The Finances of Fashion: Subscription Boxes

Some of you may not know, but one of my day-to-day duties that pays for the clothes I wear is analyzing a company's financials.  I decide what to buy, what to stop buying, and how to save more money (among many other things).  So I've decided to take my "expertise" (ha) here to show how I make purchasing decisions.  And trust me, I'm still learning.  I don't want this to be a lecture but more of an opinion to help give you a piece of mind.

My first tip: Subscription Boxes.

These things are awesome!  You don't have to go anywhere, you have something to look forward to every month, and you get to try something new.  I am a subscriber to Birchbox for many reasons:

1. When it comes to makeup, I'm a little in the dark.  I'm still learning how to put on lipstick and eyeliner to this day.

2. Since I'm not super knowledgeable about makeup, it's not that fun to purchase and when I go to Sephora & Ulta, I'm a little overwhelmed.

3. I spend about $20 a month on makeup and probably waste $10 a month since I don't know what I'm doing.

Birchbox costs $10 a month for me and I still spend about another $10-15 a month.  That said, I've found that Birchbox let's me try out something new, learn what I like and what I don't, and the extra bonus - serves as great travel-sized goods.  

| Vasanti Cosmetics Facial Cleanser | Dr. Jart Primer | Noir Cosmetics Eyeliner | Harvey Prince Body Creme | Amika Dry Shampoo |

As you can probably tell, most of these things are travel sized, but the eyeliner is full size and normally costs $15.  I paid $10 for the box - guess who just got about $10 worth of free loot?  Sometimes, it's not that lucky, I get all travel sizes and they don't last too long, but then you have boxes like this.  

Some things to consider when subscribing to a box:

1. Don't subscribe to a box that costs more than your monthly budget.  I love Julep nail polish but I would never spend $20 on nail polish, since I tend to pick it off within 48 hours of application.  If you have great nails and aren't afraid to leave the red/pink family, Julep Maven be right for you.

2. Do your research.  Some boxes are unique and the sole one of it's kind.  Others have competition.  Make sure you know what's out there and make your choice after researching.  Read some reviews, most boxes lock you in for a certain amount of time.  I think Glossybox is a great makeup box as well, but it's not in my price range which was one of my decisions in choosing Birchbox.

3. Be willing to try something new.  While most boxes have you fill out a survey at the beginning, you are destined to get something you don't like once in a while.  But if you're willing to at least try, say the Cate & Chloe Jewelry Box or Stitch Fix, you may find something you would have never picked and LOVE.

4. Think about going outside the realm of fashion.  I think the Whimsey and Popsugar must have boxes are some really great boxes with crafts and all sorts of fun goodies.  When I get my puppy (whenever that is) I will probably get a Barkbox, and if I lived in a more urban area, I'd be signing up for Blue Apron today.

5. Don't limit boxes to yourself!  Boxes can be great gifts!  I'm not the only one in my household who gets one - Boyfriend subscribes to Dollar Shave Club and loves it.  It's a gift that keeps on giving for 6-months to a year!

This post is not endorsed by any of the companies that were mentioned.  They are my own opinions and show the options that are out there in the subscription box market.

December Birchbox Review

[Tocca Lotion, Lulu Organics Hair Powder, twistband Neon Hair Tie, Secret Agent Beauty Lip Gloss/Plumper, Grand Central Beauty Skin Polisher]

S.M.A.R.T Skin Perfecting Polisher: I definitely like this product a lot.  It is true to what is advertised - it is perfect for on-the-go list.  I felt like my face still was moisturized but had the toned, fresh feeling I get from peels and toner.  

Lavender + Clary Sage Hair Powder: I LOVE THIS POWDER.  I tend to use the normal run of the mill brands when I use dry shampoo (which is completely necessary for me - my hair has more oil than Greece.. ugh) but by the end of the day, my hair just can't mask the "I didn't wash my hair today" look (and may I remind those who judge - it's unhealthy for your hair to wash it daily).  Those run of the mill powders tend to make my hair look gray for the first 2 hours, but this one blended right in.  IT IS AWESOME.

Nourishing & Plumping Lip Gloss in Foreign Intelligence Flirt: I put this on it's own and with some chapstick as base and it definitely looks pretty.  I love the color.  I did feel the tingling (not like snake venom, though) but didn't really notice a plump.  Can you notice a plump on naturally thin lips though?  I don't know, but if you're looking for a plumping gloss, maybe you should move along.  If you're looking for an awesome color gloss that doesn't have that goopy gloss feeling?  This is definitely a pick.

Crema da Mano in Cleopatra: Speaking of oil... don't you hate when you use just a dollop of lotion and it looks like you have Crisco on your hands?  Not with this!  It still gives the moisturizing you crave without the oily look.  I also love that it's super natural.

Printed Hair Tie: How fun is this hair tie?  I love these ties (thank you to whoever started that trend) and appreciate some neon fun in my life.

Pick of the Month: I can't even begin to think which one would be my number one. I would definitely buy all of these.  Birchbox definitely hit a triple if not homerun with this one.  So I'll play the elimination game - I already have plenty of hair ties & lotion, however will definitely be looking towards these two companies when repurchasing.  I recently purchased more lipsticks/glosses/stains so I'm good there.  So while I want to say it's a tie between the powder and the polisher, I think I'm going with the powder.  I'm pretty sure it would be worth every penny for the amount of damage control it would give my hair.

