This month’s Birchbox theme is “Fresh Paint”, and tells us that “September means turning the page on summer, and diving into fall’s colors, textures, and inspiration”. That’s funny, I thought September meant we pumpkin-all-the-things and try to ignore that stores have Christmas trees up already. In any case let’s dive in and see what Fall stuff Birchbox has brought us.
Because it’s Birchbox’s anniversary we get one of the super cute printed boxes. I love this and it will go into my ever growing box pile.
Now for what’s inside.
Acure Organics Day Cream
(Retail 1.75 oz: $18.99)
Description: “Made with gotu kola stem cells this anti-aging moisturizer firms and protects skin”
Verdict: Miss
I tend to prefer day time moisturizers that are multi-taskers like CC/BB creams and those that have SPF. It’s nice that this is an organic product, but it’s just not particularly interesting or useful for me.
Harvey Prince Ageless Liquid Loofah
(12 oz Retail: $21.00)
Description: “Infused with a grapefruit-vanilla fragrance, this wash hydrates and softens skin.”
Verdict: Hit!
I love getting body washes because they are something I will always use up. I adore citrus scents and this one was wonderful. Grapefruit can sometimes read a little bitter to me, but this was one fresh and fruity. I didn’t notice any discernible difference in my skin after using it, but it had a nice lather and the smell wasn’t overpowering. I probably won’t buy this since my subscription box habit keeps me well stocked with shower gel, but it’s a nice splurge if you’re in the mood for a high end bodywash.
Macadamia Professional™ Healing Oil Spray
(2 oz Retail: $14.50)
Description: “Lightweight, quick-absorbing formula that combats frizz, boosts shine, and blocks UV rays”.
Verdict: Hit!
This was the sample I chose from the selections and I really like the product. It doesn’t weigh your hair down like some oils and I did feel that it helped contain my frizz. I’m not crazy about the scent, but it fades away rather quickly so it’s not a problem. This was a really generous sample (it’s 2 oz size!) so it should last me awhile. This item alone more than paid for the box.
Real Chemistry Luminous 3 Minute Peel
(1.7 oz Retail: $48.00)
Description: “”This acid-free peel gently exfoliates for instantly softer, smoother, brighter skin.”
Verdict: Hit!
I’ve always wanted to try one of these at home peels, but my skin can be pretty sensitive so I’ve generally avoided them. I haven’t had a chance to use this yet but I’m excited that it’s acid-free and gentle. This is the type of item I’d probably never purchase unless I tried it first so I’m psyched to get a sample of this. (Cross your fingers it doesn’t make my face look like a tomato).
Temptu S/B Highlighter in Champagne Shimmer
(1 oz – Retail: $27.50)
Description: “Liquid shimmer that illuminates and contours your complexion or gives an allover glow.”
Verdict: On the Fence
First, this is the teeny weeniest bottle to ever teeny. Seriously this thing is almost Barbie sized. Putting aside the packaging, I just can’t figure this product out. I am super pale and the color looks really dark in the bottle so I was worried it would make me look weirdly orange. Once I applied it, the liquid totally disappeared into my skin. I didn’t see a shimmer or a contour, or a shimmer of a contour. Maybe I’m using it wrong? I’d love to hear what you other Birchbox ladies thought of this one.
BIRCHBOX FIND
ChapStick® Dual-Ended Hydration Lock Moisturize & Renew
(2.2 g. – Retail: $2.99)
Description: “For instantly smoother, younger-looking lips, use the “moisturize” side of the stick, which has antioxidants CoQ10 and vitamin E. Flip to the “renew” side for an infusion of replenishing plant butters (think: shea and mango).”
Verdict: Like
I know this isn’t high end, and it’s sort of like Chapstick is playing dress up as fancy skin care, but it’s a full size product and now that cold weather is heading our way, it will be useful. I haven’t opened this yet since I have about eleventybillion balms already being used. I may pass this along to someone else, or it may find it’s way into my commuter bag during the winter. In any case it’s a practical little guy that will definitely get used.
OVERALL
Verdict: Hit!
The healing oil spray alone made the $10.70 I paid for this box totally worth it. I loved the scent of the bodywash and I’m psyched to try out the peel. While the day cream wasn’t a hit, and the Temptu is a bit challenging, overall the items were a win.
After reviewing all the products, I got $6 worth of Birchbox points so my great deal at $10.70 turns into an even better deal at $4.70.
I have plans to head out soon to the Birchbox store in Soho, so if you want to get a peek at the Brick and Mortar Birchbox, be sure to stop back.
What did you receive in your September Birchbox? Did you also get the Temptu Highlighter and did it work with your skintone?
THE BACKSTORY
Birchbox subscriptions cost $10 per month or $110 per year.
Your options: Women’s Box or Men’s Box
Points System:
Whenever you buy something at Birchbox they give you Birchbox points. $1.00 = 1 Birchbox Point.
Each 100 Birchbox reward points can be redeemed for $10.00.
You can also earn points by reviewing the samples they send you (10 points per sample) and referring/subscribing friends. If your review all the items you receive in your box each month, you’ll receive 50 Birchbox rewards points!
If you purchase a full size of one of the sample items they sent you in that same month, you receive free shipping on them and often extra points.
Lisa Preziosi 
I also got the Temptu highlighter and really liked it. It adds just a little bit of luminosity. I put a little bit on the back of my hand and put it on a larger brush and just stipple it onto the tops of my cheeks and a little bit near my brow bone. Just a nice little accent over a clean powder look.
I just used my fingers to apply a small amount. Maybe that was my mistake and I should have used a brush instead. Thanks for sharing! I’ll have to try out your technique.