Birchbox July 2011 - Product Review

I received my Birchbox on July 16th and I was excited to unravel the pretty pink paper! But this month's paper was blue. July's box was guest curated by Cynthia Rowley. The items she chose for the Birchboxettes this month are some of her all-time favorite products. 

"They are my favs! I always have one in my bag just in case." - Cynthia Rowley

Here are my great little beauty products for July!

1. Joya FvsS composition No. 1 Parfum - 0.34 fl oz | $28

2. Nux Huile Prodigieuse Multi Usage Dry Oil - 50 ml | $29.50

3. Philosphy purity made simple one-step facial cleanser - 16 oz | $32

4. Redken shine flash 02 - 4.4 oz | $17

5. YBF beauty automatic eye brow pencil in universal taupe - 0.005 oz | $12

Kind Bar - Almond & Apricot | $1.99

----

Product Review - 

1. Joya FvsS composition No. 1 Parfum - 0.34 fl oz | $28

The sample sent was in 0.05 fl oz and had a roller ball to extract the perfume. The roller ball in perfumes are old school for me but I wouldn't buy it in this format (I know its only in this format for sample sake).

 In the Philippines, if you've ever smelled Angel's breath cologne - that's what it reminded me of. The smell is fresh, airy and light but strong enough to stay on. The perfume lasted a couple of hours before I couldn't smell it in the inside of my wrists. I've always liked the smell of the cologne from the Philippines and with this smell, I wouldn't mind getting it in full size but still a big body spray fan.

Ranking: 4 stars out of 5 stars.

2. Nux Huile Prodigieuse Multi Usage Dry Oil - 50 ml | $29.50

I was excited to get this but was stumped on how to use it. So I searched. Other than the great sample products Birchbox sends, they have an extensive website on 'how to' use products that are sent in the month's birchbox. I found a tutorial with Nam Vo, makeup artist, with the Birchbox staff on their site on how to use the Sircuit Cosmeceuticals molecular mist and the multi usage dry oil.

This is how I used my 2 Birchbox products yesterday:

• After fully cleaning my face, spritz 2 to 3 pumps of the molecular mist on my entire face.
• Apply moisturizer all over face and let set for at least 5 minutes.
• Apply primer, if needed, I have combination skin.
• I placed a drop of the multi usage oil on the back of my hand and mixed in my liquid foundation. I combined the oil and foundation well together. 
• With my fingers, I applied the foundation/oil onto my face.

I really liked the process of applying the foundation/oil onto my face. It went on smoothly and easily. It felt very light and made my skin feel very soft. I did not have oily or greasy skin after or through out the day as I ran errands given the Vegas weather of being over 100 degrees. I have to say I am a BIG fan of this. 

Other ways to use this:

• Place a drop or two onto your palms and apply into your skin or hair.
• Place a drop or two into your bath.

I definitely will buy this in full size once my sample size (0.33 fl oz) is done but I will definitely use it sparingly.

Ranking: 5 stars out of 5 stars

3. Philosphy purity made simple one-step facial cleanser - 16 oz | $32

The sample I got was 1 fl oz. I used it yesterday morning to clean my face. I dampened my face with water and applied the cleanser on my finger tips to apply to my entire face. The smell reminded me of a faint smell of hair dye. Directions indicated to rub into your face for 60 seconds. As soon as the end of the time frame came up, the water that I had put on my face initially started to dry and I was rubbing the cleanser against dry skin. I washed off the cleanser and dried off my face. 

It felt light and didn't dry out my skin (like many cleansers do). I felt refreshed after. I like changing up my face cleaning process and may periodically use this sample every now and then. I like using a face scrub and/or using a microdermabrasion face wipes to clean my face. Over all I liked it but wouldn't buy a full size because I'm used to my current face cleaning process.

Ranking: 3 stars out of 5 stars. 

4. Redken shine flash 02 - 4.4 oz | $17

The sample I received was 2.1 fl oz. After curling my hair and putting it up in a ponytail yesterday, I sprayed this into my hair and it had a citrus smell. It made my hair a little shinier than it was but I didn't notice anything that popped out at me after. I will use it more and update if there were was any difference. I like the size to keep in my purse just in case I need to keep a spray on hand. 

Ranking: 2 stars out of 5 stars

5. YBF beauty automatic eye brow pencil in universal taupe - 0.005 oz | $12

This was definitely not a sample - it was FULL SIZE!! It was in taupe which was the perfect color for my eyebrows. I usually use a brow brush and eyeshadow for my eyebrows. I liked being able to change it up. I lightly filled in my brow and brushed it with the attached brush (which looked like a mascara wand) to blend the color. Overall, I liked this a lot. I don't have to worry about sharpening because its an automatic pencil. I like the color and the brush that's attached. I am a fan! I will consider buying another when this is finished.

Ranking: 5 stars out of 5 stars

EXTRA - Kind Almond & Apricot | $1.99

I was looking forward to trying this. I love quick snacks that are full of good stuff. This was delicious! With the sweetness of the apricot and the full nutty flavor of the almonds, I enjoyed it and wanted more! It has 190 calories and 5 grams of fiber but had 22 grams of carbs (which was a little high for me). Overall it was yummy! I would definitely buy it! I'll have to search where I can purchase them and what other flavors they had. 

Ranking: 5 stars out of 5 stars

___

Retail value in my July Birchbox:

1. Joya Parfum: $4
2. Nuxe multi dry oil: $5
3. Philosophy cleanser: $3
4. Redken shine spray: $8
5. YBF beauty pencil: $12
6. Kind bar:  $2_______

                 Total : $34

Once again, worth MORE than my month's subscription of $10. 

Ladies, if you haven't already - try a box out! At least you can cancel it if you decide you don't like it. If you sign up, click on this link so I can get a referral credit. 

Do you have any comments or questions about these items or about birchbox? Let me know. If you have gotten similar items, share what you did different! I would love to learn other ways to use these items!

Here is the unpacking video again for my July box.

Check out June's Birchbox unpacking/product review, if you haven't already.

Stay beautiful inside and out!

Laters,

Ree