The Mail I Actually Love to Get

Joanna, your hair looks SO PRETTY in this picture. Are you coloring it? What are you asking for? Have you guys thought about a follow up for that post that discussed what to do about going grey?

Kristen this is exactly what I wanted to say. On one hand, trying out a smaller version of a product you’re not sure of might be better than buying the full size and then discarding it if you don’t like it. But people are probably more careful about trialing new products when it costs more – so this mindfulness would result in less waste. Also, Joanna mentioned using the same bronzer for a decade, but, what’s wrong with that? I have products I’ve used for years and if they are exactly what I need, why change? For those who do like trying out new products, a lot of stores (department stores, Sephora) have beauty consultants who will do a quick makeover for free, and you can try out new items that way – no single use packaging required :)

Same here!!! Anne Hathaway!

I love the boxes too! I get them from my sister and use them organize my drawers KonMari-style. :)

Eh, I kinda disagree. I don’t think these subscription boxes are that great, but for other reasons, such as product/packaging waste and the excess resources used to make/distribute them. I’m sure there’s some fun here – it’s like getting a present, and it’s a surprise. Treating yourself to buying something nice shouldn’t be a consumer crime.

Agree 100%! The packaging alone is just so much.

I agree, Sara. I subscribed for a while, but there was so much stuff I didn’t use. My hair is very short so hair stuff, beyond shampoo, is lost on me. I don’t wear makeup, beyond lipstick. The only subscription box I have is BioClarity.

Sara, I totally get this and used to feel the same way, but I’ve realized it actually helps me make smarter choices as a consumer. I’ve bought so many products in the past that ultimately didn’t work for me and now they’re just gathering dust in my bathroom – it’s such a waste. What I like about Birchbox samples is that they’re a low-stakes way of trying something so I can make more informed decisions when I’m ready to purchase the regular sized version (or not). Basically, you’re only buying things that you know work for you (and the monthly boxes are an efficient, cost-effective way for me to figure that out). I know it’s kind of counterintuitive, but that’s my takeaway.

I have the same problem with these boxes. Yes, it’d be fun, but the odds are that I wouldn’t need or want 80% of the stuff that arrives.

I totally agree, Sara. I am so sorry for the criticism, but the environmental crisis is real. Seriously. I love Cup of Jo, but please consider what you are really endorsing here. Getting a bunch of stuff (remember tgis includes the delivery, the packaging, the production, the actual product) and throwing out most of it feels very irresponsible, and not something we should be encouraging millions of readers to do. We have about 12 years to get our act together is what Leading Scientists all over the world are warning us. The consequences of ignoring this responsibility will be dire, and it is our children who will suffer the most. Saying no to these kinds of products can make a huge difference for the better, just as saying yes can make a difference for the worst. Again sorry, but it has to be said.

Totally agree with you Sara. I think we all should genuinely rethink how much stuff we buy or surround ourselves with. Is it really necessary to try out new products every month? I support a more critical approach to ‚me-time is beauty-time‘ in this materialistic sense. I believe feeling beautiful/good in your body doesn’t necessarily involve (new) beauty products.

Agreed, Sara. And all the plastic—no thanks!

I feel the same way! It’s a lot of things you wouldn’t have bought in the first place, a lot of packaging thrown away… In France, we have a website where for a small fee you can buy decants & samples of things you want to try, and they reimburse it to you if you end up buying a product. I now do this whenever I’m looking for something new, like the perfect bronzer. Otherwise, I now religiously follow the advice of my facialist and stopped reading about & buying anything else. Oh the free time!! (for the record, I had a birchbox subscription, but after a couple of months, I couldn’t deal with all the clutter)

I totally get why people enjoy these boxes, and that some may even use almost 100% of their contents, but that does not address the point being made. If we really care about reducing plastic and caring for our world, we have to learn and be able to tell ourselves no to products that create so much waste.