}081{ Birchbox – Canada Launch box!

Hi Internet, I’m Dawn.
I’ve been asked to do a guest post for the lovely Amanda, since this time I received a subscription box before her! It’s kind of a big deal. Let’s begin!

First, I need to share that Birchbox is the thing I’ve been coveting. It is the reason I tried any pretty thing subscription service, because Birchbox didn’t have an option for shipping to Canada.
Until now.
I fell over this information completely by chance, while scouring blogs for something new to try in place of my previous less-than-joy-filled subscriptions. And let me tell you, I just about lost my mind. BEST DAY – signed up immediately. I didn’t even know that this was the launch box, just that I could have it.
There was a single, teensy tiny issues with the set up, but nothing that caused any heartbreak. When I set up the account and purchased the subscription, the confirmation showed my shipping date as 11/28/2014. I had however, read the help pages and anything else I could find, and their FAQs gave a ship date of the 10th of each month. Either way, I assumed it would be sometime between those dates and was totally fine with it. Next thing I know, I’ve got an apology email telling me that there was a mix up, my box would ship by the 10th, and here were 100 points to make up for the incorrect information. 100 points = $10 in their shop = joy.
Now for the actual box!

(WARNING. MY CAMERA IS A POTATO.)

It looks like this!

And then like this when it’s open!

The goods:

Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle

“This paraben- and sulfate-free detangler seals the cuticles (the microscopic scales that compose the outermost layer of each strand of hair). It also smooths and moisturizes, thereby minimizing frizz, while safeguarding color and adding shine. Lastly, it provides protection against UV rays and heat. Happily, it accomplishes all this through a weightless, non-greasy formula that leaves behind an airy floral scent.”

That being said, this shit smells like a wine-filled picnic in heaven. It’s got a warm, honey/vanillaish pretty smell that can’t be adequately described. Justin mumbled something about mountains and “like a four-leaf clover on the side of a windswept hill”. It also makes me hair do things that I enjoy, like not exploding into a mass of electrical wires. It goes for $26 for a full size in the Birchbox shop, and based on the amount of product in the sample/per use, I’m sure it would last quite a while.

Benefit Lollitint Cheek and Lip Tint

“The built-in brush allows for precise application, while the silky pigment lets you blend and blend with your fingers before the formula sets. True to Benefit’s reputation, this longwearing tint won’t budge until you wash it off. The sugar-pink shade works for a variety of skin tones and lends a flirty, vintage vibe to cheeks and lips.”

I have pretty strong mixed feelings about this product. I love the colour, which makes me think of the pretty purple shade of crossover cotton candy in a bag of pink & blue. I dislike the application, which I find gloppy and awkward. The packaging is cute, but I think it needs a scraper lid like mascaras to avoid the ridiculous amount of product you end up with on the stem of the applicator. When applied perfectly(one time this happened), it’s freaking gorgeous, almost a light plum shade, and it stays all day. The downside is how quickly it sets, and if you’re handling this half asleep, you may end up blotchy. Not likely to be something I’ll be buying in the future, especially at $36 for the full size.

Cynthia Rowley Beauty Eyeliner

“These luxe, creamy liners deliver bold color that lasts and lasts. Choose from a range of wearable shades, from basic black to eye-catching metallic. Vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free, these liners feature Cynthia Rowley’s signature gold foil design.”

It’s eyeliner. It’s black. It smudges well within about 10 seconds of applying it, and then it’s set. For like, ever. I swatched this on my hand when I got it, washed my hands twice, slept on it and then showered and I could still see it. I like it, but it’s still just a black, longwear eyeliner, and not something I’ll be rushing out to get. Also $18 in the shop.

Harvey Prince Hello Body Cream

“This fast-absorbing cream hydrates skin with a blend of olive, coconut, and sweet almond oils, plus moisturizing shea butter. Lemon and mandarin extracts add an extra burst of refreshing citrus.”

As a lotion, it’s nice. Fast absorbing, non-greasy; overall decent. The smell though. I can’t even describe it. So strong it made my eyes water, and it doesn’t go away, even after multiple hand washings. And not citrus. It reminds me of something from my childhood, but I can’t figure it out. Likely something I’ve repressed. Not something I’ll buy, and I likely won’t use the sample.

Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator

“This powerful exfoliator mimics the results of professional microdermabrasion, minus the potential for redness and sensitivity. First, papaya enzymes break down dead cells while evening out your skin tone. Next, dermatologist-approved microderm crystals fade the appearance of fine lines and acne scars, leaving skin smooth and free of imperfections. Finally, aloe vera, coconut, and vitamins B and E nourish fresh skin to keep it free of irritation.”

Let me tell you something about me. I love to exfoliate. Love it. I don’t use face/body washes, I use scrubs. I am serious about removing dead skin because dead skin is super gross. Some might call me a fanatic. So when it comes time to try a new scrub/polish, I’m sceptical to say the least. I got the box when I got home after work, so I immediately grabbed it and headed off to remove the dayface. There’s no scent to speak of, and it doesn’t feel gritty in your hand. I started to scrub up and CHOIRS OF ANGELS DESCENDED ON MY BATHROOM. This stuff is intense. I’m pretty sure at least 3 layers of skin were removed. My face felt like a friggen corporeal cloud, and I was as happy as could be. I wouldn’t recommend it if you have very sensitive skin. It’s a teensy bit drying, and recommended use is a pea size amount 3-5 times a week (I’d say 2-3 tops even if you work in a coal mine). It appears to be the closest I can get to taking a sandblaster to the face without dying, and this pleases me. I strongly recommend this, even with the $34 full size price.

In conclusion, THANK YOU BIRCHBOX I LOVE YOU. Aside from the less than awe-inspiring lotion, I’m pretty darn pleased. I will be continuing my subscription, and excitedly watching my mailbox every month. If you want to join the ranks of the joyful Birchbox Canada members, do it. It’s $15ish a month ($10 + $4.95 USD + exchanges rates/taxes) and you can use my link to give me points so that I can buy more pretty things!

CLICK IT – https://www.birchbox.ca/invite/5nrhf

This ends my first blog post ever. Thanks for reading!