Birchbox Canada September 2015

             The box this month was designed based on artwork sent in by two or three subscribers. Birchbox combined them to make this abstract design, they also included the ladies names on the inside of the box which is pretty neat.

          Now the important part is what is actually in the box. I was not over the moon about my samples this month. One product I was very happy to receive, three were ok and one I have already given away. Let's get into it:

100% Pure Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream Sample Value $7.80 Full size $26

          This was one of the ok items, not a very exciting product but I have used it everyday and enjoy it. This is an all natural product that uses caffeine from green tea and unroasted coffee beans to improve circulation and reduce puffiness, dark circles and fine lines. I frequently work 10-14 hour days on not enough sleep so I immediately started using this every morning. I don't use it at night as it says just because I already have so much goop to put on my face before bed. I did find it reduced puffiness right away and soothes my tired eyes. I will use this all up but it isn't something I would go out and purchase.

POP Beauty POP Portfolio Eyeshadow Palette  Sample Value $2.17 Full Size $26 (36 pan palette) 

            I was not excited about getting another eyeshadow but these are beautiful. They definitely have a shimmer/glitter to them but not in a way that you can feel the bits. I was surprised how little fall out there was after I applied them. I had received a similar sample from Ipsy and I liked those shadows from POP Beauty as well. They are very pigmented and long lasting, not something I would wear everyday but for when I feel like being a little more dramatic I will open this up. I think I was not overly excited because I am just on eyeshadow overload, I need to start using up my single shadows.

Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Volumizing Blow Dry Spray Sample Value $4.50  Full Size $23

          I am just going to copy and paste the description from Birchbox because if I start raving about this I will be writing this post until I get my next box.

"Our quick fix for sinking energy levels? A double shot of espresso. Our go-to solution for limp, lackluster strands? This follicle-stimulating spray that enhances hair’s thickness and encourages natural, healthy growth over time. From ginseng and biotin to b-vitamins and ginger root, the cruelty-free formula is packed with an energizing blend of hair-loving nutrients, plus a secret ingredient (okay, we’ll tell you: maltodextrin, a natural sugar starch) that coats each individual strand to create a fuller appearance."

          I got the same sample in my August Ipsy bag and was almost out when I saw my Birchbox, I could not be happier about receiving it again. I even read, and can attest to, that it has something in it that breaks down oil to make your hair look clean longer. I am all about that. I use this everyday even if I do not blow dry. If you are looking for amazing volume this is not the ticket but it does make my hair far less limp and stringy. The best part is that it does not feel like I have added any styling products to my hair. I will be purchasing this before I run out.

Cynthia Rowley Beauty Liquid Liner in Cobalt Full Size $21  

          I would have been excited about this if it was not blue. I would take purple, brown, grey, black but blue makes me look so trashy. I am just too pale or something to pull it off. I have a friend who can rock blue eyeliner like it is her job so it is going to her. I will say the formula is impressive though, it glides on beautifully, dries almost immediately and I really had to work at smudging it. Next time I need to purchase eyeliner this will be the one I look for, just not in this colour.



TOCCA Crema da Mano Luxe - Hand Cream Sample Value $5 Full Size $20

            I am always open to receiving lotion in my subscription boxes, I prefer to have lots of small tubes rather than the big giant ones I never end up using. I got the Cleopatra lotion, love the names, (Stella, Florence) it just makes it seem extra fancy to me. It is grapefruit and cucumber scented which is a rather odd combo but it works, I like using it in the morning as it is such an uplifting and fresh scent. It is not my favourite lotion ever but I am glad to have it and it does make my hands very soft without being greasy.

           While it is not my favourite box ever I am not complaining. I use the under eye cream and hand lotion every morning, the eyeshadow is gorgeous, I already love the hair product and Melly will look great in the eyeliner. Even though I am giving the eyeliner away I am glad I got to swatch it to see the amazing formula.

Total Value of the Box: $40.47



Thanks for reading!

A.

@dirty_cupcake

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Little Life Box - July 2015

           This is the second time I have gotten this box and I just love it. For $22.95 a single box or $19.95 a box for a monthly subscription you get an assortment of beauty, lifestyle, nutrition, and food samples that you can feel good about using. They are organic, fair trade, non GMO or natural products packaged and shipped in Canada for $4.95. I plan on signing up for a subscription to support this great Canadian subscription box started by a mother and daughter.  

           I already loved it when I saw the nautical tissue paper, how cute is that? These always come so well packed. 

