Unboxing! Birchbox November 2015: Feeling Fancy!

What it is: BirchBox
Where to get it: Birchbox.com  
How much is it?: $10.00 monthly + tax  
Types of Products: Skin, hair, body, and beauty products and make up
What are the Perks?!: Review your products monthly to earn BirchBox points. Every 100 points earns $10 to use at BirchBox. If you refer a friend and they sign up, you get 50 points. You can stock pile up to 500 points at once. I've yet to do that though! 

Birchbox November 2015: Feeling Fancy

Unboxing and Review!

On top of getting another pretty box, Birchbox has finally been ON POINT with sending me items I actually want to try out! Check it out:

The Haul!

1. Darphin Paris Intral Redness Relief Soothing Serum:

Sample Sized at 2 ml (Approx. $5.00). Full size listed at 30 ml for $88.00

Just in time for my face to go on the fritz moving into winter- I definitely need this! Although the sample size is a bit small- I hope there's enough of it for me to actually decide if I want to buy it. We shall see! But, I'm excited to give it a try.

2. LOC by Tati Vibrant Matte Lipstick in First Kiss:

Full Sized! Listed at .6 g for $8.00.

This was my sample choice. I LOVE the color and I'm actually really excited to try this out. Woo! A win! It swatched super smooth and has a nice, light vanilla scent.

3. Obliphica Professional Seaberry Hair Serum for Fine to Medium Hair:

Sample sized at 15 ml (Approx. $8.75). Full sized listed at 65 ml for $38.00.

Yay! Another hit with Birchbox actually paying attention to my beauty profile. I was a little worried at first that this was another Seaberry item like last month's Supergoop Hand Cream that smelled like old tea to me. But this actually smells great. Going into the winter, I'll probably need some hair oil for frizzies- so I'll hold on to this.

4. Parlor by Jeff Chastain Flexible Hold Hairspray:

Sample sized at .9 oz. (Approx. $3.50). Full size listed at 6.2 oz. for $24.00.

Really, the only loss for me. There has got to be a way to opt out of getting hair spray from these boxes. There has GOT to be a way! I get so much and I never use any of it (except for on Halloween). Meh.

5. Temple Spa La La Lagoon Aromatic Bath & Shower Gel:

Sample sized at .84 fl. oz. (Approx. $3.00). Full sized listed at 5 fl. oz. for $18.00.

I'm not going to say I'm truly excited about this item. But, it will be useful the next time Josh runs out of shower gel and forgets to tell me for a week and starts using my bubble bath!

The Final Verdict!

Box Value: Approx $28.00

 Box Score: 8/10

Final Thoughts: I've been very impressed with how much Birchbox has actually been paying attention to my beauty profile and providing items that I actually want. With the exception of the hair spray (please, God, no more hair spray!), I do like most of the items and I'm excited to try them out.

How was your Birchbox this month?

My Birchbox October 2015: Positive Force Youtube Unboxing Is Live!

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Unboxing! Birchbox October 2015: Positive Force!

What it is: BirchBox  
Where to get it: Birchbox.com  
How much is it?: $10.00 monthly + tax  
Types of Products: Skin, hair, body, and beauty products and make up
What are the Perks?!: Review your products monthly to earn BirchBox points. Every 100 points earns $10 to use at BirchBox. If you refer a friend and they sign up, you get 50 points. You can stock pile up to 500 points at once. I've yet to do that though!  

Birchbox October 2015: Positive Force

Unboxing and Review!

Besides the fact that I absolutely LOVE the design of the box, I have mixed feeling about my October haul. Let's take a look:

The Haul!

1. Dear Clark Thickening Balm:

Sample Sized at 1 oz. (Approx. $6.50). Full size listed at 4 oz. for $26.00

I'm totally happy that I finally got something from Birchbox that actually matches my beauty profile. What a day! This is probably one of the items I've been most excited to try in a long time (other than the Mally gloss from last month). Such a win!

2. Calypso St. Barth Figue Eau De Parfum:

Sample Sized at 1.5 ml (Approx. $1.90). Full size listed at 60 ml for $75.00

Why Birchbox? Why? 

