Clark's Botanicals Ultra Rich Lip Tint in 01 Alexandra Rose - pics, swatches, review

Hello, Beautiful!

Back in November I tried out the Clark's Botanicals Ultra Rich Lip Tint out for the very first time, and loved it! I had it in the shade 04 Rachel Red - which reads more pink on me due to the way I like to apply it (but you can certainly build the color up more). I now have a new shade to share with you all, 01 Alexandra Rose -- which is your perfect pinky nude everyday lip color. I think I love this color even more, because it's a more wearable, everyday shade for me, but one thing I do know is I really like the formula of these lip tints! Check out all the info and my full review after the pics!

Clark's Botanicals Ultra Rich Lip Tint
Shade: 01 Alexandra Rose

Clark's Botanicals Ultra Rich Lip Tint Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $19.00 (0.40 oz full size). Available on the Clark's Botanicals website, on the Dermstore website, on the Birchbox website, and everywhere else Clark's Botanicals is sold.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses!

An intensely hydrating, tinted lip balm with a softening, non-sticky texture. This exceptional lip balm features a nourishing formula that deeply hydrates, soothes and protects as a burst of pigments brings warmth to your complexion. Shea butter, aloe leaf extract, jojoba, sweet almond oil and marine collagen microspheres work together to add immediate and lasting moisture to the lips. As if that wasn't luxurious enough, vanilla planifolia and jasmine offer an incredible flavor for extra enjoyable application.

Currently available in 7 tinted options; in this post I have the shade 01 Alexandra Rose - which according to the Clark's Botanicals website is inspired by Alexandra Reeve Givens, a dear friend who they work with in their role as National Ambassador of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. This tint is a tribute to the foundation and the Clark's Botanicals mission of bringing funding and awareness to spinal cord research.

The shade, Alexandra Rose, is described as ultra sheer and elegant, creating a fresh and natural lip look for day and night. I have also reviewed the shade 04 Rachel Red in the past; click here for that blog review.

I do like the formula of these lip tints! They are very hydrating on my almost-always dry, chapped lips (I even had very dry lips for the pic of the lip tint on my lips - you can still see it sits on my lips rather smooth). It is a pricier lip tint, so if you're looking for a drugstore priced lip tint this is one to skip - but if you're budget allows for it, splurge and get yourself one!

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this lip tint? Have you tried this or is this on your wish list? Discuss in the comments below.

Clark's Botanicals Ultra Rich Lip Tint in 04 Rachel Red - pics, swatches, review

Hello, Beautiful!

I recently tried out the Clark's Botanicals Ultra Rich Lip Tint and fell in love. The super smooth and hydrating formula glides on perfectly, giving lips moisturization and a pretty tint of color. The shade I have, Rachel Red, is the red for those of us who don't wear red. It leans more on the pink side and is beautifully sheer.

Check out my pics, swatches, info, and review... click on pics to view them larger.

Clark's Botanicals
Ultra Rich Lip Tint
Shade: 04 Rachel Red

Clark's Botanicals Ultra Rich Lip Tint Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $19.00 (0.40 oz full size). Available on the Clark's Botanicals website, on the Birchbox website, at Dermstore, and everywhere else Clark's Botanicals is sold.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses!

An intensely hydrating, tinted lip balm with a softening, non-sticky texture.

This exceptional lip balm features a nourishing formula that deeply hydrates, soothes and protects, as a burst of pigments brings warmth to your complexion. Shea butter, aloe leaf extract, jojoba, sweet almond oil and marine collagen microspheres work together to add immediate and lasting moisture to the lips. As if that wasn't luxurious enough, vanilla planifolia and jasmine offer and incredible flavor for extra enjoyable application.

Available in 6 shades. I have Rachel Red, which according to Clark's Botanicals website is inspired by actress Rachel Nichlos. Even though this is supposed to be red, to me it reads more pink - like a hot pink red. On my lips it turns out more pink, although red in certain lighting.

I did find it very hydrating at the texture is pure luxury. I'd love to try this out in other shades, like Carlotta Pink and Alexandra Rose. This lip balm is a little pricey, but I think well worth it.

I'd recommend checking these out!

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this product? Have you tried this or is this on your wish list? Discuss in the comments below.

Birchbox - January 2012

Hello, Beautiful!

This is my January 2012 Birchbox shipment. The value of this one is pretty high compared to most, but then again there are a few products I had to guess at (3 of the 5 items had no sizes listed on the packaging). I may or may not get around to posting my husband's Birchbox contents because I'm having surgery tomorrow (Wednesday, January 11th) and it will be a little while before I can photograph items again.

For more information on Birchbox, or to sign-up and start receiving your own Birchbox every month, CLICK HERE to visit http://www.birchbox.com?raf=eops9. Just $10 each month!

*Remember to click on the images to view them larger!*

January 2012 Birchbox

My Birchbox beauty profile was set to Classic and Trendy.
Hair Color: Brown. Hair Description: Color-Treated, Fine, Frizzy. Skin Coloring: Medium. Skin Type: Combination. Skin Concerns: Acne, Aging.

