Retrospective: Birchbox October 2012

See my first Retrospective for the answers to the quiz that I used.

October 2012: Month 8

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum
Photo from Birchbox

For something so expensive, I'm not sure that it did anything.  My skin was the same before and after I finished up the sample, and I'm pretty sure I got more freckles than having them go away.  Was my skin tone evened as promised? I don't think so.

Full size $79 for 30 mL, sample size of 2 mL valued at $5.25

LUNA Fiber Chocolate Raspberry Bar
Photo from Birchbox

I usually like Luna bars, but I don't like chocolate and the extra fiber gave this one a weird texture.  Definitely not my favorite.  I won't buy these if I come across them in the store.

$14.95 for box of 12, making a single bar worth $1.24

Malin + Goetz Cilantro Hair Conditioner
Photo from Birchbox

This conditioner wasn't quite heavy enough for me, but it would be nice for someone with fine hair.  It smelled pretty good, though, and I liked that I got more than one use out of the sample.

$22 for 8 oz, sample size 1oz, valued at $2.75

Malin + Goetz Grapefruit Face Cleanser
Photo from Birchbox

This was a one-use foil packet sample and it was fine.  Nothing to write home about. Smelled great, though!

Full size is $30 for 8 oz, sample was 0.04 oz for a value of $0.15

Supergoop! City Sunscreen Serum
Photo from Birchbox

I now have a full size of this thanks to Popsugar! I took the samples from Birchbox on vacation and it did its job: no sunburn on my face. I did not want to shell out the cash for the full bottle, so I was thrilled to receive one from another source! This is a very nice face sunscreen. It absorbs really easily and doesn't go on greasy at all, like some can

Full size $42 for 50 mL, total volume of the two packets was 4 mL for a value of $3.36

S.W. Basics Lip Balm Flight in Cocoa
Photo from Birchbox.

I can't even do this again.

$15 for set of 4.  Single balm worth $3.75

Total Value $14.86

This was an ok box.  I wasn't overjoyed with anything, but would have been if the lip balm was a different favor I would have been happier.  Oh well.  The next box would hopefully be better.


Birchbox costs $10/month, including shipping and sends you a box of 4-6 samples and sometimes full-sized products.  You can review the products you receive for 10 Birchbox points each.  For every $1 you spend in the BB shop, you also receive 1 BB point.  For every 100 BB points you accumulate, you get $10 to spend in their shop.  If you would like to sign up, my link is here and I will earn 50 BB points at the end of your first month.

This post contains products I purchased with my own money.  No compensation was received for this post and all opinions are my own.  This post contains a referral link, see above for details.

Retrospective: Birchbox September 2012

See my first Retrospective for the answers to the quiz that I used.

September 2012: Month 7

Birchbox and Color Club Custom Collection in Tweet Me
Photo from Birchbox

Ugh.  Not only is this a gross chartreuse creme, it is another Color Club polish.  Like all the other polishes I have by this brand it is streaky, chips fast, and needs at least 3 coats.

Full size 0.5 oz for $8, this 0.25 oz sample is $4.

Jouer Matte Moisture Tint in Linen
Photo from Birchbox

Jouer makes a great product, and this is no exception.  I like the matte moisture tint even more than the Luminizing version I received in the March 2013 box.  It has great coverage and isn't too heavy.  This matte version keeps you shine-free all day.  Linen was a little warm for my skin tone, I think Porcelain would have been better.

Full size $38 for 50 mL.  Sample size of 2 mL valued at $1.52

kate spade new york Twirl
Photo from Birchbox

Perfume sample overload! This was before BB added more options into their profile, including the glorious "please don't send me perfume samples more than 6 times a year."  I don't like this one as much as some of the other samples I've gotten.  I did wear it about a week ago and it lasted all day and while it wasn't unpleasant, I did not like the whiffs of it I got throughout the day.  I'll stick to my kate spade handbags, thank you ;)

Full size $80 for 100 mL.  Sample (1.5 mL) value $1.20

LA FRESH Eco Beauty Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover Wipes
Photo from Birchbox

I've written about my hatred for these before.  I'm not getting worked up about them again.

$9.99 for 20 packets.  Value of 1 worthless packet $0.50

Mighty Leaf Tea in Green Tea Tropical, Chamomile Citrus, and Vanilla Bean
Photo from Birchbox

Green Tea Tropical is seriously my very favorite tea of all time.  I am so glad BB sent these samples to me!  I am also glad that the little coffee shop at the top of campus stocks this brand, so I can have green tea tropical all winter long.  It tastes a lot like Panera's iced green tea, except hot. Delicious.

