April Birchbox

This month's Birchbox was a good one!  I'm really happy with most of the products, and I even got some nail polish! If you're wondering what a Birchbox is, or if you want to see previous Birchbox posts, click HERE.

Caudalie Divine Oil:

This oil does a really nice job of softening your skin!  I used it on my knees, elbows, and nails, and I was pleased with the results.  A little goes a long way with this product.  I still haven't used the entire sample.  The scent is  nice, but not overpowering.  This is definitely a quality product!

(Full size - $9-$49)

Nexxus Youth Renewal Rejuvenating Elixer:

This hair serum promises to help dry hair, and reduce the odds of age-related breakage.  I can't attest to the breakage prevention yet, but it certainly helped my dry ends.  I am in desperate need of a hair cut, and I have more split ends that any person should ever have.  This serum smoothed them out and made my hair soft and better looking.  This is one I'd consider buying when the sample runs out!

(Full Size - $20.99)

Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream:

This was my least favorite product of this month's box.  First off, the scent (blueberry) was sickeningly sweet.  It lingered long after I got out of the shower, too.  Yuck.  Second, I could not figure out how much product to use.  I used a little bit, and the razor didn't glide smoothly, so I added a little more, and didn't get a close shave.

(Full Size - $20)

Simple Revitalizing Eye Roll-on:

Full sized sample!! Whoop whoop!  Simple refers to themselves as the "sensitive skin experts".  As someone with sensitive skin, I'm very happy with this eye roller.  It does a great job of reducing puffiness and dark circles (something else I struggle with!).  I will definitely be checking out their other products, and am hopeful that other products will work as well as this eye roller!

(Full Size - $10.99)

Ruby Wing Color Changing Nail Polish in Poppy:

I love when I get nail polish in my Birchbox!  This was my first experience with a color changing polish, and it was fun to wear!  I used three coats for the swatch below, with no topcoat.  As you can see, it dries with a matte finish.  The color indoors is a super bright raspberry pink.  After only about 15 seconds in the sun, it becomes a darker purple.  I would definitely be interested in trying this polish in other colors!

(Full Size - $10)

If you're interested in signing up for Birchbox (or giving a subscription as a gift!) you can use my referral link here: https://www.birchbox.com?raf=xdgbr

Zoya Jacqueline

Cara's Nails

I have never been a big fan of yellow nail polish. It always seems like a good idea but the reality never quite compares with the picture in my head. Zoya Jacqueline is a different kind of yellow. This a beautiful pastel yellow polish that is so pale it is almost a nude. I freehanded a rose-like design overtop with white Kiss Nail Paint. My accent nail is my favorite cotton candy pink, OPI Mod About You. 

Natural light

Indoor

Nails Inc. Feathers - Cornwall

Kate's Nails 

I remember seeing swatches of the Feathers line from Nails Inc, and not really feeling the need to have them. Then, in a recent trip to Sephora, I saw them in person, and wanted to buy them all!  I settled on just one, Cornwall, but only because Brighton was out of stock :)

I layered it here over Zoya's Blu, and I really like this combination.  Cornwall is easy to use.  I recommend using many thin coats.  I look forward to trying more layering options in the future!

Experimenting with Ikat

Cara's Nails

I thought I'd try something new in terms of pattern. I know the ikat trend is nothing new but I was never sure how I felt about it. Then, Kate did this ikat manicure and I could definitely see the appeal! So here are my attempts at the ikat manicure.

I created this one with a base coat of OPI Vant to Bite my Neck. This is the color I most desired from the Euro Centrale collection. Then, I completely forgot I bought it until I spotted it on my polish rack while planning out this manicure. As much as I do love this color it was not the best choice as a base in this particular design. Due to its darkness  I was unable to add any black details around the outside of the design. I added white using Sally Hansen White On. The pinkish details are China Glaze Passion for Petals from the Avant Garden Collection. This polish will get it's own post soon enough.

So I tried the design a second time. This time I learned from my mistake and went with a light base color. This lighter purple is OPI You're Such a Budapest also from the Euro Centrale collection. The small details were created using Butter London Slapper.

So which is the better design?