Birchbox:Holiday 2013.

Here it is December 18 (the PR's Birthday!! Wooo!!) and I'm posting my December open box Birchbox review/thoughts. It feels good to be on time, and damn, it feels good to be a gangsta. Anyway, I guess I should just go ahead and say that this will more than likely (well, pretty definitely) be my last Birchbox post for a while. I was feeling like the box contents weren't wowing me and I was receiving more things that weren't of use to me, whereas in the beginning everything seemed to wow me. Don't get me wrong in any way, shape or form, there are still amazing finds each box; I guess since I work in the industry I am bombarded on a daily basis with products of all sorts and I don't feel the need to Birchbox it up anymore. That being said, I am a girl, I am a makeup artist, I am a stylist so naturally I love all things pretty and shiny and new. So I signed up for ipsy (more on that another time). What drew me into their monthly box was it's not a box box, the products come in cute little makeup "glam bags". The PR also canceled his Birchbox Man, but not because he was dissatisfied with what he was receiving. There were always great things in the Man Box, but his subscription was $20 a month, compared to my $10. So, being a man, he thought it was more cost effective to opt out. Plus I tend to spoil him with products I come across for men too :)

Enough about that, let's talk about the December, Holiday 2013, Birchbox:

* BeeKind Body Lotion

Here's the description BB gave for this one: "This natural hydrator from the eco-friendly line softens with honey and organic chamomile". So I gather that this is all-natural and eco-friendly (let's state the obvious). But I also gather if you have any kind of bee allergy this probably isn't up your alley. It has a light floral fragrance (nothing overbearing, just a really fresh scent) and feel lovely on the skin. Something cool (do people still say "cool") about this is that a proceeds from the sale of BeeKind products support honey bees and sustainable pollination research, as the honey bee population is in a bit of a crisis right now. The product itself is actually a part of Gilchrist & Soames, based in London (you know I love the Brits), so you can visit their website at www.gilchristsoames.com. A full-size bottle of the bee kind lotion retails for $15.

*Eslor Skincare System

We all know, or at least we should, that the key to healthy skin is a proper skin care regimen. I have noticed that a trend lately, more so than before, is for skin care brands to market their products/line in the form of a system (just like in the November BB too). This system comes for Eslor and it is a 4-step system. It is said to deploy natural actives to purify and soften all skin types. You can use the cleanser and cream on a daily basis, the exfoliator is recommended for use twice a week, and the detox mask can be used as needed. The line, based in California, is hydrating due to a high content of aloe vera protecting thanks to safflower oil, which ensures the aloe vera stays on the skin, and overall is nature derived to promote skin rejuvenation. Their products range in price from $28-$65 and you can visit them online at www.eslor.com, or on Facebook.

*Number 4 Non Aerosol Hairspray

This is not my first rodeo with Number 4, I actually love their leave in conditioner, so how could I not love a hairspray!! Granted I prefer my aerosol hairsprays, but hey, I won't be too much of a brat about it. This is an Earth-friendly (are we noticing a green trend, guys?!), botanical-rich hairspray that gives flexible hold, and no crunchiness (speaking of no crunchiness, I also love Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Touchable so let me give them a shout out!!). It's hairspray guys and it retails for $30.

*Secret Agent Beauty Nourishing & Plumping Lip Gloss (shade: Foreign Intelligence Flirt)

Ok. I'm kind of a sucker for rad names, and this one is totally working from me, from the brand name to the product name. The color also looks very natural, with a hint of shine, on the lips (see swatch below). When you put it on you can feel the cooling sensation of the lip plumper, but it definitely doesn't "burn" like I know some can. The plumping factor comes from sach inchi oil, peppermint oil extract and menthol, so you don't have to worry if you have bee allergies. I have it on right now and the tingle is almost refreshing. I actually can't wait to try more from this brand so I'm glad to have come across it. Find them on Facebook at /secretagentbeauty and on Twitter and Instagram: @SAB Beauty. #FOREIGNINTELLIGENCEFLIRT

*Bonus Jonas

Emily's Chocolates Milk Chocolate Fortune Cookie

It's a chocolate covered fortune cookie, I expect it to be tasty.

Visit: emilyschocolates.com for more yummy snackies.

I'm off to finish up some things for PR's birthday but hope everyone has a happy hump day!!

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And if you have any suggestions for posts in the coming year just comment below.

XO,
J <3