I may not be a Birchbox subscription fan, but their NYC Flagship Store is something completely different.

Located in Soho, this two floor makeup heaven, is a beauty nerds dream. Floor to ceiling makeup products you could test and play with. There was so much, I had no idea where to start.

My favorite store feature, is their BYOB (Build Your Own Box) section. I may have not really enjoyed the items I received in my Birchbox subscription. However, I LOVE the idea of walking in, picking a box, and choosing my own items. So that’s exactly what I did.

The process is pretty simple:

• Pick your box. They have a selection of current boxes.
• Fill it with five products (one from each category).
• You could skip one category and double up on another. For me that was makeup. Of course it was!

It took me a while to complete my box. They have so many choices I couldn’t decided what I wanted. The power of choosing is overwhelming when you want it all.

A normal Birchbox subscription is $10 USD a month. At the Flagship store you pay $15 USD per box. But you get to pick it all, including said box.

I loved the experience. The staff was awesome and helpful. There’s so many possible reasons to walk in to build a box: Bridal Shower, Bridesmaids Gifts, Birthday, taking your little divas as part of a girls day out, or just because you want to treat yourself.

I should mention, Birchbox BYOB, is not just for the ladies. They do have a section for men too. Their box is $25 USD and the items for men are way better than the ones for ladies: headphones, socks, sport bottles, and tons more.

The store also carries limited edition boxes. I fell in love with the Gym Class Hero’s box and I regret not buying it. Blame it on my beauty budget (Yes, I have a beauty budget. If not it’ll get out of control). They also have deals, for example spend $60 USD or more and get a free box.

I can’t wait to go back with my biffles and have a BYOB party!

I suppose you don’t want to see what’s in my box, right? You do!? Ok-ok, I’ll show you:

I picked:

• theBalm® cosmetics Balm Desert® Bronzer/Blush in Take a Dip
• Essentiel Elements Body Lotion
• PARLOR by Jeff Chastain Moisturizing Sea Salt Spray
• Cynthia Rowley Beauty Eyeliner
• COOLA® SPF 30 Organic Makeup Setting Spray

I’ve been trying them all, so do expect reviews coming soon.

Have you been to the Birchbox NYC Flagship Store? Did you build a box? OMG show me! I need to know what you picked. Share below or on social media by using hashtag #nerdandlace. Also, follow us on Instagram, Facebook,Twitter, and Pinterest.