Product Reviews Skincare and More
So I purchased a subscription to BirchBox. Here I will be sharing my take on the products for you. Just in case you have been wondering about one you’d like to try. Prices have changed.
NOTE: I am not an affiliate of the Birchbox products, so I am not getting paid for these.
Makeup
Magnitone London
Wipeout! SWIPES Eco-Friendly Makeup Remover Pads | Full-size 6 pack $20
Use: to cleanse your skin. Says can just use warm water to remove makeup with a circular motion. No need to apply anything. Main ingredient: Polyester Microfiber
Top 5:
- Polyester Microfiber
Mary says: These are so soft, they don’t irritate skin (I don’t rub vigorously). I just applied my cleanser right on the wipe but it says you don’t have to use a cleanser. Conveniently wash by throwing in with your laundry and then the drier. Comes out like brand new. Nice product beats using cotton balls and having them shed.
MILK MAKEUP
Kush High Volume Mascara | Full-size $25 | 0.34 fl. Oz
Use: Mascara | Clean product that delivers formula and performance. Ultimate volume that conditions as it adds pure pigment fibers to your lashes. Main ingredient cannabis seed oil.
Top 5:
- Water (Aqua, Eau)
- Paraffin
- Glyceryl Stearate
- Synthetic Beeswax
- Stearic Acid
Mary says: I really like how easily this mascara goes on and I experienced no clumping, awesome. Pigment does hold color well.
Skincare
Alchimie Forever
DRY SKIN BALM | Full-size, 3oz $25
Use: Moisturizer | The hands are your second face! Silky cream provides instant relief from dry, chapped, uncomfortable skin. Apply on any dry skin area. Main ingredients: shea butter, jojoba, willow bark and watercress.
AFFILIATE | available in 1 oz. trial size. (I purchased the travel size.)
Top 5:
- Water/Aqua
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
- Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
- Cetearyl Alcohol
- Cetearyl Glucoside
How cool a full ingredient list is available with definitions!
Mary Says: I have provided pics of my crepey hand skin. The balm is rich and has a pretty scent. Absorbs quickly but can feel greasy for a bit. This product is not recommended for the face (have to read the small print). Great for knees, elbows and heels (feet).
Alchimie has products aimed at the needs of pregnant women (hence swelling relief). My boyfriend applied to his knee that was swollen. the swelling reduced. I also had some swelling with my hand after working and this also helped that.
The product is very hydrating so does what it says, and I would purchase again.
FIRMING GEL FOR NECK AND BUST | Full size, 8oz $49
Use: Treatment | Clinically proven to immediately lift and firm. Apply after cleansing. It is oil free improves appearance of neck, bust and arms. Treat your forgotten decollete. Main ingredients: green tea and rosemary.
AFFILIATE | Also available in 1 oz. trail size. (I purchased the travel size.)
Top 5:
- Water/Aqua
- Glycerin
- Polyacrylamide
- Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract
- Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
How cool a full ingredient list is available with definitions!
Mary says: I have vertical lines on my neck. The gel is so soothing and refreshing it does plumb the skin. Has a yellowish tint and pretty scent. Have used for over three weeks now. Moisturizes and smooths whole décolleté area. Customers have used for years and rave about this product. Check out reviews. Second pic is after applying gel the very first time.
KANTIC CALMING CREAM| Full-size, 1.7 oz $69
Use: Moisturizer |Your happy skin cream. Apply morning and night. Mid-weight miracle worker to calm redness with just one application. Rich in natural antioxidants, also revives dull skin and minimizes signs of stress and fatigue. Ideal for redness-prone skin (rosacea hello). Main ingredients: European blueberries and grape seeds.
AFFILIATE | I choose as one of my sample packets.
Top 5:
- Water/Aqua
- Cetearyl Ehtylhexanoate
- Sodium Acrylate / Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
- C15-19 Alkane
- C14-22 Alcohol
How cool a full ingredient list is available with definitions!
Mary says: This actually is a miracle worker! It is amazing stuff; all it takes is one application to see a difference. My skin redness reduced and turned a light pink. Was hydrating and left my skin soft. Unfortunately, I just had this sample pack and only enough for a couple uses. I have to think about purchasing, the $69 is a bit steep for my budget right now. But this is a Great product for rosacea!
