Birchbox October 2012

[MissLindaJean]

I love the Beauty Blender! At first, I wasn't so into it, but after doing a side by side comparison of putting foundation on with the blender and with bare hands, the blender wins hands down. The only issue I really have is that it is difficult to clean, I guess unless you have the blender cleaner, which was not included in the boxes with the actual blender. Why, is beyond me. 

I am in a committed and monogamous relationship with my beauty blender... I use my MAC brush cleaner to clean it and it works perfectly. If I am out of brush cleaner I will just use my daughter's baby shampoo ...works like a charm. No need to spend a bunch of money on the beauty blender cleaner IMO. Oh! And I always use hot hot water! :icon_smil  Get's that baby sparkling 

What she said! You don't necessarily use a whole skincare line because you love one product, right? Take whatever brush cleaner and try that. I use an antibacterial soap along with a brush cleanser.. works fine! Glad you joined the beauty blender craze! They are fantastic!

 

[xiehan]

My point is we all get subpar boxes every once in a while, there's no need to take it out on the marketing team.

While this is certainly true, I think the subpar boxes is also part of a larger concern that the overall quality of the boxes that Birchbox has been sending out every month has been declining. I say this especially as someone who just took the plunge and upgraded to yearly a couple of weeks ago, and all of the comments by longtime subscribers who have said that they think BB has been steadily going downhill since the summer has me worried that I made a very bad decision. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[zadidoll]

I posted this on my Facebook wall.

Finally my profile on BIRCHBOX updated. I'm getting October Box #1 - a GOOP box. I didn't opt in or out of Goop since I forgot.

Only one MAJOR complaint about it - LUNA Fiber Chocolate Raspberry - I'm allergic to raspberries. I break out into hives, swell up, itch like crazy. I have to carry an epi pen for bees and raspberries. Thankfully the label states it's raspberry so I'll pass it onto my eldest daughter.

I really think Birchbox needs to lay off with sending food. So many people have food allergies and don't want to pay $10 for a box of samples that contain food. For those with nut allergies their allergies can potentially be DEADLY. I know that Birchbox's stance is that you can pass it along to someone else but with foods with nuts if the packaging is torn open and someone with a nut allergy opens the box and smells it... well that can land the person in a hospital.

This is partially why I do the spoilers and sneak peeks for people. Yes, most of it is selfish because I want to know what's coming in the boxes but part of it has to do with finding out if Birchbox is sending food because of my own allergy and for those with nut allergies. It was actually one of my first complaints about Birchbox when I began my subscription in 2011 because one of the first items (either in my first or second box) was that Kind bar with nuts. I'm not allergic nuts but I know way too many children who are and their allergies are so extreme that even the smell of nuts can land them in the hospital which is why my kids schools have a no nuts policy in place.
One of my readers posted on my wall how she's actually allergic to perfume and one time she had to see her doctor for shots because the vial had broken and everything was saturated in perfume triggering her allergy.

 

[Dena Fletcher]

Originally Posted by keelyknowsbest /img/forum/go_quote.gif


I am in a committed and monogamous relationship with my beauty blender... I use my MAC brush cleaner to clean it and it works perfectly. If I am out of brush cleaner I will just use my daughter's baby shampoo ...works like a charm. No need to spend a bunch of money on the beauty blender cleaner IMO. Oh! And I always use hot hot water! 

 Get's that baby sparkling 

i am glad yours worked well for you, mine spilt after 3 uses..  kinda bummed me out.. i wasnt too mad i got it in a BB, had i spent all that $$$$, i would have been super ticked!

 

[Dena Fletcher]

Originally Posted by zadidoll /img/forum/go_quote.gif

I posted this on my Facebook wall.

Finally my profile on BIRCHBOX updated. I'm getting October Box #1 - a GOOP box. I didn't opt in or out of Goop since I forgot.