3. Malin + Goetz Grapefruit Face Cleanser:

Sample Sized a .5 oz (Approx. $2.00). Full size listed at 8 oz. for $32.00

Ok. I can give this a shot.  

4. Malin + Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturizer:

Sample Sized at .1 oz. (Approx. $1.15). Full size listed at 4 oz. for $46.00

I would have really preferred to have received a larger sample of this to try out. Maybe vice versa with the cleanser. It just really seems like I won't get much use out of this foil pack.

5. Supergoop Forever Young Hand Cream:

Sample Sized at .14 oz. (Approx. $.47). Full Sized listed at 10 oz. for $34.00

Another sample for ants I see... and really? Not even $1's worth of product? Come now Birchbox. Although I'll probably end up using this- the scent kind of reminds me of old tea. I don't know- I'm kind of feeling gypped with the sample plus the foil pack and the perfume...

6. Benefit Roller Lash:

Sample Sized at 3 g. (Approx. $9.00). Full sized listed at 8.5 g for $24.00

This was my sample choice. Normally I'm not a fan of Roller Lash- I much prefer They're Real. But for some reason Roller Lash covers my lash extensions when I get make up on them much better than most other mascaras- so I figured I would stock up on an extra.

The Final Verdict!

Box Value: Approx $21.00

 Box Score: 5/10

Final Thoughts: I really don't know how I feel about this month's box. First of all, this is a very low value box with 3 samples for ants. But, I did like actually getting something that matches my beauty profile plus being about to stock up on a Roller Lash. Please though Birchbox- NO MORE PERFUME SAMPLES. I BEG YOU!

How was your Birchbox this month?

My Birchbox August 2015: Soak It Up Youtube Unboxing is Live!

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Unboxing! Birchbox August 2015: Soak It Up!

What it is: BirchBox 
Where to get it: Birchbox.com  
How much is it?: $10.00 monthly + tax  
Types of Products: Skin, hair, body, and beauty products and make up.  
What are the Perks?!: Review your products monthly to earn BirchBox points. Every 100 points earns $10 to use at BirchBox. If you refer a friend and they sign up, you get 50 points. You can stock pile up to 500 points at once. I've yet to do that though!

Birchbox August 2015: Soak It Up!

Unboxing and Review!

I was actually really, really pleased with my August Birchbox! It really seems like I'm finally getting items I want to try! Also- I think the box this month is adorable!

Let' Take A Look!

The Haul!

1. Coola Environmental Repair Plus Radical Recovery After Sun Lotion:

Sample Sized at .5 oz, Approx. $2.70. Full Sized Listed at 6 oz for $32.00

Besides that awful, awful name- I'm actually finding myself excited about a Coola product. Who would have thought?? The concept is really cool and since I'm one to burn no matter what SPF I wear, this is definitely something I'm interested in trying out.

2. Dr. Brandt Pores No More Cleanser:

Sample Sized at .25 oz, Approx. $2.50. Full Sized Listed at 3.5 oz for $35.00

So, I've normally gotten rid of my Dr. Brandt products. But, my pores have been wild recently. I think I'll give this cleanser a shot!

3. IPKN Pore Apple Sun Cream:

Sample Sized at 7 ml, Approx. $2.80. Full Sized Listed at 70 ml for $28.00

Oh my god! This is so cool! It's sunscreen that smells like a real apple! It's so think and you need to put it on sparingly. But I am in love!!

4. R+Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo:

Sample Sized at 1.6 oz, Approx. $7.40. Full Sized Listed at 6.3 oz for $29.00

This was my sample choice. Although I am not the hugest fan of dry shampoos- I'm mulling over giving this one a shot. We'll see!

5. theBalm Balm Desert Bronzer/Blush:

Sample Sized at .8 g, Approx. $2.60. Full Sized Listed at 6.39 g for $21.00

I really like getting theBalm samples. But, I'm a little concerned how I am going to apply this being that it's super tiny and cannot conceivably fit any brush!

6. Bonus Item: Kerastase Bain Force Architecte Shampoo:

Sample Sized at 10 ml, Approx. $1.60. Full Sized listed at 250 ml for $40.00

Since this is a bonus item, I am not going to complain about getting the sample packet. Plus, when else am I going to get the chance to use $40 shampoo?