REJUVENATING EYE BALM | Full-size, 0.5oz $45
Use: Treatment: The solution for fine lines and dark circles. Pat gently morning and night to eye contour area. This hydrating anti-aging eye cream restores youth while defending against premature aging. Main ingredients: Jojoba, cocoa butter, European blueberries, Vitamin K and grape seeds.
AFFILIATE | I choose as one of my free sample packages.
Top 5:
- Water/Aqua
- C14-22 Alcohol
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
- Glycerin
- Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Plant Extract
How cool a full ingredient list is available with definitions!
Mary Says: It does feel rejuvenating once applied to my eye area. I used this for a couple weeks morning and night. My skin in this area felt plump and hydrated but I didn't notice a change with my dark circles. It is a white lotion doesn't seem to have a scent.
TIGHTENING EYE GEL | Full-size, 0.5oz $45
Use: Treatment | Like a shot of espresso for your eye contour. Apply morning and night gently pat to eye area. Men can use too! This eye gel absorbs instantly to reduce puffiness and improves under eye bags. Gives the result of an immediate lift. Main ingredients: Alchemilla, caffeine from mate, organic apple stem cells and jojoba.
AFFILIATE | I choose as one of my free sample packages.
Top 5:
- Water/Aqua
- Glycerin
- Isononyl Isononanoate
- Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
- C15-19 Alkane
How cool a full ingredient list is available with definitions!
Mary Says: I'm not sure how I feel about this one. This is another one of the sample packets I choose so I haven't used it enough to see a difference, I guess. My issue is the dark circles. I did use morning and night four days. Came out as a brown gel. Did feel cool.
Balance Me
Congested Skin Serum | Full-size, $23 0.51oz
Use: Treatment | apply after cleansing to entire face or as a spot treatment on blemishes. Refines and balances your skin. Main ingredients; 99% natural Spruce knot, Kanuka essential oil, Roman Chamomile, Lavender & Eucalyptus, Aloe, vitamin E.
Top 5:
- Aqua (water)
- Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil
- Glycerin
- Moringa Oliefera (Moringa) Oil
- Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract
Mary says: I used this mainly as a spot treatment for blemishes I have most mornings around my nose because of rosacea. It did tend to inflame my skin even when I patted on. The product is lightweight and not drying. Peculiar scent. Didn’t really work for me.
Blissoma
I filled out the questionnaire on this website and received a lengthy email with information on what to use for my condition.
Flawless Clear Condition Facial Oil | Full-size 1.3oz $66.00
Use: Treatment | (step 3) to clear blemishes and calm irritation. Gently apply to neck and face area after cleansing and toning. Main ingredients; Hemp oil, Organic Cranberry oil, Blackberry Seed oil and Organic Sacha Inchi oils.
You can also multi-task by applying it to your hair ends to control fly aways.
AFFILIATE | I purchased this sample for $4.
Top 5:
- Cannabis sativa (hemp) seed Oil
- Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) seed Oil
- Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) seed oil
- Rubus fruticosus (blackberry) seed Oil
- Calophyllum tacamahaca (tamanu) seed oil
Mary says: I love the concept of oiling our skin. Flawless feels light weight and non-greasy. I think it has a woodsy scent and an orangish color. Great product for acne.
I was told to use this after I moisturize as well to seal everything in.
Free Herbal Gel Cleanser | Full-size 4oz $45.00
Use: Cleanser | (step 1) to remove dirt and makeup at the end of your day. Splash warm water on face than take 2-3 pumps of gel massage with hands or washcloth. Has won awards! Main ingredients: Organic, food-grade Soapbark extract, organic Yerba Mate, Olive Leaf, Linden, SelfHeal (Prunella), and gentle Cornflowers.
AFFILIATE | I purchased this sample for $4.
Top 5:
- Glycerin
- Aqueous Infusion of Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate)
- Medicago sativa (alfalfa)
- Prunella vulgaris (selfheal)
- Plantago major (plantain)
Mary says; The gel cleanser slightly lathers. I use a soft fuzzy pad to wipe. They say it has no scent, but it smells waxy (?) not offensive. The color is kinda like honey. It is also gentle enough to use on the eye area to remove my makeup. Does a great job at cleansing my face and leaving it smooth.
