Every month, Birchbox lets subscribers pick between a curated box (all samples revealed) or a single sample choice and be surprised by the rest of the items.
My Subscription Addiction pays for this subscription. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).
This is a review of the Sample Choice box, which is $10 a month., box.
About Birchbox
The Subscription Box: Birchbox
The Cost: $10 a month + free US shipping (Get one month free and $10 to spend in the shop with an annual subscription!)
LIMITED TIME DEAL: Use code WELCOMEMAC to get a bonus mini M·A·C Matte Lipstick in Velvet Teddy in your first box!
OR
Check out the 30% off sale for everyone, too!
The Products: Beauty and lifestyle samples selected by the Birchbox team.
Ships to: US, France, Spain and the UK and Canada
Birchbox Sample Box January 2018 Review
Each box comes with a card describing that month’s theme, with the flip side detailing the items included and some tips on how to use them.
LAQA & Co. B'Lighter Blush + Highlighter in Peacher's Daughter, 2.7g – Estimated Value $10.67 (buy a 4.3g compact for $17)
This first item in my box is this cream blush + highlighter combo from LAQA & Co.
It’s a light, peachy shade. It has a subtle shimmer to it, and the pigment is pretty light but this helps it be versatile. You can build it on your cheeks for a little more glowy color or just dab it on your cheekbones, brow bones, and cupids bow. (swatched and shown on my face at the end of the article)
VERB Hydrating Mask, 0.67 oz – Estimated Value $1.58 (Buy a 6.8 oz. tube for $16)
This hair mask was my sample choice this month. I chose it because my hair definitely needs some extra moisture help in the winter months! You use this mask in the shower after shampooing and leave it in for 5-7 minutes. I applied this, shaved my legs, then rinsed, and I love how soft and hydrated my hair felt afterward! My hair is pretty long and I should be able to get a second use out of this sample.
Bioderma Sébium Pore Refiner, 5ml – Estimated Value $4.98 (Buy a 30ml tube for $29.90)
I don’t generally have too much of a problem with pores, but I still liked this product a lot! First of all, it’s non-comedogenic so it won’t clog your pores, and it also has an astringent-like active ingredient to help improve your skin’s texture and appearance. I really liked how refreshing it felt when I applied it and it left a matte finish. When I applied my foundation over it, I definitely noticed that it “gripped” my makeup and I had better coverage and needed less for a full face.
Doucce Freematic Eyeshadow Single in Veronica, 0.049 oz (Full Size) – Retail Value $10
This eyeshadow single is a golden-copper color with a little glitter.
The formula is decent. You get a pretty good color payoff and it blends out easily. (Shown swatched and on my face at the end of the article)
Smashbox Cosmetics Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick in Driver’s Seat, ~0.07 fl oz, Estimated Value $12.92 (Buy a full-size tube for $24)
(FYI – No size listed so I’m estimating) I’ve tried this liquid lipstick from Smashbox before thanks to subscription boxes, and I like it! It applies easily, especially thanks to the design of the applicator. The teardrop shape and pointed tip let you be more precise. It dries down matte and sets for hours. This shade, Driver’s Seat, is a (very) warm-pink. Honestly to me it feels like a pinky terracotta.
Here are swatches of the liquid lipstick, the eyeshadow, and the blush/highlighter. (Sorry for the smudge – I have my toddler to thank for that)
Here I am wearing everything – the pore refiner is worn under my foundation, the eyeshadow, blush/highlighter, and liquid lipstick.
As I said before, the blush/highlighter is a very subtle shade and can be built up some, but not very intensely. I’ve been wearing it along my cheekbones on top of my other blush that has a little more color.
Here’s a better look at the eyeshadow.
Verdict: This month's Birchbox has a value of $40.15. That’s pretty good for a $10 sample box! I was happy with everything in my box this month, especially the liquid lipstick (I’m a liquid lipstick junkie) and the pore refining cream.
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, as of today your first box will be the February box. (Tip: Check the image on the sign-up page. The box design pictured is the first month you’ll receive.) You can’t pick the curated box as your first box, but you’ll be able to pick it every month moving forward.
Coupon - Try any of these free gift with purchase coupons on orders of $35 or more!) And don’t forget your free mystery sample pack on orders of $35 or more!
OR
Check out the 30% off sale for everyone, too!
Value Breakdown: At $10 for this box, here’s what you are paying approximately per item:
- LAQA & Co Blush: $2.66
- VERB hair mask: $0.39
- Sebium Pore Refiner: $1.24
- Doucce Eyeshadow: $2.49
- Smashbox Cosmetics Lipstick: $3.22
Check out all of our Birchbox reviews and the Beauty Subscription Box Directory!
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What do you think about my January Birchbox?
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