          After peeling back the tissue these are all sitting on top, three huge items.

Ester-C Energy Boost in Pomegranate - Açai   $16.99

          Emails were sent out saying that every July box was getting a box of these multi vitamin and mineral supplement individual drink mixes. I was looking for an excuse to get another box and it worked out so well. These are actually pretty good, it's a decent multivitamin and gives you a little energy boost. 

Deep River Rosemary and Olive Oil Kettle Cooked Potato Chips   $2.25

           I am not usually partial to kettle cooked chips but these were amazing. If I saw these in a store I would pick some up for sure. I find a lot of more natural or organic foods have sassy little descriptions, cute stories or like these chips information on a great cause. 

Mrs. Crimble's Yogurt Coated Rice Cakes    $3.11

            These gluten free cakes come in two packages of three and are actually pretty good. I really do not like big rice cakes like these but the yogurt makes them have a little more flavour and less dry. 

           Under all the big items are tones of little samples. 

Bounce Energy Ball - Cacao Mint Protein Bomb   $2.34

           I have tried many, many protein and energy bars; some good, other less so. This tastes like a candy bar and it has nine grams of protein which isn't too bad. 

Mini Jimmy Bar in Peanut butter Clutter   $1.37 

            This is a "clean snack bar" the only ingredients are dates, peanut butter, crisp brown rice, peanuts, almonds and honey. That's it. No chemicals or things that are nearly impossible to pronounce. It is very similar in texture and taste to an Eatmore bar, just with bigger pieces of peanuts. The back of the bar has a cute little blurb:

Glee Gum in Bubble Gum, Peppermint, and Cinnamon   $0.50 for all four 

           This is a gum made with natural ingredients including chicle which is a tree sap they harvested sustainably from sapodilla trees in the rain forests of Central America. It is great tasting but the flavour does not last as long as "normal" gum. 

Wow Butter   Full size: $4.27, sample value unknown. 

          I was not sure about this at first, I love peanut butter and I am very specific about what kind I will eat so I figured this substitute would not cut it. Delicious. It almost tastes like peanut butter and would be a great substitute for kids who can not take PB in school lunches. 

Téga Organic, Fair Trade Tea in Wild Berry Green Roobios and Choclate Mint Roobios   $0.58 for both

           I always enjoy getting tea in different boxes, the Chocolate Mint one was delicious and I'm sure the Berry one will be as well. 

Mineral Matrix Pure Dehydrated Goat Whey by St. Francis Herb Farm   $4.30 for both

           This was absolutely disgusting. I might as well have gone up to a goat and licked it, might have tasted better. I do not care if it would make me a size four with flawless skin and perfect hair for the rest of my life I will never let this pass my lips again. It looks almost as bad as it tastes. 

Goat Whey

VegEssential All in One Plant Based Daily Foundation in Natural Vanilla   $3.21

          I have seen this protein in supplement stores before as a vegetarian option. There are 27 grams of protein per serving and overall this is a decent protein supplement, especially if you are looking for a plant based, vegetarian option. 

Goddess Garden Organics Sport Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 30  $1.80  for both

            Sunscreen is always a helpful thing to get in these boxes, especially the travel sized ones to throw in your purse so you always have it on hand. I carry it around at all times since Beast is so fair skinned he needs sunscreen to go get the mail. It is also something that I like having a more natural option for. This particular sunscreen is scent free, reef same, non-nano biodegradable and non GMO. 

Goddess Garden Organics Sunny Body Organic Sunscreen  $3.31

             This is another chemical free sunscreen from the same brand as the other packets, the main difference being that it is only water resistant for 40 minutes where the sport one is for 80 minutes. 

Pure Naturally Clean Biodegradable Products in Laundy Soap and Multipurpose   $0.75 for both 

          The laundry soap is safe for sensitive skin and babies and can also be used as a stain remover before washing. The sample is enough for two loads in a top loading washer, 4 in an HE washer. It has a light, clean scent. I do already use natural multipurpose cleaner and I'm glad to try another, this one is quite a decent sized sample since one cap full is meant to be mixed into 2 litres of water. I haven't used it yet but I'm interested to see how effective it is. 

           This is certainly one of my favourite boxes, while I didn't receive any they do have skin care and hair products as well. In my opinion a product card with prices and descriptions would greatly improve this box. Since these products are not necessarily mainstream products they can be hard to find, the majority of them are on their website with links to their webpages when applicable though. 

Check out my last Little Life Box

Check out their website. 

Thanks for reading! 

