October and November Birchbox Reviews

I never got around to posting my October Birchbox review, so I'm going to include it in with this review of my November box.  Birchbox has been so much better since I resubscribed this year that I'm even considering cancelling my monthly subscription and opting for the yearly one (you get one box free that way)!  I subscribed for three boxes in 2011 and tried four more in 2012, but I cancelled after receiving only a few because they were not so impressive.  But ever since Birchbox added more options to the user profile this year I've loved every box I've gotten!

October's theme was "Beauty Buzz," and it featured, well, products that were generating a lot of interest.

• 12 Benefits Instant Healthy Hair Treatment (~$4.76) - I've said before that I heat style every day, so I'm always looking for hair products that will protect and nourish my dry ends.  This spray works to reverse the damage caused by heat styling, hair dye, and environmental aggressors.  I really liked the scent and I did notice that it made my hair feel softer and smoother.
• POP Beauty Aqua Lacquer ($14) - At first I wasn't too excited about this lip gloss because I already have a ton of lip products that I don't use, but after trying it I ended up loving it.  I received the shade "Flowering Fucshia," and although it looks intense in the tube it actually gives the perfect amount of color--nothing too overwhelming.  It is very thick, though, so people who don't like sticky glosses will probably want to steer clear of this one.  Oh, and my favorite thing about it was that it gives a slightly tingly feeling when you apply it.
• Supergoop! City Sunscreen Serum (~$.44) - I was glad that I finally got to try a Supergoop! product because I've been really curious about them since their products started popping up on Little Black Bag over the summer.  I had heard of the brand before, but I was never able to get anyone to trade with me on LBB so I remained Supergoop!-less.  I liked this sunscreen; it was very light and didn't leave my skin feeling sticky as some sunscreens have in the past.  I probably wouldn't purchase a full-sized version, though, since it costs $42 for 1.6 oz.
• Karuna Hydrating Treatment Mask ($7) - Normally I stay away from cloth masks because I don't like slopping them onto my face, but I was willing to give this one a try.  I'm so glad I did, because it smelled amazing!  It was vanilla scented and I really, really enjoyed using it.  It was incredibly hydrating and my skin felt super soft after using it.  I may or may not purchase a full-sized pack of these (4 for $28).
• Chapstick Hydration Lock ($2.99) - I didn't include this in the photo above, but it was the "Birchbox Find" for October.  I gave it to my mom because Chapstick is a brand I don't use.

November's box may be the best one I've gotten this year.  The theme was "More Good," e.g. giving thanks, giving back, and generally paying it forward during the holiday season.  I'm not really sure how that ties into the products, but I'm not complaining because Birchbox did an awesome job of sending me things I loved this month!

• Chuao Chocolatier Chocopod (~$1.24) - I LOVE Chuao, and I actually discovered the brand through Birchbox last year.  I didn't receive a Chocopod in my box until now, but I have bought many a bar from my grocery store in the past.  I got the "Honeycomb" flavor and it was delicious.  There wasn't a very strong honey flavor, but overall I enjoyed it.  My favorite bar they make is the "Firecracker" one.
• Chella Highlighter Pencil ($18) - I was really interested in trying this out because I've never used a pencil highlighter before, but I don't think the shade is quite right for my skin tone; it kind of just disappears after I blend it in.  I got the "Ivory Lace" shade, but I the other option ("Latte") might be too dark for my skin.  Even though it doesn't work so well as a highlighter for my face, since it applies so smoothly I'm going to use it to line my waterline to brighten up my eyes.
• TOCCA Crema de Mano Luxe ($5) - I got the "Cleopatra" scent, which is a mixture of grapefruit and cucumber.  It (obviously) smells fresh and citrus-y and I really like it.  It's also paraben-free, which I like, but it does have a few other synthetics that I don't entirely enjoy.
• Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator (~$5.67) - My skin gets so flaky during the winter, but it's also sensitive so I can't really exfoliate more than once a week.  The label for this states that it's appropriate to use 3-5 times a week and mimics the effects of microdermabrasion.  I enjoyed using it and it's definitely effective, but I think I'll stick to using it maybe twice a week.
• Color Club Cocktail Hour Collection ($4) - This is the third or fourth Color Club polish I've gotten from Birchbox, and I say: keep 'em coming!  Color Club is one of my top favorite nail polish brands because their formula is fantastic.  I received the shade "Top Shelf," which is a beautiful champagne/gold shimmer that's perfect for the holidays.

Bottom Line: October and November brought another set of great Birchboxes for me!  Have you noticed an improvement in your boxes since they changed the user profile?

*Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post.