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Birchbox Sample Box Review + Coupon – May 2019

Haley Faye
ByHaley FayeMay 31, 2019 | 7 comments

Birchbox Sample Choice May 2019 shipping box

Birchbox
3.7 overall rating
657 Ratings | 188 Reviews

Every month, Birchbox lets subscribers pick between a curated box (where you can see all of the samples you're getting) or a single sample choice box (where you get to choose one sample, but the rest of the items are a surprise).

This is a review of the Sample Choice box.

Birchbox Sample Choice May 2019 monthly box

Birchbox Sample Choice May 2019 inside box

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

Birchbox Sample Choice May 2019 all items

About Birchbox

The Subscription Box: Birchbox

The Cost: $15 a month + free shipping

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 May 2019 Review

Birchbox Sample Choice May 2019 info 1

This month, Birchbox has partnered with the Female Founder Collective, which supports women entrepreneurs. (Birchbox is now an officially a member!)

Birchbox Sample Choice May 2019 item list

This card details the items in the box and provides some tips on how to use them. Now, on to the items!

Birchbox Sample Choice May 2019 beauty protector

Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle, 1 oz - Estimated Value $2.93 (Buy a full-size 8 oz version for $23.50 here)

This was the product I selected for my sample choice this month. Beauty Protector is such a classic Birchbox item. I've received this item in many boxes, since my first year trying Birchbox. I'm fine getting this item as a repeat because it works really well and smells great.

Birchbox Sample Choice May 2019 juara

JUARA Coconut Illipe Hand & Nail Balm, .27 oz - Estimated Value $2.16 (Buy a full-size 2.5 oz version for $20 here)

This is a nice hand and nail balm. I'm not wowed, but it smells like coconut and absorbs well without leaving a greasy feeling on my skin. It's a very small bottle as far as samples go, but it'll be nice for tossing in my purse.

Birchbox Sample Choice May 2019 oribe

Oribe Matte Waves Texture Lotion, .5 oz - Estimated Value $6.18 (Buy a full-size 3.4 oz version for $42.00 here)

Oribe is a great brand. Everything they make smells really good, and I've found that their products work well for my hair, too. This matte waves texture lotion can be a big help for my fine, straight hair. Normally, my hair doesn't style easily, especially when I try an up-do, but this product adds some good volume and grip to my hair that makes it easy to work with.

Birchbox Sample Choice May 2019 real chemistry

Real Chemistry Environmental Rescue Daily Serum, .17 fl oz - Estimated Value $4.40 (Buy a full-size 1.7 oz version for $44.00 here)

This serum is designed to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, improve elasticity, and make your skin more even and bright. I feel pretty middle of the road about this serum. It felt nice, I suppose, but my skin didn't feel hydrated or plump or anything afterwards. I'll have to give it a few more days to see if I notice any other differences over time.

Birchbox Sample Choice May 2019 kiehls crea

Birchbox Sample Choice May 2019 kiehls cream open

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, .25 oz - Estimated Value $4.40 (Buy a full-size 1.7 version for $30.00)

I like this cream a lot! I've tried it before, and it's a good basic moisturizer. It's very hydrating and great for dry skin. The ingredients list doesn't include any fancy extras like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C, but the cream does its job very well.

Birchbox Sample Choice May 2019 butter london mascara

Birchbox Sample Choice May 2019 butter london mascara open

butter LONDON Double Decker Lashes Mascara, .18 oz - Estimated Value $8.78 (Buy a full-size .41 version for $20.00 here)

I've never tried butter London's mascara before, but it's pretty good! It has a very bushy brush—I don't feel like I can get the definition I'm used to with my silicone mascara brushes. That being said, it's a pretty wet, opaque formula, so I was happy with how it performed in terms of volume and length.

Verdict: This was a good Birchbox for me! I got a few more samples of my favorite products—I'm always happy to have refills of those. I estimated that this box has a value of $28.85. That's not the highest value I've received for a monthly Birchbox, but for $15 cost, I'm okay with it. If this is your first box under Birchbox's new $15/month, "improved" model, I could see being a little disappointed with a value that's on the lower side.

To Wrap Up: 

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Sample choice boxes are curated based on your beauty profile, so what you get will likely differ from what I received this month (but should be even more personalized to you).

Check our Birchbox Coupon List to get the most up-to-date coupon!

Value Breakdown: At $10 for this box, here’s what you are paying approximately per item:

  • Leave-in Conditioner: $1.52
  • Hand Lotion $1.12
  • Texture Lotion $3.21
  • Serum $2.29
  • Kiehl's Cream $2.29
  • Mascara $4.56

Check out all of our Birchbox reviews and the best beauty subscription boxes of 2019, as voted on by our readers!

Keep track of your subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

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

Starting at $17.00
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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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7 comments

Dot

I can’t believe they jacked up the price without any decent product sizes to warrant this increase ! I ordered this sub once cancelled the first day when I got my first box and found teeny tiny hotel size par brands rolling around my box 🙁 I’m like heck no ! So glad I realized early I can get Ipsy for $10.00 plus great Add Ons for the price of this – glad I passed 🙂

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Karen

Not terrible, but I’m not really seeing an “improvement” that merited a 50% price hike.

Maybe my expectations of sub boxes have become irrationally high, but lately I find myself being disappointed a whole lot more than I am impressed 🙁

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Kristin

Haley I miss your reviews, love when I see your name attached to one!

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Haley Faye

Oh thank you, Kristin! This made my day. 🙂 thank you so much for reading! I’m not going anywhere <3

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Twyla

I chose the Beauty Protector as well, and while i love the product, decided to cancel BB. I didn’t feel the value was there for the additional cost.

I love their kits, and will stick to buying those for now, but will definitely keep my eye on future spoilers to see how they keep improving.

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Karen

I agree…their kits are great.

Birchbox and Glossybox seem to be going in the same direction…their boxes aren’t so great, but the merchandise sold outside out the subscriptions (specifically their Limited Edition curations) can be pretty fabulous.

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Kathy

I’ve noticed that too! Makes you wonder about the future of some of these subs