Birchbox Review, January 2014

Birchbox January 2014 Review

Birchbox was so early this year that my online profile hadn't updated with my box items when this arrived.  I'm not complaining, I get the box early and I don't spoil it for myself! Win-win.

Birchbox January 2014: Go Time

The box felt pretty full, which made me excited.

First Look... is that a hairspray? womp womp

I was slightly miffed to see an aerosol container, thinking it was another hairspray.  I don't like hairspray.  However, the actual product was much more interesting.  Read on...

Birchbox Finds: Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Day Lotion with Clary Sage

Every so often, BB will include a drugstore product in that month's box.  These "don't take the place of regular samples" but sometimes they seem to.  I don't mind, as BB tends to send products that are really nice, and generally are something I wouldn't spend money on.

This face lotion by Burt's Bees lives up to the company's reputation.  It's a nice facial lotion that absorbed quickly.  I'm not sure if there is enough in the 7g sample to decide if it really does reduce visible signs of aging like lines and wrinkles, but I don't really believe any products actually do that anyway.  It has a moderately strong scent that might not appeal to everyone, but I don't mind it.

Sample size is 7g, and the full size (50g) is $18.  The sample is worth $2.52.

Harvey Prince Journey

Although I normally hate perfume samples, and I have my BB profile set to send me the minimal number per year, I wasn't sorry to see a new Harvey Prince scent included this month.  I bought a full size of their Ageless perfume after getting a sample in BB, and I have liked another scent, Hello, after trying that one.  This isn't my favorite of the three, though.  It smells like orange and grape candy.  Mixed together.  It's super sweet and fruity, and though there are other exotic notes listed, all I smell are orange and grape.  Eh.  

Full size is $55 for 50 mL, and the sample is about 1.5 mL, making it worth $1.65.

Serge Normant Meta Revive Dry Conditioner

Ahh... the non-hairspray.  It's actually a dry conditioner.  What?  I have dry shampoos, and I actually like one or two of them, but I've never heard of a dry conditioner.  I suppose it makes sense.  The bottle says to use it on the mid-to-ends section of hair after dry shampoo.  I did, and it made my hair soft and added a fresh, but not overpowering, scent.  I like this idea, especially if I have straightened or curled my hair and don't want to add in a water-based product (hi, frizz), but still want to condition.  

Nice.  This is what BB should be about: introducing people to new and interesting products that they might not hear of otherwise.

Full size is 3.2 oz for $25, and this 1.2 oz sample is worth $9.38.

Inikia Mineral Eyeshadow in Eternal Marine

Next up is a mineral eyeshadow by Inika.  Eternal Marine is a gray-based shadow with muted green and blue tones on top.  It's really pretty, and will definitely need a primer.

Eternal Marine swatched once over bare skin

This is a nice change of pace from the weird mineral shadow colors I've gotten in sub boxes.  This is a very wearable shade that will look nice with every eye color.

This is full sized, 1.2g, and sells for $20 on the BB site.

Nail Rock Nail Velvet in Navy

Last up is something that I couldn't believe BB sent!  It's a nail velvet set from Nail Rock, which includes a polish and a velvet flocking powder for on top of the polish.

Nail Rock Polish and Velvet Powder

I did a quick test of the set, since I've never done a velvet mani before.  I had on 2 coats of Julep Lucy, so I just added one coat of Navy polish on top (good coverage!) and dipped my finger in the little pot of velvet powder.  I used a finger of my other hand to tap off some of the excess (tapping the knuckle, not the nail) and let it dry.  I've seen some people repeat this process (polish, then powder, then let dry) twice, and I think that would be a good strategy.  I didn't get full powder coverage on my nail from just one dip in the powder.

Nail Rock Velvet Mani on ring finger

This is an interesting look, it's fuzzy!  

The sets sell for $4.99 at Urban Outfitters.

All together!

