Birchbox - January 2014

About Birchbox: "For $10.00 each month, you'll receive a selection of samples that we’ve tried (and retried) ourselves. We source our samples from both well-known brands and emerging gems. The women’s subscription includes everything from skincare to makeup, as well as fun non-beauty extras."

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Birchbox - January 2014 (1 of 2)

Nail Rock in Velvet Navy

Size Received: Full Size

Value: $7.00

"Every kit comes with two pieces: a polish for a solid foundation and a pot that houses a textured topper. Accent options include Nail Sequin, for the ultimate disco-ball mani; Nail Glitter, to create serious sparkle; Nail Caviar, for a rich encrusted look; and Nail Velvet, which leaves a luxe matte finish."

Toni & Guy Prep Heat Protection Mist

Size received: 2.53 fl oz

Value: $7.59

"This leave-in mist goes to work in high temperatures, safeguarding strands from the styling tools we love to hate (and hate to love). Bonus: It bestows softness and shine to hair while banishing frizz."

Paula's Choice RESIST C15 Super Booster

Size Received: 0.12 fl oz

Value: $8.06

"A potent dose of 15% stabilized vitamin C starts working immediately to fade dark spots and leftover acne scars while also quelling redness. Antioxidant vitamin E, ferulic acid, and peptides help repair telltale signs of aging—like wrinkles and slackness—and stimulate collagen production, resulting in a smoother, tighter complexion. Bonus: The nonirritating formula is free of fragrances and dyes, and never tested on animals."

100% Pure Super Fruits Reparative Cream

Size Received: Three 0.067 fl oz packets

Value: $4.40

Ahmad Teas in Apricot Sunrise, English Tea No. 1, Green Tea Pure 

Size Received: 3 Tea Bags

Value: $0.53

"Ahmad's teas come in a variety of mouthwatering flavors, all perfectly blended with high-grade ingredients. Each order comes with two boxes for a total of 40 teabags."

Purchase & Value

Box Cost: $10.00

Box Value: $27.58

Birchbox - January 2014 (2 of 2)

Inika Mineral Eye Shadow in Eternal Marine

Size Received: Full Size

Value: $20.00

"Made using the highest quality ingredients, including mica and zinc oxide, these shadows are rich in pigment for vivid colors that stay on all day."

Nail Rock in Red Glitter

Size Received: Full Size

Value: $7.00

"Every kit comes with two pieces: a polish for a solid foundation and a pot that houses a textured topper. Accent options include Nail Sequin, for the ultimate disco-ball mani; Nail Glitter, to create serious sparkle; Nail Caviar, for a rich encrusted look; and Nail Velvet, which leaves a luxe matte finish."

Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Creme

Size Received: 1.6 oz

Value: $8.00

"Fekkai’s encapsulated shine-release complex imparts softening olive oil into each strand throughout the day. Hair looks healthy, smooth, and oh-so-shiny."

Ahmad Teas in Apricot Sunrise, English Tea No. 1, Green Tea Pure 

Size Received: 3 Tea Bags

Value: $0.53

"Ahmad's teas come in a variety of mouthwatering flavors, all perfectly blended with high-grade ingredients. Each order comes with two boxes for a total of 40 teabags."

100% Pure Nourishing Body Cream in Pink Grapefruit

Size Received: Three 0.067 fl oz packs
Value: $0.38

"Packed with nourishing cocoa and avocado butters, as well as skin-softening fruit oils, this super hydrating formula replenishes and soothes dry skin. And, since they’re formulated without water, artificial ingredients, or fillers, the lotions are ultra-rich and concentrated."


Purchase & Value

Box Cost: $10.00
Box Value: $35.91

Birchbox - December 2013

Birchbox - December 2013 (1 of 2)

Hair Rules Quench Conditioner

Size Received: 2 fl oz

Value: $3.50

"This hair-taming conditioner has an impressive number of star actives. Honey and glycerin enhance your hair’s moisture intake while fortifying strands. Other moisturizers like shea butter, coconut, and olive oils give hair added sheen."

