UNBOXING: Birchbox January 2015

by - January 20, 2015


I am such a nerd. I peeked several times until the Birchbox website finally told me what I was getting this month and I was really excited. Like, really excited. I have to admit that upon receiving the box, I'm a little less excited, but that isn't to say that I dont' still love this box. Because I do. Now, admittedly, there are two brand repeats from last month, which is kind of a bummer, but since they're still products that I've never tried I don't really have such an issue with that. I have to say that after my highly disappointing Ipsy bag (which came in the UGLIEST BAG EVER!) this looked extra good. I was so disappointed with Ipsy this month that I didn't even have any desire to blog it. I figured that my spoiler post was enough. I'm going to hang tough with Ipsy for one more month and see how I feel about it then, but I might shift my consumer dollars entirely over to Birchbox after that. We'll see. I'm still hoping that Ipsy is going to wow me next month and all will be forgiven.

BUT LET'S TALK ABOUT MY BIRCHBOX. Keep reading for a closer look....


1. Beauty Protector Protect & Treat Mask - 1oz Sample - Value $7.50
"Developed by stylists, this argan oil treatment restores strength and megashine to the hair."

MEGASHINE. I'll take two orders of megashine, please. This is one of the brand repeats this month, but I'm not mad - especially because it smells like deliciousness that I want to rub all up in my hair region. Truth being told, I'll probably literally get only two uses out of this, because I am a fiend when it comes to slathering on the hair masks and I am not conservative with the amount of product that I use. That said, I think 2 uses is enough to know whether I like this and whether I would actually want to purchase it. Either way, I love a hair mask in general and I'm looking forward to getting all up in these little pots of tasty scent. By the way, I would describe the scent but as I write this I don't actually have them next to me so I would just be making it up by notoriously unreliable memory.


2. Embryolisse Lait-Créme Concentré - 5ml Sample Size - Value: $1.86
"A makeup artist must-have, this cult moisturizer moonlights as a primer and makeup remover."

I admit it. I was most excited that I was going to be getting this because I've been wanting to try it for years, pretty much since I started watching the Pixiwoo sisters on Youtube. I've heard about a zillion great things about Embryolisse and I felt like it was one of those things that I needed to test for hype purposes. Of course, this sample is itty teeny bitty.. which I would kind of understand if not for the fact that it is also only a value of under $2. Whatever, though. I'll probably get a couple of uses out of it and then take advantage of the free shipping from Birchbox and some of my points to pick up a full size and give it a real try. We'll see if this is as amazing as they say!


3. Harvey Prince Hello Liquid Loofah - 15ml Sample Size - Value: $1.03
"Infused with the best-selling citrus-floral scent, this wash hydrates and softens skin."

This is the second brand repeat from last month and I feel kind of bad for people who received these products both months who don't like the scent, because it is definitely not subtle. That said, I actually do like the scent and I feel like I will look forward to using this. However, I am kind of starting to hoard these deluxe samples of body products for another round of Sample Killah (or something similar) this summer, so it'll be a while before I use it. Still, not mad, if only because I like the scent, but if I see Harvey Prince or Beauty Protector in next month's box I will start to be annoyed. 


4. ModelCo Party Proof Lipstick in Dusk Until Dawn - Full Size - Value $7.67
"Hydrating Semimatte formula in a deep nude shade that lasts as long as the party does."

I opened this and I made a face when I saw the colour, I admit it. I'm generally so over the brown nudes that harken back to my mid 90s junior high days. Still, I tried it on and... What. I like it. In the tube, it looks really brown and like I would hate it, but on the lips there's enough rosiness that I think it is actually really flattering on my skin. Also, it smells like some kind of gummy candy that I can't actually place but do find fairly pleasant, and it's really smooth to apply and comfortable on the lips like a balm. My only complaint is that I don't find this to be a matte formula at all. I think this is a straight up créme finish. Still, I think that's actually part of why I like it as well, since these kinds of shades in matte finishes are sort of my pet peeves at this point, so I can't complain. I'm actually really stoked that I got this and I think I'll wear it a lot. Especially with plaid. Can't help it.


5. Whish Shave Crave in Acai Grapefruit - .75oz Deluxe Sample - Value $3.30
"An ultrahydrating, she butter-packed shaving cream in a pick me up grapefruit scent."

This is available in Almond scent, I just realized, and now I am wishing that they had sent me that one. Don't get me wrong, I don't find this scent to be overwhelmingly gross or anything, but I prefer almond to everything and would rarely choose grapefruit over most scents. Still, it's not too bad. This is another product that's going to go in the stash to be used up in a flurry this summer. I feel like I'll probably like it, since I'm preferring shaving cream type products to foam lately and I do love a shaving product that leaves a bunch of moisture in its wake. If it performs like it claims, I'll be sold. Now, don't get me wrong... I won't be $22 sold, but I will enjoy it while I have it.


Total Cost: $10 (plus $4.95 Shipping)
Total Value: $21.36

So, the value of this box doesn't seem nearly as high as some of the other boxes that I receive generally, but the thing I love about Birchbox is the points system. Each month you have the opportunity to review the samples in your box and each review gets you 10 points. Every 100 points equals $10 to spend in the Birchbox store, which I think makes it pretty damn worth it. Basically, if you're willing to the reviews, you get $5 back each month in store credit. Great, right?

So far I'm really excited about Birchbox and will undoubtedly be nerd stalking the YOUR BOX page next month to see what I'm going to get before it gets here, so look for another unboxing next month!

If you're interested in signing up, I would love if you would use my Affiliate Link! You know, if you're interested! Insert waggly eyes and a winkyface here. Either way, though, I recommend this as a great subscription service FINALLY available to Canadian consumers!

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