Birchbox Review December 2015

What's in

the box?

Birchbox is probably considered the grandfather of the subscription boxes.  For $10 a month, you get 5-7 samples based on a very detailed quiz you take when signing up.  They never repeat a sample and you can review every sample for points that turn in to money in their online store.  Even if I dislike something, I can earn points - and when you fill out the review, it is noted.  You can see other people's reviews of the products in the store under that product.   There are sales, coupon codes, and bonus add-ons for the box.

Birchbox gave us a $10 gift card for Christmas - when you purchase $35.  I really would have just liked the $10 with no conditions.  I have free shipping as an Ace member.

Soap and Paper Factory (Green Tea) Shea Butter Hand Cream -   (full size $18) This is a nice size little lotion to get - it is just right for putting in my purse.  I like this very much. 

The Balm Frat Boy -  (full size $21)  The only issue I have with this is how small their samples are - these full sized items are so expensive and they really do not like to give you any product!
 

Here is a pic of the tiny little blush sample. 
 

Malin + Goetz Clarifying Clay Mask -  ( full size $48)  I was surprised I had not received this product in the past.  I have so many products from them from Birchboxes.   

Coastal Scents Style Eyes -  (full size $12)  This is a small eye shadow sampler for Coastal Scents.  I have a one of their large palettes and for the money, it is a good deal.

The colors I chose were some of my favorites. 
 

Kate Spade Walk on Air -   (full size $25-$95)  I have selected to receive perfume samples the least amount of times possible in a year but the last several have contained one.  I did not mind getting this one, however, because it smells so pretty and I would wear it.

 

I was very pleasantly surprised by this month's box.   I like so many of the items this month!  I will only be passing one on to my swap buddy - the clay mask from Malin +  Goetz.   I received a blush, an eye shadow, a lotion, and a perfume that I will use.

Complexion Perfection sampler was one of the bonus buys you could add on your box shipment this month.  For $20 it was a great buy - the beauty blender is $20 by itself.  You get sample sizes of the The Pore-fessional from Benefit, Lightning Crew by The Beauty Crop, Marcelle BB glow, and W3ll People invisible powder as well.  I was very pleased with it.
 

 

Birchbox June 2015

What's in

the box?

This is probably the grandfather of all subscription boxes - and it is still one of my favorites mainly because of their point system.  Sure, you can pay $10 for other subs - but do they give you points back to spend in an awesome store?  No?  Birchbox does that!  Save those points up and go shopping!  And you not only get points for just reviewing your items in your box but you get them on purchases in the store and getting your sub box every month.  

Every month at Birchbox has a theme and their boxes are like little works of Art.  July's theme was GO BOLD!

Stila All Day Liquid Lipstick in Venezia -  This was my sample choice for the month!  I chose the coral shade since I am red headed and very light skinned.  This is very bright but I can make it work - it takes just a dab of color.  And it does last too! 

dr Brandt Microdermabrasion skin exfoliant  -   (.25 oz - full size $78 for 2 oz)  If you read my blog at all, you know I sell Perfectly Posh and love their products.  This contains so many parabens it is pretty ridiculous.  I have a great microdermabrasion cleanser called Shine Bright Like a Diamond - which is $19 for 2 oz. 

Oribe Dry Texturing Spray -  ($5) This smells really good.  I will give this a try but do not think I will be purchasing the full size for $48. 

Benefit They're Real - ($8)  This is one of my favorite mascaras.  I love it. They came out with a few more shades too so you can get this in brown now.  And I actually prefer the little wands because you can control where they go better - my favorite mascara right now is Make Up For Ever's Smoky Extravagant.  I get a ton of compliments on my eyes when I wear it.

Coola Classic Suncreen Cucumber Moisturizer -   Coola is one of those products that everyone has been getting in every box for awhile.  If you subscribe at all, you get this one in every box at one point.  It is not a bad product to get, it has just been over subbed.  I like a face sunscreen that has moisturizer in it, so I will use this one. 

I like it when I get two makeup products in a box - that rarely happens with Birchbox, so this was a great month for me.  I will be adding the Dr Brandt to my swap site on Pinterest.   But having just one miss in a box is great for Birchbox.

