My March Birchbox celebrating International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month arrived on Saturday. The box itself is in my favorite colors especially for spring and summer: aqua, spring green with accents of gold and beige. I love the look!
And I was not disappointed this month like I was in February, thank goodness!
I didn’t look at the contents of the box in advance because I like to be surprised. Like I said, it was a good surprise this month!
Here’s what I got:
- Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser, 1 ml size $10
- Number 4 Lumiere d’hiver Fluoro5 Elixir Restore & Repair Oil, travel size
- Smashbox Cosmetics Photo Op Eye Shadow Trio in Filter, neutral brown shades (it comes in at least 2 other color options), full size $28
- theBalm cosmetics Stainiac in Beauty Queen, a red translucent shade, travel size worth about $2.30
- Wilma Schumann Skin Care Hydrating Collagen Eye Pads, 2 pads
When I saw the hair oil, I made a face. I have sooooo much haircare. But when I washed my hair last evening with StriVectin Color Care Shampoo and Conditioner, I decided to use this leave-in oil on my damp hair. It is AWESOME! My hair is like silk! Very nice stuff. Look how smooth my hair looks!
I also immediately used Stainiac from theBalm. I’m a big fan of stains. I used Stainiac on my lips and it’s OK. For some reason, it stains the outlines of my lips more than the lips themselves, so it looks like I’ve got an ombre thing going. I wish the color was more uniform, but I’ll use this for everyday or perhaps under a similar-colored lipstick that I know fades. Even though it’s not perfect, I was glad to get to try it out. Plus red.
I have so many cleansers, I don’t really need another. But Ultra Facial Cleanser from Kiehl’s looks so gentle, I’ll be putting it in my travel makeup bag.
The cute little Smashbox eyeshadow trio is tough to open, but a great size for travel or to keep in my purse makeup bag. The shadows are super buttery, and they didn’t seem to have any fallout at all when I swatched them. Love this little trio and the neutral shades.
I plan to try the collagen eye pads tonight. I have some from another brand that I have to write up. These pads are quite on trend. They’re everywhere!
To be honest, I don’t know what the total value of all these samples is, though the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser alone is $10 and the Smashbox shadow trio is $28 so with the Stainiac sample, the box is already worth more than $40 not including the other two items. I’m glad that Birchbox included a couple of full size products (petite full size) this month. The March Birchbox box is worth well over the $10 that someone else paid for my subscription. I can’t complain because so far, I’ve discovered a number of really good products. Definitely more plusses than minuses in 3 months!
Also, I was sent a coupon code for 20% off purchases from the Birchbox store for my 3 month anniversary. I used the discount as well as my points that were worth $10 to pick up another tube of Dr. Lipp Miracle Balm and a very cute polka dot travel bag. Birchbox seems to do all kinds of things to encourage you to shop their store at a discount.
If you think you want to give Birchbox a try, I would appreciate it if you would use my referral code. 😀
Do you subscribe to Birchbox? What do you think about my goodies this month?
Your hair looks AMAZING with that oil in! I love the look of the Smashbox trio – such a great little set
Steph – http://nourishmeclean.blogspot.com
Stephanie Hartley recently posted…Shower Shelfie | Nourish My Skin
Thank you, Stephanie! The hair oil was a real positive surprise. I have way too much hair stuff, but Number 4 Lumiere d’Hiver oil is a real winner for me!
Your hair does look really smooth in the picture, impressive! I have read about Birchbox having a great point system and this box does look pretty good, I’m going to check how Birchbox Canada boxes for this month and if it’s worth switching over from ipsy.
Shireen L. Platt recently posted…UNDER MY RADAR: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
It’s a tough choice. I liked my April ipsy bag too!
Wow! This month’s Birchbox looks awesome! Too bad they don’t offer their service in Estonia 🙁
Leelo recently posted…Fulfill your dreams with AVON Dreams Eau de Parfum
I wish they did, Leelo, coz I got a good one this month!
These are actually some nice products in your Birchbox!
Kat Dinges recently posted…FingerPaints Ashley Nell Tipton Project Runway Collection
I was very pleased with it this month!
I’ve found the same thing about Stainiac! It stains the outline of my lips almost to distraction.
