March Birchbox: Spring Forward

Birchbox's March theme was spring forward, and as far as I'm concerned, that couldn't happen fast enough!  Fortunately, it's warmer now, flowers are blooming, and Birchbox sent me several items I'll definitely be using this spring.  So, let's see what they sent me.

Coola's Mineral Sunscreen is touted as a natural BB cream, but it really doesn't provide enough coverage to qualify in that area IMO.  It does, however, work nicely as a sunscreen and I like that it is matte in finish.  Plus, it has organic and good for your skin ingredients such as Rose Hip Oil, Evening Primrose, Gamma-Linolenic Acid and Shea Butter and is supposed to be ideal for normal to oily complexions.  I like!  Sample value is $3.60.

Vasanti's BrightenUp! is an enzymatic exfoliating cleanser designed to mimic the results of professional microdermabrasion, with papaya enzymes to break down dead cells while evening out your skin tone. Featuring dermatologist-approved microderm crystals to fade the appearance of fine lines and acne scars, it also contains aloe vera, coconut, and vitamins B and E to nourish your skin and keep it free of irritation.  I've used it once and thought it was quite nice, just make sure to not over scrub as the granules are very fine.  Sample value is $5.66.

The sole color item this month got me quite excited, as it's a cheek and lip cream from theBalm in the shade Pie, one of the six shades available in the How 'bout Them Apples? palette.  I mean really, how cute is this tiny little thing?  The almost naked guy is a bit cheesy, but the blush itself?  Love the color and finish!

Even though it's small, I had no problem applying with my finger, and think this will actually last me quite a while.  I'd be on board with makeup items being sold in mini's like this, kind of like nail polish, as I'll rarely finish a full sized anything.  I have no idea what this is worth, but I'll estimate $3.

The beauty extra this month was a foil packet of StriVectin's Advanced Retinol Day Treatment SPF30.  I haven't tried it yet, but the only StriVectin product I've tried before was an eye cream that gave me a rash.  Hopefully that won't be the case here.  A full sized one of these will set you back $99, and the foil is worth $1.98.  Pricey.

I also received a dark chocolate square from Ghirardella called Cherry Tango.  As far as I'm concerned, you can send me dark chocolate every month, as I eat it daily.  Not counting the chocolate, the value of this month's box is about $15, slightly more than the $10 subscription fee.  Factoring in Birchbox's review system and points earned for future purchases from the Birchbox shop, each box really costs about $5.  Quite happy with this month's items:-)