September 2012 Birchbox

Ah... have I mentioned that I have a hate/hate relationship with Birchbox? Okay... maybe hate is a strong word, but once again they managed to disappoint.

When I signed up, I filled out a beauty profile. You would never know it, though, based on what is sent to me. It's as if my beauty profile exists only in my mind, and not in their system. Or maybe it is there, but they just choose to ignore it. Or can't find it. Or spilled coffee on it.

Still, Birchbox has the best rewards program out there, and their customer service is pretty dang good. So for now, I stay... at least until Kara's Way gets back up and running.

Without further ado, here is the September box I received:

The products:

1) Two samples from Benefit Cosmetics: Foamingly Clean Facial Wash and Refined Finish Facial Polish. The samples are very small, and probably only good for one use. That is disappointing. But I do admit that I love Benefit, and am happy to try two "new to me" products of theirs.
Retail price: FCFW=$21 for 4.5 oz./RFFP - $22 for 4.5 oz.

2) Vinexpert Firming Serum from Caudalie (.2 fl. oz.). I'll get about a week's worth of use out of this sample; maybe more, depending on the viscosity & absorption. This serum is supposed to combat aging with the use of grape-derived antioxidants. I think the card should say "combat the signs of aging" because let's face it, it can't prevent you from getting old - although for the price, it probably should!
Retail price: $88 for 30 ml

3) Color Club Nail Polish in Status Uptade {sic} (dark grey). This would probably be one of the best products in the box - that is, if it was in a color I'd actually use. This is a prime example that shows BB doesn't pay attention to profiles. Then again, looking at the available colors, there wasn't a color that would have fit into my profile. (By the way, the label on the product says Status Uptade, but according to Birchbox, the color is Status Update - there's something wrong when a company doesn't bother to spellcheck their labeling!)
Retail price: $8 per bottle

4) Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25+ (.1 fl. oz.) - My favorite BB so far is Maybelline's Dream Fresh. I will admit I'm looking forward to trying this one, though. I've heard good things about Dr. Jart+ products - this will be my first one to try. This appears to only have one color, though, and since I'm fair, I'm sure it'll be fine for me - but what about for women who have darker skin tones?
Retail price: $32 for 1.7 fl. oz.

5) twistband Hair Tie - I received a hideous orange one, and as I also received one in my very first Birchbox, this is a repeat product for me. I do like my first twistband (thankfully in black), but I've found that though it claims not to leave a crease in the hair, it does - at least, on me.
Retail price: $18 for a 12-pack.

Two Lifestyle Extras and a Giftcard:

1) One tili bag. I know people have been receiving these for a while, and I admit I was hoping I'd get one sooner or later. It's cute, but not sure how reusable it really is - it seems just like a decorative Ziplock bag. I will say it's darling and I want to do something better with it than stick my lunch in it!
Retail price: $8.49 for 12 bags

2) Birchbox Digital Download from Tristan Prettyman. Uh... pass. I know all the hip kids like these digital downloads, so I'm sure most subscribers are happy. As for me, I couldn't care less.

3) A $25 Giftcard - good only with a purchase of $75 or more at Madewell. This is something I won't use, but you might! Code: FBB8AD8A3

Nitpicks: Nothing in this box wowed me, but when I look at each product individually, I have to admit I'm eager to try most of them. Just not the nail polish - look for it in a giveaway soon!

Lasting Impression: The box was packaged beautifully - probably one of the prettiest packages I've received from them in ages.

Interested in joining Birchbox? It's just $10 a month - and that includes shipping! Plus, this subscription box has the best rewards program around - and right now, they don't have a waiting list!

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