March '14 Birchbox Review

For Birchbox, March was all about springing forward!
It was a cute box filled with an assortment of things to really get you pumped up for spring.

Unboxing video!

The contents.

Birchbox knows just how to pump me up for anything. With chocolate.

Actually, yes, let's start with the chocolate.
Ghirardelli Intense Dark Cherry Tango - Why not moar?! Bits of cherry and almond! Delicious. Want!
LA FRESH® Oil-Free Face Cleanser - I'm lame and haven't tried this yet. But! I'm stoked about having it. I already have a face cleanser wipe(s?) so I'll be able to compare the two, once I actually use this one. Right now the prospect of having something portable is more appealing than using it willy-nilly.
LA FRESH® Waterproof Makeup Remover - I also haven't tried this one, but I'm perhaps more excited to try it than the other wipe. The only makeup remover I have is a liquid so having a wipe perform the same duties but be more convenient for travels is a plus in my book!

Obliphica Treatment Hair Serum - Since I'm still preparing to bleach and dye my hair (I actually finally got everything, but there wasn't enough dye, booo) having anything to make it its healthiest is fine by me. I still have the hair serum from February's box so it also provides an ideal opportunity to compare them.

Obliphica (below) vs Beauty Protector!

Obliphica's serum is noticeably more... colorful? It has a very dark orange color while Beauty Protector's serum is more of a light golden color. While I don't let colors deter me from products, I couldn't help but feel that this simple color difference made Obliphica's serum seem more processed or artificial. Now, I don't actually now what either of them are made of or what the process is, it's all just my initial impression. Also, most of the color comes from the bottle, but even side by side, outside their containers, Obliphica's is still darker. Scent-wise, Obliphica's serum also smelled a bit more perfumey. Luckily, this smell doesn't seem to linger too long once applied. A faint smell at best. Otherwise, this serum seems to work just the same as Beauty Protector's serum! All comes down preference. Personally, at the moment, I prefer Beauty Protector.


Illume Go Be Lovely Lavish Hand Creme (Anemone: Apple mint, Citrus + Patchouli) - I'm not a fan of packaging that's not resealable, but now I wonder if it's some clever marketing! Because this package is practically always open and I've left it on my desk, I find myself using this a lot. I just grab it, squeeze a bit into my hands and that's it. Compared to a bottle of lotion I've had for way longer that's also on my desk, that poor lotion is neglected! Of course, Illume's hand cream also has the advantage of just smelling really nice! I thought patchouli was an interesting smell to have, but it works for me. (Does not work my cat though, nopenopenope.) I did think it was a little thick at first because I was wiping my hands on other things afterwards to get some of the lotion off, but I think I've gotten used to it in a way. Of course, not applying too much in one go is helpful as well.

Skin&Co Roma TRUFFLE THERAPY™ SERUM Boosting Anti-Aging Serum - Ahh, another serum. This one seemed just a bit more creamy than the one from February's box and the one I usually use. I think the little bottle has something to do with that. It just reminds me of lotion. That aside it does still act as a serum (I think?). Absorbs very quickly and isn't too greasy. The only other thing to note is that it does have a fragrance to it unlike the other two serums I've tried. It is a bit like a perfume smell, but isn't strongly lingering after application. In a sense, it almost smells kind of rich or luxurious. Fitting since truffles have some kind of role in this product.






theBalm® cosmetics How ‘Bout Them Apples?™ -

The packaging for this is awesome! And I'm not just saying that because of the topless men or pretty lady (or dog). I really like the theme they have for this product (apples) and the fact that the product is within the apple. Not to mention that it feels like a tiny book to me. That's what I find most appealing.  What can I say.. I like miniature versions of things.
In any case, the color I got was pie (yum) and it gave my lips a nice touch of color (viewable in video!). I think it's stayed on a decent amount of time, but I honestly don't know. I like the packaging and I like the color though so I'll be using this again, definitely.

Thanks for sticking through another review and of course, if you're interested in giving Birchbox a try here's my referral link: https://www.birchbox.com/invite/c9z7v