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It’s been a while, but Beauty Wars are back with a vengeance. Which Birchbox newbies pushed out my go-to beauty brands? Read on to find out!
Sample: Avene Micellar Lotion Cleanser and Make-up Remover vs Staple: Neutrogena Oil-free Eye Make-up Remover
My biggest requirement in an eye makeup remover is that it doesn’t burn my eyes. This Avene did a great job at getting all the makeup off, but, likely because of the added all-in-one toner, it was not eye-burn free. I probably shouldn’t admit this, but I’ve been using the Neutrogena for longer than I can remember and I will continue to do so. Staple Wins.
Sample: Beauty Protector Protect & Oil vs Staple: ICON Healing India Oil
This was going to be a tough battle from the get-go. ICON oil came into my life via an event grab bag some years ago, and I have used it ever since. I love it for hair and skin. It smells great and absorbs really well without leaving a greasy residue. The Beauty Protector was nice, but just didn’t tick all the boxes that ICON oil can. Ultimately, ICON left my hair much shiner (with less of a greasy feel!) than did the Beauty Protector. Staple wins.
Sample: Klorane Shampoo and Conditioner vs Staple: Bumble and Bumble Creme de Coco Tropical-riche
My colorist can tell you, one small wrong move, and my blonde turns as brassy as a penny. And numerous people have turned me into walking cents. When this shampoo promised to prevent brassiness I was ready to switch immediately. It left my hair feeling very clean and both the shampoo and the conditioner kept my blonde in its cool-tone happy place, thanks to some infused chamomile. I frequently switch up my shampoo and conditioner, and I will be switching to Klorane for my next bottles. Sample wins.
Sample: Manna Kadar Cosmetics Day-Dream Palette vs Staple: Smashbox Contour Kit
The highlighter-bronzer combo was supposed to provide that sought-after summer glow and, admittedly, it is a universally flattering palette. Unfortunately (and I never thought I would say this because I love a matte finish) the bronzer was just too matte for my taste. It was less of a bronzer and more of a blunt swash of color that left me looking like I didn’t know how to blend my contour. I’ll be sticking with my easily blend-able palette from Smashbox. Staple wins.
Sample: Marcelle Hydra-C 24hr Energizing Hydrating Gel vs Staple: Youngblood Mineral Primer
This gel promises to do a lot for you. It’s supposedly nourishing, infused with vitamin E and C, and guards against pollutants. My current gel product helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores and also has protective, nourishing qualities. I use it right before I put on foundation and it vanishes before I even have the foundation bottle opened. I’m such a big fan of the Youngblood that I didn’t think anything could replace it… and I was right! The over-promising Marcelle will be staying a sample. Staple wins.
So, that’s the run down on my August Birchbox samples… 4 losses and 1 winning shampoo that’s great for blondes. Until next month, happy sampling!