What’s In My March 2016 Birchbox?

Birchbox time! I am so excited about this one, y’all. Normally, I let the Birchbox people choose all of my samples, so the items in my box come as a surprise every month. This time around, I chose the option of receiving their curated box full of pre-selected items, so I already knew what I was getting. I chose this box, because I was interested in trying every one of these products. I’m so glad I did, because I think I’ve found some new beauty favorites!

I loved the idea behind the “Ready for Anything” theme, because these sample items are the perfect size to toss into my makeup bag if I needed to get ready quickly for something. Now on to my thoughts of each of these products:

1. PARLOR by Jeff Chastain Smoothing Blowout Spray | Full-size, $24
I really enjoyed last month’s box, because it came with a serum that worked really well for my hair. This month, I received this blowout spray, and I am in love with the fruity peach smell. I sprayed on a few spritzes before I blow dried my hair, and it made my hair really smooth and shiny. Though I need another product to smooth down my stubborn flyaways on top of my head, I like the smell of this spray more than the Beauty Protector spray. The price of this sample is around $4.90.

2. MILK Studios Lip Color in C.R.E.A.M. | Full-size, $22
The first thing I have to say about this sample is wow…it’s very small. It’s tiny and pretty adorable, but it’s definitely not a lot of product, and I could see how it would break off easily from the base. The actual product itself is a lipstick that feels a bit chalky. It is pigmented, but it isn’t hydrating. The pinky nude color is a shade lighter than my lips; it isn’t flattering on me, but it might be on someone else. I wouldn’t repurchase this product, because I like other nude lipsticks better. On the plus side, it’s vegan and cruelty-free. I can’t figure out the price of this sample, since it doesn’t tell me the size of the actual product.

3. Smashbox Photo Op Eye Shadow Trio in Filter | Full-size, $28
I don’t normally wear eyeshadow, but when I do, they are neutral shades like the ones in this Smashbox trio. I love the unique swing-out packaging of this sample, because it’s unlikely to open and shatter in my makeup bag. It comes with three matte colors that would work perfectly together for a daytime neutral eye. They’re very silky, pigmented, and easy to blend with a fluffy brush. The price of this sample would be around $12.44.

4. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream | Full-size, $26.50
I’ve been wanting to try this Kiehl’s product for a long time, so I was excited to find it was included in this Birchbox. The cream is thick and emollient, so I think it’s best for nighttime use. I applied just a dime-sized amount before I went to bed, and I woke up with very supple skin. I think this cream is perfect for winter/post-winter skin. This sample size is worth around $4.04.

5. Wilma Schumann Hydrating Collagen Eye Pads | Full-size, $18
These pads were the first thing I tried from this box, because my tired eyes needed a break from staring at a computer all day long from finals studying. I enjoyed how cooling they felt on my undereye area after I applied them, and that I could go about doing other things while I had them on. It helped bring down my under eye puffiness, and it temporarily lightened up my dark under eye area. This sample is worth $3.60.

This box was worth over $25! Though I did enjoy most of the products in this Birchbox, I think a foundation/tinted moisturizer sample would have been perfect for the theme, since not all of us are blessed with great skin. Nonetheless, this box was a great value, and I’m sure going to be repurchasing the blowout spray. If you’re not subscribed to Birchbox yet, click here to get your first box. It’s $10/month, and I think you’ll love the subscription if you’re interested in finding new favorite beauty products. For all you Birchbox subscribers, what did you love in your box?