Birchbox: February 2014

This month Birchbox, paired up with editors at US Weekly to curate their box.  The theme is focused on the glitz and glamour of award season and being” red carpet ready”.
That’s a lot to pack into a tiny $10 box, so let’s see how they managed.

Harvey Prince Hello Perfume
(Full Size Retail: 50 ml for $55.00)
Description: “Made with eco-friendly ingredients, this scent has all-day staying power. A top note of Meyer lemon captures the scent of fresh-squeezed lemonade, while Satsuma mandarin adds a double fruity note. Next up, summer forsythia and pink plumeria—traditionally found in Hawaiian leis—give the scent its heady floral layer.”
Verdict:  Hit!
As I mentioned in my last blog post, I’m super sensitive to fragrances so I selected to only get them “6 times or less per year” on my Birchbox profile.  At first I was bummed to see the sample, but once I tried it I actually liked it.  I favor fruity light scents and  love citrus notes so this covers both.  I’m not going to run out and buy a full size, but I’ll use up the sample when I want some variety.

Ruby Wing Color Changing Polish in Ride ‘Em Cowgirl
(Full Size Retail: $10.00)
Description: “Formulated with SolarActive® Technology, each polish transitions from one shade to another as soon as you step out into the sunlight and come into contact with UV rays. Walk back indoors, and your nails will return to the original color. Each Ruby Wing polish is non-toxic, vegan, and environmentally safe.”
Verdict:  On the Fence
I also selected to only get nail polish products minimally from Birchbox (since I have a Julep subscription) yet this is my second month in a row with polish. On the bright side, I’ve never tried this brand before and the gold looks fun.  On the down side, I’m not exactly enthralled with the color change aspect because if I go to the time and effort to paint my nails a color, I really want to actually see that color.  It’s something new to try, but I’m doubtful it will make it into my regular polish rotation.

Cynthia Rowley Beauty Liquid Liner in Black
(Full Size Retail: $18.00)

Description: “…fashion designer Cynthia Rowley…the style whiz has created…this smudgeproof liquid liner. The pen-style tip makes for ultraprecise application, whether you’re stippling your bottom lash line or flicking to create the perfect cat eye.”
Verdict:  Love!
All these subscription boxes seem determined to get me into using black eyeliner and so far their conspiracy is working.  This is a wonderful pen.  Its tip comes to an extremely fine point so it’s perfect for tightlining.  When I sampled it on the back of my hand it stayed all day with no smudging.  It’s great for subtly defining the eye and it came in what appears to be a full size.  This one item was already worth more than the cost of this box.

Juara Candlenut Body Creme
(Full Size Retail: $35.00)
Description: “Traditional healers of Indonesia weren’t messing around when they pinpointed candlenut oil as a cure for severely dry skin. The centuries-old balm is rich in fatty acids, which makes it a great natural hydrator and all-around skin-smoother. It’s velvety formula, inspired by venerable Balinese recipes, penetrates deep into dry, rough skin for instant, nongreasy softness that lasts and lasts..”
Verdict:  Miss
This had a nice scent to it, like a hint of cinnamon, but there was nothing about the product that wowed me.  The sample was so small that I really couldn’t get quite enough for even a full body application.  At a $35 retail price, I can’t imagine purchasing this.  I infinitely prefer the Tokyo Dark body butter that came in my Popsugar Holiday box.  At only $5.00 more and with gorgeous packaging it’s a much better splurge in the body cream department.

Beauty Protector Protect & Oil
(Full Size Retail: $25.95)
Description: “This nourishing formula uses star ingredient argan oil to protect, strengthen, and add a pretty gloss to strands—all without heaviness. Armed with UV and heat protection, it stands up to two of our favorite past times: heat styling and spending hours in the sun. The paraben-free formula is also cruelty-free.”
Verdict:  On the Fence
I’m always excited to try hair products, but this one might need to be put aside until summer.  I typically let my hair air dry and don’t heat style much.  I’m not spending much time outdoors right now so the UV protectant is also wasted.  My hair tends to be combination with oily roots so I’m not sure I really need to add more oil.  I’m going to set this one aside for summer.

OVERALL
Verdict:  Hit!

With tax I paid $10.70 and after reviewing each item, my points got me the equivalent of $5.00.  I am thrilled with the Cynthia Rowley eyeliner and excited that I found a perfume sample I didn’t instantly hate.  I’ve got some new products to try out when I finally venture outside during daylight hours.

I’m not sure that these items all scream out “red carpet ready!” to me, but I really did enjoy the box and found it to be a lot of fun.

Would you be intrigued by a color changing polish or do you prefer to have the polish you chose be the polish you see all day?

THE BACKSTORY

Birchbox subscriptions cost $10 per month or $110 per year.

Your options: Women’s Box or Men’s Box

Points System:
Whenever you buy something at Birchbox they give you Birchbox points. $1.00 = 1 Birchbox Point.
Each 100 Birchbox reward points can be redeemed for $10.00.
You can also earn points by reviewing the samples they send you (10 points per sample) and referring/subscribing friends.
If your review all the items you receive in your box each month, you’ll receive 50 Birchbox rewards points!
If you purchase a full size of one of the sample items they sent you in that same month, you receive free shipping on them and extra points.

Author: Writer Preziosi

Once upon a time, long, long ago, Lisa attended Syracuse University where she studied singing in a giant castle surrounded by ice and snow. After she earned her music degree, she headed to the island of Manhattan, down to the West Village, to a place called the New School. There, she earned another degree in the great art of writing stories for children. She currently works on that same island trying to help real people, while making up stories about imaginary ones. Her first book, “The Ice Maiden’s Tale,” a fairy tale adventure, was released on May 30, 2017 and is up for sale on Amazon. View all posts by Writer Preziosi