Only one MAJOR complaint about it - LUNA Fiber Chocolate Raspberry - I'm allergic to raspberries. I break out into hives, swell up, itch like crazy. I have to carry an epi pen for bees and raspberries. Thankfully the label states it's raspberry so I'll pass it onto my eldest daughter.

I really think Birchbox needs to lay off with sending food. So many people have food allergies and don't want to pay $10 for a box of samples that contain food. For those with nut allergies their allergies can potentially be DEADLY. I know that Birchbox's stance is that you can pass it along to someone else but with foods with nuts if the packaging is torn open and someone with a nut allergy opens the box and smells it... well that can land the person in a hospital.

This is partially why I do the spoilers and sneak peeks for people. Yes, most of it is selfish because I want to know what's coming in the boxes but part of it has to do with finding out if Birchbox is sending food because of my own allergy and for those with nut allergies. It was actually one of my first complaints about Birchbox when I began my subscription in 2011 because one of the first items (either in my first or second box) was that Kind bar with nuts. I'm not allergic nuts but I know way too many children who are and their allergies are so extreme that even the smell of nuts can land them in the hospital which is why my kids schools have a no nuts policy in place.
One of my readers posted on my wall how she's actually allergic to perfume and one time she had to see her doctor for shots because the vial had broken and everything was saturated in perfume triggering her allergy.

crazy thing is sometimes just having it in the box could ruin the whole thing! (food products, not makeup ones you may expect to find in w/a beauty sub).. my boss's husband has a nut allergy so bad that he ended up in the ER when she was making a sandwhich for their son! just the airborne nut particles made me ill! thats crazy!!  i hope none of you ladies are that sensitive..

 

[MissLindaJean]

I posted this on my Facebook wall. Finally my profile on BIRCHBOX updated. I'm getting October Box #1 - a GOOP box. I didn't opt in or out of Goop since I forgot. Only one MAJOR complaint about it - LUNA Fiber Chocolate Raspberry - I'm allergic to raspberries. I break out into hives, swell up, itch like crazy. I have to carry an epi pen for bees and raspberries. Thankfully the label states it's raspberry so I'll pass it onto my eldest daughter. I really think Birchbox needs to lay off with sending food. So many people have food allergies and don't want to pay $10 for a box of samples that contain food. For those with nut allergies their allergies can potentially be DEADLY. I know that Birchbox's stance is that you can pass it along to someone else but with foods with nuts if the packaging is torn open and someone with a nut allergy opens the box and smells it... well that can land the person in a hospital. This is partially why I do the spoilers and sneak peeks for people. Yes, most of it is selfish because I want to know what's coming in the boxes but part of it has to do with finding out if Birchbox is sending food because of my own allergy and for those with nut allergies. It was actually one of my first complaints about Birchbox when I began my subscription in 2011 because one of the first items (either in my first or second box) was that Kind bar with nuts. I'm not allergic nuts but I know way too many children who are and their allergies are so extreme that even the smell of nuts can land them in the hospital which is why my kids schools have a no nuts policy in place. One of my readers posted on my wall how she's actually allergic to perfume and one time she had to see her doctor for shots because the vial had broken and everything was saturated in perfume triggering her allergy.

While I definitely understand this, I don't mind the occasional foodie item. Regarding the perfume, I'd be sad to never be able to test out one. All of these sub companies are a gamble, sometimes it's a hit or miss. Birchbox at least has a disclaimer concerning food items and cautions subbers about this. What pleases one doesn't please all necessarily and I see why companies don't make exceptions for situations like this.

 

[yanelib27]

My thought on the samples being sent out by Birchbox: It seems like their emphasis now is on having people subscribed only to make sales in their shop. Think about it, they send out crap, but people stay subscribed for the points. So they continue to send crap and yet are making tons of sales in their shop. I am assuming that was their plan all along. The shop must be where they make their money (profits), and so they do not care about the sample sizes/quality and satisfaction of their customers. This is just the beginning, it will NOT get better. So we have a decision to make, is spending money to get points worth it? We spend money every month, to get points, to spend even more money with Birchbox. Can you say SUCKERS?? 

