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Birchbox Curated Box #2 Review + Coupon – September 2019

Megan K.
ByMegan K.Sep 16, 2019 | 11 comments

Birchbox Curated Box 2 September 2019 subscription box review

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 with the rest of the items arriving as a surprise. This review is of the "Join the Party" curated box.

FYI - sign up to get email alerts for our Birchbox Spoilers to learn about Birchbox Sample Choice and Curated box options each month!

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

About this Curated Beauty Box

The Subscription Box: Birchbox

The Cost: $15.00 a month + free shipping. Save with longer subscriptions.

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: The US, France, Spain, and the UK

Birchbox September 2019 "Join the Party" Curated Box #2 Review

 

There are two accompanying sheets in this month's Birchbox. The front of one explains that CAD (Customer Appreciation Day) is coming up, while the back lists out the six items included. The second sheet is info about getting a free gift each time you shop.

 

This month also came with a cute pouch.

 

We also received a sheet of Birchbox stickers.

 

Smith & Cult Nailed Lacquer in 'Glass Souls', 14 ml - Full Size! Retail Value $18.00

I will never not be excited about a full-size Smith & Cult item. I love this brand! Though I am generally not a glittery nail polish kind of gal, cold weather and then the holidays are coming up and that is a great excuse to go out of my comfort zone. This silver-flecked polish is a winner in my book. You can apply one light coat for a starry constellation effect or three for almost total coverage. I tried 5 and I could see my reflection in my thumbnail! What makes this polish work and feel - dare I say it - even a little sophisticated, is that the glitter is different sizes and the finish is glossy and smooth instead of chunky and rough.

Twinkle, twinkle.

 

EXO Supply Co. Pure Remover Wipes, 1 wipe - Estimated Value $1.20 (Buy 10 wipes for $12.00)

We actually use these wipes in house and I am consistently amazed at how effective they are without any strong chemical smells. Even tackling those 5 coats of glitter was easy! This is an unscented wipe but my fave is the orange. I feel like Birchbox could have absolutely included more than one single wipe, but this was still a good addition, especially since it arrived with a glitter polish.

 

Smashbox Cosmetics Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick in 'Stepping Out', size unknown - Buy a full-size 0.13 oz for $24.00

I have always been a big Smashbox fan, and I like their long-lasting lip formulas because they don't dry me out. They also work really well with a balm over top if you are over matte finished lips. This color is a moody fall shade that I can wear, but only if I have a full face of makeup on. Otherwise, I look a little washed out! I tend to wear more makeup in the fall and winter months though, so that all works out! This shade looks great with a peachy blush instead of a rose, and I like how moody it is after a summer of pink.

Looks like fall to me!

 

amika 3D Volume and Thickening Shampoo, 0.67 fl oz - Estimated Value $1.61 (Buy 10 oz for $24.00)

Ahh, Will's favorite shampoo brand. I passed this off to him because it is one of the rare things that excite him that I bring home. He gave it two thumbs up and mentioned that it made his hair feel "very clean". Will is a man of few words, but he is picky picky picky about shampoo, so in my mind, this was a glowing review from him. I used the leftovers and can mirror his sentiments, but I would also add that it did make my roots feel lighter, which I am sure translates to the "volumizing" aspect.

 

amika 3D Volume and Thickening Conditioner, 0.5 fl oz - Estimated Value $1.20 (Buy 10 oz for $24.00)

There wasn't really enough in this packet for both of us to sample, so I did the honors. This formula has that awesome amika scent and was what I would consider a medium sort of conditioner hydration wise. As with all amika products I have ever tried, it absolutely added shine and luster to my locks, even when air-dried.

 

Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume Eau de Parfum, 1.7 fl oz. - Estimated Value $2.30 (Buy a full-size 100 ml for $135.00)

I have gotten this scent multiple times this season, and though I don't consider it a favorite, I do like it. It is actually an amazing choice for someone who generally doesn't like wearing fragrances. Per my most in-depth review of this scent from a previous review:

I first became aware of this brand when they released Not A Perfume in 2010. The whole idea was that the perfume wasn't a perfume because it was a single note, Cetalox, which is an alternative to ambergris, a costly perfume ingredient traditionally made from whale digestive tract waste. (This is 100% true!) Ambergris and its alternatives are commonly used in perfumery as a musky base note and to give it longevity. In the Not a Perfume scent, Cetalox was the only note, making it delightfully minimal, edgy, and perfect for someone who may not be your typical perfume wearer.

Ahh, I love perfume.

