Birchbox Review – November 2014
Birchbox is one of the original beauty subscription boxes, and one of my personal favorites. (I’ve discovered so many new brands through this subscription, and their rewards program is the best!)
Recently Birchbox has added choice to their subscription – you get to pick out one of five samples, or pick a specially curated box. You can still opt to be completely surprised too. This month I decided to go with the Buzzfeed Holiday Hacks box.
The Subscription Box: Birchbox
The Cost: $10 a month (get one month free and $10 to spend in the shop with an annual subscription!)
COUPON: Use coupon code CRBLIP when you sign up to get a free Cynthia Rowley lip gloss mini with a monthly subscription, or the full sized version with an annual subscription.
The Products: Beauty and lifestyle samples selected by the Birchbox team.
Ships to: US, France, Spain and the UK AND CANADA VERY SOON!
Check out all of my Birchbox reviews and the Beauty Subscription Box Directory!
Each box comes with a card detailing the items included and some tips on how to use them.
Green Leaf Votive Candle in Silver Spruce – Value $2
I can’t resist trying out a new holiday-scented candle – I really like the pine scent of this one!
Mirenesse iCurl Secret Weapon 24Hr Mascara – .14 oz Value $14.40
I think I may be in the minority on this – but I never can get enough mascara in subscription boxes – I love trying out new formulas! I’m really impressed with this one too. I’d say it’s best feature is lash separation – it really helps for a more natural yet dramatic look. (If natural + dramatic is possible!)
Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo – .75 oz Value $6.75
Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips – 3 ml Value $2.90
I’ve tried both of these products before and I’m happy to have more of them! This dry shampoo goes on clear, and I like the scent too. The lip balm doesn’t have an applicator that would make it easy to put directly on your lips – but I actually use it for cuticles so it works!
Dr. Jart Pore Minimalist Mask – Value $7.50
I haven’t tried this mask before, but I’m intrigued! Unlike a lot of other masks that you wash off after 10-20 minutes, with this one, you let it sit on your face for 20 minutes, then massage any remaining serum into your skin!
Verdict: I’m really happy I picked the Holiday Hacks BuzzFeed box. The value is great (over $33) and all the product sizes are great too. What did you get from Birchbox this month? Any new favorite discoveries?
Written by Liz Cadman
I received a Birchbox subscription as a gift. I know it’s popular, but feel that my sister was completely ripped off. The company is sending us samples which cost them nothing and charging for the privilege, hoping we’ll buy the regular size. It’s nothing but a sales gimmick. I wish they would at least make a better attempt at creating boxes that are more targeted. I’m not 16. I’m white. The box I recently received didn’t have a single thing I could use other than a tiny sized sample of body lotion. The wrinkle protection cream has a warning that it shouldn’t be used by pregnant women. The matte lip stain was a sad mess. They should, as I said, narrow things down to ethnicity, and age. Or they should send things that everyone can use. I’m throwing away everything in this box. I can get what I want for free at the makeup counter.
I still haven’t received my November box. I’m starting to think that many of these subscription companies aren’t very good at shipping to Hawaii. 8-(
Meme,
You’re right. I’m in HI also and they all take 3+ weeks since they use USPS Parcel or Fedex Smartpost, and some subs like Sample Society and Glossybox don’t ship to HI at all 🙁
But on the bright side, it does eventually get to your door, and with Birchbox, your regular full size orders are shipped USPS First Class or Priority so they only about 3 days.
I just got my November birchbox on Monday, so hopefully you should be getting yours before the end of the week!
On a side note, despite Quarterly assuring that everyone will get their December boxes by Christmas, it’s not the case with HI. I emailed them to inquire about my MSA box and they said they can’t guarantee a ship date to HI…very sad 🙁
Thanks Lexie! I thought it was just me!
I ordered my first Birchbox 11/24 and received it a week later! I received the Buzzfeed box identical to Liz’s. I am so happy! Glossybox took my money 11/18 (November box) and is still in Packing Stage:(
I didnt get any mascara in my box, and the no soap was missing!!! I also got double the amika nourishing mask….I wonder if this was just a over sight….
