Birchbox- Finds Box

Don't get me wrong...I like Birchbox. But I feel like they are going to such high end samples that I am never going to buy. I like to get samples of products that I am actually going to spend money on if I like it. I am not going to go spend $100 on a small container of moisturizer so I was very happy to see Birchbox come out with this box. The Birchbox Finds box is full of "drug store" favorites.

I thought all these products were ones that I could use on a daily basis. I like getting the different brands to try but I like the trustee old favorites too!

 

Biore- This is a 4 pack of single use self heating one minute face masks with natural charcoal. Retail Value- $7.99

Sally Hansen- I think this color is too light for me but I am sure I have a friend that will like it. It is a base coat, top coat and color gel polish in one that will last for 10 days. Retail Value- $7.99

Covergirl- I am always a sucker for a good mascara! The wand is double sided to give you intensity and volume that is designed for big sexy bombshell eyes. Retail Value- $11.99

Nivea- This lip care has a moisture strip in the center and color on the outside to give you a beautiful moisturized look. Retail Value- $4.99

John Frieda-  I am hoping this frizz ease product that is full of argan oil will not leave my hair greasy like the bottle says. It is designed to leave your hair soft, smooth and shiny. Retail Value- $9.99

Covergirl- I am not usually a fan of eye shadow I have to put on with my fingers but I am going to give this one a shot because it says it lasts for 12 hours. Retail Value- $6

Rimmel London- This lip gloss lasts for 6 hours and gives you a 3-D effect. I love the color is called "Popcorn for 2". Retail Value- $4.99

Some of these colors are not quite for me but overall I thought this box was a great collection. IT had a great mix of hair care, skin care and make up. I think that is something that Birchbox has been missing for a long time.

 

The value of this box is just over $50. That is a great deal for the $18 price tag. There are still plenty left so go to Birchbox and get yours today!





Birchbox- February 2014

I have never been one of those girls that hates Valentine's Day. If I did not have a boyfriend then I just let the holiday pass without a fuss. And that has seemed to be the universal theme for beauty subscription boxes this month. I am so glad to announce that Birchbox is different. They sent out a red carpet worthy box with the theme of "Step and Repeat" in honor of the award show season!

I am not one to watch the award shows...any of them but I can appreciate the beauty that goes into those nights. The make up and wardrobes are amazing. Hopefully some of these items will help me look like one of those stars (lol).

Juicy Couture- I usually take these perfume samples and put them in my travel bag. But I loved this one so much I bought the rollerball size! Retail Value- $1

Ruby Wing- This nail polish changes from bright pink to red when you go outside in the sunlight! Retail Value- $5

Beauty Protector- This oil helps protect your hair against UV rays and heat. Retail Value- $2

Dr. Brandt- I am excited to try this product because I have oily skin. It is a mattifying pore refiner. It can be worn over or under make up. Retail Value- $8

Thomas P. Connelly DDS- These packets are breath fresheners called 32 Oral Care. You take the little crystals (they come in a variety of flavors) and swish them in your mouth and against your teeth and you get fresh breath. Retail Value- $1

The value of this month's box is 17. That is good for the $10 price tag plus you get free shipping!

Do you get Birchbox? If so, what do you love/not love about it?

Birchbox- January 2014

It's Go Time! That is the theme of the first Birchbox of the new year.  Time to get going and make something amazing from 2014!

I have been unsure about Birchbox for the last 6 months or so because I have not been too happy about the lack of make up in the boxes. It is a new year and a new attitude. Maybe I was thinking about Birchbox as a make up collection and it really isn't. And they don't advertise as one so I have been thinking about it all wrong. This is a lifestyle box and they do that well!

Fekkai- I love travel shampoo and conditioners and I love Fekkai products so this is perfect! It is going straight into my travel bag for this weekend. Retail Value (both)- $10

Coastal Scents- I am not a huge fan of this brand but I love the colors. Retail Value- $5

Harvey Prince-  I like this scent called Journey. It makes me want to go on a far away vacation! Retail Value- $1

Burt's Bees- I am a huge fan of this brand so I was ecstatic to see this day lotion in the box. This will be a perfect thing to put in my purse. Retail Value- $2

I love this collection with my new outlook on Birchbox. The value of this box is $18. Not the best value I have seen but it is more than the $10 price tag so that is good.

Do you get Birchbox? If so, what do you love/not love about it?