The Included Info Card:

Shipment Quick Stats:

• Value of this month's Birchbox shipment: $57.34 (value is approximate)
• Total # of Items Received: 6
• # of makeup items: 2
• # of nail items: 0
• # of skincare items: 2
• # of body care items: 0
• # of hair care items: 0
• # of fragrance items: 0
• # of other items: 2

Now I'll break it down, product-by-product...

STILA Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Peacock

• DESCRIPTION ON INFO CARD: It's time to put down the black liner. This colorful pigment makes eyes stand out and stays put for hours.
• MY THOUGHTS: I am loving this liner! Stila Smudge Sticks are great quality, and the shade I received (Peacock) is gorgeous! Bonus that it's full sized! Yay!
• FULL SIZE: .01 oz @ $20.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: .01 oz (full sized item)
• VALUE: $20.00

 










MIRACLE SKIN TRANSFORMER Treat & Concealer in Light/Medium

• DESCRIPTION ON INFO CARD: Don't just hide your problem spots: treat them. This creamy concealer is packed with actives to correct, cover and protect your skin.
• MY THOUGHTS: I really wanted to try this product out and was really excited to find it in my January Birchbox! I haven't tried it on my face (yet), but I'm looking forward to seeing how it covers my hyper pigmentation. It swatched a little powdery looking on my hand, so I really hope it looks better on my face.
• FULL SIZE: 0.50 fl oz @ $36.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: ? no size listed on the tube, but compared to other tubes similar in size I am going to guess that this is 0.12 oz (I have another Miracle Skin Transformer sample tube that is slightly larger at 0.16 oz; so I based my guess off of that). 
• VALUE: $8.63

 








CLARK'S BOTANICALS Smoothing Marine Cream

• DESCRIPTION ON INFO CARD: Dull skin no more, thanks to the glycolic acid in this exfoliating moisturizer. The gentle tingle means it's working.
• MY THOUGHTS: I'm excited to try this out, especially considering how much the full sized version costs (something I would likely never try otherwise). It has a nice light fragrance.
• FULL SIZE: 1.7 fl oz @ $115.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: ? again, no size listed on the jar; I asked Birchbox last time about the size of another Clark's Botanicals product and they were going to check on the size and get back to me, but never did. They did, however, tell me that most jars that size is 0.25 to 0.30 oz. I'm going to use the 0.25 size for the purpose of value breakdown.
• VALUE: $16.91

FIX MALIBU Immaculate Complexion Smoothing Serum

• DESCRIPTION ON INFO CARD: This clever serum is on our skincare honor roll. Antioxidant-rich vitamins A, C, and E brighten skin tone and soften wrinkles.
• MY THOUGHTS: I've never heard of this brand, so it's nice to try something new. There is plenty in this little jar to give my skin a week or two's worth of testing.
• FULL SIZE: 1.7 fl oz @ $125.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: ? again, no size listed on the jar. I'm going to guess this is 0.15 oz
• VALUE: $11.03

 










LARABAR mini bar in Blueberry Muffin

• DESCRIPTION ON INFO CARD: You won't find any artificial fillers in these natural bars: just dried fruits, nuts, and other wholesome ingredients. They're as tasty as they are healthy.
• MY THOUGHTS: When I opened the package I nearly gagged. The bar looks like someone took my dog's vomit and packed it into a chewy, smooshy square; gross! It didn't smell good either. I don't like blueberry muffins to begin with, so I wasn't even going to attempt to taste this. It went in the trash.
• FULL SIZE: 1 full sized bar is 1.6 oz @ $1.59 (a 16 pack is $25.45)
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 1 mini bar, 0.78 oz
• VALUE: $0.77

Birchbox Magnet

• MY THOUGHTS: There was no mention of the Birchbox magnet on the info card, but it's a cute little extra. 

Let me know what you think...

Did you receive a Birchbox shipment this month? If so, what are your thoughts on your box? If you don't receive Birchbox yet, click here to sign up! Discuss in the comments below.



October 2011 Birchbox - shipment #1

Hello, Beautiful!

This is my October 2011 Birchbox shipment. My husband's Birchbox is still in the mail, on its way. I'll post his box contents once it arrives!

For more information on Birchbox, or to sign-up and start receiving your own Birchbox every month, CLICK HERE to visit http://www.birchbox.com/. Just $10 each month!

*Remember to click on the images to view them larger!*

October 2011 Birchbox

My Birchbox beauty profile was set to Trendy and Classic.

The Included Info Card:

SHIPMENT QUICK-STATS:

• Value of October's Birchbox Shipment: $19.27 PLUS whatever the value of the face mask is, which did not list a size (value is approximate)
• Total # of Items Received: 5
• # of makeup items: 2
• # of nail items: 0
• # of skin care items: 1
• # of body care items: 0
• # of hair care items: 1
• # of fragrance: 0
• # of other items: 1

Now I'll break it down, product-by-product...