This is my second BirchBox. I received:
Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint
Number 4 Super Comp Prep and Protect
Chuao Chocolatier in Pop Corn Pop
Eyeko Fat Eye Stick in Gilt
Harvey Prince Petaly Noir
Camille Beckman Platinume Gold Repair Hand Therapy
My perfume sample had more than half of it leaked out into the box. The good thing is that I could tell right away -plus- I really did enjoy the scent. The Chocolate was a bonus item, yes, but it was completely melted. Granted, I live in Florida so it’s not difficult for that to happen, but I was very disappointed. 🙁 I contacted Birchbox Customer service and they are sending out replacements, so that is good news. It has, however, made me a little wary about ever ordering any perishable items from them. If they don’t take into account where these items are being shipped to for the mystery boxes, how can I expect better if I just order it straight up? I would have been VERY upset had I actually ordered the chocolate and it arrived in that condition.
I am not a fan of the lotion that came in the box. It feels strange on the skin. I do however really like the other items. So it was a good box, despite the issues I had with a couple items. I’m hoping that they arrive the second time in better condition!
I just got tracking for my first one, I am waiting to see what I get!!!!!
Let’s see if I can post from my phone tonight. I’m dissapointed with the PYS hair mask. I tried it this morning and it irrated my rosacea. I thought it was sulfate and paraben free. I wonder what was in it that bothered me. I tossed the sample which was empty because I used it all on my hair which wasn’t enough. It’s the first time I had a problem with a hair mask. Be careful if you have rosscea.
My box:
Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint in Golden – $3.80
Harvey Prince Petaly Noir, 1.5mL – $1.65
Number 4™ Super Comb Prep & Protect – $4.80
Eyeko Fat Eye Stick in Taupe, full size – $15
Camille Beckman Platinume Gold Imperial Repair Hand Therapy – $0.83
Chocopod popcorn pop – $1.25
Total: ~$27
This month was not as exciting as last month, but I’ll definitely use everything. I just wish the hand repair therapy sample were larger (the bottle is 0.25oz and it’s only 2/3 full!). But I think the eyeshadow will be a nice base color, and I’ve been looking for a lighter leave-in conditioner, so I’m satisfied. Plus, the value’s not bad at all.
I just got my box today, the tracking yesterday said it was still in TN right now it says it’s still in transit to my city and supposed to deliver tomorrow. I guess they’re using a new tracking system, it’s off. I picked the Holiday Hacks box only because I wanted to try the Dr. Jart mask, I already have the dry shampoo and not that excited about more mascara. The candle is super strong, I’ll probably end up gifting it or something. Overall though I like the box, my Ipsy bag looks like it’s going to be super disappointing this month.
Has anyone who made refferals before the deadline received your mystery sample packs?
I have so much trouble from Customer service more then any other company. First I didn’t receive the laggies box last month and it was sold out so they did nothing so I kept the box I received.
Now I made refferals and emailed them about it and they ask me about the refferals like they have no clue and the names which are clearly on my points section and the date I received the points for refferals so I will probably call tomorrow since they wont even look up the info for me. I will give them the names.
Now I see that so many people that chose the sample choice Cuppa cuppa mask? Will not be receiving there samples were mixed up. I did not choose a sample this month just to avoid any trouble but I was on there Facebook page.
Just a warning to not ask simple questions politely to there Facebook acct because they will probably block you. Missing items, any problems you post you get blocked from there Facebook posting or comments. Shady!
I love that mask. It is amazing! I decided not to pick a sample this month in hopes that I would get a beauty blender (I saw that they were giving that out to some people who chose not to pick an item last month.) Sadly I did not get a beauty blender but I did get the facial peel and the lippie so I am excited about that. The choices were all so good this month. I love BirchBox. I just recently started subscribing in June. I started with Birchbox and Glossy Box and just added Ipsy. I already cancelled Glossybox after the dreaded Harpers Bazarre box and I am not sad that I did. I feel like I will be sticking with Birchbox for a very long time. I have yet to be disappointed.
The BB website has changed. Now when I view the samples in my box, there isn’t a number in the address to indicate which box I got. Has anyone figured out how to see other boxes this month?
Last month a saw a lot of complaints about people not getting a beautyblender in their box. Maybe they are making it harder to see the other boxes.
Am I the only one who finds Birchbox’s website completely confusing? I just signed up mid-October and cannot figure out how to “reserve” boxes or “pick” samples of my choosing. Their website is not user friendly and I’m almost considering canceling because I can’t figure it out. Ipsy’s website is much more user friendly.
The ability to select a curated box, or a particular item each month, is available only by email. You will get an email advising you that it’s time to select and there will be a link provided. Reply early for best selection.
