Me and Birchbox were having a bit of a shaky relationship for a while there, but as soon as I felt like I was ready to leave they started hitting me with boxes that I've really been loving. Isn't that always the way? I know a lot of people opted out of continuing their Birchbox subscriptions a few months ago, but I have to tell you guys that I'm actually really glad that I stayed! I finally spent some of those Birchbox points I had been collecting and my little haul is going to be here soon - which is super exciting and my favorite part of Birchbox - and then this box came and solidified at least another month of me and Birchbox sittin' in a tree. How's that for cheese for you? Let's move on!

Keep reading to take a look inside my Birchbox!

As a part of Breast Cancer awareness month, for October Birchbox Canada parterned with the Look Good, Feel Better Foundation, which is an organization that helps Canadian women with cancer look beautiful and feel confident. I think we all recognize how indulging in makeup and beauty can help us get through struggle, even though it seems like something of a frivolous thing. I know that when I'm struggling with real life things, sometimes just being able to feel beautiful can make it all seem a little less overwhelming to take on, so I love that organizations like this exist and I appreciate that Birchbox partnered with them this month.

12 Benefits Instant Healthy Hair Treatment

45ml Deluxe Sample - Value $5.25

Created by two industry experts, this heroic all-in-one detangles, protects, and heals.

This stuff claims to do a hell of a lot of things for your hair... which obviously makes me eager and cautiously optimistic about trying it. If nothing else, it smells really good and sometimes that really is enough for me when it comes to a hair product. I've been getting a LOT of these kinds of pre-blowdry products lately... which I think is a sign that it's time to stop letting my hair air dry and actually style it. Thank you, subscriptions!

Paula's Choice RESIST Barrier Repair Moisturizer with Retinol

15ml  Deluxe Sample - Value $10.80

A silky-smooth hydrator that uses retinol to firm skin, smooth fine lines, and even tone.

I've been DYING to get one of the Paula's Choice samples for pretty much ages, so you KNOW that I'm stoked about this one. I think this is a really great sample size and I love that it comes in a bottle with a pump, since that's my #1 preferred packaging for moisturizer. VERY happy with this sample.

Mirenesse Mattfinity Lip Rouge in Sydney

1.7g Deluxe Sample - Value $7.04

Velvety color with a modern matte finish. No need for lip liner: This stain stays put.

I've been dying to try this product out as well, so I was really excited when it was in this month's bag. It's actually really different from a lot of other matte liquid lipsticks that I've tried in that it really doesn't seem to set, so I'm not quite sure how I feel about it yet. However, it is a beautiful, vibrant berry shade with a really beautiful, pigmented formula so even if I'm not in love, I know I'll use it.

EyeKo Black Magic Mascara

4ml Deluxe Sample - Value $14.34

Water-resistant formula that curls, adds volume, and has major staying power.

This is another product I've been wanting to try for quite some time (which I feel is the theme of this month's box for me) and I'm really excited about it. It's a good size sample, I think, and I really like that it comes in a soft tube. Not sure how I feel about the mascara itself, because I haven't tried it yet, but I'm definitely glad that I got it.

English Laundry No. 7 Eau De Parfum for Her

2ml Sample Size - Value $4.18

This bright, flirty fragrance is grounded with alluring hints of masculine musk.

I don't love getting tiny fragrance samples in subscription boxes, especially when in some others I've gotten bigger 5ml samples in pretty little bottles or even full size rollerballs. Like so many of the fragrances I've gotten recently, this reminds me of something from my childhood. It's not really my taste of perfume, but I still might use it from time to time if I'm feeling like something a little different.

Clearly you guys know how happy I am with this bag, right? RIGHT. 4 of 5 of the products are ones that I'm really excited to have gotten, and the other one is fine. If I could get a box from Birchbox like this every month, I would be a very happy kitten. I really do think Birchbox is upping their game in Canada because they really have no choice if they want to hold onto a piece of the market. I'm crossing my fingers that they continue to keep improving in the future,  because I'll be sold!

Thanks for reading!

If you're interested in joining Birchbox, it's $10/month plus $4.95 shipping and handling. Each month you'll receive a box filled with 5 samples of various beauty products, all of which are available for purchase on the Birchbox website. Each month you have the opportunity to review your samples and earn 10 points per review. The points system is my personal favorite part of Birchbox, because it's basically like getting $5 cash back to spend each month in the Birchbox shop! If you haven't tried Birchbox yet, I would definitely recommend it!