I received my very first Birchbox today! I have to say on my initial inspection, I was disappointed. I expected a larger box and it was a little box. I am not sure why I expected a bigger box. I suppose when I was reading reviews, the pictures didn't have a scale for me to compare so I just assumed a larger size.
The box was really cute and plain. I really enjoyed the simple branding.
This month's theme is "Power Play" and talked about the different products for the months and a small advertisement for the show "Suits", which I have never seen before.
On the opposite side of the card was a listing of the samples included in my box with the pricing of the full size versions. It included a "Suits" pick and a "Beauty Extra". I am not sure of the significance of the segregation in the listing, but working in the marketing industry, I assume it would be to get the recipient hyped up and excited about the box. I liked how the product listing included a "How to use" on it. Often times, I buy products and don't have instructions of how to use them. This was super helpful.
Upon opening my box to reveal the samples, I found that I had box #53.
8.6.13-UPDATE- I used this and loved it. It had a nice smell. I sprayed it in my hair instead of using a conditioner. It made my hair soft and shiny. I allowed my hair to air dry and even slept on it. When I woke up in the morning, I didn't need to use a straightener. My hair fell perfectly after only styling it.
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| Sample Size Value: $4.00 |
The second product I found in my box was the "Suits pick", which was Purminerals CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 40. The full-size version is $38. I didn't know what CC cream was but found out that it is a color correcting cream here. Directions say to put a small amount on your face after cleansing. Hopefully it will match my skin tone in light.
8.6.13-UPDATE- This was my first experience with a CC Cream. I was pleasantly surprised. It covered all of my blemishes without looking like a caked on mess. It worked great for about a week, but then my skin started breaking out. I'm not sure if it was because of this or stress.
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| Sample Size Value: $8.90 |
The next product was COOLA Classic Face SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face. The full-size version is priced at $32. I wasn't sure exactly what this does. It says it is a mineral sunblock and to smooth on a thin layer an hour before stepping outside. Living in Florida, I really look forward to using this.
8.6.13-UPDATE- This had a very runny consistency. It was only sunscreen and didn't impress me.
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| Sample Size Value: $4.45 |
This is Caudalie Divine Legs with a full-size version priced at $38. I didn't know what this was and had never heard of it. It is a tinted lotion that supposedly gives you a beachy glow and doesn't rub off. It says to apply legs using circular motions. It claims that it may look dark but will blend seamlessly. We will see how it fares against my super pale skin.
8.6.13-UPDATE- I don't typically like self tanners, but I tried to go into this with a good attitude. Every self tanner I have used has a smell that I don't like and can't handle. This was no exception. I used this on my stomach because I didn't know how far this little packer would go and didn't want to be rocking one tan leg and one super white leg. It went on dark and made me nervous, but it rubbed in very well. It looked nice but it's not something I will buy.
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| Sample Size Value: $1.80 |
In reading other people's reviews, there were some complaints about these bobby pins. I personally LOVE them! I often pull my bangs back with regular ugly old clips and these will dress up my hair nicely. A set of six is five dollars.
8.6.13-UPDATE- These are cute and were tight. They had a great staying power. They were just difficult to take out. I felt like I was pulling apart my hair when removing them.
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| Sample Size Value: $1.66 |
The approximate value of this box was $20.81. Overall, for my first box I was not disappointed.
*I bought this box with my own money. My opinions are my own.*
