Friday, October 19, 2012

Birchbox comparisons! September vs October.

Today I bring to you a comparison of my first Birchbox of September 2012, and my second one of October 2012.

To those that do not know what Birchbox is, it is a monthly subscription beauty box. Every month you receive a box with samples and/or full size products ranging from lifestyle to grooming to beauty items. For only $10 a month, I figured, why not give it a try?

You request to join the wait list, and will be emailed when there is an available spot. I believe I signed up in early August, or close to the 10th, which is why I had to wait til September for my first box.

I was pretty impressed, though slightly overwhelmed, with my first box. I got some fun products I had never heard of before, so I was excited!


September 2012
 This was the contents of September's box. (Minus 1 tea pouch)
  • 3 different loose leaf teas by Mighty Leaf
  • Sample of Twirl perfume by Kate Spade
  • Sample of Vasanti Brighten Up! face cleanser
  • Sample of Jouer Matte Moisture Tint in Linen shade
  • Mini of Color Club polish (Birchbox exclusive colors) in Tweet Me

An opened view of the sample perfume. I really enjoyed the scent, and immediately stuck it in my purse to keep at work!

To show you size comparison of the sample Jouer and mini Color Club polish! Unfortunately the color was not for me, I did not even swatch it before swapping it away. I wish I had gotten the blue polish but what can you do! :)
I have never heard of Jouer or Vasanti products and so I was nervous (still am!) about trying them out. My face is very delicate so I worry about breaking out with new products. I aim to try them this weekend though, and will update/edit with results!
As for the tea, I am not a tea drinker. Ever. But I promised to try one- so I chose the Chamomile Citrus. Considering I don't like tea, it wasn't too terrible! I added a splash of milk and sugar too.

OVERALL GRADE: A
I was introduced to many new products,  and definitely feel I got my $10 worth, even if I personally did not like a color or one of the products (tea.)



October 2012
October's box was a mix of happiness, and disappointment for me.  I was not thrilled to see *another* perfume sample, or the vitamin capsules for aging skin. (I'm 24! My skin is still young enough that I felt these unnecessary.) I was also not thrilled to see the luna bar - maybe a different flavor would have excited me more, but I am *VERY* particular about peanut butter and how I eat it.
I was however, thrilled over the eye shadow/high lighter and Jouer lip treatment!


 This is a beautiful shimmery golden color. Made by the Balm cosmetics! The flap is magnetic so it will stay closed between uses! It did not come with an applicator, but any brush you use for similar colors, or even a finger pad works! I paired this with my favorite eye shadow that is a dusty golden olive brown color, and used this as an accent- swept underneath my eyes, in the corners, and on the brow bone.

 This scent I was not as fond of, and again- very similar packaging. Since they have no caps, I keep them in the holder they came in.

 The inside of the Luna bar! Even my boyfriend had a nibble. It was a bit dry. Overall I did not like it, and just threw it away after trying it. :(

OVERALL GRADE: C
While I received a *different* product made by Jouer, I had hoped to see another brand. I have used the lip treatment and it was very gentle and my lips felt so new and soft after!
 I also was not happy to get another perfume sample, again, even though it's from another brand. I also did not like this scent, so it impacted my liking of the box.
 I was surprised by the vitamin capsules- they feel really nice on my skin, did not leave a sticky residue on hands or face, and left it quite soft.
You just read how I felt about the Luna bar...
Overall, the eyeshadow was the only winning component for me! Stuck immediately in my everyday makeup bag! 

I did get my money's worth again, but was disappointed in my contents this month. Can't win them all, right?



In conclusion, I will be giving BB another month or two to impress me again, or I will cancel and stick with my Glam Bag/ Ipsy bag!


Do you get Birchbox? How do you like or dislike it?
Thanks for reading!

xo, Tomboy Nails // Sara

4 comments:

  1. I'm actually very disappointed in Birchbox at the moment. I signed up for my a subscription over 4 weeks ago and have yet to receive a welcome e-mail telling me how to to access the site and sign-up for the subscription. From all the people complaining about Octobers box you would think they couldn't afford to keep people waiting that long :( lol

    ~Cassie~
    www.southeastbymidwest.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Cassie, I also had to wait a few wks for my welcome email and all that :(

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have to say those ARE my two favorite Mighty Leaf flavors :) especially the green one. And those teas are pretty expensive O.o It's about $10 for a box of 10 I think at Whole Foods.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh, hahaha. Now I read you don't like tea (the chamomile one is good on its own but also with honey). LOL! I think in honor of my mistake I'll have some green tropical $10 tea what's it called ;D

    ReplyDelete