Updated: April 8th, 2019
FYI - since this review was published, Birchbox has changed their pricing. The subscription now starts at $15 a month, and they are offering a higher value box (usually around $50+) and more choices for subscribers (now there will be multiple curated boxes to pick from each month.)
Even with the price rate change, Birchbox is still one of the most popular subscription boxes. It was voted one of the Best Subscription Boxes for Women, and one of the Best Beauty Subscription Boxes in 2019!
Every month, Birchbox lets subscribers pick between a curated box (all samples revealed) or a single sample choice and be surprised by the rest of the items. This review is of the curated box.
My Subscription Addiction pays for this subscription. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).
The Subscription Box: Birchbox
The Cost: $10 a month (get one month free and $10 to spend in the shop with an annual subscription!)
DEAL: Check our Birchbox Coupon List to get the most up-to-date coupon!
The Products: Beauty and lifestyle samples selected by the Birchbox team.
Ships to: US, France, Spain and the UK
Check out all of my Birchbox reviews and the Beauty Subscription Box Directory!
Each box comes with a card detailing the items included and some tips on how to use them.
And since this was their holiday box, it also came with a coupon for $10 off any order of $50 or more from the Birchbox shop:
Now on to the items!
NuFace Prep Cloth (2 cloths) – Value $2
This is not a typical makeup remover cloth! One side is for cleansing and the other side has micro-dots for exfoliating. It did an excellent job of removing my makeup, and it left my skin hydrated, too.
LOC Liquid Shimmer Shadow in Stardust - FULL SIZE! Value $10
This is the full-size version of this product, but LOC products are marketed by Birchbox as being "just the right size." Think travel size.
This stardust color is a warm champagne shimmer, with plenty of pigment. Here it is swatched:
So gorgeous! And once it sets it does not budge!
Whish Botanical Primer - 15 ml Value $8.75
This is the primer my dry skin needs right now! It's moisturizing, gentle on my super-sensitive winter weather skin, and provided a great base for makeup. The only thing that's a bummer is that this tube is mostly air.
Aveda Thickening Tonic - 40 ml Value $11.94
This spray is designed to be used on damp hair and give your hair extra lift and volume. I love the scent, and I used it sparingly as I read some reviewers found it left their hair crunchy. I had no issues there and noticed a slight volume enhancement.
Marcelle Ultimate Volume Nano Mascara - .18 oz Value $10.80
I think the main selling point of this mascara is the tiny brush. It's perfect for getting tiny lashes, and getting as close to the lash line as possible. Personally, I still prefer a soft mascara wand brush compared to this harder brush, but I understand the appeal.
The formula made my lashes intensely black, and provided a decent amount of volume and lash separation. I'd give this mascara a B- for my lash needs.
Birchbox Eyelash Curler - Estimated Value $15?
This eyelash curler is a bonus gift for all subscribers in the month of December!
I've used pricey curlers and cheap ones, and this one definitely felt like it belonged on the luxe end. I was impressed!
Verdict: This box has a value of about $58.49 - that's great for a $10 beauty box. In general, the curated boxes from Birchbox tend to have a great value, so if that's important to you, I recommend picking those each month! I liked almost everything this month, and I thought the bonus eyelash curler was an awesome addition!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, as of today your first box will be the January box. (Tip: Check the image on the sign-up page. The box design pictured is the first month you'll receive.) You can't pick the curated box as your first box, but you'll be able to pick it every month moving forward.
Value Breakdown: At $10 for this box, here’s what you are paying approximately per item:
- NuFace: $.34
- LOC: $1.71
- Whish Primer: $1.50
- Aveda: $2.04
- Mascara: $1.85
- Eyelash Curler: $2.56
What do you think of the December Birchbox? Did you pick a curated box or a sample?
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