I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz surrounding Birchbox, the monthly beauty product sample subscription service, so when GOOP announced a couple of weeks ago that it was partnering with the company for release of a special Birchbox, I decided it was time to try it out. I signed up for a one-year subscription, which is $10 per month.

I know that GOOP (and Gwyneth Paltrow) has received a lot of flack, but I’m a huge fan of her lifestyle newsletter and website. Gwyneth has enviable style in spades. Although many of the items- from $750 brogues to time-intensive recipes, are truly aspirational for me, the newsletter doesn’t leave me feeling sour. Instead, this seemingly Wonder Woman inspires me to do more.

My Birchbox, pictured above, arrived last week. Inside were the following items, packed with a description of each items and the purchase price of a full size version at the Birchbox website. Read on for the full list of products, my experience, and whether I think I should Purchase the item in full size or Pass on it.

Essie nail polish in a fall pick. My nail polish, called Carry On, is a deep burgundy that I plan to try out at my next pedicure- tomorrow! I don’t tend to buy nail polish though, so this one is a Pass for me.

Jouer Lip Enhancer is like a cream for your lips. I appreciate that it’s practically scent free and seems to do a good job of moitsurizing my lips. I would Purchase this.

Malin & Goetz peppermint shampoo. This item has been the biggest surprise for me. Though Malin & Goetz has become quite a cult brand, and I often pass by their uptown store, I just didn’t quite expect this particular product to live up to the hype. But it did. The peppermint scent is really invigorating but it’s not too overpowering once you’re out of the shower. Unlike many shampoos, it doesn’t flatten my hair down. This is definitely a Purchase for me.

Supergood City Sunscreen Serum: This is a pretty good sunscreen, but the texture is heavier my daily sunscreen’s texture and the Supergood sunscreen only has 30 SPF. This is a Pass for Me.

Luna Fiber Chocolate Raspberry bar: I plan to snack on this while traveling over the weekend! Given my past experience with Luna bars, I would Purchase it.

With Birchbox it feels like Christmas comes every month! Birchbox would make a great gift for any occasion. What I love most about Birchbox, though, is that it gets me to try beauty products that I wouldn’t otherwise try.

Currently there is a 4 week wait for a women’s Birchbox membership.

Have you tried Birchbox? What was your experience?
Aside from magazines and other reading materials, do you subscribe to a monthly service?