(SPOILERS) July Birchbox partners with Glamour Magazine

[PeridotCricket]

Here's my review of the Larabar I got this month, along with a little note at the top, which was not included in the feedback I left on the Birchbox feedback form, but now I wish I had put it on there, along with the note at the bottom.

I got a Cherry Cobbler LaraBar Uber in my July 2012 Birchbox, and I am not happy about it.  I did like the LUNA Peanut Butter Bar in the June Box, but I was not happy about getting a food sample in my Birchbox, which is supposed to be for beauty, skincare, and makeup samples, in June either.  I feel cheated when I get these kinds of samples--just a little granola bar--instead of real deluxe samples for my $10.00 a month.  I realize I did really like the LUNA Bar and I am going to buy more, but that is not a good reason to cheat me out of a beauty-related sample 2 months in a row.  Not that Birchbox always sends out deluxe samples, but they could send people something they could use instead of a food item.

Rate your familiarity with the LARABAR brand prior to Birchbox.
2 - I know of the brand but do not ...  (have not bought any?)

When was the last time you purchased a LARABAR product? 
1 - Never

Rate your familiarity with the LARABAR uber  prior to Birchbox.
2 - I think I've seen it around

What do you think of LARABAR uber?
1 - Definitely not for me

On a scale of 1-5, would you recommend LARABAR uber  to your friends?
1 - Not at all likely

Are you planning to purchase LARABAR uber  after sampling through Birchbox?
1 - No, not planning to purchase

Do you feel the LARABAR uber  added extra value to your Birchbox?
1 - No.  It didn't like it.

Share Your Opinion:
The page showing my July Birchbox shows an Apple Turnover LARABAR uber, but I actually got a Cherry Turnover (or Cherry something?) bar.  I cannot eat these.  Dried fruit is disgusting.  I couldn't try the bar I did receive.  Maybe somebody at Work will eat it.  I like granola bars and other bars with whole grains and nuts, but I will not eat anything with dried or processed fruit.  I only eat fresh fruit, not dried.  I have tried almost every kind of dried fruit there is, and it's always disgusting.  I do not see the point of including food items in Birchboxes.  We sign up to get deluxe samples of makeup and beauty products, not food samples.  I bet I could go to the LARABAR website or their Facebook page and get a sample exactly like Birchbox sent out this month. 

 

[lovelockdown]

I actually love that they have lifestyle extras. May's notecard will be used, june's bandaids were super cute. I got a banana bar this month which I didn't like, but I would have enjoyed another flavor. I gave it to my mom. I prob wouldn't have like the cherry one either so I understand your feedback to them. 

 

[Stdanzy]

I would have been highly upset if I had recieved a cherry larabar, as I am super allergic to cherries. I couldn't eat the bananas foster larabar either though because I am mildly allergic to nuts, so those will be tossed out.

 

[Scooby Dynamite]

Psssssst.....Orofluido on Hautelook!!  

 

[quene8106]

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

So I'm super slow on my review as usual. Here's my box #12!

(Expand the Spoiler to see pics)

pretty spoilers /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[kawaiimeows]

in regards to the lara bars: i got one, and i like it.

but the fact that they keep giving out food has irked me just because there are so many people with a wide variety of food allergies that can be life threatening and there is no way to specify that on the beauty profile. i'm fortunate enough to not have to worry about that but i know plenty of people who have to follow very specific diets due to food allergies.

it definitely seems unfair and i thought that would be a no brainer reason to stay away from food samples.

 

[MollyC2153]

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

in regards to the lara bars: i got one, and i like it.

but the fact that they keep giving out food has irked me just because there are so many people with a wide variety of food allergies that can be life threatening and there is no way to specify that on the beauty profile. i'm fortunate enough to not have to worry about that but i know plenty of people who have to follow very specific diets due to food allergies.

it definitely seems unfair and i thought that would be a no brainer reason to stay away from food samples.

Thank you!

 

[drk51284]

Maybe I'm in the minority...I was actually very surprised by the Larabar - I don't like bananas much, but I ended up loving that Bananas Foster bar. I ate it in like 3 bites.

