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Tuesday, May 22, 2012

have you tried it: birch box

Have you jumped on the BirchBox Bandwagon yet? I finally bit the bullet, and got my first box this month.
I am not really a girl who gets super pumped about trying new beauty products - walking into a Sephora actually brings about a certain amount of anxiety because there are so many products and I don't even know where to start!
I have a set of products that I know work with my skin, and I am nervous about trying new products, hating them, and then being too polite to return them, so they sit on my bathroom shelf collecting dust.
So when I found out about the BirchBox service, that for $10 delivers a box of sample sized beauty products to my front door every month, I decided to take the plunge.
The May BirchBox was "Gossip Girl" themed, and included some amazing products that were tailored to the products I am interested in. (and yes, I still LOVE GG)

My first box included:
Bvlgari Omnia Crystalline Fragrance
Color Club Nail polish In Clambake Coral
Kiehl's Abyssine Cream
Miracle Skin Transformer Body SPF
Twistband hair tie
Gossip Girl Notecard
I have really enjoyed trying out the new products (I shocked even myself!) I had already been introduced and converted to a Twistband believer, but have found new favorites in both Color Club nail polish and Kiehl's Abyssine cream. The Color Club nail polish is a rich, 1 coat color, that has lasted on my toes for 2 weeks now (a near record for my at home pedi). The Kiehl's cream has been used at night so far, and I am super impressed with how soft and smooth my skin has become. The glow of the Miracle Skin Body SPF is interesting... but makes me feel like I have dewy Carrie Underwood legs... not something I go for everyday, but might pull out for a special occasion. I don't wear fragrance everyday, but have enjoyed trying out the new Bvlgari scent, fresh and light enough for day, but sexy and interesting for night as well.

I fell even more in love with BirchBox after reading the interview of the ladies behind the genius idea in last month's Matchbook Magazine.
Katia and Haley are super impressive ladies that are not only gorgeous but down to earth to boot!
Have you tried the BirchBox service?
Or is there some other mail order beauty sample service that I am missing out on?
Dish ladies!
xx
Jessica

47 comments:

  1. I haven't tried the Birchbox service after reading some reviews from fellow bloggers. It seemed some people loved the samples and other people were really disappointed with their box.  I'm glad you were pretty satisfied with yours!

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart
    Enter my giveaway! 

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  2. I haven't tried any of the beauty boxes, either, also because of the mixed reviews ... although if you end up being consistently happy with the contents, I might just have to bite the bullet, too!  I have been eyeing these, however: http://foodzie.com/how-it-works/ ... they are monthly "foodie" boxes. :)

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  3. I've seen this all over the blogosphere but have never taken the plunge.  I'm not much of a product girl myself (which I should probably change).  Glad you enjoyed your first month!

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  4. So far so good, but I will keep you guys posted!
    xx

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  5. Um FOOD boxes... that is amazing! I just signed up for a local farm share, otherwise I would be ALL over that! I took the plunge for a whole year of Birchbox, so I will definitely keep everyone posted with how satisfied I am as the year progresses!
    xx

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  6. Yes - I am trying to find products that I LOVE and I figure this is a great way... even if I have to force myself! haha
    xx

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  7. this is a great idea! i get a little uneasy walking into Sephora too! they can sell me anything!!!
    xx, vanessa
    http://fashiongalfireman.blogspot.com/

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  8. Brooke @ what2wearMay 22, 2012 at 11:57 AM

    I am seeing these everywhere, I think I need to sign up myself....sheesh not that I'm already a member of 3 other monthly services for clothes, shoes and jewelry haha
    Brooke @ what2wear, Monikabrooke.blogspot.com

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  9. Oh my goodness yes - I walk out of that place smelling like a perfume train wreak and $100 poorer... every. single. time!
    xx

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  10. Oh yea - the monthly subscription service has really taken off hasn't it. I love StyleMint the best, JewelMint is hit or miss for me, and I have managed to practice some self-control and haven't purchased from ShoeMint yet... but they tempt me more and more each month!
    xx

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  11. The nail polish looks like an awesome color. I haven't taken the plunge on this either mostly because of the mixed reviews.  Enjoy all the goodies you got!

    xo, Yi-chia

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  12. Hi Jessica!
    Your Birchbox looks great. I get Glymm in Canada... pretty much the same idea! I DID get to see the Chili Peppers in Boston- they were amazing! This post http://glitterarygirl.blogspot.ca/2012/05/by-way.html has concert pics!
    Enjoy your day! Jen

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  13. I never heard about it. I Google it but it seems you have to pay $10/month. It's subscriptions. How many samples come in the box and can you choose the products or they'll just send them to you?

    I rarely go to Sephora but love Ulta a lot. I have to wear horse gargles to hold myself to not look everywhere and buy buy buy

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  14. Ooh so much fun - I am headed over to check out those pictures now!
    xx

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  15. Yes it is a $10/month subscription. When you sign up you complete a profile to indicate what types of products you are interested in receiving, your skin/hair type and other personalizations. It appears that there are typically 5-7 products each month, and most, but not all, are sample sized.

