Birchbox: April Preview!

I'm a lucky subscriber to  Birchbox, a service which sends you four to five samples of luxury beauty items in the mail monthly. Every month I'll give you both a preview of the box I got and a detailed review of the items after I've been able to sample everything. If you're interested in getting your own box or gifting a friend, let me refer you here!

I got my April box today, just a day after my MyGlam bag. (Which, by the way, was pretty worthless to me. I don't even know if I'm going to bother posting about it. I cancelled today after just one month!) This month's theme was "Natural Wonders," so everything was supposed to be themed appropriately.

From the box...

• Alima Pure Organic Nourishing Lipbalm in Rhubarb: Both wholesome and chic, this tinted balm is made with plant butters and delivers a natural flush of color. full-size, $7
• Befine Skincare Sampler: Easy does it. This exfoliator and moisturizer duo uses gentle ingredients like rice and brown sugar to keep skin supple and healthy. full-size, $24-$25
• willa Gentle Cleansing Lavender Facil Towelettes: There's no need to cozy up to your sink - wipe away the day's debris with these aloe and lavender-infused wipes. 30 sheets, $7
• Wonderstruck Taylor Swift: The pop-country songstress' scent is as catchy as her lyrics. We think it is worthy of a standing gig on our vanity. full-size, $49.50-$59.50
• LIFESTYLE BONUS - dropps Laundry Detergent: Lighten your laundry day load with these single use, eco-friendly detergent packs. We love their convenience factor and adorable design. Pack of 20, $6

Initial Thoughts
I am pleased! This box didn't blow me away -certainly not like last month's Teen Vogue box! - but I'm pleased. I really, really like the theme, especially because I'd love to be more natural and eco-friendly but don't like buying new brands without sampling. I'm especially excited to try the Befine products! I got three foils of the exfoliator and two of the moisturizer. They say they're single use, but I honestly think they're big enough for me to get two uses out of each. I need a good exfoliating cleanser!

Also, my lip balm was broken, which made me sad. It's probably still useable, though I did send Birchbox an email about it. They've been pretty good about customer service, so we'll see what happens. I already have a ton of lip product, but it'll be nice to try a new one. Really, the only sample that doesn't blow me away is the Taylor Swift perfume, but that's partly because I don't really wear fragrence. I LOVE the lifestyle bonus. These detergent packets are just the kind of thing I'd want to buy but am always too afraid to do so in case they don't work.

Expect reviews forthcoming! I didn't post for almost two weeks because of exams and general stress, but I won't let it become a habit!


Do you have an experience with the brands listed? Which product are you most interested in getting a review on? Let me know in the comments! XO, Clueless!

Blogger Appreciation Award

D'awh! I was given a Blogger Appreciation Award by the lovely Rianne at Rianne's Reviews! It's very fitting since she's actually one of my favorites out of the blogs I follow. We have a lot of similar opinions, but she's much more creative when it comes to makeup than me, so if you want to really see some neat things, you best be checkin' her out, yo. (I'll stop now.)

Thank you, Rianne!

Continue after the jump to see the rules of the award and my answers to a few questions!

What's in my traincase?

The lovely blogging support site BlogLoveTherapy is featuring a blog hop this week - What's in your makeup bag? (Or, for me, what's in your traincase?) I don't want to always spam my blog with these, but I would love some more followers, and the theme was just too fitting. I have A LOT of stuff in my train case, so I thought I'd pick my essentials, plus a product or two I'm really loving right now!

1. Tarte Lipsurgence in Joy: If you've read any of recent Birchbox posts, then you know that I got this full-sized lip tint in my box this month. Despite my initial distaste of the color, I absolutely love this product. No orange lips here! I don't wear this everyday, but when I want to highlight my lips, this is my current go-to color.

2. Maybelline Great Lash mascara: My everyday mascara! I love this for day use because it makes my lashes look nice but isn't too glamorous for my boring, daily activities, like class and work. 

3. e.l.f. Studio Tinted Moisturizer in Nude: I love this tinted moisturizer because it evens out my skin tone without being as heavy as a normal foundation. Plus, at three dollars a bottle, it doesn't break the bank. 

4. essie Navigate Her: This is my top choice for spring nail color. Not only is it trendy right now, but the formula is amazing and can last me at least a week with no chips and little tip wear. 

5. e.l.f. Essentials Brightening Eye Color in Punk Funk: I love this palette because of it's diversity (even if the name is so stereotypically irritating). I typically just wear the white on a day-to-day basis, but the pink, purple, and blue are all fun for a party.  

6. beautyblender: I got this reusable makeup sponge in my February Birchbox, and I have to say it is phenomenal. Just run this little baby under some water, let it bloat for a few seconds, and get a perfectly blended face, whether it's tinted moisturizer or foundation. Although I don't use this everyday - sometimes I'm running out of time and just slather on my face products with my fingers - I still love this neat little item.

What's in your makeup bag? What items are essential to your beauty routine? Let me know in the comments! XO, Clueless!

Join in the blog hop here!

Birchbox: March Review!

I'm a lucky subscriber to  Birchbox, a service which sends you four to five samples of luxury beauty items in the mail monthly. Every month I'll give you both a preview of the box I got and a detailed review of the items after I've been able to sample everything. If you're interested in getting your own box or gifting a friend, let me refer you here!

I said in my preview post that this Birchbox was the best I'd ever received, and after testing all the products, I can say that this is 100% true! I opted in for the Teen Vogue box instead of the normal box, simply because I was tired of getting skincare products and wanted the color and the glitter. Birchbox and Teen Vogue definitely delivered!