Gotta tell you guys... My Birchbox came fast this month. I randomly decided to check and see if my tracking number was up on the Birchbox site, and it was so I tracked it and Canada Post told me it was out for delivery. I love when that happens! This month's box is really cute. On the top of the box it says "2015: The Year Of ______" and they've included stickers so that you can choose your own way to end that sentence. I personally chose "creativity" for my box, because I feel like I've been lacking a little bit in that department the last few years, and I'd like to spend more time in 2016 embracing the artisitic part of myself that has always really been a big part of my life. Anyway, enough about that! Let's get to what's inside!

Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Water

20ml Sample - Value $4

Made with active hydrogen mineral water, this cleansing water removes makeup and brightens skin.

I was excited to get this... but the sample size is so tiny that it was also kind of disappointing. I would have liked to have a slightly larger sample so that I could have a chance to really get a feel for whether or not I like the product. I did try this once so far and it did a pretty good job of taking off my eye makeup, but I need to try it a few more times to see if I really like it.

gorge* I'll Make You Look Amazing Daily Spray

1oz Sample - Value $10

Organic lime oil hydrates, green tea essence adds shine and reduces oil, and quinoa proteins protect hair.

THIS SMELLS AMAZING. I've been getting a lot of hair products in my Birchboxes recently, which is kinda a bummer but also kind of great because I've really liked all of the products I've been getting because they're good quality. I'm looking forward to trying this and testing the "magical" claims of it.

Raw Spirit Fragrances Winter Oak Eau De Parfum

1ml Sample - Value $3

A mix of American oak, suede, saffron, Haitian vetiver, and musk, this unisex scent delivers a smooth, creamy finish.

So... I'm over fragrance samples, I really am. I've received tiny samples that I could easily get for free in 4 out of the last 5 bags, and I'm kind of done with it. I also don't really like this fragrance, personally. While I actually like fragrances that are unisex, because I like a spicier scent on me, this one definitely feels like straight up man scent. Not thrilled about this one.

TONYMOLY Delight Tony Tint

Sample - Value approx. $2

Lightweight, super pigmented lip stain which dries quickly for a sheer, matte finish that won't budge all day.

Sigh. When I saw that I would be getting this, I was decidedly disappointed. I've actually had a little sample size of this in my collection for a while now and I just never use it because these kinds of tints just don't work for me. Also, this is another sample that is oftentimes sent for free with orders of Korean beauty products. Eh. Maybe some people will be happy to get this.

Ursa Major Fortifying Face Balm

10ml Sample Size - Value $2.40

This all-natural formula delivers serious moisture while keeping skin firm and youthful while also reducing shine.

So, the sample choice this month was distinctly disappointing, but I decided to go with the Ursa Major Face Balm because I figured that it would be a good choice for winter skin. I tried it once and it smells godawful and isn't really a balm so much as a standard lotion. I'll try it again and get back to you.

Total Value: $21.40

As I wrote this post, I got more and more bummed about this month's box. This has definitely been another month of samples that are so tiny that they should be a gift with purchase rather than something you actually pay for in these boxes. Also, the value is really, really low and is clearly skewed by the fact that it's really only value by volume. I would never actually pay $3 for a tiny perfume sample or $4 for half an ounce of cleansing water. Ugh. I don't know if I'm going to stick with Birchbox if this is the kinds of boxes I'm going to keep getting.

Anyway, thanks for reading!