September 2012 Birchbox

My September Birchbox arrived a few days ago and, admittedly, my initial reaction was kind of "meh."  After the disaster that was my August Birchbox, I was honestly hoping for more this month to make up for last month.  That said, I will probably use all my samples this month, I just don't expect to be blown away by any of them.

My September Birchbox included:

Boscia - Purifying Cleansing Gel ($26/5 oz)
Made with botanicals like hydrangea leaf, this preservative-free cleanser gently removes oil and impurities.

Sample size: 1.69 oz
Sample value: $8.79

Color Club - Birchbox Custom Polish in Put a Pin in it ($8/0.5 oz)
We teamed up with Color Club to create this custom shade, inspired by the Fall 2012 collections.

Sample size: 0.25 oz
Sample value: $4

Dr. Jart+ - Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25+ ($32/1.7 oz)
Think of this four-in-one moisturizer, serum, sunscreen, and skin-perfecting tint as the (extremely stylish) Swiss Army Knife of your beauty lineup.

Sample size: 0.1 oz
Sample value: $1.88

La Fresh - Instant Body Soother ($9.99/24 wipes)
These convenient wipes use a blend of six natural oils to refresh your senses.

Sample size: 2 wipes
Sample value: $0.83

Twistband - Birchbox Custom Lace Hair Tie ($22/12 ties)
Designers went gaga for lace this season and we don't blame them.  Get on board with these ouch-free hair ties.

Sample size: 1 tie
Sample value: $1.83

The Brush Guard - Brush Guard Variety Kit ($5.50/4 guards)
Slip these handy protectors over your makeup brushes to keep bristles in top-notch condition even when you're on the go.

Sample size: 3 guards
Sample value: $4.13

Total box value: $21.46

Despite my frequent annoyance with the contents of my monthly Birchboxes, I still can't quit them because of their fantastic point system.  Birchbox allows you the opportunity to review the items you receive in your boxes each month.  Each review rewards you with 10 Birchbox point (essentially $1 to spend in their online shop).  Therefore, with receiving 5-7 samples each month, you're able to get the equivalent of $5-7 dollars in the Birchbox shop (so the box almost pays for itself).  If you're like me, you religiously review the products you receive each month, save your points, wait for a great coupon code, and then treat yourself to something fabulous.  This month I redeemed quite a lot of saved points and used a coupon to purchase a Clarisonic Mia for a steal ($35)!  Despite the fact that I'm more often than not disappointed in the content of my monthly boxes, I have a hard time cancelling my membership because of the perks of the point system.  Here's to hoping next month is a bit more impressive.