Birchbox Sample Closet & April 2012 Box

A few weeks ago I received an email from Birchbox with a promo code to "shop the Birchbox Sample Closet". Spend $125 and pick 10 deluxe samples or $150 and pick out 15 samples. This was perfect since I had an order in mind (and $30 in Birchbox points to redeem). I placed my order and a week or so later received an email saying I could go online and pick out my 10 samples. So imagine, you could make your own insane Birchbox of everything you wanted! There was a list of about 80-100 samples to choose from.

Here's my bounty:

Kerastase - Chroma Sensitive Cleansing Balm (3 long-hair pkts)
Anastasia - Line Erasing Serum (3 pkts)
EVE LOM - The Radiance Cream
Kerastase - Bain Miroir (shine revealing shampoo)
Beautyblender - 1 full-size reusable sponge
The Laundress - Wool & Cashmere Shampoo in cedar (3 pkts)
Jouer - Lip Enhancer
Caudalie - Vinoperfect correcting night cream
Kerastase - Ciment Thermique (heat-activated reconstructing milk)
Jouer - Tint & Highlighter Duo in cinnamon/champagne

Can you tell I love Kerastase? I was finally able to get my hands on some of the items other girls were getting in their boxes that I was coveting. Like the cashmere shampoo. No, I'm not crazy. This is the awesome $18 cashmere shampoo they sell at J. Crew. You can't dry clean it (you know how I love a trip to the cleaners) and I'm practically inept at doing laundry (just ask the husband - I'm constantly flooding the cellar) so I'm going to try and hand-wash said cashmere in the sink. With a cocktail in hand. And some $18 detergent.  What could possibly go wrong?

Anyway...this was a blast and thanks Birchbox! I hope they keep fun surprises like this coming.

Moving on to April's Box. Ah the Earth-friendly box. I remember last year's box not being one of my favorites, so this year my expectations weren't that high. But I was pleasantly surprised. Other than the perfume (which I seriously can't take any more of) and the argan oil (I've already found my Holy Grail oil, so I'm really not interested in trying any more) I really liked everything else.

Yes To Blueberries - Brightening Facial Towelettes - removes makeup, cleanses and moisturizes skin with a blend of natural fruit extracts

Benta Berry G-1 Exfoliating Facial Cleanser - creamy gel exfoliator gives pores a deep cleaning while leaving your skin's natural defense barrier intact.

Pur Minerals - 4 in 1 Tinted Moisturizer - mineral based tint that works as a moisturizer, primer, sheer foundation and has SPF20

Kahina Giving Beauty - Facial Lotion - light non-greasy blend of argan oil and shea butter keeps skin non-greasy yet hydrated

Kahina Giving Beauty - Argan Oil - nourishing hydrator for face, body and hair

Wonderstruck by Taylor Swift

Excited to try:

I was thrilled to get a treat from Benta Berry! This uber gentle skincare brand has made it's way from Paris to the States and I've been dying to check it out.

As a girl who is terrified to go to bed with her makeup on, having an extra set of cleansing towelettes at the ready is a must for late nights when you're too exhausted to wash your face. I'm excited to try these out and I like that they aren't exfoliating.

I don't wear foundation, just tinted moisturizer. I've never used a mineral one but I like the idea of a primer and SPF in one.

What did you get in your Birchbox this month? What are you loving?