November Birchbox 2015 Unboxing
By Alina Avery
I feel like I JUST got my October box, but none-the-less, my November Birchbox has arrived.
I’ll say it now – I’m THRILLED with this box.
November’s theme is “Feeling Fancy” and I definitely am with this box. I love the cool floral pattern and the metallic copper logo is gorgeous. This is one of my favorite box designs so far this year (after the Rifle Paper Co box of course)!
On to the samples!
The first thing I noticed was the Living Proof Perfect Hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo. This might be my holy grail dry shampoo. At least of the spray on variety. The scent is the same as most Living Proof products that I’ve tried (it’s gorgeous) and this stuff actually WORKS. It will look white/powdery when you first apply, but the trick is to let it set for 30 seconds and then massage it in to absorb oil. My hair feels actually clean and not full of product when I use this. It takes a bit more work but it’s so worth it. I’m on Day 3 hair right now and you’d never know it thanks to this product. So obsessed. I’ll definitely be repurchasing the full size once this runs out.
Next up, the TempleSpa La La Lagoon Bath and Shower Gel. I actually haven’t tried this as a shower gel yet, but I don’t think I will because I’m really not into the scent. It’s a pretty product and a great sized sample but I don’t think it’s for me. Here’s the thing though, I love getting samples in my Birchbox of products that I dislike. It gives a lot of clarity to what will work for me and what won’t, so I feel better informed when I’m shopping. For example, I’m not in love with the scent of this shower gel. The Birchbox website says it has “Thyme, Aloe Vera, Bitter Orange, Basil, Peppermint, Guaiac, Coriander, Nutmeg”. Therefore, I know which scent combinations don’t work for me. The point of paying for a service like Birchbox isn’t to just get products every month for $10, it’s also to discover what does and doesn’t work for you. The dry shampoo did, and this shower gel didn’t. You’re paying for the opportunity to try new things.
Ok, rant over.
Next: Birchbox’s newest launch, LOC One-and-Done Shadow Stick in Impress Me. This was my sample choice pick. It’s a great product. I don’t know exactly how unique it is, but It’s definitely wearable and versatile and easy to apply. I’ll be testing it out for wear time and creasing and all of that good stuff soon. It’s interesting to see Birchbox launch their own line of products, and very smart in my opinion. Birchbox knows exactly where the gaps in the market are because they get so much feed back from customers every month, so they can really deliver a product that people are interested in. They have a great opportunity here to do some fun things with the LOC line. I’m excited to see what comes next!
I also received MAKE Face Gloss. I’ve actually trie this product before and really like it. It’s a multipurpose glossy balm that can be applied to get that glossy eye look that’s so trendy right now, or to add a cheek highlight without a single speck of shimmer, or to make lips look fuller and poutier. You can even sweep it through brows to make the hairs look a bit glossier and fuller. It’s a really interesting product and a great sized sample since you only need a tiny bit. If you’re after a glowy or dewy look, this is your product.
And finally, Liz Earle Superskin Moisturizer. Liz Earle’s cleanse and polish has been a best seller since it launched in the Birchbox shop and has set them up as a staple for great skin care. This moisturizer is pretty heavier, so it’ll make a great night cream for the winter months, but might be a bit heavy to wear every day or under makeup, at least for my combination-oily skin. The quality of the packaging and the size of the sample are really impressive though. It really feels like a luxury product.
Really happy with the contents of this month’s box! I think the assortment and quality of the products is perfect and this is the second month in a row where I’ve really felt great about everything. Keep it up, Birchbox! You’re making me proud! Want to sign up for Birchbox? Get $5 off your first box here.
