I stopped doing Birchbox reviews after I cut back my blogging schedule to just three days a week. But surprisingly people searching for Birchbox reviews is still my number one driver of traffic. Probably because I’ve been a subscriber basically since they started. This month we had the option to order the limited edition “Candidly Nicole” box (curated by none other than Nicole Richie) but unfortunately when I logged in to request it, it was not an option anywhere so I ended up with the regular end of Summer box. I was annoyed at first but actually ended up liking my box so I thought I would share with you. Here’s what I got:

IPKN Flash Cream Radiant Primer: Great foundation requires, well, a great foundation. This creamy SPF 15 primer creates a smooth, radiant canvas for makeup, refining pores and enhancing skin tone. And thanks to the blend of nourishing fruit extracts and shimmer pearl powder, your skin will glow whether you’re wearing this under foundation or under nothing at all. My thoughts: At first I thought this would be WAY too shimmery, but when rubbed in completely it leaves you with a light glow. Perfect for these last few weeks of Summer.

R+Co DEATH VALLEY Dry Shampoo: This dry shampoo will do more than clean up your hair. It will have your ’do taking after the famous landscape from which it draws its name: big, beautiful, and a little wild. A few spritzes of this spray zap excess oil, give hair serious volume and body, and add some too-great-to-be-tamed texture. My thoughts: I’ve tried so many dry shampoos and most either have a scent I can’t stand or don’t absorb enough oil. I brought this with us camping this week and it SAVED me! Beachy waves and no greasy roots = a happy camper!

Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate: We’ve heard “The best defense is a good offense” in many a sport reference, but we think it’s just as appropriate for skincare. Shiseido has taken charge with this concentrate, which enhances skin’s defensive power against signs of aging from both external and internal factors (think: dryness, air pollution, UV rays, and stress). It works hard to help strengthen so skin can fight age-accelerating damage—for a supple, more glowing complexion. My thoughts: I haven’t tried this yet but I am always grateful when I receive an anti-aging product and not another perfume!

LAQA & Co. Charm School Lip Crayon: With their substantial charms (read: easy application and gorgeous color), these multitasking crayons from LAQA & Co. have certainly won us over. Each creamy formula works as both cheek and lip color, and the sleek gold crayon makes it ultraeasy to dab on. This set includes crayons in three flattering hues: Cray-Cray (coral peach), Mixtape (ruby rouge), and Humble Brag (blush pink). My thoughts: This is light enough to look/feel like a gloss without the stickiness. And that is the only kind of gloss I can tolerate. No hair stuck in lipgloss for this girl!

Oribe Shampoo, Conditioner & Masque: Oribe, hair stylist to the fabulous, knows that you have to give color-treated hair special attention. He’s designed a ultragentle products that effectively cleanse/moisturize without stripping away any of that gorgeous color — while also delivering repairing ingredients that help tresses stay healthy. Fruit-based bioflavanoids help to keep color bright and true, while moisture-storing baobab tree extract helps to rehydrate tresses. A potent combination of edelweiss flower, kaempferia galanga root, and watermelon extracts protects hair from discoloration, fading, and drying. My thoughts: I was introduced to Oribe products years ago by a roommate I had when I lived in NYC. I remember her telling me I had to try it but I never did. So I am so excited that I was sent the correct formula for my hair type. I will update this post after I give it a try.

Birchbox is a monthly beauty product subscription box that allows you to try new products (mostly travel size samples but occasionally you get full-size products) for only $10/month. To learn more and/or subscribe, click here.