Birchbox November 2011

Got my birchbox almost a week ago and I just haven't had the time and energy to make a post till now.

This month's theme is "Getting Gifty." Basically, the box is all about things that could be a great gift for someone else, whether it be something you gift or an idea for something to gift.

LaROCCA Skincare Champagne and Shimmer Supreme Creme
Shea butter and olive oil join forces to leave skin firm, supple, and ready to set off your favorite party dress

This will probably be the least used product out of this month's Birchbox. I'm not really interested in shimmery lotion on anything. It's more of a club or nice party kind of lotion... And I don't go to either of those. And while it doesn't smell bad, it doesn't smell amazing. It has a strong perfume so if I were to use it, it would probably be on my décolletage. What I will say is that this is a surprisingly hydrating. My skin does feel soft. Maybe if I think it's hydrating enough, I'll use it on rough parts like my elbows and feet.

Atelier Cologne Vanille Insensée Cologne Absolue
Warm notes of vanilla, oak wood, and amber anchor this autumn-ready perfume

I rarely ever really like a perfume or anything more expensive then body spray from bath and body works. But I really really really like this stuff. It smells amazing! But that's probably because it smells like a musky vanilla. Definitely my favorite scent right now. Fabulous for fall/winter I think. Honestly, I wish I went out more or had more excuses to wear perfume.

BOURGHESE Fango Active Mud

I've never used a mud mask before. I did use the Clark's Botanicals Intense Radiance Mask that came in a previous Birchbox and I loved it. But I feel like that mask and this mask are two completely different things. They target different things on the face. Clark's is like a midweek pick-me-up kind of mask. It's great for reducing redness and just makes you feel good.... BORGHESE is all about the complete purge. It's a great way to start off the week. I feel like it gets the grime of the previous week off without completely drying out my skin. I used it tonight [after washing my face not once but twice] and I felt like it actually re-hydrated my skin. It did get a little tight on my face but completely worth the feeling since it's only on for 2-5 minutes. My mom tried it too and seemed to like it... Christmas anyone? [I noticed this is in a local beauty store so it would definitely be easy to get]

Zoya Nail Polish in Izzy
The perfect party polish, this bold pink shade from Zoya's holiday 2011 collection has a touch of look-at-me sparkle

I have been obsessed with nail polish lately, if you haven't figured it out [mini-Julep haul after the Birchbox overview btw]. So I was really excited when I caught a glimpse of the Birchbox youtube video about what was potentially coming in the November boxes and saw the Zoya nail polish. And while it isn't my favorite from the pictures, that doesn't mean I don't like it. I got the opaque pink color and it looks like it is going to be a nice shade. I haven't actually put it on yet but the shade is certainly bold. Thinking it will go great with Sienna [talk about more in the Julep part] polish for New Years.

Two Paper Dolls Ampersand Coasters
Our favorite letterpress studio adds a hip, playful touch to everything they do, from notecards to coasters

Yet another strange Birchbox gift that I probably will not use. This was the treat that came with this month's Birchbox... I may give it to my sister-in-law for Christmas though I don't know what good 2 coasters are. I have the ones like the upper left-hand corner one [letters and numbers and such].

PRIZE UNLOCKED! BaubleBar Black Wood Pop Bracelet
Thank you for referring friends, giving feedback, or buying products in our shop. Your reward: some in-box bling [a sweet BaubleBar bracelet] and, of course, your hard earned Birchbox Points

Apparently I was one of the 10,000 who got enough Birchbox points during a certain period of time and got this super awesome bonus gift... And despite the fact that Justin Bieber seems to have made this famous, I really do like it. It's really cute and I'm so happy to have it.  And no offence, it's a bit more sturdy than the Birchbox 1 year anniversary bracelet.

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Another note, is that I've got a Pinterest account and I love this site. It does require an invite, so if you want one, leave me a comment. If you're already on, link to my boards is on the left.