According to tracking I should receive mine tomorrow.
I am receiving the Dr. Brandt pores no more vacuum cleanser (super excited)
Model Co Party poof lipstick (happy)
The Perlier body butter (no ratings yet, new? (Happy)
The follie joie perfume (already sampled)
Super Goop CC cream.
I still wanna try Dr Lipp nipple balm, the mascara and mask though. I really wish sooo much that I would have chose to sign for two boxes this month. I see a lot of people that have sampled Dr. Lipp over the past six months and I have not yet. I may have to save BB points to purchase it.
I am most excited about the Dr. BRANDT Vacuum cleanser. I can never have enough face cleaners and pore products!! I hope to be able to also try a new face mask or moisturizer soon. I rarely get them from subscription boxes. I have serums but will probably run out of moisturizer in the next week or so.
when will our MSA quarterly box ship!?????
Does anyone know of any current discount code for BB? As of this morning, Mobile20 isn’t working anymore…
It just worked for me. I put it in yesterday, however, when I was setting up an order, which I just placed today.
I got this box too just waiting on it to come in! I love mascara too and can’t wait to try this new formula as well. I’m so picky on mascaras so I love trying new ones to sew what works best for me! Love the value of this box as well. I’ve tried both the balm and the Amika dry shampoo and love both so I am excited for the extra!
I LOVE this month’s box! I almost picked the curated box for both accounts, but, now that I see you guys talking about chocolate, I’m glad I got 1 curated box and 1 surprise box! This month is so great, I’m tempted to buy another 😉 PS I too thought candle would be in a tin, don’t know why, probably just an assumption.
I was thinking the same thing too! Idk why I thought that the candle was going to be in its own tin maybe from previous boxes. I’m not too doss pointed but I think I’ve been spoiled with everything packages perfectly.
I saw some pictures people posted of there box on Facebook and I have been wanting to try Dr. Lipp Nipple balm and the icurl mascara. I can never have enough mascaras to sample and try. The mask and candle look nice too. I could do without dry shampoo. My box is due to arrive Monday or Tuesday. I am really hoping to get some of the samples you received.
It was difficult for me to choose between a sample this month so I passed, they all looked good! 🙂
I reserved the BuzzFeed box and now I can’t wait to get it. I’ve been dying to try that mascara. I can never have too many, I never leave the house without mascara on. I wanted the dry shampoo for travel all the dry shampoo I have now are in enormous cans. I love Dr. Jart anything, I love candles (I grew up right near Yankee Candle and my family still lives there, so it kind of gets embedded in your DNA), and I’m still on the lookout for a lip balm that keeps my extremely dry lips from cracking during the winter. This box was a big win all the way around for me. I just wish it would get here quicker.
I just bit the bullet and signed up for Ipsy too and I’m totally stoked with that this month as well.
I’ve been burning the Bella J snowball candle which I purchased with points when I wasn’t able to buy the other candle scent as a bonus. It burns dirty with a huge flame. You can see the smoke and dirt rising from it. It also has a huge flame that makes me nervous. I’ve burn other candles from subscription boxes and never experienced that before. My charm is the peace sign on a pink cord bracelet. I’m glad I bought the candle to test it out before buying it as fun gifts. I don’t think my charm is worth the minimum $10.00. I will be tossing the candle.
In order to get rid of that huge flame and excess smoke, all you need to do is make sure you trim the wick a bit before lighting it. I agree about the charm, though, the one I got can’t even be worth a dollar.
This is good to know, thanks for posting!
Did you trim the wick? Sometimes a really long wick will cause a candle to do that. I’ve had that happen before both the first time I burn one and after I’ve burned one and there’s a lot of wick left over.
You should trim the wick down to 1/4 inch before you light it. If your flame is too high, the wick is too long.
Thank you everyone. I cut it down, but maybe it wasn’t enough. First time I had this problem. It’s good to know for the future. It’s the first time I ever seen that in any of the candles I burned from sub boxes. Thank you!!!
