Last Minute Beauty and Grooming Gifts

Well beautynistas and suavies, you have just slightly more than a week of holiday shopping left. Hate us if you want, but we finished our holiday shopping the first week of November. Albeit a very odd occurrence, each member of Team TME amazingly got ahead of our usual holiday shopping nervous breakdown. Now that it’s done, Team TME thought we’d share a few of our best last-minute gift finds, and you won’t believe how easy these are to acquire … right down to Christmas Day!

For the beauty box lover, or actually anyone on your list, you can head over to Birchbox and in less them 5 minutes, print out a gift box subscription or gift certificate (even on Christmas Day!). Birchbox subscriptions come in increments of 3, 6, and 12-months.

Birchbox subscriptions are so easy to gift:

1. Log onto Birchbox

2. Select men’s or women’s, and the subscription length

3. Pay for your gift

4. Print out the PDF gift certificate

Of course if you want gift in hand, order a gift subscription by Dec. 18 and receive the first box delivered by Christmas. Although Birchbox subscriptions are an awesome gift, the brand has an amazing array of gifting options, including Limited Edition boxes! We had the opportunity to view Birchbox’s Limited Edition: Conscious Commerce Birchbox Man ($88) and the women’s edition (sold-out). These limited edition boxes are the one’s we want and the one’s that we want to gift! Over the past four years we have watched in awe of the Birchbox brand. They simply never fail to impress.

The Aroma Sense Shower Head ($74.99): The Aroma Sense Shower Head actually removes chlorine and other chemicals from your shower, and adds an invigorating burst of Vitamin C to refresh your mind and body. The Aromatherapy and Water Purifying Shower Head also reduces water consumption by 25%, and optimizes water pressure 1.5X compared to a standard showerhead. Aside from the aforementioned, hello relaxation!

Atelier Cologne ($130 - $315): One would be hard-pressed to not find a fabulous scent from this perfume house, which offers 17 fragrances for both men and women. Of particular interest for the holidays is the Collection Métal for which the bottles are encased in genuine precious metals. Gifting option includes a Venetian blue gift box with a 200 ml Cologne Absolue, a 30 ml Travel spray with a leather case that has complimentary engraving.

L'OCCITANE Cade Collection ($78): This set is for the down-to-earth man who appreciates the classics. Containing essentials formulated with masculine and aromatic essential oils such as juniper, sandalwood and rosemary, the Cade Collection has the basics every man needs. The gift set includes Cade Eau de Toilette, Cade After Shave Balm, Cade Shower Gel and Cade Shaving Gel.

L'OCCITANE Hand Cream Bouquet ($54): ‘Tis the season to give back. Return the love you get year round with the gift of nourishing hand creams in L’OCCITANE’s most beloved scents. This soothing set features 30 ml versions of the Shea Hand Cream, Shea Rose Hand Cream, Shea Lime Hand Cream, Shea Vanilla Hand Cream, Lavender Hand Cream and Almond Delicious Hands.

Gavée Gold Travel 7PC Kit ($95):  Gorgeously packaged travel sizes of the Gavée Gold 7-piece collection in a gold mesh bag for the chance to experience the magic of all the products, and to take them when traveling. Includes - Gold Citrus Cleanser; Gold Mist Cleanser; Liquid Gold Peptides; Heart Of Gold Elixir; Golden Radiance Serum; Golden Enzymes and Diamond Cell Salt Polish.

Happy Holidays! 

Birchbox Teams Up With (RED) For An AIDS Free Generation

Birchbox has partnered with (RED) this holiday season to raise money and awareness in the fight against AIDS. While November is a time about pumpkin pie and gift giving, it is also a time for giving back.

During November, subscribers will receive special (RED) Birchboxes, featuring a design that highlights key facts everyone should know about the AIDS fight. This holiday season, every time someone takes a photo of a November (RED) Birchbox, and shares it on Instagram or Twitter with the #shaRED hashtag, Birchbox will donate $1 to the Global Fund to fight AIDS. By taking and sharing photos of the (RED) Birchbox, customers can play an active role in raising both money and awareness to support the goal of an AIDS Free Generation. 