 

[KristantheGreat]

Getting box one and box 24. I REALLY want the pink thing if anyone wants to trade, willing to trade a couple of things for it!! PM me!

 

[Moonittude]

I've been thinking about the BB business model a lot since last month, when I joined. I think the boxes would improve a lot, if we got at least six or seven samples (not counting lifestyle) every month, then I realized, that would mean more points in the store. Maybe giving us those points in the store is expensive, and that's why we are getting so few samples? I also notice that a lot of people wait until they have enough points to really save a lot of money in the store, and that makes me wonder how profitable their store is. I mean, they just bought Joliebox, and they must have a ton of subscribers, but this is probably an expensive operation.

I am on the fence about how I would feel about better boxes without a point system. I already feel like I have gotten my money's worth from my boxes so far (admittedly not a scientific sample) even not counting the store points. But I would have been much more thrilled with them this month, if I'd gotten to try out more of the Goop picks. I don't mind foil packets at all, as long as they have a decent amount of product in them. I decant them into tiny little containers that I re-use. I just personally would have been thrilled enough to actually recommend Birchbox to friends and family, if they sent more samples in the boxes.

Like I say, I feel like I've been getting my money's worth so far, I just see a little room for improvement.
 

 

[mjkdior713]

Originally Posted by yanelib27 /img/forum/go_quote.gif

My thought on the samples being sent out by Birchbox: It seems like their emphasis now is on having people subscribed only to make sales in their shop. Think about it, they send out crap, but people stay subscribed for the points. So they continue to send crap and yet are making tons of sales in their shop. I am assuming that was their plan all along. The shop must be where they make their money (profits), and so they do not care about the sample sizes/quality and satisfaction of their customers. This is just the beginning, it will NOT get better. So we have a decision to make, is spending money to get points worth it? We spend money every month, to get points, to spend even more money with Birchbox. Can you say SUCKERS?? 

I do agree with you that their emphasis is on their shop--they send out lots of emails a month about it.  I only shop when I have enough points.  I haven't spent a dime (of money out of my pocket not from earned points) in the shop.  I'm greedy like that.

 

[ashleyanner]

Getting box #37 on my first account...not the worst, not the best...but I'm not too bummed about it.  

https://www.birchbox.com/shop/birchbox-1/october-2012/october2012box37

And I'm getting box #1 on my second account - which I opted in for.

https://www.birchbox.com/shop/birchbox-1/october-2012/october2012box1

And my mom is getting #32!  Which I'm a little jealous of, but I know whatever she doesn't like will be passed on to me...so I guess it'll be alright haha.  

https://www.birchbox.com/shop/birchbox-1/october-2012/october2012box32

 

[mjkdior713]

Originally Posted by Moonittude /img/forum/go_quote.gif I don't mind foil packets at all, as long as they have a decent amount of product in them.

I agree.  I didn't sign up expecting full sized items but I also don't expect samples I can rip out of a magazine.  A happy medium is nice.

 

[javagirl87]

Originally Posted by plutorayz /img/forum/go_quote.gif

Eeep! Sorry! :x

Actually I just did a quick google search for "mary lou manizer sample size" and obviously it came back to this thread (no duh. heh) anyways it comes back to this post in particular and its under a series of 4 spoilers. But its still around the same size.

https://www.makeuptalk.com/t/128988/birchbox-october-2012/1350#post_1947711 

(hope relinking to a particular post isn't against mut terms >.< )

Thanks so much! Now i'm finally excited for a BB (that's a first) I'm also getting the Vitamin things which I think will be really interesting (in a good way) since I have a BS in Nutrition. I wish I knew how many grams the bronzer was, but either way I'm excited, It takes me forever to use up makeup because I keep buying new kinds  so I like to get sample sizes instead of full size products.