Birchbox- December 2013

I have been a loyal Birchboxer for about 2 years now. I love the concept of a monthly subscription box (which was started by Birchbox) and they have the best rewards program that I have ever seen. Normally, they variety that is in each box is great. A good combination of makeup, skincare and hair care but this month was a disappointment for me. Especially since it was the December box (which I find is normally the best box of the year).

Don't get me wrong, I am not going to cancel my Birchbox subscription because everyone has an off month. That to me is not a reason to cancel the box but it will make me look a little closer at the next couple of boxes. So what exactly came in my box?

Camille Beckham- This is the Morelia Monarch body butter and it smells amazing! It left my skin soft and hydrated. Retail Value- $0.75

bliss- This facial pad has time lapsed technology that gives your skin a facial as you sleep. Retail Value- $1

Birchbox- Birchbox has a new app and you can shop directly from your phone or tablet! This is a sticker to put on your phone so you don't forget to shop for all your favorites!

Klorane- I love this sample. It is a gentle dry shampoo with oat milk. I have not found a great dry shampoo that I love so I was excited to see this in the box. Retail Value- $6.50

LAQA & CO- This is definitely not my color and I am not a big fan of lip pencils but I have a friend that will go crazy for this. I see a stocking stuffer in her future! Retail Value- $9

Sarah McNamara- This is a skin transformer that improves skin tone and texture. Bonus- it has a SPF 20 in it! Retail Value- $4.80

The value of this months box is about $22. It is still a good value for the $10 price tag but I was just not thrilled with the collection. I am hoping for a better month next month!

Do you get Birchbox? If so, what do you love/not love about it?

Birchbox- November 2013

For those of you who don't know about the Birchbox shop (I am not sure how you don't know because it is awesome) it is the place on the Birchbox website where you can purchase full size items from your Birchbox. All those points that you earn from shopping in the shop, writing reviews and buying gift subscriptions can be redeemed in the Birchbox shop. For every dollar you spend you get 1 point and 10 points for each review of items in your box, then you get $10 for each 100 points to spend in the Birchbox shop.

 If there is anything you ever wanted to buy from the Birchbox shop this is the month to do it. A portion of the Birchbox shop proceeds will go to No Kid Hungry. It is a nation wide organization that works to end childhood hunger. What a great cause!

The theme of this months box is "More Good". I was a little confused about what that meant until I read the rest of the card that tells you about the theme. The holiday season is all about abundance and this box is no different. So what exactly came in this months box?

 

Ahmad Tea- Three yummy tea bags in Raspberry Indulgence, English Tea No. 1, and Jasmine Romance. Retail Value- $0.50

Bare Love Body-  This is a skin firmer and hydrator that is perfect for the Winter season. Retail Value- $9

Eyeko- I love mascara and this one is no different! Retail Value- $12

Juicy Couture- This fragrance sample is "Viva La Juicy Noir". It has a berry scent with a touch of honeysuckle and sandalwood. Retail Value- $1

Sampar- This hydrating cream helps leave your skin with a youthful glow. Retail Value- $3

The value of this box is $25.50. This is a great value for $10. I highly recommend this box not only for the value but for the great mix of products.

 



Birchbox- October 2013

The theme to this month's Birchbox is "Beauty Buzz". They talk about the word "obsessed" being thrown around the Birchbox HQ in regards to beauty products and I really can't blame them. I really appreciate them being obsessed so that I get to enjoy my Birchbox each month.

I am used to getting more make up in Birchbox and this one seems to be more hair care and skin care type products but it is good to mix it up every now and again. I just hope it doesn't stay like this because I love my new make up items. So what came in this month's box?

Liz Earle- This UK favorite is Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser and the polishing cloth. This Birchobox exclusive will purify and exfoliate skin. Retail Value- $10

Joie- I love the floral scent of Folle de Joie parfum. Retail Value- $3

Miss Jessie's Original- The description on this Crème De La Crème Conditioner is "this detangling formula softens and nourishes stubborn curls and pin-straight locks alike". I cannot wait to try this conditioner! Retail Value- $1.33

POP Beauty- I love a good lip gloss to keep in my purse or travel bag. This one has great oils and beeswax. Retail Value- $14

Chapstick- Birchbox Bonus item! Hydration Lock Chapstick gives lips a fuller and smoother appearance. Retail Value- $3


The value of this box is amazing. The cost is $10 plus free shipping and the value is just over $30. I did enjoy the items that came in this month's box I do like it when there is more make up and less of the other stuff. Maybe next month...

