Birchbox – Harvey Prince Cherie Blossom

If you’re not part of birchbloggers and you blog about birchbox, you should definitely join. You may get the opportunity to try out new products to review.  That’s what happened to me.

Harvey Prince – Cherie Blossom  

1.7 oz EDT 50 ml Made in the USA 

$55.00

The very simple logo on top of the perfume box.  (Logo is orange, the camera on my phone is not the greatest)

Did I mention that I love their logo? Unicorn, carriage, stars, and the color orange.

Maybe I’m over analyzing the logo, but to me the logo says, “Driven by imagination” or “Driven by the unknown.” Unicorns and stars are mystical, magical, and unknown.

So, I did a little bit of my own research and found this on the Harvey Prince website:

“It began with a rebellious idea: boutique-quality scents should not be overwhelming, overpriced, and filled with toxic chemicals. Then came the inspiration: our mother, who loves honest products that feel and smell great. One Mother’s Day, we crafted a scent that captured her effortless and radiant aura. The result: Ageless, the first of our signature fragrances to take on the industry’s usual cosmetics-counter fare.”

Okay, so I was super excited when I chosen to review this product (and I was chosen on my birthday, so it’s like Birchbox sent me a birthday present 😉 haha).  Anyway, I was excited that I was chosen, because I don’t use many perfumes.  I don’t use many perfumes, because I’m allergic to some of the fragrances.  Like, seriously, if I go down a candle aisle or a laundry detergent aisle at a store I will sneeze about 20 times and have puffy eyes by the time I leave the aisle.  Luckily, perfumes don’t give me that bad of a reaction (and most body mists don’t bother me), but I do tend to sneeze a lot when I wear perfumes so I try to wear them only on certain occasions.  This product is listed as hypoallergenic.  I did not sneeze once since I’ve put it on!

Cherie Blossom by Harvey Prince has a beautiful fragrance.  The cherry blossom is not overpowering and it pairs well with vanilla and hint of musk.  I can’t really smell the grapefruit though.  I don’t think this scent is hyper-feminine, and I think that is because of the musk.  This is a fragrance that I want to wear with a spring dress and some wedges, while I’m all dressed up at a Spring Flower Show or a benefit at a conservatory.  I really love this fragrance, and only want to wear it on special occasions like a romantic date with my boyfriend.  It just feels very intimate and lively.

Taken from Harvey Prince website:

“Cherie Blossom is the epitome of both rebirth in Japan and the power of a classic French seductress. Sweet, soft hints of Somet Sakura mingle with pink grapefruit and vanilla. A cool musk adds a touch of sophistication. Together, these fragrant notes play a song no man can resist. The woman who dares to wear Cherie Blossom feels timeless, and in truth, we look the way we feel.”

This product already has over 200 reviews on birchbox and four stars!

This product is also made in the USA, 100% cruelty free, and has no phthalates, parabens, sulfates, benzene, GMOs, or triclosan.

Thank you birchbox and Harvey Prince!

Have a lovely weekend. xoxo

-Stephanie

Quotations taken directly from Harvey Prince’s website:  http://harveyprinceshop.com/ourstory/

Julep Maven March 2014

I finally received my March 2014 box a couple days ago.  I also ordered a couple other products from Julep so I thought I would post them as well.

I recycled my box before I could take a picture… Oops!!!

For March I ordered the Modern beauty and did the add on of Soraphine.

Buff Lip Scrub – $20.00 

Okay, so I really like the lip scrub, although it is not as “scrubby” as I would like it to be.. But I’m also not sure how harsh a lip scrub should be, because this is my first lip scrub. My lips definitely need some help this winter, so I think this product is helping!

Luxe Lip Conditioning Treatment – $24.00

I really want to like this, but I think I’m slightly intolerant to it.  I have yet to figure out what ingredient in lipgloss/lipstick that irritates.. So some lipglosses/lipsticks give me this weird tickle/cough in my throat and this is totally recent in the last couple years..  If I don’t use a lot of the product then I’m usually okay… Sorry, I got a bit derailed for a moment.  Anyway, this product totally is conditioning, smells great, and I really the metal applicator. I would recommend it, but if lip products bother you (and you’re not sure what ingredient bothers you) then I might suggest not buying it.

