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.
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: $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, France, Spain, and the UK
Birchbox Sample Box May 2019 Review
This month, Birchbox has partnered with the Female Founder Collective, which supports women entrepreneurs. (Birchbox is now an officially a member!)
This card details the items in the box and provides some tips on how to use them. Now, on to the items!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.