Birchbox October 2014 Unboxing

Lately, my Birchboxes have just been OK, and I've considered cancelling my subscription, which I hate to do, because it's one of the cheaper boxes out there at $10 a month and I'd rather not replace it with a more expensive one.  Also, their rewards program is the best!  I've already cashed in my points from reviewing products on their site for some great full size items.  So I was really hoping that this month's box would change my mind, and I'm happy to say, I loved this box (mostly).

What it Is:  A beauty sample subscription service.

What it Does: Surprises you with five deluxe sized beauty samples every month. 

What it Costs: $10 per month (no contract, cancel anytime).

Where to Get It: Online at Birchbox.com

Coupon/ Promo Code: Use code BENEFITPACK to receive 2 bonus Benefit samples with your first box! (New subscribers only)

Similar To: Ipsy, Beauty Box 5, Sample Society

Quick Rating:  Love this month's box!


When the box first arrived, I opened the outer packaging and then got distracted by a text and set it down on the kitchen table.  When I looked up, I noticed that Henry had grabbed the box (I didn't even know he could reach the table now!) and spilled the contents all over the floor, haha.  I guess we can't leave things up on the table anymore, at least not near the edge! 

Once I gathered everything up again, I was able to see what was in this month's box.  There was only one makeup item, which bummed me out at first, but I quickly realized that the other products were pretty fantastic!

Longtime readers of my blog, you know that I'm a huge fan of Harvey Prince.  Hello is like, one of my favorite fragrances ever (review here) so I was incredibly excited to see a new Harvey Prince perfume in this month's Birchbox.  Called Petaly Noir (Full Size, $55), this is a warm, exotic scent that has amazing staying power- it lasts all day!  It's described as a fresh, lush, woody, floral oriental and I'd say that's definitely accurate.  The Notes are: Lily of the Valley, Night Blooming Jasmine, Tropical Orchid, Sandalwood, Patchouli, and Warm Amber with hints of vanilla and musk. It's a warm, cozy fall/winter scent and it's a really sexy and feminine.  It is definitely heavier than Hello but it has a freshness to it that keeps it from being too sweet or overpowering. I might have to buy the full size when this is gone.

Years ago, when I was a fashion merchandiser at a Filene's department store, I would often pass by the Borghese counter and the saleswoman would stop me and tell me that I just had to try Fango, a mineral-rich mud from the volcanic hills of Tuscany.  You can use it over your entire body as a pore-unclogging and moisturizing spa treatment.  It sounded amazing, but was very expensive. Then Filene's went out of business and I never saw another Borghese counter, until it showed up recently at Kohl's (and some products at Target as well), so it looks like they're making a comeback. When I first saw this product in my Birchbox, I thought it was the original Fango mud mask, but then I realized that it's actually a Purifying Clay Cleanser that's enriched with Fango mud (Full Size, $30).  This sample is about 1/3 of the full size, so I'll get a lot of uses out of it.  I can't wait to try it and see what all the hype is about!

Essential Elements is a brand that's new to me, and this Wake Up Rosemary Shower Gel (Full Size $19) has a rosemary mint scent that's to die for!  It also contains honey to soothe your skin as it cleanses.  This is a welcome addition to my morning shower!

Jouer Matte Moisture Tint, ($38 full size) is a tinted moisturizer that has a matte finish and is supposed to keep shine at bay all day.  I think it's a great idea, since most tinted moisturizers have a dewy finish.  Personally, I have dry skin and like dewier products, but this was still moisturizing enough for me and the color they sent me was pretty close also.

This Lord and Berry Paillettes Eye Pencil ($19 full size) is the one product in this box I can't see myself using.  It's a black glitter pencil and as a 36 year old, I just don't wear glitter anymore.  

So here's how the box breaks down: 

Cost of Box: $10

Harvey Prince Petaly Noir Sample- $1
Jouer Matte Moisture Tint- $3.80
Lord and Berry Paillettes Eye Pencil- $4.50
Borghese Fango Purificante- $8.50
Essential Elements Shower Gel- $3.50

Total Box Value- $21.30 

In terms of value, this box isn't the highest one I've gotten, but it's valuable in the sense that I liked almost everything and I'm happy with the selection of products I haven't tried before.  Sometimes subscription boxes send you a lot of duplicate products and I'm happy to say that I haven't seen these in any other boxes!

What did you think of your Birchbox this month?

To subscribe to Birchbox, please click HERE.