May Birchbox

For this month's Birchbox, I found some awesome new products!  What did I receive?  Will you want something from this list, too?

• Let's start with the bummer first: Arquiste L'etrog perfume, full size $165.  What did I expect?  For that much, liquid gold.  What did I find?  A heavy floral scent reminiscent of "old lady" perfume.  I hesitate to say that because I planned on offering this to whomever wants it, and don't want to classify them as an "old lady" but you know what I'm talking about.  This, to me, is NOT a spring/summer smell.  I prefer lighter fragrances and this did not match up.
• Dr. Jart’s Water Fuse Beauty Balm +SPF 25, full size $32.  I'm buying this.  This is your moisturizer, sunscreen, treatment serum, and foundation all in one.  This goes on beautifully matte, not at all oily (which is what I expected).  It has great coverage, especially for being just a light tint.  I was super impressed.  I've wanted an easy, light product for summer and this fits the bill.  I don't even have to follow up with powder on my t-zone.  Win, Win, WIN!
• Color Club Foil Collection nail polish in gold, full size $8.  I'm not a fan of metallic polishes, however, this gold is so amazingly pretty.  I dare you to put it up against your yellow gold jewelry and tell me it's not a prettier color!  I am saving this, however, for MU football season!  This will make awesome mani/pedis with great MU spirit!  I think it'd look really cool either as a base for a black french tip or use it as the french tip on any color--especially black since that's very Mizzou.  Beautiful color, but I really have no use for it except my MU games.
• Beautyblender Beautycleanser, full size $17.50.  A brush cleaner.  I was just thinking I probably should grow up a little and take care of my very expensive brushes and actually clean them.  But then I found out most people buy really expensive product to do that, so I figured I didn't need to clean them, after all.  Then I got this!  I cleaned all my brushes Sunday, and I really should have took before and after shots.  My foundation brush (Bareminerals) was the worst offender.  I used it initially just for powder, but I got into applying liquid foundation with a brush for a smoother finish, so I also used it with that.  I haven't used it in a long time, however, because I thought it was just too old and nasty.  Turns out it just needed a thorough cleaning.  Now its all soft and a totally different color!  This product goes a long way, so I have a lot left over.  Plus it has a great herbal smell that I really enjoy.  My brushes shine and are so soft.  Now I see why people spend all that money on the products to wash their brushes!
• Twistband Skinny Headband, 6 pack $20.  Okay, it claims to be no-slip (it's not).  It's also a thin stretchy material... I'm sure you could find something similar in a craft store and tie a knot in it.  I do like the color (mine is yellow) and it's fun to dress up my usual pony tail/bun, however, I have to clip it in, just like all those other fabric headbands.  It's no miracle product, and for $20, I'd just pick up something at the local store.
• Birchbox cards bonus: They sent an XOXO card I probably won't ever use.  Something I could print at home on cardstock... I'd rather buy Hallmark.  

Have you broke down and decided to try a Birchbox subscription yet?  Remember to tell them I sent you!  Every month I supply feedback on my box items and get points that add up to free money!  I'll be using my bonus to get $10 off my Dr. Jarts, and since it was in my box this month, FREE SHIPPING!