Birchbox #1 - October 2014
To preface this review, I need to first say that I am completely unhappy with Birchbox and the way they handled things this month. I chose during the Ace opening for Sample Choice and picked something I had been wanting to try for a while, Mally Beauty High-Shine Liquid Lipstick in Mally Melon, and picked it right away. Instead of receiving that as my confirmation said I would, I did not get either of the Mally options and instead was sent a box of stuff I wouldn't have picked. I have tried contacting them twice to date and still have received no response even though they say Aces get their emails bumped. I am disappointed and a little ill at this point due to their failure to complete their end of my sample choice and their failure to have good communication.
UPDATE: After some very rude customer service, I did get points added to my account to purchase the missing item. Sadly, it is no longer available to purchase, so I still do not get to try out the Mally Lipstick. If you didn't get your sample choice, I recommend emailing them to see if they will do something, but beware of their grumpiness this month!
Birchbox is the original subscription box, and it's still going strong. Even when the box isn't the greatest, the subscription is usually worth it because of the points system. For those that don't know, Birchbox sends anywhere from 4 to 8 products a month (full size, deluxe sample size, and sample size) and you can review your items each month for 10 points/item. You can also get additional points for getting a yearly subscription or getting referrals. Every 100 points you earn is $10 to use in their shop. Now on to the box!
Last month, I was 'Thanks Kiersten Boatwright' and now I'm 'Encore.' I'm not sure what they're getting at with this.
The shipping box was pretty pink again.
But sadly, the box is plain brown and boring. I would prefer to have pretty boxes but at least this will make a good box for Christmas.
The theme for this month is Fanfare and we're all supposed to use the month to settle in for good fall tv shows and great fall movies. That sounds like a plan to me, because it's starting to get chilly and all I want to do is cuddle up with a good book or fall television. :)
The Info Card for my box.
Crank is a great book and I think everyone should read it, and the whole series. I read it in high school and ran across it at the used bookstore and bought them again!
LuMESH Hydrating Lip Gloss (Sadie) ($~2.00) - This is the tiniest lip gloss I've ever seen, which is sad considering I got a tiny one from Birchbox not too long ago. It's apparently a color created especially for Birchbox and I would have loved to get one that had enough to use and not lose, but this is too small to have anywhere (including my purse) that my dogs can get into. The shade and stickiness is great, though, so I might consider buying it if I ever get unmad.
clariSEA Rapid Detox Charcoal Exfoliant ($4.50) - I'm loving that I got this exfoliant this month. It can be blended in with your everyday cleanser or just used with water, so I will probably be able to remember this at nights. My face is needing a good exfoliant right now, so I probably should use it sooner rather than later. I also love that it's 100% natural and made with charcoal, so I don't have to put more chemicals on my face.
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Serum ($5.10) - Paula's Choice is a great brand and I love that I have a serum to try out. I have come to terms that I need to start using wrinkle products (I found wrinkles!) so I'm going to work this in to my nightly routine. It's not too expensive so if I like it, I won't be too afraid to pay full price!
ModelCo Power Lash Long Wear Mascara ($10.00) - I'm sure this is a fine mascara, but I am not opening another mascara until I get rid of two or three more. I hate opening mascaras because of how quickly they dry out, so this can't be thoroughly reviewed until I run out of some current mascaras.
Essentiel Elements Wake Up Rosemary Shower Gel ($3.56) - Oh my goodness, this smells terrible. It reminds me of the all-natural crap my mom got when the kid at school gave me lice years ago. It's terrible and smells like straight Rosemary. I can honestly say this will not be used anywhere near me and I hope someone takes it from my vicinity soon so I don't have to risk smelling it anymore!
The total for this month's box is $25.16, which isn't bad for paying $10 for it. I would have been much happier with this box if I had gotten my sample I chose, so I can't say that I loved this at all. It's just such a letdown that it left a bad taste in my mouth for Birchbox in total. Let me know in the comments if you got your sample choice in your box this month or if you received something great!
