Another month, another Birchbox post! It’s hard to believe that it’s already halfway through May. It honestly feels like I was just signing up for Birchbox yesterday. I know, that’s such a cliche blogger thing to say (enter any time flying by reference in a reoccurring post subject ever). This month, I again chose the curated box instead of picking out a specific sample, and this is what I got:
I have to say, I was pretty disappointed with the Number 4 Blow Dry Lotion. It’s a shame, because I really ended up liking their shampoo and conditioner from a few boxes ago. However, it not only did not speed up my drying time, it left my hair feeling filmy and dry. The first time I used it I thought maybe I just used too much, but even after using it a second time with barely any product, I had the same results. I’ll be sticking to my L’Oreal Blow Dry It Quick Primer Spray that I mentioned in my April Favorites (here).
I did however, like the Juara Candlenut Body Creme, though it went pretty fast sample wise. The little bottle was just enough to cover both my legs. It didn’t absorb too quickly as it was quite a heavy formula, but it was super moisturizing. Which my legs definitely needed after being lizard-like (holla at my fellow dry-and-scaley-prone girls) all winter long. The scent isn’t overpowering, and reminds me of a super subtle almost hazelnut smell. That being said, for the price of the full size is $35 for 7.5oz, so I’ll probably just pick up a similar scent from The Body Shop.
If you’ve been reading the blog for a while, you’ll know the two things that I will jump at to try are mascara and blush. I’d also been seeing the W3ll People brand around quite a bit lately and was looking froward to finally trying The Expressionist Mascara. As far as natural products go, this is the first mascara that I’ve even been able to tolerate – let alone mildly like. It isn’t too voluminizing, but does a pretty good job of defining your lashes. It does make you look the raccoon/panda if you get it wet though. If you’re going the more green route for your beauty routine, this is a great option. If you’re not too fussed about the “natural” trend, then it’s alright but there are better options.
During the warmer months, where my skin is much less dry and is less prone to absorbing heavier moisturizers, I really prefer a hydrating gel formula. After using the little bottle of the Marcelle Hydra-C 24H Energizing Hydrating Gel, I’m really tempted to get the bigger size for this summer. I love how packed with vitamins it is, how quickly it sinks in, and it leaves a pretty nice finish.
At first I didn’t like the CoTZ Flawless Complexion SPF 50 one bit. But that’s because I was thinking of it first as a base and second as an SPF. Once I switched the framing and thought of it as a tinted sunscreen, that’s where I really started to like it. I think this would be perfect to use for a day at the beach where you won’t need to conceal problem spots, but need to maximize protection from the sun. It’s really hard for me to find facial sunscreens that don’t break me out (or sting/irritate my skin in general). That being said, I much prefer the Benefit Dream Screen (found here) because it sinks in so much quicker and leaves a really nice velvety finish. However, if you can’t stomach the price of the Dream Screen, this one is a little nicer on the wallet.
You can find the Number 4 Blow Dry Lotion here, Juara Candlenut Body Creme here, W3ll People The Expressionist Mascara here, Marcelle Hydra-C 24H Energizing Hydrating Gel here, and CoTZ Flawless Complexion SPF 50 here.
♡Em