 What did you get in Birchbox this month?  Any holy grail products out there?

Birchbox June 2015

What's in

the box?

The theme for Birchbox's June was Adventure.  I love the purple and yellow box I received. This subscription is one of the cheapest out there in box land.  It is $10 a month with a huge store to earn points to spend them in.  It is a huge company now with even a store in New York, Soho area. Really, the only criticism I have for Birchbox is that the England boxes are much better.

The box included a code to enter on the site for a chance to win prizes.  Sadly, mine was a $10 off coupon when you spend $50.

Clean by Fresh Laundry - (full size $20)  The name is perfect for this perfume - it does smell sort of like rubbing alcohol when it first goes on but that goes away. It is very fresh smelling and reminds me of laundry day.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Day Perfecting fluid in spf 15 -     ( ~$3 sample - $49 full price)  I did not think I would like this but it is not greasy or too dark for me.  It moisturizes, contains sunblock, and minimizes pores.  It is a very nice little primer and I will enjoy using it.  I doubt I will buy it in full size at this price.

Dr Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Water -   ($32 full size)  This is a hydrogen, mineral water.  I chose this product as my pick this month.  This is used with a cotton ball, no rinsing needed.  This is perfect for traveling or just tossing in your gym bag for a clean face.  It does make your face feel very nice.

Klorane Shampoo with Mango Butter and bonus conditioner sample -   ( ~$1 and full size $19.50)  I am more likely to buy the conditioner than the shampoo in this.  I do thank them for including a sample of the conditioner. I really dislike getting one without the other. 

Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner - ( full size $11)   There was a different eyeliner we were all supposed to get in our boxes this month but there was a dock dispute that held it up.  This is another donation to my sisters eyeliner collection - she will never have to buy it again between my boxes and hers.

L Erickson Grab & Go Ponytail holder -  ($1)  I like it when Birchbox adds a lifestyle item as a bonus to the box.  This is really cute and my daughter will enjoy.

This was not my favorite box since I have subscribed but it is hardly the worst.  I will use almost all of it so that is a win for me.  The boxes they have sent lately have been little works of art too - and I am still excited to hear their ideas for how to re-use - we are supposed to be saving them all up for the end of the year.

Birchbox June 2015

What's in

the box?

Birchbox arrived really early this month on one of my accounts - I won a 3 month giveaway so I signed up for a second box when they did a $5 box special.   I picked the curated box on one of the accounts and the other the microwater. 

Birchbox is $10 a month and you get 5-7 items to review and sample.  With those items, you can earn points to spend in the Birchbox store.  100 points = $10  

This month's theme is Adventure! 

This box was the curated one by Meghan Markle, founder of the Tig lifestyle blog.

Real Chemistry Lumious 3-minute Peel - ($3) I have tried this before in my box and was not that happy with it - it made some interesting red lines appear on my chin.  

Ms Markle says:

"This acid-free peel gently exfoliates for instantly softer, smoother, brighter skin."

Oribe Cote d'Azure fragrance -  ($2)   I am not a huge fan of perfume samples in my boxes - especially this size - but this one does grow on you.  It is soft enough I can wear it.

Ms Markle:
"The brand’s signature scent (from my friend, and favorite hair guru, Oribe Canales!!) is reminiscent of the fragrant breezes of the French Riviera. '

  
Marcelle BB Cream Golden Glow - ($4)  I am not too sure about this due to the golden glow part - I am very pale so not sure this will fit with my skin tone. 

From Ms Markle:
"This multitasker, rich in antioxidants, covers imperfections, evens tone, and calms skin."

 Davines Hair & Body Wash -  ($6.75 )   It is nice that this is an all over wash - and I have been wanting to try it.   I was very happy to see it in the curated box. 

From Ms Markle:
"This rich gel cleanses head to toe, hydrating skin and preventing sun damage to strands."

Harvey Prince Hello Body Cream -  ($ 1)  This is another one I have been wanting to try to see what the fuss is all about. 

Ms Markle says:
"Infused with summery citrus and floral notes, this hydrator leaves skin satiny and lightly scented."

