Every month, Birchbox lets subscribers pick between a curated box (all samples revealed) or a single sample choice with the rest of the items arriving as a surprise. This review is of the "Back to Business" curated box.
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About this Curated Beauty Box
The Subscription Box: Birchbox
The Cost: $15.00 a month + free shipping. Save with longer subscriptions.
Check our Birchbox Coupon List to get the most up-to-date coupon!
The Products: Beauty and lifestyle samples selected by the Birchbox team.
Ships to: US, France, Spain, and the UK
Birchbox August 2019 "Back To Business" Curated Box #2 Review
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There are two accompanying sheets in this month's Birchbox. One has a throwback "cootie-catcher" on the front as a fun summertime game, while the back lists out the five items included. The second sheet is a coupon code to get 100 extra points ($10) when you spend $50+ in the shop. The flipside of the coupon explains their 10% back rewards for in-shop purchases.
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Air Repair Complexion-Boosting Moisturizer, 0.24 oz. - Estimated Retail Value $2.76 (Buy a full-size 2 oz. for $23.00)
I have so many water creams and facial oils that it's kind of hard to grab my attention with a moisturizer these days. This one has a nice thickness to it and a somewhat pleasant floral-ish scent. It is quite hydrating and plumping so I can see why it's labeled a favorite as well as having close to 30,000 (mostly favorable) reviews on the Birchbox site. I probably won't personally go back for more of this one, but can appreciate a well-loved moisturizer to toss in my travel bag.
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Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator, 0.71 oz. - Estimated Retail Value $5.71 (Buy a full-size 4.23 oz. for $34.00)
It's been a minute since I used a micro exfoliator like this one. I've been using more gritty exfoliators these days so it's nice to switch back to a gentle one for a minute and it reminds me of my old love, dr. brandt's microdermabrasion exfoliant. It has a nice bright scent and washes really clean after doing a tough lil scrub. I'm a fan!
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ARROW BOOST Color Enhancing Lip Balm in Berry Busy - Retail Value $15.00
My goodness, I just love this. It reminds me of mood lipstick or something. I swear I had a similar balm as a kid! This BOOST balm is a really hydrating purple stick that glides on and subtly enhances the color of your lips. I have a feeling it will look a little different on everyone, but it gives me a nice soft pink tint. I've been wearing this a lot since getting it and I've found it to be great for hot summer days when I don't want heavy lip color and prefer a more natural look.
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Here are the before and after photos for the color enhancing balm. The color is subtle yet obviously different. Super wearable!
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MAC Cosmetics in Extreme Dimension 3D Black Lash Mascara, sample size - Buy a full size for $24.00
The past few months, subscription boxes are really making sure I don't run low on mascara. I do love trying new ones, so I'm in luck. I also really like having the small sample sizes around too. This offering from MAC is in a tube that looks flexible but is a hard plastic and comes with a wand that has the short plastic bristles that I prefer. I find them to be great at dispensing product without clumping. My lashes look noticeably fuller and longer. Superb.
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Oribe Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse, 0.8 oz. - Estimated Retail Value $5.47 (Buy a full-size 5.7 oz. for $39.00)
I am becoming a real Oribe superfan over here. Every month, Birchbox has included a product that truly helps my limp hair and gives it more volume. The latest installment is a hair-plumping mousse which I for sure thought would be too heavy for my thin hair. I was wrong because it's visibly more voluminous and even feels thicker to me. I added a small amount of the fluffy mousse to my damp hair after showering and then blowdried it like I normally do. Voila- not so flat anymore!
Verdict: I have been really enjoying finding new products via Birchbox. Since I normally review full-size skincare, I thought I'd dislike only getting mostly small samples, but as it turns out, it takes me so long to use the products up that they're a good size to get an idea of if I even like something. Oribe has been consistently crushin' it and I love the full-size balm, mini mascara, and travel exfoliant.
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? If you subscribe to Birchbox now, check the image on the sign-up page. The box design pictured is the first month you'll receive. You can't pick the curated box as your first box, but you'll be able to pick it every month moving forward.
Check our Birchbox Coupon List to get the most up-to-date coupon!
Value Breakdown: At $15.00 for this box, you are approximately paying $3.00 for each product.
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What do you think of this curated Birchbox?
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