Birchbox: September 2014 + Ruffian Nail Polish & Remover Towelette Upgrade

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It's Birchbox time and this month not only did a I get my usual subscription box, I also added the Birchbox Plus upgrade for the very first time.  As you may already know, Birchbox is a monthly subscription service.  Each month subscribers can also choose to upgrade their box by adding on bonus items for an additional charge but usually at a discount.

Let's start with my basic box, themed Fresh Paint.  This time I got five samples plus an extra I'll show you below.  As it's been the past couple of months, we were able to select one of our samples.  Unfortunately for me, I had to settle for my second choice, which is the Macadamia Professional Healing Oil Spray, full sizes range from $14.50-$29.50.  This product is a spray you can use on either wet or dry hair and it helps prevent frizz, boosts shine, and blocks UV rays.  I am satisfied with it but I prefer the Pureology Color Fanatic I already use.

I also received a Temptu S/B Highlighter in Champagne Shimmer, it's the little bottle to the far left, and a full size is $27.50.  I don't usually use cream products like this and a little goes a long way so even though the sample container isn't very big this will left me quite awhile.  It will be fun to use for special occasions and I like how it can used many different ways from on your cheeks, eyes, on your lips and chin for fuller looking lips, and even mixed with lotion for an all over glow.

So as I mentioned I got five samples, of which I've already mentioned two, and a Birchbox Find in the form of this ChapStick duel-ended Hydration Lock Moisturize & Renew.  This doesn't count as one of my samples, it's a mass market extra.  With fall and winter upon us, this is a great time to receive a ChapStick and I've given this one to my son who watches me put on my lip products and always wants to try some too.  Now I have the perfect thing for him!

I don't like perfume, especially florals, and I've set my profile to receive as few as possible.  As far as fragrances go, this is pretty acceptable.  It's still too flowery for my taste but it has enough citrus scent, which is the only one I'll wear, to make it okay.  Now, I realize that isn't a glowing review or anything but others seem to really like it.  Read the reviews on Birchbox for Harvey Prince Hello to get a better idea of what subscribers think.  At least it comes in a handy spritzer so I can pass it along to my daughter, who will love it.  A full size is $55.

These are the last two samples I got for September.  On the left is Avène Cleanance Soap-Free Gel Cleanser, full size $20 and  and a Tocca Crema da Mano Luxe Hand Cream, full size $20.  I really like both of these even though I don't have oily or blemish-prone skin that the cleanser is great for.

I love the Tocca Hand Cream, the green tea and lemon scent is perfect!  It's light and not too strongly scented.  Since I like to paint my nails a lot and subject them to polish remover a lot too, my hands and fingertips always benefit from extra moisture.  This is already in my purse.

This was a pretty successful Birchbox for me, I will use and enjoy every item in it and my kiddos will love two of them so every sample will get used.  But I have to admit, I was anxiously checking my tracking information because I couldn't wait for this Ruffian Essential Blush Collection!  This set of three nail lacquers and the set of Ruffian Dressing Room Nail Lacquer Remover Towelettes are the Birchbox Plus Upgrade that I added for an additional $26.

I have really liked the Ruffian nail polishes I've gotten in previous Birchboxes so I had to get these.  From left to right the colors are: Lady of the Night, Love to Love (my fave of the three), and No More Tears.  All are gorgeous and appear a little overly bright in my photo so go see how truly beautiful each one is by clicking on their names above!  These are great polishes, one coaters!