I’m coming right out and saying it, I am very disappointed with the February Birchbox – both of ’em! This is only my second Birchbox, and it’s the first monthly box I received after getting the Welcome box last month. The Welcome box introduced me to one fabulous product and a couple of good ones, and had one loser, a perfume. Of course, a got another tiny perfume sample from the same designer and I hate this one too. A shame because I had high hopes for Birchbox 😥
The February Birchbox had two choices – Date Night (the box itself is cute!) – and a skincare box, and you had to go onto the website, watch a long, boring video and then wait a couple of weeks to pick your choice.
I dislike knowing in advance what I’m getting because it spoils the gift-like surprise for me. Plus, learning in advance that I didn’t like either box choice didn’t make me feel good about the coming box. I’m soooooo glad I didn’t pay for this subscription myself. OK, rant over. Maybe I’ll love next month’s box.
Date Night Birchbox
So, here’s what I got:
- Catherine Malandrino Romance de Provence perfume sample: It’s a pretty floral, but florals don’t work with my body chemistry. As I mentioned above, I got another perfume sample that I couldn’t use last month, boo
- Whisk Renewing Mud Mask, travel size: I love Whish, but my dry skin is usually too dry for a mud mask. I don’t really have big pores, but maybe I’ll try it on the few pores I have, or I’ll give it away.
- Amika Bombshell Blowout Spray, travel size: Please no more hair styling products. I seldom use them even though this might be a good one.
- OCC Lip Tar Matte, Harlot, a gorgeous red, one of the shades from the Test Tube Collection: You’d think I’d be so excited about this diminutive red lipstick, but I can’t wear it because it’s matte and drying, and I can’t wear OCC Lip Tar because the peppermint oil in the formula dries out my lips. Sadly, this will go in the giveaway pile. 😥
- Cynthia Rowley Brightening Illuminator, sample: Finally, one thing in the box that I can use! It’s a pretty pinkish illuminator. Yay!
That’s it. No full size products at all, although the tiny Lip Tar (0.08 oz.) is the size it is sold in as part of the 12 piece Test Tube Collection.
Usually, I would figure out the value of the bag. Frankly, I don’t want to waste my time though it’s definitely worth much more than the $10 monthly cost. In spite of my rant about this month’s box, if you’re interesting in subscribing for $10/month, I’d be grateful if you’d use my referral code.
So, am I actly badly? Did you like your Birchbox this month?
I never liked what I see in Birchbox and them usually giving out only sample sizes irks me even more. Don’t think I’ll ever be giving them a go.
It’s very frustrating since this is only my 2nd box! But I know some bloggers have written that they prefer Birchbox to ipsy oftentimes – I hope I see that day. You are wise to sit it out!
This definitely looks like a miss! What a frustrating experience to watch the video, know what you are getting, and then be utterly disappointed by all but one product! Oh well, hopefully next month will be fantastic!
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I’m not a video lover. I’m impatient and they’re usually way too long for me and then to find out I couldn’t even make my choice for 2 weeks, it was too weird. Hopefully next month will be better. Luckily it was a gift subscription.
I feel the same way. I by far prefer to read than watch videos! It makes absolutely no sense that you would have to wait for 2 weeks to select! I fail to see the logic! I hope that next month is much better! That definitely helps!
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Glad I’m not the only anti-video blogger 😉 Thankfully, my Birchbox was a subscription so no real loss.
That definitely doesn’t seem like one of their best boxes. I had issues with Birchbox, but it could be that because I am a blogger and I have a lot of products (more so than most) that a lot of the products I had seen before or already tried. I just wasn’t super impressed and found that I started getting a lot of samples that I just didn’t need.
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So far, I’m still preferring ipsy because of the cute bags and because so far I always end up with at least a few products that I use. Hopefully next month will be better for Birchbox, and luckily, the subscription was a gift.
Everyone needs a date night go-to box!
cheryl hawley recently posted…Tips For Reducing Stress With Dr. Erin Stair
just not this one 🙁
Yeah, the bad thing about the curated boxes is that they can’t curate the products your needs. 🙁 You might have better luck just sticking to one sample choice and letting them pick the rest. I picked the cleansing oil, and after peeking at my box I think I’m going to like most of the products. I didn’t know OOC used peppermint oil. That’s so sad 🙁
Sammi the Beauty Buff recently posted…What’s the Deal with Mineral Oil?
