Ah the final Birchbox of the year. I am unsure if this will be my last Birchbox for a few months but we'll see eventually...I'll probably wait to see the January sneak peek video that Birchbox posts every month on Youtube and then decide if I'll cancel or not.

I just look all the perks of Birchbox :( #firstworldprobs

Anyways...believe it or not, this Birchbox was actually pretty great, mainly because I picked out everything in it. I love anything with the word "essentials" in it (fun fact). I don't know why but I love feeling like I NEED something.




When I saw that this month's pre curated Birchbox was called "Winter Essentials", I knew I had to have it. I figured knowing what I was getting in my Birchbox was better than having it be a surprise because lately, when it is a surprise it's less than satisfying.

I've tried most of the things in the box and I'm pleasantly surprised with them.

//Coastal Scents Eyeshadow Duo: I was supposed to get the formaleyes duo which was a rose gold & pink shade but instead got the styleeyes, which is gold and blue. I originally didn't want this one when I saw it online but in person the shadows are so pretty and so outside my comfort zone. I could've emailed Birchbox for the correct one (everyone got the wrong shadows) but I'm too lazy and have enough pink shadows. These shadows are pigmented but not too much and are perfect for the holidays. I'll definitely get some use out of them.

Sample size: 4/5
Full size: $12



//eSalon Perfect Ending Leave in Conditioner: I've been hoping to get a leave in conditioner in a Birchbox so when I saw this bad boy in the sample choice box, I had to get it. I used it over the weekend and it was great. At first, when my hair was wet, it felt a little stringy and tangled but that could've just been me. After blow drying and straightening, my hair was soft and silky. This conditioner you put in after you're out of the shower and your hair is towel dried. It feels just like a regular conditioner and I'm pretty happy with the results.

Sample size: 5/5
Full size: $25

//dermae Microdermabrasion Scrub: Another thing I love? Scrubs! DermaE is a great brand that's easily available in CVS and that's a plus for me. This is a thicker consistency, it almost feels like a balm and has a lot of little beads in it but that's what I like about it. It's slightly harsher than you would expect but sometimes that's what I prefer in my scrubs. My face feels so clean and fresh afterwards--this is my new favorite

Sample size: 4/5
Full size: $32.50 (OMG)

//Juara Coconut Illipe Hand & Nail Balm: My cuticles have been a disaster lately and on Sunday while I was home, I realized I had this handy dandy item. I was expecting it to feel like petroleum jelly but it was definitely not that. It is a very lotion like consistency and I just spread it on my nails and cuticles. Within minutes, my nails felt smooth and soft. This is something I'll for sure keep in my handbag and at work because my nails are always dry. I may even buy the full size!

Sample size: 3/5
Full size: $20

//Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain: I didn't realize what this was until I just read the description of what it does. It adjusts to your skin's temperature and PH to make your own customized shade. I have the It Cosmetics lip stain that does this and it's pretty cool. I'm excited to use this one!

//Chuao Chocolatier Cinnamon Cereal Smooch: This was a little extra in the box and I'll take any kind of food extra! I didn't taste any cinnamon in it but it tasted just like a fancy crunch bar!




This month I also added a Birchbox Plus kit to my monthly subscrtion. I won't do a whole post on that but I got the Completion Perfection Sampler which came with a full size beauty blender, Marcelle BB Cream, Benefit Porefessional Primer, The Beauty Crop Lightning Cream, and a W3LL PEOPLE Brightening Powder. I didn't need it but I really wanted a new beauty blender and the kit was $20 which is the prize of a new beauty blender so mind as well!

Dam you Birchbox, just when I want to give up you pull me back in!

Did you like your last Birchbox of 2015 this month?

While I haven't been loving my Birchbox monthly boxes lately, Birchbox is still killing the beauty game.

They have been turning out awesome exclusive kits lately and on Black Friday, I just couldn't resist anymore.

As I've said all this week, I've been obsessed with skincare lately and while browsing the Birchbox website, I found the best kit I could ever ask for. It has satisfied my skincare needs and it is amazing.

