Here it is. My review of the Septmeber Birchbox. Finally.
I received my September Birchbox on Sept 28… Yeah. BUT: Better late than never! Here goes.
Color Club – Birchbox Custom Polish in “Status Update” :: Full Size – $8 – I actually really like this color. I usually choose dark colors over lights and I love that this polish is dark enough without being too dark. Theres hints of blue, grey and green in Status Update and I had to slap on a coat immediately after receiving my box. ♥♥♥♥
Nevermind the crappy paint job and band-aid, this color is awesome.
Nexxus – Pro-Mend Split End Treatment System :: Full Size – $9.99-$14.99 – This is the one sample, this month, that I have not tried as of publishing this post. Regardless, these samples are nowhere near “premium”. I could find a similar sample in a magazine or at a retail sales counter. For that reason and that reason alone, having never tried this product, I’m giving this sample 0/5 ♥s. Zero. I’m not happy with this sample strictly based on size. Even though it boasts that this treatment system will bind 92% of split ends together in one use, I don’t feel this sample provides enough to even make a true judgement of quality and effectiveness. I will eventually give this system a try, of course and I may decided to buy full size bottles to really give them a try, but as far as September’s total Birchbox score is concerned, this sample will not contribute any points.
twistband – Birchbox Custom Lace Hair Tie :: Set of 6-12 – $14-$22 – ANOTHER F*CKING TWISTBAND! First of all, I’ve already received one of these in my first ever Birchbox (May 2012); I was not impressed then and I’m not impressed now. Second, it’s neon-f*cking-orange. I’m a ginger. I filled out a beauty profile. They know I’m ginger. Another 0/5 ♥s.
Vasanti – Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator :: Full Size – $34 – This exfoliating cleanser is amazing. Almost too amazing because after my first use, I experienced a [very rare] breakout. The microderm crystals and papaya enzymes worked harder than my usual products to remove the dirt and oil that was left behind. ♥♥♥♥♥
Youngblood – Mineral Primer :: Full Size – $41 – This primer makes my skin feel the way Soft Lips makes my lips feel (if you’ve ever used Soft Lips, you know exactly what I’m talking about.) Containing vitamins and minerals to sooth skin, this primer does it’s job of preventing makeup melt-away. ♥♥♥♥
September Birchbox Score :: 13♥s/20
In spite of issuing a zero score to 2 of my 5 samples, the products I loved, I really loved and September’s box earned 13 out of 20 total possible ♥s.
Extras
Mighty Leaf Tea Company :: Box of 15 – $9.95 – Chamomile Citrus (Herbal Infusion), Vanilla Bean (Black Tea), Green Tea Tropical. I love tea. Always have. Growing up, my mother was a tea drinker; we didn’t even have a coffee maker for the longest time. Tea was the choice in our house. Although I do love a good cup of coffee after dinner or as a mid-day treat, nothing beats a hot cup of tea. Of the three teabags I received, I curled up with my cup of Chamomile Citrus as I began reading my new book (J.K. Rowling’s The Casual Vacancy) and it was delightful. I can’t wait to try the Vanilla Bean black tea next and although I am not a big fan of green teas, I’m still excited to give the tropical blend a try as well.
Tristan Prettyman :: 2 song download – I haven’t downloaded these songs yet nor have I ever listened to Tristan Prettyman but I love music and always love giving new artists a try.
This month, the Birchbox team included their first ever Birchbox Lookbook. It was full of this fall/winter’s most popular trends and style ideas executed by staff members. It’s definitely no Vogue (or even Glamour), but it was cute and I look forward to receiving future “issues”.
I also got a $25 Gift Card to apply to any purchase of at least $75 from Madewell.com. Unfortunately, it had to be used between September 10-30. Just rub salt in my late-box wound why don’t you Birchbox. Birchbox Fail.
The products in this box that I like, I love. I will most likely purchase the full size bottles of the Vasanti cleanser and the Youngblood mineral primer. No lie. Love them both! Over-all, September’s Birchbox was pretty damn good.
I’m eagerly awaiting my October Birchbox which I hope will be one of the limited Goop Birchboxes!! -eek! I hope all the featured products are fabulous and I hope it comes on time! I’m also looking forward to receiving my very first Glossybox in October!
Thanks for reading! Love, GK
Ginger Kate 