This month Birchbox partnered with Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign to support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), one of the worlds largest private funders of said research.  Birchbox is donating 104,000 to BCRF, funding one year of breast cancer lab research hours. That means you can feel extra great about what’s inside this box: Standout products from brands who have shown their commitment to the breast cancer cause in many ways -from dollars to volunteering to awareness-raising campaigns.  Learn more about how you can help at Birchbox.com/BCA

If you are new to Birchbox, Here is the lowdown:

For 10.00 Per Month you will receive a box of 5 beauty products/samples and an occasional bonus product delivered to your door each month. Join Birchbox and use code: BBJETBLUE10 for 10.00 (100 bb points) to use in shop with your new subscription.

For those interested there is also a Mens Birchbox. Details here

birchbox has added many additional options lately as well:

-prior to the month you will receive an email that will often allow you to choose one of your samples from a selection or to choose a specially curated birchbox with each product detailed. You also may stick with the option of keeping your surprise standard monthly box with a selection of the spotlighted monthly items!

-Birchbox Plus: In addition to your monthly boxes birchbox has added Birchbox Plus, this allows you to add a lifestyle item to your box for a discounted price: [anything from additional (full sized) beauty products to items for your home, entertaining and accessories!] (You will receive an email with these options prior to your months box as well)

-Birchbox has also recently added a Beta program: For current and new subscribers, you now have the option to add two additional full sized beauty products to your regular birchbox for an additional 20.00 dollars per month. (a total of 30.00 per month)   –current subscribers: ADD NOW for an additional 20.00 per month.

-The very best part of Birchbox for me is the Birchbox store and the rewards system that they have. Each month you may review each product for 10 BB points ea. 100 points equals 10.00 to use in the Birchbox shop; essentially every two birchboxes received can get you 10.00 to use in the birchbox shop.  (you also earn 1 bb point for every dollar spent in the shop) There are many other promos that allow you additional bb points and other loyalty discounts throughout each year.  They offer many excellent brands in their shop.

– Birchbox also has the Ace program which you are auto enrolled in after receiving 500 bb points in a calendar year:  learn more about the Ace program.

The Box:

The Goods:

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer: This is a deluxe sample.  Full size is $36.00

Worn alone or under foundation this best selling oil free primer is designed to create a flawless, velvety-smooth finish.  This was the very first primer I tried, way back when and it is a favorite to this day for good reason!   It is a simple, no nonsense lightweight primer that instantly smooths your skin, minimizes pores and fine lines and gives the skin a bit of a blur. It feels nice and light weight on your skin and helps lock down your look when applied prior to makeup application.  If you do not use a primer or have yet to try one this is definitely a good place to start!   And b/c Smashbox has created a whole line of these primers there is a version for every skin condition out there; from acne control to color correction you can find your true match.

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum Synchronized Complex II: This is a deluxe sample.  Full size is $65.00

This is a super potent Overnight serum that uses ChronoluxCB (TM) Technology designed to dramatically reduce signs of aging.  I’ve been using this as my night time eye serum for some time now so I’m glad I received a little back-up bottle.  This is lightweight on my eyes and does not irritate at all.  I apply 1 pump under my eyes and to the sides of my eyes and I wake up to a more refreshed, hydrated eye area.  I find it has made the tiny lines in my eye area less noticeable due to plumpness and hydration and is a great maintenance product.

Clinique Moisture Surge(TM) Extended Thirst Relief:  This is a deluxe sample.  Full size is $39.00

This is a lightweight oil-free gel-cream that soothes, cools, and plumps skin for around the clock hydration.  This moisturizer [and other Clinique products] were a major High School flashback for me!  I do not think I have used a Clinique product since then.  Seeing and trying this moisturizer again has reminded me why I did use it.  This product is very hydrating, yet so lightweight and does not seem to clog the pores at all.  It feels cool and fresh and improves your skin’s appearance.  I struggle with day time moisturizers despite knowing the need for it.  I’m always afraid of layering too many products, clogging my pores and causing break-outs.  Many ultra-moisturizing products feel too heavy and I find myself feeling them clog up my pores, so I skip it, despite needing it for my combination skin.  This may be just the right day time moisture my skin has ben looking for.

Clinique Chubby Stick(TM) Moisturizing Colour Balm in Mega Melon: This product is full size $17.00

This is a nourishing tinted lip balm, packed with mango and shea butters designed to hydrate the lips.  This is a nice product.  It’s light and moisturizing on the lips but packs a lot of pigment for a balm. The color can be intensified with continued application while still feeling light and smooth.  It has a glossy shine but not overly so and is not sticky at all.

Great shade, nice shine!

Darphin Stimulskin Plus Multi-Corrective Divine Cream:  This is a deluxe sample.  Full size is $295

This is a luxurious cream designed to soften lines, firm and brighten skin from renowned French skincare brand, Darphin.  This is my first time trying anything from Darphin and this is a seriously luxurious product with a price tag to match.  The cream itself is satiny and smooth, rich but not heavy and quickly absorbed.  It leaves the skin soft and smooth, not greasy.  This product definitely gives you the moisture you need right off the bat and feels lovely doing so.  At nearly 300.00 a tub, I plan to use it daily to see if my skin boasts any quite noticeable improvements.  There are a lot of things you can have done to/for your skin at that price (or a bit more) so I’m curious to see if this product provides a noticeable improvement worthy of the cost.  Thoughts?

This was a great box at an excellent value with products from companies that help with much needed emphasis on and donations toward a cause that desperately needs it!

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-Kelli xoxo