January 2015 Birchbox Canada - Subscription Beauty Box Review

Birchbox is the original sample beauty box and has been in the U.S.A. since 2010 - and this is only the 2nd month it has been offered in Canada. It is $10 a month + $4.95 shipping to Canada (you can save money by signing up for a year for $100 + shipping costs). Each month you receive 5 sample (or full size) products based on a beauty profile you complete.

Birchbox Canada describes itself as:
"Five personalized beauty samples delivered right to your door each month. It’s the best way to find the products you’ll love."

It should be noted that if you view the U.S. Birchbox - Canadian's receive different products. I hope this expands and we get access to all the products available to out American counterparts soon! I like that some boxes (such as Ipsy and Glossybox) offer the exact boxes to Canadians - I am hoping Birchbox does the same at some point!

Here is a look at the January 2015 Birchbox:

The theme for this month's box is "Let's Do This!". 


Here is a closer look at goodies inside:

Amika Perk-up Dry Shampoo ~ sample size 0.75 oz for $3.75 (full size is 5.3 oz for $26.50). When we need to revive our tired tresses, we make a beeline for amika’s Perk Up Dry Shampoo. The weightless spray absorbs excess oil and dirt, leaving locks clean and deodorized as well as lighter and softer. Plus, it can be used on color-treated hair.
I am noting that I received this brand in the December box as well - I have also received this product a couple of times (although that is my fault for getting so many boxes!!!). This dry shampoo is good - it does leave a little residue on my dark hair but can easily be brushed out!

Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream in "Acai Grapefruit" ~ sample size 22ml for $3.22 (full size is 150 ml for $22). This decadent shave cream from whish one-ups its competitors. Made in the U.S. with eco-friendly ingredients, the non-drying formula gives you a mighty close shave without leaving legs devoid of moisture. And, unlike its distant peers, it’s designed not to foam up: instead, the rich lotion is chock full of organic and natural botanicals that soften skin.
I'm normally used to shave cream that foams - so this is a little different to use though. I like it - I think I will keep it for a trip which is way easier than lugging around a big shave gel! And this smells good!

Derma E Hydrating Night Creme with Hyaluronic Acid ~ sample size 0.5 oz for $7.75 (full size is 2 oz for $31). Your body is in repair mode overnight while you sleep, and your skin is no exception. That’s why nighttime is the ideal time to apply hardworking skincare ingredients like those found in this antioxidant-packed night crème. Hyaluronic acid hydrates and protects against moisture loss.
I love night creams! I wish this was a little bigger but I will certainly use it! I actually haven't tried it yet - I have a couple night creams on the go, so it will have to wait a little bit! But, most night creams with hyaluronic acid is usually good! 

Harvey Prince "Hello" Body Cream ~ sample size 0.5 oz for $1.08 (full size is 12 oz for $26). If you’re out to make a great first impression, you can’t go wrong with a strong handshake and a warm smile. If you’re out to outdo yourself, try applying this scented body cream first. One whiff, and you may just find yourself the most popular person in the room. Infused with the best-selling Hello perfume, the light shea butter formula softens and smooths dry skin. Citrus extracts add a bright and zippy touch to the mood-boosting scent.
First off, this brand is also a repeat from last month. And, this body cream does not smell good - it took me a while to figure the smell out, but it smells like my fiancée's deodorant! Not good - I'm not a fan of the scent.

ModelCo Party Proof Matte Lipstick in "Dusk til Dawn" ~ 1 for $7.67 (3 for $23). "Dusk til Dawn" is described as a deep nude with beige undertones. Gladly, this hydrating, semi-matte lip color lives up to its cheeky moniker. Whether you’re heading to a backyard BBQ or a black tie gala, it’s guaranteed to stay put through plates of baby back ribs, champagne toasts, and beyond.
This is not a pretty color - here is look:

Ummm - this is a very weird beige/light brown. Not good - this will not be used. 

So altogether, I received 5 items with a total value of $23.47. The value is decent, but not great. I'm not thrilled that there was 2 brand repeats from the last box (which was only the first one!) and 2 of the items were not good - the lotion and the lipstick. On that note, I do like the shaving cream and the night cream, and the dry shampoo is okay. 

This certainly wasn't my favorite box, but Birchbox has been around for so long, that I hope the Canadian box improves!!

What do you think of January's Birchbox Canada?