Birchbox Canada February 2016 Unboxing & Review

Purchased Myself

Hello readers,
Today I have the last ever Canadian Birchbox to share with you.  A couple weeks ago they announced that they were suspending Canadian operations.  I'm pretty disappointed since this is a sub I had liked enough to renew for another.  This month we had a sample choice for which I chose the OCC Black Metal Dahlia lip tar, a shade I have been coveting for a long time.  Let's see what else accompanied it in this month's box.

Birchbox Canada January 2016 Unboxing & Review

Purchased Myself

Hello readers,
My Birchbox arrived very quickly this month (I hadn't even received tracking yet!).  Our sample choices this month were between a body lotion, a face balm and a sheet mask.  I chose the face balm.  Let's see what else came in the box.

Birchbox Canada December 2015 Unboxing & Review

Purchased Myself

Hello readers,
My December Birchbox just arrived and I wanted to share what I got this month with you.  The sample choice consisted of three shade options for a Coastal Scents eye shadow duo.  We also knew that every box would could with a $10 promo code.  Let's see what else was included.

Birchbox Canada November 2015 Unboxing & Review

Purchased Myself

Hello readers,
Today I have my November Birchbox to share with you. This is the first month Canadians got a sample choice option (yay!).  I chose the LOC eyeshadow pencil in On Point, a silvery taupe.  Let's see what else came in the box.

Birchbox Canada October 2015 Unboxing & Review

Purchased Myself

Hello readers,
My October Birchbox arrived in the mail yesterday.  This month we knew we were getting either an Eyeko or W3LL People mascara.  Since I'd already received the W3LL people one earlier this year, I knew the Eyeko was likely to be included.  Let's see what else joined it in the box.

Birchbox Canada September 2015 Unboxing & Review

Purchased Myself

Hello readers,
My September Birchbox just arrived in the mail.  This month the sneak peek told us that we'd be getting a full size Cynthia Rowley liquid liner or Japonesque eye shadow.  Let's take a look at was in the box.

Birchbox Canada August 2015 Unboxing & Review

Purchased Myself

Hello readers,
My Birchbox arrived in the mail so it's time to share what was inside.  This month the sneak peek said we would be getting a Laqa & Co Cheeky Lip Tint in either Cray Cray - coral, or Humble Brag - pink.  I was hoping for the pink one.  Let's see which option I got and what else made up this month's box.

Birchbox Canada July 2015 Unboxing & Review

Purchased Myself

Hello readers,
My July Birchbox just arrived in the mail.  This month they teamed up with best health to curate the box.  Let's see what was inside.

Birchbox Canada June 2015 Unboxing & Review

Purchased Myself

Hello readers,
My June Birchbox arrived in the mail... amazingly fast this month I must say... so I thought I'd share what I got with you.  This month the spoiler was an Eyeko eyeliner.  Apparently that got stuck in customs so no one got it.  I wasn't overly upset about this as I only found out about after we found out we weren't getting it and I already have tons of eyeliners.

Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo | Full-size $36-$82

I got the hydrating shampoo from this brand a couple months ago from Birchbox.  It was good shampoo so I'll definitely use this up.  For that price though I don't see myself purchasing the full size.  Based on the $36 bottle this sample is worth $4.24.

PARLOR by Jeff Chastian Moisurizing Sea Salt Spray | Full-size $27

This isn't a really a product for me.  My hair already has enough unwanted texture, so I don't want to add more.  I do know other people were looking forward to this sample though so I'm sure I'll be able to swap it for something that better fits my style.  Based on the full size price this sample is worth $5.51.

Naobay Oxygenating Cream Moisturizer | Full-size $45

I'm always up for trying a new face cream so this is good sample for me.  This sample is worth $18.

Skyn Iceland Hydro Firming Eye Gels | Full-size $33

Puffy eyes and dark under eye circles aren't an issue for me so this sample is a miss.  However, I have already arranged to swap it so it won't go to waste.  This single set of eye gels is worth $4.13.

Cynthia Rowley Beauty Brightening Illuminator | Full-size $32

This is the sample I was most looking forward to since I am a sucker for highlighters.  It's pretty tiny but highlighter goes a long way.  Based on the full size this tube is worth $11.64.

Bonus: Pura Vida Lace Headband with Charm | Set of 8 $18

I'm really glad this came in a cute dusty blue colour after I saw camo print in the preview.  It's always nice to have extra headbands around.  The value of this bonus item is $2.25.

