For April, Birchbox featured one of my favorite companies: the Rifle Paper Co. They have gorgeous stationary and the moment I saw they were offering an exclusive tote as a Birchbox plus item, I knew I had to grab it. (Every month Birchbox offers a few additional items you can add to your box. The items vary each month and are offered at a special discount.)
My fancy square box…
which held my plus item and my regular Birchbox.
BIRCHBOX PLUS
Rifle Paper Co. x Birchbox Floral Printed Tote
(Retail: $35.00)
Description: ““Lovely” doesn’t begin to describe this floral canvas tote. Created in partnership with Rifle Paper Co., this roomy bag can fit all of your essentials for a quick trip to the market or a weekend jaunt to the beach. The pattern was illustrated by designer Anna Bond exclusively for Birchbox.”
Verdict: Love!
I paid $29.96 for this (with tax) and I absolutely love it. It’s generously sized and the canvas is durable. It’s perfect for spring and I’m using it for those days when I’m heading to work with way too much stuff to fit into my regular purse. It’s lovely and cheerful and I’m happy to have it in my wardrobe.
BIRCHBOX
How gorgeous is this box? Seriously. I am going to find some super awesome use for this so I can display it. The Rifle Paper Co needs to make more home décor items because I would probably spend enough there to put their kids through college.
Harvey Prince Hello Body Butter
(Full Size: $20.00)
Description: “Made with shea butter, this nourishing cream is infused with the best-selling scent..”
Verdict: Like
Harvey Prince is a brand that shows up a ton in Birchboxes but most of the products I’ve received from this brand I’ve enjoyed. I’m going to set this aside for that awesome travel kit I’m building.
Ojon rare blend™ oil Moisture Therapy
(Full Size: $35.00)
Description: “Fried hair, meet your match: This luxe oil blend deeply hydrates for sleek, shiny locks
Verdict: Over it.
I like hair oils as much as the next girl, but I have a ridiculous amount of them from sub boxes. It seems like we either get hair oil or dry shampoo in every box. I’m also not crazy about the packaging on this. It seems more likely to make a mess than to be useful.
Supergoop!® Advanced SPF 37 Anti-Aging Eye Cream
(Full Size: $45.00)
Description: “This treatment reduces dark circles, depuffs, blocks UV rays and minimizes fine lines..”
Verdict: Wow..it’s been a whole month since I got a Supergoop! Product
What would my Birchbox be without something from Supergoop? Last month, I got a Supergoop! CC cream and my opinion on the brand hasn’t changed. It’s not for me Birchbox..can you hear me? Please send me a damn box without something from Supergoop! I actually love getting eye creams because I use them religiously and they tend to be pricey so getting to try them out is super helpful, but I’m not going to purchase from this brand so it’s a waste.
jane iredale Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain
(Full Size: $25.00)
Description: ”This multitasking, long-lasting color adjust to your skin for a natural, customized shade..”
Verdict: Disappointing.
This was the sample I chose for my box. I’ve tried Jane Iredale products before and I was super excited about this. Unfortunately the “color adjusting” is non-existent. It didn’t work on my lips or my cheeks. It just comes out sheer. (Which is why I have no swatch for you.) I was really hoping it would work since the formula feels lovely and the packaging is adorable.
Not Soap, Radio Body Wash – Bathing With Sharks
(Full Size: $16.00)
Description: ”This richly foaming cleanser has an energizing, beachy scent.”
Verdict: Hit!
I love getting bodywashes in boxes because they are an item I regularly use. Ocean scented bath products are my favorite (along with citrus scents) so I was psyched to get this sample. The scent is not overpowering and is appealing for men or women. I would definitely consider grabbing a full size of this.
OVERALL
Verdict: A mixed bag
I loved my plus item and the bodywash, and I’ll use the body butter, but the lip stain was a huge disappointment and this is my billionth (approximately) Supergoop! Product. I really wish Birchbox would vary some of the brands we get in boxes. At the very least don’t include the same brand in back to back boxes. I paid $10.70 for this box (excluding the plus item that was paid for separately) and received $5.00 worth of credit in the Birchbox store so my total came out to $5.70. The only item I was really thrilled with was the bodywash, and even my selected item was sort of a bust. I’m hoping next month will be an improvement.
How was your last Birchbox? Did your sample choice wow or disappoint?
THE BACKSTORY
Birchbox subscriptions cost $10 per month or $110 per year (Women’s Sub)
$20 per month or $195 per year (Men’s Sub)
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.
Lisa Preziosi 