Showing posts with label Birchbox Points. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Birchbox Points. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Pür Minerals 4-in-1 Mineral Tinted Moisturizer Review

Prior to using Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer, I've never used a tinted moisturizer, or anything from Pur Minerals. I honestly haven't read much about them either. I didn't expect much coverage but boy was I worng. After testing this product through my April Birchbox, I purchased the full size product because I fell in love with it! I bought this via Birchbox and redeemed it with my points. I didn't even have to pay shipping because each month items ship free! Total Freebie!!

The Pur Mineral 4-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer is not like any other tinted moisturizer. This tinted moisturizer has added benefits that many others do not. Pur Minerlas 4-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer is not only a tinted moisturizer, but a primer, sheer foundation, and SPF 20 all packed into 1.

This tinted moisturizer comes in 4 shades: Light, Medium, Tan, & Dark. Birchbox only offers Light & Medium. I received Medium and it works perfect for my skin although I am decently tan. 

This product retails at $34 via the Birchbox and Pur Minerlas websites. That may sound like a lot, but this product lasts a long time.

The original sample from my Birchbox was a true "deluxe size" sample. It was very generous and I can honestly say I got over 15 uses form it. I love that because It's easier to test out a product based on more uses rather than a one time use sample.


Here you can see the sizes between the full size and sample size:

Swatches:


As you can see in the third picture, it blends in very well with my skin tone.

What I love about the Pür Minerals 4-in-1 Mineral Tinted Moisturizer:
This tinted moisturizer gives me the exact coverage I need. it's not too heavy but it truly "blurs" my blemishes and evens out my skin tone. When using this tinted moisturizer, I feel like my skin looks flawless and has a natural glow. This product also has a bit of shimmer to it which I think adds dimension to my face. This product is so easy to use; you simply smooth a small amount on clean skin and blend evenly. The primer works great  as my blush stays on all day. I've even used it as eyelid primer and make up stays put and lasts almost day. (Unless I'm at school and work all day. i work in a restaurant so that's expected)

After trying this I plan to buy the 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Foundation, because I did find I became a bit oily through the day, which is normal since I have combination-oily skin and am of Hispanic descent. I typically do not wear foundation, but this product and brand gives me the confidence to give it a try. 

What's great abut Pur Minerals website is that they list what colors go great with each shade of tinted moisturizer. if you're interested in that click here to read more on that and ingredients.

Pros:
  • Easy to use
  • Does not take long to apply
  • Actual product lasts a very long time
  • Coverage lasts a long time
  • Includes a long lasting primer
  • Includes a sheer foundation
  • Includes an SPF 20
  • Gives my skin a radiant, natural glow.
  • made from natural ingredients
  • Not tested on animals
  • Does not break my skin out
  • If I'm in a hurry I feel comfortable to wear this tinted moisturizer with mascara and leave the house.
Cons:
  • Price, but the product lasts so it's worth it
  • The shimmer can sometimes be a bit too much

All in all, I highly recommend this product. Although it is a bit pricey, it's not a total budget breaker as you can easily and quickly save up to buy it. I rate this product a 10/10. I've added this to my daily beauty regimen and won't ever look back.

Have you tried the Pür Minerals 4-in-1 Mineral Tinted Moisturizer or any other tinted moisturizer? What are your thoughts?

Birchbox Subscribers! What have you redeemed with your Birchbox points?


Wednesday, June 13, 2012

June 2012 Birchbox


Birchbox has been good to me this month. After seeing the Sneak Peaks video, I knew right off the bat I wanted Self-Tanning Towellettes and theBalm's Staniac. I even wanted a Tili Bag! I knew my chances were slim, but what do you know? I got those exact items with other goodies that I know I will enjoy. 


The Theme this month is "Jet Set." The products for this month make traveling easy and your beauty long lasting. Look at the cute design on the inside of the shell:




Description Cards:
(Click to enlarge if you're interested in reading them)


 How cute. Birchbox has really went their theme this month, using the card as "post card" look and their logo for the postage stamp.