The Final Verdict!

Box Value: Approx $20.00

 Box Score: 8/10

Final Thoughts: Although a surprisingly low box value, I am pretty pleased. I got 6 items and will probably give them all a shot. Birchbox was on point this month! Woo!

What did you think of the August 2015 Birchbox?

 

My Birchbox July 2015: Go Bold Youtube Unboxing is Live!

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Unboxing! Birchbox July 2015: Go Bold!

What it is: BirchBox 
Where to get it: Birchbox.com
How much is it?: $10.00 monthly + tax
Types of Products: Skin, hair, body, and beauty products and make up.
What are the Perks?!: Review your products monthly to earn BirchBox points. Every 100 points earns $10 to use at BirchBox. If you refer a friend and they sign up, you get 50 points. You can stock pile up to 500 points at once. I've yet to do that though!

Birchbox July 2015: Go Bold!

Unboxing and Review!

Sometimes I feel like Birchbox hates me. I've looked at so many of the other items people got in their boxes this month and I feel let down as usual. At this point, I'm just keeping Birchbox for the points and for blog reviews.

Let's Take A Look:

The Menu:

The Haul!

1. Harvey Prince Hello Body Cream:

Sample Sized at .5 oz., Approx. $.91. Full Sized Listed at 12 oz. for $22.00

PLEASE STOP WITH THE HARVEY PRINCE!! I can't take it any more Birchbox!! I can't take it!! I mean, at least it's not another perfume sample. But, 90 cents worth of body lotion?? NOPE.

 

2. Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream:

Sample Sized at .17 oz., Approx. $3.90. Full Size Listed at 1.7 oz for $39.00

AHHHHH yet ANOTHER Juice Beauty sample. I am SO SO SO SO sick of Juice Beauty as well. With all the MILLIONS of different companies out there WHY am I being tortured by Juice Beauty and Harvey Prince?? I've already gotten this CC cream multiple times multiple places. Someone please take these off my hands!!

3. Oribe Dry Texturing Spray:

Sample Sized at 1 oz, Approx. $4.95. Full Sized Listed at 8.5 oz for $42.00

What is this? Hair Spray? Like a sea salt spray? I don't know. Probably the only thing I *may* try from this month's box.

4. Stila Stay All Day Lipstick in Bella:

Sample Sized at .05 oz., Approx. $12.00. Full Size Listed at 1 oz for $22.00

UGH! I am incredibly disappointed with this. It looks AWFUL on me and I was really looking forward to this. So much ugh!

5. Supergoop Anti-Aging City Sunscreen Serum SPF 30:

Sample Sized at .33 oz., Approx. $8.50. Full Sized listed at 1.6 oz. for $42.00

All though I've heard mixed things about Supergoop, I'll give this a shot. But, I'll be damned to pay $42 for what is essentially sunblock. WAY over priced. 

The Final Verdict!

Box Value: Approx $30.00

 Box Score: 3/10

Final Thoughts: I'm getting to the bitter end of my frustration rope with seeing all the awesome crap other people get in their Birchboxes. I really feel like I'm on a "bad client" list with them. Like I said above, I'm throwing in the towel to even care anymore what they send me. Because I know that I just won't use or like the stuff. I give up.

What did you think of the July 2015 Birchbox?

Unboxing! BirchBox June 2015: Say Yes!

What it is: BirchBox 
Where to get it: Birchbox.com
How much is it?: $10.00 monthly + tax
Types of Products: Skin, hair, body, and beauty products and make up.
What are the Perks?!: Review your products monthly to earn BirchBox points. Every 100 points earns $10 to use at BirchBox. If you refer a friend and they sign up, you get 50 points. You can stock pile up to 500 points at once. I've yet to do that though!

Birchbox June 2015: Say Yes!

Unboxing and Review!

I know a lot of people were really upset that they didn't get that eyeliner in their Birchbox this month. I'm kind of over it. I was actually a bit please with my box this month.

Let's take a look:

The Haul!:

1. Caudalie Vinoperfect Day Perfecting Fluid SPF 15:
Sample Sized at 3ml (Approx. $3.70). Full Sized listed at 40 ml for $49.00

I am a HUGE Caudalie fan and really love their products. So, I'm happy to get this in my box. I just wish the sample wasn't so SO tiny. 