Do you get Birchbox? If so, what do you love/not love about it?https://www.birchbox.com/

Birchbox- September 2013

                 Happy Anniversary Birchbox!

So this month marks the 3 year anniversary for Birchbox and I am happy to have been a part of the Birchbox subscription family for 2 of those 3 years. I have gotten many friends hooked on the subscription and that includes my dad (the mens box of course). As a special thank you from Birchbox, members were offered 30% off all items from the favorites shop. Thanks Birchbox!

The theme this month is Heritage and I am very excited about the items that came this month.

Dr. Lipp- I was a little nervous when I saw this item but I am also extremely curious. It is the original nipple balm for lips. Originally designed for nursing moms but a fave of beauty lovers. Retail Value- $5.80

Ruffian- This is a Birchbox exclusive nail polish. The handle is supposed to be easier to hold. Retail Value- $ 10

Voesh- This is a Birchbox Extra! I love single serve lotions cause they are perfect for travel and you can never find them in the store! Retail Value- $ 1.25

Sarahpotempa- This is a tool to put your hair in a bun or something similar without any pins. Retail Value- $ 9

amika- I love dry shampoo and have high hopes for this one. Retail Value- $ 4

I hope Birchbox has a great anniversary! Thank you for introducing the world to subscription boxes!

The value of this month is roughly $30. Great deal for the $10 price tag!

Do you get Birchbox? If so, what do you love/not love about it?

Birchbox- Back To School Limited Edition Box

Birchbox sent me an email about a new limited edition box for women that they curator for Back to School. I have to say it is so cute! Especially the box itself.

What I love most is the info card that came with the box telling you all about the products. It is themed as "head of the class" and all the products are classified in classes and periods. Look at all these goodies!

Here is the into from Birchbox: "We fondly recall the thrill of back-to-school shopping and the allure of a fresh stack of notebooks and pens. That's why we were so excited to create this special kit for our Birchboxers-in-Training. (And let's be honest, the young-at-heart among us.) These A+ essentials will take you from the classroom to soccer practice, and more. Go on, ace the year in style."

Homeroom- Willa Start Fresh Foaming Face Wash: Uses Green Tea to wash away dirt and oil. Retail Value- $3.66

First Period (English)- Poppin Pink Small Soft Cover Notebook: This is a great little notebook for all a school girls doodles. (oh and note taking). Retail Value- $6

Fourth Period (Drama)- Stila Lip Glaze: I love the color of this lip gloss. Retail Value- $13.75

Sixth Period (Gym Class)- Jane Tran Chrysanthemum Print Bobby Pin Set: These 7 bobby pins are wide and so cute in a variety of colors. Retail Value- $12

Second Period (Geometry)- Birchbox Custom Pouch: Use the chevron pouch to hold pencils, pens or a variety of much needed lip glosses! Retail Value- $12

Third Period (Art)- Color Club Nail Polishes and Sequin Nail Art Kit: These are two great shades and 5 different colors of sequins. Retail Value- $21

Fifth Period (Social Studies)- Sisco & Berluti Friendship Bracelets: One bracelet for you and the identical one for your BFF. Retail Value- $30


 The value of this limited edition box is just under $100! That is a great deal for the $28 price tag.

What did you think of this limited edition box?

Birchbox- August 2013

As you can guess I love my monthly subscription boxes. But a special thank you is owed to Birchbox for being the first and starting the trend! I love getting that box with Birchbox on top each month.

 

So what were the goodies that came in August?

 

The theme is "Finishing School" and I was very excited about the items this month. The variety was one of the best I have seen in months.

Whish- This is a deodorant wipe that will eliminate odor and slow hair growth. Slow hair growth? Genius! This is a bonus item in your box. Retail Value- $0.75

Whish- Travel size of exfoliating body wash which makes you smell like you just came off the beach. Retail Value- $2.75

Number 4- It is very hard to find a good leave-in conditioner and I hope this is not going to be a disappointment. I feel that most of them leave your hair rough and full of product. This is a detangler and conditioner that will give your color protection and UV protection. Retail Value- $3

ModelCo- Long-lasting lipstick? I hope this lives up to the reviews I have read because I love this color. Retail Value- $8

Becca- I have to say that I am a little nervous about trying this foundation because I have very oily skin and usually foundation not made for oily skin just falls off my face but I am going to give it a try! Retail Value- The full size is $42


I have to say to Birchbox...Great job this month! I loved the products and the variety was awesome.