To share a photo with the custom hashtag, it must include one of the below facts:

• Fact 1: It costs as little as 40 cents a day to provide life-saving medication for a person living with HIV.
• Fact 2: In 2002, 1,500 babies were born with HIV each day. Today that number is down to 650. We can get that close to zero.
• Fact 3: Medication can reduce the risk of a mother passing HIV on to her baby to less than 5%.

About (RED):  (RED) was founded in 2006 by Bono and Bobby Shriver to engage businesses and people in the fight against AIDS. (RED) partners with the world’s most iconic brands that contribute up to 50% of profits from (RED)-branded goods and services to the Global Fund. (RED) Proud Partners include: Apple, Starbucks, Galaxy Chocolate (UK), The Coca-Cola Company, Bank of America, Beats by Dr. Dre, Belvedere, Claro, SAP, Telcel and Live Nation Entertainment. (RED) Special Edition partners include: aden+anais, Jonathan Adler, Theory, HEAD, Kidrobot, Mophie, Sir Richard's Condom Company, Square, Girl Skateboards, Bottletop, Fatboy USA and Bed Bath & Beyond.

To date, (RED) has generated more than $275 million for the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, to support HIV/AIDS grants in Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania and Zambia. 100 percent of that money goes to work on the ground – no overhead is taken. Global Fund grants that (RED) supports have impacted more than 55 million people with prevention, treatment, counseling, HIV testing and care services. (RED) is a division of The ONE Campaign.

**No purchase necessary. Birchbox has already committed to a $15,000 donation and will donate an additional $1.00 to the Global Fund to fight AIDS with (RED) for every photo of these facts shared on Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #shaRED, up to an additional $10,000. Promotion ends December 10, 2014.

Birchbox Partners With Rom-Com ‘Laggies’

Birchbox has partnered with A24 and “Laggies” on an exclusive box of beauty samples to kick you into gear. “Laggies” is a coming-of-age romantic comedy starring Keira Knightley, Chloë Grace Moretz, and Sam Rockwell opening in theaters this month.

The co-branded Birchbox, inspired by the feature film, is filled with products fit for taking charge, tackling new challenges, and having fun while you do it. From longwearing mascara that will keep up with all your adventures to a confidence-boosting scent, the Laggies Birchbox contains everything you need to “stop lagging and start living”.

Each box includes the following deluxe samples:

• ModelCo Powerlash Black Mascara
• Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator
• Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle
• Sage + Fasten Eau de Parfum in Onward
• Tocca Crema de Mano in Bianca

Additionally, subscribers who receive the box and tag #laggiesmovie on their social channels will be eligible to win free tickets to see the film in theaters. The co-branded Birchbox will be available in limited quantities to for current subscribers to opt-in to receive. New customers can sign up for a subscription to Birchbox by Oct. 31 to receive the LaggiesBirchbox as their first box.

About Laggies: Overeducated and underemployed, 28 year old Megan (Keira Knightley) is in the throes of a quarter-life crisis. Squarely into adulthood with no career prospects, no particular motivation to think about her future and no one to relate to, Megan is comfortable lagging a few steps behind – while her friends check off milestones and celebrate their new grown-up status. When her high-school sweetheart (Mark Webber) proposes, Megan panics and– given an unexpected opportunity to escape for a week – hides out in the home of her new friend, 16-year-old Annika (Chloë Grace Moretz) and Annika’s world-weary single dad Craig (Sam Rockwell). Directed by Lynn Shelton.

Birchbox Announces Limited Edition Box For Fall

Birchbox announced that the brand has launched a festively themed, limited edition box for those that love all things fall! With its burst of seasonal colors and nostalgia-inducing flavors, fall brings us plenty of entertaining inspiration … and with it, a reason to come together over food and drink.

The Birchbox Limited Edition: Fall Fete Box is here to give your next event an extra upgrade. From artisanal cocktail syrups to enchanting place cards, these spirited accents will sweeten up any occasion -- whether you’re sipping on hard cider with friends, or hosting a full-blown feast.

Birchbox Limited Edition: Fall Fete Box Includes:

• Birchbox Exclusive Printed Coasters
• Core Bamboo Classic or Square Salad Hands
• Core Kitchen Essential Silicone 4 Piece Pinch Bowl Set (colors will vary)
• govino® ‘go anywhere’ decanter
• Greenleaf Room Spray — Apple Spice & Cinnamon
• Knot & Bow Party Confetti Bag
• Rifle Paper Company Dusty Rose Place Cards — Set of 8 cards
• Royal Rose Simple Syrup — Raspberry and Lavender-Lemon

Birchbox Limited Edition: Fall Fete Box ($48) is available now at Birchbox!  