2. Clean Fresh Laundry Eau De Parfum
Sample Sized at 0.03 fl oz (Approx. $1.00). Full Sized listed at 1 oz. for $38.00

I'm not even acknowledging this. I've hit my quotas on perfume samples and they still send them. Enough Birchbox, ENOUGH!!

3. Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Water:
Sample Sized at .7 oz (Approx. $2.70). Full Size listed at 8.4 oz for $32.00

This was my sample choice. I haven't gotten around to trying it yet. But, I have heard mix reviews. So, I may trade it. I have to think about it.

4. Klorane Shampoo with Mango Butter:
Sample Sized at 25 ml (Approx. $1.20). Full Sized listed at 400 ml for $19.50

5. Klorane Conditioning Balm With Mango Butter:
Sample Sized at 10 ml (Approx. $1.05). Full Sized listed at 150 ml for $16.00

Both these items smell great. I just wish the samples weren't SO tiny for such expensive items.

6. Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner in Indigo:
Sample Sized at .8 g (Approx. $7.30). Full Size listed at 1.2 g for $11.00

Although I was hoping for a different color, I think this is a nice replacement for the other eyeliner. And, I'll give it a shot.

7. Bonus Item: L. Erickson Grab & Go Ponytail Holder:
Sample Sized at 1 Holder (Approx $1.20). Full Size Listed at $18.00 for 15 holders

Although the pony tail holder is cute and I can always use extra- there is NO way in hell I would pay close to $20.00 for a pack of 15...

 

The Final Verdict!

Box Value: Approx $18.15

 Box Score: 7/10

Final Thoughts: Although the price point really isn't there for this box, I did like the items. So it's not a terrible loss.

What did you think of the June 2015 Birchbox?

My Birchbox February 2015: Friendship Unboxing Video is Live!

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Unboxing! Birchbox February 2015: Friendship!

What it is: BirchBox 
Where to get it: Birchbox.com
How much is it?: $10.00 monthly + tax
Types of Products: Skin, hair, body, and beauty products and make up.
What are the Perks?!: Review your products monthly to earn BirchBox points. Every 100 points earns $10 to use at BirchBox. If you refer a friend and they sign up, you get 50 points. You can stock pile up to 500 points at once. I've yet to do that though!

Birchbox February 2015: Friendship!

Unboxing and Review!

I want to start out with the fact that Birchbox was not so slowly losing me. I was having a really hard time rationalizing staying subscribed to their beauty box based solely on their customer service and point system. With the exception of my replacement December 2014 Decked Out Box, I'll be real with you. Birchbox was sending me complete crap. And it was kind of apparent that they knew it. If you want to check out my Instagram- @Rainarella - they actually came on to defend themselves after I posted my last box and other people complained about getting the same items. 

But, I will capitulate. This is the best Birchbox I have EVER gotten since I've subscribed.

Maybe they're keeping tabs on me. I dunno.

Let's jump right in!

Upon Opening:

Included in the box was a coupon for $30 off an order of $75 from Rent the Runway (which I probably won't use by the time it expires- 4/17/2015).

And a coupon for a free Benefit Cosmetics Pore Professional Deluxe Mini with any Full Sized Benefit purchase, which I may use.

The Haul!

1. Beautyblender and Solid Cleanser Set:

FULL SIZED! Listed at $28.95 via Birchbox, but I was able to find the set for $25.00 on the Beautyblender website

So, this is my favorite item I have ever received in my Birchbox! I have been meaning to try the beautyblender for a while but have been making excuses about purchasing it. And, I'm also really glad that they provided a nice set with the solid cleansing soap as well. Awesome!

2. Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Cleanser:

Sample sized at .5 fl oz (Approx. $1.60). Full Sized listed at 6.75 fl oz for $22

Although I have mentioned that I am getting a little sick Juice Beauty being in ALL my beauty boxes, I am in need of a new cleanser. So, I'm interested in giving this one a shot. Anything to try to save my skin this winter! Though, I am a little surprised with the low value of the sample.

