May Birchbox Review

Once again, I am posting a bit late on the May Birchbox. Upon opening this box, I was excited to see some brands that I have been wanting to try. 

Below are the contents that I received in the box for May: 

Kérastase Bain Chroma Captive - this shampoo states that it will offer protection to color-treated hair while keeping the color radiant. This was very timely, as I just got my hair colored and wanted to make sure I kept the color looking good as long as possible. I have been wanting to try this brand for some time, now but the products are a bit on the pricey side. I would say that I do really like this shampoo - it didn't give me Jennifer Anniston's locks or anything, but it did make my hair feel more smooth. The jury is still out on whether I'll purchase the full-sized version. Kérastase makes tons of other products so maybe I'll check out another line instead. 

Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel - This organic line has been on my 'must try' list for a while now. I like the idea of using organic products and I've read good things about this brand. This peel is an alpha and beta hydroxy acid complex with apple, lemon, grape, raw sugar and willow bark. 

I really loved this peel! It goes on creamy like a moisturizer, and tingles a bit (which I love..makes me feel like it's working). You leave it on for 15 minutes and then wash it off. It left my skin feeling really smooth and tight. I am looking forward to doing it again (probably tonight!) I would like to buy the full-sized sample but it runs around $45 so I'll use up some of my other products first. This was definitely my favorite item in the box! 

Cargo Water Resistant Blush in Los Cabos- I wish I would have taken the picture with the cap off to show the color but it's a deep coral and very pretty. I have used it a few times, but it tends to go on a bit darker than I'd like so I have to rub some off after applying. There's a slight sparkle to it, but it's not too bad - you won't walk around looking like someone threw glitter on your face :) 

Coola Organic Sunscreen SPF 30 - I have my HG sunscreen (Elta) that I use, but I have used this a couple times so far - it smells delicious, like cucumbers. It goes on smooth and isn't greasy at all. I like the fact it is organic, but I love my Elta so much that it would take a lot for me to use something else. 

Hail Merry Macaroons - These vegan, gluten-free and raw treats came in the chocolate almond flavor. I love anything that is chocolate, and these were pretty good for being so healthy. :) I just had an actual macaroon for the first time (in Paris!) and they were like little pastel colored bites of heaven. These weren't bad, I guess I was just expecting something sweeter. I do like that these are vegan and gluten-free - if I had a bag of these at home I would totally eat them but I don't think I would buy them. 

So far, my three favorite products have been the Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel, Macadamia Oil Deep Repair Mask (I just bought the full-size from Ulta last week!) and the Marcelle BB Cream I reviewed in the March post. I should also mention that I received my first issue of Women's Health magazine that was offered in April's box and it was such a great issue! I'm really looking forward to my June box, which should arrive this week..whoot! 

-A

Sephora Haul

I could spend hours in a Sephora store..wait, let me re-phrase..I HAVE spent hours in a Sephora store. I am mesmerized by the rows of lip gloss, mascaras, skin care products - so much to try yet limited amount of money. Lately, my focus has been searching for the ideal skin care products. Being in my *ahem* 30's I really need to make sure I am taking the best care of my face to avoid wrinkles, sun spots and whatever else genetics and mother nature throw my way. The skin concerns I have been dealing with is just tired, dull looking skin, hyper-pigmentation and a few scars.
After reading a blog post about Peter Thomas Roth Max Correcting Pads, I decied to log into my beloved Sephora to check out the product and read some reviews myself. The PTR pads received rave reviews, so why not? I have nothing to lose at this point. While I was browsing online, I dropped a few other things in my cart as well.


I did start using the PTR face pads a couple nights ago. So far, so good... if you buy these make sure you cut the pads in half. I read that tip online and using 1/2 a pad is plenty for your face. The pros are that it smells good, and you can definitely feel it working. How, you ask? Because it burns like hell which to some would be a con. However, as my friend Amber says "I like when (a product) feels like it's peeling my skin off because that's how you know it's working"  I have to say, I noticed a slight difference in skin tone the next morning - my face felt smoother, pores were less crater-like. I'm anxious to use this for a while longer to see what it does.

Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads

I am already addicted to Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer, so when I was looking for a new primer this seemed like the obvious choice. So far, I LOVE it! It does give your face a 'radiant' glow.

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - Radiance 

 As I mentioned in a previous post, we are going to France soon! I'm so excited, so naturally I have a love for anything French. This perfume by Clean is no exception. Clean Provence smells so lovely, I can't even describe the scent - clean (of course) with a sweet candy-ish or citrusy hint to it.

Clean Provence 

I love Josie Maran's line. I think her products are a reflection of her; natural and beautiful. In my opinion, this is the best argan oil out there. I tried the Moroccan oil, but the smell really gets to me. I use the JM argan oil on my face, hair, hands, places that tend to get dry such as knees or elbows.

Josie Maran Argan Oil

 The Clarins product was a sample I received with my purchase, and so far I am pleasantly surprised. The cleanser has a orange scent, and the exfoliating beads aren't too harsh on your skin.

Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliator 

all photos from www.sephora.comI love hearing about what products other people are using, so please share your thoughts with me!


I hope everyone is having a great weekend!!