Birchbox Reviews: New Beauty Products + My Top Picks

I really love Birchbox!

Are some months better than others?

Absolutely!  But the program offers a wonderful opportunity to try customized new products out based on my personal beauty survey. I am a total beauty junkie and my subscription to Birchbox keeps my wallet and my cosmetic drawer in check!

If you are unfamiliar with Birchbox, it is a subscription box program. You simply sign up, fill out a profile and agree to pay $10 a month for your box. You can cancel at anytime. Once subscribed, each month you will receive a “box” in the mail, based on your personal profile. Easy! Who doesn’t love getting a fun present in the mail each month?

For more on Birchbox, click through to their site HERE.  You can also read my past reviews HERE and HERE. both located under the Beauty Reviews tab on my home page.

Here’s a peek at my favorite products from the November/December/January boxes.

For all link-ups and reviews keep scrolling!

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NOVEMBER

 November was my favorite box, it looked like this:

MY FAVORITES WERE:

Gilchrist & Soames Spa Therapy Body Lotion | $15.00 | HERE

This body lotion felt great on my dry skin and the smell was addicting!

Royal Apothic Cuppa Cuppa Firming Tea Treatment Mask | $58.00 | HERE

This is a 8 minute treatment mask. The sample was enough for 2 uses. It has a tingly feel and smells great! I used it before going out to events over the holidays and it gave me that extra kick I needed to feel refreshed! It is pricey and since I have a pretty specific skincare regimen I use regularly I don’t need a product like this, but if you are in need of a treatment mask, I did really enjoy using it.

TheBalm® cosmetics Cindy-Lou Manizer® | $24.00 | HERE

This is a great highlighter. It is similar to Nars Orgasam blush or the Nars Muliple in Orgasam if you are familiar with either of those very popular products. I found I kept grabbing it over my Nars Muliple, especially for day time, it is a bit less orange. I like it, it’s very natural and gives a nice healthy glow. Can be used on cheekbones, eyes or lightly all over face.

The Cynthia Rowley Lip Stain was just ok for me as are most Cynthia Rowley products that I have tried. As far as the hair mask goes, hard to tell with one use of any hair product so I really can’t say on that one.

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DECEMBER 

The December box looked like this:

IN THIS BOX, TWO ITEMS WERE REAL WINNERS FOR ME

Laura Geller Beauty Spackle Supercharged Fortified Under Make-Up Primer | $30.00 | HERE

I have used an array of primers in my time. Upon getting this sample I was in the process of finishing up with a Guerlain primer and had moved on to a Nars primer. Both prior products are fine, the first very pricey. I like this Laura Geller Primer because it is lightweight, sheer and not sticky –  I don’t even notice it’s on. I have worn it alone as well as with makeup over it.  I really like it!  I find I grab it for daytime. If I go out in the evening I use the Nars primer as it creates a great base when wearing heavier  makeup.

TOCCA Crema da Mano – Hand Cream | $10.00 for a 2 oz size | HERE

The perfect hand cream to throw in your bag! The grapefruit smell is amazing and I love the feel of it – not greasy.

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JANUARY

The January Box was a bit of a bust for me after the receiving some awesome samples in the prior two boxes.

Here is how it looked:

The bad: the Number 4 Hairspray and the  Essentiel Elements wake up rosemary lotion smelled bad to me. The Manna Kadar Lip Locked lip gloss had a strange pasty texture and stayed on all of 5 minutes. I am very particular about fragrance so I passed that onto my daughter.

The good: COOLA Tinted Matte SPF30 for face | $36.00 | HERE

This is an interesting product. It is like a tinted moisturizer, but with a matte finish. I like it for days when I don’t wear makeup. I get SPF and a very light coverage. It feels and looks very natural. It is a really strange yellow color when it comes out of the tube, but once on the face it blends in perfectly.

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So am I upset about the January box?

Heck no!

The box is $10.00, you win some you lose some. I love trying out new products and have discovered some real winners along the way that I may have never tried before.

Here are 3 other Birchbox products that I love and have reordered.

Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips | $14.50 | HERE

L.O.V.E  this lip balm!!!!!

For me the BEST lip balm out there. Aquaphor works well, but this is a step above! I use it on cuticles and dry skin as well.

CAILYN Cosmetics Dizzolv’it Makeup Melt Cleansing Balm | $36.00 | HERE

For me the BEST makeup remover I have found. This product removes my makeup AND mascara in one swoop. It is the first makeup remover that fully removes my mascara without pulling or tugging. Melt it on to your face and let it sit for a minute, then wipe clean.

Pixi by Petra Shea Butter Lip Balm | $8.00 | HERE also available at TARGET

This tinted lip balm is the biggest bang for the buck!

I use it every day at some point. Great for when you want a little color but not a full lip. I got mine back in September, use it all the time and I still have some left!

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Anyone else have a Birchbox subscription? Any winners to share?

I can’t wait to see what February has in store for me!

If you missed the Look for Less and some fun asymmetrical jackets click HERE

Nails in need of a new color, click HERE to see what is new!

XOXO

Suzanne

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