Birchbox February 2014 Review, Pictures

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?