Soraphine – $14.00

I’ve been into white/cream/light polishes lately and that’s why I picked this as my add on.  I love it.  I have so many top coats that I cannot wait to use on it.

Overall I was really happy with my March Julep Maven Box and with the add on it ended up costing me about $25.00, which isn’t bad considering the prices of the individual products!

Aretha – $14.00

AND so I bought the March Birthstone color, because I’m born in March and this such a pretty top coat.  I can’t wait to use it!

Clean Slate Conditioning Nail Polish Remover and Pump – $14.00 

I haven’t tried this yet, but I’m happy that this is acetone free.  Never thought I’d hear nail polish remover and cond itioning in the same sentence, so this will be interesting to try out!

In total I paid about $23.00 for these two products, which is a decent discount… But I don’t think I’d spend that much again on one nail polish and nail polish remover.

Update on Ipsy February 2014

After contacting Pop Beauty and Ipsy directly about the chemical smell in the sample size of the plump pout, I received a response and both companies said that they would send me replacements.  I received my replacements today.

 

 

 

 

Pop beauty sent me a full size in Peony Petal and it smells amazing!!! The gloss itself is long lasting and it tingles, because it is a plumper.  I really love this and happy I received one that smells normal!

 

 

I received a deluxe sample from ipsy.  It’s an Urban Decay Revolution lipstick in “69.” While, I find the name immature, cliche, and tacky, I think the color is absolutely beautiful and can’t wait to try it out.  I think it’s a decent size too for being a sample.

I didn’t have to pay a penny for these replacements, and the pop beauty gloss retails for $16.00. So, of course I’m really happy!

Socialbliss February 2014

This is the box that I have been dying to get, and it finally came yesterday! I think that this is one of the best boxes that I have ever received.  

The inside of the box:

 

 

Wrapped up in radiance scarf: $22.00. 

Okay, this scarf was hard to photograph with my lighting situation and camera phone, but it is a super cute scarf that is big enough to double as a wrap to cover up the bottoms of your bathing suit.  I love the colors and the pattern.  It’s very cute and soft.  I’m not usually a scarf person, but I really can’t wait to wear this scarf. 

 

 

Galena Bliss Ring by Lili Claspe – $55.00.

I love this ring.  This is something I would totally wear to work or on a night out.  I think it is super fun, and adds a little sparkle and fun to any outfit (within reason).  I received this is silver, and I’m really happy about it, because I prefer silver to gold.  I looked at other jewelry at http://www.liliclaspe.com and everything is so beautiful, but expensive.  

  

 

Fleur de wallet $45.00 

This wallet is so much better looking in person.  I really like it, and will be using it soon, as long as it fits in my purse — it’s pretty big. You can also use it as a clutch. This item alone is worth the entire box — at least in my opinion.  

 

 

Inked in stylus pen. $10.00

Not a big fan of the stylus portion of the pen, but I like the pen itself.  This is cute, and something I will bring to work to use, and pretend to be fabulous. 😉

 

Vinotherapy face mask by naisture $3.00

I love face masks! I’ve never tried a wine mask before, so this should be fun.  I wonder what it smells like.

 

 

Go matte polish by she $4.00

I think this color is super cute. I’ve never heard of this brand though, so I can’t give much feedback on it.  

 

What did you guys think of the February socialbliss box?  

 

Julep Maven – Welcome Box – February 2014

Okay, so my sister gets this subscription and she really likes it, so I thought I would give it a try (and I think she might be gifting me a subscription for my birthday – fingers crossed).  When you sign up the first box you receive is free so that is the box I am reviewing today.  Also Julep allows you to add on products, so I added on three products and ended up spending about $22 dollars total.  Also, all of their nail products are free from formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toulene, and DBP.

This is what I received in the box:

 

Okay, so I received the Classic with a twist box.  They have many different options that you can choose from. This box came with Zora, Myrtle, and Mighty nail and cuticle serum. 

Zora (picture does not do it justice)

Zora is creamy whiteish pink with a bit of sparkle.  It is seriously one of the prettiest nail polishes I ever seen.  I can’t to try it out. 

