Disclosure: This post includes my personal Birch Box Subscription Box Review for which I was not compensated but it may contain affiliate / referral links. Read the full disclosure.
The theme for the March Birchbox was “Pretty Mighty, high performing heroes that will bring out your inner box”.
I remembered seeing all sorts of promotional information and that this box was a collaboration with Harper James; Reese Witherspoon’s company. I think Reese is so freaking adorable and I have a particular awe for her Southern Charm.
But have any of you watched “Big Little Lies”? Now that’s how ya’ll do Southern Charm…God Love Her.
Alright, so my Birchbox relationship started a bit shaky.
Birchbox Review
When I subscribed I entered the “new subscriber offer code” with the promise of a free gift box. Ooooh, that’s always a good thing.
I first received the free gift box in the mail. I wasn’t sure if what I received was my March box or gift? I opened it and although super excited, I was still unsure what exactly this box was; March or Free gift?
There were 3 good sized hair products. AND…all for thick & curly hair. Hmm, I don’t have thick & curly hair. There were 2 items from Shea Products. The Curl and Shine shampoo and the Curl Enhancing Smoothie. Maybe because it’s color safe and I color my hair; but still not sure how it applied to my hair type based on my profile. Yikes???
Wasn’t sure what to think of these (curated?) items. Hmmm!!! I clearly indicated I don’t have thick curly hair in my profile.
Ok, maybe I should have gratitude since I didn’t actually pay for this. It was a free box with my sign-up so it was probably and understandably curated from their subscription box graveyard. Ok, that’s cool, I can dig that!
Then there’s the N4 High-performance Hair Cair Jour d’automne Texture Styling Crème. Hair Product…right. I think we already covered I wasn’t looking for hair products. Moving On.
Time to dig into these cosmetic/skin care products. These most certainly will offer unnecessary hair care product redemption, right?
The IPKN Radiant Cream Primer. I’m sorry, I have to say it; ick! This wasn’t for me. I tend not to put sparkly pink cream onto my face; just sayin. At least it smells nice.
Then there was the Dr. Brandt microdermabrasion. This is a great product I’m familiar with so this was a good addition; exceeeept I have a full-size already.
Finally, the Stainiac Hint of Tint by TheBalm. Ok, it’s not a total loser…but it’s not a winner. I tried it on my lips first and it was a bit drying. Sort of made my lips stick together. However, I added some balm over it and it was doable.
The actual box however, was cute, aesthetically speaking. So I would say my greatest value came in the box it all arrived in. I will put it to use somehow since I paid 10 bucks for it.
My fellow Box Society members, the free gift box with my subscription was a bust for me. I’m kinda getting why it was free.
But never fear, I still had the March subscription box coming…right? This could be a real game changer!
About a week later; It’s Here It’s Here It’s here!!!
WTF, it has TWO Hair Products. Uhhh, didn’t we just cover this whole not interested in hair stuff?
Item 1 – N. 4 Reconstructing Masque and Lumiere d’hiver Super Comb Prep & Protect.
(note: the reconstructing masque is a free BONUS)
Item 2 – I guess the scent is nice enough, it’s Blossom by Clean. Buuut, it’s a fragrance.
Also, just so we can get this elephant in the room addressed… per my profile answers, I don’t have an interest in fragrances…
but I got aaaaa fragrance.
Item 3 – The POREfessional. Ok, this is heading in a better direction. I have pores that could use a little camouflage from time to time.
So I liked this. This product is working for me currently. Let me clarify that a little better; I’ve tried it once under artificial light and I’m not annoyed.
This has potential to be a good stand alone when I just want to put a little sumpin sumpin on my face to even out tone and hide pores.
Birchbox March 2017 Contents
Item 4 – Coola classic sunscreen cucumber moisturizer. This had promise, and I was glad to see this. I was also eager to love it.
I haven’t been very good at wearing sunscreen until the last year or so. As a result of being so late to the game, I have been struggling to find one that I get along with instantly. It seems like they all either just sit on my skin drawing attention to every pore as similar to the reflection from the sun on shiny tiny jellyfish in the sea.
I gave the Coola Sunscreen a shot this morning. It did look a tad bit greezy for a bit. But one of my newest resolutions is patience. So, I’m trying to allow products their due time to settle.
I allowed my arch nemesis patience to attend and decided to pluck (pardon me, tweeze) a few stray eyebrows.
3 – 2 – 1 Patience over-stayed its welcome – I was beginning to tweeze unnecessary brows. POREfessional (item 3 from box) applied over the sunscreen and it seemed to matte right up to an acceptable standard.
Item 5 – Next Up this was one I actually was able to choose, DUAL Arrow black and highlight eyeliner. Hmm, last time I checked dual meant there were two. What I received was just the highlighter. That’s annoying.
NOOOO ketchup!!! It’s like trying to eat a burger without ketchup.
I reeeeeelly wanted to like my Birchbox. I mean for $10.00 a month I am not sure what I expected, but certainly more that how I’m currently feeling.
What went so wrong? Were my expectations not met because Ohhh I don’t know, maybe I expected my profile answers would actually have something (just a little something) to do with the items?
Or that when they say sample sizes they actually meant a little sizi’er than the free samples you get for free?
Or that the items described in the preview (ahem Arrow liner) that I GET to choose, would be the item that you actually get?
I’m sorry Birchbox – this one just isn’t making me feel very good. I feel a little disappointed and taken advantage of.
But the boxes are Ahhhh-mazing! I love them and think they are so so pretty, and actually quite sturdy. I will surely find a useful spot for them in my life.
My initial impression for Birchbox is – this box really isn’t worth $10.00 a month. I don’t know, maybe I’m missing something? I feel like it’s a very popular subscription box so I’d love to hear from others surrounding this. Maybe it will help me see another viewpoint.
How to Order:
Leave a Reply