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July 21, 2021
Birchbox August 2015 Review – Candidly Nicole Box
Birchbox
Every month, Birchbox lets subscribers pick between a curated box (all samples revealed) or a single sample choice and be surprised by the rest of the items. This review is of the Candidly Nicole curated box selection for August. (I think the curated boxes ship earlier than the sample choice boxes).
My Subscription Addiction pays for this subscription. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).
I don’t say this enough – props to the Birchbox designers who make the boxes look gorgeous each month!
The Subscription Box: Birchbox
The Cost: $10 a month (get one month free and $10 to spend in the shop with an annual subscription!)
COUPON: Use code FIRST15 to save 15% off your first Birchbox purchase and get free shipping on $50+ orders! (Not valid for subscriptions).
The Products: Beauty and lifestyle samples selected by the Birchbox team.
Ships to: US, France, Spain and the UK and Canada
Check out all of my Birchbox reviews and the Beauty Subscription Box Directory!
This month’s curated box is a partnership with Nicole Richie and her show Candidly Nicole on VH1.
Each box comes with a card detailing the items included and some tips on how to use them.
St. Tropez Gradual In-Shower Tan – 1.6 oz Value $6
I signed up for this curated box because I wanted to try this product! I think St. Tropez makes great natural-looking self-tanners and an in-shower application would be amazing. The actual application wasn’t exactly what I was expecting (you have to turn the shower off, apply it, wait 3 minutes, then turn the shower back on to wash it off). I’m still intrigued though, it sounds better than the time I spend waiting for self-tanner lotion to fully dry before putting on clothes.
Based on the reviews, it seems like this formula gives a very gradual tan like the name suggests, so I won’t have to worry about over-application.
Rene Furterer LISSEA Leave-In Smoothing Fluid – .5 oz Value $3.70
This hair styling cream is designed to help protect against heat styling (apply to damp hair), or to use for adding shine/preventing fly-aways and frizz (apply to dry hair). I just tried it on dry hair and I love the scent. The formula is also really lightweight. I think this is a product I’ll buy in full-size when the sample runs out.
dr. brandt microdermabrasion skin exfoliant – .25 oz Value $9.75
I’ve sampled this before, and I think it is a good gentle exfoliant. The full-size version retails for $78 though, and since it isn’t life-changing, I won’t be getting this in full size.
OPI Nail Polish in My Gondola or Yours? – 3.75 ml Value $2.40
I love nail polish minis! I believe subscribers will receive various shades from the OPI Venice Collection. (Not sure if it is clear from the pictures, but this shade is black). Look how tiny/cute this bottle is:
Laqa & Co Cheeky Lip in Humble Brag – FULL SIZE! (Sold in a trio set) Value $6.70
This cheeky lip crayon works both as a blush or a lip tint. I personally prefer it as a blush for my coloring. It’s easy to blend in too. Here is a swatch:
Verdict: This box has a value of about $29. I think that’s great for a $10 box, and I’ll use everything in the box, which is even more important. Did you pick a sample choice or the Candidly Nicole box this month? (Or both like me?)
Birchbox ($15 per month) was one of the very first beauty subscription boxes—we’ve been reviewing it since 2012!
Each month, subscribers get a new mix of 5 beauty samples, such as makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance items. Birchbox lets you choose whether you’d like a box of items picked just... read more.
Liz is the founder of My Subscription Addiction. She's been hooked on subscription boxes since 2011 thanks to Birchbox, and she now subscribes to over 100 boxes. Her favorites include POPSUGAR Must Have, FabFitFun, and any box that features natural beauty products!
Liz is the founder of My Subscription Addiction. She's been hooked on subscription boxes since 2011 thanks to Birchbox, and she now subscribes to over 100 boxes. Her favorites include POPSUGAR Must Have, FabFitFun, and any box that features natural beauty products!
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73 comments
PA Anna
Does anyone know what is the country of origin for Beauty Protector? I can’t find it anywhere. Everything circles back to Birchbox.