$9.95 for 15 pouches.  Value of 3 pouches $1.99.  I should just buy these and make my own damn tea.  That wouldn't give me the excuse to leave my office, though...

Vasanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator
Photo from Birchbox

I liked this scrub.  It was not gentle, but not like I was rubbing my face in a sandbox.  It also has lasted me up until now, about a year, of using it 1-2 times per month, and I still have a couple uses left.  It doesn't take much!  Nice.  Now I have to hope I get sent another face scrub so I don't go out and buy the full size when I run out!  

$34 for 120 grams, making the 20 gram sample worth $5.67

Total Value $14.88.

This was a mixed bag.  What was good was very, very good, and what was bad was horrid.  Oh well.  I'll give the polish to a friend to paint his fishing lures.  Maybe they will like it more than I do!





Birchbox costs $10/month, including shipping and sends you a box of 4-6 samples and sometimes full-sized products.  You can review the products you receive for 10 Birchbox points each.  For every $1 you spend in the BB shop, you also receive 1 BB point.  For every 100 BB points you accumulate, you get $10 to spend in their shop.  If you would like to sign up, my link is here and I will earn 50 BB points at the end of your first month.

This post contains products I purchased with my own money.  No compensation was received for this post and all opinions are my own.  This post contains a referral link, see above for details.

Birchbox Review August 2013

Birchbox August 2013
Theme: Finishing school in collaboration with Ann Taylor

First look is pretty good! I know a lot of boxes got a ModelCo lipstick in them, but I got one last month. I wish I had gotten a better color of the lipstick, like they were sending out this month, but I don't think BB was about to double up on my samples for the second month in a row.

It's a 10 Miracle Leave-in Product

This is what I'm the most excited about in my box this month! I've seen this in stores and have been tempted, but the price tag always deters me.  This sample is a full 2 fl. oz. and will give me a great idea as to if I like the product or not.  I used some just now and it smells pretty good, but it will have to pass the test on straightened hair for me to decide if I officially like it or not.

Full size $17.99 for 4 fl. oz. online at Target.com.  Sample size is 2 fl. oz. (half the full size!) and worth about $8.99

Whish Coconut Milk Exfoliating Body Wash

I haven't tried this in the shower yet, but it smells vaguely like coconuts and has a runny texture with some sugar crystals in it to exfoliate.  We shall see.  I already have an exfoliating body wash in my shower, but this is a good travel size.

Full size $22 for 180 mL, making the 22 mL sample worth $2.69

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso

This is RED.  So red.  I had about 5 seconds after I applied it to fix any mistakes and evenly distribute it until it dried.  It smells like vanilla.  So far, I'm impressed.  It hasn't come off on my wine glass and it passed the kiss test.  It is quite red though! I don't normally wear bold lip colors, but I know that this one will stay put should I ever need to bring the drama.  I have some brighter red lipsticks, but this is a little darker than anything I have currently.

Full size $22 for 0.1 fl. oz.  Sample size 0.03 fl. oz., worth $6.60.

This is me applying it without a mirror... not bad.

Whish Deodorant Swipe with Hair Inhibitor

Uhh...ok... thanks, Birchbox.  A deodorant wipe is pretty handy, I guess.  I do have to keep deodorant at work because I tend to leave the house without putting any on.  Hair inhibitor? What are they using as a hair inhibitor? What? I'm not sure that one swipe will make a difference....

Full size $16 for 30 wipes.  Value of 1 wipe is $0.53

(MALIN + GOETZ) Vitamin E Face Moisturizer

I've gotten this before in something or another.  Maybe as a Sephora sample? It's ok.  I like that they sent two packets, but I hate that they sent foil packets at all!

Full size $45 for 4 fl. oz.  Two samples total 0.08 fl. oz. for a grand total of $0.90.


Total Value $19.71.

Not bad.  I'm really glad I got the leave in and the lipstick.  Those are good enough to make me ignore the foil packets.  I'll also get $5 in BB points for reviewing the 5 products, and they included a coupon for 20% off one item or 30% off two or more items from Ann Taylor.  Nice.  I'll get some back-to-school stuff so I look good under my lab coat while I'm teaching.  Yeah.  That sounded as dumb here as it did in my head. I'll still get something though ;)



Birchbox costs $10/month, including shipping and sends you a box of 4-6 samples and sometimes full-sized products.  You can review the products you receive for 10 Birchbox points each.  For every $1 you spend in the BB shop, you also receive 1 BB point.  For every 100 BB points you accumulate, you get $10 to spend in their shop.  If you would like to sign up, my link is here and I will earn 50 BB points at the end of your first month.

