Last year, I received a Birchbox subscription as a gift. A year’s worth of sample sized beauty products arrive at your door on a monthly basis. The box contains 5 sample products. After you receive your first Birchbox, you can log in and create a profile…getting as detailed (or not!) as you want. But, by clicking on some checkboxes, you’ll find that your future samples are a better match for your skin type, skin tone, etc. Hate perfume? No big deal, just click that you don’t want perfume samples. After receiving samples for a year, I’ve put together a list of my favorites. These are samples that I’ve gone ahead and bought the full size version, or added as a favorite in my profile, so I can use points to purchase the full size version in the future. Here we go:
Dear Clark, Thickening Balm- $26
This did make my hair feel fuller and thicker. It didn’t weigh it down and added enough volume for me to notice a difference. A bonus is that it also protects hair from heat. Just don’t apply too much.
Buy Now: $26
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant- $28
Salicylic acid works well with my skin. This also has BHA which helps keep skin clear, while increasing collagen production. It did help keep my skin clear and it also looked smoother overall after regular use. A bonus is that it is a daily exfoliant.
Buy Now: $28
Real Chemistry Luminous 3-Minute Peel- $48
This acid free peel is applied once a week. After massaging it into your skin in a circular motion, you can see (and feel!) that it is removing dead skin. I noticed a big difference in my skin after using it. It looked brighter and was very soft.
Buy Now: $48
Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray- $42
This is pricey, but it’s amazing. A little goes a long way. It says to spray generously, but I say spray sparingly. It absorbs oil, creates texture and adds volume. It also comes in a travel size so you can try it out at half the price. A bonus is that it smells so good, I’ve had strangers ask me what perfume I’m wearing on several occasions.
Buy Now: $42
It’s a 10® Miracle Leave-In Product Plus Keratin- $20
This leave in conditioner is lightweight and helps to detangle and defrizz. I’m able to use this whether I’m air drying my hair overnight, or blow drying my hair. It’s a great product for dry hair and chemically treated hair and I also use it on my kids. It definitely leaves hair soft and smooth.
Buy Now: $20
Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel- $22
This is a great brow gel if you’re not looking for something that’s tinted. I always have a hard time finding a tinted brow gel that matches well and doesn’t make me look like Groucho Marx. I do need brow gel because without it, my brows are unruly. It can still be applied after using an eyebrow pencil or powder. This kept them in place for much longer than a drugstore version.
Buy Now: $22
amika Bombshell Blowout Spray- $24
This volumizing spray can be used on damp or dry hair, but I would only use it on damp hair. This give hair great volume without feeling dry or rough. A bonus is that it is also a heat protectant. This is another one that I would use sparingly, as it can get a little weird if you spray too much. It’s also available in a travel size.
Buy Now: $24
English Laundry Eau de Parfum Signature for Her- $90
Perfume is a personal thing. Everyone has different taste…and the same perfume doesn’t smell the same on everyone. It’s all about body chemistry. That being said, I really liked this scent. It’s described as top notes of quince with white chocolate and jasmine. Next up, scents of rose and orris root give the scent a floral and woodsy finish. It’s also available is a smaller size and a roller ball.
Buy Now: $90
When™ Travelmate Sheet Mask – 4 Pack- $28
These masks are great for on-the-go and travel. Each mask has the product built in, so you remove the paper and plastic film, then place the mask sheet on your face. Leave it for 30 minutes…remove the mask, and massage the remaining product into your face. I found these to be great in the summer, especially after getting a bit too much sun.
Buy Now: $28
Benefit Posiebalm- $18
This is a tinted lip balm with mango butter. It does a good job of hydrating lips and delivering a light pop of pink. While the color is sheer, (it’s a balm, not a lipstick) it adds a little something on the days you’re going for a natural look.
Buy Now: $18
Beauty Protector Protect & Oil- $25.95
Hair oils are everywhere. I’m very picky when it comes to using a hair oil, because my hair is very fine. This version provides light conditioning without making hair greasy or weighing it down. Applying a small amount to the ends of dry hair will tame frizz and leave your ends smoother. A bonus is the smell…Their signature scent is great.
