For Christmas my brother and his fiancé gave me a 6-month subscription to Birchbox! I had heard a lot about it from friends who subscribe, but had never tried it out for myself. I am not well versed in make-up or beauty products, so hopefully this will help me discover some new things I like and will work well for me. I guess because it was my first box they gave me 6 samples instead of 5? Maybe? I am still learning how this Birchbox stuff works.

1st Box: 

Beauty Protector – Protect & Detangle 

I have been using this when I get out of the shower before I blow dry my hair. It makes it much easier for me to brush through my hair on the first try without any knots. It is also supposed to help with frizz, but I don’t really deal with that so I haven’t noticed. I have noticed that it adds a nice shine and the scent is really nice, not overwhelming, but it sticks with my hair all day long. It boasts that it is 100% vegan and suitable for all types of hair.

Soap & Paper Factory – Shea Butter Hand Cream

I have been applying this hand cream before bed. It is thick and I feel a difference in my hands immediately after putting it on. The scent is floral-like, but subtle.

MAKE – Skin Illuminator 

I’ll admit, I had to ask a friend what to do with this. I have never used a skin illuminator before, so I really cannot comment or compare it to anything. I am having fun with it, but I don’t think it will be something I add to my make-up regimen, it is a bit too sparkly for me.

Vasanti – BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator 

This is my favorite sample from this box! I have been using it every other day, it suggests to use 3-5 times a week. It does not burn when I apply it, but afterwards my face feels so clean, warm and soft! The Birchbox Breakdown says “This powerful exfoliator mimics the results of professional microdermabrasion, minus the potential for redness and sensitivity.”

Votivo Candle Travel Tin

I am burning this candle while writing this post. The sample-sized candle is quite small, but extremely fragrant – it is a little overwhelming. I think it would make a good bathroom candle. The scent I sampled was Clean Crisp White, but it also comes in Pink Mimosa and Red Current. The packaging makes it sleek and portable.

Manna Kadar – Lip Locked 

I rarely wear lip stick or gloss, I don’t know how people keep it on their lips – as soon as I eat or drink something it is gone, so I always feel like it’s a waste. It took me a little while to figure out what this was exactly… it is a primer, lip stain and gloss all in one. I sum it up to a cross between a lip stick and a lip gloss because it is shinier than a lip stick, but the color is more apparent than that of a lip gloss. The color I sampled is “Lucky (nude petal-pink)”, but it comes in a variety of shades. It would make for a good day-time lip wear, it has vitamin A and E to keep your lips soft.

I am excited to try out some more products with my 2nd box later this month! In the meantime, I plan to spend some time on the Birchbox website figuring out how it works. I know I can write reviews and earn points and make wish lists of sorts… Any Birchbox tips for this newbie?