So this is Birchbox...

My first Birchbox finally came!

The theme for this month is Finishing School, and the Company actually collaborated with Ann Taylor to provide subscribers with a guide to some of fall's best accessory trends.

That's pretty cool.

The box, however,...I'm honestly a bit underwhelmed.

The box is pretty sturdy, so I'll probably end up re-using it somehow.

From their site, Birchbox states that it provides subscribers with "high-end beauty, grooming, and lifestyle samples that have been customized for [them]." All this for $10 a month.

The month's insert

"Once upon a time, finishing school meant an elegant Swiss academy where a young lady went to learn the intricacies of high society. While the concept may feel a bit outdated (truth be told, we’re more likely to sign up for a night class in Photoshop), we love the idea of zeroing in on the details: from the elegance of a handwritten invitation, to the confidence-boosting power of bright red lipstick."

The reverse of the insert card, which lists the products contained in my box and how each is to be used.

I received the following products:

Amika Obliphica Blow Up Spray: I'm excited to try this. The card describes this as having a berry scent, but I think it has a strong floral fragrance. It's not particularly unpleasant, but might be a bit too strong for me;

Jouer Eye Definer (in the color noir): Full size product, and I love the color I received! Noir is a nice black with a bit-o-sparkle. Fancy! In addition, it's a creamy consistency that went on smooth, and definitely has staying power. The tip broke off instantly, but I'll deal;

Coola SPF 45 Sport sunscreen in Mango: I've heard good things about Coola, and I loooooove all things mango. I wish I could use this; but my skin is so sensitive that I'm not about to switch things up from my Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen :) I just love it too much. Lol! That being said, the sample is so tiny that I don't think I would be able to get an accurate idea of how well the product works were I to use it. I'll probably pass this on to a friend; and

Jasmine Seven Fresh Feet Wipes: Cute idea, but I don't see myself buying a full-size of this product. I'll keep these in my travel case as a just in case item.

I received this as a Beauty Extra. It's the Benefit Cosmetics Triple Performing Facial Emulsion + Total Moisture Facial Cream + It's Potent! Eye Cream. The insert describes this as a "three-step system for scoring an ultraradiant, youthful, and deeply hydrated complexion". Not much to say about these as I haven't tried them yet, but I have been looking for a decent moisturizer. We'll see.

Well, as I said, overall I'm underwhelmed by what I received. I did the profile quiz...but who knows. I hope next month's is better. That being said, the products were definitely worth more than the subscription price of $10, so I can't be too disappointed.

If you're thinking of giving Birchbox a whirl, I'd appreciate it if you used my referral link @ http://birch.ly/16gHmcu :)

Later gators,
M