Spring is in the air, and I received my first Birchbox the other day! Admittedly, I am new to subscription boxes (This is my first month, actually), so I wasn't exactly sure of what to expect. I felt like I had waited forever before it arrived. I guess I am a little too spoiled to Amazon and other things, and having orders on my doorstep within 2-3 days, max. I entered my subscription around March 13, and it finally showed up on the 25th. I am not judging though, as, like I said, this is my first foray in to the subscription box world.
Okay, so let's get to it.
"This all natural healing balm provides relief to dry, red, itchy, cracked and irritated skin all over the body." - BRB label
Skinfix - Body Repair Balm ★★★★ 1/2
This is a sample sized jar (.28 oz) of Body Repair Balm from Skinfix. I really don't know much about the company, so I had no opinion one way or another about this brand being in my box. According to the label, this can be used to treat eczema, dryness and dermatitis. It lists "colloidal oatmeal" as it's active ingredient (no hydrocortisone), and lots of other natural ingredients. It contains no parabens, phthalates, steroids or added fragrance.
That last could be it's downfall. It doesn't smell GREAT, and I personally love scented items. However, I know that many with sensitive skin get irritated by fragrance, so I understand the point. Still, it's smell is almost like. Vaporub and Oatmeal had a love child. So, on that, they almost lost me. I decided to try in anyway.
As a mom of 4, and a girl who isn't afraid to get dirty, I wash my hands...ALOT. I also do a lot of yard work, in the wind. Often, my hands are dry and scaly and, well, not cute. However, lots of lotions make the scaliness sting when it's applied. I put just a smudge on the back of one hand of the Body Repair Balm and rubbed it in. After about 20 minutes, my hands were super soft, and while you could tell they HAD been dry, they were still relatively smooth and not stinging at all. (Plus, the smell dissipated!) This is a product I can see myself buying the full size of ($30 for 4 oz.) and not bat an eye. It might seem a bit steep, but a little dab will do ya, and it will last. This is now part of my bedtime routine, for sure!!
Air Repair Rescue Balm ★★1/2
This is DEFINITELY a tiny little sample. The tube (maybe an inch and a half long??) claims that this is a "100% natural, all purpose salve" that "contains a nourishing blend of potent emollients. It can be used wherever skin is dry, including lips and hands."
Well first of all, as if the tube isn't tiny enough, mine was only maybe half full. Most tubes are completely full, and this one had ALOT of air. Might have been a defect...not sure. The ingredients are not listed on the tube, but the Birchbox card said it could be used on the lips. So I did...
BAD IDEA. It tasted horrible, smells like an old granny (No offense to any grannies that may be reading this) and made my lips feel...greasy. Then I also tested it on my cuticles. Didn't see a change in them at all. I think I will stick to my Solar Oil for those. Basically, this seems like sort of thinned of Bag Balm. I gave it 2.5 stars to be somewhat fair, as I haven't used it on elbows or knees. I don't think I will either, though.
theBalm How 'Bout Them Apples? Cheek and Lip Cream
★★★★
When I first saw this, I immediately wondered if it was some sort of candy. Then I realized who the manufacturer was, and remembered that my oldest daughter has an eye pallet that she loves made by the same company, and then also read the packaging and saw that it was a cheek and lip stain. When I finally figured out how to open it (it took longer than it should have...) I saw this on the inside...
Nice bit of eye candy there. The shade is called "Pie" and is a bit too bright for me. Granted, I haven't actually tried it yet...I just went by the color as it was in the box. Being a redhead means blush can be a bit tricky. The texture is nice, and the color seems to be buildable (on my wrist), but...not for me. So I gave it to my daughter, and I believe she uses it as a lip stain. Cute and decent for what it is, but the shade wasn't for me. 4 stars.
Supergoop!! City Sunscreen Serum ★★★
What can you say about Supergoop, other than the name is a bit cheesy, at best? I really don't know much about this brand at all. The serum is nice and light. You can use it alone or as a primer, and it's SPF 30, which is a good thing. (Take care of your skin, ladies!!) It's weightless and you feel like you are still in your naked skin even after you put it on. It doesn't seem greasy, and my skin feels soft afterwards. It is NOT water resistant, so if you are at the pool or doing some heavy perspiring with yard ward, put something else on. It also says you need to reapply every 2 hours. I gave it 3 stars because...well...sunscreen is sunscreen is sunscreen, for me. This has no wow factor but should be usable.
Mighty Leaf Tea Pouches ???
"Handpicked blend of organic tea leaves, dried fruits and spices in biodegradable pouch."
Unfortunately, I can't say a lot about these. Don't get me wrong, i LOVE teas...but I take mine with sugar and a little milk...both go which I gave up for Lent this year, so I have as of yet been unable to test them out. They will be near the top of my list for after Easter though!!
And there we have it. That's what was in my March Birchbox. The winner here for me is the Skinfix Body Repair Balm. Not my favorite smell but not completely off putting either, and it makes my hands silky smooth.
Until Next Time,
XOXO
Sam