Birchbox and CEW Launches Mass and Prestige Limited Edition Boxes

Birchbox announced Tuesday, August 12 that the brand has again partnered with CEW to launch two limited edition boxes featuring the finalists and winners chosen from the 2014 Insiders' Beauty Choice Awards. This is the second year that Birchbox and CEW have partnered to provide these special limited edition boxes to beauty consumers.

Launching exclusively on Birchbox the Limited Edition: Mass Appeal box contains a selection of finalists and winners from the mass market, while the Limited Edition: Prestige Headliners features product finalists and winners from the prestige category. Chosen by more than 6,000 industry professionals, these represent the years best and brightest in beauty innovation.

Limited Edition: Mass Appeal Box ($15) contains:

• Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Lip Gloss in Spring Splendor
• Dove Go Fresh Restore Body Wash
• L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Butterfly Mascara
• Simple Protecting Light Moisturizer with SPF15
• TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Keratin Infusing Serum
• Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy Lips

Limited Edition: Prestige Headliners Box ($18) contains:

• 100% Pure Creamy Nail Polish
• Coola Environmental Repair Plus Radical Recovery After-Sun Lotion
• Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Crème
• Josie Maran Cosmetics 100% Pure Argan Oil Light
• philosophy Miracle Worker Overnight
• Lifestyle extras:
• Pocket Mirror
• Toe Separators

Both Limited Edition Birchbox for CEW Boxes are now available in the Birchbox Shop and customers can save by purchasing both together for $28.

TME is a proud member of CEW. Cosmetic Executive Women, Inc. (CEW) is a nonprofit, professional organization with more than 6,000 members, both men and women, from over 1,700 companies in the beauty and related industries. The CEW Foundation supports Cancer and Careers, which is a comprehensive program for people balancing work and cancer. 

Birchbox Opens Flagship Store in New York City

Birchbox Celebrates Opening Flagship Store 

Online beauty retailer, Birchbox celebrated the opening of its flagship store in SoHo on Thursday, July 10. The online beauty retailer opened its doors by offering shoppers 150-250 different beauty brands including out Smashbox, Supergoop!, Caudalie, Jouer, and Cynthia Rowley for women and Baxter of California, Anthony and Jack Black for men.

Jamie Chung, Abigail Breslin, Jessica Szohr, Hannah Bronfman joined Co-Founders Hayley Barna and Katia Beauchamp at the opening of the Birchbox Flagship Store, located at 433 West Broadway (Between Prince and Spring), New York, NY 10012.

Besides top of the line products, the store offers shoppers an interactive shopping experience including a row of vanities for product testing, a BYOB box bar, makeup, skin care and hair styling classes, touch screens throughout the store and one on one Q&A’s with beauty experts for customized product recommendations.

Birchbox and Women’s Health Magazine Partner Again For Wellness Themed Box

Birchbox announced Monday, July 7 that the brand has again partnered Women’s Health Magazine to create a special edition Birchbox. This limited edition box will focus on wellness, featuring products hand-picked by the editors at Women’s Health.

In 2013, Birchbox and Women’s Health both saw a significant increase in engagement around their brands as a result of the partnership, with over 24 million impressions garnered across social media channels and a massive increase in subscribers for both brands. All Birchbox subscribers will receive the box containing the season’s top beauty, lifestyle and wellness items selected specially by the editors at Women’s Health.

The “Power Up!” themed box will feature products to take your beauty routine up a notch, including brands such as Supergoop!, Benefit, Cynthia Rowley and Vasanti, as well as a 1-year subscription to the Women’s Health magazine. In connection with the curated box, a feature in the Women’s Health July issue explains how these advanced products work and why they were selected.

In addition to the new “Power Up!” theme, the Women’s Health special edition Birchbox will also flaunt a co-branded inner box—an element of the Birchbox experience that has never before been “taken over” by a partner. Birchbox and Women’s Health will also offer one lucky subscriber the chance to win a beauty and wellness experience with the two brands in New York City. The experience will be photographed and published in a future issue of Women’s Health magazine!

