December 2012 Birchbox

While I have to say I wasn't wowed my by December Birchbox, at least I'll probably use all the samples I received this month.  Having been subscribed to GLOSSYBOX for a few months now and having recently resubscribed to Ipsy (formerly MyGlam), I've been less and less impressed with my monthly Birchboxes by comparison.  I do still enjoy receiving my box each month, I just feel like you get a lot more product for your investment with the other services.

That said, my December Birchbox included the following samples:

Juicy Couture - Juicy Couture perfume ($90/3.4 oz)
Juicy's signature fragrance is a blend of sweet and floral notes.  Sophisticated and feminine, it's perfect for day or night.

Sample size: 0.05 oz
Sample value: $1.32

Mox Botanicals - Pomegranate & Fig Lip Butter ($16/0.2 oz)
This eco-chic balm (in an exclusive flavor!) revives lips with avocado oil and shea butter.

Sample size: 0.1 oz
Sample value: $8

Number 4 - Clarifying Shampoo ($32/250 ml)
Get over your lather addiction.  Gentle enough for everyday use, this unique cleanser features a low-suds formula that removes build-up without stripping hair of essential oils.

Sample size: 52 ml
Sample value: $6.66

theBalm Cosmetics - Hot Mama ($20/7.08 g)
How cute is this peachy blush?  The universally flattering pigment is laced with faint golden shimmer to add warmth to your complexion.

Sample size: 1 g
Sample value: $2.82

Beauty Extra - Tweezerman Filemate ($5/1 file)
There is no greater tragedy than a broken nail.  Keep this cute patterned file in your purse to fix mani mishaps.

Sample size: 1 file
Sample value: $5

Total box value: $23.80

Certainly not a fantastic month, but I like the assortment of samples I received this month better than those from the last several months.  I've found Birchbox pretty lackluster as a whole recently.  For the first year+ of my subscription, it seemed like every other box was pretty fantastic with a so-so box or a complete dud in between.  Now I feel like I'm lucky to get a so-so box.

Since receiving my December box, I've tried out the Juicy Couture perfume (it's okay, but I definitely prefer the lighter scent of the Viva la Juicy and La Fleur versions), the Mox Botanicals Lip Butter (it's a little thin and greasy feeling), and the Balm blush (reminds me a little of Nars' Orgasm, only more bronze - pretty but not the best shade for my fair pinky skin tone).  I've yet to try the Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo, so we'll see how that goes.  The Tweezerman file is a nice extra.  I appreciate that the extra is actually beauty related this month and this will be a nice little addition to my purse.

Overall, not a bad month but not fantastic either.  Come on, Birchbox, when are you going to wow me again?

November 2012 GLOSSYBOX USA

The November GLOSSYBOX USA was full of products to "make you a standout among the crowd of little black dresses... and keep you looking fabulous from day to night."  Afterall, 'tis the season to be glossy, you should look your best!

My November GLOSSYBOX included the following samples:

1) Illamasqua - Lip & Eye Medium Pencil in Severe ($20/.05 oz)
Designed to glide over your skin and create a long-lasting highly pigmented finish, this creamy pencil lets you write a different story with every look.

Sample size: 0.035 oz
Sample value: $14

2) Incoco - Nail Polish Applique in Sinderella ($8/.08 oz)
A nail applique strip made of 100% real nail polish including base, color, and top coat for brilliant, long-lasting results.

Sample size: 0.08 oz
Sample value: $8.00

3) Kryolan for GLOSSYBOX - Blusher in Glossy Rosewood ($9/2.5 g)
The micronized pigments in this semi-transparent cream powder allow for a vivid yet light application.  Perfect for the cheeks and can be used on the eyelids too.

Sample size: 2.5 g
Sample value: $9

4) NuMe Style - Arganics by NuMe Argan Oil ($59/4 oz)
A perfect compliment to any hair and skin care regiment, this Argan Oil is rich in Vitamin E and other beneficial fatty acids.

