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 box didn't come with a card, but I was so pleased with what I saw inside the moment I opened up the box that I didn't even notice!
Now, on to the items!
DR. BOTANICALS Grapefruit and Watermelon Refreshing Cleanser, 30 ml - Retail Value $9.90
I love this product. The Dr. Botanicals Grapefruit and Watermelon Refreshing Cleanser is easily one of my favorites from the brand. Its gel texture feels absolutely luxurious on my skin, creating a gentle lather that works wonders to lift away the day’s grime, grease, and impurities. Plus, there’s no overpowering scent, which I appreciate. After using it, I was amazed by how smooth and refreshed my skin felt. My pores were thoroughly cleansed, and there was no irritation whatsoever. What really impressed me were its smoothing capabilities. I also learned that it’s packed with antioxidants from grapefruit and watermelon, which help fight environmental damage, making it an ideal pick for those of us in warmer climates or exposed to pollution. It’s rare to find a cleanser that balances effective cleansing with such a gentle touch, and this one hit all the marks.
KORRES Santorini Grape Poreless Skin Cream, 20 ml - Estimated Value $21.00
This Santorini Grape Poreless Skin Cream from Korres has become a hidden gem in my skincare routine. While the minimalist packaging might not stand out, the formula inside absolutely delivers. With salicylic acid as a key ingredient, this cream works to target acne-related irritations while being gentle enough for everyday use. I don’t mind the scent, but it reminds me a bit of sunscreen. The cream absorbs quickly into my skin without leaving any greasy residue, which is always a win. After application, my skin feels deeply hydrated with a slight tightness that I believe comes from the acne-fighting properties doing its job. Despite this tightening effect, my skin doesn’t feel dry or uncomfortable after daily use. I’m interested to see how using this cream on a regular basis helps to prevent future breakouts. A great option from Korres that works well with my sensitive skin.
SKINFIX Barrier+ Skin Barrier Restoring Gel Cream, 15 ml - Estimated Value $16.20
Wow, this is my favorite new skincare product I’ve tried in quite a while. Skinfix’s Barrier+ Skin Barrier Restoring Gel Cream is a definite standout for anyone looking to hydrate and repair their skin. This gel cream has such a lightweight, silky texture that glides on effortlessly and absorbs quickly. It’s formulated with vital lipids and peptides to help repair and protect the skin’s natural barrier, which is a must-have for me, especially during these colder months. I also love how refreshing it feels on the skin, hydrating without the slightest hint of greasiness. It’s very lightweight, and there is virtually no scent, which I appreciate. The only gripe for me is a texture thing; I wish it were in a squeeze tube rather than a pot from which I need to scoop out the product. Overall, though, it really delivers on quality and effectiveness.
KIEHL’S Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque, 14 ml - Estimated Value $15.08
Kiehl’s is another one of my favorite brands, and this Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque is a classic product for tackling congested skin, and I’m thrilled to add it to my routine. This clay-based mask uses Amazonian white clay to draw out impurities and minimize the appearance of pores, which is exactly what I need for those occasional skin resets. The texture is smooth and easy to apply, drying down comfortably without feeling too tight. After rinsing, my skin feels clean, refreshed, and noticeably smoother without irritation. It’s a great pick for those moments when my pores need a little extra attention.
OUAI Melrose Place Body Cleanser, 30 ml - Estimated Value $2.80
This travel-sized Melrose Place Body Cleanser from OUAI is one of those products that’s great to have on hand. You never know when you’re going to need to toss it into an overnight bag. I think this is especially great since I don’t really see any interesting travel-sized body cleansers too often. I love the OUAI brand, and this product does not disappoint. It’s got that high-end spa scent, and while I’m not usually a fan of rose-based scents, this one has won me over. The formula creates a thick, rich lather with just a small amount, giving that squeaky-clean feeling without leaving my skin dry. It delivers a truly nourishing cleanse that feels just a bit indulgent every time.
BRIOGEO Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Cooling Hydration Scalp Mask, 177 ml - Retail Value $34.00
I was super interested when I saw this particular product as a selection for this month’s box, and it has been an excellent addition to my hair care routine. I never really thought about using a mask specifically for my scalp, but now that I have it, I can’t wait to see the results. Sometimes exfoliating my scalp leaves it feeling a bit irritated, so the cooling and hydrating properties of this mask sound like exactly what I need. I love that this is a full-sized product; it’s such a treat to actually have enough to fully cover my entire scalp multiple times over, unlike the usual tiny haircare samples that only go so far, lol. This product feels like a game-changer for scalp care, and I’m thrilled to have picked it.
The Verdict
This was a strong month for Birchbox! The Skinfix Barrier+ gel was a standout for me, with its lightweight, silky formula that hydrates and soothes my skin without any greasiness; perfect for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. I was equally impressed with the Dr. Botanicals cleanser, which has a gentle gel texture that works wonders on my skin while providing smoothing and antioxidant-rich benefits. The Kiehl’s cleansing masque was a real treat as well, offering a deep, satisfying cleanse that leaves skin feeling smooth, refreshed, and free of congestion. For hair care, the Briogeio scalp mask has been an excellent addition to my routine. I hadn’t thought about using a mask for my scalp, but the cooling and hydrating effect feels amazing and leaves my scalp feeling calm and refreshed. I also really enjoyed the skin cream from Korres, thanks to its quick-absorbing formula and acne-fighting salicylic acid. Lastly, the OUAI body cleanser adds a touch of luxury to my shower routine with its spa-like scent and rich lather than cleanses without drying. Overall, this box had such a thoughtful variety of products for skin, hair, and body care; one of the more well-rounded and enjoyable curations I’ve received in a while!
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: $9.90
- Skin Cream: $21.00
- Gel Cream: $16.20
- Cleansing Masque: $15.08
- Body Cleanser: $2.80
- Scalp Mask: $34.00
The total retail value of these six items adds up to about $98.98, which is an excellent 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 January 2024 box while stocks last.
What do you think of the December 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.