The value of this box is about $15 and the cost is $10. I definitely got my moneys worth!

Do you get Birchbox? If so, what do you love/not love about it?


https://www.birchbox.com/

Birchbox- Limited Edition (Pink CEW Box)

When Birchbox send out the offer for special limited edition boxes they send 2 different boxes. The two boxes filled with CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women) 2013 Beauty Award Winners are amazing. You can see my post about the orange box on my blog. Here is the pink box.

 

Half of these products I have never tried so I was very excited to see them in the limited edition box.

Julep- I am a huge fan of Julep and I used to get their monthly box. I am excited to get a couple of their products. There is a pretty lavender nail polish and essential cuticle oil. Retail Value (for both)- $32

Elizabeth Arden- This anti-aging serum has a spf 50. I don't need the anti-aging just yet but I love that it has a spf. Retail Value- $8

Living Proof- This Prime Style Extender is said to keep hairstyles in place twice as long. Retail Value- $6

IT Cosmetics- This is a brow pencil with advanced brow enhancing technology. Retail Value- $12

La Fresh- Eco-beauty oil free face cleanser wipes! I love these! Retail Value- $1

This was another awesome limited edition box from Birchbox! The value is $59! That is great since the box costs $18.

Birchbox- Limited Edition (Orange CEW Box)

So in August Birchbox offered two limited edition boxes. All the items in this box are 2013 CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women) Beauty Award Winners. So what came in this box?

What great packaging!

I love some of these products already so I was excited to see them in this box.

Olay- This is a treatment that helps fade dark spots and discoloration but without drying your skin. Retail Value- $5

Simple- This is a revitalizing eye roll on stick that helps to wake up tired eyes. Retail Value- $10

Revlon- This is Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain. I have never used a balm stain before so I am excited to try it. Retail Value- $7

Burt's Bees- I am a huge fan of Burt's Bees so I was very excited to see this hand cream in the box. Retail Value- $8

Nivea- This is a long lasting lip balm that seals in moisture. Retail Value- $3

L'Oreal- Shimmery Blue Eyeshadow! Retail Value- $8


I can hardly believe this box only cost me $12! The value is $41.

Birchbox- July 2013

The theme for this month's Birchbox is "Power Play". It is designed to help you out in any situation on the clock or off. The items were picked with 2 of the main characters in "Suits". For those of you who don't know Suits is an USA hit series about lawyers.

Lots of great items in this month's box. And in case you don't know you can write reviews of all the items in your box on the Birchbox website and they will give you points. Points can be used to buy full size products on their website.

The Balm- Instain long wear staining powder blush in Swiss Dot color. This is going to be perfect for travel cause when it is all done you can throw away! Retail Value- $3

Tan Towel- This is going to be perfect for my wedding since it covers the face and half the body. Just enough to cover the areas I need to look a little more tan. Retail Value- $2.40

Caldrea- These are two samples of the Caldrea body lotion. They sent coconut fig leaf and tea olive lime scents. Retail Value- $1.25

Beauty Protector- This is a shampoo that is sulfate free, parabean free, vegan, moisture reviving, enhances volume, adds shine, seals cuticle, smoothes hair, color safe and has a UV protection. Retail Value- $5.50

Beauty Protector- This is the matching conditioner that is parabean free, vegan, enhances volume, moisture reviving, adds shine, weightless, UV protection, smoothes hair, seals cuticle and protects color. Retail Value- $5.50

The value of this box is $17.65. This is a great deal for the $10 monthly fee.

Do you get Birchbox? If so, what do you love/not love about it?



Birchbox- June 2013

The theme of this months Birchbox was Wonderlust. Items are great for your next big travel adventure. They are from near and far and all of them are going in my travel bag. I am going on a trip for the 4th of July weekend so I will be trying them out next week.

Look how great that light purple nail polish is going to be for summer! So what else came in the box?

Whish- This is a great shave cream that is perfect for my travel bag. It is so hard to find a travel size that is not in a compressed can. Retail Value- $3

Color Club- There is that awesome light purple nail polish that I mentioned earlier. Retail Value- $ 2

L'Occitane- This sample is a moisturizer, skin tint and a SPF 30. Retail Value- $0 (bonus sample)

Kerastase- This is a hair mask that will help preserve your hairs color for up to 40 days. Retail Value- $9

L'Occitane- This is a serum that is hydrating. Retail Value- $3

What a great theme to this months box. It makes me want to take a long trip somewhere! The value of this box is $17 and it only cost $10!

