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
This month’s theme, “Radiate Confidence,” truly lived up to its name! The box was packed to the brim, and the moment I opened it, a full-sized product caught my eye, making the unboxing experience even more exciting. Birchbox has been absolutely killing it with their last two boxes, so I couldn’t wait to dive into this one and discover all the goodies inside.
Now, on to the items!
DR. B LAB Foaming Face Cleanser, 125 ml - Retail Value $45.00
I was thrilled to receive the DR. B Lab Foaming Face Cleanser in my subscription box; it’s actually from Dr. Brandt, a brand I’ve trusted for years. This cleanser stands out with its generous size, giving me plenty of product to enjoy. I was intrigued by the new packaging and rebrand, which has a sleek, modern look that feels updated and fresh. As for the formula itself, it’s a gentle yet effective oil-to-foam cleanser that tackles dirt, germs, and grime effortlessly. I love that it’s virtually scent-free, making it ideal for my sensitive skin. As someone who enjoys a mix of familiar, high-quality brands and new finds in my boxes, this was a perfect pick that left my skin feeling incredibly clean and refreshed!
BILLION DOLLAR BEAUTY pH Lip Oil, 3.5 ml - Retail Value $18.00
As a lip oil lover, the Billion Dollar Beauty pH Lip Oil has quickly become a favorite! I was impressed by its unique ability to add a noticeable pop of color, which is unexpected given the clear formula, making it perfect for a subtle yet vibrant look. The lip oil is wonderfully hydrating without any overpowering scent or that tingling peppermint effect, which my sensitive lips are grateful for. I layer it with a bit of Neosporin, and together, they help keep my too-often-dry lips soft and comfortable. As a fan of Billion Dollar Brows, I’m thrilled with this cruelty-free and vegan product from their line; it’s like discovering a new favorite from an old friend.
LISE WATIER Illuminating Primer, 7 ml - Estimated Retail Value $10.97
This Illuminating Primer from Lise Watier has quickly earned its place in my beauty routine. I love the unique creamy-to-gel texture that feels hydrating and smooth on the skin, prepping it beautifully for makeup (or not) without any stickiness. It doesn’t leave behind a greasy feel, and instead gives my skin a subtle shimmer that adds a natural, dewy glow; a perfect pick-me-up for those minimal makeup days. While there’s a faint paste-like scent initially, it fades quickly. With my daily makeup routine, this primer is one I’m glad to have on hand for when I want a fresh, illuminated look.
AUTHENTIC BEAUTY CONCEPT Hydrate Cleanser, 50 ml - Retail Value $11.00
Authentic Beauty Concept’s Hydrate Cleanser has been a game-changer for my dry, curly hair. I’ve always trusted this brand to deliver, and this cleanser is no exception. The gel formula has a refreshing, clean scent and lathers beautifully, giving my hair the thorough cleanse it needs, getting rid of product buildup, without stripping moisture. After using it, my curls have a noticeable boost in bounce and shine. Surprisingly, I found that I needed less product with this cleanser than I would with others, even with my thick, curly hair, which is a big plus. As someone whose hair could always use more hydration, this is a nice go-to for hydrating my curls.
PHILIP KINGSLEY Body Building Shampoo, 20 ml - Estimated Retail Value $4.27
The Philip Kingsley Body Building Shampoo was an unexpected success for my hair. While its packaging specifies that it’s for "fine, limp, or flyaway" hair, and mine isn’t quite in that category, I was impressed with how well it performed. The light, fresh scent is lovely, and the formula lathers nicely, making it easy to work through my hair. It didn't strip my hair of moisture, handling product buildup without any harshness. Plus, the bottle size was generous enough to cover my full head of hair, which I really appreciate. While I don’t think I would purchase this for myself, since it’s not an exact match, it’s definitely a solid product.
BUSY CO. Clarifying Citrus Body Wipes, 10-pc - Retail Value $14.95
I absolutely love these individually wrapped Clarifying Citrus Body Wipes from Busy Co. I’ve used these wipes before, and I enjoyed them then as I enjoy them now. They are perfect for a quick refresh. I personally don’t like to shower at the gym since I have an autoimmune disease and some post-Covid germ concerns. Huge bonus points for them being biodegradable, and the size is fantastic, big enough for a full-body wipe-down rather than just a small area. The citrus scent is fresh and invigorating, and the convenience of having these on hand means I can run a few errands feeling fresh before heading home. These wipes are my go-to for staying clean and refreshed on the go!
The Verdict
This was a phenomenal month for Birchbox! The Busy Co.’s full-sized body wipes, a product I reach for often, was a highlight for me. It’s a rare treat to get something so practical that I’ll genuinely use, unlike yet another eyeshadow that would end up gathering dust. Then there was the full-sized Dr. B Lab oil-to-foam cleanser, from a brand I already know and love, making it an exciting addition. It’s refreshing to see Birchbox offering such high-quality items as part of their customization options. The Authentic Beauty Concept hydrate shampoo was another standout, as I’ve used and enjoyed it before. It’s perfect for keeping my hair hydrated, especially from a brand I already know works well for me. Billion Dollar Beauty’s lip oil, while a simple staple, is something I always find useful to have on hand; its compact size makes it ideal for on-the-go use, fitting neatly into my pocket. I also enjoyed trying the Lise Watier primer for the first time. The creamy-to-gel formula and the lovely illuminating effect were a win for me. The only product I was a bit less enthused about was the Philip Kingsley shampoo, simply because it’s formulated for a different hair type than mine, and I’d already received a shampoo in the box. Overall, I’d say this box was top-notch from Birchbox, packed with products that add real value and a level of thoughtful customization that I truly appreciate.
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
Value – Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $17
Value Breakdown:
- Cleanser: $45.00
- Lip Oil: $18.00
- Primer: $10.97
- Hydrate Cleanser: $11.00
- Shampoo: $4.27
- Body Wipes: $14.95
The total retail value of these six items adds up to about $104.19, which is an amazing 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 November 2024 box while stocks last.
What do you think of the October 2024 Birchbox?
Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.