Samantha, I’m going to have to check with you next month because I don’t get Birchbox. I thought my only choices were Date Night or the skincare box.
I quit Birchbox a year ago even though I got introduced to products that I bought full sizes of after sampling. After awhile the samples I received were too small to judge if I liked them or not.
I’m pretty disappointed that there aren’t more full size products (based on 2 months). At least ipsy gives some full size products, usually one a month. Although I got turned onto the great Dr. Lipp Miracle Balm, the rest has been disappointing to meh. You were smart to cut the cord, Laura. Boxycharm looks good to me but it’s more than twice as expensive
Boxycharm is my favorite. It is the only box sub I do right now. There a couple other boxes I would like to try someday. Although eventually it all becomes clutter. At least that is how it looks to me over here in my nest. lol 😉
I didn’t know you were doing Boxycharm. You’ll have to tell me what you get. I definitely have been impressed with what I’ve seen during the past year. You’re right about the clutter. I just bought one of those brightly colored stacking drawers though I hope to get some more substantial Ikea drawers one of these days
I was thinking about rejoining Birchbox…but maybe now I won’t. I think I’d rather save my money to buy a few full size items I really want to try.
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I haven’t been a member long enough to know, but since you already belonged in the past, I’m sure you do know what the typical box is like. I’m glad I got this subscription as a gift!
I love the shade Harlot, so sad you can’t comfortably wear it.
Phyrra recently posted…Deadpool Movie Valentine’s Day Tutorial
True, but at least you told me what it was that prevented me from being able to wear it!
I didn’t like Birchbox at all when I got it. I think I lasted three months and canceled the subscription. Harlot is great; so sorry it doesn’t work for you.
I’m glad that I was gifted Birchbox for a year. So if it doesn’t improve at the end of the year, I’ll let it expire. Harlot is a great shade, so sad I can’t wear it. I’m sure if I could I’d feel quite different about the box 😉
I only got one Birch Box and it was the Tati (Glamlife Guru) box as I wanted to try the Living Proof dry shampoo spray .. they rest of the items were .. meh. Sub boxes are always hit or miss, I suppose.
Monica.
MonicaP recently posted…Valentine’s Day Inspired Outfit
I’ve been doing quite well with ipsy for the past year so I hope Birchbox will pick up!
I’ve always avoided Birchbox because I hear the boxes aren’t as good. Should I reconsider or is it a crap shoot?
Kat Dinges recently posted…UD | Gwen Stefani Blush Palette
This is only my second box, Kat, and I didn’t love it. The Welcome box was pretty good. I’d need at least a couple more months to give you a realistic opinion. Many women rave about the Birchbox program including their store, but I haven’t got enough experience with it yet
How disappointing! I like when boxes are a surprise–it makes it so much more fun!
Cindy (Prime Beauty) recently posted…Giveaway! StriVectin Advanced Retinol Pore Refiner
For sure. And it’s especially disappointing when you find out you’re not excited about any of the items
The only thing from this box would use is the lip tar. I actually own harlot. It is one of my favorite colors.
Kim recently posted…John Frieda 3-Day Straight™ Flat Iron Spray Review
Per Norah’s suggestion, I’m going to try mixing Harlot with my clear City Lips Lip Plumper that’s very hydrating and maybe I’ll be able to wear it. The color is gorgeous, it’s just the formula doesn’t like me.
I’ve really liked the Amika products I’ve gotten from Birchbox, but I feel you, I kind of hate how frequently they send hair stuff. I find I just can’t use hair stuff fast enough.
Bailey recently posted…The Style Edit | Firmoo Tortoise Keyhole Frames
Since you and Norah both give the Amika a thumb’s up, I’m gonna try it! But I hope next month has more stuff that I actually want/will use
Oh no, it’s a miss based on what you got!
Kath TheFabZilla recently posted…Nudestix Intense Matte Lip + Cheek Pencil
Yes, I know the OCC Lip Tar mini was the prize, but if I can’t wear it, it’s not such a prize 🙁
Nope. Nothing wows me in this box. LOL @ those blow-drying sprays – I must have about a dozen sample bottles from beauty boxes by now.
