Better late than never or March review of Birchbox and Ipsy

Delivery of the March bags was a bit frustrating to me. I was waiting for a clicky truck for forever, then with Birchbox it seemed stuck in some town whereas Ipsy bag was just "in transit". And then, suddenly, I got them both on the same day. Not wanting to describe them I held on to the idea of testing the stuff before writing my post. So far I managed to do so ( and I managed to make my first swap)- with Ipsy I got a Nyx palette in Amazonian Babes- a bit of a disappointment because it was another neutral palette- I really wanted to get the BeABombshell quad. So, my friend spoke with another Ipsy subscribing friend- and now I am a proud owner of the BoraBora palette- I love the blue in it :)

Let's get the comparison on, birchbox first. 

March Birchbox brought me quite a haul of goodies that I have surprisingly been using. It was better than April BB because, let's be honest chocolate beats granola bar.

First on the list is

Coola Tinted Matte SPF for Face

Full size 1.7  oz.  - $36

Trial size: 0.17 fl oz.-5ml -c.$3.6

Trial size was not enormous but I found that I did get at least three applications out of this one. I like the texture of it, it adjusts to my face color and seamlessly provides modest coverage. I would be tempted to use it during summer because of the high level of SPF. Compared to Supergoop it is a win.

2. DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew

Full size 1.7 oz- $42

Trial size: 1 fl.oz- $24

Well I have a love-hate relationship with this brand. I would love to use them but my skin seems to hate it. This product is acceptable (better than the serum I got last time) but still not enough to make me say "wow"

It leaves my skin looking for more moisture but without that silicon like film that the last product gave me. I can use it sometimes.

3. The feared and loathed by many

Gilchrist &Soames London Colleection Body Lotion

Full size 8 oz. -$16 

Sample size:1.5 fl oz. - $3

I loved it. The sample was packaged in a great reusable bottle and the lotion itself carried a scent that was light and delivered enough moisture to satisfy me. I am planning on reusing the bottle, but to be honest I will not be buying the full size. I think this is not the "it" lotion for me. If I ever do see it in travel size in any drugstore while traveling then I am very likely to buy it (if that makes any sense).

4. Ojon Restorative Treatment

Full size :$33

Received a 2 foil sample pack

I know that this treatment has a following, unfortunately I belong to those that can barely tolerate this product. Don't get me wrong- it does hydrate and protect your hair- I could tell a difference, but it comes with a smelly price. The smell of this treatment is like tobacco, in fact someone visited me while I had it on my hair and they asked if I started smoking. For some reason, this smell is really hard for me to tolerate, and I will not buy this product. In fact, I gave my friend the second part of the sample because I knew I would not be able to use it. My friend is a smoker so I hope she will like it. If you are tempted to buy it, I implore you to go to Sephora and ask for a sample. Check first if you are ok with the smell. 

This sample, even though a foil, was enough to test the product.

5 &6

Last but not least we have my first BB perfume sample

English Laundry No.7 for her

Full size 3.4 oz -$90

This is definitely a light feminine scent with vanilla and floral undertones as described in the BB card. I liked it for spring but at $90 I would expect it to have more staying power. It basically disappears within 20-30 minutes. Maybe it's my body's chemistry. Anyway, I know I won't be buying it anytime soon.

The bonus item

Ghirardelli's Cherry Tango Square - as bonus items go it was ok. Who can say no to free chocolate?