Destany recently posted…Tatcha Deep Hydration Firming Eye Serum and Overnight Memory Serum Concentrate
I was so disappointed because I love theBalm and I love stains but this one, not so much!
Your hair DOES look awesome!! I love Stainiac, the color is amazing. I need to get another tube!
Tess Galen recently posted…Where I Buy My Beauty
Thank you, Tess! I wanted to love Stainiac, but it does this weird thing where the outline of my lips is so much darker than the lips themselves. Do you have that issue??
I would have been very happy with this box, and the Smashbox Palette alone would have made me smile!
Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog recently posted…Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Steals for Tuesday, March 15
Yes, the Smashbox Trio was a total surprise! Yay
Very nice selections by Birch Box. I’d be interested in those eye pads for sure 🙂 Will look forward to your review.
Monica.
MonicaP recently posted…January Target Beauty Box
I’ve gotta try them, and I have a whole box from Patchology that I have to review. The Patchology are very juicy and hydrating. Both brands are 20 minute pads.
I actually like this better than recent – no, most – Ipsy bags! Smashbox, Kiehl’s and theBalm in ONE month? I want in! And I’d kill for hair as silky as that. On an unrelated note, I find lip stains work best for the just-bitten ombre look. I apply only on the centre of the lips (after applying regular lip colour) and feather the edges with a lip or shadow brush.
Renu recently posted…Makeon Princess Limited Edition Bronze Spectrum Waterproof Gel Liner Season III Review, Swatches, EOTDs
I got a really good ipsy bag this month, too, though with less prestigious brand but more makeup. Thank you so much, Renu, for that tips about how to apply a lip stain. I wouldn’t have known or thought of that. I will definitely try that!!
This is such an improvement over the boxes they used to do. For years they only had basic brown cardboard boxes which weren’t fun to save. Usually they are loaded with skincare samples but this time there’s so much more. Having Kiehl’s and Smashbox in it is a treat.
MarciaF recently posted…Add a little green to your life with Guac Star
I think the boxes are so cute. I’m getting quite a collection which may not be the best thing but I hate to recycle them! Probably they’ll become lipstick and polish storage boxes. I was happy to get some big brands especially things I hadn’t tried before.
This box would be full of win. I love hair oil and makeup and cleanser and… lol
Erika recently posted…Rock Your Beautiful Eyes With Urban Decay and Gwen Stefani
I was absolutely shocked that the hair oil turned out to be such a win!
Your hair looks geat here!
Phyrra recently posted…Simple Cat Eye Tutorial for Hooded Eyes
Thank you! It’s frizz free, yay!
I wouldn’t have been thrilled with this box. The Smashbox trio has been around forever and so has Stainac. I do love the Kiehl’s cleanser though.
Cindy (Prime Beauty) recently posted…Hair2Wear Christie Brinkley Giveaway!
But I don’t own any of them so it’s a win for me 🙂
I have to admit that this is one of the better Birchboxes that I’ve ever seen. Kieh’s, Smashbox and collagen pads. Sounds great.
Aleya Bamdad recently posted…Architectural Digest Show NYC 2016
Yes! And the hair oil was the surprise winner for me 😉
Love that Smashbox eyeshadow trio! Would also be super happy about the Kiehl’s cleanser 🙂
Chelsea recently posted…Jergens Natural Glow | Before & After!
Absolutely! I was so happy to get a good box after last month’s disappointment
That’s definitely a great box this time. I think I’d like every single thing in it, which is rare for most beauty box’s out there.
Stacie recently posted…The Perfect Manicure Tool for Littles
I was so disappointed in last month’s box (even tho it had an OCC Lip Tar) that this box is a delight. I too can use everything in it!
Looks like you received all winners in your subbox, but that hair oil looks AMAZING. Cheers!
Monica Ghosh recently posted…My first Etude House order arrives!
Monica, the hair oil was such an amazing surprise. And to think I was going to give it away!
What a nice box! I would have loved this one!
Lisa Heath recently posted…Lucky 13 Lacquer Knock ‘Em Dead(pool) Collection
I love it when I get introduced to a product that I thought I wouldn’t like that turns out to be stellar like the Number 4 Hair Oil!
