Birchbox Review: August, September & October

Oh hi there...sorry I totally abandoned this blog.  I'm honestly not sure where the time went!  Seems like just yesterday it was March!

Since I'm behind, I'm going to just do one catch-up post with my boxes from the last three months.  For anyone who isn't familiar, Birchbox is a monthly subscription box service.  It runs $10 (including shipping) and focuses on beauty - skincare, haircare, & make-up.  I've been subscribing since last September, I'm a big fan of it.  If you're interested in signing up, I would be grateful if you used my link as it gets me bonus points!

August was a pretty great month for me.  Birchbox has recently started doing a pick your sample program where you're able to choose one of about 4 samples they've pre-selected to appear in your box.  I didn't choose one this month because nothing really grabbed me.  Of course, I received one anyway - it'd be the Noir black eyeliner.  It's the only thing I wasn't excited to receive - I don't wear black eyeliner because it's a pretty harsh look on me.  I have to say though, I mentioned that I wasn't excited about it on Instagram and the company actually reached out to me to ask why - so props to Noir!  I was excited to try the Amika dry shampoo as I've recently discovered dry shampoos and I'm in love.  I can finally go a day without washing my hair and not have my hair be totally greasy!

Birchbox July 2014 Review

Spoiler alert: my Birchbox this month was amazing.  Okay, now that's out of the way, back to business.  If you're not familiar, Birchbox is a beauty subscription box that arrives monthly.  For just $10/month you receive 4-5+ sample sized items to try that are tailored to you through your profile.  I've found some great things through Birchbox that I otherwise wouldn't have had a chance to try.  Birchbox also has a killer point reward system.  For all of your samples per month, you can review them for 10 points.  Every 100 points gets you $10 off in their store to buy full sized items (you'll also earn points with every purchase you make.)  I'm currently sitting at 385 points, they're burning a hole in my pocket!

Ta da!  Awesome box.  One of the things Birchbox did in July (that they've done again in August) is allow you to choose your own sample.  It was the first time they've done it, so there were a few hiccups in the process, but I got my top choice, so I was happy.  You could choose between 3 different Ruffian Nail Polish Colors or 2 different Cynthia Rowley Lip Stains.  I picked polish (to add to my growing collection) in Relic.  I'm on the search for the perfect silver color to go with my Eagles green for the start of Football Season!

Birchbox Man Review July 2014

Geoff got his first Birchbox in June.  We were just going to do one month, but didn't cancel in time, whoops!  So he also received a box for July.  Turned out to be a pretty great box for him, so we're glad we missed a deadline.

The Men's version of Birchbox is pretty similar to the Women's version.  The biggest difference is the price - the Men's box runs $20 a month.  Each month the Men's box includes a higher dollar value "lifestyle" item which account for the price difference.  If you're unfamiliar with either version, Birchbox is a monthly subscription service.  When signing up, you take a quiz that sets up your profile.  The items they send you are based on this profile. (For example, if you are bald, you can mark it as such so they don't send you shampoo/conditioner.)  What I love about Birchbox is the point system.  You can earn points for purchases as well as for reviewing the items you receive each month, each review is worth 10 points and every 100 points earns you $10 in their shop!

For Geoff's box this month, starting in the upper left, there's Baxter of California Moisturizer.  Geoff really likes the facial scrub by Baxter of California from June's box, so this was a great item to receive.

Next is the Proraso After Shave Lotion.  Geoff had bought a different type of after shave product from Proraso recently, so he was happy to receive this to compare the two.  It has found a new home in our travel sized product collection, so I think he liked it!

Birchbox Man Review June 2014

I finally got Geoff to take the plunge into the Subscription Box fun.  He's decided to start trying a bunch of new stuff for a better shave.  Since Birchbox was offering the June Box for 50% off, he decided to give it a try.

Birchbox Man operates slightly different than the Woman's Box.  For starters, the Men's box runs $20/month.  You receive 4-5 samples based on a profile you set up (including whether or not you shave) including a lifestyle item that is a nicer, more expensive item.  It is normally shipped out by the 25th of the month prior.  You also still get points for reviewing the items you receive in your box.