    Horse blinders sound like a good idea! hehe
    xx

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  16. Thanks lady! (I smile every time I glance down at my toesies!)
    xx

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  17. i've never tried birchbox but you may have convinced me to give it a shot!

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  18. This is genius! I will definitely try this - I also stick closely to my tried and true beauty products... some may call it a regimem, others a rut.

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  19. I am still on the "waiting list" for this beauty & I am not sure I can wait any longer!

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  20. I haven't tried Birchbox out yet. I know some blog who love it and some who hate it. 

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  21. Your comment is well timed - tomorrow I am posting about my beauty regimen... or RUT!
    xx

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  22. Fingers crossed you get on soon!
    xx

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  23. I hope that mine continue to be good ... but I will definitely post how it goes over the next few months... the good and the bad
    xx

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  24. Agreed - I love getting goodies in the mail!
    xx

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  25. I hope to hear about it if you do - everyone is supposed to get personalized products, and  I am curious to see what fabulous samples other subscribers get!
    xx

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  26. Glad you loved your Birchbox! I've been thinking about signing up. Love the nail polish color you received!

    xo,
    Angela
    headtotoechic.blogspot.com

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  27. This month was my second month. I'm kind of "meh" on it currently but after seeing some of the great boxes others have received, I'm going to keep going for a few months. Its like St. Nicks day every month!

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  28. Oooh, interesting - we didn't get any of the same stuff except the Gossip Girl notecard, and the nail polish but in different colors.  That Clambake Coral color looks awesome - so perfect for summer!  And I was so intrigued by the Twistband hair tie since I've never used one before - I really wish I had gotten one so I could try it out.  What do you love about them - do they really not leave a dent in your hair???  And sidenote - I have the opposite problem, I LOVE beauty products!  I decided to sign up for Birchbox as a way of getting a few fun goodies every month without buying full sizes (which I absolutely don't need any more of unless I lovelovelove something!)

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  29. This looks amazing! I might have to try!
    -kw, http://ladiesinnavy.blogspot.com

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  30. This is really cool. I have heard about this but I am so picky when it comes to skin care and other stuff. I may try it if they ship to Canada!

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  31. I am so glad you liked your first one!!  It looks like you got some amazing samples.  Unfortunately, after Birchbox sent me laundry detergent  cancelled.  ;)
    xo,
    Shanna 

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  32. What a brilliant idea! I would love to try Birch Box! I'll have to check and see if they deliver internationally... they probably don't, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed anyway :)

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  33. Ooo I have been seeing the birchbox everywhere, it looks so cool and I like the theme too :) 

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  34. i really need to jump on the bandwagon. Fabulous post, love. When you get a sec, I'd love to hear your thoughts on my latest outfit post. xo

    www.fashboulevard.blogspot.com

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  35. I'm not sure that these types of services are available in NZ, although I have read of some bloggers who subscribe to a number of services and love all the different products. I love the idea in theory but perhaps not sure if I'd want to receive it myself? Good to hear you liked yours though!

    http://pagesixxx.blogspot.com

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  36. I haven't tried Birchbox yet, but have heard mixed reviews...glad to hear you liked it though...love that nail polish :)

    Annie
    The Other Side of Gray 

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  37. I don't know if they ship to Canada, but another reader mentioned a similar service, Glymm, that is available for Canadian shipping
    xx

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  38. I really do like the Twistband hair ties... not only do they look cute on my wrist when not in use, but they seriously DO NOT leave a crease in my hair, or tear any hairs out... pretty awesome!
    Also, made me smile to hear that there is a balance to my beauty-phobic nature!
    xx

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  39. Maybe it was because it was my first month, or that I just enjoy getting mail... but I really like it so far!
    xx

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  40. Laundry Detergent? That had better been some magic soaps! haha
    xx

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  41. There are other options that ship internationally - Glymm in Canada, and GossyBox else where - so check those out and let me know how it works
    xx

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  42. Thanks Anna... can't wait to see what fabulous outfit you have on today!
    xx

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  43. In case you are interested, I have heard that GlossyBox ships internationally... so that might be something to look into. I don't think I would subscribe to this service for always, but trying to break out of my comfort zone and try some new things for a bit!
    xx

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  44. Yea - I am starting to hear bad experiences too.... but so far so good, and you know that I will keep everyone posted on the good, bad, and ugly!
    xx

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  45. Oh yes, I am still a Gossip Girl fan! Couldn't believe that season finale!
    xx

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  46. I'm currently subscribed to Glossybox, but this BirchBox of yours looks so much better! Love the nail polish colour, & Kiehl's is such a great brand! Hope you enjoy your new products :)

    <3 Shawna Serpentine Streets

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  47. You got some great goodies.  I love Birchbox.  It's so fun!

    http://shannonhearts.blogspot.com

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Thank you for your comments, they make my day!!
xx