ANASTASIA Beverly Hills HydraFull Gloss in the shade Bellini

• DESCRIPTION ON INFO CARD: This plush gloss plumps and hydrates lips and adds a pretty peachy sheen.
• MY THOUGHTS: I've never tried any Anastasia products, besides her brow stuff. I'm interested in this gloss; the applicator is different from anything else I currently own. It's like a flexible spatula/paddle thing. I haven't actually taken the time to swatch it on my lips yet because I'm sick right now, but I'm looking forward to trying it out. The color, Bellini, looks a little too orange for my skin tone, but I guess I'll see soon!
• FULL SIZE: 0.07 fl oz @ $21 *** Please Note: Birchbox lists the wrong size on their info card. They say this gloss is 0.7 fl oz when in fact it is 0.07 fl oz full sized. Big difference in value! Shame, shame, Birchbox!
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.03 fl oz
• VALUE: $9.01

 





 








CLARK'S BOTANICALS Intense Radiance Mask

• DESCRIPTION ON INFO CARD: The solution to dull, congested skin. This white clay mask detoxifies pores, conquers blemishes, and even calms irritations. It's glow time.
• MY THOUGHTS: I'm always up to try new masks, so this will be a product I try out for sure! There is a light scent to it and it's rather creamy. I'll give this a go the next time I watch a movie, since you need to leave the mask on for 25 to 30 minutes.
• FULL SIZE: 1.7 fl oz @ $72
• SIZE I RECEIVED: ?
• VALUE: $?

 

AMIKA Obliphica Hair Treatment

• DESCRIPTION ON INFO CARD: This versatile hair oil can be used on damp or dry hair, and adds manageability, softness, and shine. Bonus: it smells gorgeous.
• MY THOUGHTS: This was leaking when I opened my box (you can see the leak spots on the tissue paper in the pics above). I was worried it may have leaked out completely and evaporated, but luckily it's still mostly full. This is a product I'll probably use at some point, but I don't know when. It's not a product I would buy in a store, so it's nice to have a sample size to try first. I'll add this to my hair oils area and try it out in the future. As for the "gorgeous smell"; it's okay. It reminds me of something, but I can't put my finger on it.
• FULL SIZE: 3.38 fl oz @ $34.00
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.34 fl oz
• VALUE: $3.42

 

LAURA GELLER Spackle Tinted Under Makeup Primer in Bronze

• DESCRIPTION ON INFO CARD: This hydrating primer gives you a flawless foundation for makeup -- plus a subtle glow. It works on all skin tones -- we tested it!
• MY THOUGHTS: I already have this, also in a deluxe sample size, and I really like it. Laura Geller makes fantastic primers! Her Bronze tinted primer is nice but doesn't really change my color, which is a good thing because it works for everyone. It does add a warmth to my skin though, and if you have fair skin you may see more of a warmth. I'm happy to have another deluxe sample size of her primer!
• FULL SIZE: 2 oz @ $25
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.50 oz
• VALUE: $6.25

 

 THE LAUNDRESS Wool & Cashmere Shampoo

• DESCRIPTION ON INFO CARD: This fall, treat your sweaters as well as you treat your tresses with this exceedingly elegant detergent.
• MY THOUGHTS: This was their included "extra" for this shipment. At first glance I thought it was an actual shampoo, for your hair. I've never referred to laundry detergent as shampoo, but I guess that's what makes this "special". Honestly, I don't use this. I have a kid and barley have time to do my own laundry, let alone pamper my laundry. I'm lucky to have an awesome washer & dryer that will wash even dry-clean-only items on the delicate or hand wash setting and they come out perfect. This just isn't something I need. Just like when Victoria's Secret came out with their special laundry detergent; I had wanted it -- but that was before I had a kid. Now I'm just happy if my clothes make it from the laundry room to my closet, on hangers. 
• FULL SIZE: 16 fl oz @ $19
• SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.5 fl oz
• VALUE: $0.59

OVERALL REVIEW ON THIS BOX...

I'm happy this month was fragrance-sample free! I'm just not into fragrances so I was super excited to not have another sample to toss into a bin for someone else.

The makeup items are fantastic, and I'm excited to use the face mask. The hair oil is so-so for now; I may feel differently after I try it. The only product I didn't like was the laundry detergent... or should I say laundry shampoo.

And this is just a personal pet peeve of mine, but there is no size printed on the face mask container and I can't find the size anywhere else! I love to do an exact value breakdown and that totally throws it off. I emailed Loren (from Birchbox; she's been incredibly helpful to me in the past) to ask for the size because if I don't get it I know it will be one of those things that just bothers me. I'm weird like that! Hopefully she'll know and I can report back with value info on that product and add that value amount to the total box value.

Additionally, I recently found out the Anastasia gloss is not 0.7 fl oz -- like Birchbox printed on their info card. It is, in fact, 0.07 fl oz.

This month, Birchbox seriously ticked me off with their size info -- both by providing me an inaccurate full size and by not including any size at all on a sample.

Let me know what you think...
Did you receive a Birchbox shipment this month? If so, what are your thoughts on your box box? From what I know, there were 17 different shipments that were sent out. Discuss in the comments below.