Are you as much of a hair and grooming product junkie as we are? Do you like personalized but surprise goodies in your mailbox? Do you like discount rewards? Yep, we do too. That’s why Birchbox is so awesome. And in this monthly feature, we tell you all about the our monthly samplings.
It’s like getting the coolest care packages ever once a month, you get to try all kinds of carefully curated products, and if you like them, you can buy them and get points toward free or discounted stuff. You even take a quiz when you sign up so that you only get the kinds of products you actually use (i.e. no hair product for bald guys, etc.).
We love this service because although we are product junkies, we do so detest buying an expensive full-sized product only to find we don’t like it or it doesn’t work like it says it does. This way we try little sample things until we find a product that blows our minds, then we will go buy it. It’s all about finding the right tool for the job.
We should also mention that Birchbox posts are not sponsored posts. We have just found so many life-changing product through this service since we signed up that we thought we should share the goodies with you each month (although if you sign up HERE, we do get a little credit for having referred you!).
Each month we will review the men’s Birchbox products, as well as some products from the women’s box that Natalie receives that are totally guy stealable. You could just buy them for yourself, or give yourself some cover while earning serious husband or boyfriend brownie points and treat your lady.
Read on to find our favorites from this month, along with the price and size of the full-sized items, the rating and amount of reviews on Birchbox’s active review community, the Birchbox product description, our take, and whether or not we would go and buy a full-sized one (for the men’s products – for the women’s products, we only mention the products that we would actually purchase).
Men’s Birchbox
Gents, this month Birchbox knocked it out of the park. Except that’s a terrible metaphor, because this month’s theme was The League, as in fantasy football. Then again, close enough, for we know nought of sportsing.
This month we had one face cleanser, one miraculous face goo, an everything wash, tough skin fix, one fragrance, and a nifty little multi-tool (did we mention the men’s box comes with lifestyle gear and accessories?)
Most of the products from the women’s box this month were distinctly lady-centric, with one notable exception at the bottom of this post. Read on!
Jack Black Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser | $18 | 6 oz
Birchbox Rating: 4 stars | 103 reviews
Birchbox Breakdown
Sometimes, to get clean, you have to fight a little dirty. This dual-purpose liquid cleanser and toner packs a powerful one-two punch against pore-clogging dirt and oil, while moisturizing and nourishing in one fell swoop. Its sulfate-free formula leaves skin feeling smooth, fresh, and perfectly prepped for a shave.How it Works
Oat and coconut derivatives cleanse gently but thoroughly, while certified organic chamomile and aloe leaf calm skin and reduce redness. Soothing witch hazel acts as a natural astringent, and removes excess oil. Certified organic sage leaf and rosemary have natural antibacterial and healing properties, keeping skin smooth and blemish-free.
Both Natalie and Tyler have ancestors that hail from regions of deathly pale, sensitive skinned people. This one really impressed both of us, not least by how little you have to use. It says to use a nickel-sized smoosh, but a dime will do ya. That 6 oz in the full-sized bottle will last you a good long time.
Would we buy it? Yep!
If we ever run out of face wash again (we’ll be damned if we can imagine that ever happening again, we have so many samples of things these days), this would definitely be a top pick.
das boom industries Everything Body Wash | $24 | 8 oz
Birchbox Rating: 4.5 stars | 701 reviews
Birchbox Breakdown
Technically designed to shorten your shower, this all-over wash may actually do the opposite. Don’t get us wrong: The sulfate- and paraben-free formula will clean you up in a flash, but it’s the scent—a complex, multilayered aroma—that makes sudsing up not just a routine, but a ritual to savor.
How it Works
Argan oil, rosemary extract, and Vitamin E combine to nourish and hydrate both hair and skin. The rest is in the scent: Bay Rum, Smoke & Dirt is a dark and earthy blend that’s both refreshing and intoxicating. Bourbon & Leather’s top layer of sweetness gives way to a dangerous potency, like a cocktail at a speakeasy. Yuzu, Shiso & Saffron washes away fatigue with a citrusy herbal bouquet.
We got the Bay Rum, Smoke & Dirt sample, and Tyler has become plum obsessed with the stuff. We aren’t 100% convinced about its shampoo qualities, but for a body wash it is tops, and super concentrated. You wouldn’t believe how little you need to get your clean thoroughly on.
Would we buy it? Yep!
Already did.
Ursa Major Fortifying Face Balm | $36 | 2.5 oz
Birchbox Rating: 4.5 stars | 230 reviews
Birchbox Breakdown
Choosing a moisturizer often means making a sacrifice: Either you opt for a deeply hydrating cream that can leave skin looking downright reflective, or you go for something lightweight that doesn’t seem to do much of anything. Consider this face balm the ultimate happy medium. While it absorbs fast and reduces shine, the all-natural formula delivers serious moisture while keeping skin firm and youthful.