3. theBalm Cosmetics Read My Lips Lip Gloss in Bam!

Sample Sized at .08 fl oz, (Approx $4.00). Full Sized listed at .3 fl oz for $15.00).

So, I do actually like this gloss. It's a pink that I can actually wear. And, although I was not too familiar with theBalm cosmetics before- I am glad that I have been able to try a number of their products via beauty boxes over the past year. So, I can dig it.

4. Gilchrist and Soames Spa Therapy Body Wash:

Sample Sized at 1.35 fl oz, (Approx. $2.50). Full Sized listed at 8 fl oz for $15.00

I'm kind of apathetic about this product. I recently received something very similar for G & S via Birchbox which I have yet to use. I guess it's ok to have around for when my fiance fails to remind me that he is running low on body wash and it does have a nice scent. And, I know some products are going to be repeated in beauty boxes. But, I really feel like Birchbox is getting a little too repetitive for me. Meh.

5. BeeKind Conditioner:

Sample Sized at at 1 oz (Approx. $1.80). Full Sized listed at 8 oz for $15.00

Meh... a paper sample. Not too hot on this one. But, I guess I can't with them all. 

The Final Verdict!

Box Value: $35.00

 Box Score: 9/10

Final Thoughts: Besides the paper BeeKind conditioner packet, this is by far my FAVORITE Birchbox by far. Awesome!

Unboxing! Birchbox January 2015: Let's Do This!

Oh boy, we are not starting out the New Years too strong. A couple days ago, I posted a very disappointing Sample Society January 2015 New Year, New You Unboxing.

Unfortunately, I am following up with an equally disappointing Birchbox January 2015 Let's Do This Review.

Let's rip this one off like a bandaid:

Birchbox January 2015: Let's Do This Unboxing and Review!

I want to address something quickly. Although my second December 2014 Birchbox was amazing, I was originally sent an extremely sub-par box. Even with my follow up box, I still received a broken item that Birchbox has yet to replace. So, they're pushing the envelope with me and I'm not going to be a happy camper for this review.

If you don't feel like reading, I did upload a Vlog of this unboxing as well as my 2nd Angel Room Service Box review that you can check out here shortly

Upon Opening:

The Haul:

1. Coola Tinted Matte Spf 30:

Sample Sized at .17 oz (Approx $3.60). Full Sized Listed at 1.7 oz for $36

Ugh. I am SO sick of Coola. Besides the fact that I just don't like their product and have had them shoved down my throat over a lot of 2014- these samples are notorious for being more than half empty. What a waste of my money and time. I'm over it.

2. Essential Elements Wake Up Rosemary Body Lotion:

Sample Sized at 1.5 oz (Approx $3.50). Full Sized listed at 8 oz for $19.00

This was my sample choice because there wasn't much in regards to sample choices this month. I do actually like this. The bottle is really pretty. The lotion smells like a spa to me. I'm surprised to be so happy with a little bottle of body lotion. But, this is my only win for the box.

3. Harvey Prince Fragrance in Sincerely:

Sample Sized at 1.5 ml (Approx $1.65). Full Sized listed at 50 ml for $55.00

This doesn't even deserve acknowledgement. You all know how I feel about getting free perfume samples in boxes I pay for...

4. Manna Kadar Lip Locked in All of You:

Sample Sized at 0.01 oz (Approx. $.20??). Full Sized listed at 1.2 oz for $24.00

Ummm... seriously... a 20 cent sample? The color is ok. But come one Birchbox. Really?

5. Number 4 Hair Care Non-Aerosol Hairspray:

Sample Sized at 30 ml (Approx $4.50). Full Sized listed at 200 ml for $30.00

Besides the fact that I opted out of hair products from Birchbox- my original box last month had a hairspray in it that I won't use. Annnnnnnd I've already received this sample a couple months ago. Huge fail for me.

The Final Verdict!

Box Value: $13.45

 Box Score: 2/10

Final Thoughts: Considering the fact that this is the lowest value box I have EVER received from any subscription box. I was really underwhelmed with my samples between hairspray, perfume, and a 20 cent lip gloss. Honestly, if not for the point perks- I would seriously be considering canceling Birchbox right now.