this month’s birchbox included products for the jet setter. from long wearing foundation to products that have dual purposes (stainiac-stain for lips/cheeks). when i first opened my box, there was a strong perfume smell and i thought it was the by terry products (which i heard have a strong rose scent) but my perfume sample had actually leaked all over the box. no biggie since i rarely wear perfume anyways. so here is what i got:

by terry light expert perfecting foundation – what they say: by terry’s anti-aging formula is made with hyaluronic acid microspheres that create a layer of moisture on the skin. it comes in a wide range of shades, from honey light, a beige that works on most pale skin tones, to toffee light, a warm caramel designed to illuminate medium complexions. what i say: i was REALLY excited to try this. i’ve heard good things about by terry products. when i opened the sample, i was a little scared of the cantaloupe color of the foundation (i now know that it comes in several shades) but surprisingly it blended well on my skin. i personally like a more full coverage foundation so for the price, i will stick to my dr jarts+ beauty balm.

by terry creme de rose nutri lift comfort cream – what they say: rose essential wax, the key active ingredient, revitalizes parched skin while visibly softening the signs of aging. moisturizing shea butter gives skin buoyancy and lift, resulting in a firmer, glowier visage. vitamin e combines with UV filters to seal in moisture and protect against future damage. what i say: i haven’t tried this yet. i have so many lotions and potions that i am using right now that i am saving this one for when i finish my vichy products. i’ll let you know when i try it out.

eyeko london fat eye stick – what they say: we can’t help but think of our beloved Crayolas when we use these creamy eye sticks. and, truth be told, the oversized liners are so easy to use, even a kindergartner could master them. these limited edition shades are only available in the US via birchbox. Each one pairs dense, vibrant pigments with a retractable twist-up applicator. you can glide them on as a thick liner, or smudge them to create a shadow (they go on opaque but blend easily for a sheer look). what i say: i like how easily this liner glides on but i wish i would have gotten the black color. instead i received the petrol blue color. this was a full sized product too! wah.

joya ames soeurs parfum – what they say: the olfactory equivalent of a page-turner, this fragrance has notes of frankincense, myrrh, orange blossom, and jasmine. the rich, smoky finish gives the scent a sensual aura. what i say: once again, i am not a fan of perfume unless it is really feminine and light. this  (well, what was left of it) was a bit strong for my liking.

theBalm cosmetics stainiac – what they say: the tinted gel leaves a lasting stain on lips and cheeks. since it’s water-based, it has a longer setting time than most quick-dry stains, which means it won’t leave any unsightly streaks behind as long as you take care to blend well. use a single coat for a subtle look or layer it on for a more visible (yet still discreet) hue. what i say: this was my favorite sample in the box. i have very pale lips…like they are the exact same color of my skin…so i could not stop putting this on. it has a weird gel like texture but dries immediately leaving your lips slightly stained like you just drank kool-aid or something. it isn’t very moisturizing (you can add gloss over it for shine) but i still really like it. in fact, i think i am going to order the full size product!

THE EXTRA: tili bags – what they say: made of durable plastic, each quart-size zip and seal bag can hold a variety of belongings—from paper clips and sandwiches to makeup and toothpaste. especially great for those on the go, they make life easier by keeping things organized. what i say: these are pretty much just decorative zip lock bags but they are super cute. i think they would make for a great hostess gift!

birchbox is a monthly subscription service that mails you a fun curated box of beauty & lifestyle samples (and sometimes full-sized products too) for just $10/mo. the last i heard, there is still  a short wait to subscribe but you can join here.