I started my subscription to Birchbox in September. The first step in the process is to fill out a fairly extensive profile on your skin and hair, current beauty routine and preferences. Personally, I'm in a pretty good skincare rhythm, so I opted out of products related to that, but did request face masks (which I enjoy regardless of whether or not they do something) and in general despise fragrance samples, so that was out too. Since filling out my profile, I generally get about 1 skincare product (mostly masks) per box, and have received 2 fragrances total (both of which I loved, go figure).
Overall, Birchbox is definitely worth 10 of my dollars every month. Even if I don't love every sample, just seeing the box in my mailbox feels like a present, and I get excited to try everything out. Plus, Birchbox gives you points for every sample you review on their site, and I've earned enough cash to buy a few of my favorites. It's a nice little system. And bonus, the boxes the samples come in are always adorable and I end up repurposing all over my apartment (next month is a Rifle Paper co box, I can hardly wait). It might seem a little ridiculous to spend money on samples, but the little indulgence makes me wicked happy.
If you're interested in trying Birchbox, you can sign up here