I received the Beauty Protector Oil, Coola Makeup setting Spray, Dr. Brandt Pores No More Cleanser, R& Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo, theBalm Desert Bronzer/Blush, and Miss Jessie Jelly Soft Curls. You can click on my name to see pictures.
walking
Is there anyway I can NOT get the Birchbox that I ordered this time? I do not curl my hair, and all the products are for that. I would much rather have the Candidly Nicole Box,any of them would do. Thank you. I have loved all of my Birchboxs that I have received!.
PA Anna
Walking – Is this based off the unofficial sneak peek? Sometimes they change. You can try emailing BB to see if they will let you postpone your box until October.
hallie
i picked the dry shampoo as my sample.got the curated box! wth?! i didn’t order or want the curated box . birchbox said basically oops sorry and gave me a bunch of points.i see this happened to alot of people.i got the red nail polish which i will use . everything else was given to my niece.
kerri
I just got my box. I didn’t pick a sample as I prefer to let them surprise me. I got Rusk mousse which I love,Dr.Brandt exfoilater which I can always use more scrub,La Laque lip and cheek tint in the pink Humble Brag color. I love the color. I am super pale so it is a really pretty light pinkish nude on my lips and looks great as a blush. Air Repair moisturizer which I haven’t tried yet but am looking forward to trying and Beauty Protector leave in conditoner spray. I have super long thick hair so I can always use more leave in conditoner. I’m very happy with my Birchbox.
Cheryl
I ordered the standard box, and selected the Coola make upsetting spray, which I was excited to try and which I like. My other for products included yet another dry shampoo (I have a dozen of them waiting to be used and dry, color treated hair, so I don’t use them often), very nice cleanser, a nice moisturizer, and a hideous orange crayon. This is the second Crayon I received from this brand through Birchbox. The first was an icy lavender/pale pink that makes me look like a corpse. The bright orange makes me look like a clown. Not a look I am going for as a 40 something professional woman in a corporate setting.
Sara
I got my box today for my 2nd account, my 1st account’s box has yet to even ship. This is one of the best boxes I’ve had in a long time, I got Death Valley dry shampoo, DevaCurl Super Cream, Benefit Air Patrol, Laqa & CO crayon, and Air Repair moisturizer. It’s the best box I’ve had in a long time simply because of the size of the samples lol, normally my BB’s have tiny samples, and the hair care foil packets. Plus I have thick, curly/wavy hair and I’ve been getting samples for fine/thin hair on my primary account. So I’ll actually keep everything from this BB, which I also haven’t done in a long time.
Patti
If you have curly hair, you are going to LOVE Devacurl products!
Terri
Does anyone know if the LAQA&CO cheeky trio (say that 3 times!) on BB.com is the same size product that we received in the Candidly Nicole box this month?
misty
I’m pretty sure they are the same size as in this box. I ordered them last week and they are due to get here tomorrow so I will post again when I get them if no one else has confirmed. The full sizes are $22 each on the laqa & co website and come in a gold tube. I do love the way they feel and this humble brag color seems to work on me even though I don’t wear brights too much!
Terri
I ordered the set this morning. I really like the Humble shade. It looks bright but it’s a natural flush. Can’t wait to hear how you like the set of 3.
Cat
Birchbox has been great to me recently, including an above and beyond customer service interaction…but I just looked at what’s coming for my box and I am pretty disappointed.
There is my sample pick, a makeup setting spray (which I’ve gotten a few of lately but will still use) and then the other three items are all tanner and bronzer and more SPF. Kind of contrary there.
Also…I don’t tan naturally at all. I am as fair as it comes with natural red hair, and while it’s a summer theme I kind of hoped their system would sort out tanning products from someone with my skin and hair combo. Because I cannot tan naturally, a tan looks bizarro on me.
D
I had this issue with Ipsy sending me tanning products even though my profile clearly said that I didn’t want them and that I’m black!
Have you tried reaching out to Birchbox customer service to get them to do some extra tweaking to your profile? I did and it’s helped so much!
Ragan
I got this box on one account. Got red polish, which is great for me.
And then there is my other account. Where there must have been a serious warehouse error. Because I got two samples I’d already received in the past as well as not getting the one I chose. They are going to make it right (the “cheat” to see your box early was correct because the CS representative listed the items I was supposed to get and they matched, though those are not the items I actually got…), though, so I am happy.
Bekki
How do you tell what color nail polish you received? I realize that sounds like a dumb question but I got a color that looks like it could be one of three, and there is no indication on the bottle. I want to swap it but I don’t know what color to list it as!