 

[quene8106]

I've been thinking about the BB business model a lot since last month, when I joined. I think the boxes would improve a lot, if we got at least six or seven samples (not counting lifestyle) every month, then I realized, that would mean more points in the store. Maybe giving us those points in the store is expensive, and that's why we are getting so few samples? I also notice that a lot of people wait until they have enough points to really save a lot of money in the store, and that makes me wonder how profitable their store is. I mean, they just bought Joliebox, and they must have a ton of subscribers, but this is probably an expensive operation. I am on the fence about how I would feel about better boxes without a point system. I already feel like I have gotten my money's worth from my boxes so far (admittedly not a scientific sample) even not counting the store points. But I would have been much more thrilled with them this month, if I'd gotten to try out more of the Goop picks. I don't mind foil packets at all, as long as they have a decent amount of product in them. I decant them into tiny little containers that I re-use. I just personally would have been thrilled enough to actually recommend Birchbox to friends and family, if they sent more samples in the boxes. Like I say, I feel like I've been getting my money's worth so far, I just see a little room for improvement.  

Good observation. I stayed for the points but now this is seriously convincing me to cancel

 

[MissLindaJean]

My thought on the samples being sent out by Birchbox: It seems like their emphasis now is on having people subscribed only to make sales in their shop. Think about it, they send out crap, but people stay subscribed for the points. So they continue to send crap and yet are making tons of sales in their shop. I am assuming that was their plan all along. The shop must be where they make their money (profits), and so they do not care about the sample sizes/quality and satisfaction of their customers. This is just the beginning, it will NOT get better. So we have a decision to make, is spending money to get points worth it? We spend money every month, to get points, to spend even more money with Birchbox. Can you say SUCKERS?? 

They still send some gems and full sized items on occasion. Naturally, they're a for profit business and need to make money, so they probably do rely on purchases from the shop. With so many subbers, they can't personally accommodate every person, but rather adjust to meet the majority of their customers. Since they pretty much removed the part about samples being deluxe, it lets them off the hook. Not saying it's right, but just putting it out there. Lol, here's a question, are you gonna stay a sucker?

 

[JessP]

Didn't see anyone post Box 8 yet, so here it is. I am not completely disappointed like a lot of people are, but the 2 foil packets of Miracle Skin Transformer spf20 face is just so ridiculously small that I am not even sure if I could cover my face once with both packets.

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Thanks for posting! I'm getting this box, too.

 

[MollyC2153]

Originally Posted by zadidoll /img/forum/go_quote.gif

I posted this on my Facebook wall.

Finally my profile on BIRCHBOX updated. I'm getting October Box #1 - a GOOP box. I didn't opt in or out of Goop since I forgot.

Only one MAJOR complaint about it - LUNA Fiber Chocolate Raspberry - I'm allergic to raspberries. I break out into hives, swell up, itch like crazy. I have to carry an epi pen for bees and raspberries. Thankfully the label states it's raspberry so I'll pass it onto my eldest daughter.

I really think Birchbox needs to lay off with sending food. So many people have food allergies and don't want to pay $10 for a box of samples that contain food. For those with nut allergies their allergies can potentially be DEADLY. I know that Birchbox's stance is that you can pass it along to someone else but with foods with nuts if the packaging is torn open and someone with a nut allergy opens the box and smells it... well that can land the person in a hospital.

This is partially why I do the spoilers and sneak peeks for people. Yes, most of it is selfish because I want to know what's coming in the boxes but part of it has to do with finding out if Birchbox is sending food because of my own allergy and for those with nut allergies. It was actually one of my first complaints about Birchbox when I began my subscription in 2011 because one of the first items (either in my first or second box) was that Kind bar with nuts. I'm not allergic nuts but I know way too many children who are and their allergies are so extreme that even the smell of nuts can land them in the hospital which is why my kids schools have a no nuts policy in place.
One of my readers posted on my wall how she's actually allergic to perfume and one time she had to see her doctor for shots because the vial had broken and everything was saturated in perfume triggering her allergy.

