(Full size [.5 oz]: $43.33) (Sample value [2mL]: $6)
I received this in my July Sample Society box and thought nothing of it. I was young and arrogant, thinking "I don't need a daytime eye cream!" One fateful day in February, I decided to pull it out just to get it out of the way, but little did I know how much I would like it. Seriously, this stuff is great! I tend to get a little dry under my eyes, especially around the inner corner, and this definitely helped with that. It also helped my undereye concealer look more natural and less like makeup-y, since I was applying it onto a smoother base. Plus, I can't argue with a product that provides SPF protection! I'm considering using my Birchbox points to buy a full-size, because it's available in the Birchbox shop and I am no longer a Sample Society subscriber. However, paying the full price out of pocket for this makes me cringe, since it's only half an ounce for the full size. Ouch.
Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Day Lotion
(Full-Size: $15.38 for 1.75 oz) (Sample-Size: $2.50 for .25 oz)
(Full-Size: $15.38 for 1.75 oz) (Sample-Size: $2.50 for .25 oz)
This was my "Birchbox Find" for the month of January, but oddly enough, it was the product I wound up using the most. Burt's Bees is known for their all-natural products, and I'm a fan of their lip balm, so I was excited to try this. (I was also excited to not have to buy a new day moisturizer because $$$). I liked how this product worked with my skin, though I did have to use a sunscreen underneath it since this does not have an SPF and I never leave the house without putting sunscreen on. The only thing I didn't like about this, which is kind of a big thing, is the intense smell. It smells incredibly strong of herbs, which wasn't necessarily a bad smell, but just too scented to me (maybe my nose is just sensitive, I don't know). It didn't irritate my skin at all, but as a personal preference, I didn't enjoy using it for that reason. Plus, I don't often leave myself enough time in the morning to get ready, so I like to use a daytime moisturizer with SPF built in. But this isn't a bad product, and I would recommend it if you have normal/combination-to-dry skin. If you are incredibly dry, this might not work for you.
(Full-Size [3.3 fl oz]: $21.50) (Sample-Size [1 fl oz]: about $7)
I received this cleanser in my October Birchbox I have really enjoyed using it! I don't really care about the muslin cloths, since I am currently in a very hot and passionate love affair with my Clarisonic Mia 2, but the cleanser is great. It gets off face makeup well (not so much for mascara/eyeliner, and especially not waterproof) and it doesn't dry my skin out! It's a miracle! This is a creamy cleanser that you apply to your skin dry, massage it in, and then wash it off. I traded with a friend to receive another sample size of this, but I'm happy to find that the price isn't absurdly expensive. I might not be rushing out to buy a full size of this (because it's still over $30, yikes), but this is something I would purchase with a discount or Birchbox points.
Olay Night of Olay Firming Cream ($6 for 2oz)
I know you guys just saw me repurchase this last month, but let me explain. I typically like to keep two sets of toiletries: one in my dorm, and one in my house back home. It would be such a pain having to carry all of my beauty products back in forth, so I usually keep a set of beauty staples (cleanser, moisturizers, etc) back home so I don't have to tote my life up and down the east coast every time my school goes on break. When I went home for spring break, I finished up a jar of this moisturizer. I'm happy I still have a nearly-full one to use here at school, because I love this stuff! It's super affordable, lasts a long time, and my skin drinks it up. It's hydrating without being greasy, feels soothing on my sensitive skin. I'm on my third jar right now and will continue to repurchase for a long time. The only downside might be that my face is a little tacky after I apply this, but it doesn't bother me since I'm not touching my face in my sleep.
Bath & Body Works Shower Gel in Country Chic ($12.50 for 10oz)
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| The lotion is featured here because I forgot to photograph the shower gel before I threw it out. OOPS. |
I love this scent! It's more of a springtime scent to me. The website says it smells like wildflower, citrus, and woods, but I don't really get the woodsy part. It's definitely fruity and floral, which is my kind of scent. I've had this bottle since August and it's taken me all this time to use it up! I don't mind "splurging" (depends on your definition of splurge, but the drugstore is way cheaper) on products like this because they last such a long time. The first ingredient after water is SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate--one day I will have a masterpost of sulfate info to link here, but today is not that day), so don't expect it to be incredibly moisturizing. As long as you use a body lotion after you'll be okay.
Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Conditioner
(Full-Size [8 fl oz]: $20) (Sample-Size [2 fl oz]: $5)
This sample bottle was included in my January Birchbox. It wasn't as moisturizing or thick as I usually prefer, but it was okay. It does contain silicones (oh the humanity!) but the matching shampoo I've been using has sulfates, so it's null and void. Wen is still my favorite conditioner, as you might have seen in my 2013 Favorites.
(5.1oz)
I used this back in middle school when my hair was down to my butt. When I went home, I realized I only had a few more uses of this, so I might as well finish it up. Well, I don't like it. I don't like the way it makes my hair feel (super silicony and plasticy and gross) and I don't think it does anything to make your hair longer or stronger. I suppose the silicones would protect against future split ends, but I just didn't feel like it did much for me. Keep in mind that it has also been sitting in my bathroom for going-on 10 years. I don't think they make this anymore, which is good, because it sucks. However, you can still get it on Amazon (if you like being disappointed, and paying way more than original cost), because everything is on Amazon.
(Full-size [5.3oz]: $20.70) (Sample-size [1oz]: $9)
This was featured in my Back-to-School Beauty Essentials, and with good reason. I LOVE this dry shampoo, and I mentioned it in my Amika post over the summer. It's a spray, not a powder, so it doesn't make a mess. It actually makes my hair look and feel clean (unlike baby powder), and it doesn't get rid of any healthy shine. The price is the only thing that bothers me, but you can often find Amika products discounted at TJ Maxx and Marshalls, so that's probably where I'll be looking out for this. Also, as a side note, can I say that I love the packaging? How adorable is it? It's just so happy-looking that it makes me smile.
I've had this product for awhile (as you can see--nearly all of the writing has rubbed off), and I've finally used it up. I've been trying to get in the habit of moisturizing my cuticles every night, since they've been feeling a little weak lately. This isn't my favorite cuticle product, but it works. I prefer using a cream or an oil, but there's really nothing wrong with this. I really like the Burt's Bees Lemon Cuticle Cream and the Julep Cuticle Oil!
Phew! That's everything! What products have you used up this month? Anything good? Let me know in the comments below!
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with, nor sponsored by, and of the brands mentioned in this post. I posted my Birchbox referral link because I'm a glutton for points, and my Amazon affiliate link though it's been months and I haven't made anything yet. So, there.
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