May 2014 Birchbox Review

Birchbox is another nice inexpensive sub where, for $10 a month (or less if you subscribe for a year), you get 4-6 sample products (though looking through my history, I have a box of 8 in there!). They're usually of the smaller variety, given that this is only a $10 sub, but there's occasionally a full sized item thrown in too. When you sign up, you fill out a profile (basic stuff - skin type, hair color/type, what basic kinds of products you like, etc) and there are I think 50 possible box combinations each month that you can get, which is, I suppose, somewhat based on your profile. You can also review your items each month, which doesn't have any impact on your future boxes, but does give you points - 10 points per review (100 points = $10) which you can ultimately use in their pretty large shop, which sells full size products. The theme for May was "Freewheeling".

Opening the box

Info card

My first item this month was a Cynthia Rowley Beauty Eyeliner ($16). I believe these are exclusive to Birchbox. For some reason, I got 2 of these. I think that may have been a mistake. Especially since they were both the same silver color! Anyway, I don't use silver eyeliner a whole lot, since it's a pretty bold look to do all over your eye, but I have been using it just to add a little brightness to the inner corners of my eyes and a little accent to the outer edge as well. I also recently saw a really cute look where a person kind of layered silver and black for a semi-smokey look, so I'll definitely be trying that! The eyeliner has a really nice, smooth glide! I'm tempted to buy the Charcoal color as well (although, I'm not sure I NEED it - I have so much eyeliner!).

Cynthia Rowley Beauty Eyeliner

My next set of products was a set of 2 foil packets of Kerastase Cristaliste shampoo and conditioner ($2). I hate foil packets. This was one use. That being said, I brought it along with me on our trip up to NJ for Memorial Day weekend and I'm not sure if it was just the change in shower water (and total lack of humidity afterwards) or if it was this, but my hair looked FANTASTIC after I used it. In spite of it's fairly hefty price tag, I'm tempted to buy some. The Birchbox site only has the big size, which would cost me $79 for the 2 (or I could just buy the shampoo and get a sample of the conditioner free with the code KERASTASECONDITION, but it's just a sample size), but I should have $40 in BB points after next month's box, so that would help. On the other hand, since I'm not entirely sure it wasn't just the change in water (that's why I really wish we'd gotten small bottles rather than foil packets!), I could just buy the small size set from the Kerastase website for $36. Choices...

Kerastase Cristaliste shampoo and conditioner

Next up was a small sample tube of Noya Beauty Lip Gloss in Summertime Peach ($8). I'm surprised this little tube is worth $8. I'm a terrible judge of size, so reading that the full size is 3mL means nothing to me - off the top of my head, I have no idea if that's a normal size or not for lip gloss - but the little 1.5 mL sample looks tiny for $8! Anyway, the color isn't great on me. I hoped it would work out since I'm doing better with adding some color to my lips and glosses and colored balms are my go-tos, but it was just too orangey/peach for my skin. It didn't feel sticky though, so that's a plus, and it's kosher, if that's something that's important to you.

Noya Beauty Lip Gloss

Next was a nice sized tube of Perlier Body Cream in Shea Almond ($4.29). The 2 possible scents BB had were Shea Almond and Shea Lavender and I'm soo happy I got almond! I like lavender, too, but I've been on a huge almond kick lately. This one doesn't smell quite as good as some of my other almond scented lotions and oils, but I'll definitely still use it! It moisturizes nicely, too!

Perlier Body Cream in Shea Almond

My last product was a slice of Sumbody Body Soap ($5.95). This was one small size bar of the set of 3 small bars you'd get in Birchbox's Sumbody soap set. I got the "milky rich" scent, which is vanilla/citrus (yum!) and they all contain "olive and coconut oils, goat milk, shea and cocoa butters, and aromatherapy essential oils". I don't typically use bar soaps, but this one sounds pretty nice, so I'll definitely be trying it out. I just spend 5 minutes browsing their site and I'm intrigued by their other products as well!

Sumbody Body Soap

Swatches of the Noya lip gloss and Cynthia Rowley eyeliner

May 2014 Birchbox

I was pretty happy with this box! I found a few new brands I may buy more from, which is the whole point of these boxes! The only dud for me was the lip gloss, so I call this box a win.