The Skin Recovery kit is available on the Birchbox website for $28 and comes with lots of full size and deluxe size sample products. I was itching to receive this kit and I don't think I've been this excited about a package in quite a while.

I also ordered the Amika Blowout Spray & got a cute littlemystery pack

The kit came in an adorable blue envelope package and was filled to the brim with all these new and exciting products.

I think what I was most excited for was the MicrodermaMitt which helps you remove your makeup, instead of using wipes or a washcloth. I haven't used this yet but I'm really excited to try it out.



The kit comes with the Avene Thermal Spring Water which I have from a past Birchbox and I am obsessed with it! This will be great to have in my collection as a backup for when I run out of my current one.

Something else I already have tried before getting it in this box is the Borghese Fango Delicato mud mask. It really does leave your skin smooth, soft, and feeling deeply cleaned.

I haven't tried the Malin + Goetz Lip Balm, the Shamanuti Charcoal Cleanser, or the Wilma Schuman Hydrating Eye Pads but I know they will all be amazing. I have never met an eye mask I didn't like and I have a sick obsession with charcoal cleansers so those will for sure be great!



There was one last product in the kit, one that seemed ordinary and didn't spark my interest before I tried it but it is by far my favorite product in this kit and I don't think I've ever loved a moisturizer the way I love this one.

The Air Repair Complexion Boosting Moisturizer has completely changed my skin in the short week that I've been using it. It's pretty thick so I've only used it at night and it has a nice refreshing smell which I can appreciate. It feels amazing on the skin and I almost feel like I can feel it working as soon as I apply it to my face, but that could just be my imagination.

I wake up in the morning and my skin feels supple, soft, and smooth. It helped with the texture on my face and my skin looks brighter and healthier the day after too. I've never felt this way about a moisturizer before and I will for sure be buying it again. This is holy grail status--thank you, Birchbox!

This kit was a definite HIT for me. The value is insane--$77? Yes please! I've never loved a skincare kit so much, I could talk about it forever!

Beauty week has come to an end--Links to Love will commence tomorrow. I definitely enjoyed getting all my beauty posts out of my system in one week but I definitely have some more coming for you in the usual blogging schedule!

Did you enjoy beauty week? Is this something that would interest you as a series on Royally Pink?

This was definitely not a winning month for Birchbox and I am getting very close to canceling it. Birchbox has always had its ups and downs over the years, but for the past year or so, it's really been on it's A game. It was pretty much September-November that I haven't been a huge fan of the boxes I've been getting.

I will say a lot of it has to do with the fact that I have so many beauty products now that I'm just not as impressed with the products in the boxes as of late. Also, I've been getting a ton of perfume samples and since I'm allergic, it's a total waste for me.

I may stick it out one more month and see what happens in December but if that box is a bust, I'll probably cancel for a few months.

This month had to be one of my least favorite Birchboxes in over 3 years, which is funny because this had to be my favorite design on a box ever. It is gorgeous! I have it displayed on my desk with the LE Everyday Glamour Box and I'm obsessed with both designs.



Even though I really am not a fan of everything in the box, I do like all the products, I just wasn't impressed with the selection.




//Harvey Prince Yoigini Perfume: Yep, another perfume that I can't wear. Well, that's a lie. I've been experimenting with wearing perfume the past week and so far, so good. I haven't had an allergic reaction yet so we'll see how the it pans out. I wore this to work on Friday and it's a very subtle, feminine scent. It has notes of grapefruit and star jasmine which is really pleasant and pretty.

Full size: $57
Sample size: 3/5




//LOC Vibrant Matte Lipstick in Glam Life: I was probably most excited for this product, not going to lie. Earlier this month, Birchbox released their FIRST MAKEUP LINE and they partnered with one of my favorite Beauty Guru's,  Tati from GlamLifeGuru. They released eyeshadow sticks and matte lipsticks and every Birchbox subscriber got to sample one of the products in this months' box. I was happy I got the berry shade of lipstick and wore this last Friday. It's smooth, gorgeous, long wearing, and extremely easy to apply. This is definitely going to be a staple in my winter beauty routine.