Total Value $38.64

This was a great start to the year.  I'm not crazy about the perfume scent, but it was from a brand I like.  The eyeshadow is beautiful, the nail kit is perfect for me, the dry conditioner is unique, and the face lotion is a decent find.  Add that onto the $5 credit I'll get for reviewing these products on the BB site, and this was an awesome box.

Birchbox costs $10 per month and sends you 4-6 samples of higher-end skin, hair, and makeup products.  Each product you review gets you 10 BB points, and every 100 points can be redeemed for $10 credit to the site.  This is one of the best deals out there when points are incorporated. If you want to try it out, please use my link here.  I'll get 50 BB points.

All items in this post were purchased by me.  All thoughts and opinions are my own, and no special credit or compensation was received.  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 March 2012

Without any subscription boxes coming in, and with me being too lazy to get off my butt and look though my cabinet to pick something to write a review about, I figured I would go through all my past Birchboxes and do a retrospective review of the products.

Here is what my profile looks like (and has always looked like):

My level of beauty knowledge is: Dedicated enthusiast: I love learning and exploring

I can never have too many: Haircare products, makeup products, nail polishes

For me, fragrance samples are: Not my favorite- please send me no more than 6 fragrance samples per year

I'd love to see more of these types of extras in my Birchbox: Organic and natural products, small acessories 

I am signing up for Birchbox because: I want samples, samples, samples!; I'm looking to experiment and change my beauty routine

My beauty style is: Classic- I err on the side of traditional, think Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn; Low-maintenance- I tend to be pretty natural and don't spend much time getting ready

My hair is: Curly, dry, too short for a ponytail

My hair is closest to: Blonde

I do the following to my hair: Color treat, curl with a curling iron, straighten with a flat iron, always let it air dry- why mess with nature?

My ethnicity is: White or caucasian

My skin tone is: Fair

My complexion is best described as: Normal

I am most concerned about: Cellulite, hyper-pigmentation or dark spots, sun protection

My day of birth is: 1987

Birchbox has you fill out this profile, and whether or not they take it into consideration when they send products is another thing all together.

March 2012
This was my first month with Birchbox, and I didn't really know what to expect.  I ended up with two products that are still in my top 5.

Color Club Classic Nail Polish in He Loves Me (left)
Photo from Birchbox

I hate color club polish and this one started it.  It's a pretty color, but it's streaky as all get-out, chips easily, and needs 3 coats.  Ugh.  For $8, I'll buy Essie or OPI.

Full size $8 for 0.5 fl.oz. (save your money), 0.25fl.oz. sample value $4

Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint in Golden
Photo from Birchbox

 This was great.  I used up the sample and wished that it was bigger, or that I had enough money for the full thing.  I just wish that I had gotten "Pearl", the lightest shade- of which I ended up receiving a deluxe sample size in another subscription service.  "Golden" would be fine for me in the summer, but not in March when I'm translucent.

Full size $38 for 50 mL. Sample value (I think it was 2 mL?) $1.52

Orofluido Elixir aka Mystical Hair Potion of the Gods
Photo from Birchbox

 See my link to the top 5 for my review of this.  It's awesome.  It makes you hair look and smell awesome.  I love it.  You will love it.  End of story.

Full size $29.99 for 100 mL.  Sample size 5 mL (I believe), value $1.50

Stila Smoky Eye Shadow Trio
Photo from Birchbox

 This came on a cardboard postcard and was the dinky little plastic-covered sample pressed onto the paper backing.  Not a little mini version or anything, just the stuff you get sent to you in magazine inserts sometimes.  I was able to swipe them on my hand and that's it.  Not very useful if I can't create a look with it!

Full size, $49 for 0.9 oz (all three).  Sample value $0.

Harvey Prince Ageless, the perfume that converted me into a perfume-wearer
Photo from Birchbox

Again, see my top 5 for a review of this.  It smells unlike any other perfume I've ever smelled and I love it.  It's just... me.

