If you want to sell me a beauty product, all you’ve got to do is shout out the 80s cinematic classic, Splash (starring a young Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah, obvi). And that’s just what Birchbox did when releasing their Limited Edition: Modern Mermaid beauty box. With a shout out to the metallic blues and big beach hair of the decade, Modern Mermaid takes inspiration from all our favorite aquatic 80s looks and vamps it up to today’s summer style standards.
When our Birchbox arrived, the goodies were nestled into an adorable ocean blue box (that I will definitely be repurposing). There are 7 major beauty offerings in the Limited Edition: Modern Mermaid collection, so let’s dig into the products that made us swoon…and the ones that left us a little flat.
Love It:
Atelier Cologne: Cedrat Enivrant Cologne Absolue Travel Spray
This travel size perfume will be coming with me everywhere this summer. No lie, I just might have found my new favorite fragrance. It’s a citrusy scent with notes of mint and juniper berries, and it makes you feel so fancy. Cherry on top — it lingers for hours, so this mini bottle will last you all season.
Anastasia Beverly Hills: Lash Genius Waterproof Topcoat
I’m a mascara snob and have never really warmed up to any waterproof formulas out there. They always smell weird and they’re too hard to remove for everyday wear; I feel like I’m ripping my eyelashes out, even when using cotton balls doused in makeup remover. I’ve got to admit, though, sometimes (read: beach days, pool days) I wish there was a way to waterproof my go-to regular mascaras. When I saw Anastasia’s Lash Genius in the box, I knew it would be getting a lot of play this summer — it’s a clear coat you apply over your normal mascara that instantly waterproofs it. Genius.
Captain Blankenship: Mermaid Mane Sea Salt Spray
As a bona fide sucker for sea salt sprays, this is obviously going in my “Love It” list. I tested it out last night and today I’ve got fabulously tousled waves that smell faintly of beachy flowers. The travel size sample is great for throwing in an overnight bag or even a beach bag, and Captain Blankenships can be used on wet or dry hair.
Coola: Liplux SPF 30 Original Formula
Fair warning, Liplux does have that slightly chemically taste that often comes with SPF chapsticks. And since every SPF chapstick I’ve ever tried tastes a bit like sunscreen, I didn’t dock points in the case of this product here. Liplux is really moisturizing, comes in a super cute teal tube and protects your pout from the sun — a winning combo, IMO.
Stephanie Johnson: Mermaid Mirror
Who doesn’t need an adorable metallic fish scale compact mirror? Win!
Leave It:
Ruffian: Endless Summer Collection
Ruffian created three long-wear nail polish shades exclusive to Birchbox, which sounds incredible. And it is…if you love pearlescent piggies. Personally, I’ve never been a big fan of metallic nail polish, opting to strictly stick to matte hues (seriously, I don’t even wear sparkle). I know this is a me issue, and it’s purely a matter of preference and if you go ga ga for metallic polishes, you’ll love this set of three. Coming in berry (Endless Love), blue (Blue Lagoon) and taupe (Sahara), there’s likely at least one shade you’ll warm up to.
Vasanti: Kajal Intense Eye Pencil in Electric Navy
This navy eye pencil fits in perfectly with the nautical theme of the box, but for me it’s more of a special occasion eyeliner than an everyday one. The shade is more cerulean than deep, dark blue and goes on very smoothly. If you’re comfortable with bright eye makeup or like going over-the-top on a Saturday night, you’ll enjoy Vasanti’s Electric Navy pencil. If you’re more subdued, you may be skipping this one.
Birchbox’s Limited Edition: Modern Mermaid collection is available now for $44.