Myrtle 

This is a pretty red, very classic, but it doesn’t really wow me.  

Mighty Nail and Cuticle Serum

I love this already.  I’ve already used it twice, I hope it works.  It is suppose to help damaged and dry nails.  My nails are damaged from the cold and from no chip manicures, so I’m trying really hard to move away from harmful nail products.  This will give you visibly stronger, smoother and nails with fewer ridges in 3 weeks and you can apply over nail polish.  

And now my add ons

Oxygen Nail Treatment

The color is a light pink. I’ve already applied it to my toes and it’s super light.  It’s good for nails prone to peeling and breaking.  

Freedom Polymere Topcoat 

This is a top coat that will give you a no chip manicure without the curing lamps.  You just let it dry for five minutes and you should be good to go. 

Mint Condition Pedi Creme 

I love the scent of this product!!! I’ve already used it and my feet already feel softer and well moisturized.  

Overall, I really loved this box.  I didn’t have to shell out too much money for really good nail products.  I can’t wait to get future boxes!

Limited Edition Birchbox Finds – February 2014

Okay, so a lot of people were less than thrilled when they saw the limited edition Birchbox. I was so excited.  It may be because I’m in my twenties, but I thought it offered a lot of decent products for a great price, $18. Also sometimes I need to stay in my budget and good products that only cost a few dollars are perfect for when you can’t afford the expensive stuff. I used my birchbox points and after shipping I paid a whole $3.00 for this box.  

The front of the card

 

The back

 

Besides the mascara all of the products are under $10.00

 

 

Biore – Self heating one minute masks. 

I actually really like this brand.  I used to always buy the deep cleaning pore strips, and they always seemed to work for me.  I can’t wait to try these out.  The only bummer is a 4 pack is $8, but I guess that’s a good price for a quick and easy mask.  I also really like charcoal masks, so I’m curious to see if it will really deep clean. 

John Frieda – Frizz Ease – Nourishing Oil Elixer

Like I’ve said in previous posts, I already have a hair oil that I like.  Since this is a pretty decent size, I’m going to keep it and give it a try.  If it works well, it will definitely be worth buying for $9.99.

Sally Hansen Complete SAlon Manicure in Pink A Card

Omg, I love the name of this product, but the color is a little too light for me.  I’ve never tried a Sally Hansen nail product before, so this is definitely a find for me!  The card says that you don’t need a base coat or a top coat and that it will last up to ten days, so it’s worth trying! And, it’s only $7.99

Rimmel London – Stay Glossy 3D in Back Row Smooch

I love this color and the shimmer.  I have sensitive lips, so I hope it doesn’t dry them out.  The price is reasonable at $4.99.  Not really sure what a 3D effect is though — i guess it’s suppose to make them look fuller.  

Nivea – A kiss of Care and Color in Sheer Caramel

I wish I would have gotten a different color in this! I can’t wait to use this (even with the nude color), so I hope that it’s really nourishing, like other Nivea products. It’s only $4.99 so if I really like it, I think I might more in different colors.

Covergirl – Bombshell Shineshadow in Ice Queen

This is such a pretty shimmer.  It seems like the perfect cream to use to in the corner of your eyes to add that extra wow factor.  The price is $8.99, which isn’t horrible for a eyeshadow.  And with the proper primer I don’t think you’ll need more than one application.  It says it’s supposed to last 12 hours on its own, but I’m not sure if I buy that claim.

Covergirl – Bombshell Volume mascara in Very Black

I prefer black mascaras.  I’m excited to try this product, but it’s going to have to wait until I start wearing my contacts in the summer.  Every time I try a mascara that is lengthening my glasses end up with mascara smudges on them… Anyway, there are two applicators one for volume and one for intensity, so I really think product will give and bold and rock star look for a night out.  It’s $11.99 and seeing that is has two applicators I think that is a decent price.  

 

Overall, I really liked this limited edition birchbox.  It has some great drugstores finds that I normally would never buy.  All the products are reasonably priced, so if you are on a budget the products within in it might be worth purchasing.  Since I paid only $3 for this box, it’s definitely worth the price to me.  Did any of you guys buy this box?  What did you think of it?   

