#BirchboxBrag

Made a pretty big Birchbox haul last week.

Birchbox is quickly becoming my go-to makeup source, not only because I get the boxes, but because they send me discount coupons periodically, and gaining Birchbox points to use on my next purchase is such a breeze. After reviewing my monthly samples, I come out with about 70 points, and if I refer a friend to sign up, I get 50 points, and buying any item adds to the points. I can also get points for purchasing gift subscriptions for friends as well.

If you'd like to sign up and give me points (heheheh) click here: https://www.birchbox.com/invite/th29g

Birchbox also has a lot of free samples that are available with (usually) a $35+ purchase, which can be easy to achieve, since some of these products aren't exactly cheap. But it lets you try a lot of brands you may otherwise be unfamiliar with. Like, I've fallen in love with Smashbox, Benefit Cosmetics, and Lipstick Queen because of Birchbox, and I would have never tried before.

The only downfall is it's all online, so it's hard to figure out exactly what a particular lip color will look like in person, for example. But I will usually refer to makeup blogs to see what real women have to say about the products if I'm unsure, so I've never regretted a purchase. Plus, most of the brands are carried at Ulta stores, so you can try it there and order it through Birchbox. Although Ulta does have a points system for purchases (as well as Sephora), Birchbox gives away free points and random 20% off coupons and free samples a whole lot more, so points are easier to accumulate. 

However, Ulta is great because they also carry the drugstore brands that you'll never find at another makeup store, as well as a full array of one of my favorite (cheap) brands, NYX. (Although Birchbox does carry a lot of Yes To products that are on the more affordable side- I love the Grapefruit products!).

Also, if you earn 500 points over the course of a year, you are automatically enrolled in the Birchbox ACE program where you can get even MORE free goodies.

I'll start off by reviewing this little nifty thing. Benefit's Fine One One cheek stain and illuminator. I was skeptical at first, because I'm a little picky about blush shades, and I was unsure if the bright colors would look good on me. But it actually became my favorite purchase of the haul. It goes on super easy, for makeup newbies like me, and is really subtle and easy to blend despite the brightness of the balm. The top part goes on the tops of your cheekbones to highlight and illuminate without having to add an extra step and it really works! 

I've been using it every day because it's so quick and easy!

I wanted to try a subtle coral shade and I really like this Shea Butter Lip Balm in Coral Crush by Pixi. I've seen the brand at Target, but I've never bought it before. It's a more subtle peachier color than my intense orange lipstick and is really sheer and moisturizing when I want an understated look.

I've always like C.O. Bigelow products from Bath & Body Works, but I've never tried a night balm. It's super moisturizing and the only difference between it and regular balm is that the semi-liquified formula goes on super thick and lasts throughout the night to give me soft lips in the morning.

I also purchased a Laqa & Co. lip set with two lip pencil samples. Ring of Fire and Bossy Boots. Loved Bossy Boots. I used it all last weekend. It's a great wine color. Ring of Fire is too much of a hot-pink for me, so I gave it to a friend! But the pencil gave me a good sheer color that went on easily and stayed put for a while.

I wanted a translucent setting powder, so I tried W3ll People's since it was free of talcum and I felt like it would look more natural. I don't use it every day, but it works well when I do. Although it has somewhat of a strange smell.

My two free samples in the Mystery Pack was Whish Shave Cream and Suki Face exfoliating foaming cleanser. The shaving cream was a dream, and left my legs super moisturized. The exfoliator was a little disappointing though. It felt kind of oily and odd, and I much preferred my St. Ives Apricot Scrub.

All in all, I was pleased with my purchase. However, I have not completely crossed over to the dark side of high-priced beauty products. I still frequently use really great drugstore brands, such as NYX, e.l.f., and my newest obsession, Flower Beauty Makeup & Cosmetics by Drew Barrymore.