Conclusion

The total value of this month's box was $45.77 which is way more than the $14.95 I paid including shipping.  I'll use the majority of the samples and the couple that aren't for me will be great for swaps.  We also got a code to enter into a contest with a guaranteed prize for everyone.  I ended up getting a 10% off a $50+ purchase in the Birchbox store.  If you want to find out more check out the Birchbox Canada website.  Don't forget to review your box items for an extra $5 in birchbox points.

Happy polishing,

Michelle

Products I Finished This Month - May 2015

Press Sample Purchased Myself

Hello readers,
Another month gone by means it's time to gather up May's empties.  Here are the products I finished up last month.

Bath & Body

You're probably super sick of seeing how much citrus epsom salts I go through but they are here again.  I also finished up a bottle of Burt's Bees Naturally Nourishing Body Wash which I really liked.  It was creamy and moisturizing but didn't make my shoulders break out.  I also finished up a couple of I love... bubble baths and a soap sample from Soap Barista that I got in a Sweet Delights sample box.

Face

Lots of face products this month.  You can check out my original review of the Cetephil DERMACONTROL in which I wasn't a huge fan of the moisturizer.  However, I ended up using the rest of the bottle as body sunscreen and I really like it for that application.  It didn't make me break out nearly as badly as regular sunscreen and left my skin feeling less greasy.  I also finished up a pack of Olay Fresh makeup removing cloths with I love when I'm traveling.  The derma e hydrating night creme I got from Birchbox was a surprise favorite.  It was moisturizing without making my break out.  I will definitely consider buying more.  I absolutely hated the Lashem Picture Perfect Instant Wrinkle Reducer I got from Beauty Box 5.  It smelled bad, left a powdery tight residue on my face and didn't deliver any noticeable results.  I also finished up the Cetaphil DERMACONTROL foaming face wash, a mini Clinique liquid facial soap, St.Ives Apricot Scrub and Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearning Toner.

Hair

Herbal Essences Naked products continue to be one of my favorite lines.  Pantene is a strong second.  However, I didn't like the Fructis shampoo.  I found my hair never felt really clean after using it and took less time to start feeling oily again.

Happy polishing,

Michelle

Birchbox Canada May 2015 Unboxing & Review

Purchased Myself

Hello readers,
My May Birchbox showed up in the mail yesterday.  First pleasant surprise is that I got the designed box this month.  Hopefully this is a turn for the better for Canadian subscribers.  Let's take a look at was was inside the box.

Not Soap, Radio Awash In A Field Of Four-Leaf Clovers Body Wash | Full size $20

First off, this bottle leaked inside my box.  Second, it smells like dish soap.  Will I use it? Yes.  Would I consider purchasing it for myself? No.  Based on the full-size price this sample is worth $2.20.

Essential Elements Wake Up Rosemary Body Lotion | Full Size $23

Body lotion is something I will use up but this one has quite a strong scent.  Based on the full-size price this sample is worth $4.31.

W3LL PEOPLE The Expressionist Bio Extreme Mascara | Full size $27

I don't wear mascara so this sample isn't a good fit for me.  However, it will be good to swap and I could see other subscribers being happy with this sample.  There was no volume info on the sample tube, but it appears to be about half the size of a full size tube (based on ratio of tube:brush handle) so I'm estimating this sample is worth $13.50.

100% Pure Creamy Nail Polish | Full size $16

You all know I love nail polish... but a nude cream?  Nude seems like a bad choice because what nude looks good on someone very much depends on their skin tone.  Also, this just seems like a boring colour to make me love a brand.  I found it a little strange that the shade I got (Velouria) isn't one of the shades available in the Birchbox Canada shop.  This one will be up for swap.  This bottle is full size so it's worth $16.

Mirenesse Mattfinity Lip Rouge | Full size $29

Wait... this looks familiar.  That's because I got the exact same sample in the exact same shade in my March 2015 box.  Even more annoying I brought the fact that my preview contained a product I had already received to Birchbox's attention and was told it wouldn't be a duplicate because I would receive a different shade than two months ago.  I've messaged them on Facebook about this and hopefully they'll send me one in a shade I haven't tried yet.  Based on the full-size price, this lippy is worth $7.04.

Update: I received a response from Birchbox regarding the duplicate and received 50 points ($5) towards the Birchbox shop for the mistake.