How it Works
Aloe, sunflower, and kendi seed oil moisturize without leaving a residue. Witch hazel tightens skin, while willow bark, olive leaf, and spearmint sooth redness and irritation. Birch sap nourishes skin to help reverse the signs of aging. Lavender and rosemary serve as natural antiseptics, and a host of other botanicals, from lime peel to frankincense, offer an infusion of nutrients and a crisp, woodland scent.
We already have Ursa Major’s face wash, and it is fantastic. Tyler is a bigger fan than Natalie, because even with eyes squeezed shut, it stings them like the dickens. The face balm certainly delivers on its promises, and although it is a nice moisturizer, it really shines as an aftershave with all of its antiseptic qualities (reviews say it is also magical for acne-prone skin).
Would we buy it? Yep!
Again, if we ever run out of moisturizers, which is not bloody likely.
True Utility Framework Mini | $17.99
Birchbox Rating: 4 stars | 172 reviews
Birchbox Breakdown
You’re as handy as you are handsome, but hauling a toolbox around does a number on your swagger. With this stainless steel multitool stashed in your pocket, you can swoop in and solve any number of problems—from screws that need tightening to beers that need crackin’.How it Works
This open-framed multitool includes a bottle opener, a can opener, a knife, a saw, an awl, a file, three screwdrivers (Phillips and two sizes of flat-head), and spring-assisted needle-nosed pliers, which double as wire cutters. However, it’s still small enough to fit in your pocket, or hang on your keyring, instead of collecting dust in your toolshed.
The lifestyle products you get in the men’s box are the full deal, because you can’t really make a sample size of these things. Notice the price there? Sometimes this stuff is worth double the price of the box or more. This little guy is solid and sturdy, well-made and is going to get a hell of a lot of use.
Would we buy it? Eh?
Well, we have one now, so no need. But if in need of another multi-tool, yes, this is an excellent choice.
Atelier Cologne Absolute Santal Carmin | $195 | 100 ml
Birchbox Rating: 4 stars | 131 reviews
Birchbox Breakdown
Jerome Epinette, one of the world’s top noses, is behind this woodsy, unisex scent. Part of Atelier Cologne’s Collection Métal line, the cologne absolue is a quiet, but solid fragrance with an essential oil concentration of 18%—which means it will last all day, no reapplication necessary. Bonus: The (real!) gold bottle and handcrafted red leather cap will class up your perfume display.
How it Works
Bright, fresh top notes of lime, bergamot, and saffron round out into woodsy heart notes of sandalwood, gaiac wood, and white musk. The scent has a base of papyrus, cedarwood, and vanilla.
When they say this stuff lasts all day, they mean it. Complex and exotic, it smells fantastic, but as we have said before, scent is a very personal thing, in that colognes and perfumes literally blend with your personal scent. We are far too dweeby to wear something so grown up and expensive. So it is not the best match with us, but we feel like it would be killer on someone like Javier Bardem. Penelope would probably like it.
Would we buy it? Nope
For that price? No thank you. But will totally use up that sample.
Basics for Men by Beckman Ultimate Tough Skin Relief | $12.95 | 6 oz
Birchbox Rating: 4.5 stars | 339 reviews
Birchbox Breakdown
There’s fun in flaunting your hard-earned scars—but only in moderation. So after wielding weighty implements or battling the elements, repair chapped and calloused skin with this lightweight, healing lotion. Call it TLC for the tough guy.
How it Works
This glycerin-based formula includes Beckman’s signature herbal complex—made with cucumber, ivy, and elderflower extracts—which naturally soothes damaged skin without a greasy residue.
Ha! You want tough skin? Natalie has psoriasis. Tougher than tough in those stupid spots. Not the worst case ever, but solidly moderate. This stuff won’t cure an autoimmune disorder, but this may be the best nonprescription skin stuff we have ever used, Natalie especially.
Would we buy it? Yep!
Again, just might soon.
Women’s Box
TOCCA Crema da Mano Deluxe | $20 | 4 oz
Birchbox Rating: 4.5 | 7,437 reviews
Birchbox Breakdown
In the hierarchy of our daily beauty essentials, hand cream ranks right below toothpaste and face wash. And it doesn’t get any better than this brand new version from TOCCA, the luxury Italian fragrance house. The rich formula is lightly scented and cures dryness any time of year.
How it Works
Free of parabens, this quick-absorbing cream is made with a heavy-duty dose of avocado oil, coconut oil, and chamomile extract. It comes in TOCCA’s five signature fragrances: Cleopatra (grapefruit and cucumber), Stella (blood orange), Giulietta (pink tulip and green apple), Bianca (green tea and lemon), and Florence (bergamot and gardenia).
Natalie now keeps this is her coat pocket. We barbers are constantly washing our hands, and this keep them soft and smooth. Because we touch your faces a lot, we can’t have gargoyle hands. We might buy all of the scents, but the blood orange one sounds enticing.
So many great finds this month! Remember, if you want to give the service a try for yourself, you can use our referral link HERE.
Grease Monkey
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