Birchbox – January 2013

The first Birchbox of the new year is here!  But it’s not that impressive. 🙁  I’m just going to start by saying that I’m tired of getting Juicy Couture fragrances in these boxes.  I’ve gotten three in the last year.  Yes, they have been different Juicy Couture scents but I don’t like any of them.  If they’re gonna keep sending us fragrance samples at least mix it up more.

I don’t know why but the latest Birchboxes have just felt stale to me.  I find myself getting less and less excited to receive it each month which is a bad sign.  I’m thinking that maybe I need to just step away from Birchbox for a few months and see what happens.

When MyGlam bag (now Ipsy) first begun, over a year ago, I was excited to become a subscriber.  Unfortunately I wasn’t that impressed by their first few month’s bags so I cancelled.  Lately though I’ve been seeing that their bags have gotten so much better.  I’m thinking I may switch to them for a few months instead.  I’m liking their bags more because they are more makeup geared, which is what I prefer.

I feel like Birchbox has gotten away from makeup samples lately.  Yes, there may be 1 or 2 makeup samples in a Birchbox but I’d prefer it to be 50% or more makeup.  I have very sensitive skin and breakout when I switch any facial products.  So getting skincare in my boxes is pretty much pointless for me.  And my hair, forget about it!  I have temperamental hair that needs to be tamed on a daily basis.  Most haircare items they send in the Birchboxes will not help what I’ve got going on!

I’m not 100% sure I’m going to cancel my subscription yet but I’m definitely on the fence.  One or two more so-so bags will probably prompt me to cancel.  I think I’ll give myself about two more months to see what happens.  So let’s finally see what’s in my January 2013 Birchbox:

My Prime Multi-Purpose Mattifying Moisturizer – I’ve never heard of this brand but anything that can control my oily skin is worth a try.  A full size 2 oz tube is $68 though so I would never buy it even if it does work well.

Viva La Juicy Fragrance – A very floral and fruity scent from Juicy Couture, not my thing.

theBalm Put A Lid On It Eye Primer – The only thing this month I’m excited about!  A tiny 0.125 oz tube of eyeshadow primer.

Frownies Eye Gels – A reusable set of under eye gel patches that are soaked with collagen and hyaluronic acid.  You’re supposed to use these 3 days in a row then once weekly.  “One 30 minute treatment smoothes fine lines, wrinkles, under eye bags, dark circles and helps improve tone.”  One set can only be used 2 – 4 times though.

Frownies Rose Water Hydrator Spray – This spray is needed to keep the eye gels above moist between use.  “Balances PH levels while plumping up fine lines with hyaluronic acid.”

If you like the samples you see in this month’s Birchbox, why not subscribe?  For $10 per month, you get 4 – 5 deluxe beauty samples to try.  Sign up for Birchbox here!