Vichy Box from Birchbox!

I got an email from Birchbox a while ago asking if I would like a FREE sponsored box from Vichy and I replied that I would be interested! I got my box today and I was pretty impressed. It was packed in the usual hot pink Birchbox outside box, but the inner box is a shiny hinge-top box.

This is the top of the box.

They include a card like in the usual Birchbox, which has a description of the products on the back.

The front of the card.

This is what it looks like when you open it.

This is what the products look unwrapped.

The products included (left to right, top to bottom):

CelluDestock (.23 fl oz/full size 6.7 oz) "Intensive Treatment for the Appearance of Cellulite. Vichy's own Lipocidine complex teams up with caffeine to tone the skin on your thighs, hips, and derriere. Massage into your skin to zap cellulite." I don't really have a problem with cellulite (or, if I do, I don't care...) so I don't really have any expectations with this. Also, it says it reduces the appearance of cellulite in 4 weeks, which this sample will obviously not last that long.

Purete Thermal 3-in-1 One Step Cleanser (1 fl. oz/full size 6.7 fl oz) "A real triple threat, this unique formula works as a cleansing milk, toning lotion and a makeup remover all at once. Dab it on with a cotton pad, or smooth it directly onto your skin and rinse with water." I am actually pretty excited about this because the toner I have now makes my nose all flakey if I'm not careful, and I am hoping a 3-in-1 doesn't make my nose freak out.
Purete Thermal Eye Makeup Remover for Sensitive Eyes (1 fl. oz/full size 5.1 fl oz) "Laced with cornflower water and vitamin B, this uber-gentle formula thoroughly cleanses your delicate eye area, Pour  a small amount onto a cotton pad and pat into skin." Woo hoo for trying new eye make-up remover!!

Aqualia Thermal Cream (0.5 fl oz/full size 1.7 fl oz) "24hr Hydrating Care. Infused with a high concentration of mineral-rich antioxidant water, this moisturizer keeps skin hydrated around the clock. Use it every morning on a clean face, alone, or under makeup." Maybe this will also help with my flakey nose. 

LiftActiv Rhamnose Night (0.5 fl oz/full size 1.7 fl oz) "Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Care. This lush night cram works its magic with Rhamnose, a plant-derived ingredient (concentrated at 5%) that helps skin renew itself. Apply a thin layer after washing your face, and don't forget your neck and decolletage" Being young, I don't need anti-aging, but there is no harm in being proactive!!

So, if I have any thoughts on these products I will post more in depth reviews later.

Disclosure: I did receive these items for free, but that does not affect my opinion at all.

Review: L'Oreal Professionel Mythic Oil

I have had 2 midterms this week and am having 2 more midterms next week, one of which I am completel terrified about. So, here is a really short review.
I got a sample of the L'Oreal Professionel Mythic Oil in my December 2011 Birchbox. I was skeptical at frist, as I had never really used any "oil" products and I tend to go a little overboard with the runnier hair products. I read the directions, and in the interest of using it up, I took the plunge. I used a few drops for my just-past-shoulder-length hair and I was amazed. My hair was shiny, soft, and tangle-free. I had minimal frizzies and it wasn't oily or greasy.
The oil itself it was a thicker oil. It wasn't as runny as water, but it wasn't thick like a lotion either. Think olive oil. If this product were more readily available (it says you have to buy it in a salon), I would definitely buy this. I, of course, have about 87495739 products I need to use up, but I am definitely interested in trying more oil products.

February 2012 Birchbox!

I got my Birchbox a little earlier than normal this month! I'm hoping they stick with UPS from now on because they seem to have their stuff together a little better than the company they were using before.

• Violent Lips Temporary Lip Tattoos in Gold Glitteratti I would never in a million years have picked these up on my own. I barely wear lipstick. I am excited to have a chance to try them, especially since there are three applications worth so I can get the application down. I don't think I'll wear them out, but I want to see what they look like.
• Download card for a band
• Supersmile Powdered Mouthrinse I also would have never picked this up, but I am excited to try them. They are much easier to carry in a small bag than a thing of mouthwash that might spill all over.
• Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint I love new face products, and this is no exception. I am just a little worried about the shade, because when I put a little bit on my wrist, it looked pretty orange at first.
• Benta Berry G-1 Moisturizing Face Cream I've never heard of this brand but am excited to try this. 
• Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant When I first opened this, I was pretty confused. It turns out it is a powder you shake into your hand and rub (with a bit of water) into a paste then use that. I think. I haven't used this yet because I don't want to over-exfoliate my face by adding this to my already-exfoliant-heavy skin routine. I just need to finish up the XOUT I am using before I use this bad boy. What I really thought was cool was that on the box it tells you how to "activate" your donation for microloans to developing countries. 

