December 2014 Birchbox Review

Birchbox is a monthly subscription box that delivers 5 samples of makeup, skincare, or beauty products to your door. Each month, the products surround a central theme. This month's theme was "Decked Out." Most are sample size, but a few full size products may be included. The value usually well exceeds the $10 you pay. This was my first time receiving Birchbox, and I already can't wait until next month! Isn't the box gorgeous?

Cost: $10/month (free shipping)

Look at all of those fun new products! I had only heard of one of the brands before (Rusk), and hadn't used any of them. I love that I get to try out new products without having to commit to buying the full size. 

Birchbox includes a little information card each month to tell you about the products inside. That's really helpful, because not all the products have clear directions on the packaging, especially the sample sizes. Some of them are pretty obvious (like lipgloss or eyeliner), but others may not be. It's also great to see how much each product would be worth if it was the full size. It helps you determine how much you're really getting for that $10 you spent.

Rusk Texture Dry Finishing Spray- (Value: $3.38)

I absolutely LOVED this! It smells great and didn't leave my hair feeling sticky or crunchy. It was like a combination dry shampoo/hairspray. This bad boy has already been put to good use. I'd absolutely buy this!

Kajal Vasanti Extreme Eyeliner in Rose Gold- (Value: ~$5.00)
I didn't even open this fun little pencil. It was really shimmery and pretty in a very delicate way, but I just don't think rose gold is my color. I'm trying to be open and more adventurous about my cosmetics, but I don't think I'm ready to get that crazy yet. Maybe 21 year old Angel would have, but 30-something Angel definitely won't. For now, I'm going to put this in a pile for a future giveaway.

Acure Organics Lip Lush Gloss in Date Worthy- (Full Size- Value: $7.99) 

I've been wearing this for the past few days, and I'm super pleased with it. First of all, this is a full sized gloss, so yay to that. The color looks really bright in the tube, but it's not crazy. It adds just a hint of deep strawberry color and a tad bit of shine. Thankfully, it's not goopy or sticky like some glosses tend to be. My only complaint is that it doesn't last long. That could just be my fault, though. I would definitely buy this. 

Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm- (Value: $4.80)
This is sort of like a tinted moisturizer. It went on really smooth and had a really faint tint to it, but it was just okay for me. I like a bit more coverage. This definitely didn't camouflage any dark circles or blemishes. I think it would be great for someone who wanted minimal coverage and tint with a sunscreen included. I won't be purchasing the full size.

SeaRx Anti-Wrinkling Serum- (Value: ~$2.00)
Sadly, this anti-wrinkling serum isn't for my laundry. Now THAT I might buy. Oh wait... it's called an iron. That's not nearly as fun. I tried this out for a day or two and it felt great going on my skin. It didn't have an overwhelming smell and didn't leave any visible residue. The problem for me is that it's such a small sample, I don't really know how well I can judge its effectiveness. I feel like most anti-aging compounds require an extended us time to see any results. This sample was far too small for that. I'm not saying it doesn't work, just that I don't have enough information. It may be a great product, but I'm not running out to buy it anytime soon.

Even though I was only in love with 2 of the products, I think it was a great selection. I definitely think I got my money's worth, even though I won't use one of the products. Total estimated value: ~$23.17. 

One of the best things about Birchbox (besides the great products, of course), is their rewards program. For every 100 points you receive, you can spend $10 on products in their store. Points are earned by referring people, sharing on social media, shopping in their store, and even reviewing the products you receive in your box. I earned 100 points for signing up, which adds up to $10 to spend in their store. My first box has already paid for itself! Every month, you have a chance to earn about 70 points, plus any referral points you make. That's GREAT!

After searching around a bit, I found a coupon code on Groupon that will give you the same $10 in reward points credit when you sign up for a Birchbox subscription. Use the code BBJETBLUE to receive that credit.

Sometime soon, I plan to do a screencast showing a quick tutorial on the Birchbox review system. Stay tuned for that!

Have you tried Birchbox yet? What did you think?

Disclaimer: This post contains referral links.