Lets Get down to business:
Comodynes Self-Tanning Intensive Towelettes




$14.99 for the 8 pack. I received two towelettes. 


I'm really interested in this product and plan to use it this weekend. I noticed that 1 towelette can be used for the face and body. It's always fantastic to have that sun kissed look without the harmful effect of the sun or the bulbs.


"One towelette should be enough to cover your whole face and body, though you can use two if necessary. Run the towelette over your bare skin, taking care to avoid your delicate eye area. Wash your palms and nails carefully afterwards, and wait at least ten minutes before showering or getting dressed. The results will appear in about three hours. To maintain your tan, reapply every three to four days." Read more HERE


Eyeko Fat Eye Stick




Eyeko Fat Eye Stick - BlackEyeko Fat Eye Stick - Old GoldEyeko Fat Eye Stick - Petrol Blue


Black, Old Gold, Petrol Blue. 


$15.00 for the Full Size: 0.14 oz. I received the full size :)


As you can see I received the black and it really is rich and creamy in color, perfect for smudging. I'm not sure I would like the other colors so I'm really happy that I received black.


"Each creamy stick contains endless possibilities. Apply along your lashline and smudge out past the outer corners of your eyes for winged effects. Shade your lids and blend with your fingers to wear as a shadow, or dab a bit around the inner corners of your eyes for a discreet pop of color. For long-lasting pigments, use an eye primer". Read more HERE


Likewise Facial Moisturizer + Sun Protectant SPF 50 (Normal to Oily)




I am super picky when it comes to moisturizer so I'm leery about this one. One way I look at it, is how am I ever going to know if works for me or doesn't. I'm totally willing to try this out. Let's hope for a great outcome. The price is reasonable. I used to buy the Mary Kay moisturizer which was $6 more and lasted forever. 


$44.00 for the Full Size: 50 ml I received 5mL


Use Likewise every day as your morning moisturizer and SPF. Reapply every two to three hours if you’re going to be outside between noon-3 p.m., when rays are strongest. Step that up to every 40-60 minutes if you plan to swim or work up a sweat. Read more HERE


theBalm Cosmetics Staniac in Beauty Queen:


 
theBalm® cosmetics Stainiac - Prom Queen theBalm® cosmetics Stainiac - Homecoming Queen theBalm® cosmetics Stainiac - Beauty Queen
Beauty Queen, Homecoming Queen, Prom Queen. 


$15.00 for the Full Size: 0.14 oz I received .04 oz


I received Beauty Queen. Simply testing this out, it seems okay. I've never used a lip stain so this will be fun. You can build it up or wear it as sheer color. I really want to try it on my cheeks. Once it dries on the lips, the color does stay.


"The handy wand makes applying this stain a breeze. Swipe onto your lips as you would a regular lip gloss. To use as a cheek stain, smile and dab two or three dots onto the apples of your cheeks. Gently blend the pigment into your cheeks using small circular motions." Read more HERE


Lifestyle Extras: tili Bags



$8.49 for 12 quart size bags. I received 1 bag.


I know after receiving this I will never purchase these. They are just like zip lock bags but with some extra pep. I just imagined these to be sturdier. I will use this bag, but I know it wont last long. Especially not in a purse. I will probably use it for my lady products in my bathroom.


"Fill your tili bag with your travel accessories or other belongings. Take it with you before you head out on your next adventure". Read more HERE


Birchbox Man Extra: John Varvatos USA





$55.00 for a Full Size: 1.7 oz. 


The bf and I both love this, but not enough for him to subscribe. I would imagine the women's box to be more expensive but we females are high maintenance. Strangely enough the guy's version is $20/mo.


"Men can’t go wrong with a spritz behind each ear at the end of their grooming routine.This handsome cologne makes the perfect gift for a lucky gentleman." Read more HERE


I rate this box a 10/10. Everything in this box will be used and the sample sizes are a step up from previous months. The prices for these products are reasonable especially since you can earn Birchbox Points to redeem products.


