Birchbox

This weekend is our co-founder Katia’s one-year wedding anniversary. She and her husband Greg (also our video producer and sometime handyman) were married in Crete (fun fact: Hayley was the maid of honor). To celebrate their first year of marriage, Greg is whisking Katia off for a weekend getaway — and she has no idea where she is going. (Neither do we — he won’t give us a single hint!) This brings up an interesting beauty conundrum: what to pack when you don’t know where you’re going? We have some ideas.

Blow Faux Dry: It’s a well-known fact that Katia washes her hair as little as possible. Vacay is just another excuse to skip shampoo — this powder will ensure that she’s a tousle tressed goddess and not a greaseball.

Flea Bag in Pebble: This oversized satchel was made for travel: it’s casual enough for day, chic enough for night, and big enough to hold all the souvenir she’s going to buy for her favorite Birchbox staffers.

Laura Geller Blush-n-Brighten in Apricot Berry: Ever since Katia got ahold of this sample, she’s been obsessed. Plus because it’s a blush and highlighter duo in one, she’s got even more room in her makeup bag.

Sircuit Molecular Mist: Katia discovered Sircuit’s skin-changing hydrating mist a year ago when she got a pre-wedding facial. It’s only approps that she take it along on this trip!

Jouer Moisturizing Lip Gloss in Peony: Doesn’t this shade just make you happy? Yep, us too. It’s one of Jouer’s creamy, opaque glosses, which means it adds both color and shine. 

Marais USA Espadrille Wedge in Emerald: Greg’s only instruction: bring comfortable shoes. These count, right? They’ll look equally cute with shorts, maxi dresses, and jeans.

Hope you are all off on your own weekend getaways! 

Get more packing tips in our Survival Kit: Summer Edition.

Mouth (for L’Oréal), New York, 1986 Copyright by the Irving Penn Foundation via Departures

If you’re in San Francisco this summer and a fan of the late photographer Irving Penn (or heck, just a fan of art and beauty), you’ll definitely want to check out a new exhibit of his work. Opening today, the Fraenkel Gallery exhibit runs through August 20th. Departures Dispatch alerted us to the event and we continue to be captivated by Penn’s photograph above. Although Penn is known for his fashion portraiture, the exhibition will focus on his interpretation of beauty. In 2009, a Los Angeles Times photo slideshow accompanying his obituary wrote,

“Penn was a purist who mistrusted perfect beauty, which brought an engaging tension to his fashion photographs as well as his still lifes and portraits. One of his best-known shots for Vogue in the 1950s shows an impeccably dressed model glancing sideways through a veil that covers her face, as if she wasn’t ready for her close-up. Lavish textures, the rich shadow and light became Penn’s trademark.”

I’m in favor of anyone that appreciates imperfections and finds beauty in unconventional ways. Perhaps selfishly, I’m also wishing this exhibition was in NYC instead of California. If you’re in the area and make it there this summer, let us know how it is!

—Lorelei

The Fraenkel Gallery is located at 49 Geary St., 4th floor; 415-981-2661; fraenkelgallery.com

This summer, Birchbox’s content team is extremely lucky to have awesome intern Shana in the office. She’s a student at Syracuse University (the smarty pants is a dual major in magazine journalism and psychology) and she’ll be helping with researching, writing, product testing and, of course, blogging. In addition to daily beauty news posts, she’ll be writing a weekly column called College Girl.

Stewart & Claire; Burt’s Bees; Nuxe Reve de Miel; Pangea Organics

Chapstick addicts, listen up. If you can’t go 20 minutes without reaching for that little tube of lip moisturizer, or if you have a slight panic attack at the sudden realization that you’ve forgotten your balm at home…well, you’re in trouble. The truth is, the petroleum used in many brands of Chapstick and lip balm actually dries out your lips rather than moisturizes them. You’re better off with a petroleum-free product — here are some of my favorites.

