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Birchbox Curated ‘Katia’s Picks’ Review + Coupon – November 2020

Megan K.
ByMegan K.Nov 13, 2020 | 7 comments

Birchbox
3.7 overall rating
657 Ratings | 188 Reviews

Birchbox sends samples (and sometimes full-sizes) of new and exciting beauty products from top brands for $15/month. Birchbox is one of the original beauty subscription boxes and is a great way to discover new makeup, hair care, and skincare products without breaking the bank.

FYI: Starting in June 2020, in addition to the surprise sample box option, there will be two curated boxes offered in greater quantities than the previous curated options: The Clean Beauty Box and the Katia's Picks box. Get more deets here!

This is a review of the Katia's Picks box.

FYI - sign up to get email alerts for our Birchbox Spoilers to learn about Birchbox Sample Choice and Curated box options each month!

My Subscription Addiction pays for this subscription. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).

About this Beauty Box

The Subscription Box: Birchbox

The Cost: $15 a month + free shipping. Save with longer subscriptions.

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: The US, France, Spain, and the UK.

Birchbox Review 'Katia's Picks' - November 2020

 

As always, this month's Birchbox came with an info card that lists the products on the front, with a Birchbox Tip listed on the back.

 

Crabtree and Evelyn Evelyn Rose Face Foam, 15 mL - Estimated Value $4.50 (Buy a full-size 50 mL for $15.00)

I am a cleanser enthusiast and this clear gel with its light rose scent and foaming action is easy to love. I also love the price tag! This cleanser is a nice choice for sensitive skin if you want a nice clean feeling without stripping it of moisture or making it feel tight. It has rosewater and coconut water inside which feel great and left my skin feeling refreshed and hydrated.

 

Birchbox Jade Roller - Retail Value $12.00

I know, I know, it seems like jade rollers are everywhere right now. If it wasn't so close to the holidays and if I didn't have the perfect gift recipient in mind for this one, I might be less enthusiastic. I like the smaller size of this one and the fact that it rolls without squeaking. Hey, those squeaks really detract from the whole relaxation factor, IMO! I like to massage a nourishing facial oil onto my face and then (after chilling my roller in the fridge for about an hour) use a roller to massage the oil in. The firmness of the jade makes targeting smaller and often forgotten facial muscles a lot easier than using fingertips. I tend to focus on the muscles between my brows because they are always holding tension and often need a little extra love.

 

amika Supernova Moisture and Shine Cream, 20 mL - Estimated Value $5.00 (Buy a full size 100 mL for $25.00)

I really like Amika products because they work well and smell great. I am kind of a hair minimalist (I never really style mine!) but I really appreciate creams like this, especially in the winter when everything is a static mess. I find for me this works best on dry hair, and I like to apply it by rubbing a little between my palms then running my hands and fingers through my hair. It cuts down on flyaways, nixes static, and adds shine. Easy win!

 

Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels, 1 pair - Estimated Value $4.00 (Buy 8 pairs for $32.00)

Eye gels are regularly on the menu in my skin routine. I like to pamper that delicate and thin skin around my eyes. If I start taking care of it now, I hope that it will look smoother longer! These eye gels are the fabric backed type that really sticks to your eye! No slipping here. They are instantly cold against your skin which for me helped reduce redness. You only need to leave these on for about 10 minutes to feel really refreshed and look bright-eyed.

 

Eyeko Black Magic Liquid Eyeliner, 0.01 fl oz – Retail Value $16.92 (Buy a full-size 0.013 oz for $22.00)

Meh. I just can't get excited over black eyeliner. And Eyeko is one of the most common that I see in my boxes. Sure, this fine brush tip allows for thin or thick lines, and the pigment is good, but I could honestly go through the entirety of 2021 without another black liner.

Verdict: This Birchbox had a value of around $42.42 which is almost three times the cost of the box. It isn't a bad value, but it could be higher. This wasn't my most favorite assortment. I really liked the Crabtree & Evely cleanser and of course, the Amika. The jade roller will make a nice gift and the eye gels felt great. Just, please no more eyeliners. This is for the majority of beauty boxes, not just Birchbox.

To Wrap Up: 

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes, but hurry! December is getting close.

Check our Birchbox Coupon List to get the most up-to-date coupon!

Value Breakdown: At $15 for this box, here is the approximate cost breakdown per item:

  • Crabtree & Evelyn Face Foam $1.59
  • Jade Roller $4.24
  • Amika Cream $1.77
  • Skyn Iceland Gels $1.41
  • Eyeko Liner $5.98

Alternatively, each of the 5 items has an average cost of $3.

Check out all of our Birchbox reviews and our favorite beauty boxes!

Keep track of your subscriptions by adding this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

What did you receive in your November Birchbox

Starting at $22.00
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Birchbox was one of the very first beauty subscription boxes—we’ve been reviewing it since 2012! Each month, subscribers get a new mix of 5 beauty samples, such as makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance items. Birchbox lets you choose whether you’d like a box of items picked just for you (incl... read more.

Megan K.
Megan K.
I love natural/vegan beauty products, Korean skincare, unique jewelry, and weird candies from far away places. When I am not waiting for my next exciting box you can find me painting or taking photographs of interesting people. I never leave home without pug hair somewhere on my shirt and a bold lipstick on my smile.

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7 comments

Kelly

I received the clean beauty box and am pretty happy with the items, but the sizes seem to be getting smaller. Some items are SO tiny, you don’t have a chance to see how they work, not to mention it reduces the value of the box. The jade roller, though, is pretty awesome.

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Beth

I have only recently started to get sub boxes but I can agree no more eyeliner.

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Luna

I decided to give Birchbox another go with their discounted annual sub offer from a month or two ago. I did a sample pick for November’s box (Sunday Riley A+ serum), and my box also included the eye liner, hair leave-in, and roller. Besides my sample pick, the only other item that was different was a lip, cheek, eye color stick. I’m a bit “eh” about the box (my first surprise “customer’s favorites” box for October was pretty great though), but I’m happy to get another sample of the SR serum, and the hair leave-in & multi-stick will be happily used. I’ll be gifting the face roller & eyeliner, but only because I don’t use those types of products. My first box was great, November’s had decent products, but just didn’t feel super exciting, and I’m looking forward to seeing what December’s options are. 🙂

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Jeanine

Canceled after 96 boxes no breaks…I was a little sad but I have no regrets. They don’t seems to care ( no offer to come back) so neither do I!! Truthfully it’s a monkey off my back, these boxes are worse every month for the price especially when you compare it to IPSY!!

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Christina

Totally disagree… Ipsy has mostly crappy brands imo. Prefer Birchbox.

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Snow

I’m surprised Katia picked a black eyeliner….

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Tiffany

It’s nice to see the small sized (and non-squeaky) jade roller. This might be one I actually use. The others just sit in the drawer, and I never use them because they are awkward and loud.

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