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

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Review: The Beauty Blender

I first tried the Beauty Blender in June 2012 from my July Glamour Birchbox. I took a few months to test this product out because I wanted to make certain that I could give an honest, detailed review.


What is a Beauty Blender?
The Beauty Blender is a makeup sponge applicator that averagely retails at $19.00 for one or two for $25


What makes the Beauty Blender Unique?
The Beauty Blender is designed to give a natural, flawless texture. It has been advertised to prevent that "cakey, packed on" foundation look and the blending process is to be much easier as the shape of the this applicator  can easy fit into all the nooks and crannies of one's face.

How Do I Use the Beauty Blender?
I will admit that when I first had this product in my hands, I had no idea what to do. There was no brochure, or reading materials of any sort in my Birchbox to explain the how to's of this sponge. Luckily, Birchbox sends out email during the month with tips, tricks, and how to's for each product. With enough research, review reading, and YouTube exploration, I was finally able to master the Beauty Blender.

Step 1: Soak your Beauty Blender with water, then squeeze out the excess water
Step 2: Using the Beauty Blender, pick up a small amount of product
Step 3: Apply the product to your face in a tapping like motion to distribute to product evenly
Step 4: Start blending evenly

 Tips:
*Use the pointed end on the curves of your nose, mouth, and other small areas like the eyes
*Always use wet, because using it dry will make it difficult to clean
*Always make sure you ring out the excess water or a streaky look may appear
*To wash, use a mild soap and let air dry completely before using again

My Opinion:
I love the Beauty Blender, however, I do not love the price. It's quite expensive, but what isn't anymore? I did notice all the benefits that Beauty Blender claims to promise: a flawless, natural, look. Using this product is so easy I'm sure a beginner can easily master it with little practice. 

I've never really used a sponge before because I do not wear foundation, but rather tinted moisturizer, and this applied it so wonderfully!I truly noticed a more dewy, less cakey look. 

Washing is simple as well. I did not purchase the Beauty Cleanser because the price is just out of my budget. I always use mild soap or baby shampoo. The use of my normal cleanser did not harm my Beauty Blender whatsoever,

I rate this product a 10/10 because it true to what it advertises, and the quality is superb. This may be a bit pricey  but you get what you pay for.

Will I Purchase this again? 
Definitely  I will, however, find some sort of a promotion, sale, or use my Birchbox Points for this. My budget is so tight, but the quality and finished look of my face make me believe I cannot live without this!


Have you tired the Beauty Blender or any product equivalent? 

Monday, August 27, 2012

August 2012 Birchbox

Birchbox's theme this month is Beauty School. Birchbox focused on creating a Beauty School Supply Kit, filled with beauty essentials. Birchbox partnered with Pencils of Promise, an organization that works to provide all children with quality education. Birchbox is donating 15% of all proceeds in the month of August to Pencils of Promise to help build a new school.
This Month's Box
The info cards this month are so adorable and came extra special with Beauty School tips that anyone can use. Instead of a normal card, there was a fold out pamphlet with great tips that I often forget and my "Supply Kit" was listed on the back. (Click to Enlarge)








Beauty Fixation Cuticle Conditioner $25 - These swabs are made to soften your cuticles. I never pay attention to my cuticles besides pushing them up so I think this item came at the perfect time, since I just had my acrylics removed.

Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy La Fleur $70 - I love the original Viva La Juicy so I had extra high hoopes for this scent, and yes my expectations were met. This fragrance is so flowery and fruity and just pretty. I really want the full size!

Stila Stay all Day 10-in-1 HD Beauty Balm Foundation and Concealer $38-$44 -  I was psyched to see this item in my box but sadly when I saw the sample size and shade provided for me, I became disappointed. The samples are on sample card and can barely be enough for one use. The shade is "warm" which is so dark for me. I am an olive toned gal and this shade is for someone at least 10x darker than me.

WEI Pomegranate Buffing Beads 20 Packets for $20 - These buffing beads are designed to be mixed with a cleanser of your choice to lightly exfoliate the skin. My box came with two single use packets. I can't say I'm totally thrilled with the size and I'm still on the fence about this product. I understand this line is expensive but it is difficult to decide if you like something based off of two uses.

WEI Golden Root Purifying Mud Mask $42 for 8 masks at 8ml - This facial mask is made to dust away debris, dirt, and oils away from your face without leaving the skin dry and taut. Apparently the full size product comes with a reusable brush that is used to apply the mask onto your face with. This mud mask did leave my skin feeling so soft and supple, like porcelain but the price is just to high for this college girl.

Schick Hydro Silk Razor $9.99 - This razor is so amazing! I love Schick razors but the refills are so pricey. I love that this razor came with a $4.00 off coupon for the refills. Lately I've been using my bf's Schick Hydro for men razor and this is the perfect equivalent to that!


I rate this box a 7/10. I was not impressed with the sample sizes this month. I cringe at the sight of one time use samples because like i stated before, it is so difficult to try and products and form an opinion after one or two uses. This month was a mediocre follow up to last months.  







So what do think of my box? Any items you'd like to try? Link your Birchbox posts below so I can check them out!