Existing Birchbox subscribers will receive this as their July Birchbox. New customers can sign up for their special edition Women’s Health Birchbox until July 30th online at Birchbox!

Birchbox Launches Limited Edition ‘Modern Mermaid’ For Summer 2014

Taking beauty cues from mythical mermaids, Birchbox announced today, June 3 the launch of a very special summer-themed limited edition box … Modern Mermaid. Modern Mermaid is stocked with products inspired by the beauty of these mythical creatures from folklore.

From salt spray to waterproof liner, this collection features everything you need to channel your inner sea goddess -- guaranteed to make your summer routine more effortless, spirited, and fun.

Modern Mermaid includes the following:

• RUFFIAN Endless Summer Collection
• Vasanti Kajal Eye Pencil
• Anastasia Beverly Hills Mascara Topcoat
• Coola SPF Lip Lux
• Captain Blankenship Mermaid Sea Salt Spray
• Atelier Cedrat Enivrant
• Stephanie Johnson Mermaid Mirror

To purchase the limited edition Modern Mermaid ($44) for Summer 2014, visit Birchbox! 

Birchbox and Jenna Dewan-Tatum Team Up To Create Exclusive Benefit Pouch

Birchbox announced April 15, that the brand has partnered with Baby Buggy to create a multi-purpose custom pouch designed by new mom, Jenna Dewan-Tatum, just in time for Mother’s Day. The collaboration between Birchbox, Baby Buggy and Jenna will support Baby Buggy, a non-profit organization that provides families in need with essential gear, clothing, products and services for infants and children with the goal of improving their safety, health and well-being.

Custom designed by, Dewan-Tatum the Birchbox and Baby Buggy "On the Go Pouch" is a perfect carrier for anything from diapers and wipes to baby snacks and other necessities for children. Moms can also use the multipurpose pouch for themselves as a makeup/toiletry case. A perfect gift for new moms this Mother’s Day! Dewan-Tatum chose a teal chevron design with pink interior lining and white accent colors that makes the pouch super chic and on-trend. Lightweight and colorful, this carryall pouch is currently available exclusively on Birchbox.

“I am so excited to design a pouch for mothers with Birchbox to benefit Baby Buggy,” said Dewan-Tatum. “I love the idea of designing an item that will not only help mothers but that will support families in need.” The Birchbox and Baby Buggy On the Go Pouch is available for $22 exclusively in the Birchbox shop. Birchbox has also kindly made a donation to Baby Buggy’s cause in support of this partnership.

About Baby Buggy: Baby Buggy, founded by Jessica Seinfeld in 2001, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing families in need with essential equipment, products, clothing, and services for their infants and children up to age 12. With an extensive network of community-based organizations across the country, Baby Buggy has donated more than6.5 million items to thousands of children. Baby Buggy is a Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity, passing all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability. For more information, visit Baby Buggy.

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Birchbox Launches All-Natural Limited Edition Box

Birchbox announced on April 8, the launch of its Limited Edition: Free For All Box and this fits in perfectly with The Makeup Examiner’s Earth Month Celebration! The Limited Edition: Free For All Box ($44) is filled with all-natural products that are free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, petrochemicals, and GMOs, and features an exclusive pouch by the humanitarian fashion label FEED.

These handpicked best-in-class products rely largely on natural extracts from fruits, flowers and veggies. The Makeup Examiner knows first hand that several of these products are absolute must-try items!

Included in the Limited Edition: Free For All Box:

• FEED – FEED 10 Pouch
• Jurlique – Purely Bright Radiance Serum
• Alima Pure – Lip Tint in Rhubarb
• LOV Organic – Assorted Teas
• W3LL People – Hypnotist Eyeliner
• Shamanuti – Activated Charcoal Cleanser
• Karma Organic Spa – Nail Polish Remover with Soybean Oil and Tea Tree Oil
• eco-armour – Shave with Benefits Shave Foam with Mint and Eucalyptus (TME Favorite, which you can read all about right HERE!)

The Limited Edition: Free For All Box can be purchased exclusively at Birchbox. For subscribers and customers interested in discovering more clean products, Birchbox has created a new shop category … Ingredient-Conscious Picks. Each product featured in the shop is free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, petrochemicals, and GMOs. Happy Earth Month! 

