August 2012 Birchbox!

I welcomed this little box of treasures in the mail today.   Since it's that time of year for students to start back up at school, Birchbox played off of that idea and did a 'Beauty School' theme.  As a future teacher myself, I adore this theme and I REALLY like the organization they teamed up with this month (more on that below).

Before I jump in to what I got this month, I wanted to recognize Birchbox a little.  I've seen a lot of people complaining about this months box saying they didn't get many products or they don't feel like it was worth it.  I want to say that every box is worth more than the $10 you pay, so you are definitely getting your money's worth each time.  While you might not be impressed with the items in each months box, that is what the subscription service is for!  To find items you like and ones you might not like without having to spend full price on an item.  If you do end up loving them (hopefully you do!), then you can go out and buy it.  If you didn't like it, then you didn't pay an arm and a leg and left with a hole in your pocket.  No worries.  :)
Birchbox is always thinking outside the box (no pun intended).  They have great customer service, the themes are wonderful, their website is user-friendly, they have YouTube videos to go along with the themes and products each month, and they always think of the small things.  As a detail oriented person, I love that about the company.  For example, this month, the little 'cozy' that was placed around the Schick razor...  innovative!
Needless to say:  I am overly impressed with this company.  End of rambling.  :)

Let's dig in!

Instead of the normal card that explains the theme and lists the items in your box, Birchbox made a fun-fold out filled with tips, fixes, your items in your box, and some advice on how to get ready in record timing.

 With the theme playing off of 'school', Birchbox has teamed up with an organization called Pencils of Promise.  Random fact for all you JUSTIN BIEBER fans:  The founder of this organization is Scooter Braun's adorable brother, Adam Braun.  The organization helps to build schools around the world.  Birchbox is donating 15% of all full-size orders this month to help build a school in Central America.  Even better, Birchbox is giving a MINIMUM of $25,000.  Another reason I love Birchbox, they have fully committed to this and are promising AT LEAST that much.  Right on!  Please check out PoP's website.  The organizations story is incredible and they are making a lasting change in children's lives day in and day out.

I usually do the 'life style extra' at the end of my post, but I'm doing it at the beginning this time.  They are calling this one a 'Birchbox find' instead of a 'life style extra', but they are essentially the same thing.  I actually use the Men's Schick Hydro because it was a free sample and I LOVE it, so I'll probably like the women's better!

I recieved two of these little foil packets of Oil- Free Lash Conditioning Cleanser by Talika.  I'm excited to try these! 

Next up is Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil by Shu Uemura.  I've heard amazing things about this brand and I'm interested to see how I like it.  I have recieved some hair oils from Birchbox before and they have ended up being some of my favorite products from Birchbox.  Hopefully this will be another.  It smells nice.

I am thrilled for this sample!  I actually found the regular Viva La Juicy by Juicy Couture through a Birchbox sample and purchased the BIG full-sized bottle through Birchbox.  It smells delicious!  I saw they came out with a 'La Fleur' version and I hadn't seen it in any stores to smell it yet.  Now I have my own sample!  I love the spray bottle too.  I hate when perfume samples have those little tops....  ugh.

Another product I am excited for is this one!  I like products from Stila and I've never tried this mascara before.  My lashes are not naturally curly, so I'm wanting to see how much of a difference this will make.  The brush is unlike any other I've used before.  The bristles are very short. FYI:  This sample is exactly half of the full sized product.  Now that's what I call a deluxe sized sample! 

What did you get in your box?

If you are not subscribed to Birchbox, it is only $10 a month.  You get deluxe sized beauty samples from well recognized companies.  If you are interested in becoming a member, feel free to use my referral link:  https://www.birchbox.com?raf=gafkf 

-polish. impress. repeat.