The excitement begins with the outside packaging. Instead of the usual pink, birchbox has switched it up with an US Weekly inspired design.
Complete with doodles of the type of information contained in the magazine: movies, fashion, beauty, and music.
The inside of the packaging received a makeover too.
The special color scheme continued inside the box, with red tissue paper in place of the typical pink.
Even the product pouch matched the outer packaging.
The theme of this month's box is "Step and Repeat." A nod to celebrities stepping onto the red carpet, posing, and repeating. (Also, the logo covered backgrounds that celebs pose in front of are usually called Step and Repeats.)
Besides explaining the theme, the info card has details on the #partyinabox contest. The winner will receive all the goodies necessary for an oscar party. As per the instructions I posted a pic of my box with the necessary hashtag. *fingers crossed*
The flip side has the info on the products in the box.
First on the list:
Beauty Protector
Protect & Oil
Sample size: unknown (Full size: $21.95)
"Exclusive launch! This just-for-you hair oil defends against UV rays, heat, and breakage. Work 1-3 drops into damp hair, or to the ends of dry hair. Perfect for all hair types."
First, a complaint about how the box was packed. This is a glass bottle, and instead of being packed in the pouch, which would have provided some protection, was rolling loose in the box. Luckily my bottle didn't break, which wasn't the case for many others according to the blogs I've read. That said, my lid was loose and almost a third of the contents leaked all over everything. Nothing like a thin glaze of oil to kick-off an unboxing. Okay, rant done.
Now, about the product itself. I have sampled a couple Beauty Protector products in a previous birchbox with mixed results, so I am not overly excited about this hair oil. To give the brand it's due, their products smell amazing. I want to love them for that alone. I have had my oil soaked tissue and box sitting in my room the last two days, and the oil is acting like an air freshener. Every time I walk into my room a waft of deliciousness hits my nose.
As far as the function of the oil, I have tried the recommended one to three drops in my damp hair one time. When dry my hair did feel soft, but not sure how much of a difference it really made. Further testing is required.
Although my experience has been mixed, I am open to receiving different products from this brand in future boxes.
Dr. Brandt
Pores No More Pore Refiner
Sample size: 0.25 fl oz/7.5ml (Full size: $45)
"This celeb favorite minimizes pores and absorbs oil for a photo-ready matte finish. Apply a thin layer under makeup (works as a primer too). Reapply over makeup as needed."
Apparently winter is minimize pores season, as last month I received a similar product in my ipsy bag. I wasn't excited for that product, and the same can be said for this one. I don't care that Madonna is a client of Dr. Brandt. I'm just not that into pore cream, or whatever it is. At least as far as the sample size goes, this one is bigger than the ipsy one.
Juicy Couture
Couture La La Malibu
Sample size: 0.05 fl oz/1.5ml (Full size: $52 - $72)
"Breezy SoCal-inspired scent that mingles sparkling mandarin with pink sugar. Spritz onto wrists, neck, or other pulse points. Cue the California dreaming."
Sadly, birchbox doesn't allow subscribers to completely opt out of receiving certain products, such as perfume. I am really sensitive to scents and also really picky about them, so receiving perfume samples is not so good for me. All that aside, receiving this tiny vial of scent is infuriating. This is the same sample I could get for free from any perfume-selling store As far as I am concerned, it has absolutely no value. Grrr. It is "samples" like this that cause me to seriously re-think my subscription.
On the positive side, the scent is light and crisp. A bit citrusy even. It put me in mind of summer, which makes it a strange sample to send out in winter. Oh, we'll. Ce'st la vie.
Ruby Wing
Color Changing Nail Polish - Kitten Heels
Sample size: 7ml/0.25 fl oz (Full size: $10)
"This color-changing polish morphs from a hot fuchsia to a deep magenta in the sun. Apply base, 2 layers of polish, and top coat. Step out to admire your shade shifting mani."
I love nail polish, and was intrigued by the color changing hook demonstrated on the cap.
As my current Julep mani had seen better days, I decided to scrub it and take Kitten Heels for a spin. In my excitement to test it I did not use a base or top coat, but two days later the polish is holding up nicely with no major chips.
I like the color, which reminds me of Barbie pink. I will probably wear it on my toes this summer. I used two coats, and the coverage is good. The polish did seem to dry quickly on the brush, but took longer to set on my nail. Still not too long of a dry time though.
My only disappointment with the polish is that it hasn't changed color. Not once in the two days I've worn it. It is not a major disappointment though as I like the fuchsia better than the magenta on the bottle. I would be happy to get another Ruby Wing polish in future.
32 Oral Care
Effervescent Breath Crystals with IsoVoxy
Sample size: two packets (Full size: $9.99)
"Breath freshening crystals that attack unpleasant odors for a cool, clean feeling. Swish around in your mouth until the begin to pop (that's when you know they're working!)."
This month's box contain another "Lifestyle Extra." I received two flavors: honey mint and peppermint, and I haven't tried either one yet. I do find them intriguing though. Certainly more so than three of my four samples.
Summary: majorly disappointed. I was hoping for some really fun samples this month in light of the US Weekly tie-in. Instead I received poorly packed, small ones. Months like this are why started subscribing to ipsy.
The hair oil leaked, and I have already received a hair oil in a recent birchbox. I have zero interest in the pore cream. The perfume sample is just a joke. The polish is okay, but even that is a mini size. As an extra, the breath crystals do not count towards the monthly samples, and for the second month in a row the extra was better than the sample.
All-in-all, I would say the value is not worth my money - which is only $10. Sad, birchbox. Just sad.
Birchbox:
https://www.birchbox.com/invite/hv6ks
My referral link should you like to subscribe and give me free points.
No comments:
Post a Comment