If you get Birchbox, what did you get for May? I know there are quite a lot of variations. If you don't already get Birchbox and are interested in signing up, please use my link!


(And just a disclaimer: I bought this box myself. I was not compensated for this review in any way. All opinions are my own. I have included referral links.)

Birchbox January 2014 Review

Birchbox is a nice inexpensive sub where, for $10 a month (or less if you subscribe for a year), you get 4-6 sample products (though looking through my history, I have a box of 8 in there!). They're usually of the smaller variety, given that this is only a $10 sub, but there's occasionally a full sized item thrown in too. When you sign up, you fill out a profile (basic stuff - skin type, hair color/type, what basic kinds of products you like, etc) and there are I think 50 possible box combinations each month that you can get, which is, I suppose, somewhat based on your profile. You can also review your items each month, which doesn't have any impact on your future boxes, but does give you points - 10 points per review (100 points = $10) which you can ultimately use in their pretty large shop, which sells full size products. I recently resubscribed for a year with Birchbox after being away from them for about 6 months. The theme for January was "Go Time".

After watching the sneak peek video this month, I had my eyes set on a few different products I hoped I'd get. There's a huge number of variations each box can be, so I had no idea what I'd get. Sadly, I didn't get any of the things I was hoping for, but my box didn't end up being so bad anyway.

Theme card

Info card

My first item was a set of 3 foil packets of 100% Pure lotions - a reparative cream, a smoothing night cream, and an organic caffeine eye cream (Personally, I'd value 3 foil packets at $1 combined, but calculated from oz, it's technically $4.65 for all 3 combined.). I'm glad to have a variety to try, but I think I might have preferred just one larger sample not in a foil packet. I hate foil packets. They're one time use, no matter how much you use of the packet. Otherwise, you have a messy open packet laying around and most likely, my cat would try to eat it because she likes to try to eat anything plastic or foil that's laying around, so we don't do that. Really, I would've much preferred to try the 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Mascara instead.

100% Pure foil packets

Next up was a Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Creme in a pretty nice .45 oz sample size ($1.80 - see, now how is this cheaper than the foil packets above??). I do already have one of these that I'm pretty sure I got from Birchbox last year and haven't tried yet. I'm not really sure why - it sounds nice! I don't think my old one says olive oil on the label, but I'm not sure they make more than one variety of this, so it must just be a slightly different label. Anyway, it's supposed to make hair smooth and shiny, so I'll make sure I try it this time around!

Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Creme

The next item was a full size (1.2g) Inika Mineral Eye Shadow in the color Eternal Marine ($25, although Birchbox says $20 - that's what they're selling it for, so I guess we'll stick with $20). As expected, I'm thrilled with this, both because it's full size (although, I think it might be a tad small for full size compared to indie brands, especially at this price) and because it's mineral eye shadow! It's a nice grayish green color. I don't think I have anything like it! Also, thankfully, it has a sifter inside so it doesn't all pour out when you try to open it.

Inika Mineral Eyeshadow in Eternal Marine

My last main product in the box was a full size set of Nail Rock polish and nail glitter in red (Birchbox says $6.99, but that's how much the site lists it in British pounds, so switching to US dollars, it appears to actually be $11.31. Then again, Birchbox's site is selling it for $7, so I guess we'll go with that.). Looking at the options on the Birchbox site (because I can't find the others on the Nail Rock site), there are a few I think I would have really preferred, like the sequin green or one of the caviars, or even one of the velvets, just to see something different, but I'll probably at least try this out on an accent nail. I think all of my nails would be way too over the top.

Nail Rock Nail Glitter set

Finally, my lifestyle bonus was a set of 3 Ahmad teas (~$1?). Meh. I do like tea, but I'm avoiding caffeine for now, and none of the ones I got seem to be caffeine free, so I guess I'll just put them aside till my next period (I let myself have a bit of caffeine then).

Ahmad Teas

January 2014 Birchbox

So, all in all, not a bad box. I'll definitely try everything. I'm a little disappointed in the foil packets, but oh well. I'm happy about the shadow and polish, so I guess it evens out. Overall, this box, version 58, has an approximate value of $34.45, which is good for a $10 box!

If you get Birchbox, what did you get for January? I know there are quite a lot of variations. If you don't already get Birchbox and are interested in signing up, please use my link!