Renu recently posted…Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons Palette vs Semi-Sweet vs Chocolate Bar Swatches
Norah says the Amika Blowdry Spray is a good one so I guess I’ll try it, but I already spray and put enough stuff in my hair, lol. Hoping Birchbox picks up next month
Doesn’t seem so bad but with you knowing beforehand definitely spoiled the element of surprise for you. The mud mask & illuminator should come in handy at some point (hopefully). Best of luck for your future boxes
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I know lots of women would be happy with this box, but because I can’t wear the star product – the Lip Tar – and my sensitive skin is not good with Mud Masks, only the illuminator is something I’d use. Hopefully next month will be better, and luckily, the subscription was a gift!
Too bad about your box. 🙁 I really do love that Cynthis Rowley Illuminator though!
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I’m sure other women would have been happy with this box, but only the illuminator suits me – thankfully, there was that. The Lip Tar is gorgeous but I already have 5 others that I can’t wear. It’ll be good for my giveaway pile!
This is a really nice selection of goodies this month. It’s been a few years since I have gotten birchbox but I’m always impressed with what they offer.
Unfortunately, this month was a fail for me though I can use the illuminator. The OCC Lip Tar is a fabulous shade but their lipstick destroys my sensitive lips.
Oh no… that’s terrible. I have a hard time with OCC lip Tars and have only owned 3 from the brand over the years, but I have never liked how they feel on my lips. Especially for the price point in my opinion. Too bad.
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Yeah, I don’t know why they put peppermint oil in the formula. For some people, it can be both irritating and drying
I don’t blame you — it wasn’t a very exciting box. The lip tar would’ve been the only thing I got excited for. Bummer! Maybe next month will be better 🙂
Katie Garvin recently posted…Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons Palette – Review, Swatches, and Eye Looks
Thanks for commiserating, Katie! I’m sure if I could wear the Lip Tar, I would’ve been more excited about the box, but it’s a no go for me. Yes, hopefully next month
It’s not the worse box that I’ve seen from them, but for Valentine’s Day I would expect so much more from them. At least there are no coasters or tea bags in this one like the ones that I use to get.
Aleya Bamdad recently posted…Soap And Paper Factory Hand Cream Review
No, it’s not the worst, and I’m sure many women would be excited about it. But since I can only use one or maybe 2 of the products, and none are full size, I’m disappointed in Birchbox. I thought it would be better than ipsy, and so far, no. But I am grateful there are no coasters or tea bags – that would be the last straw!!
The OCC Lip Tar is my fav in the box. I actually dropped Birchbox 2 years ago because it seemed like I was just getting sample size items. When I first joined it was almost half full size and then deluxe samples. There are times now I like some boxes, but others make me glad I don’t have it anymore
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Fortunately, I got the Birchbox subscription as a gift from a new app. If I had paid for it, I would be even more annoyed. The Lip Tar shade is stunning, but I can’t handle the drying formula. Not sure if I’ll try mixing it with lip balm or put it in the giveaway pile.
Great box but for once I can say that ours (UK version) is better lol or at least better suited for me 😉 lol
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I was actually disappointed in this Birchbox. It was my first regular box, and frankly there was only one product – the illuminator – that I’ll use. I’m sure lots of women are psyched to get the OCC Lip Tar in Harlot, a gorgeous shade, but I can’t wear Lip Tars coz they dry out my lips terribly. Hope next month is better. My ipsy bag won hands down. Glad your Birchboxes are better than this!!
Yikes, serious miss with this month’s box.
Kristin Bassett recently posted…Best Drugstore Beauty Products
I may be in the minority, but the items just didn’t suit me. Hopefully, next month will be better
I got that Date Night set and having been loving the items and esp. the Amika Blowout Spray which doubles as light hold hairspray! 🙂
Ursula
Unfortunately, the items weren’t a good fit for me. Glad you’re enjoying it!
I’d use all of it except the perfume. Love the tiny lip tar!
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Wish I could wear the Lip Tar. The formula destroys my lips 🙁
I gave up on Birchbox and most subscription boxes way back. I felt I rarely got my money’s worth.
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I get my $10 worth with ipsy. It really has improved over the past 18 months IMHO. But this is only my second month of Birchbox, and because I can’t wear the Lip Tar (worth $9), I’m so disappointed. Thankfully, the subscription was a gift