My sister in law gave me a 3 month subscription to Birchbox at Christmas and so far, I LOVE getting it! This is my second box and I’ve been happy with the variety and size of the samples they send.

I’ve tried the Beauty Army subscription service before, and I think Birchbox is better. I cancelled my Beauty Army subscription after it seemed like the same old samples kept popping up when it was time to pick what you wanted to try. Boooooring! I did discover some favorites from that subscription which I will share with you later.

For now….. Here’s what came in my Birchbox this month:
* Beaver Repair Rescue Shampoo (retail $15.90)
* Beaver Repair Rescue Conditioner (retail $16.90)
My hair is dry and damaged, but these samples did not blow me away. The scent wasn’t that great either. If nothin’ else, I hate the name. I mean, really?!?!

* Cane + Austin Acne Retexture Pads (Retail $60)
They sent two,one time use samples,but I haven’t tried them yet. Keep in mind that when you sign up, you fill out your own profile and preferences, so your samples are catered to you. I am always on the search for the perfect acne-fighting/anti-aging product.

* Coastal Scents styleEyes Eyeshadow Palette (Retail $12)
The colors they sent were green and gold. I’m not a bold eyeshadow person, but will definitely use the gold on special occasions to make my blue eyes pop.

* ModelCo Lip Enhancer Illusion Lip Liner (Retail $20)
THIS, I LOVE. I will be buying this. I am not a lip liner person. I’m hardly a lipstick person, but this product is AWESOME! It is a natural lip shade that fills out and enhances your natural lip line and blends with just about any color. Basically it’s so subtle, your lips look the tiniest bit fuller, but more defined and polished.

Also, before I forget…You get a $10 off coupon to use toward full size products in the Birchbox store and you can earn $5 toward shopping when you review their products.
The service is $10/month or $110/year.
Birchbox.com

Walmart has their own $5 Beauty Box subscription service. It’s nothing fancy, three to five different items in each box. Sometimes you get full size staples like body lotion. Other times (like in my last box) you get hair bands. Disappointing, because I don’t even use them. The Walmart boxes come quarterly, so for $20 it’s a fun surprise in the mail. Whatever I don’t use just goes into the basket of toiletries for guests to use when they stay over.