Birchbox, where have you been all my month!

I love surprises. Especially ones that arrive at my door wrapped in a hot pink box. It's not for the kids, not for my husband, but all for me.

That's just what Birchbox is all about--subscribe and you'll get a box of high-end cosmetic samples every month from companies like Kiehl's, benefit, NARS, Marc Jacobs, and Laura Mercier. No cheap drugstore stuff, promise.

 

The best part, besides the surprise of a hot pink box, is I'm hoping to no longer have drawers of make-up I never use. Test the products to see what you really like (and will actually use) and buy all the products at Birchbox with confidence. You'll also get discounts on cosmetics and useful tips and tricks (winged liner, anyone?) plus Birchbox points which you can trade in for discounts.

The two smart women behind the site have really thought this through: You can pay $10 a month to join Birchbox (which more than pays for itself with the samples) and earn points as you go, or pay a a yearly fee up front and save 10 bucks, plus get 100 points for free, which is like another $10 coupon. It kind of depends how much of a beauty product fan you are.

It's an exciting day when that hot pink box arrives. I sometimes wait to open it after I put the kids to bed. And yes, it's just cosmetics inside. -Elizabeth

Join Birchbox for cosmetics samples and shopping discounts. Also check out the Gift Memberships for the holidays!

Find More: Beauty Picks and General Hygiene