Birchbox January 2015: Relax & Recharge

Birchbox continues their new tradition of offering three ways to get your monthly beauty fix: choose one of your samples and leave the rest to the staffers; grab a special curated box with all of its contents revealed; or leave it all to change and receive a mystery box tailored for your beauty profile. In January I opted in for specially curated Relax & Recharge box. Not only did it include six items [which means $6 “cashback” in Birchbox points], it contained one of my favorite sheet masks and some delicious tea, so I simply couldn’t say no. And, well, who wouldn’t want to relax and recharge, especially after the hectic Holiday season?

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. But what really makes Birchbox so appealing is their reward program: submit feedback for every product from your box for 10 points each; 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!

Perlier Intensive Nurturing Body Balm – I don’t know if there were other scent variations sent out, but I received Lavender. It’s the ultimate relaxing body treat: rich body butter nourished my skin really well, while the scent of sweet lavender was soothing and relaxing. I find that it was best to apply it at nighttime right before bed to let the formula work its magic on my tired dehydrated skin.

Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream – This is another product that fits the theme of the box perfectly, because our eyes are probably tired from those sleepless nights. It’s made with 99% natural ingredients, so the formula is as pure as it gets. I am not convinced that it works better than my favorite Tatcha eye cream, but it’s a nice-sized sample to use for traveling. The formula isn’t greasy and absorbs pretty well, and I like the screw-on cap – it prevents accidental spills.

Manna Kadar Lip Locked in All Of Me – A primer, lip stain, and lip gloss in one, this adorable multi-tasker will help simplify your beauty routine and slowly get into the swing of things after the long Holiday season. Buttery formula of this liquid lipstick feels like Milani’s Lip Intense, but Manna Kadar has much wider color selection with more wearable neutral shades. The sample is totes adorbs, and even has a gem on the cap. I like this formula enough to purchase the full size product, so once I get enough Birchbox points I’ll grab Lucky and Coral Crush.

Briogeo Don’t Despair! Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask – I tried this deep conditioning treatment last year and my fine color-treated locks really liked it. The formula is paraben, phthtalate, and silicone-free, which is nice for everyone who’s doing the no-poo no-cone routine for healthy hair. I tried following it but consistency is not my strong point, haha 🙂 Also, not that it matters, but the sample jar mimics the appearance of the full-sized mask, and I thought that was really cute.

When Travelmate Sheet Mask – I remember receiving these masks in a Memebox, and now they are even sold at Sephora [OOS right now]. These sheet masks are marketed as situational treatments, and even recommend the best time to use them. Travelmate mask is meant for using either during a long flight or right after, to restore the moisture balance and calm irritation. Biocellulose sheet adheres like second skin and doesn’t slide around, and my face really feels rested and refreshed afterwards. Love it!

Teapigs Tea Temples – As a tea maniac, I just couldn’t pass on the opportunity to try a new brand of my favorite beverage. I love the variety of tea kinds Birchbox carries in their shop, and always keep an eye out for new additions. They even sell my favorite Miyu Beauty detox blends! In my box I got two single tea pyramids: one in Chamomile Flowers, and the other in Liquorice & Peppermint. I normally hate licorice, but loved it in this tea blend. I thought it was the perfect beverage to have after a workout, while the chamomile one served me well in the evening.

THE VERDICT
I don’t want to jinx my luck, but I feel like ever since Birchbox introduced “pick your sample” option, my boxes have been getting better and better every month. This one was fantastic! I am super happy with everything, and felt like it was a steal to get all that for $10 [$4 actually, if we take “cashback” into account].