A.

Little Life Box - January 2015

     Little Life Box is a Canadian subscription box focused on healthy alternatives to products you use daily. I saw this for the first time in a video by Ashley Elizabeth and I decided to try it for two reasons: I wanted to try a Canadian subscription box and I wanted to get back into a healthier mindset. The box is $19.99, free shipping. I got an email notifying me that my box shipped on Monday and it was delivered Thursday! So that is super impressive. 

          The packaging is adorable and I guess each box comes with a little post card which is a nice touch. 

           When I pulled back the packaging it looks like a pretty full box. I just started pulling things out and I was very pleased with this box. Here we go: 

Shapes Crisps - Lightly Salted by Harvest Snaps  21g 

          Anyone who is reading this and actually knows me get ready to be shocked. These are delicious. They didn't last until I was finished unpacking the box. These we a crispy, salty snack that I didn't have to feel bad about eating! I would eat these instead of chips while watching a movie, so good. 

Organic and Natural Feminine Hygine Products by Natracare

          These look a little sketchy, I will throw them under my bathroom sink in case of emergency but I doubt I will be using them. 

         Botanical Energy Formula by Volta 65ml

         This was a product I was interested in trying. It tasted like berries, much better than most of these type of products. I drank it before a shift at work and I did feel like it gave me more energy without making me feel jittery but I don't think it lasted 8 hours. 

Cleansing Make-up Removal Wipe by Natracare 

          Another product from Natracare. I used this after work and it worked well, took off my waterproof mascara and my skin felt clean and refreshed after. I would certainly suggest this for someone with sensitive skin. 

Night Facial Creams by Idoine Bio 7g

         This is an interesting product, I love moisturizers and face creams. Only used this once so I can't speak to how effective it is for the long term but when I woke up the next morning my face felt well moisturized without feeling like it was greasy or the cream was sitting on it. It smelled very natural but the smell wasn't overwhelming. The description mentions that Idoine means "suits you perfectly" and that the product is made with natural, organic ingredients including oil from the Moringa tree. It is supposed to promote production of natural collagen, regulate facial pH, reduce the loss of vitamins, stimulate cell renewal, restore dry and irritated skin, improve elasticity, provide a natural facial glow, as well as stimulate anti-wrinkle and anti-aging functions. So wow to all of that. I will try to remember to put this on before bed, if nothing else it is simply a nice overnight moisturizer. 

Lip Balm in French Vanilla by Woods Body Goods. 

        When I first saw this I thought "ok cool a lip balm, decent" This may look like a cheap lip balm but it is really quite moisturizing and has a great smell/flavour. I didn't get to use it much when I first got it as Beast took it to work with him. Since I got it back I've been using it everyday. It just soaks right in while leaving a thin layer that moisturizes for hours. 

Hemp Hearts by Manitoba Harvest 15g

         I've bought these before so I will eat these for sure. They make a great topping for salads, yogurt, or just by themselves. Hemp hearts contain omegas, digestible proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It's an easy way to add some things you may be missing from your diet. I am going to stash these in my desk at work and add them to rice or a salad. 

Pink Andean Cooking Salt by GoGo Quinoa 250g

          Ok. First: it's pink so I love it. This is a pretty big sample size and I'm looking forward to using this in my cooking. This salt is harvested at 3000 meters above sea level in the Andes Mountains. It's delishous, the pink color comes from minerals found in the ancient sea salt deposits. Pretty neat. 

Organic Roasted Coconut Loose Tea by Naked Teas

          This is probably my favourite item out of the box, I've had three cups and I have enough left for at least one more of not two. It's just so yummy! A lot of flavoured teas taste a little bit off but this just tastes like coconut and almonds. I will be looking into ordering some more as soon as I can afford it. I 100% recommend this. 

Quinoa and Vegetable Soup by GoGo Quinoa 65g

          This turned out pretty good, I did add chicken which makes it slightly less vegetarian I suppose. I will look for this when I get groceries but use it as a base and add carrots, potatoes and chicken. It is a simple, quick soup that really tastes like homemade. 

Hazelnut Milk Chocolate by Camino 100g

       It's chocolate. What's not to love? It was yummy. 

          At the bottom there were various cards, coupons, information and a code for 25% off your first box if you subscribe. I am seriously considering subscribing for the year, I was really impressed with the variety of products, most of which I have used.  

Overall I am really impressed and it only helps that it is a Canadian subscription box that included many Canadian products. 

Thanks for reading!

A.