The theme for this month’s box is FreeWheeling because everything around us is bursting into action this time of year! So let’s talk May Birchbox. I updated my Birchbox profile in hopes my boxes would be aligned with my product desires (less hair & makeup & more bath & body) and I definitely scored this time around. *happy dance!*
Caldrea Body Wash
Caldrea focuses on plant-based botanical ingredients that you can feel good about applying to your body. Linden flower extract soothes skin and offers anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant benefits. Rice bran, a staple in Japanese skincare, stimulates collagen to increase elasticity and hydration. Nourishing chia seed oil optimizes skin health.
Review: I have really sensitive skin that dries out quickly and becomes irritated if I 1) use harsh products 2) am exposed to drying temps or 3) exposed to hard water. Caldrea Body Wash did not dry out my skin or cause irritation. The smell is very fresh and clean. My skin felt great after each use and never once became dry and itchy.
Caldrea Body Lotion
Caldrea focuses on plant-based botanical ingredients that you can feel good about applying to your body. Rice bran, a staple in Japanese skincare, stimulates collagen to increase elasticity and hydration. Nourishing chia seed oil optimizes skin health. Plus, Caldrea products are vegan and free of phthalates, parabens, formaldehyde, and artificial colors.
Review: The Caldrea Body Lotion is very hydrating much like the body wash! It feels silky like a serum – love that! It’s hydrating but not greasy. The lotion offers the same scent as the body wash.
Marcelle New-Age 8 in 1 Power Serum
It’s called a power serum for a reason: The lightweight formula boasts five peptides, the amino acids that amp up collagen production and improve elasticity, plus xylitol, a natural sugar alcohol that helps skin retain moisture. These potent ingredients work in eight great ways. When it comes to lines, they smooth, provide a filling effect, and visibly reduce even deep wrinkles. They also firm, lift, and strengthen, while working to boost radiance and improve the texture of your complexion. Even better? It does all of this without parabens or fragrance.
Review: I am not dealing with any issues this serum combats. Therefore, I’m unsure if it is as powerful as marketed. I would love to put this serum to a test to see if it keeps the skin as hydrated as it claims. Unfortunately, winter is long gone and this sample will be long gone when winter comes back around. I haven’t noticed any improvement in my complexion. For now, I will just enjoy the serum while it last.
PIXI Beauty Shea Butter Lip Balm
This moisturizing formula contains shea butter and Vitamin E to soothe parched lips and prevent future dryness and also offers a wash of pigment.
Review: I have lip balms everywhere – travel bag, handbag, desk drawer, night stand, etc. A girl can never have too many lip balms. The PIXI balm offers a hint of color which is an added benefit.
Votivo Candle Travel Tin (Azure Garden)
Packaged in a sleek tin container, each scented candle adds an elegant touch to even the most cramped Manhattan apartments. Plus, they effortlessly mask a week’s worth of takeout smells. Try Pink Mimosa, a tropical-inspired blend of strawberries, mimosa, and vanilla rum, or venture toward the sweet yet tart Red Currant, which mixes, well, red currants, with vanilla bean and raspberry. Then there’s Clean Crisp White, a fresh scent of crisp linen, and Champaca, a combination of sandalwood with champaca petals. Azure Garden blends top notes of grass, blueberries, and grape hyacinth with floral scents, grounded in teakwood and vetiver. And last but certainly not least is Rush of Rose, a refreshing revamp of a classic rose. Burn time is up to 60 hours.
Review: Receiving this candle has rekindled my desire to turn shower time to spa time — soft music and a dimly lit candle! What a way to end the day. I need to do this more often but totally forget to. Note to self: spa time at least once a week. The scent of this candle is very lovely. It’s a mixture of a fresh, clean smell blended with blueberry and grape. Yum!
Supergoop Everyday SPF 30 with Cellular Response Technology
This lightweight sunscreen quickly soaks into skin—but since it’s noncomedogenic, it doesn’t clog pores. It’s loaded with beta-glucan for moisture and free radical-fighting antioxidants to keep skin looking young. And its scent—a subtle botanical fragrance with hints of citrus and basil—beats the typical sweet, pseudo-tropical sunscreen smell any day.
Review: This is noncomedogenic which is a big deal for an acne sufferer! My face has taken to it nicely. I like that it has ingredients designed to preserve moisture and keeps the skin looking young. However, I love my Dermalogica SPF50 Solar Booster, thus I’m unsure if I will invest in Supergoop immediately. Dermalogica offers the same benefits as Supergoop and is SPF50 vs. SPF30. I definitely feel it’s a good alternative to Dermalogica as a backup plan.
Disclaimer: Birchbox is purchased with my personal funds. Please use my referral link to sign-up!