Per usual, I'll start in the top left.  First up is Baxter of California Facial Scrub. It has walnut shells in it, which is interesting.  As I mentioned earlier, Geoff is really interested in shaving products, but he was happy to get the face scrub since he doesn't use anything like this.

Birchbox Woman & Modern Mermaid Review, June 2014

This month I splurged when Birchbox released a Limited Edition Box that they called the Modern Mermaid. I'll review that before I get into this month's regularly scheduled box!

Every so often, Birchbox will release a Limited Edition Box.  These are more expensive than the monthly boxes, and curated around a theme.  This theme was "Modern Mermaid" or a Summer beach essential kit.  It was priced at $44, but with a discount code & saved points, I paid $15 for this box.  Which is a steal considering the value of the box is over $100. I mean really, it was awesome.

The packaging on this box was fantastic, right down to the outer box it came in.  They really nailed the presentation.  I'll start from the left and make my way to the right.  First, there's the Mermaid Mirror that is essentially a little compact mirror.  I haven't used it yet, but it's a cute little mirror.  I should bring it in and keep it on my desk at work so I don't have to run to the bathroom to re-apply my lip gloss.  Or maybe I'll gift it, I haven't decided yet.  Next in line is the Atelier Cologne.  I wasn't really looking forward to the perfume as I can't wear most perfumes as they're too strong and will give me a migraine.  I love the smell. It's light, so a spritz or two on my wrists is enough that I smell great, but doesn't give me a migraine.  It wound up being one of my favorite items in the box.

Birchbox May 2014 Review

Birchbox time again!  I'm a little late in posting my review, I received the box on Monday.  I got a 7 item box this month, which was awesome, even if I'm not thrilled with all the items.

For May they were working with Kate Spade Saturday - the inside of this box is super cute!  You also received a coupon for $25 off a $75 purchase (which I won't be using, so if you want it, let me know!)  For anyone not familiar with Birchbox, it's a monthly beauty subscription box that costs $10/month (including shipping.) They promise to ship by the 10th of every month and it comes via USPS in the mailbox.  You fill out a beauty profile to indicate your likes, skin tone, hair type, etc. So in theory, every box is tailored to you.

April 2014 Birchbox Review

It's that time again!  My Birchbox arrived today!  It was kind of a surprise as when I checked this morning, the tracking info said it was just leaving Georgia.  When I got home from work, I saw this beauty in my mailbox!

In case you're unfamiliar with Birchbox (referral link) it's a monthly beauty subscription service.  It costs $10/month and each month they send you samples of different products to try.  The samples range from cosmetics to skincare to haircare to lifestyle items.  Usually there's 4-5 items in your box plus one lifestyle item.  One of the best things about Birchbox is that when you review your items every month you earn points (1 review = 10 points) and every 100 points you earn gets you $10 to spend in the Birchbox shop - a great way to buy your new discoveries or try something new!

March 2014 Birchbox Review

Thursday was a pretty exciting day in our house.  Geoff came home from California and my Birchbox arrived!  My pictures are a little better this month, but I still need to work on them!

I got the tracking number on Tuesday and it said it was probably going to be delivered on the 10th or 11th (still good as the company promises to ship by the 10th!)  Then I saw the beautiful box in my mailbox on Thursday!  What a treat!

A quick review of Birchbox in case you've never heard of it... It's a $10 monthly subscription.  They send you samples of nice brands once per month.  You fill out a beauty profile and they send you products based on that.  You can see my February Box here.

February 2014 Birchbox Review

Just for fun, I thought I would start putting up reviews of my Birchbox each month.  I like seeing what everyone else received, so why not!

If you're unfamiliar with Birchbox (referral link if you're interested) it's a monthly subscription service.  Once a month I receive a box with fun samples to try - usually 4-5 plus a lifestyle "extra."  It's $10 and includes shipping.  You set up a beauty profile and I really recommend playing with if you're not crazy about what you're getting.  It asks you about your hair, skin, what you love, your proficiency with beauty products, and what your style is.  My coworker also gets Birchbox and her box was completely different than mine except for one item.

I promise to take better pictures next month!