Heather
I would look at some swatch websites. Several nail bloggers already have their swatches on this collection up. You can look to compare colors to see if you can tell what colors you were sent. One of the most annoying things about OPI minis is that they don’t have names and mixing balls.
Nana
Log into your birch box account and then click on my name, it’ll take you to your box
Otherwise add /me/boxes/women/2015/8 to the birch box url
Latasha
Thanks I was able to see my box this way. I missed the sample window and I have got to to better at picking things bc I got the dry shampoo. I swear I get it all the time. I am black with natural kinky hair and I have zero use for dry shampoo. I have told them this so it sucks to get it again! None of the samples had called me but I wanted to pick something to avoid the shampoo. I was so hoping that I would be one of the people who got the Nicole box that didn’t pick it.
so this is what I got…
Dry shampoo
dr brant
laqa & co
an apple something sun screen
curl keeper gel (I feel like I have received this before)
Bekki
Thanks Nana. I think it’s wrong, or maybe just not updated. It’s showing I should have received a red polish, but the polish I received looks more peach.
Sarah
I got this box as well. I got the red polish and I am a little bummed because I had just bought a new bottle of red polish. This one is a little darker though.
The check/lip color is too light pink on my lips and tastes terrible. It looks really good on my cheeks though.
I am excited and nervous to try the self tanner.
This is the thirx box in a row that I have gotten a skin exfolient but its okay because I can always use it
I tried the hair cream and it smelled great. Definately smoothed my hair down but did not get rid of the frizz. I am going to try it on wet hair tomorrow.
Kimberly
Has anyone twisted up the cheek/lip crayon yet? What you see is what you get. Not much more than the tip. I chose this box for the mix of items, which I do like, but the size of the polish was deceptive and the crayon is tiny too.
Sara
You’re right! I just checked mine it is deceptively small.
Lori
I have a few of the OPI minis and have had them for years and have yet to empty a bottle. And the polish is still thin and smooth.
Masha
If you like the Dr. Brandt exfoliating, they have it at my local Costco right now for $27.
Lindsay
I got the Vasanti Brighten Up! (I’m sure I spelled that wrong) at Costco this weekend with a full size PLUS the 2oz travel size for $30. About died when I saw it. They didn’t have the Dr. Brandt at my store though. This was at an Atlanta Area (specifically, Kennesaw) Costco.
Ragan
Perhaps it is good that I don’t have a Costco membership (I live in Marietta). I would spend too much money there…
Jann
The Vasanti Brighten Up! is my #1 Birchbox find in my 3+ years of being subscribed. Much better exfoliant than the Dr Brant and the tube is 4.2oz! You can buy it on Costco.com and you dont have to have a membership to purchase most items online.
PattyK
Costco has really been stepping it up in the last year with their skin care and makeup offerings! On their website they have a bigger selection of brands including Vasanti, Dr. Jart, Jane Iredale, Eyeko, etc. They have a fantastic deal on-line for a Vasanti set including a full size Exfoliating Scrub plus a full size Detox facial cleanser and a travel size scrub for only $36.99 including shipping! A lot of times it’s still better for me to order full size products at Birchbox with my points, but I’ve purchased the Vasanti set at Costco twice now and kept my points for other Birchbox items I love.
Terri
Really! Is it full size? Where do u live? I’m in the San Antonio area. I will have to go see if they have it at my Costco.
Masha
Yes, it’s a full 2 ounces, which sells at Sephora for $70. I’m in Silver Spring, MD, here’s a picture of it in the Costco packaging:
Masha
Yep! It was at the Costco in Wheaton, MD and it’s the 2 ounce size. Here’s a pic: https://twitter.com/mashasapper/status/628349845120675844
roxxie
i got the same box as above and also got another one with my points and got a gold nail polish.. i really liked this box, surprised at how small the nail polish was though
Brandy
I got the same box and same color polish and I want to swap for more mini’s in different shades. I didn’t realize the laqa and co is a lip or cheek tint. I tried it as a lippie and hated it. Ir turns to be so pale on the lips. I’ll try it as a cheek tint. I’m excited to try the Dr. Brant and self tanner; haircare also. This looked like the perfect box for me; glad I chose the curated box this month. Also you can subscribe to Birchbox and hseo coupon code BBJETBLUE10 for 100 pts = $10 credit to the store. Best deal right now. 🙂
Laura
Looking forward to receiving this box. I agree with the poster above regarding the size of the polish. Regular size bottles usually get too thick halfway down, so the small bottle will be just fine. I have used the self tanner before. If you already have some tan, this will give you a really nice color. I haven’t really noticed much of a change on the always hidden parts of my anatomy, but it definitely enhances the color of my already acquired tan. Hope this makes sense!
