Birchbox | August 2012

It's that time again! I just got my August 2012 Birchbox in the mail today! The theme is Beauty School and 15% of proceeds from Birchbox Shop purchases will be donated to Pencils of Promise, with the goal to build a school in Central America. Anyway, I love when companies give back, and I love the school theme. School supply shopping is my favourite time of year!

The card this month was an accordion style pamphlet with beauty tips written inside. I have been watching a ton of Birchbox un-opening videos on YouTube in anticipation. Though I live less than 5 miles from the Birchbox office, I always seem to get my box later. I also always seem to get a different box than what the early openers receive. Anyway, let's get into what's inside my box!

The samples in my box. (Birchbox Find-not pictured)

Box Breakdown:

• Oscar Blandi | Jasmine Shampoo
• Caldrea | Hand Soap
• Eye Rock | Designer Liner
• Beauty Fixation | Pre-Tweeze Treatment
• Juicy Couture | Viva la Juicy La Fleur 
•  Schick | Hydro Silk 5-Blade Razor

Overall, I am happy with the size of all the samples and the variety of products that came in my box. Some of the products are kind of random and not something I would go out and purchase on my own. But that is the point of Birchbox right? To try things you wouldn't have otherwise.

So let's start with the first product: Oscar Blandi Jasmine Shampoo. This was a great size for a sample, being 2 fl. oz. It will be great for traveling since it's perfect for airplane requirements. It also smells really nice. I'm excited to use it and see how well it works with smoothing my hair.

Next, I received two Caldrea Hand Soap samples in Palmarosa Wild Mint. I haven't smelled it yet but the name sounds amazing! I wouldn't really expect hand soap to be a sample in my Birchbox, but I think these will be great to carry around in my purse.

This was the main feature of my box this month: Eye Rock Designer Liner. I watched a YouTube video on Birchbox's channel about how to apply these, and they honestly seemed like more hassle than they are worth. Over the years, I have gotten fairly pro (if I do say so myself...) at applying winged liner whether it be with a liquid or a gel, and these "Instant Eyeliner Tapes" seem more difficult to apply. They also seem very thick. However, it is an interesting, new product and something that I am definitely willing to try and see how it goes. I got four different looks in this pack (a full size comes with two packs of these 4 look styles.) I feel like a lot of dissatisfied people need to remember that this service isn't so you get full size products that you wanted to buy on the cheap but to expose you to different products in the make-up world. So I am going to be open minded with these eye liner stickers! I think I will have to wear that crazy double winged one on my birthday!

Next I got Beauty Fixation Pre-Tweeze Treatment applicators. I purchased a similar product, the Almay Makeup Eraser Sticks, and I really love those for fixing makeup smudges. I received a full size box which includes 24 liquid-filled sticks. I really love the packaging of liquid filled swabs, I find them to be so convenient. I am also really glad I got a full-size; I had seen other people with only 3 sticks in their box. I don't know how often I will use pre-tweeze treatment sticks, I definitely would use make-up removing sticks more. Especially considering the size of a Q-tip these are probably only really practical for your eyebrows compared to other areas. But again, still happy about these! Great size, convenient, and a little different!

I know last box I complained (only a little bit!) about perfume samples, but I am excited about this one. I have the Peace, Love, & Juicy perfume, so I was excited to try the Viva La Juicy La Fleur scent. It smells very light and feminine. Both fruity and flowery. I definitely prefer fruit scents over flower scents, and this scent is more fruity with a light jasmine note as well. The notes are described as mandarin, wild berries, honeysuckle, and jasmine. I also like how the sample has the spray top. It just makes using the fragrance so convenient. Again, another great item to throw in your purse. Mmm. I definitely like this scent. Considering getting the full-size one right now...

Lastly, as part of the Birchbox Finds, I received a Schick Hydro Silk Razor. I am so happy to have this in my box. Razors are so freaking expensive!! Also, I have only ever used a Venus Gillette razor since I started shaving in like sixth grade, so I think it's time to try something new! It reminds me a lot of the Venus Embrace with the five blades and the moisture strips. I also like that the razor came with some coupons for refills and shaving gel.

So that's my August 2012 Beauty School Birchbox! This is my third box, and I am still a satisfied customer! I love the service and the great products included. Of course, there have been some samples I felt neutral about and others I have been super excited about, but overall I have felt that I have been getting my money (and more) out of this service. I also find it so much fun to watch the Sneak Peek videos and other customers' un-opening videos. It's fun to try all the new products that maybe you wouldn't have even considered buying or even known about before Birchbox.

So what did you get in your August 2012 box!?