January Birchbox: Best Year Ever!

I made zero New Year's resolutions, but I do love the feel of starting afresh that the beginning of a new year brings.  So, the sentiment of "Best Year Ever" for this month's Birchbox is one I am definitely on board with!

I thought the variety of products included in January's box was very balanced, as I received:

• Hot Mama! blush by the Balm (makeup):  sample value $2.82
• Amika Color pHerfection shampoo (hair care): sample value $1.04
• My Multi-Purpose mattifying moisturizer (skin care):  sample value $10.20
• Deborah Lippman Stripper to Go (nail care):  sample value $2
• Skinny Chic by Harvey Prince (fragrance):  sample value $2.20

Hot Mama! blush is about the size of an eye shadow, and may very well get used in that capacity.  Pretty color that I've heard lots of good things about and have never tried before, plus I love the Balm's retro graphics.

I also look forward to trying the Amika Color pHerfection shampoo.  I've seen amika around but this will be the first product I've gotten a chance to try.  This sulfate and paraben free shampoo sounds like it will be perfect for my color treated hair.

I've been looking for a good mattifying product for ages, so was super excited to see the My Multi-Purpose mattifying moisturizer.  My oily skin has managed to defeat every product purported to mattify that I've every tried, so it will be interesting to see how this one stacks up.

The Deborah Lippmann Stripper to Go got used as soon as I opened the box, as I was almost out of nail polish remover and in no mood for a trip to the store.  Even better, it worked great.  The little finger mitt was saturated enough to remove the polish on all 10 fingers and was super easy to use.  Very cool, I may have to seek these out.

I know that fragrance samples continue to be a bone of contention amongst many in the subscription box world, but I've made peace with receiving them.  Birchbox actually introduced me to some fragrances that I love and have purchased, so now I keep an open mind when I receive one.  This month's scent was Skinny Chic by Harvey Prince, which I hear was causing a bit of negative feedback to Birchbox because of it's name and glorification of slimness.  I will say that reading the description did make me feel a bit put off, as I really don't think we need more marketing aimed at women that perpetuates a body type ideal that may not be realistic or even healthy for some people.  We come in all shapes and sizes, and as long as you are healthy, that should be what matters.  Just my 2 cents.

The value of this month's box was $18.26 and overall I'm quite happy with the contents and look forward to trying everything out!

Disclaimer:  I subscribe to Birchbox for $10/mo.  If you'd like to subscribe you can use my referral link (I get points for anyone who subscribes) or you can go directly to Birchbox and sign up.