BirchBox February 2014

Birchbox is my favorite box, and I was thrilled to hear that they were teaming up with US weekly for this month’s box.  Before, I received my box, I read a lot of legitimate complaints of samples breaking and spilling out, so I was crossing my fingers and hoping nothing of mine was broken.  When I opened up my box everything was intact! Yay!

And the samples:

This is the best birchbox that I ever received.  The sample sizes are great, and the products are amazing.

Caudalie.  Instant Foaming Cleanser. Full size, $28

The sample size is great – I think it is a great size to take with you on vacation, or to use once your other face cleanser is used up.   I think I’ll get about a week to two weeks out of this sample.  It is suppose to detox your face with grape extracts and soothe it with chamomile.  And it’s French!

DDF.  Ultra-lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew.  Full size, $42.

The full size of this is 1.7 FL OZ and the sample size is 1 FL OZ, so that’s pretty good deal in itself.  However, I don’t think I would buy the full size.

Agave.  Healing Oil Treatment.  Full size, $24-$40.

Like I’ve said in other reviews, I already have a hair oil that I really like.  But since this is a small packet, I will try it out.

OPI.  Sheer tints in I can Teal You Like Me.  Full size, $9.00

The picture looks so dark, but it’s a super sheer light blue.  It’s really pretty and I can’t wait to try it out!

Harney and Son Fine Teas.  Wrapped Sachets.  Full size, $9.60

I love getting samples of tea.  I received two the first one is a White vanilla grapefruit and the second is Mint Verbena.  I received other samples of tea from birchbox before and they were great.  I like taking these kinds of samples to work, because it makes me avoid spending money at starbucks.

This is my link: https://www.birchbox.com/invite/1nqpw

Ipsy February 2014

Finally got my February 2014 ipsy bag.

 

 

Okay, so I love the bag.  It’s cute, pink, simple, and girly.  And, it doesn’t smell this month!

The Pop Beauty Plump Pout Mini – Peony Petal

It is the perfect size! Unfortunately, I think the lid and the gloss itself smells a little funny (maybe I have a sensitive nose?).  I’m not sure if I’m going to use this, because my lips are really sensitive.  Once I see more reviews on this, I might give it a try.  I saw a couple other people complain of a smell.  It just smells really chemically to me. Let me know how it works out for you guys!

Mally evercolor Starlight waterproof eyeliner – Starshine 

It is a really cute metallic silver color.  I can’t wait to wear this out.  I think it will look great on the upperlid and it really reminds of winter time.

Jesses Girl eyeshadow palette – Behind Blue Eyes  (I wonder if all of the products are song titles?)

I think this is a pretty good deal.  It has a bunch of cute colors that I can definitely use and I love that ipsy actually pays attention to your profile.  It is small enough to take in your purse for touch ups.  

Zoya nail polish – Odette 

THis is a really pretty color, but it’s not a color that I would normally wear, but I can’t wait to give it a try since this is such a great brand of nail polish.  It’s free of formaldehyde, toulene, dibutyl phthalate, and camphor.

Uberliss – RituOil

While this seems to be a great sample, I have so many hair oils, so I gave this one to a friend.  I hope she really likes it.  It seems like a decent size and that it will last quite a while.  

January 2014 Ipsy Bag

Hiii all, 

I just posted my birchbox review and decided that I might as well post a review on my Ipsy bag. 

 

The Bag

 

I absolutely love this bag.  I think it is so cute, and I can’t wait to use it.  When i opened the pink envelope this horrible smell — smelled like mothballs and funky paint — went right up my nose and it didn’t leave for a very long time… I sprayed my bag with perfume and left it open to air out, and it seems to have worked for the most part.  There is still a bit of a smell, but I’m sure it will go away soon.  I saw that a lot of people complained about that this month.  I wonder if ipsy is going to address what the smell is from?  My bag last month was amazing and had no smell. Anyway, 

The products

Absolute! Make-up cleansing tissues.  The price on this product varies from place to place, but the sample comes with 10 wipes.

I received the Pomegranate extract wipes.  It smells pretty good, but doesn’t really smell like pomegranates.  Haven’t had the chance to try it yet, but it does not seem like a harsh product. 