Full size: $8
Sample size: 5/5




//Moroccanoil Hand Cream Fleur d' Oranger: I was less than thrilled to see another hand lotion in my Birchbox. Usually I don't mind these products but I have so many hand creams in rotation, I don't know what to do with them all. However, it was a nice surprise to see a full size product in a box. I also love the Moroccanoil brand so I enjoyed that as well. This would be a total win if it wasn't for the scent. I know it says it's an orange scent and I usually like citrus scents but this is just plain gross. It's so faint and subtle, but at the same time it's just not inviting. I've been using it because it's very moisturizing but the scent is horrible.

Full size: $24
Sample size: 5/5

//Number 4 Elixer Restore & Repair Oil: I have enough hair oil to last me 100 years. I definitely didn't need another one. I like the Number 4 brand and it's nice to have a tiny sample size to travel with but I wish I would've gotten something else instead of this. I haven't tried it yet but I'm sure it's great.

Full size: $26
Sample size: 2/5



//theBalm FratBoy Eyeshadow/blush: I don't have nearly as much theBalm products as I would like so whenever they pop up in my Birchbox, I am very happy. I've seen this product around before and have been curious to try it out. The sample is expectionally tiny and I don't know how I would ever get a blush brush into the little compact, nor would I use this color as an eyeshadow but I'll try it out and see what happens. theBalm is super high quality and I've never been disappointed with their products.

Full size: $21
Sample size: 1/5

We'll see what happens with Birchbox next month, otherwise I'll say bye-bye to it for a little while.

What did you get in your Birchbox this month?

It's pretty evident that I love Birchbox; I love everything about them. One of my favorite parts are the special value sets that feature a variety of different boxes.

One of the most appealing parts of Birchbox and what I have never tried are the Limited Edition Boxes. Every so often they offer a special, limited edition box that is filled with full size products and are all centered around a theme. The boxes have an insane value and are usually in the $30-60 price range, which is great for the value of the box. The best part is that most of the time they include lifestyle products which is a great added bonus.

The last special edition box was Gym Bag Heroes and even though I don't go to the gym (LOL) I really wanted it. I was saving up my points for it but then decided against it, and eventually it sold out.

Well, I'm really glad I did wait because they just recently released the Everyday Glamour Special Limited Edition Box which is AMAZING. I wanted to spend my points on items that I didn't have already, or have been wanting to try and this box was perfect for that.

The Everyday Glamour box is valued at $197 but costs $48. Does it get better than that, because I don't think it does! The description of the box is so cute and I really love the lifestyle that Birchbox has created for their customers -- how they appeal to us and the language they use really sets the mood.




The idea of the box is to create a little bit of glam wherever you go, no matter if it's work, school, meetings, etc. They have provided us with timeless, easy to use products that will create a beautiful makeup look.

Every single thing in this box is something I will use and from brands that I've been wanting to try. The box took forever to get to my house and I was chomping at the bit to dive into the box and my goodness, it did not disappoint.



Smith & Cult The Shining Lip Lacquer in Life in Photographs: Everyone who purchased this box got one of two different shades. I received the lighter pink of the two glosses and I really like it. I've been heavily into lip gloss lately and I've been wanting to try the Smith & Cult one. It was really wonderful -- not too sheer but not too pigmented and it wasn't sticky at all. I would 100% buy the other colors. 

Cargo TexasLash™ Mascara: I've been on a mascara kick lately and I've been wanting to try more Cargo products. I only have a blush and and eyeshadow that I received in my past Birchboxes and I've been really happy with them. This mascara has a nice, big wand that will surely give off voluminous and luscious lashes. I have this stored away for when I run out of my current mascaras but I can't wait to use it! 

Caudalie Divine Oil - travel size: Like mascara and lip gloss, I've been enjoying oils lately. Whether it's for my face or my hair, I'm all about that oil life. Caudalie is a well known, expensive but lovely luxury brand and I'm always down to try more skincare. This oil can be used on your hair, face, or body and it's a nice size for being travel friendly. I haven't used it yet but I have high expectations and I'm sure it won't disappoint. 

