So here’s the deal. This is a long ass review and everything you see is word for word the review that I submitted to birchbox. Not going to suck up to birchbox and not going to bash them behind their back. I will always keep it 100. :)

Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine Petite Cologne Absolue - 6/10

This cologne lasted more than a few hours for me which is good because usually I have to spritz myself every hour or so. It has a nice clean but kind of a deep citrus type smell. Not really too orange-y but I’m not that great at describing scents anyways. Honestly, at first it smelt like Pine Sol but after a bit, it’s very fragrant and sweet. Not overwhelming and I was pleasantly surprised since I normally don’t wear citrus type perfumes. I have plenty of perfumes though so I don’t really see myself buying this but I would recommend it. I have a feeling most of my younger friends wouldn’t like it though but it doesn’t smell “grandma-ish” at all. 

Olìe Biologique Huile Moderne - 4/10

Incredibly strong smell to this product. I really did want to try it everywhere but couldn’t bring myself to put it on my face or even to mix it with a foundation. That being said, it’s a good oil for the body and wonderful for the cuticles. Goes on like an oil but doesn’t feel greasy. Realistically speaking though, I can’t figure out what makes me so turned off by this smell and wouldn’t really spend that much on an oil when I have plenty of body lotions that work as well and smell better. 

Befine Gentle Cleanser - 2/10

I made the mistake of cutting the packet straight through instead of a small corner. This product is literally liquid. Maybe because I’m not used to this type of cleanser, it was a bit awkward for me to just pour into my hand and lather up. I thought I liked mint but not really the mint in this cleanser. I’ll stick to my clay cleansers for now, but I was surprised that this “single serve packet” lasted me for 4 washes. I have acne prone but sensitive skin (which is oily in summer but dry in winter) and it didn’t break me out or anything but it didn’t improve my skin’s texture either. For 2 days, I tried to skip my usual regime and simplify it with this and the moisturizer but I can’t really see myself or my friends using this product.

Befine Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15 - 0/10

Legit I’m okay with trying cleansers and toners and what not because for the most part they don’t really have a bad effect on me. But creams and masks do. However, because I don’t really use SPF (it’s only in my tinted moisturizer not my regular one whoops) I decided to try it out and what a mistake. I used it for about 4 days but noticed myself breaking out from it. I squeezed out the packet to measure it out so it should last you about a week but I would never use this product again. It has that sunscreen smell (because it has 3 different types of sunscreen - why?) and it has a strange thick feeling but watered down consistency. A little upset because now I’m hesitant to try other Befine products. 

**UPDATE: Errr I wouldn’t really think to check expiration dates for new things but I guess you should. I just got an email from Birchbox saying some of the moisturizers were expired and lo and behold mine is over two years old. Maybe this is why it broke me out? But the chem geek in me is telling me it’s also because of the three sunscreens especially since it’s not the usual ones I do use. Anyways, fill out the survey if that was the case for you too as Birchbox will credit your account 100 points for the mistake. Can’t really say my skin flaring up is worth only $10 but that’s the risk you take with reviewing new products eh?

Le Palais des Thés Tea Bags - Thé du Hammam - 7/10

I am an avid tea drinker. I literally drink at least 5 cups a day. I’m more of a loose tea girl but any kind of tea that smells good, I will try. With that in mind, I’m not really a green tea fan. I know, it’s better for you but eh. However, this tea isn’t just pressed little leaves in a regular tea bag. It looks like loose tea in a cheesecloth type thing silk. Meaning amazing-ness. It smells so incredibly delicious but since it’s a green tea, the taste doesn’t quite measure up for me. I tried it on its own, and it’s a very light but sweet flavor. However, add a teaspoon of some homemade raspberry jam (legit, no Welch’s in my apartment) and it’s bomb. A little too pricey for just 20 bags since that would last me about a couple days and I’m used to my infuser tea set but it’s definitely a tea I’d recommend because its light flavor is one that most would enjoy.

Le Palais des Thés Tea Bags - Thé des Alizés - 6/10

Similar to the Turkish blend, this was also a very light green tea. Not as much of a potent smell and a lot lighter in taste. A bit peachy as well. Still better than the average green tea.

Revolution Organics Freedom Glow Beauty Balm - 8/10

My favorite part of my box turned out to be a product I’d never think to buy! Loved that it was a full size and loved the color Bronzed. When I looked up my box and found out I was receiving this I had originally hoped to be getting Blushed because I thought the pink would make a nice blush and lip color. I might (and this is kind of a big might since I have so many different lip glosses and tints already) get it in Blushed but I am so ridiculously obsessed with the Bronzed color. I have a semi-tan olive complexion but when I do tan I get dark. It seems that this product would be able to work on pale (pale for me at least) winter skin and my summer glow. I read that it doesn’t clog your pores so I literally used it all over my face but a couple extra swipes on my cheeks and it gave me a gorgeous glow. Definitely something to pack to go to the beach when you don’t (and shouldn’t really) put on foundation and all that.