May Birchbox: Beauty Diaries

May's Birchbox left me a bit underwhelmed.  That's not to say there were any duds in the box, because I've tried each of the samples and thought they were pretty good.  There just wasn't anything in the box that got my pulse racing. 

The most exciting item for me was the Klorane Extra-gentle dry shampoo with oat milk, mainly because I thought I was out and this would come in handy.  Turns out I did have a bottle hiding in my closet, but I've been using the Klorane this week.  It has a powerful spray and you can definitely see where deposits, as it's a stark white.  Fortunately, it brushes out nicely and I don't see any remaining residue, so that's a plus.  It performs very well and my hair looks and feels clean and has some extra volume.  I find the scent a bit off-putting.  It's not exactly unpleasant, but I don't care for it.  The price is a bit much at $18 a bottle, as I can go through a bottle a month.  So, not a replacement to my beloved Pssssst!, which is about $7 in comparison - plus I like how it smells:-)  Sample value is $6.

Coola is a new to me brand, and after wearing this sunscreen twice, I'm liking it!  It contains 70% Certified Organic inactive ingredients, and sports some impressive claims:

Vitamin C rich organic Strawberry Extract soothes, tones and minimizes pores.  Organic Acai Oil - high in Omegas-3/6/9, Vitamins B1/2/3 and Vitamins C and E - delivers powerful anti-aging benefits.  Organic Evening Primrose and Linseed Oils reduce inflammation and balance moisture, as the phyto-protector Plankton Extract rejuvenates skin.  Patented Oleosome Technology, derived from eco-certified organic Safflower and rich in moisturizing Vitamin E, enhances sun protection and helps time-release actives (source drugstore.com)

It's not heavy nor does it leave my face excessively shiny, and it's got a light cucumber scent.  I've worn it on it's own and under makeup and have not experienced any skin breakouts, so things are looking good.  I would consider this, although it's a bit expensive at $32 a tube.  Given my dislike of facial sunscreens and how difficult it's been to find one I really like, Coola is a contender.  Sample value is $4.48.

I would have been excited about the Sumatra Color Contrast eye liner if it had not been in black - a color I rarely wear and have too many of to begin with.  It's a deep black that is nicely pigmented and swatched easily, so I can't fault it in that regard.  There was zero smudging on my arm, but I've yet to try it on my eyes.  The sample looks to be half the size of a regular pencil, so the value would be $5.50.

Mavis Classic Strong Mint is an Italian brand of toothpaste.  On the one hand, I'll use it.  On the other, it's toothpaste - and rather expensive at $10.50 a tube.  I'll save it for my next trip, which will probably be Albuquerque, NM in October.  Excited about that, as I've never been before!  Sample value is $1.40.

The "extra" this month was a Pilot pen, another practical item that will get used.  Just not something that got me excited.  Maybe I'm getting jaded, I don't know.  Sample value is $1.56.  So all total the value of this month's box is $18.94, and I potentially discovered a sunscreen that will work for me.  Not bad, but not exciting:-)

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