Birchbox Mally Beauty Review and Giveaway

The ladies at Birchbox consider Mally Beauty to be one of their favorite brands, citing that Mally offers up high-performance makeup products ready for the Red Carpet, yet made for real women just like us! Does The Makeup Examiner trust the opinions of the brilliant ladies at Birchbox? Of course! But, TME had to find out for herself.

Admittedly, Mally Beauty wasn’t a brand that TME was familiar with. So, I had to find out a little bit about who was behind this brand. Mally Roncal, creator of Mally Beauty, has been a celebrity makeup artist for over fifteen years. Working with A-listers like Beyoncé, Angelina Jolie, Rihanna, and Heidi Klum, Mally found that many pro formulas lacked what she needed. So Miss Mally set out on a mission to create a line of cosmetics that could hold up on the Red Carpet, yet be usable to real women.

The Makeup Examiner was sent several products to try and a few to giveaway, so without further ado, let’s get to the review. To start, the packing is a really chic design of a snakeskin pattern fashioned in perfect pastels that are a huge hello to spring! 

Beauty Lip Magnifier ($20) is an amazing crossover, highbred creamy lipstick-meets-lipgloss! Available in seven shades, the highly pigmented lip product is delivered in pencil form and offers just the right amount of shine to give the illusion of fuller lips.

Beauty Evercolor Shadow Stick ($25) is a multi-purpose product offering a creamy formula that glides on smoothly, is smug-proof, and acts as a three-in-one primer. Bonus: The shadow stick is smartly designed and can be used as eyeliner.  

Beauty Evercolor Poreless Face Defender ($40) is an amazing primer, as in where have you been all my life?!?! Evercolor Poreless Face Defender instantly minimizes the look of pores and fine lines! Plus, it is long lasting (no midday reapply), helps to give a flawless finish to your makeup and includes an applicator. 

Cancellation Concealer System ($35) is a girl’s best friend. Love the two-pocket, snap closure pouch … so easy for traveling! This no cake formula covers dark circles (TME’s biggest problem lately) and blemishes with ease while the translucent powder offers long-lasting coverage with a flawless finish. Includes a double-side brush for easy application.

Mally Beauty does not test on animals, and apparently Miss Mally likes to joke that the products “are tested on celebrities, not animals”. So cruelty-free is good with TME! Plus Mally Beauty is made for real women! Limited Edition Mally Beauty can be found at Birchbox and other brand products can be found at Mally Beauty. Now that you beautynistas know about Mally Beauty, are you ready to get a few goodies for yourself? 

 One (1) lucky reader will receive the following: One (1) Mally Beauty Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner and One (1) Mally Beauty High-Shine Liquid Lipstick Pen valued at over $40! 

To enter:

1. Email TMEGiveaway@gmail.com with the Subject Line: Birchbox Mally Beauty Giveaway!
2. Finish the sentence: Mally Beauty is made for ______ women!
3. Don’t forget to include your name and address!
4. The deadline to enter is Friday, April 4, 2014 at 11:59PM (ET) and for complete terms and conditions, visit TME’s Giveaway Page!

Birchbox Us Weekly Review

Birchbox and Us Weekly teamed up to curate an amazing beauty box with a Red Carpet inspired theme. 

Items:

• Juicy Couture Couture La La Malibu Perfume
• Ruby Wing Color Changing Polish in Kitten Heels (Fun)
• Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner
• Beauty Protector Protect & Oil
• 32 Oral Care Effervescent Breath Crystals (TME Favorite!)

 The Cost: $10 and the value $22

32 Oral Care Effervescent Breath Crystals (TME Favorite!)

The Verdict: This beauty box has everything you need to feel like a Red Carpet beauty and is well worth money! Birchbox has extended the availability of this particular box until February 23^rd, which you can order at Birchbox online!  

This complimentary box was received for review purposes. All opinions are my own and no compensation was received.

Backstage at Cynthia Crowley

Show: Cynthia Rowley Fall 2014

Lead Artist: Adrien Pinault

Inspiration: “Sporty vibe of the Fall 2014 Collection”

Eyes:

• Cynthia Rowley Eye Shadow Palette - No.1 Limited Edition
• Cynthia Rowley Beauty Pencil Eye Liner - Sky Blue (Launching in April 2014)
• Vasanti Kajal Extreme Intense Eye Pencil – Navy

Face:

• Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint
• Jouer Sheer Matte Powder and Bronzer

Lips:

• Jouer Moisturizing Lip Gloss 

All products available at Birchbox, except where otherwise noted

Cynthia Rowley Beauty launched exclusively on Birchbox in November 2013 with the debut collection inspired by her ready-to-wear designs. Products to come this Spring include the Eye Liner Pencil in Sky Blue used in the presentation, which will launch with other additions to her core collection in April. A Spring Limited Edition Eye Shadow Palette and Cosmetic Bag will launch in May.

