October 2012 Birchbox

One of my favorite things about the first part of the month is getting my Birchbox. While I've had varying degrees of luck with the products, I'm always excited to get my hot pink package in the mail. This month, some subscribers could opt into a box done in conjunction with goop.com, a lifestyle website by Gwyneth Paltrow. While I'm indifferent to Paltrow, I figured that opting into the goop box would at least get me some high-end products (seriously, there's nothing on that site that isn't ridiculously overpriced).

I received my box earlier this week, and (with one big exception) the products are okay but don't inspire great love or hatred in me. In fact, my reaction to the box is similar to the reaction I have to Gwyneth herself. They are okay, but they seem expensive and overrated.

The box contained four products and one lifestyle extra:

• A beautyblender, which is an egg-shaped, hot pink sponge that is supposed to apply foundation or tinted moisturizer in a way that mimics an airbrushed application. (a pack of two - $25.95)
• Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss is a pretty coral/peach color. (full size - $33.00)
• DDF Wrinkle Resist Plus Pore Minimizer, which is a serum that supposedly "fills in pores and wrinkles for instantly smoother skin. (full size - $85.00)
• Marie Veronique Organics Anti-Aging Oil, which is supposed to fight wrinkles and improve skin tone. (full size - $80.00)
• Luna LemonZest bar (my lifestyle extra)

First off, I'm stoked about the beautyblender! Earlier this year, some Birchboxes had the beautyblender, and I was green with envy when I saw this (and I didn't receive one). This is by far the best product in this month's box, and I plan on using it quite a bit. The only concern I have is that, after one or two days of use, I'm starting to see some wear on the sponge. To use the beautyblender, I am supposed to soak it in water and squeeze out the excess so that the sponge is damp. I'm a little worried that all of this squeezing will result in the beautyblender getting worn out before its time.

I've also tried all of the other products, and I like the gloss well enough. However, as someone who would much rather receive makeup products than skincare, I'm disappointed that I received TWO skincare products (and anti-aging products at that!).

All that said, I'm still excited about the beautyblender, and the inclusion of that product makes me feel like the box was worth the $10 price.