What’s In My May 2016 Birchbox?

Choosing what would go in my box this time around was a no-brainer. If you’re unfamiliar with the Birchbox selection process, you can pick one out of three options all for $10/month:

1. Do nothing. Everything in the box is a surprise!
2. Choose one sample for your box out of their curated list of products.
3. Choose the featured box. You’ll know everything in your box before you receive it.

I went with option three this month, because there were things in this box that really stuck out to me, and I couldn’t pass them up. Here are my thoughts on each of the products I received:

1. Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer | Full-size, $29
To be honest, this little guy is the main reason I chose the featured box this month. First, Benefit Hoola is my favorite bronzer; it’s a perfect matte bronze color that isn’t orange-tinged or dirty brown. Second, the package is so stinkin’ cute! (Anyone else get sucked in by cute packaging?!) The regular size is quite bulky and takes up a lot of space in my makeup case, so having this size around will be super helpful for my upcoming travels in July! This travel size is worth just above $10.

2. CLEAN Blossom Eau de Parfum | Full-size, $20-$72
In last month’s Birchbox, I received a perfume I really didn’t like hated. It was so bad that I was afraid I would receive another one like it. To my pleasant surprise, I really enjoyed this scent. It’s a fresh floral that dries to a clean finish that isn’t too musky or powdery. I really like this one, but I think my go-to floral will remain Stella by Stella McCartney. This sample size is worth around $1.68.

3. Davines LOVE Smoothing Shampoo | Full-size, $25
I’ve used this sample before, but I was happy to receive it again through the featured box, because it’s one of my favorite shampoos. It’s packed with nourishing ingredients from an infusion of olive extracts, so this one is perfect for summer months, because it helps smooth out strands after time in the pool or being out in the sun. And it smells incredible! This travel size is worth just over $7.

4. Davines LOVE Smoothing Conditioner | Full-size, $29
Like the shampoo, this Davines conditioner does a great job smoothing out frizzy, dry hair and also smells really great. My only complaint is that this sample is much smaller in size than the shampoo, so I’m guaranteed to run out of conditioner before I finish using the shampoo…a little inconvenient! This size is is worth just above $1.30.

5. COOLA SPF 30 Organic Makeup Setting Spray | Full-size, $36
I’ve been recently exploring more makeup setting sprays, and I’m glad I saw this one in the featured box, so I could try out another. The initial smell of this spray smells of strong alcohol, but it gives off a very cooling sensation and dries smelling of green tea. Similar to the Supergoop! Makeup Setting Spray I talked about a few weeks ago, this setting spray has SPF and is designed to lock in makeup. I really enjoy the cooling sensation from this spray and that it makes my skin look more moisturized. This $7.20-worth size will be traveling with me!

6. ModelCo Lip Lacquer in Creme Brulee | Trio of Lip Lacquers, $16
First off, I love the packaging of this sample. It’s a perfect size to throw in a little clutch, has a see-through tube that clearly shows off the color inside, and a normal-sized doefoot applicator. The gloss itself is very pigmented and shiny, but unfortunately, this nude color doesn’t look that great on me. I’m sure Creme Brulee would look great on lighter skin tones, though! This sample-size is worth $5.33, and I think the trio would be worth it just to try out the other two fun colors, since they’re very different from this one.

This May Birchbox was worth over $32, so this box was a great deal – especially since I loved almost all the products! I’m looking forward to bringing lots of these goodies along with me for my upcoming travels. School’s out now, and I’m super excited to be back home enjoying my mom’s home cooking. Be sure to follow along on Instagram @sarah_thebella for more beauty finds, and I’ll see you back here on Thursday.