May Birchbox: Reviews By a Non-Beauty Expert

I was so thrilled when my Birchbox arrived in the month of May — it was a great selection of products. All in all I was super happy with everything, but there were some definite stand-outs.

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ARROW BOOST Color Enhancing Lip Balm

Starting this post off with a winner, this stuff is awesome. Dior Lip Glow is usually my go-to for this kind ‘your lips, but better’ lip balm, and truthfully I didn’t know that other products like that existed. This is a great dupe for that product, and though the color that it produces on my lips is different than the Dior version (more red than pink), it’s still really pretty and consistent. And it’s $14! Less than half of the other product. I still will definitely splurge every now and again to get the Lip Glow, but this is a great product that I’m glad I found for when the budget doesn’t allow the $$$.

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OUAI Wave Spray

I was so excited to receive this, as there has been so much hype around this product. I mentioned in my last Birchbox post that usually these texturizing sprays don’t do much for my hair, and I’m kind of disappointed to report that this one didn’t, either. BUT it was definitely better than all of the others that I have tried and it’s a great leave-in spray. Blow-drying it doesn’t really do any favors for my hair but if I just take my wet hair, leave it in, and let it air-dry, it looks nice if I’m in a rush.

Marcelle New-Age LumiPOWER 3-in-1 Moisturizer

I have been using this underneath my eyes and I do like it. It’s hydrating, and it feels slightly cool when I apply it, which is nice because it wakes up my tired morning eyes. I don’t think this is a must for me, but I’m enjoying using it while I have it.

Manna Kadar Cosmetics Glo Illuminator

I like the idea of this, but I haven’t really seen a real difference on my skin when I put it on. The color is a pretty rosy gold, and I’ve been putting it on my cheeks. But I don’t see it! Kind of strange. I’m open to other illuminators, though — I’ve been trying to find a great one for the past several months. So far nothing has really impressed me.