Gua Sha | I would say it's a couple inches long and width wise $34.00
Use: Tool |for facial massage to move waste fluids/lymph along stimulating circulation and encouraging repair. Helpful video tutorial provided on website. This is an ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine technique. Polished handmade Opalite by fairly paid artisans in India. Hazy light blue in color. Can provide a healthy glow to skin. Long term use can help prevent skin sagging.
AFFILIATE | I feel I was forced to make a purchase in order to get the samples. So, this is what I bought.
Top 5:
- Opalite Gua Sha stone of hazy light blue color fits in palm of hand
Mary says; Although I feel it was a forced purchase it did come in a nice box with a velvet brown drawstring bag to store it in. It is a handy little tool you can carry on the go. And I enjoy using it. Plus there is a card to help you with it's use.
Photonic - Light Shifting Solution SPF 25 Broad Spectrum Facial Sunscreen + Moisturizer - $58.00
from: Blissoma Holistic Skincare
Clark’s Botanicals
Deep Moisture Mask |Full-size, $72 way expensive (see it’s come down) 1.7oz
Use: Treatment | Apply after cleansing for 5-10 minutes or leave on overnight (I chose the latter). Main ingredients algae extract and Japanese green tea extract
Top 5:
- Water
- Glycerin
- Isododecyl Neopentanoate
- Propanediol Dicaprylate/Caprate
- Cetearyl Alcohol
Mary says: really loved this product. Can take the place of nighttime moisturizer. Very hydrating and clean pleasant fragrant not overpowering. Great for dry skin relief. Texture was smooth and somewhat greasy like vaseoline. Had a pink tint to it.
DR BOTANICALS
Lemon Superfood All-in-one Rescue Butter | Full-size $19.90 50ml
Use: Moisturizer or as treatment | Multi-purpose high performance butter. Can be used on your face or body for dry areas to rejuvenate, renew and invigorate. Main ingredients minerals, antioxidants and vitamins. Lemongrass oil, Coconut oil, Grapeseed Oil, and Sea buckthorn Fruit Oil.
Top 5:
- Aqua (Water)
- Cetearyl Alcohol
- Stearic Acid
- Glycerin
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Mary says: I really like this it has a faint lemon scent and is a thick cream. It was very hydrating and plumped my skin when first applied to my face but tended to dry my skin out after half an hour. If I rubbed it in my rosacea flared. So I would use on body areas.
Freedom Deodorant
Berg-E-Mint (Eco-friendly paper) Natural Deodorant | $16.99 Single
Uses: Deodorant stay dry prevent body odor. I wrote a whole blog. Check out ingredients. Just need to apply once for 24-hour protection.
AFFILIATE
Mary Says: This really works! The deodorant is in a clear gel stick form, a beige tint. Scent evaporates quickly. Apply once and you're good for the day.
I have made the switch so will purchase again.
Bergamot Mint Everywhere Deodorant Spray | Full-size $14.99 3.4oz
Uses: Can be sprayed in sensitive areas to stay dry prevent body odor. I wrote a whole blog. Check out ingredients. Just need to apply once for 24-hour protection.
AFFILIATE
Mary says: A deodorant spray that can be used anywhere on the body. The scent evaporates quickly. Is moist when it hits the skin. I would purchase again.
Bergamot Eucalyptus Shower Mist | Full-size $29.99 4oz
Uses: I spray in my shower before getting in. I wrote a whole blog. Check out ingredients. Just need to apply once for 24-hour protection.
AFFILIATE
Mary says: Refreshing, not overpowering scent. I would purchase again.
Try spraying directly on your shower wall before hopping in. The scent is great for opening nasal passages and relieving sinus congestion.
GLOW RECIPE
Watermelon Glow Pink Dream Body Cream | Full Size $28 8.4 fl oz.
Use: Moisturizer | Massage in until absorbed morning and night as part of your self-care ritual. Hydrates and evens skin tone. Main ingredients: watermelon seed butter, hibiscus AHA, watermelon extract, and hyaluronic acid.