Willa Lavender Facial Towelettes

Size Received: 10 Wipes
Value: $2.33

"Each soft cloth comes pre-soaked with a botanic cleansing formula. Aloe hydrates and heals irritation, lavender calms, and antioxidant-rich green tea helps skin look fresh and glowing. Plus, willa™ never uses potentially harmful ingredients like parabens and sulfates."


Borchese Superiore State-of-the-Art Mascara

Size Received: 0.1 oz

Value: $6.50

"A silk-powder foundation binds to lashes for extended wear and definition—and no flaking, smudging, or clumping. The Acqua di Vita "Living Water" Complex®, a unique blend of minerals and botanicals, adds moisture and conditions. Available in black and waterproof black."

Pure Botanica Botanic Bath Infusions in Moments In Mint

Size Received: 1 Sachet
Value: $9.33

"Choose from four scented varieties: Stress-busting Lost in Lavender contains Bolivian sea salt from the Andes Mountains and hints of chamomile and lemongrass, and calming Moments in Mint utilizes mineral-rich salt from the Atlantic and notes of eucalyptus. Refreshing Pick Me Up blends orange, lavender, and pink Himalayan sea salts, and Rosé Retreat recreates the aroma of fresh roses while harnessing the restorative properties of Atlantic and Andes salts. Each fragrance comes with a set of three biodegradable pouches."


Emily's Chocolates Chocolate Covered Fortune Cookie

Size Received: 1 Cookie

Value: $1.00

"Each box contains six individually wrapped cookies. Choose from Love, milk chocolate dipped cookies featuring romantic messages; Friendship, dark chocolate dipped cookies packed with affectionate fortunes; and Truth or Dare, fortune cookies covered in creamy milk chocolate with cheeky messages inside."

Total Box Cost: $10.00

Total Box Value: $22.66

Birchbox - December 2013 (2 of 2)

Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk

Size Received: 1.06 oz

Value: $6.46

"Made with softening oat milk extracts, plus corn and rice starches, this ultra-fine powder spray leaves nary a trace of residue behind. It performs a heroic array of functions. For starters, it soaks up oil and sweat from your roots and helps revive second day hair. Next, it amps up volume and helps extend the life of blowouts. You can also use it as a texturing aide when you’re trying to perfect a tricky updo. We love taking it with us to the gym for a post-workout hair refresher, and it’s great for times when we’re on the road."

Bliss That's Incredi- 'peel'! Spa Strength Glycolic Resurfacing Pad

Size Received: 1 Pad

Value: Estimated $1.00

"Each that’s incredi-‘peel’ pad simulates a gentle-yet-effective facial as you sleep, thanks to a patented time-release technology. Glycolic acid targets wrinkles and dark spots, while witch hazel and licorice extract soothe."

Miracle Skin Transformer SPF20 Face

Size Received: 0.17 fl oz

Value: $4.80

"The formula uses a combination of active ingredients to improve skin tone and texture. Vitamins A, E, and K are rich in antioxidants, while Ecophysalis extracts, sourced from the Brazilian rainforest, create a shield against pollutants. It’s free of synthetic fragrances, dyes, wax, mineral oils and talc and comes in six flattering shades. (My shade is not marked on the tube.)"

Camille Beckman Body Butter in Morelia Monarch

Size Received: 0.25 oz
Value: $0.71

"Each body butter is packed with shea butter and sweet almond oil which leave dry skin softer, smoother, and healthier. Choose between three scents: Midnight Monarch has top notes of jasmine and bergamot over a base of patchouli and sweet vanilla amber, the fresh scent of Morelia Monarch features green tea and amber over a base of vanilla orchid, and the rich, earthy No. 25 has notes of green pear, pepper berry, and florals over herbal wood and amber resin."


Laqa & Co. Fat Lip Pencil in Ring of Fire

Size Received: 1 'Lil Lip' Pencil

Value: $8.00

"Formulated with a blend of oils and healing vitamin E, the pencil provides lasting moisture in addition to a glossy finish. Choose from five high-impact shades: Wolfman (a pale pink), Fairyblood (a polished pink), Lampchop (a neon fuchsia), Bossy Boots (a velvety red), and Ring of Fire (a bright red)."