I am quite happy with my Birchbox this month. Would I have chosen these products on my own? No, except for MAYBE the tinted moisturizer. I do want to try these products, though. I feel like one of the best things about Birchbox is that you get samples of products you wouldn't normally gravitate towards. I rather get five samples of brands and products I have never heard of (as long as quality is not an issue) than get things I already know I love. What are your thoughts? Have you gotten your Birchbox yet?

CVS Haul!!

I've been trying to cut my spending lately, so I am looking for deals. Infusium 23 is BOGOfree right now at CVS, and since I had an Infusium23 coupon and a $3 off CVS coupon that was about to expire and a 20% off coupon from an email, I figured this was the right time to use it. I also needed makeup wipes...Let's just say I got a little carried away.

• Infusium23 Repair and Renew Shampoo and Conditioner Originally $6.99 each. Buy one Get one free + $1 off coupon brought it down to $3/bottle. A little expensive compared to what I normally buy, but pretty good for a "nicer" shampoo and conditioner.
• Freeman Dead Sea Minerals Mask Originally $3.99, but had a mail in rebate tag that I will be sending in tomorrow.
• CVS Night-time Cleansing Towelettes (Compare to Pond's Evening Soothe) 30 towelettes, $4.99
• CVS Advanced Cleansing Towelettes (Compare to L'Oreal RevitaLift Radiant Smoothing Wet Cleansing Towelettes) 30 towelettes, $5.79
• CVS Exfoliating Cleansing Towelettes (Compare to Pond's Exfoliating Clean Sweep) 30 towelettes, $4.99
• Spend $15 on CVS skincare, get $5 in extrabucks, so I got 90 towelettes for $10.77. This isn't the best price ever, but I like that I got to choose three different packages, plus they all have the plastic closure instead of just a sticky label that I can never seem to seal correctly.
• Dollar Days Make Up Remover Wipes $1 These are cheap, but I had to try them. 
• Wet'n'Wild MegaShield lip color in It's a Girl normally $2.99
• Wet'n'Wild ColorIcon Blusher in Heather Silk 832E normally $2.99
• I got a coupon from the machine for BOGOfree Wet'n'Wild up to $3. I had heard great things about their blush and I had wanted to try the MegaShield lip color since I saw a display a while ago, plus I picked up the shade I wanted and it happened to have a $1 off coupon!! So, I really spent $2 for $6 worth of Wet'n'Wild.

After everything, I spent $22.84, which does not include the mail-in rebate that I will be receiving for the Freeman mask.

January 2012 Empties!!

Woohoo! Another month's worth of products have been used up! If you have any questions about any of these products, don't hesitate to comment!!!

 Yes To Blueberries Towelettes (review here)
OPI ExpertTouch Nail Wipes
Slatlkin & Co. Frosted Cranberry mini candle
Slatkin & Co. Holiday Gumdrop mini candle
Slatkin & Co. Marshmallow Fireside mini candle
OPI Coconut Melon lotion (mini)
BBW Apple Pie PocketBac
BBW S'mores PocketBac
Spa Sister Foot polish

 The Body Shop Wild Cherry Body Butter
Cranberry Maple body wash (random brand)
Nuance Antiaging Eye Cream
BBW Aromatherapy Lavender and Vanilla mini candle
BBW Blueberry Pancake PocketBac
Up&Up Women's Shave Gel in Baby Soft

 Huggies baby wipes
BBW Into the Wild Smoothing Body Scrub
Tresemme Smooth and Silky shampoo/conditioner samples
Dove Nutricream samples (?)
Dove Daily Moisture shampoo/conditioner samples
Satin Care Pure&Gentle Shave Gel (travel size)
Secret Scent Expressions Cocoa  Butter Kiss spray (travel size)
BBW Coconut Punch PocketBac
Slatkin & Co. Deck the Halls mini candle
BBW Aromatherapy Eucalyptus Spearmint mini candle (LOVE this scent!)
OPI AvoJuice Mango lotion
C.O. Bigelow Lavender&Peppermint Shampoo/Conditioner
L'Oreal Mythic Oil (sample)