Read MNers reviews of Birchbox beauty box delivery service

[EllieMumsnet]

This is the feedback thread for the 120 Mumsnetters who tested out Birchbox’s monthly beauty box delivery service. Each tester received 3 Birchbox boxes each containing 5 make-up, skincare, hair, and body products.

Here’s what Birchbox has to say: “We really hope that you’ve enjoyed getting to know us through your Birchbox discovery bundle. (Fingers crossed that you found some new beauty favourites along the way, too!) We’re so excited to get your feedback on your experience with us so far – your thoughts are honestly so valuable to us. Here’s to discovering beauty that works for real life!”

Testers please answer the following questions:

- What was your favourite product? Why?
- Did the Birchbox boxes give you a chance to try products or brands that you wouldn’t have otherwise? Which ones? Did you like them?
- Which product(s) would you buy in future, now that you’ve tried them?
- Which was your favourite box design? Why?
- What did you like best about your Birchbox experience?
- Would you recommend Birchbox to a friend or family member?

All testers who leave their feedback on this thread AND fill in the feedback survey will be entered into a prize draw to win a £300 voucher of their choice (from a list).

Thanks
MNHQ

Terms and conditions apply

I enjoyed being part of this product test immensely, although I haven’t had time to try ALL of the products, the ones that I have were lovely and the packaging is excellent.

Before I answer the questions, one point I would like to make is that the cards could have made more out of any Cruelty Free products. I’m now only buying products which are not tested on animals both here and abroad (e.g. a lot of brands here make a big deal out of not testing on animals but then sell in China where it is legal to do so. Decleor is an example of this and I no longer buy it because of this). This would be a concern to me if receiving multiple products each month as I would have no control over what is and isn’t tested on animals and would not want to contribute to animal cruelty in any way. I haven’t fully investigated the Birchbox website to get their stance on this however if they do solely use cruelty free products then it would be great if they publicised it on the accompanying cards.

Anyway, minor rant over - here are my answers:

What was your favourite product? Why?

The Polar Night Cream. It’s a really good cream, my skin is quite sensitive but didn’t react. It feels smooth and luxurious when you apply it and smells gorgeous.

• Did the Birchbox boxes give you a chance to try products or brands that you wouldn’t have otherwise? Which ones? Did you like them?

Yes definitely, which is why I was pleased to be part of the trial. I tend to stick to what I know and if I do try a new product, it’s usually within a brand that I know. This was an eye opener for sure.

- Which product(s) would you buy in future, now that you’ve tried them?

The Polar Night Cream, and perhaps the thermotherapy mask.

- Which was your favourite box design? Why?

The Nutcracker box was my favourite in terms of design and I liked that some of the products inside were themed to the box. It was the one which I was most excited to open!

- What did you like best about your Birchbox experience?

Trying new products and learning new techniques.

- Would you recommend Birchbox to a friend or family member?

If it was on offer. I don’t think that £10 is too much considering what is inside, however the £2.95 postage makes it a bit steep. I understand that if you subscribe you don’t pay postage (on the full subscription) but you’d have to be pretty dedicated to try all those different products every month, especially if you’re a mum!

Oh my goodness! When I received these Birchboxes I felt like Christmas had come early!
I honestly do not know how I have lived without the Polaar, Nuit Polar cream. I used this every night and will purchase again due to the compliments I received on my soft, glowing skin. I love this product!
The Nutcracker box was my favourite design. I think maybe because it's christmassy and looked very special, plus, come to think of it, the contents are my favourite too.
I have subscribed in previous years to similar services and found Birchbox to be the best by far, more.....thoughtful, in design and contents. I have really enjoyed my experience with Birchbox and would thoroughly recommend. A big thank you for allowing me the opportunity to try it out.

What was your favourite product? Why?
Answer- I really loved the Schmidt’s, Natural Deodorant. It smells really nice and it’s better than the deodorants I’ve been using.

• Did the Birchbox boxes give you a chance to try products or brands that you wouldn’t have otherwise? Answer- Yes Which ones? Answer-Schmidt’s, BeautyPro, Paul & Joe. Did you like them? Answer-Yes, I loved them.
• Which product(s) would you buy in future, now that you’ve tried them?

Answer- I’d buy the Schmidt’s natural deodorant again.

