Birchbox did two boxes this year from the annual Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) Insider's Choice Beauty Awards. This box celebrates some of this year's finalists and winners. As of today you can still purchase it here for $18.
I wasn't sure about this box, and I honestly only bought it because I got $5 off when I purchased it in a bundle with the Mass Appeal Box. But it has some exciting products in it, so let's take a look.
Birchboxes always come packaged really well, which is nice. It gives an extra level of specialness to each one.
This one also came with a card explaining each product.
Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! Push-Up Eye Liner (0.1 g) $2.40
I've been wanting to try gel eye liner, and this one gets good reviews. It's billed as a 'gel liner pen' and is waterproof. Benefit samples always seem to be small but well packaged (to make up for the size, maybe? :D) and this one is no exception. Still, if I can get the hang of gel liner then this is the perfect size to toss in my bag. Benefit is an American company run by four women (twin sisters and the daughters of one twin) in San Francisco, California.
COOLA SPF 50 Sport Mango (0.5 fl oz) $3.20
I tried COOLA mineral matte sunscreen with my first Birchbox, and I enjoyed it but the sample was tiny, making it difficult to really try out the product. This sample is a much more reasonable size and I'll get several uses out of it. I like that this is a moisturizing sunscreen that is sweat proof and water resistant. The scent is pretty strong, but not unpleasant. It absorbed quickly into my skin and didn't leave it super shiny like some of the tinted sunscreens I've tried. But it also has no tint or skin correction, so this is either for a no-makeup day or to wear under your makeup. It is a certified organic product that is easy on your skin.
Fekkai Hair Fragrance Mist in Creme Vanillee (10 mL/0.33 fl oz) $4
The description says "This lightweight mist infuses hair with an addictive scent, plus tamps down static and bumps up shine." I don't know about static and shine, but it definitely infuses your hair--one spray and I felt like I was walking around in a cloud of vanilla. The scent reminds me of the Yves Rocher vanilla bean body spray I liked in my early twenties. Speaking of my twenties, where was this product when I spent more time in bars and restaurants than parks and classrooms? This would have been very useful back then!! Still, though, I'll keep it around. I'm sure I'll use it most when we eat out -- I frequently veto specific restaurants just because I don't like the way my hair smells when we leave!
Glamglow THIRSTYMUD Hydrating Treatment (0.24 oz) $10
with bonus POWERMUD Dualcleanse (0.1 oz) $2
This is one of those samples I'm never sure about. On the one hand, I would NEVER pay $12 just to try a product (and the Powermud is the dreaded one-time-use foil packet). On the other hand, both products have good reviews on amazon and apparently a loyal following. I'm glad I'll get to try this one as part of the box.
Marula Facial Oil (5 mL) $8
I'm iffy on this one. It says it's for all skin types, but I wouldn't normally put an oil-based anything on my face--I'm too prone to breakouts. I'm going to research this one a bit more before trying it.
Nudestix Lip/Cheek Pencil in Ripe (0.088 oz) $24??
I found this pencil on the Sephora website in a slightly smaller size (0.05 oz) for $24, but that one had a sharpener and case included, so I approximated the value based on that. This is a highly pigmented pencil in a corally-orange shade that I probably wouldn't have chosen on my own. I like the smooth formula though. I suspect this will be an occassional cheek color for me rather than a lip, but honestly I have a lot of lipsticks and only a few blushers so that's fine by me.
So the total value of this $18 box was about $53.60. (I actually paid much less than $18, which you can read about here) I'm happy with it. I get to try a gel eyeliner and a few cleansers/moisturizers I haven't tried before, and the hair fragrance, sunscreen, and nudestix pencil were all hits. I'm not sure about the marula oil, but who knows? Maybe it will become my new favorite product!
****This post contains affiliate links. If you click through the links and buy something or subscribe, I'll get reward points or even a tiny percentage of the money spent. I do not see what you bought or even who bought it, nor do I have access to any of your financial information. All opinions expressed are my own based on personal use of the products listed. No kittens were harmed in the writing of this blog.
Showing posts with label Birchbox. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Birchbox. Show all posts
Monday, September 7, 2015
Birchbox for CEW Mass Appeal Box 2015
Burt’s Bees® Lip Crayon in Sedona Sands – Full size $8
Cetaphil® Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths – 10-Pack $3
LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask – Sample size $7
Olay™ Regenerist Luminous Dark Circle Correcting HydraSwirl™ Eye Cream – Full size $22
Rimmel Scandaleyes Rockin' Curves – Full size $5
Simple® Skincare Ultra-Light Gel Moisturizer – Full size $10
$15 Box approximately $55
Sunday, September 6, 2015
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:
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
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 ***
Mystery Samples if you spend $35 -$10
20% off code MOBILE20 - $8.60
100 points -$10
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 ***
Birchbox Review August 2015
Since I was so in love with Ipsy I decided I wanted to try other subscription services. Birchbox is the same price as Ipsy ($10 a month). I was disappointed to find out that while Ipsy frequently sends out full-sized products, Birchbox only sends samples. However, Birchbox has an incredibe rewards program: you earn points the same way you do with Ipsy, by referring others or reviewing products. But with Ipsy it takes several months or referrals to earn enough points for a reward, and the rewards are a handful of products selected by Ipsy, Birchbox points translate directly into credit in their online store, for any product they sell. If you share your $10 box each month and review all five products sampled, that gives you $6 store credit (you can only use it in $10 increments, but still).