Sample size: 10 ml
Sample value: $4.99

5) Skin & Co Roma - Truffle Serum: Hydro-Toning Day Face Serum ($36/1.01 oz)
Give your face a boost and slow down the signs of aging using this Italian serum infused with Peptides, pure extracts of Tuber Melanosporum and Hyaluronic Acid.

Sample size: 0.50 oz
Sample value: $17.82

Total box value: $53.81

I had a few issues with my GLOSSYBOX this month.  First, when my box arrived, it was missing the NuMe Argan Oil.  After contacting GLOSSYBOX, they happily sent a replacement for the missing product.  My other major complaint was that I received the exact same blusher that I had gotten in my October box.  Personally, I don't believe that any subscription service should send repeat products to customers, ESPECIALLY two months in a row!  When I contacted GLOSSYBOX about the missing Argan Oil, I complained about the repeat blush and requested another sample be sent; however, they claimed they couldn't/wouldn't send a replacement.  In my opinion, they really should have done something to fix this mistake.

Other than those issues (the first I've really experienced since signing up with the company), I was pretty pleased with my box.  I've never tried nail polish appliques, so I'm curious to try these from Incoco.  I received some from them in a past Birchbox, but they were a hideous pattern and I gave them to a friend.  The ones I received in my GLOSSYBOX are a very lovely red with a subtle shimmer.  They'll be perfect for the holidays.  When I first looked at the Illamasqua pencil I received, I thought it was a brown eyeliner, which was disappointing as I have a TON of neutral eyeliners.  Fortunately, after swatching it on my hand, I saw that it was actually a gorgeous deep berry lip pencil!  This will definitely come in handy with some of the dark berry lipsticks I have been enjoying this fall.

November 2012 Birchbox

Unfortunately I'm terribly late posting this, my November Birchbox.  I was sick for a few weeks in November and just fell behind in blogging so my November Birchbox and GLOSSYBOX posts are a few weeks late.  Better late than never?

The November Birchbox was "all about giving: giving thanks, giving back, and of course giving treats."  I think Birchbox was aiming to include gift-worthy products for the month; however, as usual, the theme seemed a little silly and forced.

My November 2012 Birchbox included the following samples:

Atelier Cologne - Rose Anonyme Cologne Absolue ($75/30 ml)
Thanks to spicy ginger and a touch of bergamot, this sexy new rose scent is more sophisticated than sweet.

Sample size: unknown (~1.5 ml)
Sample value: unknown (~$3.75)

Lulu Organics - Lavender + Clary Sage Hair Powder ($30/4 oz)
Revive second-day locks by working this organic dry shampoo into your roots.  You'll get plenty of lift, but no residue.

Sample size: 5 g
Sample value: $1.35

Miracle Skin Transformer - Vanish Instant Imperfection Corrector ($58/1 oz)
Before applying makeup, prep skin with this serum-infused primer, which has optical diffusers that mask imperfections.

Sample size: 0.1 oz
Sample value: $5.80

ModelCo - Fibre Lashxtend Lengthening Mascara ($24 for full size)
Falsies without the fuss.  This innovative mascara uses tiny lash-extending fibers to give you a lengthy fringe.  Tip: rotate the wand inside the bottle to pick up the fibers.

Sample size: unknown (presumably full size)
Sample value: unknown (presumably $24)

Lifestyle Extra - Chuao Chocolatier Chocopod ($7.95/7 pack)
These bite-sized artisanal treats are made with premium Venezuelan cacao and come in a range of unexpected flavors.

Sample size: 1 pack
Sample value: $1.14

Total box value: ~$36.04

I was pretty happy with the samples I received in my November Birchbox.  I've only tried a few of the products so far, including the mascara which, honestly, wasn't my favorite (the fibers make my lashes look like they were covered in lint).  I'm curious to try the dry shampoo and the primer.