(And just a disclaimer: I bought this box myself. I was not compensated for this review in any way. All opinions are my own. I have included referral links.)

Birchbox December 2013 Review

Birchbox is one of the lower priced subscriptions where for $10 a month (or less if you subscribe for a year), you get 4-6 sample products (though looking through my history, I have a box of 8 in there!). They're usually of the smaller variety, given that this is only a $10 sub, but there's occasionally a full sized item thrown in too. When you sign up, you fill out a profile (basic stuff - skin type, hair color/type, what basic kinds of products you like, etc) and there are I think 50 possible box combinations each month that you can get, which is, I suppose, somewhat based on your profile. You can also review your items each month, which doesn't have any impact on your future boxes, but does give you points - 10 points per review (100 points = $10) which you can ultimately use in their pretty large shop, which sells full size products. I recently resubscribed for a year with Birchbox after being away from them for about 6 months. The theme for December was "Sparkle and Shine".

Outer box, cute holiday print

Inner box

Info card

Info card side 2

 The first item I took out was the Greenleaf Candle Co. Starlight Votive Candle ($1.92). I can find this scent, but not the candle cube in this scent on their site. <shrug> Anyway, its a small votive candle with a VERY strong scent. It's a mix of fruit, citrus (isn't citrus fruit?), mint and white musk. I hoped I might like it because of the musk, but it's just way too strong a scent and I'm not sure what it is I don't like, but I can't wait to get rid of it. I can smell it through doors it's so strong. Into my trade pile.

Greenleaf Candle Co. Starlight Votive Candle

Next up was a sample tube of Skin & Co Roma Truffle Therapy Serum ($25!). Geez, expensive little sample! It's supposed to hydrate and reduce fine lines. I'll definitely give it a shot, although full size is $75, so I'm kind of hoping I don't love it!

Skin & Co Roma Truffle Therapy Serum

My next item was a sample bottle of N4 High Perfomance Hair Care Non-Aerosol Hair Spray ($4.48). This is supposed to give flexible, strong hold, but I'm not a huge hair spray user, so this won't be used sadly. Into the trade pile.

N4 High Performance Hair Care Non-Aerosol Hair Spray

The next product was a mini Color Club polish in the color Top Shelf ($3.73). It's a pretty, subtle gold, but I think I have something that looks like it, so I'm not sure I'll be keeping it. I haven't swatched it just in case I decide to trade it.

Color Club polish in Top Shelf (isn't that a cute little container behind it too?)

The last big product was a tiny tube of Supersmile Ultimate Lip Balm ($7.26). I'm kind of surprised at how expensive this teeny tube is. It claims to hydrate, exfoliate, nourish, condition, and restore a youthful appearance and has a vanilla almond scent. I like the scent and I like lip balm, so I'm definitely keeping this one!

Supersmile Ultimate Lip Balm

As a little bonus, we also got a promotional Birchbox phone sticky cleaner. It's basically an advertisement for their new phone app, but it's not a bad idea. You can stick the little square onto your phone and when you need it, take it off and use the non-sticky side to clean your phone's screen off! I'm not sure how well it will stick to my phone seeing how my phone is in and out of my pocket all day long, but we'll see.

Birchbox phone sticky cleaner thing

Advertisement side

December 2013 Birchbox

So, this was Birchbox, box version 16. The approximate value is $42.39! Not bad, even if most of the value is from one item. Also, even though a couple of my items are going to the trade pile, I don't really think this is a bad box. The products are a good size and variety. There's just a few things that aren't necessarily for me. I am looking forward to trying the serum and the lip balm, though!

If you get Birchbox, what did you get for December? I know there are quite a lot of variations. If you don't already get Birchbox and are interested in signing up, please use my link! When I logged out, it looked like the normal month to month sign up had a 2 week wait list, which isn't really that bad, but maybe being invited would help skip that wait.


(And just a disclaimer: I bought this box myself. I was not compensated for this review in any way. All opinions are my own. I have included referral links.)