Ciaté Nail Polish in Paparazzi: Another luxury nail polish brand I've been wanting to try and I'm so happy I finally received it in a Birchbox. The Paparazzi shade is a deep wine, plum red and it looks gorgeous. Expect to see this in a Manicure Monday next week! 



Jouer Powder Eyeshadow in Caramel: Ok I know I sound like a broken record but Jouer is another brand I've been dying to try. I've gotten small samples of their Moisture Tints in past Bircboxes but I've only heard good things. This eyeshadow is such a good size, and a great color for everyday. I'm super lazy with eyeshadow even though I have so many palettes but sometimes in the morning, I don't want to apply it because it takes too long. This is a beige/brown shimmery shade that is perfect for throwing on the lid in a quick, 10 minute makeup routine. It's super soft and pigmented and perfect! 

Michael Todd Concentrated C Antioxidant Moisturizing Serum: Michael Todd is one of my favorite skincare brands. I haven't found anything from this brand that I don't like. I was in need of a new serum since my other one(review coming soon) ran out. That was a major selling point of this box and I really like it so far. My skin is acting out right now so I need to be careful with what I put on it but so far, this serum feels great. It's super moisturizing and feels great on the skin. 


 
NER:D Skincare Repair Master Mask: I will never say no to a sheet mask! I have another mask from NERD Skincare that I haven't used yet but this is supposed to help heal damaged skin. I may have to try it soon because like I said, my skin is acting out. 



Stephanie Johnson Tinseltown Gunmetal Medium Flat Pouch: Like sheet masks, I could never have too many makeup pouches. I have already swapped this with the makeup bag I was using and it's so precious. It's glamorous, tiny, sparkly, and so girly. I love it! 



This box was an insane value and I'm so happy with every single item I received. If I didn't have points, I probably still would've spent my own money on this Limited Edition Boxes and now I may be hooked on the LE Boxes. They're too cute and too good of a value to pass up!

Did you get the Everyday Glamour box? What did you think?

After last month's confusion with if I should keep getting Birchbox, I was pleasantly surprised to be extremely excited and anxious about getting October's box. It could have something to do with the fact that I haven't been shopping too much and that I peeked (as always) at what was inside my box.

Oh it's a good one-- probably one of my favorite Birchboxes ever. Not to mention that it was a gorgeous pink box with a beautiful design that supported Breast Cancer Awareness!



All of the products I got in this box are ones that I've been meaning to try and so far, they're all awesome!



//Avene Thermal Spring Water: Spray mists are my addiction and obsession. I think they are a little gimicky but I can't help it! Every time I spray one on my face I feel like a new person. This Avene Thermal Spring Water is one of the better known mists and one that I have wanted to try for a while but never got a chance. I definitely notice a different in how this one feels compared to others like my holy grail Rosewater Spray from Mario Badescu; I wouldn't say its better because I love the Rosewater Spray, but this definitely feels just as good. I may buy a full size once this sample runs out.

Sample size: 5/5
Full size: $12.50-18




//Too Cool for School Dinoplatz Highlighter: I will never ever say no to another highlighter. I love these little sample sizes of liquid illuminators and I was really happy to try one from a Korean beauty brand. I've heard only good things about this highlighter and I can't wait to try it out. This would be wonderful to mix into foundation for a luminous finish!

Sample size: 3/5
Full size: $33




//Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo: I've gotten this dry shampoo in an Ipsy box (I think) and I really liked it. It got the job done and didn't leave behind a bad residue. It's a little on the expensive side in my opinion, I would never spend $20 on a dry shampoo so it's nice to have the sample.

Sample size: 5/5
Full Size: $20



//Stila Huge Extreme Lash Mascara: All Birchbox subscribers got a mascara sample in their box this month as their sample choice and I chose this bad boy. This is a brand new mascara to Stila's line and I've never tried any of Stila's products so I wanted to jump on the band wagon. Oh boy is this my new favorite mascara. It's very similar to the Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara and gives the same effect. I only used it once but I know this will be used up quickly. It has a very large brush that leaves your lashes luscious, long, and voluminous. Your lashes will look dramatic yet very soft and fluttery. It's perfect!