The Cynthia Rowley Beauty Exclusive Launch Collection includes:

• Cynthia Rowley Liquid Eyeliner Available Shades: Black Ink, Brown Ink Price ($18)
• Cynthia Rowley Eye Shadow Palette No.1 *LIMITED EDITION Contains shades: Clove, Sugarplum, Patina, Mink, Champagne ($24)
• Cynthia Rowley Gilded Canvas Bag *LIMITED EDITION ($15)

Birchbox Becomes Official Sponsor for Cynthia Rowley 2014 Collection

Courtesy of Birchbox

Birchbox made two announcements on Tuesday, Feb. 18. The first, though not surprising, was a major announcement that Birchbox has partnered with Cynthia Rowley as the official makeup sponsor for her Fall 2014 presentation. The second announcement was the extension of availability for the brand’s Us Weekly collaborative box.

Today's announcement marks the third collaboration for Birchbox and Rowley. In July 2011, Cynthia Rowley was Birchbox’s first-ever guest curator and in November 2013, Cynthia launched her beauty line, Cynthia Rowley Beauty, exclusively at Birchbox.

As for the Cynthia Rowley Fall 2014 Collection presentation the makeup look was led by Adrien Pinault, using Cynthia Rowley Beauty products, and Birchbox brand partners Jouer and Vasanti. Pinault’s creation for the show was inspired by the sporty vibe of the Fall 2014 Collection and featured “racing stripe” in shades of blue and plum as the liner with a barely-there powder for face. Reader’s can find the complete product breakdown Here!

Directly after the Birchbox/Rowley collaboration announcement, was the announcement that Birchbox’s collaborative Us Weekly “Red Carpet” beauty box, first announced on Jan. 8 right here, will have an availability extension until Feb. 23. The deadline extension falls in line with the upcoming 86th Academy Awards on March 2. You can check out a review on Birchbox’s Us Weekly “Red Carpet” beauty box on Here!

©2014 Yvonne P. Mazzulo, a.k.a., The Makeup Examiner. All rights reserved. 

Birchbox Valentine’s Day Beauty and Gift Guide

With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, the staff at Birchbox got busy creating the perfect Valentine’s Day beauty product and gift guide from its customer favorites. Offering a wide range of options, at the Birchbox store, you’re bound to find something perfect and unique for him or her … or even yourself!

Color Club - Fiesta Collection ($8). Mamba and Flamingo are both daring and love-inspired hues - perfect for your Valentine's Day date or a fun night out with the girls!

Beauty Protector - Ultimate Hair Protecting Trio ($50). This trio tackles the spectrum of hair concerns - everything you need to prep your hair before your pre-date blow out and makes the perfect gift for her

Cynthia Rowley Beauty Eyeshadow Palette - No.1 ($24) Cynthia Rowley’s exclusive eye shadow palette contains five lustrous shades to take you from day to night—and everywhere in between.

Dr. Brandt Close-Up Kit ($42). This just launched on February 3, so it’s one of those gifts that she definitely won’t have! This kit by Dr. Brandt contains everything your skin needs to be date-night ready, which includes some of Dr. Brandt's top sellers:

• Pores No More Pore Refiner
• Microdermabrasion
• Crease Release
• Glow Revitalizing Eye Cream

Mally Beauty 5 Piece Lip Magnifier Library ($50). Play up your date-night frock with one of these gorgeous and versatile lip pencils, all wrapped in a pretty pink box.

Birchbox For Men - This is a TME favorite, as it is the perfect gift … period! What guy wouldn’t want to receive a monthly lifestyle box filled with new and super unique items that are just for him? Birchbox For Men - $60 for 3 months, $110 for 6 months, $195 for 1 year.

Birchbox For Her - Another TME favorite! A beauty box subscription is one that will remind her of you month after month. Birchbox For Her - $30 for 3 months, $60 for 6 months, $110 for 1 year.

