My Top 5 Favorites from Birchbox

I thought I would do a quick post today about my favorite items I've discovered through Birchbox.   I've been with Birchbox for around 10 or 11 months now, and as I have shared in the past, Peyton and I get a kick out of the small samples we get each month. It's always fun getting something in the mail, even if it ends up being a product you don't use or love. (Hey, I never claimed to be rational.)

But I thought I would share the top 5 (well, ok, six) that I loved. I say 5 because I consider the Shampoo and Conditioner a set. (I'm logical like that. Sometimes.)

1. Whish Three Wishes Body Butter in Pomegranate.  I loved this lotion. Besides a nifty name that fits right up my alley (Three wishes? Genies? Anyone have one I can borrow?), the pomegranate scent was yummy. As a lotion, it did pretty well with absorbing into my skin and fighting the dryness. I drink a lot of coffee and keep my house super warm, so my skin is always dry.  (You think I'm joking. Hint. I'm not.) It does come in several other scents, which I've not tried, if pomegranate is not your thing. 
2. Eyeko Black Magic Mascara. I have thin, but slightly longish, lashes, so having mascara to define the lashes is always a good thing. I have tried a lot of mascara brands and this one has kicked all of the others out of my very cute Vera Bradley bag.  For interested parties, this is the cosmetic bag I keep all my stuff in. Isn't she cute?! 

   

   Vera Bradley Large Cosmetic Bag in Plum Crazy

3. 12 Benefits Instant Healthy Hair Treatment. I used to use It's a 10 Miracle Leave-in Product, and that stuff is also amazing.  When Peyton's hair was longer, we would use it almost daily and it helped get her tangles out and reduce the tears. But then I got a sample of 12 Benefits and the scent is ahhhmazing and it seemed to make my hair SO silky and smooth. Same detangling benefits as we had with the It's a 10 product, but a yummier smell, so I am now a fan of 12 Benefits. 
4. Beauty Protector Protect and Detangle. This is another detangler that I ended up liking--it had a fabulous fruity smell that lingered for a very long time. It was a bit heavier on my fine hair than the 12 Benefits, and my hair wasn't as silky as with the 12 Benefits, but the scent definitely puts it in my top two for hair detanglers. 
5. The last (two) items are Davines Love Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner.  I think this is another case where the gorgeous fig smell pulls these two items into my favorites. Technically, this shampoo and conditioner set is designed to reduce frizz and detangle hair into smoother strands, and since I have fine, straight hair, I don't really need this type of shampoo/conditioner line. But the Indian Fig scent is amazing-definitely worth the investment. Oh, yeah, and my hair was pretty smooth when using it. It just reduced the body and volume that I normally strive to inject into my hair. Some days, my nose wins the battle over good hair days.

So there you have it-my top favorites from Birchbox.  What about you? Do you subscribe to any makeup sample mailing services? I've heard there are several good options out there. And of course, Peyton is always looking for more perfume and nail polish samples!  

Do you Birchbox?

I admit I am one of those people who love free makeup and skincare samples. And yes, I am also one of those people who think putting the word "free" in front of something makes it justifiable even if you are shelling out more than you are getting for "free." It's okay if you are fully aware that you are being illogical. 

I am a VIB (Very Important Beauty Insider) with Sephora. What that means is I spend a ridiculous amount of money on makeup and skincare and they want me to keep spending more ridiculous amounts of money on makeup and skincare, so they entice me with points and free samples. 

I love samples. A daily makeup routine? Not so much. Most days I am lucky if I remember to throw on mascara and lip gloss. But with all of the samples I've tried over  the years, I have found some items that I consistently return to. I thought I would do a roundup of my top ten favorites.

1. Bumble and Bumble Bb. Thickening Dryspun Finish, Sephora. This is relatively new to the market, but I love the texture it gives hair!
2. Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk, Birchbox.com. I've tried multiple dry shampoos and I've found this one to be the best for my fine hair. 
3. L'Oreal Youth Code Dark Spot Correcting & Illuminating Serum Corrector, drugstores. I have a few sun spots on my face that have started to fade since using this serum. 
4. NARS Lipstick in Flair, Sephora. This lipstick is so creamy and non-sticky and it doesn't dry out my lips like some other brands. 
5. Stila Lip Glaze in Black Cherry, Sephora. A little sticky, but shiny and pretty. 
6. NARS Lipgloss in Dolce Vita, Sephora. I go through this gloss like crazy-it's my favorite one out there!
7. Benefit BADgal Lash Mascara, Sephora. I've tried a lot of different mascaras and this one makes my lashes look all fluffed up. 
8. Shiesdo Bio-Performance Advanced Super Revitalizing Cream, Sephora. I love this stuff. It's super moisturizing and makes my skin feel so soft. It's definitely pricy but a little goes a long way. 
9. Lady Gaga's Fame perfume, Sephora. I first scoffed at a perfume by Lady Gaga. Named Fame, of all things. (I mean, honestly, can you sound more pretentious?!) But then I smelled it and fell in love. It has Belladonna as one of its ingredients. Hm, poison, in perfume? I likes it. 
10. Clinique A Different Nail Enamel in Black Honey, Sephora. My new cult favorite. I love the dark color on nails!!! 

But back to the free sample thing (you knew I couldn't let that go, right?!). A few months ago, I subscribed to Birchbox. I had read about monthly makeup and skincare sample programs and Birchbox seemed like one of the cheaper versions to subscribe to. At $10 a month, they are not free samples, but I have to admit, it is super fun getting the beauty box in the mail each month. Peyton loves it, too--she squeals when she gets a funky nail polish color or perfume sample. Me, I'm in it for the lip gloss and skincare samples. Because even though it's not free, it's still the same fun feeling as seeing "free samples with purchase" at the makeup counter in the mall.  

Image from Birchbox.com/

What's in your beauty bag?