• Which was your favourite box design? Why? Answer- I liked the November Disney Nutcracker box, I love the Disney franchise so it was exciting to get a box with them on.
• What did you like best about your Birchbox experience? Answer- I loved trying out things I would’ have thought of getting for myself.
• Would you recommend Birchbox to a friend or family member? Answer- Yes I’d recommend it.

It was great opening each month's box because you truly never knew what you were going to get.
My favourite product had to be the Thermotherapy silver foil mask. It did wonders for my skin and had enough product on it that my husband then put it on after me!!
I definitely got the chance to try products I normally wouldn't and the Schmidt's Natural deodorant was one of them! The smell was so pleasant
I definitely will be buying the Thermotherapy silver foil mask again as a weekly treat!
The Nutcracker box was my favourite design, the best part of the boxes too is you can keep them and store other items in them!
I loved to try out things I wouldn't normally try, I loved to surprise of seeing what you got and I would never have thought of getting these
I would definitely recommend and already have done so!

What was your favourite product? Why? The gold facemask – although I didn’t know if the gold was supposed to touch my skin or face outwards.

• Did the Birchbox boxes give you a chance to try products or brands that you wouldn’t have otherwise? Which ones? Did you like them? Yes, a lot of the brands were new to me and the products weren’t ones I would have chosen so I got to use things I wouldn’t have tried. An example is the Benefit bronzer, I always thought I was too pale for bronzer but this was perfect.
• Which product(s) would you buy in future, now that you’ve tried them? The Schmitts deoderant
• Which was your favourite box design? Why? The nutcracker – although I was dissapointed that the products inside didn’t really match the theme – I would have liked a Christmassy red lipstick or nail varnish. All of the make up over the three boxes was very neutral which isn’t very exciting. I know they need to cater for all skin types and colours, but I would have liked one item that was daring within a three month period.
• What did you like best about your Birchbox experience? Having a luxury treat.
• Would you recommend Birchbox to a friend or family member? I don’t think so, the cost is a bit high I think I would prefer going to Boots or Superdrug with £14 each month and buying things that catch my eye. That’s what I would recommend over Birchbox.

• What was your favourite product? Why?

Pawpaw - this cream has been great for soothing cracked fingers.

• Did the Birchbox boxes give you a chance to try products or brands that you wouldn’t have otherwise? Which ones? Did you like them?

There were a lot of brands I had never heard of before donut was a good opportunity to try something new.

• Which product(s) would you buy in future, now that you’ve tried them?

I would buy the pawpaw cream again. I also liked the nuit polaire night cream.

• Which was your favourite box design?

Why? The nutcracker - so festive!

• What did you like best about your Birchbox experience?

Getting a little treat just for me.

• Would you recommend Birchbox to a friend or family member?

Yes I probably would. But it would be nice to get a few more full size items.

- What was your favourite product? Why?

I would say I had 2 clear favourites; 1 - space mask. This was just divine and at a time when I was really suffering with my anxiety it made getting to sleep a dream and the smells were gorgeous. 2 - the polar night cream. After using this for a week my skin looks so much clearer and fresher than usual.

- Did the Birchbox boxes give you a chance to try products or brands that you wouldn’t have otherwise? Which ones? Did you like them?

definitely; I would have never tried the pawpaw, polar or Paul & Joe primer had it not been for Birchbox. The primer is gorgeous and suits my skin wonderfully which is a revelation in itself as I normally really struggle with primers.

- Which product(s) would you buy in future, now that you’ve tried them?

I have ordered some more space masks already as they were so good and when I have used all of the Schmidt's deodorant this will getting rebought aswell - definitely my new favourite deodorant.

- Which was your favourite box design? Why?

I think I would have to say that the November Nutcracker box design was my favourite as it looked really Christmassy and I am a Disney nut so loved that this was a design - it's also the design that I would think most suitable to use as a gift box.

- What did you like best about your Birchbox experience?

definitely being able to test and try out new products. I don't think there have been any products that I haven't liked and I have loved that I have made time to pamper myself more often. Having the boxes has been a real treat and I was over the moon with them.

- Would you recommend Birchbox to a friend or family member?

Yes!! My sister has been round at mine n more than one occasion since I received these boxes and has loved testing the products with me. I am going to be signing up for a subscription for myself and my sister on the back of this. As for Birchbox I will be recommending them going forwards.

• What was your favourite product? Why?