Top 5
- Aqua/Water/Eau
- C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
- Glycerin
- C13-15 Alkane
- Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
Long list ends with fragrance.
Mary says: I found the watermelon scent too sweet, not a fan. It was a nice size sample. I used it as a body cream after showering for a couple weeks wasn’t hydrating to my skin.
Grace & Stella
Rose Water Facial Mist| Full-size $25 240ml
Use: Treatment | spray 10-12 inches from face to freshen up. Says it’s calming, hydrates skin and reduces redness. Therefore good for acne, dermatitis, eczema, and healing scar tissue. Main ingredients; Rose water, Aloe vera extract (we know how great this ingredient is) and Hydrolyzed collagen.
Top 5:
- Deionized Water
- Butylene Glycol
- Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
- Rosa Rugosa Flower Extract
- Hamamelis Extract
Mary says: I love the concept of the mist it’s refreshing and an eye opener! I’m not one for the rose fragrance though not overwhelming (just me) I would try another scent. I guess BB only has this one. This doesn’t irritate my rosacea and I use often through the day.
Like they say it does have a calming quality and hydrates my skin so maintaining my skin’s pH balance and reducing redness. Recyclable bottle.
KORRES
Greek Yoghurt Nourishing Probiotic Gel-Cream | Full-size $36 1.35 fl oz
Use: Moisturizer | apply as last step morning and night to clean skin. Says it’s an ultimate hydrating gel-cream. With a whipped texture. The yoghurt gives a plumped, healthy look to your skin. Main ingredients: Greek yoghurt, sea water, and passionflower oil.
Top 5:
- Aqua water eau
- Propanediol
- Glycerin
- sodium acrylates copolymer
- c13-15 alkane
Very long list with fragrance at the end.
Mary says: I think this was a bit harsh for my rosacea because I tended to flare near my nose. But this doesn’t mean it won’t work for you because we could have different triggers if you have rosacea.
Received a nice size sample. I used morning and night for three weeks or more. Had a rich texture was hydrating and with no scent.
ORA'S AMAZING HERBAL
Botanical Lip Balm | Full size $5.99 .15oz
Uses: Treatment | to protect, moisturize and soothe. To prevent lips from becoming dry and chapped. Lip balms are infused with base oil. They are unsweetened, gluten-free, paraben free and no synthetic or artificial flavors. Main ingredients: Spearmint and eucalyptus.
AFFILIATE
Top 5:
- Domestic Beeswax
- Vitis vinifera (Grapeseed, Italian Non-GMO) infused with *Calendula officinalis (Calendula)
- *Symphytum officinale (Comfrey)
- *Plantago major (Plantain)
- *Hypericum perforatum (St.John’s Wort)
Mary says: I purchased the Mintyliptus lip balm. It has a light minty scent. The scent is refreshing and uplifting. Glides on smooth and clear. Balm has a light-yellow tint. Not waxy. There is a 3-pack available for $17.47. Addicted to it now 🙂
Magic Face Potion | Full size $37.97 0.5oz
Use: Treatment | This is Ora's answer to her skin's needs after turning 40. It is an anti-aging support serum. Use nightly after cleansing your face and before moisturizer. It's retinol-free.
Take 4-8 drops on fingertips, massage together then press into facial skin.
Main ingredients: sea buckthorn, licorice root, evening primrose, frankincense and essential oils.
AFFILIATE
Top 5:
- Limnanthes alba (Meadowfoam) Oil
- Vitis vinifera (Grapeseed Oil, Non-GMO) infused with *Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice Root)
- *Calendula officinalis (Calendula) *Rosa canina (Rosehip) Oil
- Unica granatum (Pomegranate) Oil
- *Oenothera biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil
Mary says: How lucky am I? I received a surprise sample size FREE with my purchase. This was based on the items I ordered. Items come in a special flour drawstring sack with logo on.
Oh, I absolutely love this oil. I have applied nightly for three weeks now after cleansing. It soaks in overnight. My skin feels so soft after applying, hydrated. Has a pleasant scent and doesn't leave an oily feel.