Pangea Organics Lip Balm: This lip balm is made from organic ingredients and the tube is larger than normal so it’s guaranteed to last you a long time. If you have sensitive or cracked lips, or just want a balm that tastes great, there’s a flavor for you.

Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm: A lot of people worry that balm in a jar will leave you feeling sticky, but this one does just the opposite. Moisturize, protect, and heal your lips all at once—and it’s even good for your cuticles and healing small burns.

Stewart & Claire: This just-launched balm is already a new favorite. Made in small batches in Manhattan, it’s certified organic and made from all natural ingredients. It comes in a range of flavors: Coconut, Mint, Spring, and Summer, plus a scent-less version called Bare. Summer and Spring smell absolutely amazing—you can’t go wrong.

Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm: My best friend has an obsession with this one unlike anything I’ve ever seen. I’d have to agree though—it is fabulous and your lips feel instantly refreshed the second the pepperminty zest hits them.

—Shana

To spice up your moisturized lips, add some color from the Birchbox Shop.

Emma Roberts; ybf Eyebrow Pencil; Benefit BADgal Lash Mascara; Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner; RMS Beauty Living Luminizer; Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Sheer Candy Glossy Balm

I was a bit too busy doing other glamorous things on Tuesday night (like watching Sex and the City reruns and eating pita chips) to make an appearance at Salvatore Ferragamo’s Women’s Resort 2012 Collection preview, but Emma Roberts looked stunning enough for the both of us. Roberts wore a deep purple frock, but it was her dark eye and punchy lip that drew the attention away from Minka Kelly, Eva Mendes, and the other lovely ladies she was hanging with. Here’s how to get Emma’s look:

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner: For a dark black-lined lid, apply a thick coat of this liner and pair it with Benefit BADgal Lash Mascara for extra large lashes.

Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Sheer Candy Glossy Balm in Succulent Pomegranate: The red undertones in this sheer bright pink make for a sophisticated but still fun lip.

ybf Eyebrow Pencil in Universal Taupe: Number one in the world, this eyebrow pencil is sure to help you achieve lush, well-groomed brows like Roberts.

RMS Beauty Living Luminizer: Highlight your face’s best features and get a glowing look like Roberts thanks to the light-reflecting pigments in this illuminating godsend.

—Shana

To get even more red carpet ready, snag some more products from our Birchbox Shop.

Once a week, Birchbox’s resident yoga and men’s product expert, Eric, will gives us girls some insight into his world in You’ve Got Male. Whether he’s giving his expertise on skincare (boys need advice, too!) or highlighting his new favorite grooming trend, this guy has got taste—so we’re lucky he’s on staff and willing to share.

I have tried a wide variety of nutritional supplements ranging from those promising to make me more muscular (the trials and tribulations of a skinny guy) to formulas that guarantee more energy. However, I have never been so excited as I am about Green Vibrance, an amazing supplement that provides all of the promised benefits and then some.

Green Vibrance is a powder that contains 64 carefully selected ingredients all designed to support and improve all bodily systems. The formula is based on cereal grasses that have been proven to help our bodies repair tissue more quickly. Other ingredients of note: organic alfalfa sprouts, organic broccoli sprouts, organic spirulina, soft-cell chlorella, stabilized rice bran, organic beet juice, organic parsley, and organic spinach.

Taking Green Vibrance is like eating a really healthy salad – all day long! It has a very high Nutrient Density, meaning the proportion of nutrients to fats and proteins in the powder is extremely high. I mix one scoop with a glass of orange juice every morning. Since I started taking this supplement, I have felt energized and less tired, I’ve not been sick, and my skin, hair, and nails have been healthier and glowing. Incorporating one scoop of this powder a day is a really easy way to enhance your focus at work, give yourself a boost at the gym, and make your life generally healthier. I definitely recommend mixing with something that has a strong flavor – the powder isn’t exactly yummy. But, it’s a quick glass of juice a day and I promise you’ll see and feel a difference!

—Eric

Enhance you’re lifestyle even more with products from our Birchbox Shop. 

