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Out of Doors! ~ May 2016 Birchbox~

I know it's been so long! I've been busy and rather uninspired. Now I'm just super backed up on posts. I mean I have stuff from March that I haven't even reviewed yet. I know I've been a bad girl. Until I'm ready to tackle all of the backlog, let's start with something simple. My May 2016 Birchbox!!! Again super lazy, don't want to waste a lot of time here, so let's do this!


Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo (FS $24): I've actually tried this dry shampoo before. I believe that it was a free mystery sample once upon a time. It's a good dry shampoo, not my favorite for the price. It works fine and doesn't leave that dry feeling like Klorane can do. Just for reference that's another higher end dry shampoo which is really good. And was also introduced to me through Birchbox. If you're looking for the real winner of dry shampoos try Batiste, it's $5.99 at Target. Winning! (do people still say that?) Final Grade: B

Cargo Blush and Bronzer Duo (FS $35): I'm actually a fan of the Cargo Swimmables blushes which are h2o resistant. Those are a dream, this duo eh it's okay. I've enjoyed the bronzer, even though the pan is rather small. The blush is another story. I've used it a couple of times and I just haven't been too impressed with it. I've stuck it in a Z Palette and maybe I'll like it later, but at the moment no not for me. Final Grade: C+

The blush photographs more subtly than it actually looks in the pan.
MDSolarSciences Mineral Moisture Defense SPF 50 for Body (FS $39): I'm a bit overloaded on sunscreen at the moment, but I've decided to incorporate this SPF into my routine. I've actually really enjoyed it. Certain sunscreens break me out, but so far so good. I'd compare this to the Supergoop sunscreen serum. Which is also a great facial sunscreen. Final Grade: B

Real Chemistry Luminous 3-Minute Peel for Body (FS $34): This was actually one of the samples you could choose. I've tried the facial peel before, but I'm never sure that I'm using the product correctly. This is the exact same process (and I'm assuming formula) in which you smooth it on damp skin, then buff it off after about a minute with your hands. It sort of works, I'm actually not really sure. I exfoliate weekly so I didn't notice anything dramatic. I also only got 2 uses out of the package. I know it looks huge, but it was not.  Final Grade: B

Sample Choice: Vita Liberata Fabulous Self Tanning Gradual Lotion (FS $30): I was really excited for my sample choice this month. I'm not a natural tanner. While I can get quite dark with regular sun exposure, I hate being outside. The beach isn't for me. It's hot, there's nothing to do, and there are too many children. Unfortunately I've used almost this entire sample and no tan. I don't actually see any darkness. And the fake tanner smell is strong with this. I also don't want to wait 48 hours for color to develop. I think I'll stick to tan towels, which work great. Just don't miss a patch like I did for graduation years ago. I missed a triangle shaped patch on my left arm, not cute. Final Grade: C+

Overall I wasn't impressed with this. There wasn't anything that wowed me. I do like the bronzer from Cargo though, so I guess that's a win. I have actually used a lot of the samples and tossed them already so I feel accomplished in that sense. Spoilers are already up for June and it looks promising. I also signed up for 2 more subscription services Allure Beauty Box and Sephora Play, so there's a lot of samples coming my way next month. If you'd like to sign up for Birchbox (please don't let my review discourage you) click here. If not then I'm cool with it, I guess we're not at that point in our relationship yet. Coming soon more book reviews and another special edition TopBox from one of my favorite YouTubers! That's all for now!
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