There were several things in this box I have wanted to try or already liked so it was a winner box for me.   The value on this one was about $16.  There was a problem with our eyeliners that was supposed to be sent in every box so that will be added to next months.  There is also a giveaway and it came with a code to put in at birchbox.com/sayyes but mine was a save 10% off your purchase of $50.  I was really hoping for a bag or the grand prize of course.
 

Under the Sun Limited Birchbox!

What's in

the box?

Under the Sun Limited Edition Birchbox is now on sale in their shop for $55 - I used a coupon code and my BB points and got it for $34 with the add on mystery samples.

The box for this one was so pretty and I loved the green color inside it.

Sugerpova Flirty Gummy Candy -  ($5.95)  The tennis star Maria Sharapova has started a candy business and these are the gummy ones shaped like lips.  They are really good and so cute.

 Baggu in sailer stripe -  ($7)  I have gotten this bag in another box and I love them!  I would have really liked the elephant one but I can go purchase that one now.  I will use this often. 

Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour in Cameo - ($24) I was very happy with the shade I got in the box.  It is very pretty and is a color I wear every day.

Cynthia Rowley Beauty on the Go Multi Blush and Bronzer -  ($24)  These are so pretty and are easy to apply.  I really like this cosmetic line - packaging is so pretty and this is nicely pigmented.

 This is the blush:

  This is the bronzer:

 ncLA Swim Club nail lacquer in Bikinis and Martinis -  ($16)  This is so pretty a shade! I love it! I love the size of this bottle.  

 Supergoop Mineral Sunscreen -  (full size $28) And what would an Under the Sun box be without a sunscreen!  Love this!  Happy to have a travel size too. I can pop this right in my purse. 

Knockaround Premium Sunglasses - ($14.60) I loved that there were sunglasses in this box!  I can never have too many pairs - I lose or break any sunglasses I get so these will get used. 

Chloe + Isabel Medina pendant necklace -  ($38)  This is beautiful!  I love that the value of this is more than what I paid for the box!  I love the little bag this came with as well.  CUTE!  This is like getting two necklaces in one since you can wear them together or as a set.

Mystery Bag -  ($10 or free with $35 purchase) I received a Mereadesso moisturizer and a Beauty Protector Protect and Detangle leave in spray. 

This was a fantastic limited edition box - the best since the Mermaid box, in my opinion! It had makeup, candy, household items, and accessories!  The perfect box as far as I am concerned.  I think all I was missing was a lotion! The value was well over $130 so I more than got my money's worth.

Tuesday is Monday's Ugly Sister!

Birchbox has come out with another limited edition box called Under the Sun!  This box has cute sunglasses, a reusable bag, a necklace, candy and more!  It is my favorite new box since the Mermaid Box...  Use your points and try one of these codes - WELCOMEBACK20, COMEBACK20, MOBILE20, TAKE20OFF for 20% off or BEAUTYMAVEN for %25.  Some codes may be expired or only work till a certain date.  Do not forget to go to the bonus shop and add the Mystery sample pack to your order as well! 

I tried to enroll back in Ipsy in time to get this month's bag when I saw the peeks since I was crazy about it.  But sadly, it enrolled me for next month.  My mom was a total sweetie and gave me her Ipsy bag this month. 

Walgreen's has a collection of Disney makeup and bags that has been coming out for several months.  I have been collecting them - I have Elsa, Ariel, Snow White, Jasmine, and now Belle and the Beast!  They only had lip balms at the time - but there were several others bags I have my eyes on.

I was very happy to get a coupon for a Domino subscription in my Birchbox this month - and beyond thrilled when I saw how much Birchbox saved me!  A year's subscription is $47.99 for four issues and the coupon we got gave us a year for $12.  I probably will not get another year but will gladly give $3 an issue.

Ban.do is another cute little website I frequently peruse to find fun stuff!   They just came out with these really super fun agendas.  I picked the flower one. 

I am still waiting on several boxes this month - Loot Crate, SoSusan Lip Love, and Glossybox.  I am also waiting on a gift from Little Lace Box and orders from Birchbox.