February 10, 2012

Birchbox - February 2012 (two different shipments)

Hello, Beautiful!

This month I received both my Birchbox and my husband's Birchbox on the same day, which is something that hasn't happened in a very, very long time. I decided to combine both February shipments into one blog post since I had them at the same time. This month I was hoping to receive the Eye Rock eyeliner stick-on's, and I did, in both shipments!

I will say I was a little disappointed the box wasn't more Valentine's Day themed... ya know, more themed for love, seduction, flirty, playful items. I get that they weren't going in that direction, but I kind of wish they did. I was also slightly disappointed with the lack of value this month in comparison to other months. Both shipments had low values, both under $20. Don't get me wrong, that's still great for only paying $10, but it's disappointing compared to months when the value has been between $30 and $50! Sometimes a lower value month means a higher value month is coming up soon! I'll keep my fingers crossed!

For more information on Birchbox, or to sign-up and start receiving your own Birchbox every month, CLICK HERE to visit http://www.birchbox.com?raf=eops9. Just $10 each month!



February 2012 Birchbox
My Birchbox beauty profile was set to Classic and Trendy.
Hair Color: Brown. Hair Description: Color-Treated, Fine, Frizzy. Skin Coloring: Medium. Skin Type: Combination. Skin Concerns: Acne, Aging.








The Included Info Card:




Shipment Quick Stats:

  • Value of this month's Birchbox shipment: $18.58 (value is approximate and does not include the price of the free downloads)
  • Total # of Items Received: 6
  • # of makeup items: 1
  • # of nail items: 0
  • # of skincare items: 2
  • # of body care items: 0
  • # of hair care items: 1
  • # of fragrance items: 0
  • # of other items: 2

Now I'll break it down, product-by-product...

EYE ROCK Designer Liner
  • DESCRIPTION ON INFO CARD: Stop wrestling with the liquid liner and achieve a perfect cat eye with these single-use stick-on liner strips.
  • MY THOUGHTS: I really wanted to try these, so I'm glad I received a set in this month's Birchbox shipment. I haven't tried them yet, since they are single use and I want to wait until I have time to properly test/review them, but they look really interesting.
  • FULL SIZE: 2 packs of 4 @ $13.00
  • SIZE I RECEIVED: 1 pack of 4
  • VALUE: $6.50
 





JUICE BEAUTY Blemish Clearing Serum
  • DESCRIPTION ON INFO CARD: Pesky zits are no match for this high-performing serum. Salicylic acid purges pores, while organic botanicals purify skin.
  • MY THOUGHTS: I'm excited to give this a try. I like the Juice Beauty brand and I can always use products to help with my adult acne. Can't wait to give this a try!
  • FULL SIZE: 2 fl oz @ $29.00
  • SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.17 fl oz
  • VALUE: $2.46






 






SHU UEMURA Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil
  • DESCRIPTION ON INFO CARD: Stylists call this luxurious oil 'liquid gold,' and we agree. It keeps strands soft and silky, with plenty of high-watt shine and volume.
  • MY THOUGHTS: At first I thought this was another perfume sample, but was happy to see this was a product for your hair. I really like using oils on my hair, as I find they can be really beneficial. I'm excited to try this out in the future.
  • FULL SIZE: 150 ml @ $68
  • SIZE I RECEIVED: 3 ml
  • VALUE: $1.36
 



[The sparkles in the photo above is from the Jouer Moisture Tint (shown below in my second shipment)]




KIEHL'S Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution
  • DESCRIPTION ON INFO CARD: Don't let dark spots keep you from a flawless complexion. This brightening serum evens out skin tone with vitamin C and white birch extracts.
  • MY THOUGHTS: I have dark spots to correct, so I'm going to test this out in the near future.
  • FULL SIZE: 1 fl oz @ $49.50
  • SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.14 fl oz
  • VALUE: $6.93








