This February, Birchbox collaborated with US Weekly to bring us a special box. Some subscribers that used a special link received a free subscription to US Weekly, and extra Birchbox points. The theme is actually not what you thought; rather than your typical Valentine’s Day hearts and chocolate, February selection is called “Step and Repeat”. To celebrate the Awards season, US Weekly editor Gwen Flamberg will be sharing tips on posing for flattering photos and a comprehensive guide to getting airbrushed finish without the airbrush and picking the right makeup for your unique eye shape.
 |
| Birchbox February 2014 contents – US Weekly Edition |
 |
| ElevenSkin Refresh Cleanser |
 |
| OPI Sheer Tints Color-Tinted Top Coat in Be Magentale With Me |
 |
| Smashbox Cosmetics Full Exposure Mascara |
 |
| Agave Healing Oil Treatment |
 |
| Smashbox Cosmetics Full Exposure Palette – beauty extra |
 |
| Smashbox Cosmetics Full Exposure Palette – colors inside |
 |
| Gorjana&Griffin gold plated studs – I paid extra $20 to receive them in my box |
HOW IT WORKS
Birchbox is a subscription service that delivers a box of luxury beauty samples to your doorstep every month. Subscribers receive 4-6 samples and sometimes even full-sized products. At $10/month Birchbox is one of the cheapest monthly beauty subscriptions out there, the value of each box usually ranges from at least $15 and can be as high as $60. They also have a nice rewards program, where for each completed product survey you get 10 points, every 100 points earns you $10 in Birchbox credits – a currency to use in their online store for full-sized products and even gift subscriptions.
If you would like to use my referral link then click here to join Birchbox. Thank you!
ElevenSkin Refresh Cleanser – This cleanser was the only heavy item in my box. I read a few reviews about this skincare line recently and they were all mixed: some people absolutely loved it, others didn’t care for it. I found myself right in the middle, because I don’t think this is among the best cleansers I’ve tried, but it also gets the job done. It does have a light mossy fragrance some people might find offputting, but it didn’t bother me personally.
OPI Sheer Tints Color-Tinted Top Coat in Be Magentale With Me – This mini nail polish contains a sheer magenta color, perfect for a watercolor nail effect. There is a nice tutorial video in the product page, and I think I will try recreating it.
Smashbox Cosmetics Full Exposure Mascara – I tried a sample of this mascara before, and it’s actually pretty good. The formula holds curl really well and the big fluffy wand ensures clump-less application. It’s one of the few mascaras I would consider re-purchasing, so I’m definitely happy to get this sample.
Agave Healing Oil Treatment – I have frizzy hair so I’m always happy to try another hair oil. At first I wasn’t too thrilled about the size, because I was so used to past months of deluxe-sized samples, but I forgot all about it once I actually got to try it. A little goes a long way, I only needed a pea-sized amount for my long hair. It made my locks smell really sweet, thanks to the mix of Agave leaf extract, Vanilla extract and Coconut oil in the formula. It definitely made my hair look less frizzy, and as an added bonus it seems like the drying time was faster, too.
Smashbox Cosmetics Full Exposure Palette – This last product is a beauty extra. It’s your typical magazine insert sample, with eye shadows sprayed on a piece of paper and covered with clear plastic. At the time I’m not terribly interested in trying these shadows, but I’ll probably play around with them over the weekend.
THE VERDICT
You’re thinking what I’m thinking, these samples look a bit skimpy, but when we look at the retail value, it’s definitely not a low-value box at all, on par with many others I received in the past. I’m most excited for the mascara in this one, because it’s a product I already use and love. My second favorite is probably the nail polish, because I like the idea of watercolor effect. Everything else is nice to try, but I don’t think I’ll be purchasing more. I’m a bit disappointed that Birchbox didn’t include sweets in all boxes, like last year, although it certainly helps me keep my resolution to lose 20 lbs this year.
Looks like groundhog Phil was right this time around, because we keep getting more and more snow here in Michigan. Just when I think it’s finally getting warmer, there’s yet another severe weather warning. I’m so ready to put away my winter coat and boots, and wear something light and airy! What’s the weather been like in your area?
| Product | Retail value |
|---|---|
| ElevenSkin Refresh Cleanser | $15.00 |
| OPI Sheer Tints Color-Tinted Top Coat | $2.25 |
| Smashbox Cosmetics Full Exposure Mascara | $7.19 |
| Agave Healing Oil Treatment | $1.20 |
| Smashbox Cosmetics Full Exposure Palette | N/A |
| Box Retail Value | $25.64 |
I’m curious about the OPI tints. I wonder how they compare the Julep Rock Candy tints. I would be pissed about the cheapie magazine-ish shadow sample! Cheap! I love the earrings you chose! So cool that you can add in extras you like.
I rarely buy Julep so I’m actually not familiar with most of their newest releases, but those rock candy tints sound interesting. I was pissed too tbh, but it was listed as an extra on the product card, so I guess I’m just as mad.
That shadow sample doesn’t look very…. well, it doesn’t look like much!
Yep. Actually, I think I lost it so I won’t even get to try it, LOL
I’d like the OPI top coat and the cleanser, I just have not been wowed by Birchbox in ages!
As always, there are great boxes, and not-so-great ones, that’s one thing bad about Birchbox. I’ve been lucky for the most part to get fairly decent ones, and this is the first poopy one in a while.
WOW our shipments were 100% different! I’d have loved the opportunity for the earrings. UGH. Birchbox. Boo lol
Haha, yeah, they’re so weird about sending those Brchbox extra emails! Apparently, there was also an offer for a soft bra? Somehow, that email never reached my inbox.
I haven’t seen the OPI tints. I’m curious about them! Love the earrings too!
Thanks! I’m glad I opted in for the earrings, they were the highlight of my box.
Hmm for once this looks like a decent box! I’ve heard weird things about the OPI tint, that it ends up making nails look a bit yellowy! I’d be interested to see how it works for you.
Oh really? I was not aware of that, hopefully it won’t turn mine yellow 😡
You’re right, at first glance I thought this box doesn’t look too good, but when you add it all up, I guess it is worth it.
Agreed, it’s not quite as sparse as it looks, and the products all seem high quality.
Overall good box. I’d love the OPI product. The eyeshadow samples are a little bit of a let down.
Yeah, that magazine card made me cringe, but at least it was just an extra and not a real sample. Oh well, you win some and lose some with Birchbox.
You received amazing stuff this month
Glad you like it, Betzy!
Love the earrings – that makes it worth it !!!
I think so too, I’m glad I opted in for them 🙂
This actually looks like a great box!
Glad you like it!
I would be disappointed with this box if I were to have received it.
I hear you, at first I really was, but after sitting down and checking out everything more closely, I realized I can actually use everything. TLDR: great products, but small sizes.
I loe the earrings but I am not interested in the rest
The earrings are definitely the highlight of this box 🙂
I’m glad I never subscribed to Birchbox!
I can totally see how this box would be completely unappealing =/
I have never seen that OPI top coat before. It looks pretty!
And I still haven’t tried it… Such a slacker 😀