All products can be found at Birchbox! 

Birchbox Collaborates With Us Weekly For Red Carpet Inspired Beauty Box

Birchbox, the emerging leader in e-commerce beauty products, and top celebrity gossip source Us weekly, announced today, Jan. 8 a partnership to curate a special edition Birchbox just in time for awards season. The limited-edition “Step and Repeat” box will feature products that have been hand picked by Us Weekly beauty director Gwen Flamberg, and inspired by the most iconic red carpet looks of the season.

Immediately following the March 2 airing of the 86th Academy Awards, Us Weekly and Birchbox will give customers the chance to shop the night’s hottest red-carpet looks first with a “Get the Look” shop featuring a selection of products straight from Gwen and the celeb insiders at Us Weekly. The Oscars-inspired products and tips will also be featured in the March 12 issue of Us Weekly.

Birchbox subscribers will receive the “Step and Repeat” themed box as their February box; with will feature red-carpet essentials from brands such as Smashbox, OPI, dr.brandt and Beauty Protector. Customers, who sign up at Birchbox by Feb. 15, will receive the special edition Us WeeklyBirchbox as their first monthly box and a special bonus 12-issue subscription to Us Weekly. The 86th Academy Awards airs live at 7 p.m. on March 2 on ABC.

Birchbox holiday happenings and Cyber Monday deals

Birchbox has had quite the busy week! In fact, the brand has been so busy that The Makeup Examiner had to write her very first “week in review” about Birchbox in order to cover all of the happenings at the brand. From the Nov. 22 announcement of Cyber Monday Deals to the launch of the Limited-Edition Holiday Box, read on for all of the holiday happenings at Birchbox.

Wednesday, Nov. 20 brought the rocking announcement that “Parks & Recreation” actress and style star Rashida Jones has created a curated shop of her favorite beauty picks! Rashida’s Holiday Wish List went live on Wednesday, giving Birchbox customers access to her must-have products and top favorites for gifting.

Rashida is adventurous with both her style and beauty on the red carpet, and now shoppers can get an inside look at what she’s been eyeing at Birchbox. Rashida’s picks run the beauty gamut, from the Caudalie Divine Indulgence Set to an Eyeko Mascara and Eyeliner Duo and the Twistband Specialty 12 Pack Tower. Rashida fell instantly in love with another one of her wish list picks -- Ruffian Nail Lacquer in Fox Hunt, but who hasn’t fallen in love with this lacquer? Check out Rashida Jones' Holiday Wish List on Birchbox.

Thursday, Nov. 21 brought two major holiday announcements! The brand launched its Limited Edition: Precious Metals Holiday Box and announced a partnership with fashion label Rebecca Taylor to design an exclusive pouch! The Limited Edition: Precious Metals box is dedicated to all that glitters and is stocked with luxe-meets-modern finds.

Precious Metals Holiday Box inclusions:

• Cynthia Rowley Beauty Eye Shadow Palette - No. 1
• Tweezerman Procurl Lash Curler
• Gorjana Taner Shimmer Necklace
• essie encrusted treasures in hors d'oeuvres
• Frends Ella Earbuds
• Folli Follie Heart4Heart Cosmetic Case in Gold
• Kusmi Tea Paris Rose Green Tea Loose Leaf Tin
• Kusmi Tea Paris Tea Infuser

The Limited Edition: Precious Metals Box ($120) is currently available exclusively on Birchbox. The Rebecca Taylor Pouch features a sharp leopard print canvas that is perfect for storing all beauty essentials and can double as a chic clutch. The Pouch will be available Dec. 2.

Rounding out the week of fun was the Friday, Nov. 22 announcement of Birchbox Cyber Monday Offers! This year, Birchbox is offering a few exclusive offers to its customers and a new shopping experience.