Sample size: 4/5
Full size: $23




//Dr Jart Ceramidin Cream: I'm always in need of new skincare and Dr. Jart is one of my favorite brands that I've discovered through Birchbox. This cream is supposed to calm irritated skin and deeply hydrate, which I'm always in need of in the winter months. I can't wait to use this, I'm sure it will not disappoint.

Sample size: 2/5
Full size: $48




What did you think of your Birchbox this October?

I've been thinking a lot about Birchbox and maybe I don't need these monthly boxes filled with beauty products. I have enough products to last 3 lifetimes. It's beginning to get a tad bit overwhelming and I think about canceling my subscription more than once a month.

But then, I watch the Sample Choice videos, see the previews, the pretty box, and I'm so happy to spend my $10 a month on this baby. It doesn't get much better than Birchbox -- the points system is treating me pretty well these days, and the Customer Appreciation Day was such a deal breaker -- in a good way.

Every time I get my box, the overwhelming feeling gets wiped away. It's just too perfect!

(Side note: maybe I'll do a make-up declutter before the holidays and see what I have/use/don't use -- that's a good idea for the soul and for a good blog post)

Well, the September box was a special one because it was their 5 year anniversary box, meaning it was filled with some extra special goodies. I think this is the most samples I've ever received in a box and I was really happy with all of them.

All Birchbox subscribers also got 20% off to the Birchbox Shop included in their subscriptions so that is a nice little bonus. 20% off does a girl good in the shop.

Also -- Birchbox is doing a great deal this month! If you sign up for your first subscription, you get it for $5! That's 50% off a regular monthly subscription. Get a nice little box of samples for $5? That sounds perfect! Sign up here!





I haven't used any of the products that I received yet, but I am impressed with the quality of them all. I think I was a little scared of the eyeshadow palette thinking it would be cheap, but I should've known -- Birchbox never steers me wrong!

//Malin + Goetz Grapefruit Face Cleanser: I've heard a lot of thing about Malin + Goetz in subscription services but have never tried anything from them. Well, that's still true because I haven't tried this yet :( It says that it clears breakouts & balances out your skin's pH so it should be good! I love getting cleansers in subscription boxes because they're great to travel with but I also really like trying new ones out! As a bonus item, I got the Malin + Goetz vitamin e moisturizer (which I also haven't tried yet)

Sample size: 3/5
Full size: $26

//Davines LOVE Smoothing Shampoo: I haven't tried this either (like I said, I haven't tried anything) but this I especially haven't tried this because I still have a bit of keratin treatment in my hair so I didn't want to use any shampoos that aren't sulfate free. This is an amazing sample size and I am excited to try it out, since it says it smoothes out frizz & tangle proned hair. I also got a bonus with this, the Davines LOVE conditioner!

Sample size: 5/5
Full size: $35

//NERD Skincare Super Hydrating Mask: I always appreciate a good sheet mask to add to my ever growing collection. This isn't so different. I've never heard of NERD Skincare but it seems fancy since a set of 3 masks are $27!! This mask is supposed to give you a more youthful, smoother complexion so I may save this for a really tired skin day.

Sample size: 5/5
Full size: 3 for $27

//Pop Beauty POP Portfolio Eyeshadow in Sugar Plum: I never received a POP Eyeshadow and I think I was always very scared that I would get one. I thought the packaging looked cheap and that the product would be no different. Well, I was terribly wrong. The packaging may look a little cheap but it doesn't feel it-- and the eyeshadows are pigmented, smooth, and rather large. I'm really happy I got this little trio and I hope I get more!

Sample size: 4/5
Full size: $24

//Rituals Happy Buddha Foaming Shower Gel: A foaming shower gel? That sounded interesting to me yet I haven't tried it out yet! It's supposed to be very moisturizing and soothing which I hope is true because my skin is already getting dry.

Sample size: 4/5
Full size: $25

I am definitely a little late in posting this (I think I got my Birchbox a little late) and in actually reviewing the products but life has just been getting the best of me lately! #sobusy

All in all, I was relatively happy with this Birchbox and I can't wait to see what October (OMG) has in store :)

What did everyone else get in their Birchbox this month?