This post contains products I purchased with my own money.  No compensation was received for this post and all opinions are my own.  This post contains a referral link, see above for details.

August 2013 Popsugar Must Have Review

I didn't even get a shipping notice, but my Must Have box showed up today!

Were the spoilers right?

Yes!

Bentgo in Purple
$14.99

I was going to buy one of these not so long ago, and I'm so glad I held off!  Everyone in the my department is already jealous of my lunches and now they will also be jealous of my lunch container ;)

Nature Box Granny Smith Apples
$3.99

There is only one single ingredient in these: apples.  I'm not really crazy about them, but I'm going to bring them to work so I have something healthy to much on when I need a snack (or a break).  Naturebox sends you 5 bags of this size of healthy snacks for $19.95 a month.

Weekly planner, front

Weekly Agenda Notebook by May Designs
$15

This is super cute and very useful.  Maybe I'll use it for longer than one week!  I like that the pages inside aren't dated.  That is handy- I can start using it next Monday. (This coming Monday is actually a holiday in RI but nowhere else.)

Lulah Bodywash in Magnolia Fig
$11.25

I really like that Popsugar sent this in a zip bag!  The bottle was sealed under the cap, but I still appreciate the preparedness!  I don't, however, love the scent, so it will go in my gift pile for an upcoming birthday or holiday or housewarming or something.

Dermalogica Samples of Precleanse and Special Cleansing Gel (30 and 50 mL, respectively).
$7.40 and $7.00 values, respectively

These samples were great sizes! They are both a fifth of the full sized products! I used them as suggested and while the special cleansing gel doesn't stand out to me, the precleanser is a winner! It is an oil that you use on dry skin to help clean out OTHER oils (the bad kinds like sunscreen, makeup, and sebum) before you wash your face.  I love it and I'm glad they sent such a generous sample! A little seems to go a long way and this should last me over a month.

Gorjana Open Circle Necklace
$65

The necklace on a person.  It is small and dainty and so pretty.

Great necklace! I don't usually like to wear gold, but I will certainly make the exception for this.  Just maybe not with the $5 t-shirt shown above!

Lunares Apple Bowl
Part of a 7-piece set ($149), Approximate value $21

This is an adorable bowl! The bottom is silver , which wasn't apparent to me in the online pictures of the spoilers.  I love it, and I'm not sure what to do with it! Should I use it for jewelery? Bring it to work for something? Put it on display somewhere in my house? Give it as a gift and let someone else have this conundrum?  I DON'T KNOW BUT I LIKE IT ANYWAY.

Overall, I love this box! I'm so glad the spoilers were right!  The total (approximate) retail value (at full price) is $145.63.  Popsugar Must Have costs $35 for one month, but if you buy 3, 6, or 12 months at a time the price is discounted.  I bought 3 months for $95.  This one box is worth more than what I paid for three months!  Great job, PSMH.  You've made me a believer.  I'm totally renewing my subscription.

Here is my referral link if you are interested.  If two people sign up with my link, I get a free month.  Use code REFER5 to get $5 off! 

This post contains products I purchased with my own money, and all opinions are my own.

This post also contains a referral link.  Nothing special happens for you if you choose to use it, but I am one person closer to a free month!

Retrospective: Birchbox August 2012

See my first Retrospective for the answers to the quiz that I used.

August 2012: Month 6

Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy La Fleur
Photo from Birchbox

Ho hum, another perfume sample.  I think through BB I have every variation of perfume that Juicy Couture makes.  They all smell the same to me.  Young, light, fresh, and not for me. Too floral.  Meh.  I'll give this another try if I ever pull it out of my jar-of-perfume-samples.

Full size $70 for 2.5 oz.  Sample value (1.5 mL estimate) $1.42.

Miss Jessie's Original Stretch Silkening Creme
Photo from Birchbox

Yes, I have very curly hair.  No, this did not work for me.  I don't like the texture, I don't like the smell, and I don't like the way it made my hair look.  It just wasn't for me.  I tried another Miss Jessie's product recently and liked that one even less!  

Full size $22 for 8 oz.  Sample size was 2 ounces wasted on me for a value of $5.50.

