Birchbox October 2015 Beauty Box Review and Coupon Code

Birchbox is one of the first beauty sampling subscriptions to hit the scene. I find they tend more to skin and haircare rather than makeup (like Ipsy) and while the samples can sometimes be mundane, their points program is the best thing ever.

For every review you write or friend you refer, you get points. One hundred points is ten dollars and you get 10 points for each review. So if you stay subscribed, it adds up fast. Then you can spend it in their shop which has basically everything.

The Cost: $10/month

What You Get: Five samples and sometimes full size items, including everything from makeup and skin care to non beauty essentials like candles and tea. Plus a really great points program.

Avene Cleanance Soap-Free Gel Cleanser- A gel cleanser. Woo. Actually a lot of people swear by this face wash but many reviews say if you have dry skin, it's not going to make you happy. Which makes me think the pH is probably pretty high. I have dry skin so I don't want to bother with it. Plus I've been using Wild Naturals Manuka Honey Cleanser and the new CosRx Low pH Gel Cleanser.

Number 4 Texture Styling Creme- I wish they had a checkbox in the profile for "bald." If they did I would mark it. I mean, obviously, I'm going to get stuck with hair stuff, they can't personalize a box that much but two in one box!? Poo. Plus I don't like Number 4. I tried their hydrating shampoo and it made my hair like straw.

BioRepublic Green Tea Detox Purifying Sheet Mask- I like these sheet masks by BioRepublic. No alcohol means they go in my stash. I've used this before and been happy with them. I like sheet masks, though, so I could be biased. :)

Eyeko Black Magic Mascara- This is a really interesting way of packaging mascara and I think I like it better than a typical tube. I feel like you could really get every last drop of your mascara out. Don't you ever wonder how much mascara didn't get used before you toss it out? I do.
I've already got a favorite mascara but this one claims to curl along with adding volume. If it doesn't flake or smudge, I'll be happy.

Macadamia Professional Style Extend Dry Shampoo- Blargh. I hate getting hair stuff but I really don't like dry shampoo. Why does everyone love it so much? Every one I've tried has left visible flakes or just not worked for it's intended purpose. Not that I've tried this one. /sigh I should.

VERDICT: Here's the thing. Birchbox is not my personal favorite BUT it's an excellent place to start if you're just getting into subscription boxes and want to see what all the hype is about. It's an EXCELLENT gift for a girl of about 13 up to 24. It's fun to get things in the mail, the mystery is exciting and trying new things is exhilarating. If I was 15 and someone got me a Birchbox subscription, I'd probably be like "what is this?" then run around screaming when I figured it out.

Then there's the points, of course. I can always find something in the Birchbox Shop to spend my points on. Since each box tends to be worth 50-60 points, it's easy to rack up enough to get something decent. I like the fact that it doesn't have to be just beauty products but you can buy tools and home goods, as well.

If you would like to sign up for Birchbox, you can do that here. Use code BBJETBLUE10 to get 100 points added to your account! That's $10 to spend in their shop! I try to use a points code every time I subscribe, it's worth it.

What's your favorite thing about Birchbox? Or your least favorite?

*referral/affiliate links were used in this post.