Birchbox Cyber Monday Deals:

• Birchbox Mobile - The Birchbox Shop has launched in the brand’s mobile app and first-time mobile app purchasers can use code MOBILE20 to get 20% off mobile app purchases
• Birchbox and Rebecca Taylor – Birchbox customers, who spend $55 on full-size products, can get the Rebecca Taylor Pouch for free by using code REBECCAGIFT and an exclusive 25% off shopping offer that comes inside each pouch
• Birchbox Points Offer – Earn extra points on Cyber Monday (Dec. 2) - check out the chart in the slideshow

Cynthia Rowley Beauty Launches Exclusively At Birchbox

Today, Nov. 5, designer Cynthia Rowley and Birchbox announced an exciting new partnership to launch Cynthia Rowley Beauty. Cynthia Rowley has previously worked with Birchbox as the company’s first guest curator in July 2011, selecting her favorite products in a limited edition box exclusively for Birchbox subscribers.

Cynthia Rowley Beauty was inspired by Rowley’s personal quest to create products that were long-lasting and easy to use, to solve her own cosmetic needs, and in turn, the needs of her customers. The collection consists of three spotlight products, focusing on the ideal formulas and applications.

The Cynthia Rowley Beauty launch collection includes:

• Cynthia Rowley Liquid Eyeliner 
• Cynthia Rowley Eye Shadow Palette - No.1 (Limited Edition) 
• Cynthia Rowley Gilded Canvas Bag (Limited Edition)

Cynthia Rowley Liquid Eyeliner ($18), available in black ink and brown ink, will be an ongoing fixture in the collection, the eyeliner features 12-hour staying power with a precision tip for perfect application.

There are two limited edition products within the collection, Cynthia Rowley Eye Shadow Palette - No.1 ($24), containing shades five shades: Clove, Sugarplum, Patina, Mink, Champagne; and Cynthia Rowley Gilded Canvas Bag ($15). The Eye Shadow Palette shadows feature a silky formula and the hues are inspired from Rowley’s current ready-to-wear collection. The limited edition Cynthia Rowley Gilded Canvas Bag is a black and gold cotton cosmetics bag that serves as a canvas to display one of Cynthia’s most celebrated prints.

“Launching Cynthia Rowley Beauty with Birchbox was a natural next step for the company as we continue to grow into a global lifestyle brand,” says Cynthia Rowley. “We decided to enter the beauty market through the successful online medium we used to launch eyewear this past summer, it disrupts the traditional beauty distribution model and engages our customers.”

Cynthia Rowley Beauty products are available, today, Nov. 5, for pre-order exclusively on Birchbox. In celebration of the launch, customers can purchase a limited edition collection containing the liquid eyeliner, the eye shadow palette, and the cosmetic bag for

$42! 

©2013 Yvonne P. Mazzulo, a.k.a., The Makeup Examiner. All rights reserved.

Birchbox offers Holiday 2013 Gift Guide

Birchbox announced today Nov. 4, the launch of their Holiday 2013 Gift Guide and “one-stop” shopping for everyone on your list. The gift guide is filled with Birchbox’s top picks for this holiday season, and having had a sneak peek prior to the announcement, The Makeup Examiner had to share this holiday gift guide with readers as part of TME’s holiday gifting suggestions.

Beauty and lifestyle brands are offering holiday gift guides not only for the obvious promotions of their wares, but also for the convenience of consumers. The fact is that we’ve become incredibly busy and it makes perfect sense to utilize brand suggestions, especially when the brand (like Birchbox) offers something for everyone on our holiday shopping list.

Birchbox’s Holiday 2013 Gift Guide has cleverly been broken down into categories like the obvious “Gifts For Him and Gifts For Her,” but goes even further with specific categories like, “For The Food Lover” and “For The Techie” plus the option to purchase the perfect “one-size-fits-all” giftcards ranging from $10 to $100. Within the Holiday 2013 Gift Guide are exclusive offerings like the Birchbox Snow Day box ($39), for the home, that is filled with the essentials to keep you busy and makes a perfect hostess gift. And, of course, exclusive gift sets for women from Suki, Number 4 and Twistband, Ursa Major, and GO247.

Since The Makeup Examiner’s discovery of the plethora of brands offering subscription beauty and lifestyle boxes, TME votes subscription boxes as the best gifts to give and one that will be remembered all year long. Speaking to the Birchbox brand, perusing the brand’s Holiday Gift Shop lends to lots of great ideas for unique gifting including a great go-to gift of a yearly subscription, which is $110 for the Birchbox Woman and $195 for the Birchbox Man that features brands like Ernest Supplies, Proraso, English Laundry, Hanz de Fuko, and Apolis. Readers can check out the holiday offerings at the Birchbox Holiday Gift Shop.