If you're interested in seeing previous months, click the links below:


December 
January
February 
March
April
May
Birchbox Points
Join Birchbox


Don't forget to complete each Product Survey!


Thanks for reading! What do you think about my box? Would you rate it 10/10?

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Birchbox Points

BirchBox

If you are not a subscriber to Birchbox, you may not know of their "Birchbox Points" program. The Birchbox Points program allows subscribers to earn points and redeem those points for full size products in the Birchbox Store. There are few things you should know when earning points. This is the lo down.

Earning Points:
  • The subscriber will receive 10 points for the initial subscription.
  • You will NOT earn points with any months subscription following the initial subscription. (Not such a bad thing and you will see why if you keep reading)
  • Referring friends will earn you 50 points. You can refer friends via email or your personal link, both retrievable when you log into your account.
  • You will also receive 10 points for EVERY product feedback survey you complete. (So each month you have the opportunity to earn at least 40 points.) 
  • Usually the bonus item does NOT have a feedback survey.
  • You will receive 1 point for each dollar spent on full size products.
  • Only current subscribers in good standing can earn points.
  • For every 100 points, you get $10 in the Birchbox Store.

Redeeming Points:
  • After your points have accumulated you can redeem them for full size products or gift subscriptions.
  • Unfortunately, you cannot redeem points for future boxes for yourself, only the gifts subcriptions.
  • Redeeming points is very simple, there will be a option to use your points when checking out of the Birchbox store.
  • If your total comes to anything above each $10 amount of products, the points redeemed will be the number rounded up. Example: My total came to $52, I will have used 60 points.

Tips for Earning/Redeeming Points:
  • Be sure complete each product feedback survey, for the items in your current box. The feedback time is limited, once your new box has shipped, you will no longer be able to complete the survey for last months items.
  • If you want to purchase full size products from the current months box, do so quickly! Those items ship for free! 
  • Points do not go towards shipping fees!
  • Current box products do not only count for the items you received. The products for each month are every item in ever single box for that month. Example: I received items that another subscriber didn't, All the items in both of our boxes will be considered the current months pick.
  • You will not receive the 1 point for every dollar spent if your entire order is paid from redeemed points. 
 I think Birchbox has done a fabulous job at establishing the Birchbox Points Program. What more can we ask for? Silly question, because I know at times suscbribers (including myself) are given an inch and we want the whole yard, but I feel the Birchbox Points Program is very fair! 

A few examples regarding Birchbox's fairness would be that just this past December, (2011) boxes were shipped out slightly late. Birchbox gave every subscriber 100 points for the inconvenience. I also just heard about many subscribers receiving expired items, and again Birchbox credited those subscribers with 100 points, no questions asked.

I just redeemed 500 Birchbox Points (which equals $50) for full size items in the Birchbox shop. These items were from the current month (April) so those items shipped free. I am totally amazed that I basically received $50 worth of high end cosmetics for nothing! There's little to no work in earning points. 

All in all, when I hear people complain about Birchbox, I think to myself, this really isn't a bad deal. I pay $10 a month for products I know I will never try, or even heard of before. If I don't like an item, no biggie, at least I didn't have to break the bank to find out. Also, not very many beauty subscriptions services offer points. Birchbox even has the their community, consisting of their blog, YouTube channel, emails, twitter and Facebook pages that are all updated very often to give us advice on products, and anything beauty related in general. 

Birchbox has been very good to me, my very first month, one item was missing and I tweeted about. Not even an hour later they had the situation taken care of. I received the item within the week. So of course, I am keeping my subscription.

And in case your wondering what I redeemed my points for:

Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer in medium, $34

Pür Minerals 4-in-1 Mineral Tinted Moisturizer

Pangea Organics Lip Balm in Italian Red Mandarin w/Rose, $12

Pangea Organics Lip Balm

Are you a Birchbox Subscriber? If not click HERE to become one. If you are a subscriber, have you redemmed your points yet? If so for what? If not, what items are saving them for? I'd love to hear what every has to say!

xoxo mattabellax3