The thermotherapy gold face mask. It really had an effect and made me more "glowy". Plus when I applied it I looked like Klytus from Flash Gordon which amused my family :) (please say the gold part was meant to face outwards )

• Did the Birchbox boxes give you a chance to try products or brands that you wouldn’t have otherwise? Which ones?

Did you like them? Yes, I wouldn't have tried any of them as the full sizes would generally be too expensive for me to buy. Some I hadn't heard of like the Sand and Sky and liked, I had heard of PawPaw but not tried and loved this.

• Which product(s) would you buy in future, now that you’ve tried them?

Definitely the thermotherapy mask, the Polar night cream and possibly the charcoal sponge. Definitely the PawPaw balm also.

• Which was your favourite box design? Why?

The nutcracker as my daughters love that (and stole the box!)

• What did you like best about your Birchbox experience?

The surprise element and the fact it felt like a real treat to try the new things. It felt lovely to have something for me and as there was a few items, it made the experience last longer.

• Would you recommend Birchbox to a friend or family member?

Yes, definitely and I have done so already!

What was your favourite product? Why?

My favourite product was the Paul and joe illuminating foundation primer- gave a lovely finish and was not a product I would ever have bought myself.

-Did the Birchbox boxes give you a chance to try products or brands that you wouldn’t have otherwise? Which ones? Did you like them?

Definetly- the Paul and Joe primer and the charcoal soap were my favourites

-Which product(s) would you buy in future, now that you’ve tried them?

I was really pleased with all the products I tried. The charcoal soap and Dr pawpaw lip balm are already on my shopping list!

-Which was your favourite box design? Why?

My favourite box design was October 2008 days like these, I liked the colours!

-What did you like best about your Birchbox experience?

The variety of products in each box

-Would you recommend Birchbox to a friend or family member?

Probably yes

Hi firstly thank you for giving me the opportunity to try these boxes. I must say my favourite product was the Paul and joe illuminating foundation primer it has to be the best primer I’ve ever used it smells lovely and really does give you a beautiful glow. I will admit all the products I’d tried in these boxes were new to me so I did love that I’d definitely buy the primer and I was amazed by the daily concepts charcoal sponge it made my skin feel amazing so will definitely buy that. All the boxes were beautifully designed but my favourite was the nutcracker one because of the colours and patterns also dying to see the film so it was a bonus. I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that I opened all the boxes to find fab products that were all for me and it was a chance for me to pamper and try new things I would totally recommend these to friends and family and to be honest I already have to a lot of them already haha so thank you again

-What was your favourite product? Why?
Like a lot of the previous posters I loved the Polaar night cream, my skin loves it. I also loved the gold face mask.

• Did the Birchbox boxes give you a chance to try products or brands that you wouldn’t have otherwise? Which ones? Did you like them? Yes, I’ve always wanted to try the PawPaw balm, which I liked. Ditto the Paul and Joe primer. I loved that there was a natural deodorant in there too.

• Which product(s) would you buy in future, now that you’ve tried them? The Polaar night cream, the Benefit blusher, the deodorant too.

• Which was your favourite box design? Why?

The Nutcracker one looked great, nice colours and design.

• What did you like best about your Birchbox experience?

Being able to try new products before you commit to a big size from a shop. It was great to be introduced to new brands and have some new items I might not have chosen for myself.

• Would you recommend Birchbox to a friend or family member?

Yes I would, I think it’s a great way to try new things. The boxes are a good mix of products.

What was your favourite product? Why?
I love the charcoal soap sponge it lathers well and makes my skin feel clean and soft but I did love just about every product in the boxes.

• Did the Birchbox boxes give you a chance to try products or brands that you wouldn’t have otherwise? Which ones? Did you like them?

I liked them all and gave me a chance to try alot of different products from brands i wouldnt of tried before because i dont tend to try luxury products I normally use boots own branded products so I like that they have lots of different brands in one box.

• Which product(s) would you buy in future, now that you’ve tried them? I would buy the charcoal sponge soap and the warming eye mask in future.
• Which was your favourite box design? Why?

I did like the nutcracker design but my fave was days like these box because I like the slogan it reminds me of the katy perry song

• What did you like best about your Birchbox experience?

I like the boxes because they can be used for keep sake's and other bits and bobs plus the amount of products per box and that you also get full sized products in each box.

• Would you recommend Birchbox to a friend or family member?