Our editorial Intern, Shana, modeling the July Birchbox

Oh, how we love Facebook here at Birchbox. Not only is it the easiest way for us to stalk all our frenemies, it’s also an ideal place for us to connect with our members and share everything that’s happening over at Birchbox HQ.

For better or for worse, Facebook is always introducing new features and last month they released one that we just love. You’re now able to tag your favorite pages, aka Birchbox, in any of your photos, and they’ll show up on our photos tab. Don’t worry— privacy settings still apply.

We love seeing Birchboxes out in the real world and especially love seeing our members use the products in our shop. Go ahead and snap a pic to share next time you’re opening your Birchbox or using your favorite Birchbox products!

-Lorelei

P.S. A major new redesign is rumored to be coming to Facebook soon! Are you excited or anxious? 

Are your photos currently lacking a Birchbox? Let’s change that! Sign up today to get the July box, curated by Cynthia Rowley!

Kiehl’s new spa, Kiehl’s flagship store; Acne Blemish Controlling Daily Skin-Clearing Treatment; Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser; Kiehl’s Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+

Visiting the Kiehl’s flagship store in New York City is an experience in and of itself—it’s equipped with much of its original furnishings from 1851 and the staff is fanatical about the products they sell. Trying out testers is great, but getting fully pampered is much better, so Kiehl’s is opening the ultimate place of relaxation on the Upper East Side: Spa 1851.

Set to open mid-July, its first-ever spa and men’s grooming lounge will offer hair, skin, and body treatments. Sure, you can spa it up anywhere—but at 1851 you’ll experience Kiehl’s products along with novelties like customized facials. The spa will have a separate entrance from the new store, located at 157 East 64th St., and will be stocked with eco-friendly robes, iPads, and Havaianas sandals. Sustainable wood, subway tiles, reclaimed tin ceilings and countertops made of recycled paper all add to the ambiance, and in the relaxing treatment rooms you’ll notice chandeliers inspired by the original store as well as murals by photographer David LaChapelle.

I’ve had many a male friend who’s stared at my eyelash curler as if it was some sort of torture device and been puzzled by my assortment of foundations, but Kiehl’s is one brand that has an enormous appeal to both men and women. So I decided to ask a few beauty sages (male and female) around the office about their favorite Kiehl’s products. Rachel, our brand relationship manager, said: “My favorite summer products is Kiehl’s Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+. I hate when sunscreen leaves a white residue on me, but this one blends right in.” Eric, our brand marketing and merchandising manager, said: “Acne Blemish Control Daily Skin-Clearing Treatment works like a dream. It clears up blemishes quickly with no drying or scarring—even the peskiest zit doesn’t stand a chance. I also love Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser.”

We’re aching to try out the new hot spot, as I’m sure you are too—call (888)-SPA-1851 to book an appointment now.

—Shana

For more great Kiehl’s products, check out our Birchbox Shop.

I’ve never given it any thought until now, but wearing glasses on a regular basis must change your makeup routine, at least slightly. Beauty guru Bobbi Brown, however, has less than perfect vision and designed a new collection to enhance your eyes and truly complement your glasses. The fall Tortoise Collection consists of an eye palette with eight shadows, which comes in two versions, bronze and sand (both $60), as well as a mini brush set ($55). All the products feature tortoise and gold details and were inspired by the guru’s own specs, a staple in her wardrobe. The items will be available for purchase on the brand’s site come July and if you happen to sport frames on a daily basis, remember Bobbi’s wise words: “Wearing glasses draws attention to your eyes, so keep you makeup simple. Stick to neutral shades…and save the bold colors for your lips.”

—Meredith

We are suckers for Stila’s shadows and lucky for you, we carry every color under the sun in the Birchbox Shop.

I know sherbet-colored hair is all the rage right now, but I’m hooked on popsicle-stained lips. My friends have a NY-based frozen treats company called People’s Pops and if I could get them to deliver to our offices, we could take care of our treats craving and our lipstick needs in one go — cherry plum, anyone? Alas, that’s not all that realistic. Here, my favorite cheater ways to get a pretty lip stain.

