Birchbox: August 2015: Lauren’s Box

It’s August Birchbox time! And while I have been LOVING the designs on the boxes this year, this one isn’t my favorite. I can finally put one in the recycling box and not look like a crazy box hoarder. So there’s that.

For those of you just joining us, Birchbox is the OG subscription box service, sending you deluxe sized, high-end samples at $10/month. Birchbox also has one hell of a rewards system, too. For every product you review from your box, you earn points which translate into dollars in the Birchbox shop. 

Jill and I both subscribe to Birchbox but since the boxes vary so wildly from one to the next, we both review our own boxes. Let’s see what I got this month!
This month’s theme is “Soak it up!” Birchbox wants us to embrace air-dried hair, use SPF-heavy skincare and keep our makeup minimal. OK, Birchbox. I can get on board with those things.
Here are the products I got this month!
R+Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo ($17): Every month, Birchbox lets you choose between a curated box or you get to choose a sample for your own mystery box. Since I am obsessed with dry shampoo, I decided to choose the R+Co version because I have been intrigued with this brand. My hairstylist friends are all really into R+Co so I thought I would try it out for myself. I love the size of this sample, as this size is actually worth $17 on its own. The problem is that I didn’t love the formula. Made my hair feel and even look dirtier which is sort of the opposite of what dry shampoo is supposed to do. I was hoping for volume and texture but it made me look kind of like a greaseball. Maybe this would work for someone with a different hair type? Supergoop! Hand Cream with Sea Buckthorn with SPF 40 ($34): I have been thinking about this a lot lately… essentially that I do not want to accept the fate of having spotty hands when I get older. But the only way to prevent that is to start using a sunscreen on my hands– EVERY DAY. I need to figure out a place where I will use it all the time. Maybe by the door? On my desk at work? I am still working out the logistics but I think I might cash out some of my Birchbox points for the full size version of this so I can be spot-free later in life

Air Repair Complexion-Boosting Moisturizer ($20): This is a nice moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid, which is the go-to ingredient for skincare these days. However, I truly don’t feel very strongly about this product one way or another. Is it a good moisturizer? Sure. Am I going to buy it? No. (I’m back on my Dr. MJ Bee Tox Control Cream from Korea that I love.)
Balance Me Congested Skin Serum ($30): This product came at a perfect time because my skin has forgotten it is 33 and decided it is 15. AKA zits everywhere. Why do we still get zits in our 30’s? Seriously. Inquiring minds want to know. It’s not even fair. However, I think this product was a bit TOO natural? I think I need the Serious Stuff when I get zits: the Salicylic Acids or Benzoyl Peroxides of the world.
LAQA & Co. ($20): Y’all, I have to be honest. This color did not look good on me at all. The color I received is called Cray Cray and it is this crazy orange-y pink straight outta the 80’s. I put it on and then chased Matt around where he tried to hide from me in terror. This was not a good look. But it made for some fun.

Final Grade: B

I’m super glad I got to try the R+Co dry shampoo at a much steeper discount than having to buy it myself so while it didn’t work for me, I’m glad I know. I’m excited to stick this Supergoop! hand lotion in my purse as to avoid sun spots on my hands and the Balance Me Congested Skin serum came just in time when I had many zits so that went straight to use as well. The LAQA & Co. lipstick was a giant no but at least I got to try a new product and color. I still have absolutely no thoughts about the Air Repair moisturizer.

If you are interested in trying Birchbox for yourself, click here for my referral link!

Purchased; All opinions are my own
Post contains referral & affiliate links