The earbuds were dumb, since they're such low quality, but I like the little lifestyle extras most of the time (though notecard I could've done without, but I'm a very accident prone person and I loved the Band-Aids). I like things that are useful and practical in addition to trying new beauty things... that way if I get something I hate, there might be a redemptive "extra" to fall back on - and something that lasts a little longer.

re: food allergies - these items are wrapped, and I'd think people with food allergies would know to avoid them. They may not add value to their boxes, but I'm assuming that's why they're considered "extras" - they wouldn't have received an additional beauty item anyway.

 

[stellar136]

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

When your hair gets lighter in the summer it is due to the UV in the sunlight bleaching your hair. It is actually a type of damage, so the Alterna works to protect the hair strands from that damage. It is a good thing to use whether your hair is colored or not, although it is more of an issue if your hair is longer and therefore has more acccumulated damage. If you are a big fan of the summer bleaching but you like the Alterna otherwise, I would just save it for winter when you aren't getting the lightening effects from the sun. It won't reverse the color change, it just helps prevent it from happening.

Thank you for the response!!

 

[Meggpi]

I've never seen so much sturm und drang over dried fruit.  

(I do get the nut allergy thing, I wouldn't like a box of bees sent to my door.)

 

[poopfruit]

I got the bananas foster bar in my box as well. I tried to find someone in my house that wanted it, but no one did so I ended up eating it. I wish it had been sweet rather than sweet+salty. I feel like the sweet and salty canceled each other out and I was left with a somewhat flavorless nut bar that kind of smelled like banana. I also got the stila card, blinc mascara, flirt perfume and dirt scrub. I didnt get much product off of the stila card, it seems very sheer but I don't think their shadows are normally this sheer. Why would they send out samples that don't represent their products properly? Weird. Oh man it sounds like I'm whining. I am excited to try the mascara and dirt scrub though, and the perfume is nice. But the headphones are garbage

 

[NoahsMommy52]

Originally Posted by Emr410 /img/forum/go_quote.gif

Let us know what they say. I was told it was a printing error too and I was suppose to get the Larabar.

This was their response:

Quote: Hi Morrisa,   Thanks for writing in with this- Again, we're so sorry for this mixup! I will make sure to pass along your feedback to my team here. We want to make sure that all of our customers are taken care of appropriately! 
 
Please feel free to reach out any time you have questions - we will be happy to help!
 
XONicole

 

[MollyC2153]

Originally Posted by drk51284 /img/forum/go_quote.gif

Maybe I'm in the minority...I was actually very surprised by the Larabar - I don't like bananas much, but I ended up loving that Bananas Foster bar. I ate it in like 3 bites.

The earbuds were dumb, since they're such low quality, but I like the little lifestyle extras most of the time (though notecard I could've done without, but I'm a very accident prone person and I loved the Band-Aids). I like things that are useful and practical in addition to trying new beauty things... that way if I get something I hate, there might be a redemptive "extra" to fall back on - and something that lasts a little longer.

re: food allergies - these items are wrapped, and I'd think people with food allergies would know to avoid them. They may not add value to their boxes, but I'm assuming that's why they're considered "extras" - they wouldn't have received an additional beauty item anyway.

I WISH I had gotten the bandaids. They are totally cute.

Yeah, the only problem is that some people had their bars break open in transit. Luckily, I don't have airborne allergies, but I know people who do!

 

[MadamLeslie]

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

Oh, I'm jumping on this bandwagon because it's a fresh wound.

I just bought my husband one of those cologne samplers where you try them out, then bring back the certificate for a full-size of your choice...it was 50 bucks. Bought it at the JCP Sephora b/c they're across the street from our house, and the 'real' Sephora is 30 minutes away.  Yeah, didn't get ANY Insider points for it.  When I realized that, I looked at my last JCP/Sephora purchase and I also didn't get points for a 20 dollar face scrub and a toner, either! WTH?

I need to call them and see what's up with that, but I know they're just going to tell me that the JCP stores are "a little different" - that was the answer I got when I asked a couple questions about something else.  They should tell you BEFOREHAND when purchases won't net you any points, though, IMO.   