Conclusion

Unfortunately I'm pretty disappointed this month.  Leaky products and duplicate samples kind of ruined the box for me.  Hopefully their customer service will take care of these problems for me.  The total value was $43.05.  If you want to find out more check out the Birchbox Canada website.  Don't forget to review your box items for an extra $5 in birchbox points.

Update: Due to my overall trouble with this month's box Birchbox added a free box to then end of my annual subscription.

Happy polishing,

Michelle

Products I Finished This Month - April 2015

Purchased Myself/Gift

Hello readers,
It's finally May (aka the first month without snow here in Southern Ontario) which means it's time to go through April's empties.

Bath & Body

My standouts this month (again) were my citrus bath salts and the I love... bubble bath.  As I've mentioned before, the Julep Pomegranate scrub isn't my favorite due to the sticky residue it leaves on my skin.  I think I have one more of these to go through and I won't be purchasing any more after that.  The Whish shave cream I got in January's Birchbox was mediocre.  It did an alright job of moisturizing but gummed up my razor really badly which was quite annoying.  I wouldn't buy it again.  Regular shaving gel does a much better job.

Face

My favorite item this month was the Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentrate moisturizer that I got in March's Birchbox.  A little bit of this stuff went a long way and it didn't cause me to break out.  I would consider buying this in full size if the prize was right.  I didn't like the Garnier Ultra-Lift Transformer.  It didn't blend well with my skin at all.  The Yves Rocher clay mask continues to be a staple in my assortment of masks and the Lemon Zest mask was very cooling and refreshing.

Hand & Nails

I love quick dry drops and was very happy with OPI's version.  They help speed up drying time without causing your polish to shrink like some quick dry top coats.  I also like the Bliss high intensity hand creme.  It smelled very nice and was quite moisturizing but I do find their products a bit overpriced.

Hair

Like the past few months, Herbal Essences Naked products got used up again.  I'm having trouble finding the hairspray again though which is disappointing.  Hopefully it hasn't been discontinued.  I also finished the No.4 shampoo I got in March's Birchbox.  It was nice but nothing special.  I wouldn't buy it considering it's $39 price tag.

Happy polishing,

Michelle

Birchbox Canada April 2015 Unboxing & Review

Purchased Myself

Hello readers,
My April Birchbox showed up in the mail this morning and that means it's time for an unboxing!

This month all Canadian subscribers (except gift subscriptions and people getting their very first box) were promised a floral print Rifle Paper Co. box on their facebook page.  However, I still got a boring brown box.  I emailed them about the discrepancy and was told theme boxes were a program they were rolling out slowly to Canadians.  Guaranteeing something to all subscribers and then failing to follow through doesn't sit well with me.  The insert it this month's box does a great job of describing the box I didn't get.

BeeKind Shower Gel | Full-size $19

Well the contents are off to a good start.  Shower gel is something I can definitely use and this is a good size sample.  Honey and lemongrass sounds pretty yummy to me.  Based on the full-size price, this sample is worth $2.41.

Temple Spa Peace Be Still Calming Face & Body Balm | Full-size $37

Another good size sample of something I will use.  Not super exciting, but a staple for sure.  Though the card says the full-size is worth $37, on the birchbox.ca shop, it's listed at $29 for 150ml.  Based on the full-size shop price this sample is worth $4.83.

Laqa & Co Sheer Lip Lube Pencil | Full-size $25

This is the sample I was most looking forward too, but unfortunately it showed up covered in purple smudges of product.  (There's some on my temple spa balm too).  I'm not sure what happened there since the cap seems to have stayed on.  I'll sanitize it before trying it just to be sure.  I emailed Birchbox about this and they compensated me with 50 points.  Based on the full-size, this sample is worth $17.50.

Jelly Pong Pong Glow Getter Highlight | Full-size $16.50

No, this is not nail polish, it's a liquid facial highlighter.  I love highlighters so I will definitely give this a try.  It does look quite shimmer so a little bit should go a long way.  This is full-size, so it is worth $16.

Lulu Organics Lavendar and Clary Sage Hair Powder | Full-size $36

This is the only product from this month's box that I won't get any use of.  Hair powders and dry shampoos just aren't my thing.  Combine, these two samples are worth $3.17.