SUPERSMILE Powdered Mouthrinse
  • DESCRIPTION ON INFO CARD: Just add water to this powder-filled pouch to create an on-the-go refreshing mouthwash that will sweeten your breath and naturally whiten your teeth.
  • MY THOUGHTS: I really love Supersmile toothpaste, but I'm a little on the fence with this product. I'd rather just have a travel sized bottle of mouthwash with me than have to mix water with powder. I guess I'd have to try them before making a decision.
  • FULL SIZE: pack of 24 @ $16
  • SIZE I RECEIVED: 2 packs
  • VALUE: $1.33

 




BIRCHBOX DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
  • DESCRIPTION ON INFO CARD: Six free tunes from Green River Ordinance, an indie rock band poised to hit the spotlight.
  • MY THOUGHTS: I've never heard of Green River Ordinance, but since I can listen to them for free I think I'll give them a try. Six downloads is a nice way to sample their music. I hope they're good!
  • VALUE: n/a





Onto the second shipment...


February 2012 Birchbox
My husband's Birchbox beauty profile was set to Adventurous.
Hair Color: Blonde. Hair Description: Frizzy, Normal. Skin Coloring: Medium. Skin Type: Normal. Skin Concerns: Aging, Hyperpigmentation, Sensitive.





The Included Info Card:




Shipment Quick Stats:

  • Value of this month's Birchbox shipment: $19.16 (value is approximate and does not include value of nail file and digital downloads)
  • Total # of Items Received: 6
  • # of makeup items: 2
  • # of nail items: 1
  • # of skincare items: 2
  • # of body care items: 0
  • # of hair care items: 0
  • # of fragrance items: 0
  • # of other items: 1

Now I'll break it down, product-by-product...

EYE ROCK Designer Liner
  • DESCRIPTION ON INFO CARD: Stop wrestling with the liquid liner and achieve a perfect cat eye with these single-use stick-on liner strips.
  • MY THOUGHTS: I was happy to receive these in both shipments and can't wait to try them out in the future when I'm feeling lazy with my liner. They are a bit thick though.
  • FULL SIZE:  2 packs of 4 @ $13.00
  • SIZE I RECEIVED: 1 pack of 4
  • VALUE: $6.50
 





DERMALOGICA Daily Microfoliant
  • DESCRIPTION ON INFO CARD: Skincare insiders swear by this genius exfoliating powder. Just add water to create a rich paste that will buff dead cells away.
  • MY THOUGHTS: I'm always interested in trying new scrubs/exfoliators, but I've never tried one in powder form like this. I look forward to giving this a try!
  • FULL SIZE: 2.6 oz @ $50.00
  • SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.45 oz
  • VALUE: $8.65


   

    








JOUER Luminizing Moisture Tint in Golden
  • DESCRIPTION ON INFO CARD: The votes are in, and this award-winning tinted moisturizer tops the list. It's our daily shortcut to dewy, glowing skin.
  • MY THOUGHTS: I received smaller, packet samples of this moisturizer in the past but I haven't gotten around to trying them yet. I do like the way it feels on my skin, but it doesn't provide much (if any) coverage. It's also a little sparkly; which would likely be un-noticeable if you layered powder or even foundation over this. You can see the sparkles on the skin in other photos on this blog (I photographed my shipment after this one, so you'll see it in some of the photos)
  • FULL SIZE: Thanks to a reader, I know the size is now 1.7 oz @ $38.00
  • SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.07 fl oz
  • VALUE: $1.56
 








JUICE BEAUTY Blemish Clearing Serum
  • DESCRIPTION ON INFO CARD: Pesky zits are no match for this high-performing serum. Salicylic acid purges pores, while organic botanicals purify skin.
  • MY THOUGHTS: I received this in my shipment too, and since I have acne prone skin I am happy to receive another sample in my husband's box!
  • FULL SIZE: 2 fl oz @ $29.00
  • SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.17 fl oz
  • VALUE: $2.46



 





Nail File
  • DESCRIPTION ON INFO CARD: There's no shame in filing your nails in public with this heart-shaped, neon looker.
  • MY THOUGHTS: This is a super cute nail file, and more neon pink in person than it shows on camera. It's pretty thin, but it would work if you had no other file. With me being such a nail polish person, I already have my favorite files so I don't think this will get much use, but I will likely throw it in my purse for an emergency situation.
  • VALUE: ?