MWAH! This is well articulated and brilliant. and perfectly encapsulates my problem with them sending stuff like food. Like you said, it's just dangerous to send out food, especially something like nuts, which is one of the most common food allergies... Luckily I don't have airborn reactions (other than mild itchiness) but if I did and mine broke open? BAM, instant epi pen/hospitalization

Thanks for this Zadi. That sucks about your reader. Poor girl! 

 

[MollyC2153]

Originally Posted by javagirl87 /img/forum/go_quote.gif


Thanks so much! Now i'm finally excited for a BB (that's a first) I'm also getting the Vitamin things which I think will be really interesting (in a good way) since I have a BS in Nutrition. I wish I knew how many grams the bronzer was, but either way I'm excited, It takes me forever to use up makeup because I keep buying new kinds  so I like to get sample sizes instead of full size products.

Apparently the vitamins are NOT for eating. They are for opening up and putting on the skin. Someone posted on their page that she's scared to try them, and someone else posted that they're going to end up with a lot of people eating some skin care.... 

 

[zadidoll]

Originally Posted by MissLindaJean /img/forum/go_quote.gif

Quote: Originally Posted by zadidoll /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I posted this on my Facebook wall.

Finally my profile on BIRCHBOX updated. I'm getting October Box #1 - a GOOP box. I didn't opt in or out of Goop since I forgot.

Only one MAJOR complaint about it - LUNA Fiber Chocolate Raspberry - I'm allergic to raspberries. I break out into hives, swell up, itch like crazy. I have to carry an epi pen for bees and raspberries. Thankfully the label states it's raspberry so I'll pass it onto my eldest daughter.

I really think Birchbox needs to lay off with sending food. So many people have food allergies and don't want to pay $10 for a box of samples that contain food. For those with nut allergies their allergies can potentially be DEADLY. I know that Birchbox's stance is that you can pass it along to someone else but with foods with nuts if the packaging is torn open and someone with a nut allergy opens the box and smells it... well that can land the person in a hospital.

This is partially why I do the spoilers and sneak peeks for people. Yes, most of it is selfish because I want to know what's coming in the boxes but part of it has to do with finding out if Birchbox is sending food because of my own allergy and for those with nut allergies. It was actually one of my first complaints about Birchbox when I began my subscription in 2011 because one of the first items (either in my first or second box) was that Kind bar with nuts. I'm not allergic nuts but I know way too many children who are and their allergies are so extreme that even the smell of nuts can land them in the hospital which is why my kids schools have a no nuts policy in place.

One of my readers posted on my wall how she's actually allergic to perfume and one time she had to see her doctor for shots because the vial had broken and everything was saturated in perfume triggering her allergy.
While I definitely understand this, I don't mind the occasional foodie item. Regarding the perfume, I'd be sad to never be able to test out one. All of these sub companies are a gamble, sometimes it's a hit or miss. Birchbox at least has a disclaimer concerning food items and cautions subbers about this. What pleases one doesn't please all necessarily and I see why companies don't make exceptions for situations like this.


I've spoken with Katia about it because I think that 25% of the boxes could be done without food and perfume samples. If there are 40 boxes in a month then why can't 10 boxes be food or fragrance free? It's 10 boxes or less per month, surely that's not impossible for them to plan.

 

[MissLindaJean]

Apparently the vitamins are NOT for eating. They are for opening up and putting on the skin. Someone posted on their page that she's scared to try them, and someone else posted that they're going to end up with a lot of people eating some skin care.... 

I know they were featured in the BB video. Are people not reading the card? I'd hope it'd state how the product works! I didn't receive any, so I don't know. It'd be like eating moisturizer or eye shadow! Only doable for the people on tv with the weird, compulsive eating habits lmao.