1. NARS Lipstick in Schiap: This is a Birchbox favorite because it is a happy Pepto hue that looks good on a range of skin tones. I like to apply and then blot to get a completely matte stain look.

2. Revlon Just Bitten in Passion: Basically a Sharpie for your mouth. It really does stain your lips so beware if you’re commitment-phobic. But it’s an affordable way to try the trend. (The pen does dry up fast, which makes sense since you’re paying drugstore prices.)

3. Tarte LipSurgence in Lusty: What is it with these lip gloss names? Either way, this orange-y red hue is smooth and bright, and gives you a pop of color that is somewhere between a stain and a gloss.

4. Jouer Moisturizing Lip Gloss in Riviera: This juicy gloss gives your lips a slip of sheer cherry shine. I love Jouer’s entire wardrobe of hues, but this is a current fave.

—Mollie

Get more lippy inspiration in our Five Perfect Pink Lipsticks.

Allow me to play bossy esthetician for a moment. Here are my top five rules for the summer months.

1. Wear lots and lots of SPF. Try Kiehl’s Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+, which feels light and rubs in without any white residue. I’ve been using it on the weekends so that I can keep protected even while I’m out and about. Don’t miss the four areas people most people forget: lips, tops of ears, tip of nose, and scalp!

2. Don’t skip your scalp. There’s nothing being at an outdoor concert or picnic all day and coming home to a lobster red scalp. Part your hair in the middle and spray your part with something like Oscar Blandi’s Capri Sun Shield or just lightly trace a line of sunscreen over exposed skin (this is fine for when you’re at the beach). And gents, if your hairline is, shall we say, backing off…make sure to protect that bare skin!

3. Hydrate inside and out! Drink tons of water. When you skimp on H20 your skin and body suffers. Also hydrate from the outside - refresh skin with a natural toner like Pangea Toner or a mist like Sircuit Cosmeceuticals Molecular Mist.

4. Be smart and screen! Get a skin screening from your dermatologist at the beginning of the summer so your dermatologist can see your sun-free skin and have a base for post-summer. Those of you with freckles and moles, I suggest getting screened twice a year to be safe!

5. Blot, don’t wash. Even though you may feel like you need to wash your face more and more because you’re sweating more and your skin is oilier, this can actually cause your skin to produce more oil. Resist the urge to suds up five times a day and keep cool with blotting papers or a facial mist.

—Rachel

We quiz derms and research the ingredients to bring you the best skincare intel. Get up to date here.

I’ve always had an obsession with things that sparkle. No, not diamonds (although those are nice)—I’m talking about fashion pieces or beauty products that have glitter, sequin, or some kind of shimmer. While a lot of us associate anything glitzy with the holidays, these items are awesome to bust out in the summer when you can get the full-fledged gleaming effect in direct sunlight. Currently, I am on the hunt for more twinkling adornments. Here are a few of the things that are at the top of my list:

J.Crew Glitter Finish Leather Sandals ($98): Could these be any cuter? I especially love the juxtaposition of a sporty flat sandal with a a feminine silvery finish.

Jouer Moisturizing Lip Gloss ($20): This keeps lips hydrated and gleaming with tiny bits of gold glitter.

Tatcha Aburatorigami Blotting Papers ($12): Fancy and affordable, these blotting papers are great for hot summer days and the decorative gold leaf flecks are oh so pretty.

Vince Sequin Crepe Top ($295): This boxy tank takes even the most boring pair of shorts or pants and transforms them into something special.

—Meredith

For more great summery finds, visit the Birchbox Shop.

Sometimes we get so caught up in finding the newest beauty item around that we forget about the classics. While the hot new things are fun, any skin cream that’s been around for 100 years clearly has something going for it. That’s certainly the case with Nivea. The German company is celebrating its grand anniversary with a partnership with Rihanna (the songstress’ song, California King Bed, is featured in their new commercial) and a special edition Nivea Crème. 