BIRCHBOX DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
  • DESCRIPTION ON INFO CARD: Six free tunes from Green River Ordinance, an indie rock band poised to hit the spotlight.
  • MY THOUGHTS: Since I received the same promo in my box, I really have no need for another 6 downloads.
  • VALUE: ?





Let me know what you think...
Did you receive a Birchbox shipment this month? If so, what are your thoughts on your box? If you don't receive Birchbox yet, click here to sign up! Discuss in the comments below.



20 comments:

  1. The Jouer's full-size is product is 1.7 (found it in the birchbox shop). So not too great of a value. I couldn't believe how teeny the sample was! Im most excited about the dermalogica product. And dont forget to activate your donation on their joinFITE.org website! Id have loved to have gotten the Kiehls product too.

    Im so glad they switched to UPS innovations, so cool to get my box quickly for a change.

    ReplyDelete
  2. oo0o0o0o0o I cannot wait to get my box! i am really hoping for that Kiehl's dark spor corrector and the Dermatalogica (or w/e) exfoliator, and I wouldnt mind having the Juice Beauty blemish clearing serum. I am hoping for one piece of makeup though! You get your box so early! I went on the birchbox website to take a peek at my feb box and there isn't any sign yet of it! booo! thanx for sharing!

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  3. @ Sarah: Thank you for the heads up on the full size on the Jouer tinted moisturizer! Last time I check Birchbox's site for the size it wasn't listed so I didn't even bother to check this time; I should have (shame on me, lol). I updated the post to reflect the corrected value!


    @ Erica J: My box showed up today before I ever got a shipping notification. I received the shipping notification a few hours after it had arrived at my house, lol. I usually get my box 2 days after the shipping notification, but that's only if all goes as planned. It has taken weeks for mine to get here before. From what I understand, they ship out based on what box you're getting and not your location, so maybe getting your box late means you'll get something special?

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  4. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is AWE. SOME. Seriously, I love that stuff -- I've gone through a few bottles myself, and bought it for my mom, an aunt, and a couple of friends. Just note that it's a chemical exfoliant, not physical, so be sure to rinse thoroughly! REALLY thoroughly.

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  5. I'm so excited that you received your boxes! I haven't gotten mine yet, but everything looks so good. I wasn't a huge fan of the Jouer Moisturizing tint when they gave out the packets the first time. It was way too sparkley and didn't really have much coverage.

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  6. I am dying to try those eyeliners out. Also, Violent Lips. I haven't gotten my box yet but signing my boyfriend up for a box so I can try to get two different shipments is an amazing idea.

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  7. thank you so much for the review! you got yours so much earlier. I just got mine shipped. i hope i get the hair oil and the tinted color. =)

    http://tramplingicecream.blogspot.com/

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  8. I'm subscribed to Birchbox as well, it's usually a hit or miss for me from month to month. I haven't received my box yet, so I scrolled through your review really fast, I like it being a surprise for me lol.

    xoxo,
    Genie

    www.uniqueandchicstyle.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Um that's the GUY BOX? weird.

    Seriously if you want value--and you can get in (there are beacoup waiting lists)--look at MyGlam and Cravebox. My last Cravebox was valued at over $160--for just $10. Beats Birchbox with one hand tied behind its back ;)

    I quit BB after 3 months and was almost thinking of going back. A few of your products look really good--but the rest, meh. I'll stick with the sub boxes I have--much happier.

    Sorry to be such a downer.