Without further ado, here's my first box:
Yes, that's the actual box (Note: other photos in this blog are from the Birchbox website, mostly because I'm not that great at photography). And that's my actual hand, which would be waving hello to you if it weren't holding the large-index-card-sized box of minuscule samples. To say I was disappointed is a bit of an understatement--maybe Ipsy has spoiled me, but I expected deluxe samples or full sized products, but three of these are teeny-tiny! It was a real let down, I put away my disappointment to review the products. You're welcome.
Dr. Brandt Pores No More Cleanser (0.25 fl oz) $3
This is a small sample, good for no more than 2-3 very sparing uses. Still, I was excited by the idea of a pore-shrinking cleanser. I feel like my pores are huge, so I had high hopes. They were dashed the minute I started massaging the product into my skin--the smell is SO medicinal. I did not notice any pore shrinkage after using, but I did notice that my skin felt uncomfortably tight and dry. I'll keep this around for a bit and try it again if my skin feels particularly oily, but my first impression of this product is No.
Coola Mineral Sunscreen Matte Tint, Unscented (.17 fl oz) $2.40
I actually liked this product. I have tried a few 'tinted' sunscreens lately and they all left my face so shiny that I had to powder over it. Since my reason for using a tinted sunscreen was so that I didn't have to put on foundation and powder, it defeated the purpose. This sunscreen went on easily and did not leave my face shiny. However, it did feel a little gritty putting it on. I may pick up a full-sized version of this one--I don't feel like the sample is really large enough to let me get a good sense of the product, though the two times I used it (before running out :( ) I liked the results. I think this product is a Yes, but due to the small sample size I'm going to have to keep it at Maybe for now.
Benefit Watts Up! Cream-to-Powder Highlighter (0.08 oz) $8
I wasn't sure about this one but a friend (Hi Barbie!) says it's one of her favorite products. I have to admit it's a great product--good coverage, good pigmentation, lasts well. And a highlighter is one of those things that I always stole from my theatre makeup kit because the closest you could find to it on the retail market was a concealer. The tiny packaging makes this hard to use in my opinion (it's a twist-up tube with the product smaller than a lip balm) but I can use a brush or my fingers to apply. The product itself is a high quality one, and I'll probably purchase a full size when this one runs out. This is a Yes.
Marcelle Mini Waterproof Eyeliner in Mulberry ('travel' size) $4
The first time I tried this, I hated it. The color just added to my already-dark eyes to make them even darker. After a few weeks of using my new favorite eye creme (more on that here), it's one of my go-to liners. The purple hue looks like a faded black on my eyes, which is great for day time. If I put on a few layers, it builds up and really pops. The formula itself glides on smoothly, almost like a liquid, and it has great staying power. The 'sample' is a single travel sized pencil, but to be honest I tend to throw out eye pencils before they're half-used so travel size is probably a good size for me. This is a Yes.
Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk--Natural Tint (50 mL) $9
I have never used a dry shampoo before, always afraid of residue. The first time I used this one, I made my son my guinea pig :D He has super thick hair that he is determined to keep just below his ears, but he's not yet great at rinsing his hair after washing, often leaving his hair looking oily. A quick spritz of this made his hair look great. Seeing his results gave me the courage to try it myself, and it really was an easy way to pick up a flat hairstyle. I expect this product to become a staple at our house. This is a resounding YES.
The total value of my $10 box was about $26.40. It's not terrible, but I do feel like Ipsy is the better value. However, I gained $6 in points for reviewing/sharing my box, plus I got some bonus points when I signed up. I traded them in on a Prestige Headliners Beauty Collection box. I also bought (2) Mass Appeal Boxes. Those reviews will be coming soon!!!
Dr. Brandt Pores No More Cleanser (0.25 fl oz) $3
This is a small sample, good for no more than 2-3 very sparing uses. Still, I was excited by the idea of a pore-shrinking cleanser. I feel like my pores are huge, so I had high hopes. They were dashed the minute I started massaging the product into my skin--the smell is SO medicinal. I did not notice any pore shrinkage after using, but I did notice that my skin felt uncomfortably tight and dry. I'll keep this around for a bit and try it again if my skin feels particularly oily, but my first impression of this product is No.
Coola Mineral Sunscreen Matte Tint, Unscented (.17 fl oz) $2.40
Benefit Watts Up! Cream-to-Powder Highlighter (0.08 oz) $8
Marcelle Mini Waterproof Eyeliner in Mulberry ('travel' size) $4
The first time I tried this, I hated it. The color just added to my already-dark eyes to make them even darker. After a few weeks of using my new favorite eye creme (more on that here), it's one of my go-to liners. The purple hue looks like a faded black on my eyes, which is great for day time. If I put on a few layers, it builds up and really pops. The formula itself glides on smoothly, almost like a liquid, and it has great staying power. The 'sample' is a single travel sized pencil, but to be honest I tend to throw out eye pencils before they're half-used so travel size is probably a good size for me. This is a Yes.
Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk--Natural Tint (50 mL) $9
The total value of my $10 box was about $26.40. It's not terrible, but I do feel like Ipsy is the better value. However, I gained $6 in points for reviewing/sharing my box, plus I got some bonus points when I signed up. I traded them in on a Prestige Headliners Beauty Collection box. I also bought (2) Mass Appeal Boxes. Those reviews will be coming soon!!!
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