I would absolutley recommend for the price and the products its defintley worth it.

• What was your favourite product? So many to choose from. My favourite would have been the polar night cream Why? My skin felt absolutely amazing after using it, it wasn't too heavy like other moisturisers and my skin felt and looked lovely.

• Did the Birchbox boxes give you a chance to try products or brands that you wouldn’t have otherwise? Which ones? Yes the charcoal cleanser, the primer, the benefit blush, the roll on highlighter Did you like them? I loved them all to be honest. I used several of the products daily.

• Which product(s) would you buy in future, now that you’ve tried them? I would buy 99% of them. The conditioner was fantastic on my tuggy curly hair. The only one I wouldn't buy was the deodorant due to an allergic reaction but it calmed down after a week.

• Which was your favourite box design? Why? The nutcracker, it was a beautifully designed box.

• What did you like best about your Birchbox experience? It was delivered to my door, had information cards in the box and a varied range of high quality products.

• Would you recommend Birchbox to a friend or family member? Yes and have done so since I received my boxes.

I have really enjoyed taking part in this product test, it gave me a chance for some me time.
It was hard to pick just one favourite but I loved the Nuxe oil it left my skin feeling so soft and smelled gorgeous. I also loved how the benefit gold rush brightens my complextion.
Birchbox is a great way to discover new brands and products because I normally stick to what I’m familiar with. I hadn’t heard of dr PawPaw, Paul & Joe, Nuxe as well as a few more, but thanks to trying these products and liking them I will look at the brands further.
My favourite box design was the nutcracker, I was drawn to it straight away and loved its bright and bold design.
I would buy the Nuxe oil again, in fact I mentioned it to dh when he was asking for gift ideas for Christmas.
I have really enjoyed trying new products and brands and giving my skin care routine a boost, as well as taking time for myself.
Yes I would be happy to recommend Birchbox.

My fave product was the gold self warming sheet mask. It was heaven! Really indulgent and my skin looked lovely for a good few days afterwards.
I had the chance to try really luxe products like the nuixe oil, I'm actually asking dh for a full size bottle of this for xmas- it really does work wonders on hair and skins in a hurry.
I would also definutely buy the full size winky luxe striving balm and benefit gold rush. They both really picked up some glow on grey days

My favourite box was the 'days like these' such a pretty design that you could keep in bathroom/bed side table and wouldn't look out of place.
My favourite experience of birchbox was simply taking an hour or so with each box and experimenting and pampering. Was nice to have some quiet time to myself and feel refreshed.
I would certainly recommend to friends and family. Also a perfect gifting subscription

*winkylux strobing balm

I loved getting these!!
Such a treat.
My favourite product was the polar night cream, it felt really nice.
I did try products I normally wouldn't, especially the Paul and Joe primer.
I'd definitely buy the night cream and the deodorant again. I was very impressed.
My favourite box design.... I liked all three. Loved the little drawer aspect.
The best part of the experience was being able to pamper myself. It wouldn't normally happen so was a huge treat.
I would definitely recommend Birchbox to family and friends.

I've already left feedback but now I need to check - did everyone put the gold mask on with the gold on the outside? Asking for a friend named Klytus

I only got two boxes in my delivery so from reading above it seems like I have missed some interesting products like the deodorant.

• What was your favourite product? Why? The Polar night cream felt like it was doing something and when my current product runs out I will definitely look into getting that.
• Did the Birchbox boxes give you a chance to try products or brands that you wouldn’t have otherwise? Which ones? Did you like them? Yes I wouldn't have bought the primer or oil but both were nice and effective. I wouldn't have bought the heated face mask and I wouldn't buy it again -too wasteful as it was single use. However there were a few things I won't use like the balm.
• Which product(s) would you buy in future, now that you’ve tried them? The polar night cream I would probably buy if it wasn't too expensive
• Which was your favourite box design? Why? I only received two and I liked the purply/blue one and not the Nutcracker unlike everyone above. I thought that although the box was nice it is quite wasteful and not altogether justified (especially the foam padding).
• What did you like best about your Birchbox experience? Interesting variety of products and definitely some that I wouldn't have taken a risk on a full size version.
• Would you recommend Birchbox to a friend or family member? Possibly as a one-off.

I had a great time trying out the items in my birch boxes, and DD tried pinching a few too!

• What was your favourite product? Why?