$98.00 for 100 mL.  Sample value (assuming it was a standard 1.5 mL), $1.47

Tea Forte Skin Smart Teas in Cherry Marzipan, Honey Yuzu, and Cucumber Mint
Photo from Birchbox

Birchbox included one of each of their flavors, and I found that I really liked them all.  I don't like herbal teas, but these were more fruity than anything.  The honey yuzu (which is a kind of citrus) was my favorite, with the cherry marzipan (almond) close behind.

Full size $6 for 16 bags.  Value of 3 bags is $1.12.


Total Value $9.61

This is less than the $10 I paid, but with the 60 points from the 6 reviews, which equates to $6 to spend in the Birchbox shop, it worked out.  Considering how much I loved the perfume and Orofluido, it remains one of my favorite boxes to date.  Isn't that the point of a subscription box service? To find things you love and can't live without? I think so, and I think Birchbox and I got off to a great start!



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 Top 5

These are my top five favorite items received from Birchbox:

Photo from Birchbox

#5: Color Club's Wanderlust collection (June 2013)
'Reign in Spain' is THE PERFECT CORAL COLOR. I have been searching and searching for this color nailpolish. Julep's Alicia comes close, but isn't quite as bright as this. The other colors are fab, too, but Reign in Spain is my holy grail coral nailpolish. Seriously. I have 10 or so other corals that just aren't quite right. I bought the whole collection and was given an extra RiS by a friend. That makes 3 bottles, and you can bet I will use them all until the last drop.

Photo from Birchbox

#4 Harvey Prince's Ageless (March 2012- my first box!)
Until I got this sample, I didn't wear perfume every day. The closest I got was Demeter's pomegranate cologne spray. I liked that even though it was a single note, it was stil complex. Ageless has become my new favorite: it is clean and fresh and the grapefruit makes a unique statement. I try out new perfume samples when I get them, but none of them have come close to capturing how I feel about myself in a fragrance. Ageless does exactly that.

Photo from Birchbox

#3: Beauty Protector's Protect and Detangle (April 2013)
This spray smells like vanilla and harp music. It does it all: detangle, condition, protect from heat and UV, and make my hair smell good enough to eat for over 24 hours at a time. This stuff is amazing. It is expensive, so I have been only using it before straightening my hair and not every day when I wear it curly. If I had a million dollars, I would fill a swimming pool with this and just soak in it all day, every day.

Photo from Birchbox

#2: Orofluido Elixar (March 2012- another from my first month!)
Hecho en España, esto producto es maravilloso. Huele de miel y vanilla, orofluido suaviza el cabello antes y después de estiliza con calor. ¡Es tan bueno que tengo que escribir en español para describirlo! But seriously, I need to use my B.A. in Spanish for something... A little of this goes a long way, and complements the scent of the beauty protector spray perfectly.  I've given some of my friends little bottles of this to try to convert them; it's that good.

#1 Dr. Jart Water Fuse BB cream (May 2012)
I have nice skin. I'm not a freak of nature, I've just been on constant antibiotics since I was young- this means no acne and no acne scars. I have freckles, yes, but that's it. I don't need a heavy foundation for every day, and I like the convenience of a tinted moisturizer, but they don't often cover quite enough. Dr. Jart's BB cream blends into my skin perfectly, provides just the right amount of coverage, and maybe it's my imagination, but my skin tone has become much more even over the last year of using this. It provides an extra layer of sunscreen (I still use some as a base layer), and a little goes a long way. I bought a variety pack of their other BB creams and love them all. If I need extra coverage, I use a little Bare Minerals powder over the BB cream and I'm on my way. No concealer necessary. I'm sure this wouldn't work for everyone, especially those who aren't as fair-skinned as I am, or those who need something to control oil, but this is my favorite. It is amazing and I regret nothing!




Birchbox costs $10/month and this is my referral link

This posts contains products that I purchased through Birchbox.  All opinions are my own.  This post also contains a referral link.  For every person who signs up for BB using my link, I get 50 BB points.