[This review is in no way affiliated, paid for, or sponsored by Birchbox.  If you're interested in this product, you can visit their website - I highly recommend it!  All opinions are my own & I review for the purpose of knowledge - not for extra Birchbox glory ;)]

November Birchbox Review

Beauty Protector Shampoo & Conditioner: This shampoo conditioner combo smells absolutely delicious.  My long hair is always looking for hair products to bring it back to life, and while I liked the product, it's just not the amazing wow that I'm searching for constantly.

Dr. Jart + Beauty Balm: I love BB Cream.  It's my go-to for an easy face day.  The BB cream I own tends to be a little darker for my skin, but this one is just right.  It also doesn't have a smell like the one I normally use (which isn't bad) or a previous BB Cream I got in a Birchbox (that smells rancid....)

Color Club Nail Polish - On the Rocks: I always love the nail polishes I get from Birchbox.  This one looks silver but goes on more blue which reminds me of the Essie polish, Blue Rhapsody.  While I really like this color, it's not super professional, so I'd probably choose other more subtle colors before this one for daily wear.

Juicy Couture Perfume - Viva la Juicy Noir: As always, Juicy produces delicious scents.  I think I've actually had this one in a box before.  I tend to like lighter scents.  This one is definitely for a seductive night.

Ghiradelli Toffee Crunch: I don't like chocolate.  I'll wait while you gasp.  That being said, I did enjoy this toffee crunch.  As always Ghiradelli chocolate is smooth and the toffee gave it a kick.  While I really enjoyed the product I'll be honest... I haven't touched it since.  I know, there's something wrong with me...

Pick of the Month: Dr. Jart + Beauty Balm.  It definitely goes on smooth, matches my pale skin, and doesn't smell weird!  I think I'm going to go to birchbox.com right now and make a purchase...

[This review is in no way affiliated, paid for, or sponsored by Birchbox.  All opinions are my own & I review for the purpose of knowledge - not for extra Birchbox glory ;)]

October Birchbox Review

ChapStick Hydration Lock: I'm so obsessed with ChapStick.  I have a tube everywhere.  Multiple in my purse, one next to my bed, a couple in my car, a handful in my office... I have issues.  This ChapStick is awesome too.  It definitely makes my lips kissable smooth.  I'll definitely be grabbing this kind next time I find myself without one of my 8 chapsticks.

12 Benefits Hair Treatment: Since I have incredibly long hair, I'm really into different hair treatments and finding what works for me.  It smells great and from what I can tell, it gives my hair the shine and oomph it needs down to the tip!  I think I'm sold!

theBalm cosmetics Stain: Due to my obsession with chapstick, I'm a big advocate for lipstain.  The color of this one looks scary in the tube but is the soft glow I'm looking for.  I did try it a couple of times on my cheeks (like it suggested), but I wasn't very impressed.  I looked more like I have a rash or some weird sort of sunburn... not cute.  I would definitely stick with this for a lipstain on the go.

dr. brandt Skin Exfoliant: You know the expression as smooth as a baby's bottom?  My face actually feels better.  Like still in the womb better.  This was one perfect exfoliant with onnnnneeee teeny tiny downside.  I smell like Lemon Pinesol.  

Supergoop Sunscreen: Sunscreen is super important for a snowflake, like myself.  It was not oily and did not clog my pores.  Highly important for a girl who has to lather it on, on the daily.

Pick of the Month: Honestly, probably the chapstick.  This was a great box, and if not for the cleaning product smell of the exfoliant, I would probably pick the exfoliant.  If you like the smell or think it wouldn't matter, seriously try it out.  That said, I can honestly say I will be purchasing many more of these chapstick tubes in the future.

[This review is in no way affiliated, paid for, or sponsored by Birchbox.  All opinions are my own & I review for the purpose of knowledge - not for extra Birchbox glory ;)]

September Birchbox Review

BCBGMaxAzria Bon Genre: I definitely got a lot of compliments on this scent.  It definitely has a sultry smell.  I however prefer much more fresh scents.

Dr. Lipp Orginial Nipple Balm for Lips: I appreciate a good lipbalm.  Most of the reason I love lipstain is so I can apply and reapply chapstick but still have color on my lips.  I can imagine this stuff is amazing when you have insanely chapped lips.  It's smoother and less oily than vaseline so it's definitely the cure for those days.

Serge Normant Meta Luxe Hair Spray: I have this curling iron that produces the most beautiful curls but with my more than naturally straight hair, it refuses to stay curled no matter what I do.  I tend to put hairsprays to the test with this one, hoping one day I will find the one that will hold the curl.  All that said, this one did not.  While it's a very nice hairspray, it didn't wow me and the smell was a little to musky for me.

Coastal Secrets Eye Shadow: I rarely play up my eyes when I go to work, but I decided to try these colors out (separately at first, then in combos0 on a casual Friday.  Wow did I get compliments.  I found that 3 out of the 4 colors garnered rave reviews.  The one I wouldn't even leave the house with on.  It was a red... it was weird.  Which reminds me of how I wore red eye shadow at one point... oh Sarah...
So would I purchase this eye shadow?  Mmm... it's still a little intense for my taste.  I have found that I'm still gravitating towards my golds, but they do mix nicely.

Ruffian Nail Laquer - Fox Hunt: I loveeeeee this color.  I like how bright it is without being neon.  I've been loving orange nails and this nail polish gets it perfectly.  It went on seemlessly and lasted a good long while.  All these things make me a definite fan.

[Trying out the eyeshadow & nail polish]

September Must-Have: Ruffian Nail Laquer for sure!

[Note: This post was not sponsored by Birchbox - all reviews are my own.  If you have $10 a month to spare and love beauty products sign up here!]