Birchbox Winter Essentials December 2015 Review and Coupon Codes

Birchbox is a beauty sampling subscription. It's one of the most popular boxes and may have even been the first. It's a fun box as long as you don't want anything specific. I think Ipsy is better if you want makeup and you're trying to decide between the two. Birchbox sends skincare, haircare, some makeup and sometimes extra goodies like tea and chocolate.

Where your Birchbox subscription really comes in handy is via their points system. For every review of the items in your boxes, you get 10 points. One hundred points is ten dollars to spend on anything you want in their shop. In other words, your boxes can pay for themselves.

This box also came with a coupon for $10 off a $35 order in their shop. It's nice except its a promo code so it takes up that spot.

I signed up for one year with a Black Friday coupon code and I think that if you're in it for the long term, it's the best way to go. Right now I think gift subscriptions are 20% off with code GIFT20 and that's a great deal. Buy one for yourself or someone else!

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.

Dermae Microdermabrasion Scrub- This is a nice deluxe sample size. I like Dermae, too. This uses dead sea salt to scrub away dull skin and get your face ready for makeup.

Coastal Scents Eye Shadow Duo- This is from the Glamour Eyes palette. Two colors, an emerald green and rich gold. I like Coastal Scents as a middle of the road eyeshadow. It's cheap enough that I don't get grumpy if it isn't perfect with no fallout but they are fun and most blend pretty well over primer.

Juara Coconut Hand and Nail Balm- Not just for your hands, get your cuticles, too!

eSalon Perfect Ending Leave In Conditioner- It's so funny because I've been subscribed to eSalon for years, not even considering that it was a subscription box. But it is. You can have your perfect color created for you and they'll send you a new batch every ten weeks or however long you choose. I use their Heart Lock It conditioner and have just started with this leave in conditioner. I like it.
BONUS: Chuao Chocolatier Cinnamon Cereal Smooch- YUM! I like Chuao and I like chocolate. I also like Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal even if I haven't had it in ten years. And I like a little crunch in my chocolate.

Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain in Forever Peach- Mmm... orange! No. Sadly this orange does not work for my skin tone at all. I like the product but not in this color. I have the other one, too, although for the life of me I can't remember the name of the color.

VERDICT: A nice box, especially with the bonus! While nothing stands out as particularly amazing, this is a nice collection of items. A little something for everything. Plus when I review each thing I get ten points so this box will earn me six dollars. I'm really bad at not spending my points, too. There are so many good things in their shop!

If you would like to sign up for Birchbox, you can do that right here. Use code BBJETBLUE10 for $10 in points right away. If you're buying a gift subscription for someone else, use code HOLIDAY150 for $15 back (exp 12/19) or get 20% off gift subscriptions (even a full year!) with code GIFT20 (I think this one expires today, 12/18). Get a free BAGGU® bag with code BAGGUGIFT. Valid through 12/24.

Did you get anything you loved in your box this month?

*affiliate/referral links were used in this post.