My fave was the Manna Kadar Beauty Diamond Dust rollerball eye shadow. It is so easy to use on school run mornings, literally goes on in a swipe, and leaves a subtle shimmer without being over powering.

• Did the Birchbox boxes give you a chance to try products or brands that you wouldn’t have otherwise? Which ones? Did you like them?

Yes, I hadn't tried multi use oil before, but the Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Riche was wonderful. Where I could use it on my face, body and hair (tiny drop goes a long way but is great for brittle ends in the winter) it made getting ready half the time. I would definitely buy it again.

• Which product(s) would you buy in future, now that you’ve tried them?

Definitely the Nuxe oil, Dr Paw Paw lip balm, and the Klorane nourishing conditioner. All very easy to use but effective products.

• Which was your favourite box design? Why?

Mine was the On Top of the World box as it was clean and simple, I love purple as an accent colour. DD liked the Nutcracker one and has pinched it for her hair bands!

• What did you like best about your Birchbox experience?

Getting to try slightly more high end products without having to buy full sized products. I tend to have very fussy hair which can go lank and greasy or dry and brittle if I change to a product it doesn't like, and my skin can sometimes be a little sensitive to overly perfumed products, so I tend, due to being budget conscious, stick to what works. I now have some nicer items on my go to list.

• Would you recommend Birchbox to a friend or family member?

Yes, I would, especially those with sensitivities which make buying or trying new products expensive if their skin reacts. I would also think it would make a lovely gift for an older daughter or relative.

Thanks MN and BirchBox, I've put it on my Christmas list

I was so happy to get these boxes, I’m really cautious when buying new products because you can waste so much money on things that aren’t as good as you expect, so it was great to try lots of new things!

- What was your favourite product? Why? I really like the Paul and Joe illuminating primer, it gave me a lovely healthy but subtle glow under my foundation.
- Did the Birchbox boxes give you a chance to try products or brands that you wouldn’t have otherwise? Which ones? Did you like them? I wouldn’t normally buy masks so I really enjoyed using the gold mask, it gave DH a bit of a fright when he wandered in to see me sitting in the sofa! There were also brands which I have never heard of before, like Paul and Joe, Schmidt’s and Daily Concept where I will look for more of their products now.
- Which product(s) would you buy in future, now that you’ve tried them? Definitely the Paul and Joe primer, the charcoal soap impregnated sponge which would be good for camping, the Schmidt Bergamot and Lime deodorant and the Benefit blusher.
- Which was your favourite box design? Why? I loved the Nutcracker box, such lovely winter colours.
- What did you like best about your Birchbox experience? The chance to test products that I either don’t see in the shops or would not have considered before.
- Would you recommend Birchbox to a friend or family member? Yes, I have recommended it already.

• What was your favourite product? Why?

I loved the Aveka hair mask. It smelled gorgeous and worked wonders in my hair. I’ve already asked for the full size for Christmas. Also loved the rollerball eyeshadow. Lovely colour and looked great.

• Did the Birchbox boxes give you a chance to try products or brands that you wouldn’t have otherwise? Which ones? Did you like them?

Yes. I don’t tend to try different skincare products but this was an incentive to do so and I liked them.

• Which product(s) would you buy in future, now that you’ve tried them?

The hair mask. The eyeshadow. Some of the skincare. The dr paw paw lip balm and probably the eye mask!

• Which was your favourite box design? Why?

I looks both but I think the nutcracker box was more special looking.

• What did you like best about your Birchbox experience?

A fabulous range of products. All great quality and all thoroughly enjoyed. A real treat.

• Would you recommend Birchbox to a friend or family member?

Yes. Have already bought a gift subscription for my sis for Christmas.

Ooh yes. Just to add. I’ve already bought more of the benefit blusher too!

My favourite product was the Benefit bluster because it was in a shade that suited my skin and smelt nice too

I did try different products that I wouldn't normally use and some things like the face mask that I would not usually bother with.

I would buy the blusher from benefit again in future but probably not anything else over my usual products

I liked the purple speckled box (possibly September)

It did feel like a treat getting a beautifully packaged box to open and basically play with the products

I would not recommend buying the boxes. Whilst it was a treat, rationally it's actually quite expensive to get 5/6 products that you may or may not like. It's a nice one off gift idea but I think it's quite a lot of money to basically fritter every month