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Birchbox Sample Box Review + Coupon – January 2019

Haley Faye
ByHaley FayeJan 31, 2019 | 9 comments

Birchbox Sample Choice January 2019 box

Birchbox
3.7 overall rating
657 Ratings | 188 Reviews

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.

Birchbox Sample Choice January 2019 box design

My Subscription Addiction pays for this subscription. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).

Birchbox Sample Choice January 2019 all items

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, FranceSpain and the UK

Birchbox Sample Box January 2019 Review

Birchbox Sample Choice January 2019 info

Birchbox Sample Choice January 2019 item details

Each box comes with a card detailing the items included and some tips on how to use them. Now, on to the items!

Birchbox Sample Choice January 2019 blaq

Birchbox Sample Choice January 2019 blaq

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.

Birchbox Sample Choice January 2019 hair mask

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.

Birchbox Sample Choice January 2019 lip oil

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.

Birchbox Sample Choice January 2019 detangling spray

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.

Birchbox Sample Choice January 2019 mascara

Birchbox Sample Choice January 2019 mascara open

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!

Birchbox Sample Choice January 2019 mascara + lip oil modeled

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!

Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

What do you think of my January Birchbox? Did you pick a curated box or a sample?

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Birchbox ($15 per month) was one of the very first beauty subscription boxes—we’ve been reviewing it since 2012! Each month, subscribers get a new mix of 5 beauty samples, such as makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance items. Birchbox lets you choose whether you’d like a box of items picked ju... read more.

Haley Faye
Haley Faye
Haley Faye first discovered the wonderful world of subscription boxes in 2012 and began writing for MSA in 2014. Over the years, she has found many subscriptions to love. Now a mom of three, her favorite boxes are ones that dress her kids, help her get organized, feed her family, send her snacks, and offer educational fun for her children.

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9 comments

Cindy

Fellow Michigander here. Just signed up for my first Birchbox…and sure hope that lip oil is included!

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Nikkim

I got the same hair mask in my ipsy a couple months back and I was wondering the same thing but I haven’t tried their crazy directions yet either lol who does that?

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Lori

Amen to the weird instructions, definitely had the same thought! Also, your lashes look BOMB with that mascara! Wow!

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Haley Faye

Lori – thanks! I do want to be clear that I just have long lashes. I’ve started using a lash serums every night and it’s really made a difference!! So, thank you, but if you compare to a picture of a Mascara on me from say, last month or something, the difference isn’t only this mascara 😁

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Luna

Regarding the hair mask instructions of leaving it in for 5-10 minutes, I’ve received a lot of hair masks with those instructions, and typically after shampooing my hair (which is the first thing I do in the shower), I apply the hair mask, then do my other shower duties that typically can take that amount of time, then I rinse out the mask at the very end. I never towel dry my hair first though (although I could see how someone could quickly do that before applying the mask), but rather I also just squeeze out the water, then apply the mask. However, I know the less amount of water you have in your hair, the more effective the mask will be, which is probably why they put those in the instructions.

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Emily

Great box!! I’ve not had great experiences with peel off masks in the past but was curious about that Blaq one….glad to see I’m not missing out haha. Your lashes look great!! I received the Beautiniq blush serum in my box and thought I’d hate it but actually think it is super pretty as long as it is blended well.

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AmberC

I love your commentary on the hair mask! Had me chuckle a bit at work

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Melissa

Yes, me too. And that is what I thought when I read the directions, so I haven’t tried it yet, but I will just follow what you did because I really want to try it.

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Lucy Meske

Same here!! A good chuckle at work. I received the hair mask too and haven’t used it since the logistics didn’t really sound appealing, but I’ll try this method now!

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