While the brand certainly hopes that Rihanna will help them reach a broader, younger audience through her social media reach, they’re also introducing a new technology, Hydra IQ, to their lotions and body washes. According to WWD, “the technology is based on Nobel-prize-winning science that, in a nutshell, opens water channels and penetrates water into deeper levels of skin.” 

Are you a Nivea Fan? Personally I’ve always enjoyed their ad campaigns, Touch & Be Touched and Kiss & Be Kissed, but haven’t had much excuse to use their products. This just might be the push I need!

-Lorelei

The Fresh truck; Sugar tinted lip treatment in Rose

The Stila Loves Roxy Bus

Weleda’s Biodiesel Truck

Shiseido’s luxury trailer

Food and makeup—both are fun and necessary, and now both come served in trucks! We are always up to grab a quick mobile bite, but cool beauty brands have recently managed to one-up our favorite sidewalk servers. I’ve always wondered what goes on behind the window of a food truck—it’s a huge mystery how one or two people can prepare, cook and serve all that food—but the beauty industry lets you go on in and check it out.

Last Thursday, a few of us went to investigate. First, we hit up Fresh’s Kiss & Tell Truck and got our lips pampered. We exfoliated and tried out the Sugar tinted lip treatment—my favorite was Rose.

Next, we hopped on over to the other side of Bryant Park for the Stila Loves Roxy Bus. To showcase the new waterproof collection hitting Quicksilver and Roxy flagship stores in July, guests were given makeovers as well as some of the new products. Brand relationship manager Rachel tested out (and loved) the Sparkle Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, which is the first of its kind from Stila. As if giving away samples wasn’t enough—there was wine, candy and cupcakes. It was a makeup and food lovers’ dream. 

But these are only two of many companies who are embracing the trend—Weleda made an appearance last year in NYC with its Honestly Natural, Truly Beautiful Tour before it set out across the rest of North America to spread the word about its organic products. And Shiseido just finished a nine city Mobile Tour across the U.S., giving visitors the chance to get free facials and score samples inside a luxury-outfitted airstream trailer.

Trucks, buses, and trailers are cool and all, but we want to know what’s next—hot air balloons? Makeup artists riding rickshaws? I guess we will just have to wait and see.

—Shana

Check out some other great products from Stila and more in our Birchbox Shop. 

The Fresh truck; Sugar tinted lip treatment in Rose

The Stila Loves Roxy Bus

Weleda’s Biodiesel Truck

Shiseido’s luxury trailer

Food and makeup—both are fun and necessary, and now both come served in trucks! We are always up to grab a quick mobile bite, but cool beauty brands have recently managed to one-up our favorite sidewalk servers. I’ve always wondered what goes on behind the window of a food truck—it’s a huge mystery how one or two people can prepare, cook and serve all that food—but the beauty industry lets you go on in and check it out.

Last Thursday, a few of us at Birchbox were lucky enough to investigate what all the hype’s about. First, we hit up Fresh’s Kiss & Tell Truck and got our lips Mpampered. We exfoliated and tried out the Sugar tinted lip treatment. my favorite was Rose.

Next, we hopped on over to the other side of Bryant Park for the Stila Loves Roxy Bus. To showcase the new waterproof collection hitting Quicksilver and Roxy flagship stores in July, guests were given makeovers as well as some of the new products. Brand relationship manager Rachel tested out  (and loved) the Sparkle Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, which is the first of its kind from Stila. As if giving away samples wasn’t enough—there was wine, candy and cupcakes. It was a makeup and food lovers’ dream. 

But these are only two of many companies who are embracing the trend—Weleda made an appearance last year in NYC with its Honestly Natural, Truly Beautiful Tour before it set out across the rest of North America to spread the word about its organic products. And Shiseido just finished a nine city Mobile Tour across the U.S., giving visitors the chance to get free facials and score samples inside a luxury-outfitted airstream trailer.

