Birchbox is a monthly subscription box for women filled with five beauty samples from different categories, including makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Once a customer account is created, each subscriber will complete a Beauty Profile to assist Birchbox in catering samples to suit individual lifestyle and beauty preferences. The cost is $10 per month ($110 for annual subscription)

The Homespun Chics paid for this subscription. All opinions offered are 100% our own without endorsement or compensation from any company.

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October 2015 Monthly Box

I have been intrigued by this beauty subscription box for months. After browsing the Birchbox website and seeing all of the high quality beauty products available, I am so glad I subscribed in time to receive the October box!

You have a chance to WIN this exact October 2015 Monthly Birchbox (NEW and unopened) in the Giveaway at the end of this review!!!

Let’s take a peek at what’s inside:

A detailed card is provided in every box which briefly describes the contents of the box as well as the cost for each full size item. (I love this!)

Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo 0.75 oz – Value:  $3.11

I have never used dry shampoo before, but my hair tends to become greasy by the end of a long day at work and chasing my toddler around until bedtime. I heard stories of dry shampoo leaving white residue behind, so I was initially wary of using this product (my hair is almost jet black). I tried it out after work one day and was amazed by the results. My hair felt soft, clean and light again. I did not see any white powder and the smell was really nice! I do want to point out that while the scent is very lovely, it may compete with your perfume.

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré 0.17 oz – Value:  $2.67

Embryolisse first sold this original product in 1950 and since then it has become a cult-favorite with professional make-up artists and women around the world. I do not typically use facial moisturizers since my skin is on the oily side, however I decided to test this product out due to the overwhelmingly positive reviews over the last 65 years! I must say I am impressed with the formula! It went on creamy but did not leave my skin feeling greasy or slick. The cool fall weather has caused my skin to dry out in places and this cream smoothed out my complexion almost instantly. I have only tried it as a moisturizer, but it can also be used as a primer and make-up remover! It is paraben-, phthalate-, and sulfate-free and has not been tested on animals.

Eyeko Black Magic Mascara 0.13 oz – Value:  $10.76

I was thrilled to read that Birchbox guaranteed a mascara in every October box. I have never seen mascara in a toothpaste-type tube before and didn’t know what to expect. The mascara wand is slightly curved, which is great for getting to every lash. This mascara itself feels more like liquid than paste, which worked easier for me to apply an even coating on my little lashes (though it did take a little practice). The results were exceptional. My lashes were lengthened and had a cute curl on the end! If I didn’t already have multiple tubes of mascara, I’d buy this in a heartbeat (and I might still, once the sample runs out). This was a HUGE win.

ModelCo Ultra Long-Lasting Lipstick “Kitty” Full-Size! – Value:  $6.67

Birchbox has the ModelCo Lipstick Trio available through the store, which includes the following colors:  Kitty (light pink), Stiletto (bright red), and Smitten (deep cranberry red). It has been years since I have worn lipstick, so I was very relieved to find the more subtle shade of light pink in my box. I was a little worried that it would be too light for my skintone, but the lipstick ended up having just enough pigment to prove I made an effort that day without looking like Cher from the 1995 movie Clueless. The lipstick went on smoothly and the color lasted for a good bit of my day without reapplication. If I had more reason to wear lipstick in my life (did I mention I work at an organic farm?), I would consider picking up the trio from Birchbox or simply order another lipstick directly from ModelCo in this shade!

skyn ICELAND Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels 1 pair – Value:  $3.75

This was by far my favorite product in the box. My eyes didn’t know just how much they needed these eye gels before now.

I only have one word to describe how my eyes look by the end of the day:  Yzma.
(Click the little link directly below if you have no clue what I’m talking about.)

Disney Blog – Yzma Hates Fun

These cooling gels took away the puffy, droopy eye bags and left my eyes feeling completely rejuvenated. I felt more confident and relaxed all day and would not mind having a full package of eye gels for those emergency-no-sleep-insane-toddler-I’m-a-mess days.

My Thoughts

October 2015 Monthly Box Total Value:  $26.96

I knew I would enjoy receiving a box of beauty samples to try but I never expected I would love absolutely everything that was sent. I am thrilled with the quality of the samples in this month’s box and love that I received a full-size lipstick! I am officially sold on Birchbox and cannot wait for next month’s goodies!

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One lucky reader of The Homespun Chics blog will win this NEW & unopened October 2015 Birchbox!!

The contest is open to US 18+ and will end on November 2, 2015 at 11:59 PM EST. Winner will have 48 hours to confirm their win after we email them, or a new winner will be chosen. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. Enter using the Giveaway Tools form below.