Birchbox: beauty samples, $10/month
Promo: BBJETBLUE10 for 100 extra points when you subscribe.
I paid: $0
My value: $0*
Birchbox sends you five beauty samples a month, generally a mixture of skin/haircare and makeup. It comes in a cute little box that you can reuse. You can review each sample you receive for 10 points, and exchange 100 points for $10 off their online store, including gift subscriptions to their box. When you subscribe, you can fill out a questionnaire telling Birchbox which type of products interest you, though you may still get products you don’t care for. Lately, Birchbox has allowed subscribers to chose between a curated box, that lists what samples are included, and a mystery box.
This month I used my points in one account to gift myself a 3-month subscription in a different account. Unfortunately, I claimed the subscription too early so rather than start with a July box, Birchbox started me with their “I definitely do” box. This collaboration with the Style Me Pretty blog is a wedding themed box that includes six items (reviewed below). This box could be a good wedding shower present, I suppose, or one for a bride to give her bride’s maids. The box is currently sold out, but there isn’t anything in the box that actually screams “wedding”. I had actually gotten most of the items in this box before, and I may swap the whole thing. Still, with a value of almost $50, this is the most valuable Birchbox I’ve gotten in a long time.
This is what I got:
Kérastase Elixir Ultime, 50 ml, value $22.5
This item is actually new to me. Six months ago, I did not eve know that hair oils existed. Since then, I’ve gotten one from Ipsy, another from Beauty Fix, a third one from Allure Beauty Thrills and yet another one from Birchbox. Needless to say, I don’t need another one. This particular product gets great reviews
Deepa Gurnani Embellished Hair Tie, 1 tie, $10
This is definitely lovely, and I can see complimenting a bride – but also any formal outfit.
Vasanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator, 20 g, value $5.5
I got this face exfoliator in one of my June Birchboxes. It was surprisingly rough on my skin, and I don’t have particularly sensitive skin. However, it did leave my face extremely soft. I’m swimming on exfoliators right now, however. Made in Canada.
Marcelle BB Cream Golden Glow, 7 ml, value $4
I got this in two of my June boxes as well. I like getting BB creams as my facial skin is not as smooth as it once was, and they are easy to apply. This is generally the only makeup I use. It’s supposed to work with all skin types, I tested it both on my tanned face and my white underarm and it was sheer on both of them with a very subtle shine. It did improve my complexion. Unfortunately this BB cream does not include sunscreen, which to me is one of the best things about BB creams. Made in Canada.
Laura Geller Beauty Baked Color True Blush in Bali, 1.8 g, value $7.5
I got a similar blush in my March Birchbox. I have not yet have reason to use it. It seems nice enough. I definitely like the little container which has a small mirror. Made in Italy.
LA Fresh Waterproof Makeup Remover, 2 towelettes, $1
This is the least exciting item in the box. I’ve been getting these towelettes at hotels all over the place. Still, it’s a convenient item to have in your purse, in particular if you go to a wedding and anticipate crying. Made in the USA.
* This is the total value of the products that my family will actually use from this box. I’m happy if this value is at least as high as what I paid for the box.