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.
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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.
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