August 2011 Birchbox Review

Watch this to see me opening the box: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4cuWpB1s2o

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

Am I the only one that can't really tell the difference between one primer and another? Maybe it's because the 2 primers that I have used are similar. I use Bare Minerals foundation so I have really only used their Prime Time primer which I like and haven't had any problems with. I like the added benefit of minerals and vitamins too. This primer from smashbox seems similar to me. It's nothing to write home about.


June Jacobs Papaya Purifying Enzyme Masque

First of all, this smells delicious - like papaya and pineapple, very tropical and island-like. When I was "massaging it into the skin" as it directs you to, it felt kind of strange for a mask. I'm used to clay masks which are slightly cold and thick and harden as they sit. This is white and very creamy in texture, almost like a thick body cream but it doesn't get soaked into the skin. It feels good but is very different than any other mask I have used. It says to leave it on the skin for 3-10 minutes. I left it on for the full 10 and by that time, all the white color had disappeared and my face just looked really greasy. After I washed it off, my skin did feel smooth and hydrated. After I used my Burt's Bees toner, my face burned a little but no real irritation occurred with this product but then my face felt greasy to the touch! That was strange since usually the toner dries my skin out a bit. I would recommend this product if you have dry skin, but with my combination skin, I will stick with clay masks like the Ahava one I got in a previous Birchbox.


twistband Hair Tie

Not a fan of this since it doesn't suit my hair. I need a lot of stretch in a hair tie and this hardly has any. 2 pull-throughs leaves my ponytail too loose and I can't fit it to go 3 pull-throughs. Plus since the band is so wide, it just folds over and creases and it stays that way. I guess if you wear hair ties on your wrist, this would be more comfortable but if it doesn't work in your hair, then what's the point?

Shaveworks The Cool Fix

I haven't used this product yet. If I do, I'll update with the review here. There's always one in the box every month.


Ouidad Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel

I don't normally like gels since usually they make the hair crunchy but this gel doesn't do that at all. It actually doesn't have enough hold for me. I wouldn't say that it controls ALL frizz either. I noticed more frizz with this product than my normal mousse. My hair was very soft and very curly but it just didn't have enough hold. I'm not sure how much product to use but I felt like I used enough. It says to use a nickel size amount and I did that 3 or 4 times with my long hair. I'm not a fan of the smell either. It's not offensive, it just smells like gel. So I would recommend this product if you have curly hair and want to keep your curls without needing much hold because this leaves the hair very soft.  But, I'll stick with my Paul Mitchell Sculpting Lotion.

{Currently Burning - Marshmallow Fireside by Slatkin & Co.}

Review of 11 New Holiday/Winter Slatkin Candles from B&BW

Yankee's September Scent

Macintosh Spice



Ok this scent I am excited for. (FYI I'm reviewing all the scents of this calendar in December 2010). When I saw this I thought this was new but I just checked the website and it's available now. When did this come out? I don't remember this. I was just saying how there needs to be a pure apple cinnamon scent without anything else. If it's as good as the regular Macintosh, I might purchase this. "Simply delicious ... crisp, slightly tart apple slices sprinkled with freshly ground cinnamon."

Fall Candle Picks 2011

Yankee's August Scent

Mountain Lake



I have expressed my dislike for Yankee's outdoor scents before. To me, they're too strong and all smell like men's cologne so this is no different. "A refreshing retreat ... the cooling scent of mountain pines and cypress with notes of lily and musk."

July 2011 Birchbox Review

KIND Fruit & Nut Almond & Apricot Bar

This should be called Almond COCONUT Apricot Bar because I tasted coconut the most (which is one my favorite tastes and smells so I thought this was yum! The nuts were crunchy but the bar overall was soft and you could pull it apart easily, It's bendable as opposed to something that breaks off in pieces. It has to be all that yummy honey that holds it all together. It's pretty darn good for you too. Nutrition Facts: All natural, Gluten & Wheat free, Low Glycemic Index, 5g of fiber, non gmo and no trans fats, dairy free, very low sodium, no sulphur dioxide. Wow that's a lot of stuff to just put on the front of the label. I haven't even gotten to the ingredients list yet - basically it's honey, nuts, and fruit and it's yummy. I think I've seen this sold on QVC. Yup - they have an assortment on their website of 2 different flavors, 18 bars for $37. I don't think I would go searching for these or buy them online since they have comparisons in stores but if I were to see this exact brand readily accessible, I'd buy one.

Zoya Polish in Shay

This was the first time I've tried Zoya nail polish and I really liked it. So far, my favorite polishes are Essie and Zoya. This polish stayed on my nails without chipping for a couple days and had a little bit of luminescence to it. It's a great nude color for an understated clean look. Next time I'd like to try something more vibrant.

AHAVA Mineral Hand Cream

The texture of this hand cream is great. It's similar to a cream to powder finish - velvety smooth. The product soaks into your hands almost immediately without any greasy residue. Unfortunately, it smells like baby powder to me so I won't be purchasing a full size. (I can't stand baby powder scents.)

Philosophy Purity Made Simple

Honestly, I haven't even opened this. I'm saving it for a travel cleanser since I don't seem to have one. I've used this before and I remember not being a huge fan. They claim that it "melts" all the makeup right off your face and yeah it might do that but it's full of oils and I think this made me break out before. I don't mind the smell, some don't like it. This product is very highly reviewed and gets very mixed reviews. Check them out if you're still curious.

Redken Shine Flash

My curly hair is naturally shiny so I have no need for this produst so I included it in my most recent giveaway!


Sorry it took me so long to get this review up. I don't write on here that often anymore but I'm still gonna continue it. Honestly, if you're wanting more in depth reviews on products I feature in my youtube videos, follow me on twitter because it's sooo much easier and quicker to portray my thoughts on there. Thanks for watching/reading!

Yankee's July Scent

Sun and Sand



I remember liking this one from last year. More fresh than beachy but not over the top. "A tropical beach breeze of sweet orange flower, lemony citrus, fresh lavender and powdery musk." Reading those notes made me like this scent even more.