Birchbox - May 2014

Birchbox is the subscription I am consistently on the fence about. I have been disappointed by boxes, but I have yet to be "wow"ed by a box. There are three factors that keep me subscribed:

• The hope the box will get better
• It's cheap ($10/month)
• The rewards

Birchbox allows you to review each item in their box for 10 points. 100 points are redeemable for $10 off anything in the Birchbox shop. With 4-6 items a month to review, this adds up quick. Additionally, any dollar you spend in the Birchbox shop gets you a point. After discovering the product in my January box, I just ordered a full-size Beauty Protector Protect and Detangle (IT SMELLS SO GOOOOD) for a whopping $1.95. That being said, I've spent $60 on Birchboxes so far. Is it worth it? This month, no, but the rewards soften the blow!

Here's what I received in my box:

Gilchrist & Soames Spa Therapy Body Lotion, 1.35 fl. oz, approx. value $2.52

I am so unimpressed with this lotion, which is disappointing because it's FINALLY a decent sized sample. It smells like any lotion you might find in a hotel room. Additionally, it's more slippery than other lotions - like, it doesn't feel like it soaks into my skin. I've used it once and that's enough. It's going up for swap.

Number 4 Volumizing Shampoo, 1 fl. oz, approx. value $4

This stuff smells amazing! As for whether or not it gives me volume.... eh. The jury's out. I would also never in a million years pay $34 for shampoo. That's ridiculous. 

Number 4 Volumizing Conditioner, .25 fl. oz, approx. value $1

This was a "bonus", and as such is a foil packet rather than a bottle. The sample is bigger than some, but I have so much freaking hair that this was still barely enough for one conservative use. Liked the smell and texture; still not paying $34 for something I only used once and saw no life-changing difference. If I'm going to buy hair products that expensive, I'd better come out of the shower looking like a supermodel. Also, this teeny-tiny sample was worth AN ENTIRE DOLLAR. That says more, to me, than the price of the full-size product. 

SmartyPants Gummy Vitamins, 2, approx. value: $0.33

In what world am I going to take six vitamins a day, especially when said vitamins don't provide iron? Answer: no world. Ever. Also, this packet has two gummies. Yeah. They didn't even bother sending a "full" sample. C'MON, Y'ALL.

Marcelle BB Cream, .28 oz, approx. value $4.73

Yeah, I'm gonna level with you: I didn't even try this product. BB creams don't do shit for me, and I'd rather keep this teeny sample intact so I can swap it for something I might at least try or throw it in as a freebie when I do a swap. 

Cynthia Rowley Eyeliner in Silver, .03 oz, approx. value $12

I didn't have high hopes for this eyeliner, but then I swatched it.

ONE swipe. ONE. 

OH MY GOD. A beautiful, brilliant, metallic silver, this product is everything I never knew I needed.

In short, this month kind of sucked, despite a value of nearly $25 for all of the products I received. But hey, at least the points system is great! Take note, Ipsy. If you are suddenly desperate to get a Birchbox, I'll get 50 points if you use my link here.