Birchbox Review: For the Sample-Happy Beauty Addict

See review of Birchbox sampling service after the jump








What if you can have a mysterious package sent to you every month filled with samples of high-end products that you can sample at your own convenience? And since you wouldn't know the products until you open the box, it's a pleasant surprise every time. It's like Christmas every month!

Birchbox.com operates exactly like this. For $10 a month, they will send you a box filled with around four samples of high-end products for you to enjoy. That way, you reduce the clutter in your home caused by full sized products that disappointed you. With sampling, you can try out the product first before you commit to a full-sized version.

For the month of June 2011, I received samples of the following:

1. Kate Spade Twirl fragrance (Full Size: 1.7 oz for $65 & 3.4 oz. for $80)
Description: "This flirty scent feels carefree and joyful - just to wear on your adventures at home and abroad."

2. Laura Geller Baked Blush N Brighten (Note: My box has the FULL SIZE version, which is 0.32 oz for $29.50)
Description: "Made in Italy, this swirl of warm and cool tones is infinitely versatile - dust your cheeks for a flattering flush or use the lighter shades as a highlighter."

Here are some swatches of the Baked Blush N Brighten I got in Honey Dipped:







3. Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil (Full Size: 150 ml. for $65)
Description: "Hair stylists call this "liquid gold", and we have to agree. Work a few drops through wet or dry hair for hydration and shine."

4. Sircuit Cosmeceuticals Molecular Mist (Full Size: $2.0 oz for $36)
Description: "This high-tech spray uses heavy water to keep your skin hydrated all day. Use it pre-moisturizer, an in-flight refresh, or to set makeup."

5. Deborah Lippmann Stripper To Go Nail Lacquer Remover Mitts (Full Version: 10 mitts for $12)
Description: Fix your mani on the fly! Each handy packet contains a remover soaked "mitt" that erases polish without drying the nails.

I will be reviewing these products individually, because the focus of this entry is about the service that Birchbox provides. I am loving the concept. This is a win-win situation for both consumers and manufacturers. Consumers can try out the product without breaking the bank and before committing to a full-size product, and manufacturers view this as great advertising or marketing tool for their newly-released products.

What is great is that if you get to like a product and are ready to purchase the full-size version, Birchbox lets you earn points from its loyalty program to use on future purchases. If you buy a year's worth of Birchbox sample service, you also get a month free.

I guess if you don't like testing different products and maybe encountering a few misses and duds, this service is not for you.  But then, for beauty product junkies, this is good news.  You might even find a holy grail item that you might not have tried at all if you didn't get a sample of it.

Stay tuned for the individual reviews of the products mentioned above!

Note: Media sample was provided by a representative of the company for consideration.  All opinions are completely mine.