Birchbox May 2016 Out of Doors

This month the box was a bit more low-key than usual, I think I just get too excited for my Birchbox. On top of it they included that dreaded tiny perfume sample. But overall I am not totally disappointed with the box. Just that I have received great products in the past from them, so this one definitely is not my favorite box from them. 

Having said that the box design is so adorable, and the theme was “Out of Doors”, which is why they included a SPF product with each box.

I did select Coola Sunscreen White Tea SPF 50 sample from the sample choice.

Sample Choice:

Supergoop! Sun Defying Sunscreen Oil with Meadowfoam SPF 50
Real Chemistry - Luminous 3-Minute Peel for Body
Vita Liberata Fabulous Self Tanning Gradual Lotion
COOLA® Classic Sport Face SPF 50 White Tea Moisturizer 

In hindsight, I think going with the Featured box would have been a better bet.

"Naturally Radiant" Featured Box:

Clean Blossom Eau de Parfum
Davines Love Smoothing Shampoo
COOLA® SPF 30 Organic Makeup Setting Spray
ModelCo Lip Laquer - Creme Brulee
Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer 

Nonetheless, I do enjoy my samples from Birchbox each month, and I love their themes.

My Samples included

Clean Blossom Eau de Parfum(Full sized $72) 

Beautiful Feminine Floral scent, absolutely divine and captures the essence of spring. With notes of Tunisian neroli, orange blossom, and sensual sandalwood, this scent is so pleasant. I wish I had the full sized version of this. Also I felt that this scent lingers on for a long time after application, compared to others.

Burt’s Bee Tinted Balm(Full sized $7)

I had bought a Lip Tinted Balm in the shade Peony a few years back, and somehow I wasn’t very pleased with it.The formula was too shiny and a bit greasy, and I could never use it again. So I am not planning to use this one. But some other products from Burt’s bee have worked very well for me.

Eyeko Skinny Liquid Liner (Full sized - $16, Mini $8)

I had previously received the Fat Liquid Liner from Birchbox in January 2016, which was a full sized product worth $18 and I absolutely adore it. So I am looking forward to trying out this Mini liner once my NYC Precise Tip Liquid Liner runs out

COOLA® Classic Face Sport SPF 50White Tea (Full sized $32)

Hmm, not pleased with this one. I know, I selected it from my sample choice but, the size was just inexcusable. It was hardly worth 1-2 tries. I love the brand Coola, and especially loved their COOLA® Classic Face SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer, that I received previously. But I don’t think I would purchase this one myself, mainly because of the awful smell.

Davines OI All in One Milk (FullSized- $30)

The scent is a bit intense, but does disappear soon enough. I think it did a good job in taming my dry ends, I was also satisfied with the sample size.This product is powered with roucou oil that supports hair growth and protects it from UV radiation, it has ellagic acid fights off free radicals and cell damage. For added hydration, it has provitamin B5 and a functional amino complex, that conditions hair, keeping them soft and supple during heat styling and helps tame frizz. 

Davines OIConditioner - Absolute Beautifying Conditioner for All Hair Types (FullSized $34)

Davines OI Shampoo -Absolute Beautifying Shampoo for All Hair Types (Fullsized $28)

These again, were tiny one-use samples that they added as bonus products. These are also packed with natural active ingredients that target sun damage and help tame that unwanted frizz.

Overall, not the Birchbox I was hoping for, but there are few things that I will still end up using. But in terms of the sample sizes for a $10 subscription, I have always felt, Birchbox falls short compared to other subscriptions boxes.