Company: Birchbox

Category: Beauty, Lifestyle

Cost: USD $10/month, free shipping

About: “Birchbox is the best way to discover new grooming, beauty and lifestyle products. Sample top products from high-end brands, get expert advice, buy new favorites and earn points with every purchase.”

The Scoop: Birchbox has an awesome rewards program. By completing product surveys and purchasing full-size items, you can earn points which translate into actual dollars toward your next purchase. These points rack up quickly too, so you’re sure to score some freebies.

The Box:

The May Birchbox encourages you to share your beauty routine and discover some new tips from other experts.

Cargo Lip Gloss in Sunset Blvd
Full size 0.15 fl oz., value: USD $14.00

I was thrilled to receive a FULL SIZE Cargo lip gloss in this month’s Birchbox. Sunset Blvd is a gorgeous pink-peach shade that has a sheer, shimmery finish. I already own a few Cargo lip glosses so I’m familiar with its super hydrating, long-lasting formula. This shade can be worn by itself for a more subtle look, or it can be paired with your favorite lipstick. Muah!

amika Obliphica Hair Treatment
Sample size 0.34 fl oz., value: USD $3.42

I seriously can’t get enough hair oil! The amika Obliphica Hair Treatment adds softness and shine to your hair while improving your overall hair health. After a shower, I applied a few drops to my damp hair and then proceeded to blowdry. The weightless serum helped protect against the heat, smoothing flyaways and preventing frizz. Afterward my hair look sleek and shiny – just the way I like it .

COOLA Classic SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face
Sample size 0.23 fl oz., value: USD $4.33

With summer right around the corner, good sun protection is more important than ever. COOLA Classic Cucumber Moisturizer for Face has SPF 30 which protects from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Say goodbye to unwanted skin damage and premature aging! This eco-friendly lightweight formula felt great on my face and I absolutely loved the fresh cucumber scent.

Isaac Mizrahi FABULOUS Eau de Parfum
Sample size 0.05 fl oz., value: USD $2.02

I’m not a fan of perfume samples, but I did appreciate the cute packaging and the easy-to-use spray nozzle top that was included with this bottle. Isaac Mizrahi FABULOUS has a pleasant citrus scent with a hint of mandarin and nectarine. It’s a very feminine fragrance, but not too overpowering. I’m sticking with my current perfume, but this isn’t a bad option if you’re looking to switch to something new.

BONUS: Pilot Corporation of America Acroball PureWhite®
Full size, value: USD $1.56

To be honest, I thought this was kind of a weird bonus sample to include in a Birchbox. Everything is digital now and I rarely find myself using a pen. Pilot’s Acroball PureWhile pen has hybrid ink (combo of gel ink and quick-dry ballpoint) and features a retractable tip and comfy contoured grip. The pink and white color combo is cute and fashionable, but I’m not sure how much I’ll actually use this product.

Total box value: USD $26.23

• Cargo Lip Gloss in Sunset Blvd – USD $14.00
• amika Obliphica Hair Treatment – USD $4.32
• COOLA Classic SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face – USD $4.33
• Isaac Mizrahi FABULOUS Eau de Parfum  – USD $2.02
• Pilot Corporation of America Acroball PureWhite® – USD $1.56

Overall, this one of the better Birchboxes I’ve received. The full size Cargo lip gloss was definitely the highlight this month (such a fabulous shade!), and it was also nice to get large size samples of the amika Hair Treatment and COOLA Cucumber Moisturizer. All three of the beauty products are absolutely perfect for summer weather. I totally love where Birchbox is heading and I hope this trend continues!

What was in your May Birchbox? What was your favorite beauty sample this month?