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The December 2013 Birchbox theme is Sparkle and Shine – a perfect choice for Holiday! Oddly, no sparkle or shine was included in my shipment this month.
As you open the box the card resting on top gives you a little explanation and greeting on one side and a run down of what is in your box on the other side.
Let’s see what’s going on for December!
From Arcona, Magic White Ice. This is a face gel used for instant hydration. I use a face gel now from Reviva Labs (I need it for sure in the winter) that is wonderful, so I was interested to give this one from Arcona a go. While it feels similar on my skin it didn’t soak in as quickly as I’d have liked it to and the fragrance was rather stank and overpowering. At first I thought it was sweet but then it smelled like medicine. If you like that then you’ll be pleased, as the scent lingers. A lot. I couldn’t get it off fast enough.
From Dr. Lipp, Original Nipple Balm for Lips. I was really concerned when I first read that this was included. As someone with children I know what nipple balm is used for (and I’m sure those of you without kids could venture a good guess) and as soothing as it is I’m not sure that I could put it on my lips. For the sake of review I went for it and found the balm to be immediately and intensely hydrating to my lips. It felt thick going on, but doesn’t feel thick as it lays on the lips. The wear is comfortable and I’m impressed! It’s also a multi-tasker and can be used on cuticles and elbows. Unfortunately, a small size sample was sent and it was only about 1/4 full if that. Bummer.
From Toni & Guy, the Casual Sea Salt Texturising Spray. I can always use a Sea Salt spray and this one is pretty awesome. It’s got a great fragrance to it, light – but there, and gives a good texture to the hair without making it crunchy.
From dr. brandt skincare, the BB matte with signature SHINERASE. Two packets, one in light to medium and one in medium to dark. Meaning only one packet was useable for my tone, which was the light to medium (which was still actually a little too dark). It’s oil-free and contains an SPF of 30. The finish is velvety and the coverage is buildable.
As a Lifestyle Extra a Starlight Votive Candle from Green Leaf Candle Co. was also included with this months goodies. This was my favorite part of the box, and technically the Lifestyle Extras aren’t part of the actual box, they’re just extras. So, while that’s sad I’m happy this was included. It’s got a wonderful fragrance even when not lit. I have some potpourri in the bathroom that needed replaced but I just set this near it (unlit) and have a lovely, fresh scent to fill the space.
That being said, this months Birchbox was a big let down for me. It’s hard to get super excited about it when ipsy is so wonderfully generous in what they give their subscribers every month for the same price.
In regards to continuing my subscription I’ve already cancelled. As much as I love the referral program and have excellent customer service I can’t ignore the fact that month after month it’s been a disappointment. If for some reason it turns around I’d definitely give thought to a renewal, but right now I’m stepping away.
Wanna sign up for Birchbox? (Click for referral) If you like what you see in this post go to the website and fill out the form. It’s just $10 a month (free shipping too!) and you get some cool stuff, tho I will warn you, you’re going to get stuff you hate as well.
***Disclosure – I buy my own Birchbox, but the links posted here do give me referral points which I can use towards product on the site. Once you sign up for your own Birchbox, you’ll also get a referral code to send out to others and get some points of your own!
Your box was awesome… mine, kinda sucked. I’d been disappointed in the past 2 or 3 boxes, and was really hoping Birchbox would step up their game for the holidays. Sadly, they didn’t in my opinion.
I think your box was totally better than mine! I blogged about my December Birchbox over on my blog if you want to check it out. Considering that was my first month, it was a TOTAL let down. I got the teeniest samples ever and I was seriously disappointed. I’m giving Birchbox one more month and if January’s box isn’t good I’ll cancel. If I had gotten your box I think I’d have been happy!
See, I like yours better! haha we totally should switch our profiles so our samples change
I actually really liked my box this month. I got the same lip gloss and I’m really loving it, along with a delicious smelling hand lotion and a cute hair tie. It’s my favorite from the past few months!
I’d have liked yours too! lol I can always use hand lotion and hair ties!
Brooke, your box was actually way better than mine… if you saw what I got you’d laugh! I’m so over this service too! I’m seriously considering cancelling! Why won’t they step up their game already?! Oh and I love the nipple balm… I have multiples bc it’s amazing on my lips. Yes, I was hesitant at first but I honestly love this stuff! Yay for the candle… I wish… my samples looked like what you get for free at the make up counters… bummer! They used to be so good!
I know! It’s so disappointing =( I miss the old days of Birchbox!