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  10. @ The Crafty Angel: No, that's not the guy box. Birchbox doesn't have a monthly guy's box just yet. They just had that one special box in the past. I signed my husband up for a box back in May so I could try more stuff, plus, he was taking things I didn't use (skincare, toothpaste, the edible stuff, etc.).

    I am a member of MyGlam. I was supposed to get a bag last month but my bag was one that was lost and delivered to another member. I should get a bag this month (I hope).

    I looked into Cravebox but the contents didn't excite me. I want beauty products and it didn't seem like Cravebox would give me all beauty stuff. Since I already subscribe to so many places already, I passed. At this moment, I'm currently subscribed to Birchbox, MyGlam, Beauty Army, Beautyfix, New Beauty Test Tube (the QVC version), The Look Bag, and Sample Society (which doesn't ship its first bag until March 5th). I think I have an addiction to these monthly sampling programs!

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  11. Got my first birchbox today...I guess I have been spoiled by Cravebox, but I seriously can't believe I spent $10 for a tiny perfume sample, eyeliner strips I will never use, a small piece of chocolate and some blemish cleaner. Oh, yeah, I guess I got the music downoad to, but I am very underwhelmed. I will probably give it one more month because I have heard good things about it, but so far, ugh!

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  12. @ Anonymous: Sorry to hear you were disappointed in your first Birchbox. I wouldn't be happy either if that was my first impression of Birchbox! Give it another month or two, because some months are really incredible values! I don't know if you saw my Year of Birchbox post, but I showed every Birchbox subscription I received in 2011, including values of each month and a total for the year. You can check it out to see what my shipments were like; some months were so-so, some were bad, and some were awesome. Here's a link: http://xoxovalentinekissesxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/12/year-of-birchbox-every-shipment-ive.html

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  13. my feb birchbox:
    i got a beauty blender sponge valued at $20!!
    the dermalogica stuff
    the eye things, the jouer, the nail file & music.

    think my box values around $35! not too shabby!

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  14. @ Debbie: You were one of the lucky ones to get a Beauty Blender sponge! Lucky you!! :) You got a great box!

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  15. I got my box yesterday and I got the beautyblender sponge, a hair oil by Orofluido, the nail file, the Jourer tinted moisturizer, Voilent Lips in a silver glitter, and the digital downloads. I'm happy:-)

    http://tallulah-bonvivantbeauty.blogspot.com/

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  16. @ Lulubelle: You got a great box too! Congrats!

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  17. Awesome! I love Japanese products, so I was hoping to get the Shu Uemura sample in my box but didn't. I got the WEI buffing beads though, and they smell amazing; they also do a really good job brightening up my face.

    I did my unboxing and review here:
    http://www.mrsgaeul.com

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  18. Ugh, feel like I got the pitiful box. only four items: tiny (TINY) Jouer sample, Oscar De La Renta "Live in Love", Beauty Protector Detangler and --Kiehls Powerful Wrinkle Reducing cream (The only one I got excited about). Oh, yeah, and the chocolate. to be fair i believe the Kiehls sample product is valued at 7.28. so the perfume at.64, Jouer at 1.56, all adds up to 9.48 (before the detangler which I could't price because they didn't have the size of the large bottle in the ad. But it's pretty big, yet priced at 10.35 so assuming my mini bottle is one tenth of whatever it is (generously) ...I barely got 11 dollars worth of product. not so great. Unless my math is pitiful as well.

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  19. @ ElizabethC: My 2013 February box was less than desirable for me. I don't post my Birchbox shipments anymore because I don't have a lot of time to do so, but I can say my box this month was so disappointing. I prefer February 2012's much more than February 2013! I had a duplicate product that I already received in a previous box, a product for curly hair (which I don't have), perfume sample (which I really don't like perfume), mascara, and chocolate. Not happy but oh well - it's hit or miss. Sometimes I get an amazing box so I don't really complain but I do have to say their February 2013 box was lacking for me.

    ReplyDelete

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