Hi! Avid Sephora fan here!  The nearest "real" Sephora is over 2 hours away from me, so I usually have to use the JCP one near me. A few months ago, they rolled out the Beauty Insider program at Sephora in JCP stores, so you should have no problem getting your points there. A few pointers (in case you haven't done this):

• Whenever I make a purchase at Sephora (ANY Sephora, stand-alone, JCP, dot-com), I make sure to check my points online the next day to make sure that the points have been applied. Just log in and go to "my account." It will even show you every individual item you've purchased, by date and location.
• If you happen to make a purchase and find that your points were not applied (maybe you forgot your card), you can call 1-877-SEPHORA, and they will make sure that you get your points. This is what I did before they rolled out the program at JCP stores. Just have your receipt ready, because they'll need info from that.
• If you are a Beauty Insider but do not have an actual card, you can just give the associate your email address and points will be applied at the register. I did not have a card for a long time, but when I visited the "real" Sephora nearest me, I asked for a card, and the SA linked it to my email address.
• A few months ago, Sephora was doing a promotion where you got a free umbrella with purchase. The card I received in the mail specifically said that you could not get the umbrella from a JCP location, only a "real" Sephora. Well, I was in JCP that day anyway, making a Sephora purchase and just happened to mention the umbrella. The SA said, "Oh, yeah, we have those. . .let me get you one." So, just because the flyer may say, "not available at Sephoras in JCP" this may not always be the case!
• My JCP Sephora now has the 100 and 500 point gifts. I was able to pick my choice of 3 100 point gifts just last week. I got a setting spray from Urban Decay. One of the other choices was the Boscia blotting linens, so if you're interested in those and have the points, try going to Sephora!

Hope some of this information helps!

 

[drk51284]

Originally Posted by MollyC2153 /img/forum/go_quote.gif


I WISH I had gotten the bandaids. They are totally cute.

Yeah, the only problem is that some people had their bars break open in transit. Luckily, I don't have airborne allergies, but I know people who do!

Oh, I hadn't heard that. I do feel for those whose items broke in transit. I think a lot of people with allergies come to terms with them (I have one myself) and just work to avoid them however you can, but if it got all over everything I'd be pretty annoyed, too.

 

[MadamLeslie]

Oh! I also found this on the Sephora website - it may help as well. . .

Beauty Insider and Sephora in jcpenney
When purchasing items at Sephora in jcpenney locations, be sure to let our beauty experts know that you are a Beauty Insider by giving them your registered e-mail address or flashing your Beauty Insider card. Beauty Insider clients that make a purchase at a Sephora in jcpenney location will accrue Beauty Insider points. Purchases made at a Sephora in jcpenney location count towards VIB status. At this time, Beauty Insider registration and rewards are currently not available at Sephora inside JCPenney locations.

Meaning you should not be able to register at a JCP Sephora location. I registered for Beauty Insider when I made an online purchase, then just provided my email address or called to get my points after that. BUT, per my post above, some JCP locations DO have the rewards. I guess you just have to check the one close to you!

 

[astokes]

My Juliette Has a Gun sampler pack arrived today. Ordered it last Friday, very fast shipping!

Definitely reusing the shiny black bubble mailer it came in.

My mom is already planning on stealing some of these. Lol 

 

[stellar136]

There is an auction on ebay with a PETROL BLUE EYEKO FAT STICK there is like 15 minutes left...  I would buy it but i'm on a budget!! Lol Just in case anyone is interested..

• [SIZE=small]Supergoop! Sunscreen Wipe, EXP 06/13 [one 6â€x 8â€wipe in sealed packet][/SIZE]
• [SIZE=medium]Urban Decay “Eyeshadow Primer Potion†[sample packet on card, no size listed; 1 or 2 time use][/SIZE]
  
• [SIZE=medium]Boscia “Oil-free Nightly Hydration†[sample/travel-sized tube, 10 ml/0.33 fl oz][/SIZE]
  
• [SIZE=medium] â€œMiracle Skin Transformer†SPF 20 for Face, shade “mediumâ€, EXP 10/15/13 [.02 fl oz/0.6 ml sample packet][/SIZE]
  