Conclusion

I really happy with the contents of this month's box.  I'll use most of the items and there weren't any really tiny samples in there.  The total value was $43.91 which is way more than the $14.95 I paid for the box.  I am rather disappointed at the Rifle Paper Co box mix up and response though.  I get that mistakes happen, but don't act as if it's completely OK to promise customer something and then fail to send it.  If you want to find out more check out the Birchbox Canada website.  Don't forget to review your box items for an extra $5 in birchbox points.

Happy polishing,

Michelle

Birchbox Canada March 2015 Unboxing & Review

Purchased Myself

Hello readers,
My March Birchbox just showed up in the mail so I thought I'd share what I got with you.

The first thing I noticed was the brown box.  In some other unboxings I saw that they got a colourful box that matched the info card.  Not sure why I didn't.  This month's spoiler was that we were getting a beauty blender and solid cleanser.

beautyblender double | Full-size $35

I don't wear foundation, so this isn't a product that I'll get much use out of.  However, it is a high quality product that I know a lot of people were really excited about getting, so I won't complain about it.  It will definitely get used by someone.  Based on the price from the duo pack, this single beauty blender is worth $17.50.

Number 4 Hydrating Shampoo | Full-size $39

Shampoo is always something I can use.  However, I find it a little odd that they would send the corresponding conditioner so that I can try out the whole system.  Based on the full-size price, this sample is worth $4.59.

Mirenesse Matfinity Lip Rouge - Paris | Full-size $29

Hmmm..... This shade isn't Paris, it's New York.  I'm actually pretty disappointed about this discrepency.  Paris is a soft medium pink that I would definitely wear.  New York is a bright warm toned red that would look terrible on me.  I've emailed Birchbox about the discrepancy but haven't heard back yet.  Based on the full-size price, this lippy is worth $7.04.

Update: They are sending me a replacement Mattfinity Lip Rouge in the correct shade, so I'm really looking forward to trying that one out.

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concenrate (24-Hour Miracle Cream) | Full-size $16-$28

This sample is tiny!  I have heard good things about this moisturizer through so I will definitely use it up.  Based on the $28 full size price, this sample is worth $1.87.

Joie Folie de Joie Eau de Parfum | Full-size $116

I don't wear perfume, so this sample is wasted on me.  I'll try and swap it for something I can use.  This sample is worth $2.05.

Conclusion

I'm torn on this box.  I'm glad that the total value, $33.06, is significantly more than the $14.95 cost of the box.  However, there are really only two products from it that I will actually use.  Hopefully Birchbox will provide a solution for the lippy colour mix up because I really want to try that product in the shade of Paris. Birchbox costs $14.95CAD per month including shipping.  You also can get $5 towards the birchbox shop each month my reviewing all of the samples you receive.  If you want to find out more check out the Birchbox Canada website.

Update: Now that lippy shade mix up has been sorted out and I'm getting the Mireness Mattfinity Lip Rouge in the shade of Paris, I'm really happy with the box.  It has great value and I'll use the majority of the products.

Happy polishing,

Michelle

Birchbox Canada February 2015 Unboxing & Review

Purchased Myself

Hello readers,
Birchbox Canada's February box showed up in the mail yesterday and I wanted to share what I got with you.

I knew from my box preview that I was getting a Harvey Prince shampoo and conditioner, a derma e scrub, a Cynthia Rowley lip stain and a highlighter from theBalm cosmetics.  I was most looking forward to the lip stain and the highlighter.

Harvey Prince Hello Shampoo and Hello Conditioner | Full-size $26 each

Oh yay, more Harvey Prince (can you sense my saracasm?).  These are the third and fourth Harvey Prince samples that I've received over three boxes.  Seriously Birchbox, no more Harvey Prince! I find their products way too strongly scented and have given them bad reviews but they keep getting sent to me.  To make things worse, both of these were underfilled.  They were at most half full.  I contacted Birchbox about this and did get 100 points for the lack of product.  Based on the price of the full-size, these samples are worth $1.10 each.

derma e Anti-Wrinkle Vitamin A Glycolic Scrub | Full-size $12.75

Considering that my Birchbox profile states I have acne prone combination skin, I'm not sure why I got sent a product for normal to oily aging skin.  I didn't choose aging or wrinkles as skin concerns.  Either way, I like scrubs, so at least this is a product I will use.  I actually tried it out this morning and found it ... average.  While I liked the size and texture of the grit in this scrub I found it was too sparse to do much exfoliating.  I didn't have that super smooth skin feeling I get with my other preferred scrubs.  Also, on this tube it says that this sample is not for resale, so I'm not sure why it counts as one of the five samples I'm paying for through Birchbox.  Based on the full-size price this sample contains $3.38 worth of product.

