Power up the change- we're in the middle of summer!

This month I got my Birchbox first, but as I was going in vacation I decided to postpone posting about it until I was back. I got to go to the Bahamas for the first time in my life and I was really excited. My vacation was great, but now that I'm back I find it a bit hard to go back to the same old routine. Wish I have received Ipsy earlier- I could have used the tanning oil from this month's bag.

July's Birchbox was created in collaboration with Women's Health magazine and contains a coupon for a yearly subscription (10 issues) of the magazine for free. Valued at $9.99 it is almost a price of Birchbox so it is worth taking them up on that offer. There's even a note that one can get a refund for that amount. I guess they need new subscribers...?

In addition to that Birchbox launched a challenge called Power Up in 12 bite-sizes challenges. They asked their subscribers to follow 12 small steps like #2 Part your hair differently so that one can improve herself. all of it should be posted on Instagram and at the end of the month someone lucky will receive $500 worth of July products. The hardest challenge for me? #7 Up your sleep quality - they encourage one to go to sleep 5 minutes earlier - I don't have a bedtime :/ and #6 Skip the mirror where they ask you to ignore the mirror if only for a day. Problem is- I have a big mirror in my bathroom and one by the door- impossible to achieve.

Ok enough blabber about the challenge :)


Another innovation with July box was that subscribers got an email that allowed them to choose either a color of their Cynthia Rowley lip stain or  color of the Ruffian nail polish. I realized too late that I could have switched my selection from the lip stain to nail polish (if one really did not want the the offered option one could have asked to be switched to the other selection while supplies last).


This option has created a lot of positive buzz around the forums and groups for those that could choose. Of course, as it was a new untested promotion the site crashed soon after launching it and for a while the feedback was not so positive. I must commend developers and customer service -a lot of people said that they both managed to restore the options and that customer service really handled the crisis quite well. All in all, after a small snafu, internet waters calmed down and boxes sailed out to subscribers that were happy because they were given a choice.

So what was in my Birchbox?

Have a look:

#1 Cynthia Rowley lip stain in Valentine  This is a Birchbox exclusive product

Full size: 0.17 oz - $20

Sample:2.25g/0.079oz. ~$ 9.29

It is definitely moisturizing(at least when you apply it, after a while it does dry my lips slightly) and has a tint that enhances my lip color without becoming overwhelming. In fact, if it wasn't for the delicate glitter I would have thought I did not apply anything. This lip stain acts more like a lip gloss, and the color, while complimentary is nothing to brag about. I prefer NYX lip butter to it.

#2 Whish Shaving Cream 

Full size : 150 ml - $20

Sample size: 22ml/0.75 fl oz. - $ 2.93

A lot of people were pleased with this product.It has Shea butter as one of its ingredients. I usually use Skintimate gel, so I was quite excited to try it. I don't know if it is my scent combination cream - açai and grapefruit do not go together, or something but the product kind of stinks when you put it on your legs. It did work very well and gave me a close shave but I will not buy it because of the scent. I'd prefer there to be little to no scent if possible, and this one bothered me. If you can get over the scent or are not bothered by it then this cream might be for you. It did fulfill its purpose and my legs were moisturized more after I used it in comparison to my normal routine.  

#3 Hello body cream by Harvey Prince

Full size: 12 oz. - $22

Sample size: 15ml (0.50 oz.) - $0.91

... I think I'm in love. This is just perfect, I think I like it even better than the hello perfume. It smells great to me ... yup there you have it- I don't usually swap things but I would swap for it or trade or whatever- this cream smells so good on my skin I was saving it after I first tried it on my hand.  I'd rather buy it instead of the perfume to be hones . I can't be objective reviewing it I just love it <3 

#4 Marcelle New Age 8 in 1 Power Serum
full size:  1 oz. - $34
Sample size: 0.24 oz/ 7 ml - $8.16

According to BBox webpage this serum :

The lightweight formula boasts five peptides, the amino acids that amp up collagen production and improve elasticity, plus xylitol, a natural sugar alcohol that helps skin retain moisture. These potent ingredients work in eight great ways. When it comes to lines, they smooth, provide a filling effect, and visibly reduce even deep wrinkles. They also firm, lift, and strengthen, while working to boost radiance and improve the texture of your complexion. Even better? It does all of this without parabens or fragrance.

I like the fact that this serum does not contain parabens and it applies without the oily feeling. It did help smooth my skin when I applied it, as for reduction in wrinkles depth - I don't know but I did enjoy this product.

And a beauty "extra":

#5. - 2 foils of 100% pure Gingerade shower gel another BBox exclusive

Full size:13 oz/ 390 ml -$15
Sample 2x 0.067fl oz/2 ml - total $0.15

All natural, richly foaming cleanser that boasts aloe leaf juice as its first ingredient. Cruelty and gluten free. 100% vegetarian.  I want to love it but it was really just rating as acceptable. I guess I just have to accept that I only liked their coffee bean eye cream. Everything else I tried just did not work out for me.

All in all it was a good box with total value being around $21 plus the free subscription.