Birchbox May 2012
It’s Birchbox time again, and this month Birchbox teamed up with “Gossip Girl” for samples inspired by the show. First a quick rundown for those who don’t know about Birchbox. Birchbox is a $10.00 a month subscription service that provides a selection of 4-5 luxury samples of anything from skincare to makeup, hair care, and beauty tools from well-known brands as well as emerging ones. The contents of each month’s box is a surprise and some months are certainly better than others, but overall I’ve been really pleased with my subscription. The best part of Birchbox is the loyalty points program where you can earn points that can later be redeemed for cash in the Birchbox Shop. I’ve gotten major discounts off of NARS, Laura Gellar, and the Balm by redeeming my Birchbox points which sets Birchbox ahead of some of the other subscription services available.
As I said, May’s theme was inspired by “Gossip Girls” and here is what Birchbox had to say: “Of all our guilty pleasures, our weekly “Gossip Girl” date ranks pretty high. As proud New Yorkers, we love seeing our favorite spots on screen—plus we’re addicted to the plot intrigues and killer fashion and beauty looks. Just in time for the season finale Monday, May 14, at 8/7c on The CW, we’ve teamed up with “Gossip Girl” to bring you samples inspired by the series and Manhattan’s chicest events. This collection has exactly what an uptown girl needs for summer. It’s time to break out the bright prints and chic sandals and head to—where else?—the Hamptons. Beach parties call for a fresh, natural look: think foundation-free skin and on-trend nails. And don’t forget—a good guest always follows up with a thank you note.“
- BVLGARI Omnia Crystalline Eau de Toilette Spray- regular price $64.00 for 1.33 oz, or $47.00 for 0.85 oz; sample size 0.05 oz, worth $2.58. “Inspired by luminescent crystals, this elegant scent combines notes of lotus flowers, bamboo, and Nashi pear.”
- Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15- regular price $22.50 for 0.15oz; sample size 0.08 oz, worth $12.00. “This cult favorite has a subtle rosy hue, plus sugar extracts to exfoliate and smooth lips.”
- Kiel’s Abyssine Cream- regular price $48.00 for 1.69 fl oz; sample size 0.25 fl oz, worth $7.10. “A longtime bestseller, this anti-aging moisturizer uses microscopic Abyssine molecules to soften wrinkles and protect skin from free radical damage.”
- Miracle Skin Transformer Body SPF 20 in Glow- regular price $34.00 for 3.38 oz; sample size 0.5 oz, worth $5.03 “Don’t settle for anything but flawless skin- all over your body. This tinted treatment erases blemishes and scars from arms, legs, and decollete.”
- EXTRA Birchbox Notecards- regular price $10.00 for a set of 12; sample size 1 note card, worth $0.83. “Text messages are no match for handwritten notes on fun, modern stationary.”
The grand total worth of my May box is $27.54. I am not a “Gossip Girl” fan, and have no idea how these products relate to the show. I’m not loving the blatant advertising going on. That being said, I still really like the contents of my box. The BVLGARI fragrance smells fantastic and I will totally use it. I’ve been very curious about the Fresh Sugar Rose Lip Treatment, but will never shell out the money for a full priced product. I’m glad that I get to try it without paying $22.50 for lip treatment. I’m really interested in trying the Miracle Skin Transformer because I have some scars and discoloration on my arms. I wonder if it transfers to clothing. I’m anxious to try it out. I’m sure that I will enjoy the Kiel’s Abyssine Cream. The notecard is an odd color to go with that bright pink envelope. I like the color of the card, but it just looks bad with the envelope. I’m sure I’ll use it, but it certainly is not my favorite extra.
I’d love to know what you got in your May Birchbox. Did we get the same samples? Let me know in the comments below. If you want to sign up for your own Birchbox subscription follow this link.
I’d love a review on the Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment. It looks awesome!!!
I got the Miracle Skin Transformer, the Stila eye liner in Starry, an Arquiste L’Etrog perfume sample, and some Ojon shampoo. Not a bad month, but not my favorite either. I do enjoy getting my Birchbox each month though!
That’s a pretty good box. I love those Stila liners! I think my favorite month was January, how about you?
I liked last month’s box – I got a full sized Tarte Lipsurgence pencil. Plus, I liked the perfume sample and other scented things they sent, which isn’t always the case. I even liked the detergent samples, but I know a lot of people didn’t.
Looks like cool stuff! Keep us posted on the miracle skin transformer… I’ve also got some nonsense I wouldn’t mind fixing.
I will. I’m really curious about it.
I got my very first box this month!!! I also got the Miracle Skin Transformer, a Color Club nail polish (in Clambake Coral,) Algenist Regenerative Anti-Aging Moisturizer, Kerastase Cristalliste Bain Cristal-Fine (Shampoo), Kerastase Lait Cristal Conditioner, and Kerastase Cristalliste “Lumiere Liquide” (whatever that is!) Looks good though. Thanks for the tip on joining! I’m excited.
You’re welcome, I’m glad that you liked your first box. Be sure to review your items for points that you can redeem in the shop. They add up pretty fast.
I’m on my second month w/ Birchbox. I loved last month’s box and will be ordering some of the items from it. I am much more “meh” on the May box. I got the same as Sarah above. Two little shampoo/conditioner packets (single use) and the Kerastase “Luminare Liquid”. Not enough of any of those things to tell if I like them. Nail polish, which I never use but was appreciated by the friend I gave it to. Miracle Skin Transformer – I will be interested to see what you think of this product. I didn’t see it having much coverage. Lastly the Algenist moisterizer that was way too harsh for my skin. So, last month I loved 5/5 products, and this month it was 0/5 (well, I will use the notecard).
I would have been disappointed with that box too.
I’m not really a fan of getting hair products in my box, because I’m hopeless when it comes to hair and so oils and treatments are wasted on me, and I like my current shampoo/conditioner. I realize that I can’t love every box that comes to me, but it is really disappointing when the box is a dud. The only saving grace is that you can still give feedback on the products and get points for them. I madlove the rewards program that Birchbox offers and have absolutely taken advantage of redeeming my points for cash in the Birchbox shop. I’m sorry that your box was so lousy. I hope that June’s box has a bunch of products you love. Stick with it for a few more months to see if they redeem themselves.
I got some Dr. Jart + BB cream, Color Club nail polish in a metallic gold, Arquiste perfume sample (L’Etrog), a headband, and some liquid brush/sponge cleaner. This was my first month as well. I’m already excited for June!
Oh, I’d love to know what you think about the Dr. Jart BB cream. That’s one that I’d like to try.
I like it. Smooth coverage, blends well, and is less shiny than other BB creams I’ve used. I still finish it with a loose powder but it has a nicer finish than the Garnier BB cream I’ve been using.
Thanks for the info! I hope that I get a sample of it in one of my BBoxes. I’d really like to try it.
Well, I was certainly hyped about getting the Gossip Girl Birchbox after being away from Birchbox for many months. I had gotten one too many perfume and lotion samples last year and took a rest.