Birchbox: A Cheap Box of Love

I finally broke down and signed up for the monthly sample-delivering club, Birchbox.

When I first heard of it, I was super unsure… It could have been a scam, it could have been a rip off. But when I saw that one of my favorite PR girls took a job working with them, I knew it had to be legit!

So, for $10/month, you place your faith into the capable and creative hands of the women behind Birchbox. Every month, you’ll receive a box in the mail with a collection of sample- and full-sized beauty products! It could be hair care, it could be skin care, it could be makeup… You never know! It’s like Christmas every month (yes, please).



As this was my first Birchbox (and I’d seen Lara’s from last month), I’m happy overall. I’d be remissed, however, if I didn’t mention that I was a weeeeee bit disappointed. Her’s had food… AND it seemed like it came with more, larger products. Look at Lara’s post documenting her goodies, then take a look at mine (which, like I said, I’m totally happy with!) and let me know what you think!


The first thing I saw was this cute note from the Birchbox girls! I loved the packaging, and everything was very tidy and well-designed. That’s definitely the fastest way to my heart: through my design aesthetic.

Ooooooooooooooooh! Samples of things. I really, really wanted that little pink package to be food. It wasn’t. It’s okay.

…Let’s see what we got!

Birchbox Samples: August

This is called “The Cool Six” by Shave Works. Can’t say I wasn’t excited to see something that promised to take care of razor burn and ingrown hairs. They say, “it soothes while it works!” Aren’t those the same thing? Either way – I’m definitely going to use this.

I got really excited when I saw this! Photo Finish by Smashbox is legendary among makeup enthusiasts. I’m currently using a version of Mattifying Base from Black|Up, but I’m excited to try this!

The nice thing about Birchbox is that they get to know you before sending you samples of products. In a questionairre that I filled out when I subscribed, they asked me my skin type and tone, as well as my hair color and texture. It’s no secret I have [lion mane] thick hair that’s rich with curls, I was very intrigued by this so-called “anti-frizz” gel from Ouidad!

I definitely made an audible, excited noise when I saw this Twistband. I’ve recently become addicted to these because, well, lion mane, and also because they’re so much better looking when sidelined on my wrist. (Oh, did I mention your hair doesn’t get twisted up and wrapped around these? Because it’s true. They’re amazing!)

Also excited about this one! I am a girl who loves her luxurious masques, and preservative- and paraben-free makes me even more excited to try this out! I’m not familiar with June Jacobs, but that’s the beauty of Birchbox – now I will be!


I took a poll a while ago on our Facebook page asking if you’d be interested in spending $10/month to receive a box of samples… Most of you said you would!

Now that you’ve the inside of a fabled Birchbox, would you still sign up?

Probably watching Netflix.