Birchbox has really stepped up their game! I love all things Kiehls, and would have loved this sample. The hair oil really made your hair shine! It looks great.
Nidia – Lit From Within recently posted…OIls for Leg Pain? #legcramprelief
Thank you, Nidia! The Number 4 Hair Oil was an amazing surprise. Getting a number of well known brands in this box was just great!
smashbox is always good stuff
Laura Gallaway recently posted…Lanvin Eclat de Fleurs
I’m going to enjoy this little Smashbox Trio!
I love your hair color, let’s trade mane 🙂
Kath TheFabZilla recently posted…Easy Contouring & Highlighting Feat. Beauty Junkees
LOL! It’s been so long since I’ve had waist-length hair. What fun that would be!
There are some really nice things in this particular box. I’m so impressed to see Kiehls in there as it was never in any of my boxes the entire time I was subscribed and was one of my go-to brands while pregnant. 🙂
Honeygirlk recently posted…Voted Allure Magazine’s Best in Beauty Eye Gel – The Oz Naturals Super Youth Eye Gel
Yes, I don’t think I’ve ever gotten Kiehl’s in a sub box. Yay!
Wow! The pigmentation on that Smashbox trio is amazing! I’m glad that you got a good Birchbox this month, I know that getting “duds” is one of my concerns and why I have yet to get a beauty subscription but if I do, I’ll keep your referral code in mind! Great post as always 🙂
Megan T. recently posted…Review: Hask Mint Almond Oil Thickening Haircare Collection
Thank you so much, Megan, and yes, I was relieved to get a good Birchbox! I’ve discovered 3 great products thru Birchbox so far: Dr. Lipp, It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-In Conditioner & Number 4 Lumiere d’Hiver Repair & Restore Hair Oil. I probably never would have found them otherwise, so I guess I shouldn’t have complained so loudly last month, lol
I think I’d be pretty pleased with this selection. Too bad about the lip stain being uneven, but the Smashbox shadows look pretty great!
Bailey recently posted…Maybelline Dream Velvet Soft-Matte Hydrating Foundation
Renu gave me a tip about how to use it to avoid the unevenness, and I’ll try that out. But I’m very happy with the box. No complaints this month!
You won in the sub boxes this month! I love that trio and the eye pads! The trio is so perfect for a purse or gym carry along
Color Me So Crazy recently posted…Pacifica Hair Care System AND One of My Favorite Vegetables
Absolutely! And my first Sephora Play box is yet to come. I hope I’m on a roll. i haven’t used the Smashbox Trio yet but I’m putting it in my purse mu bag ASAP
I loved the little Smashbox trio, it’s the perfect size for traveling,
Yes, it went right into my purse makeup bag!
What a nice box 😀
betzy cuellar recently posted…Ralph Lauren Ralph Love, Worth The Hype?
I’m a happy camper. Birchbox did well this month!
I got a lot of the same things as you (Stainiac, Hair Oil & Eye Pads) and I’m so excited to try the hair oil now, your hair looks fab! I agree with you about the stain though, it did the same thing to my lips. :/
Kristina recently posted…Julep Maven March 2016 Box
I’m glad I’m not the only one having issues with Stainiac. Renu suggested applying it to the middle of the lips and feathering it out. I’m going to try that, but stain shouldn’t be that hard to apply!
Except for the lip stain, I love everything in your March Birchbox cause I will naturally use it myself! I got the No. 4 Shampoo and Conditioner duo for my sample choice instead of the oil which I have not tried yet, I got that eye shadow trio, eye pads, and I got the skin cream instead of the cleanser! But you are right about the value of this Birchbox for March!
Ursula
http://www.blueridgebeautyblogger.com
I’ll be eager to hear what you think of the Number 4 shampoo and conditioner! Also, I still don’t get how Birchbox works. I thought everyone gets the same box, but apparently not if you got the same brands but different products. Hmmm
They have such cute boxes!! And a smashbox and the balm? great box!
This Birchbox was my best so far!!
Looks like you got some gorgeous stuff this month! Love smash box, would love to explore more of their line!
Smashbox makes great lipstick too! And their primer is my favorite.