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).
First Impressions
Now, on to the items!
WANDER BEAUTY Drift Away Cleanser, 25 ml - Estimated Value $8.00
I love Wander Beauty as a brand, and this particular product is one of my favorites from them. What I appreciate about this Drift Away Cleanser most is its unique texture. It’s a gel-to-foam cleanser that lathers nicely and washes away completely, leaving behind only clean, fresh skin and zero residue. As someone with sensitive skin, I always have to be cautious when trying new products, so I was relieved to find the formula to be super gentle. With a calming blend of seawater, kelp, coconut water, and more, all of which help to absorb toxins, repair skin, and defend against signs of aging, this cleanser really packs a punch. It doesn’t cause any irritation and leaves my skin feeling buoyant and hydrated. I also appreciate the non-intrusive scent, which is more natural than chemical-smelling and not overpowering; plus, it’s gone by the time I wash it off.
AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES Revive Morning Bath and Shower Oil, 9 ml - Retail Value $18.00
When it comes to my post-shower moisturization routine, body oil is everything. I like to slather it onto my body the moment I step out of the shower, and body oil (as opposed to lotions, creams, etc.) seems to be the only thing that works to keep my skin feeling smooth all day long. Now, as someone sensitive to fragrances, my preference is always unscented products, so I’m not a huge fan of the way this oil smells. With notes of juniper berry, rosemary, and grapefruit essential oils, the initial onslaught of the scent is quite potent. But thankfully for me, and others like me, I found the lingering scent to be mostly non-intrusive. What I love most, though, is how smooth and silky to the touch this oil leaves my skin. It absorbs quickly and doesn’t give that greasy or oily feeling. I’d definitely prefer this oil if it were without any fragrance, but regardless, it makes me feel like I’m cloaked in luxury from head to toe. Body Oil: 1, Dryness: 0
BAREMINERALS Ageless 10% Phyto-Retinol Night Concentrate, 8 ml - Estimated Value $18.93
It’s been a while since I’ve seen BareMinerals, so I was thrilled to find the Ageless 10% Phyto-Retinol Night Concentrate in this month’s box. This product is quite unique, offering a plant-based alternative to retinol with the same benefits but without the common issues of redness, irritation, and dryness. As someone with sensitive skin, retinol often causes me these exact issues. However, when I started incorporating this concentrate into my nighttime skincare routine, I was pleased to see that the formula was indeed non-irritating, didn’t cause my skin to peel, and there was no redness in sight. Leaving behind smooth, calm skin, this phyto-retinol is a game-changer. It delivers all the anti-aging benefits without the typical drawbacks that always made me avoid retinol. It’s a definite win and a welcome addition to my skincare lineup.
AMIKA The Kure Multi-Task Repair Treatment, 30 ml - Estimated Value $4.80
Hair treatments are great, and I love using them, so I was glad to see this Amika The Kure Multi-Task Repair Treatment in my box. However, like many subscription samples, the size wasn’t nearly enough to cover my entire head of thick curls. I did manage to test it on about a third of my hair, and I must say, the results were impressive. Even with my limited use, I definitely noticed that it left my hair feeling incredibly soft and luscious after use. While I can’t speak to the long-term benefits, based on my knowledge of other Amika products, it’s a safe bet that this one delivers just as well.
VOIR She’s Like the Wind Invisible Dry Shampoo and Conditioner, 40 g - Retail Value $24.00
Recently I’ve become more familiar with dry shampoo and the benefits it can provide. Dry shampoos don’t exactly work for my thick, curly hair, which craves oil. Unlike those with more finely textured hair, instead of wanting to rid my hair of oil, people with hair like mine are always in search of the best ways to lock in all the oily goodness we can get. This Voir She’s Like the Wind Invisible Dry Shampoo and Conditioner serves to remove the excess from those whose hair creates an ample (or excess) amount of oil naturally. This dual-action micro-powder product is unique in its formula and easy to use. All you do is pump some of the powder into your palm and then apply it to your roots wherever refreshment is desired, working it through the hair for even distribution. I noticed the product doesn’t leave behind any kind of white cast, which is always a positive. I’ll be passing this along to a finer-haired friend of mine who can get more use out of it.
EVIO SKIN Hydrogel Eye Therapy Tear Catchers Hydrate and Brighten, 6-pc - Retail Value $18.00
I am a huge fan of eye masks, and these Hydrogel Eye Therapy Tear Catchers Hydrate and Brighten from Evio Skin are the perfect example as to why. Perfect for those groggy early mornings, these eye masks have become my new go-to. They work wonders in reviving my tired under-eyes, leaving them looking radiant and well-rested. What I especially love about these eye masks is its powerhouse formula; a true superstar when it comes to brightening, smoothening, and hydrating the delicate skin of my under-eyes. I’ve noticed a visible difference even on those days when I’m running on less sleep. Plus, these eye masks really stay in place, allowing me to keep moving while giving myself a little extra self-care before starting the day. I’ve had my fair share of eye masks that tend to slide down, but these stay on well the entire time and both pamper and perform.
The Verdict
This was an incredible month for Birchbox! The highlight for me was Evio Skins’s hydrating eye gels, which do an excellent job of waking up my delicate under-eye skin even after the occasional sleepless night. Wander Beauty’s cleanser is another win for me; it cleanses beautifully without leaving behind any residue or irritating my skin. I’m a huge fan of body oil, and I was pleased with the one from Aromatherapy Associates (works wonders but could do without the scent). I haven’t thought about BareMinerals in years, but their plant-based retinol alternative really won me over. Amika’s hair treatment offers a restorative treatment for hair, and while I was only able to test it on about a third of my hair, I could tell the results were solid. Lastly, the dry shampoo and conditioner from Voir… while it’s not exactly something I can use for my own hair, I’ll be passing it along to a finer-haired friend of mine who will be able to get the full benefits from it. Overall, I thought this was an excellent box. The variety of products was nice, and the value is there.
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Value – Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $17
Value Breakdown:
- Cleanser: $8.00
- Body Oil: $18.00
- Concentrate: $18.93
- Hair Treatment: $4.80
- Dry Shampoo: $24.00
- Eye Gels: $18.00
The total retail value of these five items adds up to about $91.73, which is an incredible value for a $17 box.
Other Things You Should Know
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, but sign up to receive the June 2024 bag while stocks last.
What do you think of the May 2024 Birchbox?
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