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Birchbox The Acids And Vitamins Kit Review + Coupon

Jessica Hapak
ByJessica HapakMar 29, 2018 | 15 comments

Birchbox Acids and Vitamins Kit Bag closed

Birchbox
3.7 overall rating
657 Ratings | 188 Reviews

Birchbox’s The Acids And Vitamins Kit is a discovery kit featuring some of Birchbox’s picks to introduce you into the world of acids and vitamins. Just like The 2018 Lip Service Kit, this is packaged in a clear ziplock bag rather than a box.

My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).

This review is for The Acids and Vitamins Kit, which is $25 plus $5 shipping. This box is still available for purchase!

Birchbox Acids and Vitamins Kit review

About Birchbox

The Box: The Acids and VItamins Kit

The Cost: $25 + $5 shipping (or free shipping on Birchbox orders over $50)

OR

Check out the 30% off sale for everyone, too!

The Products: Targeted treatments to introduce you into the world of skincare acids and vitamins.

Ships to: US, FranceSpain and the UK and Canada

Birchbox The Acids and VItamins Kit Review

Here is a breakdown of the items included, and there is a handy key symbol to figure out which acid/vitamin is in each product

(MALIN+GOETZ) vitamin e face moisturizer, 2 foil packet samples

(MALIN+GOETZ) Vitamin E Face Moisturizer, 2 foil packet samples - Estimated Value $0.25 (buy the full-size version for $50)

I don’t think anyone ever loves getting foil packets in their subscription boxes, but at least each of these packets had enough for two uses. I’ve been using it in the mornings. It leaves my skin soft and not greasy, and my skin feels well hydrated even a few hours after using. I haven't used it nearly long enough to know if the vitamin E in this moisturizer is repairing my acne scars, but at least my skin is being protected from free radicals!

Marcelle Hydra-C Eye Contour Gel-Cream, 3 mL

Marcelle Hydra-C Eye Contour Gel-Cream, 3 mL - Estimated Value $5.40 (buy the full-sized version for $27)

This eye cream is designed to be used in the mornings to brighten any dark circles left over from the night before, while also protecting from free radicals. To be honest, I am not really sure what free radicals are or why I need protection from them, but I am happy to have the protection regardless. I haven't really noticed any brightening effects, but It is nongreasy, hydrating, and a little goes a long way.

COOLA® Classic SPF 30 Dawn Patrol™ Makeup Primer, 5 mL

COOLA® Classic SPF 30 Dawn Patrol™ Makeup Primer, 5 mL - Estimated Value $7 (buy the full-sized version for $42)

I definitely know the importance of SPF and protecting my skin, but I am still awful about using SPF daily. Luckily this is a primer that has SPF in it, so I can get a smooth base for my makeup with added protection from the sun. This also slightly smoothed out my pores and has a matte finish, so I would feel comfortable wearing this alone on a no-makeup day. Plus, no greasy feeling!

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment, 5 mL

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment, 5 mL - Estimated Value $17.50 (buy the full-sized version for $105)

I love the Sunday Riley brand, and I have heard awesome things about their good genes line. Even though I don't have wrinkles to worry about (yet), I do have a lot of breakouts. This kit came right when I had some small pimples forming on my skin, and this treatment used in combination with the Cane + Austin miracle pads soothed my sore pimples and brought them to a head far quicker than their usual lifespan. I’ve used these this treatment twice at night, and my pimples are already almost gone. I will use this sample down to the last drop!

Cane + Austin 20% Miracle Pads®, 3 pads

Cane + Austin 20% Miracle Pads®, 3 pads - Estimated Value $3.90 (buy the full-sized version for $78)

The 20% glycolic acid in these pads are the real powerhouse, but even though these pads are strong they did not leave my skin irritated, tingly, or red after using. The exfoliation and cell turnover that is promoted from using these pads has really helped my acne heal, and if the price wasn't so steep I would consider purchasing the full-size version!

Herbivore Botanicals Blue Tansy AHA + BHA Resurfacing Clarity Mask, .5 oz

Herbivore Botanicals Blue Tansy AHA + BHA Resurfacing Clarity Mask, .5 oz - Estimated Value $10.43 (buy the full-sized version for $48)

I have tried this before and I am happy to have another sample of it! This is a really effective mask for acne because it is soothing for current breakouts while gently exfoliating and unclogging pores. This does have a strong herbal scent that can take a while to get used to— online reviews show some people love it and some people hate the smell. I tolerate it because I love the effectiveness of this mask, but it certainly isn't a smell I would willingly want in my skincare.

Paula’s Choice RESIST Barrier Repair Moisturizer with Retinol, 10 mL - Estimated Value $6.60 (buy the full-sized version for $33)

This is a wrinkle-fighting moisturizer designed to deliver much-needed hydration to skin. It has Retinol in it, so it is definitely effective at hydrating my skin. It was a bit too rich to use all over my face, however, I have been having some weird skin problems where my t-zone is incredibly oily (as usual) but I am battling some dry skin patches just on my right cheek. This is going to be used to target that dry skin patch and hopefully resolve the oddness that is my right cheek.

PETER THOMAS ROTH Water Drench® Hyaluronic Cloud Cream, 7.5 mL - Estimated Value $8.13 (buy the full-sized version for $52)

The mix of hyaluronic acid and ceramide in this moisturizer makes it very light while still providing a strong dose of hydration. This made my skin very soft without making me more oily, which means this product is a winner in my book.