Cynthia Rowley Beauty Creamy Lip Stain - Heartthrob | Full-size $23

 Based on my box preview I was looking forward to a nice deep purple lip stain... and then this washed out, warm toned red showed up.  Red is not a lip colour that I wear, especially not warm toned reds.  It seems everyone received this shade though so I can't even swap it for a different colour.  This sample is also tiny.  At 2.25g this sample is worth $10.74.

theBalm cosmetics Cindy-Lou Manizer | Full-size $26

  This was another sample I was looking forward to trying.  The sample itself is miniscule.  I'm not sure how I'm supposed to get even coverage on a regular sized blush or powder brush.  This is also another item that says "free sample" on it.  I don't think things given for free should count towards my five samples.  Based on the full size price this sample is worth $1.73.

RentTheRunway.com Promo

Finally, I received a promo for renttherunway.com for $30 off orders of $75+.  When I went to check out the website I found out that they don't ship to Canada.  Seriously Birchbox?  You sent me a promo through Birchbox Canada to a Canadian address that can't be used in Canada?  I've emailed them about this but haven't heard anything back yet.  Considering that they also did this with the GAP promo in the December 2014 box you'd think they would make sure they sent promos I can actually use.  Apparently not.  I haven't even bothered blurring the unique code since it is literally of no use to me.

Conclusion

The overall value of my box was $18.05.  This is including the items clearly marked as free samples.  If I take those out the box value drops to $12.94, which is less than I paid for the box itself ($14.95).  I also got a promo code I can't use and two underfilled samples.  Combined with the fact that 4/5 brands in this box are ones I've already received in my previous two boxes and that the Canadian sample options are significantly more limited than the US sample options this month (19 vs 108) I am incredibly disappointed in this box.  The value isn't there and I keep getting the same few brands over and over.  If you want to give Birchbox Canada a chance you can find more info at Birchbox Canada.

Happy polishing,

Michelle

Products I Finished This Month - January 2015

Purchased Myself

Hello readers,
Check out the hits and misses in the products I finished last month.

Bath & Body

Cold winter weather made warm baths very appealing this month.  The result is lots of empty packets of bath salts and bottles of bubble bath.  I was happy with all of them and still have a big selection of the "I love..." bubble baths to work through thanks to post-Christmas gift set clearance sales.  The Body Shop's satsuma shower gel continues to be one of my favorites but the Harvey Prince ageless exfoliating shower gel that I got in my December Birchbox was way too overscented for me and I won't be trying that one again.

Hair

I finished up two bottles of conditioner this month.  I continue to love the Herbal Essences Naked line and will definitely buy more.  I didn't find the TRESemme conditioner did much for my hair this time around though so I'll probably take a break from that brand.

Face

Look at that! I actually finished some makeup!  Specifically, Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Luscious Honey.  I did find this shade a bit too red for my tastes but loved the formula.  I have since purchased it in a couple different shades but sadly it seems all but Black Honey have now been discontinued.  That always seems to happen to products I fall in love with.  I also finished a sample of Performance Color's lip repair.  I liked this balm a lot but alas, Performance Colors recently closed up their etsy shop and I'm not sure if they are coming back.  The Peter Thomas Roth cucumber gel mask didn't do much for my skin so I won't be repurchasing it.  The Dana's Cosmetics Nourishing Eye Cream that I got in my last Sweet Delights Sample Bos had a really nice formula and this little tub lasted for several months.  I usually don't purchase creams specifically for the eye area so won't be repurchasing this now.  If I find that eye creams become a need for me then this is one I would definitely consider.  Finally, some Clean & Clear advantage acne spot treatment.  Despite being in my late 20's pesky pimples still make an appearance on my face.  Spot treatments are always a great thing to have in my skin care repertoire.

Hands & Nails

Last but not least I finished up a couple nail files.  One regular disposable one that I use to get through length quickly, and a glass one from WingDust Collections which I used for shaping.  Both were great but have lost their grittiness after months of use.  I would definitely use both again.  I also finished a mini tube of L'Occitane Provence Dry Skin Hand Cream.  While the formula was excellent the scent was just too strong for my liking so I won't be purchasing it in the future.

Happy polishing,

Michelle