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 for $15/month.
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About Birchbox
The Subscription Box: Birchbox
The Cost: $15 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: US, France, Spain, and the UK
Birchbox Sample Choice Box September 2019 Review
This card details the items in the box and provides some tips on how to use them. I noticed this month that the info card says "First time sampling!" next to items I guess I've never received from Birchbox before. It's interesting, because I know I've received a few samples of the Sunday Riley and Eyeko products that I got this month, but I guess they must have been from other boxes? I wonder if this is possibly a response to pretty common customer feedback of "Disappointed - all repeat items!" on Facebook and reviews and such. You know, in case people are confusing items they've received in their general collection of subscription boxes thinking they've received them from Birchbox specifically before?
Now, on to the items!
All the Things Pouch
This cute bonus pouch was the first thing I noticed that was sent out in this month's box!
amika 3D Volume and Thickening Shampoo, 0.67 fl oz - Estimated Value $1.61 (Buy a 10 oz full size for $24.99)
amika 3D Volume and Thickening Conditioner, 0.5 fl oz - Estimated Value $1.20 (Buy a 10 oz full size for $24.99)
Thankfully, I have short hair, so I actually got about 1-2 uses out of these small samples. Not enough to notice any long-term changes in my hair's volume but I did like the way my hair felt after washing with them. I did feel like I got a little more body with these.
Naturally Serious Major Moisture Gentle Cream Cleanser, 0.25 fl oz - Estimated Value $1.63 (Buy a 4 oz full size for $26)
This is definitely a very hydrating and gentle cleanser! It's even designed to exfoliate as well, which I didn't feel while washing, though my skin was left soft and feeling fresh.
Oribe Straight Away Smoothing Blowout Cream, 0.5 fl oz - Estimated Value $4.40 (Buy a 5 oz full size for $40)
I don't need any help straightening or smoothing the texture of my hair because it's already stick straight, but this cream still made my hair feel really soft after blow drying! Plus, it's Oribe and I love the way everything they make smells.
Sunday Riley CEO Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil, 0.17 fl oz - Estimated Value $13.60 (Buy a 0.5 oz full size for $40)
I love using face oils, and Sunday Riley makes a lot of good ones. This vitamin C + turmeric oil is designed to brighten your skin and help reduce hyperpigmentation. I think this feels nice on my skin, and a little goes a long way so this sample will last a good amount of time.
ModelCo Lip Oil, 0.12 oz - Full Size! Retail Value $12
Okay, guys. I really wasn't expecting much from a ModelCo lip oil but this has actually become maybe my favorite item this month! This lip oil feels amazing on my lips! It's so hydrating and silky, not sticky or oily at all. The slight pink tint you see in the tube is pretty negligible on my lips, but it helps bring out my natural lip color. It's what I've been reaching for instead of lip balm, and I'm hopeful this may be the answer to any problems with dried out lips I tend to have during winter. The way I've been using this is applying after putting on my makeup, and then my lips are conditioned by the time I head out of the house and are ready for lipstick.
Eyeko Lash Alert! Mascara, 0.06 fl oz - Estimated Value $5.38 (Buy a 0.29 fl oz full size for $26)
Eyeko makes some good products, and this mascara is no exception. I experienced no clumping with application but I still got a super opaque black coat on the first try. Ultimately I got a nice, natural look. This formula is botanically enriched and is supposed to also be good for your lashes long-term, as well!
Here I am wearing the lip oil and the mascara. I love the natural look both of these items give and how luxurious the lip oil feels.
Verdict: All in all, this was a really nice Birchbox for me! I got more of a favorite Sunday Riley product, got to try some new products, and even found a new favorite lip item. And bonus - the lip oil is full-size and costs almost the same as the whole box for the month on its own. I'm not disappointed with any of the products themselves. I estimated that this box has a value of $39.82, which is a pretty good value out of a $15 box.
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Sample choice boxes are curated based on your beauty profile and which item you select that month, 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 $15 for this box, here’s what you are paying approximately per item:
- Shampoo: $0.61
- Conditioner: $0.45
- Cleanser: $0.61
- Hair cream: $1.66
- Face Oil: $5.12
- Lip oil: $4.52
- Mascara: $2.03
Check out all of our Birchbox reviews and the best beauty subscription boxes of 2019, as voted on by our readers!
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What do you think of my September Birchbox? Did you pick a curated box or a sample choice box?
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