Birchbox Order August 2015

As I mentioned here, I wasn't really impressed with my first Birchbox delivery.   While the products were high quality, some of the samples were so small that I didn't feel like I was actually able to determine how I felt about the product.   But there's something that Birchbox has that is SO much better than every other subscription box program I've seen, and that's their rewards program.

When I signed up for Birchbox, I used a code to get 50 points or $5 store credit (current code BBJetBlue10 will actually get you 100 points, or $10 to spend in their store!).  I reviewed the products in my first box and that gave me enough points for $10 off in the store.

I noticed that their Mass Appeal Beauty Collection Box (reviewed here) included a full size Olay Regenerist Hydraswirl Eye Cream (which you can read about my love for here) as well as some other products.   The box was only $15, and local stores have that eye cream for around $25, so I knew I needed to get that box.

When I added it to my cart, I noticed that the Prestige Headliners Beauty Box could be bundled with the Mass Appeal box (you can read my review of the prestige box here) for a $5 discount.   A full size product and six more samples for $13 after the discount . . . what bargain hunter could pass that up?  Not this one!  So into the cart it went.

I hate paying shipping, so I started playing around with my cart to see what the free shipping threshold was.  It seemed like it was $50, BUT the amount needed for free shipping is calculated BEFORE discounts.   I added another of each of the boxes and it gave me free shipping but not an additional $5 discount.  I didn't feel like the Prestige box was worth $18 for me, so I reduced that down to 1 again.   Then I checked their bonus shop.  Now, you can only add one coupon code per order (bummer) BUT they have a 'Mystery samples' pack that is free if you spend $35 and doesn't require a code--you just add the $10 item to your cart and if you have spent $35, it automatically takes off $10.   AND that $10 counts towards total spent, so that bumped my total up over $50 to get free shipping!!  I also found a coupon code on retailmenot (LOVE that site!) for 20% off my entire purchase.  So my order looked like this:

2 Mass Appeal Boxes @ $15 each =    $30
1 Prestige Box @ $18                     =    $18
1 Mystery Samples @$10               =    $10

Total:                                                     $58

Minus:  

                 Box Bundle                           -$5
    Mystery Samples if you spend $35   -$10

                 20% off code MOBILE20   - $8.60
                 100 points                             -$10

Grand Total:                                         $24.40!!!

So basically I bought ONE hydraswirl eyecream and got everything else FREE.   It was like Christmas when that box arrived :D

I've reviewed the two boxes separately, but here's the two free samples I got for spending $35:

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser (1 fl oz) with cloth (about $10)

Haven't tried this one yet, and honestly it seems a little complicated for someone who usually interrupts her nighttime routine for a few renditions of "Go back to BED right now young man!"  But the promises of 'naturally active ingredients' has me looking forward to an opportunity to try this one.

Laqa & Co Lil' Lip $8.50

I can't find the color name on the product or packaging, but I think it's their Bossy Boots.  It's a highly pigmented, almost crayon red color.   I personally didn't love the shade or the packaging, but the formula is great--rich color, a little bit of gloss without glitter.

The retail value of the free with purchase Mystery Sample pack is $18.50

Each of my Mass Appeal boxes were valued at around $55 (reviews here)
The Prestige Box value is about $53.60 (reviews here)

So for $24.40, I received $182 in products!!!!   Definitely a win :D


***This post contains referral links for Ipsy and Birchbox.  If you subscribe to either service using my referral links, I earn referral points that I can exchange for products.   Ipsy and Birchbox are in no way affiliated with this blog.  All opinions expressed are my own based on my own use of the products discussed.   Any amazon links may also be affiliate links (or may not be, depending on whether or not I remembered to make it an affiliate link)  I'm not even sure how that program works, but it's my understanding that if there's a bajillion dollars in sales through my links I get free shipping for any package over $35 :P  ***