Total Box Cost: $10.00

Total Box Value: $20.97

Birchbox - November 2013

Birchbox - November 2013 (1 of 2)

TOCCA Crema da Mano Luxe Hand Cream in Cleopatra

Size Received: 1 fl oz

Value: : $5.00

"Free of parabens, this quick-absorbing cream is made with a heavy-duty dose of avocado oil, coconut oil, and chamomile extract. It comes in TOCCA's five signature fragrances: Cleopatra (grapefruit and cucumber), Stella (blood orange), Giulietta (pink tulip and green apple), Bianca (green tea and lemon), and Florence (bergamot and gardenia)."

Vasanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator

Size Received: 20g

Value: $5.67

"This powerful exfoliator mimics the results of professional microdermabrasion, minus the potential for redness and sensitivity. First, papaya enzymes break down dead cells while evening out your skin tone. Next, dermatologist-approved microderm crystals fade the appearance of fine lines and acne scars, leaving skin smooth and free of imperfections. Finally, aloe vera, coconut, and vitamins B and E nourish and soothe skin."

Chella Highlighter Pencil in Ivory Lace

Size Received: Full Size

Value: $18.00

"This brightening formula visibly lifts and opens up the eyes when used on brow bones, water lines, or inner corners, and contours the face by drawing light to the high plains of the face (like the bridge of your nose, cheekbones, and Cupid’s bow). It also helps you create a flawless finish with precise coverage of dark spots, acne scars, and blemishes, and creates clean lines around your lips when you’re rocking a bold lip color. Available in Ivory Lace, for light skin tones, and Latte, for medium skin tones."

Color Club Cocktail Hour Collection Nail Polish in Top Shelf

Size Received: 0.25 fl oz

Value: $4.00

"We'll admit that we had some fun coming up with the names of these 5-o'clock inspired shades. Choose from three: Top Shelf, a shimmering copper, On the Rocks, a bright silver, and Dark 'N Stormy, a gunmetal gray."

*Lifestyle Extra* Chuao Chocolatier Chocolate Bar in Honeycomb

Size Received: 1 piece of an 8 piece sampler

Value: $1.24

"Don’t knock these unusual flavor combinations until you've tried them. This 7-piece set includes: Potato Chip (kettle chips and sea salt in milk chocolate), Orange A Go Go (dark chocolate with candied orange and orange bergamot), Maple Bacon (crisp bacon with a dose of maple sweetness and smoked sea salt in milk chocolate), Honeycomb (amber honey caramelized into crispy pieces in dark chocolate), Salted Chocolate Crunch (toasted breadcrumbs with sea salt in dark chocolate), Pop Corn Pop (puffed whole grains and toasted corn chips with a hint of sea salt), Spicy Maya (a spicy blend of pasilla chile, cinnamon, and cayenne in dark chocolate), and Firecracker (chipotle caramel fudge dotted with popping candy and salt in dark chocolate)."

Box Cost: $10.00

Box Value: $33.91

Birchbox - November 2013 (2 of 2)

Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Noir

Size Received: 0.05 fl oz

Value: $1.32

"Ripe berries pair with a touch of honeysuckle and undertones of sultry sandalwood. The hot pink hue of the fragrance shows boldly through a sturdy glass bottle, and a chic black satin bow tops it off."

*Birchbox Finds* Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar in Mint Cookie

Size Received: Full Size Bar

Value: $3.95

"We’re giving you the green light for daily indulgence. Meet our latest—and sweetest—Birchbox Find yet: Ghirardelli®’s two newly launched flavors of their delicious filled chocolate bars. They taste amazing (creamy, decadent flavor, anyone?), and should you want to take it one piece at a time, the special packaging design makes it easy to rewrap once you’d had your fill. So you can have your chocolate and eat it (whenever you want) too."

Chella Highlighter Pencil in Ivory Lace

Size Received: Full Size

Value: $18.00

"This brightening formula visibly lifts and opens up the eyes when used on brow bones, water lines, or inner corners, and contours the face by drawing light to the high plains of the face (like the bridge of your nose, cheekbones, and Cupid’s bow). It also helps you create a flawless finish with precise coverage of dark spots, acne scars, and blemishes, and creates clean lines around your lips when you’re rocking a bold lip color. Available in Ivory Lace, for light skin tones, and Latte, for medium skin tones."

