I’m becoming quite the makeup fiend. After reviewing our banking accounts, my husband texted me in a fury, “How in the world did you spend $75 at Ulta?!” ...I had only bought three things.
And when it comes to makeup, I'm like a kid in a candy store. There are so many different lipstick shades, conturing brushes and nail colors - it can be overwhelming but kind of magical at the same time. Just like my closet, I’ve been really looking to build my makeup and skincare collection, focusing more on quality than quantity.
This is why Birchbox is so freaking awesome - I can build my go-to items while trying and comparing new ones. I got this box a few weeks ago and wanted to share a little review and my favorite things in the box. Did I find any that I want to add to my daily collection? Read below to find out.
1. Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator
Full Size price: $34
This was one of my favorite pieces in the box. I’ve been on the hunt for a great microscrub and this one is terrific. I have to be careful about the products I use due to my sensitive skin, but my skin reacted great with this. I could tell a noticeable difference in the brightness of my face after using it. With ingredients like papaya, aloe vera, coconut and vitamins B and E, I’d say this product is a keeper.
2. Egyptian Magic Skin Cream
Full size price: $26 for 2 oz
This one was a bit of a mystery to me. When I opened it, I was expecting a cream…but it’s more of a beeswax texture. I hadn’t put something like this on my face before, but my skin reacted positively to this as well. No wonder - it only has six ingredients!! Olive oil, beeswax, honey, bee pollen, royal jelly, and propolis extract. Turns out, you can even put this in your hair or use it as a treatment for burns. Maybe I believe in magic after all.
3. Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner
Full size price: $11
I received this eyeliner in the Indigo shade and I must admit, I’m not crazy about it. Maybe it’s because I found the best liquid liner ever…or maybe it’s because I’m not confident enough to stray from my brown-black/black eyeliner ways. On the positive side, this is an all-day lasting color which is definitely a plus.
4. COOLA Face SPF 30 Unscented Matte Tint
Full size price: $36
I hate admitting this, but I hate putting on sunscreen. I KNOW, I KNOWWW, it’s the worst. I’m the worst. It just smells so…sunscreen’y. Ick. And it makes my face feel greasy. I don’t wear it as much as I should for sure. But this product isn’t like your typical sunscreen. It’s made from 70% organic materials and has a nice, matte finish. The beige tint really helped even out my skin tone a ton too. Dare I say I’m a sunscreen convert??!
5. MDSolarSciences Daily Eye Repair Emulsion
Full size price: $82
I saved the best for last! Honestly, when I first saw it, I wasn’t impressed. No fancy design, no modern font…and what kind of name is MD Solar Sciences? You guys - it doesn’t even matter. I should know better than to judge a book by it’s cover because THIS IS THE BEST STUFF EVER. It really, truly is. It applies like a gel but has made my face silky smooth and my eye area incredibly moisturized. I’m pretty bummed about the price. Eighty bucks is a ton for an eye serum. But if you’re looking for an awesome eye repair emulsion and don't mind the hefty price tag, this is THE ONE.
Disclosure: I received the products featured in this review for free from Birchbox.