Birchbox November 2013 Review

Birchbox is one of the lower priced subscriptions where for $10 a month (or less if you subscribe for a year), you get 4-6 sample products (though looking through my history, I have a box of 8 in there!). They're usually of the smaller variety, given that this is only a $10 sub, but there's occasionally a full sized item thrown in too. When you sign up, you fill out a profile (basic stuff - skin type, hair color/type, what basic kinds of products you like, etc) and there are I think 50 possible box combinations each month that you can get, which is, I suppose, somewhat based on your profile. You can also review your items each month, which doesn't have any impact on your future boxes, but does give you points - 10 points per review (100 points = $10) which you can ultimately use in their pretty large shop, which sells full size products. I recently resubscribed for a year with Birchbox after being away from them for about 6 months.

The theme for November was "More Good". They want to emphasize the good things you can do to help others. I'm not entirely sure how this box really fits the theme, but they are donating a part of their proceeds from the Birchbox shop this month to No Kid Hungry. 

Opening the box

Info card

First peek

First up, we have a good sized sample of Ayres Midnight Tango Body Butter ($4.00). This is supposed to be a nice thick, moisturizing body butter. I say supposed to because after I opened the top, I could tell the scent way waaaay too floral for me so I didn't try it. I knew I wouldn't want that scent hanging on me all day, so I closed it back up and put it in the trade pile. It's supposed to be a mix of vanilla and orange blossom, but unfortunately I don't smell the vanilla at all. Oh well.

Ayres Midnight Tango Body Butter

Next was a single application of WEI Golden Root Purifying Mud Mask ($5.25). This one I am excited to try. It's supposed to clean, remove impurities, and tighten pores. I've always had pretty good skin, but I've noticed lately my pores are getting a bit noticeable, so hopefully this will help! The packaging is a bit odd - it kind of looks like a creamer!

WEI Golden Root Purifying Mud Mask

Also from WEI, I got 2 sample packs of Pomegranate Buffing Beads ($2.00). I haven't gotten to try this yet, but I'm super excited to. I love that it's just the beads necessary to make any cleanser I already have into an exfoliating cleanser. That's a great idea!

WEI Pomegranate Buffing Beads

The next product was a sample of Joie Folle de Joie eau de parfum ($1.96). I'm not a huge fan of samples of fancy perfume. I tend to like indie perfumes and roller balls. Simpler ones. At least it's a sprayer sample and not one that just opens that you have to tip onto yourself. Those are a pain. This scent is a mix of sweet citrus, light woodsy floral, cognac, jasmine, rose, "spicy and rich wood", and leather. It's ok, but not my favorite scent.

Joie Folle de Joie eau de parfum

My last beauty product was a half-size sample of Eyeko Black Magic Mascara ($12). I was excited to get this because I love eye stuff, as I'm sure you know! The soft tube is definitely different from what I'm used to with mascara. I kind of wonder what happens as you use it up. Does the tube make it easier to get every last bit, or harder? It has a nice thick, curved brush, too. When I tried it, it wasn't bad, but I didn't feel that it really lived up to its promise of "drama, volume and curl". It was a fairly standard mascara. Oh well. I do really like their liquid eyeliner, which I think I also got from Birchbox at some point months ago.

Eyeko Black Magic Mascara

Finally, the bonus this month was a food bonus. I think some people got tea, some people got Chuao chocolate samples (I just used some of my BB points on the set of samples - so good!! I love the ones with the popping candy in it! Can you believe I've never had Pop Rocks and was totally surprised at how it felt?), and some got dipped pretzels. I got the pretzels - one mini stick of Fatty Sundays Chocolate Covered Pretzel in the flavor toffee crunch. I'm not sure if the pretzel we got is full size or not in terms of length, so I don't know if this is valued at $1.40 or $0.70. It seems small for $1.40. It was pretty good. Not as good as the Chuao chocolates, but I'm definitely glad I got it over the tea.

Fatty Sundays Chocolate Covered Pretzel in toffee crunch

November 2013 Birchbox

I'm a little less enamored with this box compared to last month's, but overall, I'm still pretty happy that I got some new things to try. Plus, it had a value of $25.91, which certainly isn't bad for a $10 sub. My only real disappointment is that this is now the second subscription to not give me the Chella Highlighting Pencil when it's available that month as an option. I've heard good things about it and really want to try it!

