I got my April Birchbox weeks ago, but the reason I haven’t shared my review of the products is because, well…I haven’t really needed to use any of them. Not to say they aren’t any good, because as you’ll see in my review below, they are!
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Each container has a theme. April’s was “tiny tweeks, big results,” teaming up with Women’s Health to put together fine-tuned products to support a healthy lifestyle for spring. Spring is only just really starting to spring here. We went days without seeing the sun and it actually snowed on our way to the airport for our trip to Sardinia.
Fortunately, there is sunshine on the beautiful island oasis of Sardinia and I was able to give my April products a test drive. Here’s the verdict.
Hail Merry | Macaroons
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I didn’t wait until the trip to Sardinia to try these. They were immediately ripped into. Even if I wanted to hate these because they are expensive (8 for $5), I can’t. I didn’t realize they were also organic, vegan, and gluten free until after I devoured one. I don’t really have any major food sensitivities (everything is fine in moderation) and I don’t like coconut but I was crazy over these little gems that literally melt in your mouth. I was disappointed at first that there were only two in the sample, but one macaroon was rich enough to fulfill my chocolate craving for the day. If you like macaroons (remember they are dehydrated so they can be a bit dry — nothing a glass of milk can’t fix), these are the perfect tasty treat that your body will thank you for.
Claudalie | Divine Oil
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This isn’t a product that I have to have. It is a dry oil that, unlike my Argan Oil that I use daily in my hair, can be used on face, body, and hair. I’ve used it on my hair and body. [I can’t fathom the thought of putting oil on my face on purpose regardless what the direction label on this product says.] While I love the smell, if I could bathe in this stuff I think I would, I think Argan has more moisturizing powers. It was perfect for fly-aways without being too greasy. My dry skin soaked up the oil better than I expected, though a little oily and filmy at first, it dried quickly and didn’t feel heavy like body butter. At $49 for one bottle, I just don’t think I really need this. I imagine it would be wonderful relief on a flaky sunburn, though.
Elizabeth Arden | Visible Difference Skin Balancing Exfoliating Cleanser
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I haven’t used this yet. To me, it’s just another cleanser, there’s nothing intriguing about it, and I like the one I currently use. I’m old-school — I always go back to the same Neutrogena cleanser I used in high school. When I received my Birchbox with this in it, my face was very broken out (thank you, tiny human growing inside of me) and I wasn’t about to stray from my fail-safe at a time like that. I threw the sample in my toiletry bag and might use it on a short weekend getaway when I don’t want to pack my entire bottle of facial cleanser. If it’s really, really good, I’ll be sure to let you know. 🙂
Juice Beauty | Stem Cellular Repair CC Cream
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To be honest, I’m still not 100% certain what this is. I didn’t use it until we were on the beach when I didn’t want to put on make-up and because it has SPF 30. A 12-in-1 anti-aging moisturizer, primer, protector and concealer? Or something like that. It is like a really thick lotion and creates a definite layer of coverage. I didn’t like it at first because I had a huge smudge of it on my cheek that I couldn’t do anything about. But I also left the direction card at home and wasn’t applying it correctly. It works best to apply it to your slightly damp face, neck and décolletage. The water on your skin helps activate the ingredients. The SPF was just enough for my fair skin in the sun all day. Unlike other reviewers, I can’t say that I enjoyed the scent of the lotion and after a while, I didn’t like the way my skin felt. It was soft and smooth at first, but by the afternoon my face was oily. Also, the color they sent me left me a little orange looking, I think I’d need the lighter color they offer.
Ojon | rare blendâ„¢ Deep Conditioner
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This. Ohmygosh, this product. After a dry winter, my hair turns into straw. I used this for two days and already noticed my hair was silky smooth and looked damage-free. I don’t color my hair, but I still get split ends horribly from the fact that my hair is so fine. (You can read that as fine as in thin or in a sultry voice as in “so fine, oh yeah.” Either is fine with me.) It is really thick (reminds me of cocoa butter) but a little goes a long way, which is awesome for us ladies with long strands. It is really greasy when it’s applied to your hair, but after sitting for two minutes, it rinses right off and you can have your Herbal Essences commercial moment. 😉 I just purchased my full size bottle using points!
Supergoop!® | Advanced SPF 37 Anti-Aging Eye Cream
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If you’re searching for an eye cream with SPF, you really can’t go wrong with this one. It’s not greasy and provides great moisture. I liked how it is gentle during application and wears well under make up, but it wasn’t enough to make me throw out my usual eye cream. Eye creams are typically expensive and often overlooked. Just like it is important to shield your eyes from the sun, it is important to protect the skin that hold your eyeballs in place. And just like your mama says, lasting healthy skin starts when you’re young! You may not think you’re old enough to shell out $40 for an eye cream just yet, but now is the time to start. I’m a firm believer in loving our bodies the way God made us, but I am also a huge proponent for protecting them and keeping them happy and healthy! So I feel that a good eye cream with worth the splurge if it does the trick. 🙂 Plus, how much do you love waking up with dark circles and bags under your eyes? No, no one likes that.
I think my May container got lost in the mail (womp, womp <– sad trombone). But I peeked into the preview anyway and I spied toothpaste and a face mask. Let’s just say, I really hope it shows up… 🙂
Everyone’s container is slightly different. What did you get in yours that you loved or didn’t love?
Did you miss out on April (or May’s) Birchbox? That’s sad. Sign up here!
PROST!