Trucks, buses, and trailers are cool and all, but we want to know what’s next—hot air balloons? Makeup artists riding rickshaws? I guess we will just have to wait and see.

—Shana

Check out some other great products from Stila and more in our Birchbox Shop. 

The Fresh truck; Sugar tinted lip treatment in Rose

The Stila Loves Roxy Bus

Weleda’s Biodiesel Truck

Shiseido’s luxury trailer

Food and makeup—both are fun and necessary, and now both come served in trucks! We are always up to grab a quick mobile bite, but cool beauty brands have recently managed to one-up our favorite sidewalk servers. I’ve always wondered what goes on behind the window of a food truck—it’s a huge mystery how one or two people can prepare, cook and serve all that food—but the beauty industry lets you go on in and check it out.

Last Thursday, a few of us at Birchbox were lucky enough to investigate what all the hype’s about. First, we hit up Fresh’s Kiss & Tell Truck and got our lips Mpampered. We exfoliated and tried out the Sugar tinted lip treatment. my favorite was Rose.

Next, we hopped on over to the other side of Bryant Park for the Stila Loves Roxy Bus. To showcase the new waterproof collection hitting Quicksilver and Roxy flagship stores in July, guests were given makeovers as well as some of the new products. Brand relationship manager Rachel tested out  (and loved) the Sparkle Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, which is the first of its kind from Stila. As if giving away samples wasn’t enough—there was wine, candy and cupcakes. It was a makeup and food lovers’ dream. 

But these are only two of many companies who are embracing the trend—Weleda made an appearance last year in NYC with its Honestly Natural, Truly Beautiful Tour before it set out across the rest of North America to spread the word about its organic products. And Shiseido just finished a nine city Mobile Tour across the U.S., giving visitors the chance to get free facials and score samples inside a luxury-outfitted airstream trailer.

Trucks, buses, and trailers are cool and all, but we want to know what’s next—hot air balloons? Makeup artists riding rickshaws? I guess we will just have to wait and see.

—Shana

Check out some other great products from Stila and more in our Birchbox Shop. 

The Fresh truck; Sugar tinted lip treatment in Rose

The Stila Loves Roxy Bus

Weleda’s Biodiesel Truck

Shiseido’s luxury trailer

Food and makeup—both are fun and necessary, and now both come served in trucks! We are always up to grab a quick mobile bite, but cool beauty brands have recently managed to one-up our favorite sidewalk servers. I’ve always wondered what goes on behind the window of a food truck—it’s a huge mystery how one or two people can prepare, cook and serve all that food—but the beauty industry lets you go on in and check it out.

Last Thursday, a few of us at Birchbox were lucky enough to investigate what all the hype’s about. First, we hit up Fresh’s Kiss & Tell Truck and got our lips Mpampered. We exfoliated and tried out the Sugar tinted lip treatment. my favorite was Rose.

Next, we hopped on over to the other side of Bryant Park for the Stila Loves Roxy Bus. To showcase the new waterproof collection hitting Quicksilver and Roxy flagship stores in July, guests were given makeovers as well as some of the new products. Brand relationship manager Rachel tested out  (and loved) the Sparkle Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, which is the first of its kind from Stila. As if giving away samples wasn’t enough—there was wine, candy and cupcakes. It was a makeup and food lovers’ dream. 

But these are only two of many companies who are embracing the trend—Weleda made an appearance last year in NYC with its Honestly Natural, Truly Beautiful Tour before it set out across the rest of North America to spread the word about its organic products. And Shiseido just finished a nine city Mobile Tour across the U.S., giving visitors the chance to get free facials and score samples inside a luxury-outfitted airstream trailer.

Trucks, buses, and trailers are cool and all, but we want to know what’s next—hot air balloons? Makeup artists riding rickshaws? I guess we will just have to wait and see.

—Shana

Check out some other great products from Stila and more in our Birchbox Shop.