 

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream, 0.16 fl oz - Estimated Value $4.54 (Buy a full-size 1.69 oz for $48.00)

Finally, our last item is from Dr. Jart+, a brand my skin and I love. This cream is going on my "to-buy" list, which is quite an honor, considering how many skincare products I sample. I love it because it is on the heavier side, something my skin needs under normal circumstances, but especially when it gets cold and windy out. I could literally feel the moisture barrier this stuff created and my skin was hydrated and smooth all day. It also worked just fine under my makeup, which is a MUST. Add to that the yummy botanical scent? Done deal.

Verdict: This curated Birchbox has a value of at least $28.85. I couldn't figure out what sort of value the Smashbox lippy had because I have no idea how large the actual sample is. While this box had a higher estimated retail value than Curated Box #4, it still is just ok for a $15.00 box. A huge chunk of that value is in the nail polish, which, personally, I loved, but if you aren't into it this might feel a little light. The assortment here is solid though! I liked each of these products and the brands were some of my absolute favorites. I think this box would have been so much better if these already awesome products were in larger sample sizes to make it feel like more value was delivered.

To Wrap Up: 

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? If you subscribe to Birchbox now, 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.

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

Value Breakdown: At $15.00 for this box, each of the 7 items has an average cost of $2.14.

Check out all of our Birchbox reviews and our favorite beauty boxes!

Keep track of your subscriptions by adding this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

What do you think of this curated Birchbox

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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.

Megan K.
Megan K.
I love natural/vegan beauty products, Korean skincare, unique jewelry, and weird candies from far away places. When I am not waiting for my next exciting box you can find me painting or taking photographs of interesting people. I never leave home without pug hair somewhere on my shirt and a bold lipstick on my smile.

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11 comments

Alice

I chose box one, and love everything. BB still is one of my favorite subscriptions. They always send quality products and they follow my profile when I opt for a surprise box (which is my favorite thing to do!) I’ve never been disappointed. Their chat feature is prompt for customer service, too.

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Keri carter

I recieved their choice because Everytime ive tried to pick a box it chooses for me. I absolutely love Juliet!! Being of mixed heritage my skin is tan already but they sent me a tan oil. Hmmm.

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Luna

I’m medium skin tone, and I got that tan oil too! lol

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Nina

Still not seeing the justification of their price increase in this box or any of the last few months boxes. Glad I cancelled this sub

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Nancyisshopping

Yup! Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume is the only “perfume” I can wear without feeling sick shortly after applying it.

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Luna

I decided to do a sample pick this month since I’m not really into glitter polishes (they frustrate the heck out of me trying to get them off. lol but otherwise I would have chosen the box purely for the S&C polish) plus it’s so hard for me to say no to a SR sample. This was the first month since re-subscribing earlier this year where I didn’t choose a curated box, and overall I was pleased with my box.

I got:
Davines MOMO Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner – I LOVE their hair products, and I love that they give such a decent sized sample of the shampoo which lasts me quite a few uses. The sample packet of the conditioner is never enough… not even for one use for me, so it’s always hard to tell if I really like it since I always have to mix in another conditioner, but I *think* I like it. lol

COOLA Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Face Serum – Interesting product, but I gifted this

Eyeko Brow Liner – I only use brow powder so I gifted this

Sunday Riley CEO Glow Oil – my sample pick

Naturally Serious Major Moisture Gentle Cream Cleanser – I’m excited to try this!

ModelCo Lip Oil – This looks like it’ll serve as a nice lip topper on top of matte lip products

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Megan K.

That sounds like a pretty good mix Luna! You know I am nuts for and Davines product. Momo is a dreammm. Did you like the lip oil? I am always really into the idea of them, but I have yet to find a really awesome one in terms of sheer color payoff.

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Luna

Hi Megan! Girl, you and me both 😀 I LOVE all of the Davines products I’ve tried! I dare say that’s my favorite hair care brand so far. lol I think my most favorite line of theirs so far is the Love line. 🙂 I’ve only swatched the lip oil and haven’t worn it yet, but it looks like it’ll be a nice one to wear over a matte lip product, which is how I plan to use it. 🙂

Marion

I picked this box, & I’m pretty happy with it. I do wish the Smashbox had been a different shade — I already received Stepping Out from both Ipsy & Sephora Play.

If you already like the Dr Jart Ceramidin Cream, definitely try using the Ceramidin Liquid before it! Game changer!

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Megan K.

I am going to have to get a sample of that Marion. I really love Dr Jart! I wanted to love the Cicapar line but the tinted products make me look orange.. this is a perfect alternative!

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Jeanine

That polish is fab…I use it when my polish starts to chip…put a quick coat and you can’t see the chips!! Plus onxy remover from Walmart takes it off beautifully!! Make sure you soak it on your nail for a few seconds first!!