The Verdict: I really enjoyed this discovery kit! I appreciate that Birchbox included an info sheet that really breaks down what each acid and vitamin does, and why it is good for your skin. Getting a product from Sunday Riley is always nice, and Cane + Austin and Marcelle were skincare brands that were new to me. I already know and love Herbivore and Peter Thomas Roth, so overall this box was an awesome mix of new and established skincare brands, and my skin looks better after using the products in this kit. I calculated a value of $59.21, which is below the promised value of $68, but I still feel like I got my money's worth.

The Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if I sign up today? Yes, as of publication, this box is still available!

Coupon - Check out all the free gift with purchase coupons, and don't forget to add your free sample pack with any $35 purchase.

Value Breakdown: At $30 ($25 + $5 shipping) for the kit, here is what you are paying approximately per item: 

  • (MALIN+GOETZ) vitamin e face moisturizer: $0.13
  • Marcelle Hydra-C Eye Contour Gel-Cream: $2.74
  • COOLA® Classic SPF 30 Dawn Patrol™ Makeup Primer: $3.55
  • Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment: $8.87
  • Cane + Austin 20% Miracle Pads®: $1.98
  • Herbivore Botanicals Blue Tansy AHA + BHA Resurfacing Clarity Mask: $5.28
  • Paula’s Choice RESIST Barrier Repair Moisturizer with Retinol: $3.34
  • PETER THOMAS ROTH Water Drench® Hyaluronic Cloud Cream: $4.12

Check out all of our Birchbox reviews and the Beauty Subscription Box Directory!

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What do you think of Birchbox's The Acids And Vitamins Kit?

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Birchbox was one of the very first beauty subscription boxes—we’ve been reviewing it since 2012! Each month, subscribers get a new mix of 5 beauty samples, such as makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance items. Birchbox lets you choose whether you’d like a box of items picked just for you (incl... read more.

Jessica Hapak
Jessica Hapak
I am a staunch believer that pineapple doesn’t belong on pizza and when I’m not working as a family law attorney I enjoy hiking the Louisiana trails (alligator sightings are a favorite!) or relaxing with Duchess, my cat. I’m a sucker for anything labeled a mystery box and I’ve never met a bath bomb I didn’t like.

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15 comments

Anna

Jessica, Great review.
I’m over 35 and I still break out, it’s like my body is confused and thinks I’m going through puberty again 😆.

I’d suggest trying a sample of Peter Thomas Roth’s AHA and BHA clearing gel or their travel set acne minis. I suggest because I wish I’d found it sooner. It’s great they included primer with sunscreen since aha bha and retinol generally recommend to use them with sunscreen whenever you’ll be outside.

I’m ordering this kit for the Coola & Sunday Riley.

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Luna

I’m currently using PTR’s acne clearing gel as a spot treatment now, and it is really good! This is one of the few spot treatments where I’ll actually notice a difference throughout the day or overnight. 🙂

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Jessica Hapak

Thank you Anna! I will look into PTR!

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Kate

Hey Jessica. before you buy any of the cane and austin peel pads, I would recommend going to Caroline Hirons website and reading her review. She has a real issue with some of the ingredients, mostly the acetone, and wouldn’t recommend them. She does recommend some others. Also Christopher at tophcam dot com brought up the acetone issue. Just wanted to mention it.

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Luna

I miss Chris’s YT videos. Where did he go?

I do remember both of their reviews for those Cane & Austin pads. I guess fortunately I don’t use them regularly, but when I have my skin responds well to them… weird skin. Lol

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Jessica Hapak

Thank you for letting me know, Kate!

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Luna

Hi Jessica,

You can find those Cane + Austin pads at TJ Maxx (maybe even Marshalls too… they’re both the same to me 🙂 ). I’m pretty sure they sell them for $24.99 there. 🙂 I bought a box a while ago, and was tempted to stock up when I saw a few boxes there recently, but I was good and practiced restraint that day.

And I have to say…. dang, you did it again! Your review is making me kick myself for not getting this kit when I had the chance to get it for 25% off. I saw it, but for some odd reason I picked up two other kits, and chose not to get this one. I think because of the word “peel” in the title… I was envisioning products that were all like chemical peels which I wasn’t really interested in so I didn’t bother looking at its contents. Your review of another kit… the one with the Estee Lauder night serum also made me kick myself for not getting it, then when the sale happened it was sold out. Argh! 😀

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Jessica Hapak

Awh, thanks Luna! That really makes me feel like I’m doing a good job reviewing if I make you regret not buying a box. I always look forward to your comments.

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Luna

haha! 😀 You are definitely a great reviewer. 🙂

Luna

Ooops, “peel” isn’t in the title of the box…. I think my brain translated the word “acid” to “peel” during the sale, so it turns out I was thinking of a totally different type of product then. darn brain.

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Sue

Hi Luna. I just wanted to mention that if you like Estee Night Repair Serum, MISSHA Time Revolution Night Repair New Science Activator Ampoule is a less expensive dupe compared to ELNR. IMO it’s even better than ELNR and I had used many EL products for years since I was in my late 20’s before I switched over to K Beauty. If you’re interested you can check out misshaus dot com or sokoglam

Barb M

I received the Hydra C in one of my Birchbox sub boxes and it had very little product. Enough for one application.

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Rachel

I got it in one of my Birchbox sub boxes and mine was pretty empty too. However with folding it up and squeezing as much as possible out, I was able to get out about 4-5 uses. Loved it and ended up purchasing the full size.

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Jessica Hapak

Hi Barb!
My eye cream wasn’t full to the very top but I definitely have been able to get multiple uses out of it. Sorry you had the trouble.

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