I have a great box perfect for traveling. I received my sample choice which is the Amika Nourishing Hair Mask (made in Israel) which I haven’t tried it yet because I had my color touched up this week. My next item is the GilChrist & Soames Spa Therapy Body Wash(made in USA) which smells nice. The Perlier Absolute omfort Body butter – white almond scent is made in Italy. It has two warnings on it. One is that is not a food product and the other says for adult use only. I laughed about the first warning because my one cat kept sniffing it. I received 2 foils of the Red Flower Illuminating Rose Collagen Renewal Face Serum which I am going to open into a small jar to make it easier to use. Lastly is theBalm cosemetics Cindy-Lou Manizer. The packaging on it is amazing. It has a mug shot etc. on it. It’s a highlighter. My bonus is the chocolate almond butter which I am passing on to my sister. I was hoping for potato chip chocolate which sounds different. I’m happy with what I received.
The pore mask in the curated box looks interesting.
On one account I got this curated box which hasn’t arrived yet. I was introduced to Mirenesse via a swap on this site and fell in love. Just bought 2 full sized ones on Hautelook for $29 even though I’m drowning in mascara.
The other account I got my box today and love it. My requested sample is the Amika Hair mask. I also got the Firework chocopod which was great and I will be buying more! Also included was the not soap radio body wash, Ruffian polish in nude … Been wanting to try Ruffian but not this shade. Also a sampler of lip primer and lipstick from MAKE and Dr Brandt Pores No More Vacuum cleaner.
I bought the chocopod sampler last year and split it up amongst people I I was buying gifts for. They were a HUGE hit. The flavors are so unique.
By the time I got the e-mail there was nothing left to choose from. So I had no choices. Here’s what was in my box:
Curl Keeper by Curly Hair Solutions 1 oz
dr. brandt pores no more vacuum cleaner .25 oz
Dr. Lipp Nipple Balm
Not Soap Radio Body Wash in “awash in a field of four leaf clovers”
theBalm cosmetics Cindy-Lou Manizer
and a Pink Himalayan Crystal Sea Salt Carmel (which lasted about a second and was delicious!)
I think this months box was well worth the price paid. I wish I could have gotten the curated box, but I’m happy with what I got.
LOVE this box. I am so excited. The nipple balm works amazing. 🙂
I picked the Juice Beauty peel because I didn’t want the dry shampoo (since it is something I don’t use). So guess what was in my box (along with the aforementioned peel)? The dry shampoo.
Ah well, not a bad box overall. Dr. Jart+ cearmide cream, Gilchrist and Soames shower gel (OK, a little tired of them), theBalm Cindy-Lou Manizer, plus the Justin’s chocolate almond butter (which is already gone, and I was glad to avoid the maple bacon chocopod!).
I got the Juice Beauty Peel. I’ll trade you! I love dry shampoo, and so does my mop of hair. Let me know.
I just got my box – it’s amazing. I got the curated box last month as well – both are 100% usable good quality items. Ipsy, Glossy Box, PopSugar and Sample Society have been mediocre at best. Birchbox is so much better! I don’t know why the other boxes can’t get it together!
I agree!! I’ve been getting Ipsy for like 6 months now and every bag’s fairly disappointing. I’ve had one awesome one, but Birchbox has been kicking butt lately, minus last month’s box it was a bunch of odds and ends.
I like ipsy far better than BB so to me, they already have it together. Everyone gets a different product combo from each sub so a disappointing month for one can be a great month for others. After two years of subbing to both I can say the value is overwhelmingly in ipsy’s favor since BB doesn’t send full size products very often and the samples can at times be quite skimpy (not what I call deluxe). I stay only for the BB points.
I agree, I like BB the best! Although their products aren’t always full sized I find their quality to be much higher! Also I have found way more brands that I love through BB and how can you beat their points? I can’t wait to get my box this month, I hope it is here tomorrow! So excited to get to try a Laura mercier product! I kept putting off canceling my ipsy box in fear there would be a great month, but it never really happening so I cancelled last month.
I haven’t got my box yet, but I was able to reserve this in time and glad I did! Love it and I will be able to use these products! Love the container the mascara is in and I’ve heard good hints about it. Glad it’s full size, but I also don’t mind trial sizes as we travel a lot and it is always nice to have them. Love the dry shampoo, can always use that and the candle will be a nice change in fragrance when I need it one day! Thanks Liz for sharing.
Actually the mascara isn’t full size the full size is .35 oz ( I have one in purple) and its totally safe to sleep in which I tend to do and it won’t flake off during the day plus it really does come off with just water bit not if your eyes water or from sweat. I also love receiving mascara and trying out different formulas. For some reason I thought the candle would be in a tin but not a big deal.I’m excited to try the mask and lately I’m obsessed with dry shampoo. The lip balm will definitely come in handy since I always seem to lose them.