Another "event" type post in one week? I am on a roll! Going out after work isn't SO bad after all ;)

Birchbox is honestly one of the best companies out there, in my opinion. They do everything right -- they're on their social media game, have an amazing website/shop, and they care so much about their customers. That last one truly shows on Customer Appreciation Day.




Customer Appreciation Day is something that Birchbox started doing last year (I think last year was the first year) where they have extra special fun for all their customers. They call them on the phone to thank them, have a few giveaways, and this year they even had some items on sale for $5-$15.





They also had a free BYOB(build your own box) at the Birchbox Soho Store. Now, I saw the post on their Instagram early yesterday morning and made the quick decision to stop by after work. I had meaning to buy a new Smith & Cult nail polish off the Birchbox site, and I've been DYING to go to the Birchbox Soho Store, so why not go when you can make a free Birchbox?

I was so excited and honestly, it did not disappoint.

The store is very narrow but very long, and is two floors. Everything is adorable, just as you could assume because it's Birchbox.





They have so many products and everything is separated by type; all the lip products are together, all concealers & foundations are together, blush & bronzer, etc. I think that makes it really easy to shop because if you're looking for a new primer, you can go to one little section and see everything they have available instead of jumping all over the store.



Toward the back of the store is the BYOB station; they have boxes lined up for the taking, and a women's & men's section. You get to choose five samples, one from each following category: makeup, skincare, fragrance, body, and hair. It's legitimately creating your own Birchbox in store. There was a good selection of samples to choose from so it's pretty safe to say everyone will find at least one product from each category that appeals to them.



I'm a bad blogger and forgot to ask how much it is to build your own birch box on a regular day, since I got mine for free.

After building my box, I headed downstairs to the nail & hair section, which was pretty cool. They had actual salon chairs set up for touch ups (I'm assuming) and products lining the walls. I grabbed the polish I wanted (expect a manicure monday post next week on it) and headed back upstairs to pay.





The cool thing about shopping in the Birchbox shop is that when you give them your email that is associated with your Birchbox subscription account, you can use your points in store. I chose not to use my points because I'm saving up but the option is nice to have.



The people at the store are SO nice! I mean, incredibly nice. They seemed super helpful and just had a smile on their faces. They looked genuinely happy to be there, which is something I can appreciate in a store.

Shall we get into what I got in my BYOB?






Haircare: Super Sweetback Treatment-- this is a hair mask that will help with dry & damaged hair. It's also a great size sample!

Body: Essentiel Elements Body Lotion -- I could always use a good body lotion, especially heading into the fall & winter months. I didn't see anything else in the sample bin that really appealed to me so I figured you can't go wrong with this! It has a very herbal smell, which I like sometimes so this will be great to keep in my handbag or at my desk at work!

Makeup: Cynthia Rowley Brightening Illuminator: This has been saved in my Birchbox favorites for a while, and when I saw it, I knew I wanted it. There were bronzers from ModelCo & theBalm that I would've chosen but the highlighter was calling my name. I can't wait to use, either by mixing it into a foundation or using alone.

Fragrance: Tocca Simone: I had to pick a fragrance because it's part of the system but like I've said before, I'm allergic so I won't be using this :( It does however smell very light & fresh -- great for everyday wear.

Skincare: Michael Todd Organic Lemon Toner: Ok so when I saw this, I thought it was a face exfoliate but as I'm typing this, I realize it's a toner. That's fine, I need a new toner. It's also a nice hefty size so that is what initially drew me in. I can't wait to use it! Skincare has been my favorite thing to try lately and I've used Michael Todd before so I'm sure it'll be good!

At the register, all customers got a sample of a Davines shampoo & conditioner so that was a nice little bonus!

I also purchased this little travel case online today since it was one of the $10 specials and free shipping! I've been traveling more and needed something a little bigger to take with me on the road!

All in all, my experience on Customer Appreciation Day was amazing and I loved the Birchbox Soho store. I may have to stop by on my way home more often :)