So the first Birchbox of the year came in this adorable fill in the blank style box.
Inside were a bunch of stickers you could use to customize it. Since I want a year full of all.the.things I opted not to choose one.
amika Nourishing Mask (Full Size $28)
Description: “Paraben-free treatment that conditions and repairs with superfruit sea buckthorn berry.”
Verdict: Miss
I’ve liked amika products in the past so I expected this would be great but it left my hair pretty dry. If you’re looking for an amazing hair mask, the best I’ve ever tried is by Sabon, it’s only a dollar more than the amika and so much better.
Cane + Austin 2%/5% Acne Retexture Pads (Full Size: $60.00)
Description: “These treatment pads contain 5% glycolic acid to fight the effects of aging, plus 2% salicylic acid to help clear acne.”
Verdict: Why?
I don’t understand why I received this. Outside of an occasional pimple around that time of the month, I don’t have any acne issues and I indicated that on my profile. And even if I did have an acne situation, would *one* “retexture” pad really give me an idea of this product’s effectiveness? This was a big miss.
Eyeko Fat Liquid Liner (Retail Value: $16.00)
Description: ”This eyeliner delivers the same smudgeproof, rich color in a thicker, bolder line than the original skinny liner.”
Verdict: Like
This was my sample choice and I regularly wear winged liner and am always on the hunt for awesome liquid liners that won’t smudge on my oily, hooded lids. This one is certainly a very saturated black, but I think I’m going to need to get used to the thickness of it. It isn’t quite smudgeproof on me, but it does a decent job. I still however, prefer my Kat Von D Tattoo liner in ink black.
Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk (Retail Value: $20.00)
Description: ”Award-winning fan fave that absorbs grease and puts the bounce back into second-day hair.”
Verdict: Like
I’ve received this product before and I really like it. It does exactly what it says it will and I highly recommend it. I’m putting this one aside for my next trip.
Whish Three Whishes Body Butter (Full Size: $24.00)
Description: “Lucsious, anti0xidant-rich formula that firms, softens and soothes.”
Verdict: I “wish” they’d stop it with this brand already
Forgive my pun, but am I the only one sick of getting Whish products? I don’t really care for them and I’ve gotten them over and over again. Birchbox, if I haven’t bought full sizes by now, I’m not going to do it so just send me something new to try.
OVERALL
Verdict: Okay
I paid $10.70 for this box and after reviewing the products received $5.00 in Birchbox points. Thankfully the sample I chose (the eyeliner) is more than worth the cost of this box and the Klorane is just a nice extra. I am really disappointed in some of the other choices and I’m just not quite feeling like Birchbox is really looking at my profile or the items I like and purchase.
How have your Birchboxes been measuring up?
BIRCHBOX NEWS!
Birchbox released a new Limited Edition box called
Limited Edition: Why Not…Stay In
It’s priced at $45 and features some great items for a home spa day including masks, nail polish and even cozy socks. I am sorely tempted to grab one for myself, so we’ll see if my heart or my budget win out.
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 