Nourish Organic:  Lightweight Moisturizing Face Lotion.  Argan + Rose Water.  Full size $21.99 1.7oz. Sample size $7.76 0.5 oz.

I really like USDA Organic products, but who doesn’t?  This has a really earthy with subtle floral notes scent.  I tried it out on my hand and it made my hand feel super soft.  Can’t wait to try it out on my face. 

Elizabeth Mott:  Smooth Shadow Creamy Eye Pencil.  Color:  Penny.  Full Size $14.99 1.5g.  Sample size $7.50 0.7g 

I love this color eye pencil.  It’s amazing.  I did a swatch on my hand and I love the color.  It really stands out. I think it would be great to wear to a fancy restaurant.  I was really surprised by the quality of the product.  I’m thinking about buying the full size in the color pearl.  

Mica Beauty Cosmetics:  Tinted Lip Balm.  Color:  Natural.  I’m not sure on the actual price for this sample.  But the full size for their tinted lip balm on their website is $30. 

I actually like receiving colors that I might never try.  Natural is a bit dark for me, but it doesn’t mean I won’t use it.  I think this is a great color to wear to work.  It also feels really nice on my lips. 

Briogeo:  Don’t Despair, Repair! Conditioning mask.  Full Size $26.00 5.25oz.  Sample Size $4.52 1fl.

I really like the scent of this product.  Love that it will actually help my color treated hair.  Can’t wait to try it out.  I also think it is a really decent size.  

 

I can’t really give a true estimate as to what my box is worth, but I know it’s over $10.00.  I really liked this bag and products.  I can’t wait to use all my products.

Love,

Reflect no shine.

P.S.  Leave some feedback.  Tell me what you liked or didn’t like about your bag this month.  Or if you have any questions about any of the products, I will try to answer to the best of my ability.  

January 2014 Birchbox Review

Hi guys,

I finally received my birchbox  the month of January.  I decided since I subscribe to this box, among others, I might as well blog about them, because it goes well with my health and beauty theme for 2014. 

 

 

And the samples:  

 

Okay, my birchbox samples this month are: 

Dr. Lipp:  Original Nipple Balm for Lips.  Full size $14.50 15ml. Sample size $2.90 3ml.

I really enjoy receiving lip products in my subscriptions boxes.  This is a must have sample.  It feels good on the lips and is really hydrating.  I’m really thinking about buying the full size. 

Embryolisse:  Lait-Creme Concentre (24 hour Miracle Cream).  Full size $16 75ml.  Sample size $1.06 5ml.

I haven’t had the chance to try this product out yet, but it does have a lot of good reviews.  I think it is a decent size sample to use on the face a few times to see if it works well as a moisturizer.  I think it’s really neat that you can use it as a makeup remover!

Chauo.  Assorted Chocopod 8 Piece Gift Set, $9.95.  1 sample $1.25.

I received the honeycomb one and i ate in like 2 seconds.  Birchbox knows me so well. Dark chocolate and honey – you cannot go wrong.  This was also a lifestyle extra which means it is in addition to the other samples.  

Color Club: Top Shelf.  Full size $8.00 0.50 Floz.   Sample size 0.25 Fl oz $4.00.

I actually really like receiving nail polish in my boxes.  I think these are the perfect size samples and they last . The color is great, and i can’t wait to use it.  I think brand is pretty good and the color holds up to wear and tear. But, like most polishes, if you work with a lot files and paper, it will chip. 

Beauty Protector:  Protect & Detangle.  Full size $21.95 8oz.  Sample size $2.75 1oz. 

I love this product.  It is by far my favorite product in the box.  It smells amazing, and the product really does detangle.  So it’s great for my colored hair!  I am definitely going to buy this product.

Overall, my box was worth $11.96.  I think that is a pretty great deal since you get to sample a bunch of different products that you might not otherwise try out.  Also, if you review the products you receive every month from birchbox you get an extra 10 points per product. So that’s roughly another $5.00 a month.  Not a bad deal.   

Happy New Year, 

Reflect not shine. 

P.S.  Leave comments about what you received this month.  What you like/ don’t like.  Any questions you have about any of my products, and I’ll answer them to the best of my ability.