Reviewing Birchbox: Let’s Try This Again!

I last blogged about Birchbox back in May. I had tried the monthly beauty subscription box for five months and was kind of disappointed because I didn’t feel like they were listening to me. So, I cancelled my account and never bothered replacing it with anything similar.

Well, I’m going to admit it… I missed getting my monthly Birchbox delivery. While it is quite true that I was annoyed that they KEPT SENDING ME perfume samples when I hated pretty much everything with a strong scent, they also sent me some pretty great stuff. In fact, I still use the three favorites that I talked about in my May Breaking up with Birchbox post.

So, for $10 a month I decided to give them another chance.

I re-subscribed just in time to receive their November and December boxes, but hadn’t had a chance to share them with you… so let’s take a look!

Here’s what I received in my November Birchbox:

• Temple Spa LaLa Lagoon Aromatic Bath & Shower Gel – full-size $18
• The Balm cosmetics Hot Mama! Powder – full-size $20
• Beenigma All in One Face Cream – full-size $69 – $129
• LOC Vibrant Matte Lipstick in Wildest Dreams – full-size $8
• PARLOR by Jeff Chastain Flexible Hold Hairspray – full-size $24

I was most excited about the Beenigma face cream, as it uses bee venom and Manuka honey to reduce lines and wrinkles. I’ve started using it around my eyes and I’m crossing my fingers that I will see a little bit of difference before the sample runs out! I also really love the color and shimmer of the Hot Mama powder and have been using it in place of my old blush. I only wish it came with a blush brush, because my super fluffy bronzer brush is a bit large for the tiny compact.

I’m conflicted on the LOC lipstick… it goes on so nice and creamy, but I’m not sure if the red is a bit too bold for me to pull off (you can see it here). I’m going to try and wear it a few times to see if I get used to the look.

Now, let’s check out my December Birchbox:

• Jane iredale Just Kissed Lip & Cheek Stain – Forever Peach – full-size $25
• Coastal Scents Eye Shadow Duo – formalEYES – full-size $12
• eSalon Perfect Ending Leave In Conditioner – full-size $25
• Juara Coconut Illipe Hand and Nail Balm – full-size $20
• Derma e Microdermabrasion Scrub – full-size $32.50
• Bonus item: Chuao Chocolatier Cinnamon Cereal Smooch – Assortment of 8 is $9.95

For this month’s order, I decided to choose their “Winter Essentials” box instead of having them surprise me with one made up based on my preferences. I thought that by selecting the pre-made box, I’d be more likely to love everything, since it was based on community favorites.

Wow, what an awesome box! I’m so glad I decided to go with this one because I am excited to try out every single item – except the chocolate, I already ate that. Yum! The lip stain is supposed to adjust to your skin for a natural shade, so that was the first thing I tried. It goes on really lightly and smells like peaches, so it’s a winner. I’m also loving the large sized samples for both the leave-in conditioner and the microdermabrasion scrub. What a great deal for $10!

I am SO GLAD I decided to give Birchbox another try because I am really impressed with the November and December boxes. Now I can’t wait to go and have a mini-spa day at home so I can play with everything! Oh and I just noticed that they are having a special if you subscribe by January 9th with my special referral code you will get $5 off your first box. So if you’ve been on the fence on trying them out, it’s a super great deal for just $5!

Have you broken up with a subscription box only to return a few months later?

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored by Birchbox, I paid for the $10 fee with my own hard-earned money. If you enjoyed my review and decide to try Birchbox for yourself, the biggest compliment you can give me is by using my referral link. Thank you to anyone who chooses to click through and support my shopping addiction!