April 2011, a year ago with Birchbox!

I have been receiving a Birchbox for a little over a year now and I found it fitting to do a "Year Ago" series to see what I got in my box in the said month, a year ago. I will also tell you what I thought about each product and so on.

Since I don't really have the items anymore in most cases, I am not going to show all the pictures. I will use the pictures from their website and just list what I received.

Hi there,

This month, in honor of Earth Day, we’ve partnered with our friends at EcoFabulous and greened our box, inside and out. It’s not just about a single day, though – April is a reminder that we should be mindful of our environment year-round. Here’s how we’re celebrating:

Waste Less, Love More

Birchbox helps you discover beauty products you love — no more beauty graveyard of unused purchases. This month, meet earth-friendly products; from skincare to nail polish, these treats show that eco can be effective and chic.

Recycle & Reuse

Every bit of Birchbox packaging, from the tissue to this letter, is recyclable — this month and every month! Many members also repurpose Birchboxes to store jewelry, makeup, and other tidbits. We’d love to hear how you reuse your boxes.

Healthy Body, Healthy Planet

Online, we have tons of articles and videos to inspire you to be more mindful about what you buy and how you use it. Check out what products Zem Joaquin, founder of EcoFabulous, can't live without, or learn how to get beachy waves with our video tutorial. Plus, an easy guide to reading product labels and much more.

PS - You’re holding a carbon neutral Birchbox! We offset the emissions of shipping this box and will continue to do so going forward.

Hayley, Katia, and the Birchbox team

I remember there was so much controversy with this box because of the shipping. This is when most of the major shipping problems happened and even though some people really like(d) streamlite, a lot of people didn't. This box took forever to get to most people and for being "green" there was a lot of waste.

1. Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Full Strength - Full Size: $45.00
I never used this and I remember this being one of the items I was really excited about. I don't know where it went or why I didn't use it.

2. Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer - Full Size: $65.00
I honestly don't remember getting this, it must have been a little sachet or something.

3. Lavanila The Healthy Body Butter in Vanilla Lavender - Full Size: $25.00
I didn't use this either, I don't like Lavender and I remembered a lot of people got the coconut one, I wish I had gotten this one.

4. LIV GRN C2C Fragrance Collection in Earth - Full Size: $60.00
This smelt ok, but it wasn't something I ever used.

5. Zoya Intimate Nail Polish Collection - Full Size: $8.00
I received Jules from this collection and really enjoyed it. I love Zoya and since have purchased several from them!

So those are the items I got in my second BB from April 2011. Hope you enjoyed!

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March 2011, a year ago with Birchbox!

I have been receiving a Birchbox for a little over a year now and I found it fitting to do a "Year Ago" series to see what I got in my box in the said month, a year ago. I will also tell you what I thought about each product and so on.

Since I don't really have the items anymore in most cases, I am not going to show all the pictures. I will use the pictures from their website and just list what I received.

Hi there,

Is it spring yet? We don’t know about you, but we’re ready for a change — and we don’t just mean swapping cozy sweaters for springy frocks. This month is about taking everything to the next level, from your sinkside essentials to your makeup routine.

To start your upgrade, we’re introducing you to better versions of your daily staples: an Italian toothpaste that will make you look forward to brushing your teeth and a luscious organic lip balm infused with aromatic essential oils.

Change doesn’t just mean trying out a new lip color (though we’re all for that). Learn the ins and outs of self-tanning with our cheat sheet and learn how to get the most flattering brow shape for your face. Watch our video tutorial on how to get the dewy model look, or test-drive the matte lips trend. And we even have an upgrade for your iPod: a free download of the latest hit from stunning Danish singer Oh Land, this month’s Birchbox Crush.

Happy playing,

Hayley, Katia, and the Birchbox team

1. Blow Up Thickening Mist - Full Size: $21.00
I did not use this. I have pretty big hair already and I thought it was silly they sent me something that is supposed to thicken it up!

2. Marvis Classic Mint Toothpaste - Full Size: $10.50
I did not like this at all!! It stung my mouth and it had a terrible taste. Everyone has been bent over getting coasters, well how about toothpaste for you!?

3. Pangea Organics Facial Scrub - Full Size: $32.00
This is not pictured, I think because it was such a small sample. I don't believe I used this either. I have so many of them because Eco-Emi used to send them out too.

4. Pangea Organics Lip Balm - Full Size: $12.00
I LOVED this and I actually still have it. This has probably been my favorite item I have received from BB ever!

5. Pomega5 Daily Revitalizing Concentrate - Full Size: $48.00
I didn't use these.

So those are the items I got in my second BB from March 2011. It was a little different from my first box as there wasn't really any "make up" but I will forever love this box for the lip balm!

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February 2011, a year ago with Birchbox!

I have been receiving a Birchbox for a year now, wow, how time flies. My first ever BB was in February 2011 and I found it fitting to do a "Year Ago" series to see what I got in my box in the said month, a year ago. I will also tell you what I thought about each product and so on.

Since I don't really have the items anymore in most cases, I am not going to show all the pictures. I will use the pictures from their website and just list what I received.

Hi there,

We think you don’t have to wait for Valentine’s Day to share the love - we heart our members - you deserve treats all year-round!

This month’s box is all about indulgence in its many forms, from a deliciously effective exfoliating cleanser to a hydrating moisturizer packed with antioxidants. We’ve also included an ultra flattering highlighter that will turn you into a dewy goddess and a smudge-proof mascara that adds tons of volume and length. Seeing as how we’re chocolate addicts, we couldn’t resist adding sweetriot’s dark chocolate cocoa nibs, tasty treats with a mission of social responsibility.

Since you’re already in the indulgent mindset, why not give in to your beauty impulses? Our website is full of inspiration, from a fun peek into the world of nail art to a guide to finding the pink lipstick for your personality. We have beauty tips from the adorable sisters behind up-and-awesome jewelry line Dannijo, video tutorials on rosy cheeks, concealing undereye circles, and much more.

Dark chocolate kisses,

Hayley, Katia, and the Birchbox team

1. bareMinerals Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara - Full Size: $18.00
I did use this, however, I don't recall it being super spectacular. I have a ton of mascaras waiting to be used so I rarely ever rebuy a mascara unless it is to die for.

2. Befine Exfoliating Cleanser - Full Size: $25.00
I loved this cleanser, I actually repurchased it from Ulta twice before moving onto something else. I see a lot of people getting other things from Befine from time to time and I secretly hope that I get something else soon too!

3. NARS Orgasm Illuminator - Full Size: $29.00
I still have this and use it once in a while. I use it mainly for a highlighter when I want more of a natural pinky glow than a white or golden glow which most of my highlighters are. I don't think I would ever repurchase it.

4. Pomega5 Green Tea Mattifying Moisturizer - Full Size: $58.00
I never used this.

5. sweetriot Dark Chocolate Covered Cacao Nibs - Full Size: $0.00
I am not too big of a fan of dark chocolate so I remember I didn't finish these, I did try them though, I didn't like them much.

So there we have it, that is everything I received in my very first BB. I think the items were pretty good, we got 2 great size make up items which is almost unheard of these days. And for everyone who complains about the food that are in them these days, they did this from the beginning (which is a touch I enjoy)!

What did you get in your first BB?

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