample, I thought “Oh cool, a night BB cream.” I immediately put a little blob of it on the back of my hand to see what the deal was. It was clear with little white beads, which looks kind of fun. Then I spread it on my hand. To my surprise, the white beads turned into a light beige color. Maybe I looked at the product wrong. Why would a “night” BB have color in it? The product description says that “the color self adjusts when applied. It’s even gentle enough to sleep in!” Yeah, I’m not one of those women that doesn’t let anyone ever see her without makeup, even while sleeping, so I will not be using this sample at night. Maybe I’ll mix it with some sunscreen for daytime use. I really don’t see buying this product and using it as a night BB cream. Color in a night product is just weird and wrong. My pillow cases thank me in advance.

Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner in Electric Blue .028 oz

photo by tracysotirakis.com

Birchbox description: “This blendable waterproof eyeliner goes on smoothly and stays put all day.” Full size: $11

Yes, I have a ton of eyeliners, but I am always looking for a new great long lasting one that I can use on myself or throw in my pro makeup kit or set bag. Of course I received the one color that would look a little too crazy on me, Electric Blue. I tested it anyway, the 80’s are back right? The Marcelle eyeliner is very creamy and easy to apply with no tugging on the eyelids. I found that it was pretty long lasting and there was even a little leftover after washing my face. It had a lot of staying power in my waterline also. The color was very pretty (not necessarily on me) and would look awesome on someone with medium or darker skin tones. I’m pretty impressed with the liner because of the creaminess and would be interested in buying some more basic colors for my kit.

Real Chemistry Luminous 3-Minute Peel .17 fl oz

photo by tracysotirakis.com

Birchbox description: “This acid-free peel gently exfoliates for instantly softer, smoother, brighter skin.” Full size: $48

I read and re-read the instructions before using the peel, making sure I would do it right. The bottle said to apply it in the shower, so that was my plan. You are supposed to start with slightly damp skin, apply it, then massage it in. The peel will activate and solids will form with your dead skin. Massage next for 2-3 minutes until all the gel has combined with the dead skin.

When I first spread it on my face it started to ball up almost immediately. I kept massaging for a minute or so and then noticed that a lot of it had attached to the peach fuzz on my jawline. No amount of scrubbing would get it off. I had to resort to yanking the little balls of peel and peach fuzz off with my nails. This was quite unpleasant so I will not be purchasing this product in the future. A fail in my beauty book. Sad face. Sad face with less peach fuzz!

Supergoop! Everyday SPF 50 with Cellular Response Technology .34 fl oz

photo by tracysotirakis.com

Birchbox description: “This lightweight sunscreen provides water-resistant, SPF 50+ protection anywhere you need it.” Full size: $19-$48.

Many sunscreens are greasy and give off a white cast. Not this one, it is oil free and rubs in easily. Wonderful for everyday wear. I did find that I really didn’t need much moisturizer under it, especially now in the summer. If you are a little on the oily side, you could probably skip your moisturizer as well. It also comes in a giant 18oz bottle with a pump for easy and convenient daily application. This sunscreen will definitely go on my shopping list after I use up all the other sunscreens that I have now. (My favorite face sunscreen is still CoTZ.)

L. Erickson Narrow Grab & Go Ponytail Holder
Blonde/taupe color, 1 hair band

photo by tracysotirakis.com

Birchbox description: “We’ve added in this ponytail holder from L. Erickson for a chic pop of color.” Full size: $12

Socks, bobby pins and hair ties seem to fall into the same black hole, never to appear again. Where do they go? Another dimension? Is there some other planet out there in another galaxy that is simply littered with single socks,bobby pins and hair ties? I think so. On this planet though, the L. Erickson hair band is cute and will make your pony tail look like you actually care about your hair style. It even looks nice as a bracelet because of the bead. My long hair held well during a furious kickboxing workout, which is the ultimate test. I will definitely keep using it until it gets transported through the black hole to the “sock, bobby pin, hair tie” world.

So that’s my Birchbox June 2015 review. I’m pretty happy with my samples this month. Let’s face it, you’re not going to love every single product, every single month. It is definitely fun trying out new beauty goodies though. Looking forward to next month’s treasures!

If you would like to sign up for Birchbox, use my referral code and I will receive 50 points. Thanks for helping with my beauty product addiction!

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