Licorice Love Facial Mask & Cleanser Powder formerly Rejuvi-Cleanse | Full size $27.47
Use: Cleanser or mask treatment to exfoliate and draw out toxins. Ideal for rosacea, eczema or psoriasis to soothe inflammation. Main ingredients: Licorice, cardamom, arrowroot and clay.
It depends on whether you use it as a mask or not according to how much water is added. A video is on Ora's website.
AFFILIATE
Top 5:
- *Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)
- Maranta arundinacea (Arrowroot)
- Kaolin Clay
- *Elettaria cardamomum (Cardamom)
Mary says: This is another FREE sample with purchase WOW!.
This is a whole new concept to me using a cleansing product that is a powder. It is a very fine consistency and smooth to use. I have left it on a bit longer as a mask and feels wonderful. I can smell the cardamom very earthy. The past three weeks I have cleansed with this than applied the Magic Face Potion. Neither is irritating to my rosacea, great products.
Take A Breather, Herbal Facial Steam | $19.97
Use: Multi-tasking Herbal Steam. Great for skin conditions: Eczema, Psoriasis, Rosacea or Maskne. Has many uses, can be consumed as a tea as well. Helps relieve upper respiratory, so for cold and sinuses sufferers. Great at clearing nasal passages. Main ingredients: thyme and rosemary.
Affiliate
Top 5:
- Olea europaea (Olive)
- Thymus vulgaris (Thyme)
- Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)
- Matricuria recutita (Chamomile)
- Ocimum basilicum (Basil)
Mary says:
Love the herbal blend! I just put the required amount in a pot of boiling water and let it fill the room. Opened my sinuses right up and was able to breath better. Didn't irritate my rosacea at all.
Rosacea: For those with rosacea be careful this is very hot water. If you place the towel over your head as they suggest don't get too close to your pot and only do this for a couple minutes at the most.
Ultra Healing Body Butter Citrus Grove | Full size 8oz $32.97
Use: Multi-purpose Moisturizer. A little goes a long way since it is a thick consistency. Apply right after your shower to hydrate skin. Main ingredients: bergamot, benzoin and sweet marjoram.
Affiliate
Top 5:
- *Butyrospermum parkii (Shea Butter, Fair Trade)
- Vitis vinifera (Grapeseed Oil, Non-GMO) infused with *Calendula officinalis (Calendula)
- *Symphytum officinale (Comfrey)
- *Plantago major (Plantain)
- *Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s Wort)
Mary says:
Love the refreshing citrus scent but they say mosquitoes don't like this, so you are safe outdoors in the summer :). Yes, it melts into my skin like butter. Very rich and simply evaporates on skin. Great for dry heels and elbows but you can use it anywhere on body.
RAEL BEAUTY
Tea Tree Facial Sheet Masks | Full-size $16 5 Sheets
Use: Treatment | apply to clean face leave on for 10-20 minutes. Then pat remaining serum into skin. Says mask clears skin and prevents clogged pores. Main ingredient tea tree oil and natural antiseptic ingredients.
Top 5:
- Water
- Glycerin
- Butylene Glycol
- 1,2-Hexanediol
- Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract
Mary says:
Always love it when the mask is saturated. I think I get my money’s worth. And know it’s gonna be super hydrating. No scent. Chilly right out of the package very soothing.
Calming for rosacea and acne plus antiseptic tea tree. Was a bit worried with this ingredient but was fine. No issues with flares. Love this! Would purchase again!
Vasanti
BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator |Full-size, $34 4.23 OZ
Use: Treatment| to exfoliation skin | help with dark spots | reduce Fine lines and wrinkles
This is a gentle exfoliating cleanser to use after cleansing as spot treatment or on entire face. Says can use a pea size amount 5x a week. Main ingredients papaya enzymes (used in peels) Aloe Vera to smooth skin
Top 5:
- Aqua (Water)
- Aluminum Oxide
- Cetyl Alcohol
- Decyl Glucoside
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Mary says: Texture has very tiny and fine granuals, no scent
I used pea –size drop on my (Magnitone wipe). Wasn’t irritating on my rosacea face. Dapped on dark spots a couple times a day. Helped smooth off top layer of my Seborrheic Keratosis. I saw results so I would purchase again.