• [SIZE=medium]By Terry “VIP Expert†Perfecting Foundation Brushâ€, shade “2/apricot light†[.06 fl oz/2 ml sample packet][/SIZE]
  
• [SIZE=medium]Laura Geller “Spackle†Under Make-up Primer [.09 fl oz/2.5 ml cardboard sample packet][/SIZE]
  
• [SIZE=medium]Eyeko London “Fat Eye Stick†colour & gloss in shade “petrol blue†– limited edition! [full-sized item is 4 g/0.14 oz, comes new in box] [/SIZE]
  
• [SIZE=medium]Dermalogica “Gentle Cream Exfoliant†[sample packet; no size listed][/SIZE]
  
• [SIZE=medium]AG “The Oil†organic extra virgin argan miracle smoothing oil [1.5 ml/.05 fl oz sample packet] [/SIZE]
  
• [SIZE=medium]Make Up Forever “Rouge Artist†Natural and Intense lipstick sample pack: contains 4 lipstick samples [4 samples in card, each are 0.2 g/.007 oz] [/SIZE]
  

[SIZE=medium] [/SIZE]

[SIZE=medium]It's about $ 10.00 with no bids and that includes shipping[/SIZE]...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-Piece-Mixed-High-End-Beauty-Lot-Lot-2-Sample-Travel-Full-Sized-Items-/120954720655?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c2976918f

 

[MollyC2153]

Originally Posted by stellar136 /img/forum/go_quote.gif

There is an auction on ebay with a PETROL BLUE EYEKO FAT STICK there is like 15 minutes left...  I would buy it but i'm on a budget!! Lol Just in case anyone is interested..

• [SIZE=small]Supergoop! Sunscreen Wipe, EXP 06/13 [one 6â€x 8â€wipe in sealed packet][/SIZE]
• [SIZE=medium]Urban Decay “Eyeshadow Primer Potion†[sample packet on card, no size listed; 1 or 2 time use][/SIZE]
  
• [SIZE=medium]Boscia “Oil-free Nightly Hydration†[sample/travel-sized tube, 10 ml/0.33 fl oz][/SIZE]
  
• [SIZE=medium] â€œMiracle Skin Transformer†SPF 20 for Face, shade “mediumâ€, EXP 10/15/13 [.02 fl oz/0.6 ml sample packet][/SIZE]
  
• [SIZE=medium]By Terry “VIP Expert†Perfecting Foundation Brushâ€, shade “2/apricot light†[.06 fl oz/2 ml sample packet][/SIZE]
  
• [SIZE=medium]Laura Geller “Spackle†Under Make-up Primer [.09 fl oz/2.5 ml cardboard sample packet][/SIZE]
  
• [SIZE=medium]Eyeko London “Fat Eye Stick†colour & gloss in shade “petrol blue†– limited edition! [full-sized item is 4 g/0.14 oz, comes new in box] [/SIZE]
  
• [SIZE=medium]Dermalogica “Gentle Cream Exfoliant†[sample packet; no size listed][/SIZE]
  
• [SIZE=medium]AG “The Oil†organic extra virgin argan miracle smoothing oil [1.5 ml/.05 fl oz sample packet] [/SIZE]
  
• [SIZE=medium]Make Up Forever “Rouge Artist†Natural and Intense lipstick sample pack: contains 4 lipstick samples [4 samples in card, each are 0.2 g/.007 oz] [/SIZE]
  

[SIZE=medium] [/SIZE]

[SIZE=medium]It's about $ 10.00 with no bids and that includes shipping[/SIZE]...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-Piece-Mixed-High-End-Beauty-Lot-Lot-2-Sample-Travel-Full-Sized-Items-/120954720655?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c2976918f

Ah, I would have bought that! Too late.

 

[zadidoll]

So I took my daughter's Eyeko eyeliner and my own with me to Vegas along with my Marbella one. All three performed beautifully except I had one issue with the blue... it stained. After washing off my makeup and removing my waterproof mascara only the blue liner left behind residual product that I couldn't get off easily.