Color Club Cocktail Hour Collection Nail Polish in Dark n' Stormy

Size Received: 0.25 fl oz

Value: $4.00

"We'll admit that we had some fun coming up with the names of these 5-o'clock inspired shades. Choose from three: Top Shelf, a shimmering copper, On the Rocks, a bright silver, and Dark 'N Stormy, a gunmetal gray."

derma e Soothing Collection with Pycnogenol

(Photo taken after I cut off the corners and emptied each pack into jars with screw top lids.)

Size Received: One 0.12 oz pack each of Soothing Cleanser, Soothing Moisturizing Creme, Soothing Serum

Value: $0.31 + $1.80 + $1.80 = $3.91

"A thorough cleansing is the bare minimum in a face wash, but this Cleanser’s pH balanced formula goes above and beyond to soothe and comfort skin. Pycnogenol®, a powerful nutrient extracted from the bark of the French maritime pine, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and helps stabilize capillaries, increasing skin’s resistance to irritation and improving circulation. Green tea fights free radicals, while chamomile and lemongrass calm finicky skin. Also harnessing the powers of Pycnogenol®, the Serum utilizes a blend of botanicals to calm flare-ups and restore skin’s elasticity, and the Moisturizing Crème diminishes the signs of aging, nourishing and hydrating with vitamins A, C, and E for a younger-looking complexion."

Mox Botanicals Bath Milk in Coconut and Vanilla Bean

Size Received: o.35 oz

Value: $1.68

"Each sachet is filled with a blend of organic whole milk, nutrient-rich sea salt, and a mix of soothing botanicals. Available in Rose Petal, Jasmine Petal, Coconut & Vanilla Bean, and unscented Calendula & Oatmeal."

Box Cost: $10.00

Box Value: $32.86

Birchbox - October 2013

This month I received two duplicate boxes, with the only variation being the color of lip gloss. I have only posted and outlined one box since they were the same contents and value.

Birchbox - October 2013

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser + Muslin Cloth

Size Received: 1 cloth & 1 oz cleanser

Value: $9.52

"This creamy cleanser contains moisturizing cocoa butter, and two of nature’s best astringents: eucalyptus essential oil and rosemary. These plant oils lift dirt off the skin’s surface without disrupting the natural barrier function. With the use of the brand’s 100 percent cotton muslin cloth, skin is gently polished without irritation—perfect for even the most sensitive of complexions."

Pop Beauty Aqua Lacquer in Floating Rose (Flowering Fuchsia in second box)

Size Received: Full Size

Value: $14.00

"Each glossy shade is infused with vitamin E and jojoba oil, which provide natural moisture for soft, smooth lips. Try Floating Rose, a soft pink infused with gold shimmer, or Liquid Caramel, a honey-nude hue. Then there’s Melted Peach, a sheer golden apricot color. Flowering Fuchsia makes a statement in sheer hot pink while Dewy Petal is a soft baby pink. And Splashing Scarlet is the brightest of the bunch—a bright strawberry-red gloss with plenty of shine."

Chapstick Hydration Locl Lip Balm in Vanilla Creme

Size Received: Full Size

Value: $2.50

"The clinically tested formula forms a barrier that traps existing moisture while also drawing it in from the outside. Antioxidant CoQ10 delivers protection from free radicals directly to your lips. Vitamin E, that mainstay of skin health, completes the picture for a softer, silkier pout that also appears fuller thanks to the moisture boost. Sensory bonus: This formula smells like delicious Vanilla Crème."

Benefit Fakeup in Medium

Size Received: 0.01 oz

Value: $2.00

"The creamy formula provides heavy-duty coverage and instantly brightens tired-looking eyes with light-reflecting pigments. Moisturizing vitamin E and apple seed extract give the concealer its silky-smooth texture and soften fine lines."

Box Cost: $10.00

Box Value: $28.02