May Birchbox

May Birchbox is here and I lucked out again by getting products that I like (for the most part). Opening and unwrapping all the little things in the box still hasn't gotten old! This month's theme is "Gossip Girl". Honestly, I've never seen the show, nor do I really care about it. But I love that the items in the box are inspired by Manhattan chic. According to the insert card, it has "everything an uptown lady needs for the highlight of the social season: a black tie ball". That might be a little bit of a stretch, but I certainly got some high-end products this month.

Algenist Regenerative Anti-Aging Lotion ($75): The price might be prohibitive for me getting a full bottle, but I love the silky finish of this product. It just FEELS like it's erasing all those fine lines that keep popping up on my face. It's lightweight and super hydrating- something I always need!

Miss Dior Eau de Parfum ($62): It would take a lot for me to abandon my Flowerbomb, but this stuff smells fantastic. Fancy, even. Definitely a scent I would wear more for a special occasion. It's a floral scent, with the tiniest hint of musk (from patchouli, so the description says). Warm, sexy, and not too overwhelming. This is a great scent.

Kerastase Age Premium Bain Substantif ($36): This is some high-dollar hair stuff. I don't know that I've ever spent more than $15 on a bottle of shampoo. But it's supposed to fortify hair against damage, and make it shiny and stuff. I haven't used this yet, but have heard good things about this product line.

Kerastase Age Premium Masque Substantif ($60): Alright...what's up with all the "age-related" products? Just one, and I wouldn't have noticed. But a total of 3, and I'm starting to get a complex. This is a once-a-week mask that is designed to hydrate and prevent hair from becoming brittle and dull. Trying to stay a "natural blonde" takes its toll every time I get highlights, so using something like this probably would help keep my hair healthy. But man, getting old and still trying to look good certainly comes with a price.

Stila Sparkle Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner ($22): I got the color "Rock Candy" in my box. I tried it this morning, and have to say I was a tad disappointed. The color really didn't show up that much. But- I do think I could use this over my regular brown eye liner to achieve a fun sparkle look for evening. It's not a bad product, just not something I would consider buying. I'm pretty plain jane when it comes to make-up, even for evening looks.

Notecards ($10 for set of 12): Insert Jim Halpert face here. I saw the pink envelope at the bottom of the box, and really wasn't sure what it was. There was no brand/designer name (turns out that Birchbox makes them), and the front of the card just says "XOXO". But I'm told there is no match for a handwritten note on fun, modern stationary. I just don't know that this counts. I've seen cuter notecards for the same price.

Again, happy with several of the products. I know the whole box can't always be spot on! For $10 a month, it's still a fun treat to get in the mail when I'm used to just getting bills and crummy catalogs.