Pixi Beauty Lip & Line in Orchid Rose
Photo from Blush.com since BB doesn't offer this color

See that color? That color is unwearable by someone as pale as me.  That color is especially unwearable in AUGUST when dark, vampy lips are not in style.  I love the idea, and it went on so nicely, I just wish I had gotten a different color!  Maybe I can work it this winter.  Probably not.

This is full-sized, and valued at $18.  Unfortunately, it is just sitting in my give-away pile unless I get courageous.

Schick Hydro Silk Razor
Photo from Birchbox

Birchbox started something called "Birchbox Finds" where they send you drug-store products and tell you how great they are.  You don't have to tell me how great this razor is, I had been using it already!  Thanks for the spare, though, these things can get expensive (that's what coupons are for!).  Some people were a little miffed at this, but a razor is a razor and I have some legs to shave!

Full-size, value approximately $9.99

Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream
Photo from Birchbox

The final product was a sample of this cream, which smells heavily of camphor.  It's not everyone's cup of tea, but there is something about a medicinal scent that makes me think the product is working that much harder.  It was a nice sample and I wish I hadn't lost it.  It was good for little patches of dry winter skin.  I tried it on my lips a couple times, but didn't like its texture on my lips, or the camphor smell so close to my nose.

Full size $16 for 1.25 oz.  Sample size was 0.1 oz, value $1.28

Total Value $36.19, but half is a full-size lip product that is totally wrong for me.

Besides the awful hair cream, I was so disappointed in the lipliner/lipstick combo from Pixi.  I had really hoped that I could make the color work, but there is no way that is happening.  Any other color would have been great, but they sent the darkest one they possibly could have.





Birchbox costs $10/month, including shipping and sends you a box of 4-6 samples and sometimes full-sized products.  You can review the products you receive for 10 Birchbox points each.  For every $1 you spend in the BB shop, you also receive 1 BB point.  For every 100 BB points you accumulate, you get $10 to spend in their shop.  If you would like to sign up, my link is here and I will earn 50 BB points at the end of your first month.

This post contains products I purchased with my own money.  No compensation was received for this post and all opinions are my own.  This post contains a referral link, see above for details.

Retrospective: Birchbox July 2012

See my first Retrospective for the answers to the quiz that I used.

July 2012: Month 5

Ada Cosmetics Bronzer in Bronze Peach
Photo from Birchbox

This is a really nice mineral bronzer for someone as pale as I am.  It has some shimmer in it, and this sample will last me forever.  I actually didn't have a powder bronzer before this, and it was really nice to get to try one out!  I still use this and it doesn't even look like I've made a dent.

Full size $12.45 for 3 grams.  Sample size was about 1 gram? I'm estimating based on how it looks next to some of my bare minerals products.  This one didn't have a size listed.  I'll go with 1g, which gives it a value of $4.15

Birchbox Exclusive Earbuds
Photo from Birchbox

I can never have enough pairs of earbuds, or enough neon, so these were welcome.  I think they are by my bed at the moment, for when my bf is snoring away and I can't sleep. The sound quality on these could be a little better, but I'm certainly not complaining.

These go for $10 on the Birchbox site.

blinc Mascara in Black
Photo from Birchbox

This was the first time I had heard of a tubing mascara.  The mascara basically makes little polymer tubes around your individual eyelashes when you brush it on.  This means it is super waterproof and the only way to take it off is to gently wipe or pull them off in warm water.  The little tubes will look like eyelashes as you pull them off, and you may freak out the first time!  I ended up really loving this product and if I didn't have so many mascaras to try (samples and full sized) I would buy this in a heart beat!  It darkens a little bit, makes your lashes look almost glossy, and is perfect for weddings and sad movies!  They have a new version called "amplified" and it is supposed to be more volumizing than the original.

Full size $26 for 0.3 oz.  Sample size 0.14 oz, valued at $12.13

Harvey Prince Hello
Photo from Birchbox

Since I loved Ageless by the same company so much, I was super excited to try Hello!  Unfortunately, I dropped it on the tile floor in the bathroom and it totally shattered everywhere.  It smelled good, but there was SO MUCH OF IT on the floor that it was a little over-powering :(  Oh well. 

Full size $55 for 50 mL, sample (1.5 mL) value $1.65

Klorane shampoo with Chamomile
Photo from Birchbox

This is supposed to be shampoo for blondies, and says it will help keep your color bright and not brassy.  I couldn't tell from the 4 uses I got out of the bottle if it did that, but I did NOT like the scent.  If it hadn't been the only shampoo I brought on vacation, I would have tossed it after the first use.

