Birchbox - January 2013

Birchbox thinks 2013 can be the best year ever.  Huh. I'm not so sure about that but I'll give it a shot.  Actually, the sentiments on the postcard are reasonable: don't change yourself, just fix a few things and re-prioritize.  That is what I definitely need to do!  My makeup brushes haven't been cleaned for weeks and I can't remember the last time I worked out.  But before I get my lazy but up off the couch, let's take a look at the fun things that came along with those motivational words.

I don't even know where to start with this perfume. There is so much wrong with it.  SO MUCH WRONG!  Truly. I'm sitting here with my fingers poised over the keyboard, not even know where to start. Let's start with what doesn't annoy and/or anger me.  Harvey Prince is 100% cruelty free - no animal testing; and made with essential and natural oils.  This fragrance is actually quite nice.  The green apple and mint are subtle, my nose picks up more on the warm amber and white cedarwood.  It lasts all day and I liked sniffing it on myself.  If everything else didn't piss me off so much I'd consider buying it in the future.  This concludes the section of the review containing anything nice.

Does the name and the picture here seem unoriginal to anyone else? Cuz it is. I'm not an advocate for Bethanny Frankel but her Skinny Girl line and logo lived first.  Nice steal, Harvey.  And now let's discuss the premise for this scent.  You think some spritzes of a perfume are going to make me feel "young, slim and beautiful".  If only.  And Birchbox suggests that when I'm hungry in the afternoon, as I always am, that I just spray on some perfume instead. Oh, fer fecks sake.  This is not going to improve my self-esteem or solve my food issues. I just don't want to stink.  Sell your fragrances as something to prevent stinkage, something to make a woman smell nice. Do NOT market it as the cure for poor body image.

Moving on.

From Lashem, we have a lash and brow enhancing serum. This product is said to be 97% natural and 100% effective at growing eye lashes and eye brows.  It is applied once a day to the lash line (or brows) and then works its magic.  Because it shouldn't be used with contact lenses, I put it on at night on both my top and bottom lash lines.  It's easy to apply with its tiny baby brush and is just a clear gel.  It could be strange coincidence but my eyes, especially around the lids, felt a bit dry and itchy in the mornings.  And whilst I don't have ah-mazing lashes, they certainly aren't puny or sad so I can't say I've experienced the "noticeable difference".  I'll use this until it's empty because why not? But I don't think I've found another necessary step for my nightly beauty routine.  Lashem says they do not test on animals.

What you're looking at here is my new favorite clarifying shampoo.  This is the stuuuuuuuff!  Lumiere d'hiver from Number 4 Hair Care is a deep cleanser gets rid of weekly buildup without stripping moisture or color.  I've been using Pureology's clarifying shampoo about once a week for ages, but have been looking for something new.  Pureology is owned by L'Oreal which I don't like, and the shampoo does tend to make my hair feel dry and tough.  Lumiere d'hiver just leaves my hair feeling so clean and so soft, and smelling so so good.  I love it!  This shampoo is also vegan, sulfate free, and cruelty free.  Lastly, hiver is my 2nd favorite French word; it means winter.  Lumiere d'hiver translates as Winter Light (light of winter).  My #1 French word? Pomplemousse! You can read all about that in a flashback to my Spring 2012 NewBeauty TestTube.  Welcome to my life, Lumiere d'hiver.


















I'm loving these cute samples from theBalm.  You may recall that I received an eyeshadow sample in my first bag from Ipsy and now here's a little Hot Mama shadow & blush all-in-one sample.  This is a lovely pink/peach color that is soft with a subtle hint of shimmer.  I haven't tried it on my eyes but have used it on my cheeks a few times.  I wouldn't say it's as pigmented or long-lasting as my blush of choice, tarte Amazonian clay 12-hour blush, but it's nice. I see this as a simple bit of color for me to wear when I'm running errands on the weekend.  I like it and theBalm is cruelty free.

This month, Birchbox sent a beauty extra: Lotus Youth Preserve face cream from Fresh.  There are 7, yes seven, actives that are supposed to make your face amazing by "treating and prevent the signs of aging".  Ok.  Or it could be that it didn't moisturize enough and is a bit stinky.  My biggest first world problem these days is figuring out my skin.  I'm now using Retin-A at night and taking Spironolactone twice a day so my breakouts and oily skin are under control.  Actually, I now have combination, almost sensitive skin which is weird after 30 years of acne and oil slicks.  Anyway, I'm in the market for a good, natural, cruelty free moisturizer.  This is not it.  It absorbed quickly but did burn a little on the dry patches around my nose and chin, which re-emerged shortly after applying the lotion.  Blerg.  And I don't like the smell of blue-green algae so Fresh face cream and I will never be friends.  Fresh is cruelty free.

What's this?  

A foldout poster with beauty items on one side and 25 ways to make 2013 awesome on the other.  It kind of reminds me of old school Tiger Beat posters that had a picture of John Taylor on one side and 25 fun facts about him on the other.  Don't know Tiger Beat?  Don't know John Taylor?!? *sigh* Kids.  But really, it's a cute idea for someone else not me (wink wink).

I am really pleased with my Birchbox this month. Yes, I want to punch Harvey Prince in the nose but even with his ridiculous skinny bullshit the perfume still smells good. I think 2013 will be awesome if I get items like this from Birchbox every month.  And if I get to meet Sting, ok?

What's on your agenda for the best year ever??