If you get Birchbox, what did you get for November? I know there are quite a lot of variations (I got variation number 39). If you don't already get Birchbox and are interested in signing up, please use my link! When I logged out, it looked like the normal month to month sign up had a 2 week wait list, which isn't really that bad, but maybe being invited would help skip that wait.


(And just a disclaimer: I bought this box myself. I was not compensated for this review in any way. All opinions are my own. I have included referral links.)

Birchbox October 2013 Review

Ok, last October review! About a month ago, Birchbox had a coupon code plus a couple promos going on that I decided to take advantage of. Birchbox was actually the first subscription I signed up for well over a year ago, but after about 11 months, I decided I didn't really like it anymore compared to some of the newer ones popping up, so I cancelled. I always wanted more makeup (although, I just looked through the records of my old boxes and it appears this was the sub that gave me my generous sample of Blue Copper 5 cream that I use daily now!). However, when a deal came up to get 15% off your subscription plus a free sample pack plus a free mini hair drier, I decided to give it another shot. I signed up for a year, which is normally $110 (basically one month free), which went down to $93.50 (almost 3 months free!) with the discount (I don't think it's active anymore but it was "glamlatina15").

So, Birchbox, just in case you don't know, is one of the lower priced subscriptions where for $10 a month (or less if you subscribe for a year), you get 4-6 sample products (though looking through my history, I have a box of 8 in there!). They're usually of the smaller variety, given that this is only a $10 sub, but there's occasionally a full sized item thrown in too. I do remember getting a few foil packets, but I mostly remember little tubes, so it's not too bad. When you sign up, you fill out a profile (basic stuff - skin type, hair color/type, what basic kinds of products you like, etc) and there are I think 50 possible box combinations each month that you can get, which is, I suppose, somewhat based on your profile. You can also review your items each month, which doesn't have any impact on your future boxes, but does give you points - 10 points per review (100 points = $10) which you can ultimately use in their pretty large shop, which sells full size products.

Anyway, my extras all arrived first, since my first box wasn't set to ship till the middle of the month last month. As expected, the mini Amika hair dryer ($36, but it was free with the promo) was adorable! It's perfect for sticking into my bag to bring with us to Emily's swim lessons. I think I'm the only one who dries her kid's hair before we leave. Even if I know she's just going to get a bath later on, it just looks so uncomfortable to have it stay wet! Besides, she's got my fine hair so it takes like 2 minutes to dry it. It's a tad loud and doesn't have a heat setting, but many of the minis don't. The one I used to bring (the one we keep in her bathroom) doesn't either. It does come with a handy carrying case and 2 attachments, though!

Amika hair dryer

Inside the case

Holding it to show size

In addition to the hair dryer promo, I also added a Mystery Sample Pack, which was free with any $35+ order. I got a pick 2 sample pack.

Mystery Sample Pack

The first item was a Rev Up Volumist spray ($10.99), which is supposed to give you bouncier fuller curls. It seems to get mixed reviews on Amazon and on the Birchbox page, but if I ever decide to start wearing my hair curly again, I'll give it a try. I haven't worn my hair curly in about 4 years though, so it may be sitting around a while. My hair's just too long now, which weighs down my curls, I think even with this. The top ends up flat and straight, while the back frizzes up. It's ugly. So I wear it straight or up.

Rev Up! Volumist spray

The second item was a Pixi Large Lash Mascara in black ($18). From the reviews, this sounds like a more natural look mascara, which isn't really my thing, but I'll give it a try. Or, I do have a mascara or 2 that I really love the visual results of, but have kind of a sticky finish, so maybe I'll just try layering this on top to get rid of the stickiness. I do have to say, for a free mystery pack (or something you can pay $10 for if you don't have $35 in your cart, a $29 value isn't bad. Next time I make a purchase (soon - my Birchbox points from the start of my original sub are expiring since they only stay in your account a year, which I somehow didn't realize till recently), I'll definitely add on another mystery pack!

Pixi Large Lash Mascara

Onto October's box! I have to be honest. I don't remember if there are themes or not, but my little note card said "Beauty Buzz", so that's either the theme this month, or every month just has a beauty buzz card.