Full size $18 for 400 mL.  Sample size was 25 mL, making it worth $1.12

Larabar über in Roasted Nut Roll
Photo from Birchbox

The "extra" in this box was a Larabar über and I received the roasted nut roll flavor.  It was delicious and I don't have any complaints about the occasional food item in my Birchboxes.  Bring them on!

$9 for a 5 count, single bar worth $1.80


Total Value $30.85

Excellent value, useful products, and I loved everything but the shampoo.  Plus, there were 6 items to review, which translates into $6 to spend in the BB shop.



Birchbox costs $10/month, including shipping and sends you a box of 4-6 samples and sometimes full-sized products.  You can review the products you receive for 10 Birchbox points each.  For every $1 you spend in the BB shop, you also receive 1 BB point.  For every 100 BB points you accumulate, you get $10 to spend in their shop.  If you would like to sign up, my link is here and I will earn 50 BB points at the end of your first month.

This post contains products I purchased with my own money.  No compensation was received for this post and all opinions are my own.  This post contains a referral link, see above for details.

Retrospective: Birchbox June 2012

See my first Retrospective for the answers to the quiz that I used.

June 2012: Month 4

Comodynes Self-Tanning Intensive Towelette (2)
Photo from Birchbox

To be honest, I still haven't tried these.  I am supa-dupa pale and NEVER tan.  I use sunscreen on my face every day and in the summer I am religious about reapplying sunscreen.  I don't stop at tan, I go through to burn and then fade back to white.  Nothing but white and red for me.  So, I am afraid to try these!  I haven't had much luck with self tanners in the past and always end up streaky or orange or can't reach places like my back.  Maybe some day!

$14.99 for a pack of 8.  I was sent 2 packets, for a value of $3.75

Eyeko Fat Eye Stick in Petrol Blue
Photo from Birchbox

Another full-sized product! This is a nice, vibrant navy color.  I would use it as an eyeliner, but it is not as smudge-proof as my beloved Urban Decay 24/7 liners.  I have a 24/7 in a similar color, but it has some sparkle to it.  If I want something without sparkle and without staying power, this is what I go to.  So.. never.

Full size, $15 for 0.14oz.  I received the full size.

John Varvatos Star USA
Photo from Birchbox

This was an "extra" that was thrown in to promote Birchbox Man's new launch.  They included a sample size of this cologne to give to a "Birchbox man in your life".  I gave it to my boyfriend and it has sat unopened on his dresser ever since.  He doesn't wear cologne and probably will just end up throwing this away when he finds it under the stack of receipts it's currently hiding under.

$55/100 mL full size, sample value (assuming 1.5 mL) is $0.82

Likewise Facial Moisturizer + Sun Protectant SPF 50 for Normal to Oily Skin
Photo from Birchbox

This was more like a sunscreen than a moisturizer, and I used it as such on our trip to Europe.  It was fine and I didn't burn, so it did its job.  That's all I have to say about that.

$44 for 50 mL.  Sample size 5 mL, value $4.40

theBalm Cosmetics Stainiac in Beauty Queen
Photo from Birchbox

This is similar to Benetint, but with more of a gel-like formula.  It can be tricky to apply quickly enough that it doesn't stain in a blob where you put it on your cheek, so I use it as a lip stain.  It's a nice bright magenta.

Full size $17 for 0.3 oz.  Sample size was 0.04 oz for a value of $2.27

tili Bags Small Collection (Quart Size)
Photo from Birchbox

This was just a thicker, printed ziplock bag.  The zippy part broke on mine, so it was no use after that.  It would be cute to use these for flying, to keep all of your liquids, but it seems a little expensive for such poor quality.

Pack of 12 is $8.49.  1 bag has a value of $0.71.

Total Value $26.95


Another full-sized product and another bag way over the $10 I paid for it.  Not bad.  I got some use out of a few things, and did not out of the others, but there was nothing that I hated.



Birchbox costs $10/month, including shipping and sends you a box of 4-6 samples and sometimes full-sized products.  You can review the products you receive for 10 Birchbox points each.  For every $1 you spend in the BB shop, you also receive 1 BB point.  For every 100 BB points you accumulate, you get $10 to spend in their shop.  If you would like to sign up, my link is here and I will earn 50 BB points at the end of your first month.

This post contains products I purchased with my own money.  No compensation was received for this post and all opinions are my own.  This post contains a referral link, see above for details.