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.
This is a review of the Sample Choice box, which is $10 a month., box.
My Subscription Addiction pays for this subscription. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).
About Birchbox
The Subscription Box: Birchbox
The Cost: $10 a month (get one month free and $10 to spend in the shop with an annual subscription!)
Check our Birchbox Coupon List to get the most up-to-date coupon!
The Products: Beauty and lifestyle samples selected by the Birchbox team.
Ships to: US, France, Spain and the UK
Birchbox Sample Box January 2019 Review
Each box comes with a card detailing the items included and some tips on how to use them. Now, on to the items!
Blaq Peel Off Mask, 15 ml - Estimated Value $7.25 (Buy a 2 oz for $29)
This is a peel-off mask with activated charcoal, meant to clear your pores (specifically just for your t-zone area). I think it's meant to be like a Biore pore strip but peel-off. I am all about this concept. A pore strip without the amount of waste the fabric ones use up? Yes, please! Unfortunately, I do not love this product. It did not come off in one cohesive layer. It took a very long time to dry, and even then I had to peel off bits and pieces. I ended up washing off the last bits. Also to note: this may likely bother sensitive skin, based on notes from their website and reviews on their product page.
Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Coconut & Fig Hair Masque, 1 oz - Estimated Value $6.93 (Buy 7.2 oz for $49.90)
You had me at coconut and fig. What a heavenly fragrance combination. I used this this morning, and I like it! I don't know if it was life changing but it's a very nice conditioning treatment and smells so good. I will say that the instructions are odd. They say to shampoo, and then apply this to towel-dried hair, leave on for 5-10 minutes, and rinse. I assume they just mean to squeeze out extra water from your hair after shampooing in the shower? Because that's what I did. Who are these people who are washing their hair, getting out, towel-drying, sitting around wet and naked for 5-10 minutes, and then getting back in the shower, all for this mask? I'm not sure, but it definitely worked just fine for me without formally towel-drying.
Manna Kadar Cosmetics Renewing Lip Oil, .05 oz - Estimated Value $5.59 (Buy a .17 oz f0r $19)
Listen to my words: As I am writing this review, it is -11 in Michigan, with wind chills making it feel like -50 degrees. The town I live in is very literally colder than the South Pole at the moment. All of my skin is dry. My face, hands, elbows... all of me is so dry. But! Not my lips. Not with this. I have to admit, I'm generally not the biggest fan of all the Manna Kadar I get across my various beauty subscriptions. But this lip oil is so nice - it sort of feels like a gloss but there is zero stickiness. It goes on a little thick and so smooth, and feels great. This oil has a subtle pink tint, which really makes this something I feel I can wear by itself during the day. You can also add this over a lip color. I am actually a big fan of this and will definitely consider buying a full size once this sample is used up.
Design.ME Fab.ME Hair Treatment, .17 fl oz - Estimated Value $0.54 (But a 7.77 oz for $24.50)
I never go without a leave-in treatment or detangler of some kind after showering. This is a cute bottle, especially for traveling, and the formula works well, too! It smells nice, detangled my hair well, and left my hair feeling soft after drying.
Beautaniq Beauty Nourishing Mascara, .14 fl oz - Estimated Value $9.95 (Buy a .28 fl oz for $19.90)
This brand is new to me, but it's pretty good. I don't think it's amazing but it coated my lashes well without clumping. I do like the light blue and silver packaging, though!
Here, I'm wearing the mascara and the lip oil!
Verdict: My January box was a pretty good month for me from Birchbox! I really like everything, except the mask, and will use up everything else in my box. The estimated value total adds up to $30.26 - a great value from a $10 sample box!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? As of publication, your first box would be the January box, and items are chosen for you based on your profile and preferences. (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.
Value Breakdown: At $10 for this box, here’s what you are paying approximately per item
- Mask: $2.40
- Hair Mask: $2.29
- Lip Oil: $1.85
- Hair Detangler: $0.18
- Mascara: $3.29
Check out all of our Birchbox reviews and the Beauty Subscription Box Directory!
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What do you think of my January Birchbox? Did you pick a curated box or a sample?
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