I had promised you exciting new things in 2014, so along with my new product review feature, I’m also going to be featuring a few new subscriptions. Because I tend to do things backwards, I’m finally getting around to subscribing to Birchbox, which was the first company to really start the trend of subscription boxes. They are a beauty subscription and have both men and women’s options. “The women’s subscription includes everything from skincare to makeup, as well as fun non-beauty extras.” Each month they’ll send subscribers trial and deluxe samples of high end beauty products.
There are two huge selling points on this sub:
1. They are very affordable at $10.00 per month (or $110 for a year) and
2. They have a great point system that offers you the ability to buy high end beauty products at a discount. For details on their subscriptions and how the point system works jump down to the Backstory.
Now enough business, let’s dive into my very first Birchbox.
To start let me just say I love the adorable little cardboard boxes the gifts come in. I will be saving these for organization projects. (You say hoarder, I say upcycler).
Fekkai Advanced Brilliant Glossing Shampoo & Conditioner
(Full Size Retail: 16 oz. for $39.00; 8 oz. for $19.99)
Description: “Get the glow back in your mane with this luxurious shampoo from Fekkai. Natural olive oils encapsulate each strand to soften, hydrate, and add megawatt shine. Fekkai’s award-winning olive oil formula coats strands in lightweight moisture, so hair looks healthier, shinier, and decidedly frizz-free. A special encapsulated shine-release complex renews shine all day long.”
Verdict: Love!
I was so so so so so happy to see this in my box. A huge reason I subscribed to Birchbox was the chance to try out different hair products. I’ve tried a sample of this shampoo before and it did amazing things for my hair. I have a really dry scalp, oily roots and thick wavy hair. Finding hair products that work for all parts of it have been problematic so when the shampoo alone managed to give my hair more vibrancy and keep my scalp from itching I put this set on my wish list. With the birchbox rewards system I can get free shipping and extra points so I’ll finally be splurging on a full size.
Reviver Dry Deodorant Packs
(Full Size Retail: 6 pack for $17.99)
Description: “Reviver wipes use a blend of dry, deodorizing compounds to remove persistent odors, replacing them with the scent of just-washed laundry. Their reuseable formula is designed for versatility, tackling everything from smoke, food, and pet odor to post-workout funk.”
Verdict: Hit!
Okay so I would never pick this up for myself, nor would I pay $17.99 for six of them, but I’m happy to receive a sample. Sadly, I spend a huge portion of my day navigating the bowels of NYC’s subway system. I’m going to tuck this pack into my little emergency work kit for the times when the not-so-fresh subway smells have leached onto my clothes.
Nail Rock in Blue Glitter
(Full Size Retail: $7.00)
Verdict: Miss
Description: “Every kit comes with two pieces: a polish for a solid foundation and a pot that houses a textured topper. Accent options include Nail Sequin, for the ultimate disco-ball mani; Nail Glitter, to create serious sparkle; Nail Caviar, for a rich encrusted look; and Nail Velvet, which leaves a luxe matte finish.”
If you’ve read a lot of my posts you know these nail art kits with little bits of glitter or beads are not my thing. I am still working on keeping normal polish on my nails and not all over my hands, so I don’t think I’m the target audience. The glitter would just end up being a huge mess, inevitably I’d miss bits of it during cleanup and end up finding blue glitter in random places around the house for the next few months. I really don’t get this look since there are so many great glitter polishes and specialty finishes that don’t require this much effort or mess. If you love special finishes but don’t want the hassle of this type of kit I’d recommend Zoya’s Pixie dusts.
Inika Mineral Eyeshadow in Eternal Marine
(Full Size Retail: $20.00)
Verdict: On the Fence
Description: “Made using the highest quality ingredients, including mica and zinc oxide, these shadows are rich in pigment for vivid colors that stay on all day.”
I’m intrigued by this color, although I’m not sure that it will work for me or how exactly to use it. In general I’m not a fan of mineral makeup because I feel like I just tend to make a mess with it. In the spirit of experimentation though I’ll give this one a shot and see how it goes.
OVERALL
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 shampoo and conditioner and I can use the clothing deodorant. The mineral eyeshadow steps me out of my comfort zone and will be fun to experiment with. The only product I can’t use is the polish, but I’m sure I can pass it along to someone who will enjoy the glitter challenge. I reviewed all my items and was able to pick up 50 reward points to use toward products.
Overall, I’m really happy with my first Birchbox and excited to see what shows up next month!
Do you subscribe to Birchbox? If so, what goodies popped up in your box?
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.
Lisa Preziosi 