Do you get Birchbox? If so, what do you love/not love about it?

Birchbox- May 2013

 

I was very excited to see my Birchbox arrive the other day. This box is a great value and I like the variety of items that comes in it each month. So what came in May?

Isaac Mizrahi- This is a little sample of his perfume FABULOUS. It is a fanciful blend of mandarin and jasmine laced with vanilla.

COOLA- I am very excited about this cucumber moisturizer with SPF 30. Retail Value- $4

Beauty Protector- This is a detangler, locks color and adds shine. Retail Value- $5

Sumita- I love eyeliner and I am excited about this deep purple color. Retail Value- $5.25

Pilot- Birchbox sent this extra so that your pen can be as stylish as you are. So Cute! Retail Value- $1.56

Birchbox costs $10 a month and the value of this box is $15.81. I came out ahead so I am happy!

Do you get Birchbox? If so, what do you love/not love about it?

Birchbox- April 2013

I feel the need to say thank you to Birchbox for starting the monthly subscription craze! It is an addiction of mine and I continue to love Birchbox...

Malin + Goetz- This cilantro hair conditioner is helpful for people with normal to dry hair because it helps to hydrate and balance pH levels. Retail Value- $2.75

Caudalie- This little tube is going to be awesome because it replenishes under the eye and deflects UV rays! Retail Value- $3.39

Herban Essentials- I am excited to use these detoxing, germ-killing towelettes when I travel. Retail Value- $1.60

Mirenese- I am a huge fan of Mirenese products so I can't wait to try this lipstick pencil. Retail  Value- $26.55

Lifestyle Extra! Hail Merry- Chocolate macaroons from Hawaii...do I need to say more?!? Retail Value- 1.25


What a great value this month...$35.54! Not a bad deal for $10...

Do you get Birchbox? If so, what do you love/not love about it?

Birchbox- March 2013

So I am excited to be getting Birchbox again. Honestly, I took a little break because I felt the items were not diverse enough but I missed it! So what was in my March box?

Juicy Couture- This is a small sample of Couture La La perfume. It smells smazing!

Marcelle- BB Cream Golden Glow is rich in aloe juice and works for all skin types. Retail Value- $10

Nick Chavez Beverly Hills- This color-saver sulfate-free shampoo is going to be awesome because it is volumizing! Retail Value- $5.50

Madwell for Birchbox- This nail file is going to be great for my travel bag. Retail Value- $5

Now I have to say that there is an item missing from my box this month. There was supposed to be a sample of a face rejuventaor from Vasanti. I wrote Birchbox and let them know that the item was missing and asked for a replacement. This is why I love this company. They said they did not have any additional samples and appologized for the missing item. Instead, they gave me 100 Birchbox points! For those of you that are new to Birchbox, each 100 points is worth $10 in the Birchbox store. So basically they gave the amount that is worth the WHOLE BOX!

Thanks Birchbox!! Your customer service continues to rock!

Birchbox Nov 2012

I have been receiving Birchbox for well over a year and I am beginning to have mixed reviews about it. The problem is there is still (usually) 1 item that I love and is worth the value. So it makes me stick with my Birchbox. Plus I get all those points for reviews so it makes shopping in the shop worth it too!
What is in this months box?

I didn't really like the smell of the perfume, Rose Anonyme Cologne Absolue by Atelier Cologne. I thought the rose notes were nice but overpowered by spice notes.

The potato chip from Chuao Chocolatier was our Lifestyle Bonus this month. I am not a fan of salty and sweet together so I will give this to my boyfriend. You can get a variety pack on the Birchbox website. Retail Value- $1.10

I have mixed feelings about this Vanish Instant Imperfection Corrector from Miracle Skin Transformer. It is said to be a little oily and I have oily skin so it may not be a good match.

I am very excited to try this Lavender and Clary Sage Hair Powder from Lulu Organics. It is a dry shampoo designed to give you plenty of lift without the residue. Retail Value- $ 1.33

I am very excited about this mascara from Model Co. This will be perfect to try at my holiday party this weekend. This product made the whole box worth while. Retail Value- $24.

Do you get Birchbox? If so, what do you love/hate about it?