Info card

Info card back

As my note shows, I got 4 products and a "Birchbox find", which is usually a well known product that they give everyone as an extra. My first real product is a sample size of Benefit Fake Up concealer in the color light ($3.43). I actually already have the full size one of these and love it. It's a good undereye concealer that isn't too thick because the color is surrounded by a big moisturizing bit in the tube. It applies easily, too. I do really like it, but I still have a ton left of my full size, so I didn't actually open this one fully up because I'm not sure whether I'm keeping this or adding it to the gift pile. It was really nice that my first item was a good size makeup sample though! Promising! :)

Benefit Fake Up

Mini tube! (that's just the top half sticking out)

Next up was a sample size of Evologie Stay Clear Cream ($20.46). Expensive sample! Unfortunately, I have 2 from Glossybox already. Oddly enough, the ones from Glossybox were only .17g samples, whereas this one was a .33g sample. The first Glossybox sample I got came in a box set with their Intensive Blemish serum of the same size, so that made up for the difference there, but the second time Glossybox sent it to me, it was just the single .17g sample, which is pretty small for a single sample from Glossybox and made me think they just had a few left over sets that they broke up and called it good enough to send to people. Anyway, I'm sure this is fine, but I've been lucky to always have fairly clear skin, so I haven't even tried the ones from Glossybox let alone needed another one here.

Evologie Stay Clear Cream

My next product was a full size Pop Beauty Aqua Lacquer in the color Flowering Fuchsia ($14). I knew this was too bright from the start and I gave it a try since so many lip products have surprised me lately. Alas, this time I was right. Too bright. It also had a weird applicator. I opened it expecting a typical slanted top that you squeeze the product out of and smear on your lips, but it had a wand. And not a typical doe foot wand. A weird flat plastic thing. It was hard to apply and I wasn't a fan at all. Yay for full sized makeup, though. Were I a lip girl, I'm sure I would've been happy with this.

Pop Beauty Aqua Lacquer in Flowering Fuchsia

Weird applicator

Swatch of Pop Beauty Aqua Lacquer in Flowering Fuchsia

My last product was a full size Ruffian Nail Lacquer in the color Hedge Fund ($10). This line is Ruffian's first line of polish and it was made specifically for Birchbox. I love polish, so I was happy to see it! It's even a fairly unique color for me (a medium green with a yellow sheen from goldish microglitter, I guess. Kind of the color of money, which I'm sure they were going for with the name of the polish.) and probably the one I would have chosen if given the choice! The formula seems good, too. The only thing I didn't like was the bottle top. It's super cute, but makes it hard to hold the wand to apply it. I don't think it's removable like Julep tops.

Ruffian Nail Lacquer in Hedge Fund

Swatch of Ruffian Hedge Fund (this looks a bit darker in real life)

Our Birchbox Find of the month, in its own little Birchbox baggie, was a full size ChapStick Hydration Lock (2.74 on Amazon, I'm sure you could find it in less than a 12-count pack at any drug or grocery store though). It applies like every other ChapStick and it's supposed to give 8 hours of hydration and make your lips smoother and fuller looking. I love ChapStick, so I certainly don't mind having another. I think maybe it does make lips smoother, but I'm definitely not seeing 8 hours of hydration or any added fullness. That's ok though. It still feels and smells nice (vanilla cream!) on. It also came with a coupon for $1.00 off another ChapStick Hydration Lock, which I'll probably use.

Birchbox Find baggie with ChapStick Hydration Lock and coupon

October 2013 Birchbox

Considering how I cancelled this sub back in February because I wasn't enjoying the contents anymore, I'm pretty surprised at how good I think this box is. Even if it wasn't exactly right, I did get 2 makeup products, a nail polish, and a good extra (and a zit cream I don't really care for, but we can ignore that). And it all had a value of $50.63, which is pretty great for a $10 box! So, I'm pleased with my first box back with Birchbox. Hopefully this will keep up.

If you get Birchbox, what did you get for October? I know there are quite a lot of variations (I got variation number 23). That Liz Earle set with the cleanser and muslin cloths looked so cool. I really wish I had gotten to try that out. If you don't already get Birchbox and are interested in signing up, please use my link! When I logged out, it looked like the normal month to month sign up had a 2 week wait list, which isn't really that bad, but maybe being invited would help skip that wait.


(And just a disclaimer: I was not compensated for this review in any way. All opinions are my own. I have included referral links.)