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Birchbox is a monthly subscription box that sends samples (and sometimes full sizes) of new and exciting beauty products from top brands. Despite being out of the game for a minute, the subscription is back! Birchbox is one of the original beauty subscription boxes and is a great way to discover new makeup, hair care, and skincare products (four to six items every month) without breaking the bank.
This is one of our top recommendations if you are looking for a subscription box — the value and sample sizes are amazing. Just like Ipsy, Birchbox sends out many different variations of their bag each month — so my review is just one of the bag variations you might receive!
My Subscription Addiction pays for this subscription. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes).
The Cost: $17 per month with annual subscription. Monthly and 3-month subscriptions also available.
What's Inside the Birchbox?
When the Birchbox arrived, I was quite taken with the stunning royal blue color of the box’s exterior. This was further accented with a ‘Birchbox’ text pattern running across the top. On the frontmost portion of the lid, there’s a printed phrase that says, “Joy is being totally you.” I appreciate the sentiment, and it sets a positive tone, which is nice. Once opening it up, I found the subscription's name printed under the box lid, as well as the month’s curation tucked away underneath some crinkle paper.
Upon opening the box, the info card was sitting atop white crinkle paper packaging. Inside there was a springtime-themed intro for the box, along with makeup tips and details about various products. I’m a big fan of this updated info card, which is actually more like a little booklet. An info card can make all the difference in one’s perception of a subscription box; presentation really does matter. Something I quickly noticed is that the four products highlighted in the info card are not exactly the same products that are included in the box. Instead, the four featured items appear to be the subscription’s overall top picks of the month. No prices are listed, but there’s a nice product photo, a brief description, and usage instructions accompanying each.
Now, on to the items!
DERMATOLOGIST’S CHOICE pH Balanced Cleanser with Glycolic Acid (AHA), 15 ml - Retail Value $5.00
The DERMATOLOGIST’S CHOICE pH Balanced Cleanser with Glycolic Acid (AHA) has quickly become a favorite of mine, offering up quite a refreshing experience. Its lightweight gel texture is exactly what I look for in a face wash, providing a thorough cleanse that leaves my skin feeling clean yet hydrated, with no feeling of dryness or tightness after. No irritation, thanks to its gentle formulation, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin like mine. Plus, it’s virtually scentless, which is another bonus, eliminating any concerns over potential fragrance sensitivities. This cleanser expertly balances efficiency with gentleness, nourishing my skin and leaving it feeling buoyant and fresh.
MELOWAY Brow Creation Gel in Dirty Chai, 6 ml - Retail Value $20.00
This Brow Creation Gel from Meloway is a near-perfect brow product. The shade ‘Dirty Chai’ is a spot-on match for my brows, enhancing their natural color without overpowering. What I love most about this product is its innovative design, featuring a grippy silicone texture on the handle. There have been too many instances in which I’ve had a brow gel (especially sample sizes with their smaller handle) slip from my grasp at the most inopportune time. This non-slip material ensures precise application – and no accidents. I noticed that the gel’s texture is a bit thicker than I expected, but it doesn’t seem to be an issue, thanks to its exceptionally designed brush. Equipped with an ample number of spines, this brush expertly distributes the product, allowing for a bold but natural look rather than a thick ‘painted-on’ look.
KOSAS Cloud Set Setting Powder in Pillowy Sheer Medium Tan, 3 g - Retail Value $18.00
I love setting powder, but I have never had the pleasure of using one like this Kosas Cloud Set Setting Powder. This shade ‘Pillowy Sheer Medium Tan’ works so well with my skin tone, which is not something that happens every time. Shockingly, this powder seamlessly meets the mark. Its texture is truly ‘cloudlike’ as the name suggests, making it perfect for all-day wear. Unlike other powders that tend to gather in fine lines, this one maintains a smooth finish for hours, avoiding the dreaded ‘cakey’ look. The powder’s ability to blend into my skin is nothing short of magical; it’s nearly invisible in my swatch photo. I have to say, this powder may have just set a new standard.
Here is a swatch of the Kosas Cloud Set Setting Powder in ‘Pillowy Sheer Medium Tan.’
R+CO Gemstone Color Shampoo and Conditioner Set, 7 ml x2 - Estimated Retail Value $1.90
R+Co is an excellent brand whose products have never disappointed me. I’ve always been a fan of their regular shampoo and conditioner, so when I saw this new ‘Gemstone’ Color Shampoo and Conditioner Set included in this month’s box, I was thrilled. Unfortunately, due to the small size of these packets, I wasn’t able to coat all of my hair for the ultimate test. That said, the portions I could treat mirrored the quality I’ve come to expect from this brand. The shampoo impressed me with its cleansing ability, leaving my hair feeling refreshed and hydrated. The conditioner lived up to its nourishing promise as well, enhancing the softness of my curls and their overall bounce. Although I don’t currently have any color in my hair, the inclusion of such a feature adds considerable value.
BUSY CO. Clarify and Cleanse Facial Serum Pads in Clarifying Citrus, 2-pc - Estimated Retail Value $1.73
These Busy Co. Clarify and Cleanse Facial Serum Pads are a lovely addition to my skincare routine. These wipes stand out not only for their generous sizing but also for their efficiency in whisking away every last trace of makeup. Infused with a serum that clarifies and tightens pores while offering protection against UV damage, these pads elevate the concept of a double cleanse. I particularly enjoy using these to remove heavy makeup before proceeding with my double cleanse of an oil cleanser followed by a clarifying cleanser. What I especially love is the fact that they’re individually wrapped, which works wonders for travel and ensures each wipe remains fresh until use.
Value - Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $17 per month with annual subscription. Monthly and 3-month subscriptions also available.
Birchbox is a great way for subscribers to experience new brands and products. As someone who enjoys seeing visual results from a product, I often would rather try things out before purchasing from the get-go. I appreciate being able to try out new products and brands this way without having to blindly commit to a full size. I also travel quite a bit, and this subscription provides a nice array of items that I can take along on my trips for optimal convenience. From the cleanser and facial serum pads, to the setting powder and brow gel, and finally the travel hair care combo, each of these items will come in handy. Overall, I’m quite happy with this box.
I couldn’t find exact retail values for every item in the box due to the sample sizes, but I estimated based on the same products in a larger size. The value of this box is $46.63. While that does exceed the cost of the box, I feel like the value could be a touch higher.
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To Wrap Up
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Probably, but you definitely can sign up to receive the next box starting 4/13.
What do you think of Birchbox?
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