Jasmine
Hey! Just wanted to leave information about the birchbox road trip. First 100 people get a free box. Assemble your own box or pick up a curated box. Men’s boxes are $25 and women’s boxes are $15. With purchase and 3 month subscription you also get 2 months free. With any purchase you can apply points at check out. I wish I had known this information prior to showing up, but I was lucky enough to snag a free box so I can’t complain too much! Definitely an event to get more subscribers, but it was nice to finally get the samples I’ve been wanting. For women you get three choices (pick one in each) in make up, fragrance, skincare, and hair. Men’s choices (pick one in each) are lifestyle, fragrance or skincare, hair, and beard care/ hair. There are enthusiastic represantives to talk to you about each and every product.
Lynn
Thanks for this info! Headed to Chicago next weekend and was planning on swinging by Birchbox! Did they have a good selection of samples to choose from?
Jasmine
I thought so, but I’m only a few months into birchbox. For the women’s box the make up choices were still look at me liquid in Venezia, benefit porefessional, and w3ll people expressionist mascara. I can’t remember the fragrance choices, but I picked one with spray sample. Hair care samples include oribe dry texturizing spray, R+Co Death Valley dry shampoo, and a rusk product of sorts. Skincare included coola mango, supergoop, shiseido spf. The men’s side is more of a blur.
Sara
What did everyone get in the surprise box? Also where is the swap section?
PA Anna
Sara – The swap tab is at the top of the screen if you are using a PC. I can see it on my phone when I hit menu and then swap. I don’t think it is in the app. I could be wrong about that because I don’t follow the app news much. I have an android.
My box shipped today! I think the curator box is beautiful.
Terri
I’m getting the Nicole box too. I think it’s one of the best curated boxes yet. I will enjoy trying everything in this box. Are their different colors in the blush/lip crayon being sent out or will everyone get the same one?
Abby
I think that all the curated boxes have the pink tint. I got mine today and live the color for both checks and lips. I had to mix it with some aquaphor on the lips otherwise it looked terrible. It was easy to work with on the cheeks though.
Terri
Ok. It seems alot of pinks today are just plain crazy!! I got the Stila lip in Bella and I looked like a clown! Lol
chery
I got the curated box but didn’t choose that. You do not get points on the curated box???? I didn’t know that. I’m not happy with this box and since I didn’t request it am contacting BB to see why they sent me it.
Erin
You get the points if its your monthly box– you don’t if you buy it in addition to your monthly box.
Dean
I guess the black polish is meant to reference the color of the filthy water in Venice LOL. But I sure hope I get a pink or a gold!!! I think the Laqa and the leave-in hair product will be my favorite items from this very pretty box.
christina
I received OPI My Gondola or Yours; I wanted O Suzi Mio or Gelato on My Mind. Not sure if thise were offered- I would have to watch the vid again, but those colors are gorgeous!! Otherwise happy with the box. I won’t use the self tanner, but I love laqa & co!
Patti
I feel misled regarding the OPI nail polish being mini as they did not mention that and it’s the reason I chose this box. Also, Liz, you said the color you received was black and they said they’re offering a dusty pink, rose gold, red or navy shade. Is yours the navy?
Chris R
In my opinion, the assumption should always be that you are getting samples/deluxe samples… being that it’s a sample box. The OPI samples do last an amazingly long time, the size is deceiving.
Patti
I don’t make assumptions because I’ve received a number if full sized items in my Birchbox, including nail color. I found out after the fact that they mentioned it was mini in the video but I read the description when they announced the curated box and it wasn’t mentioned.
Gamine1
I don’t think this is rose gold. It’s orange. It looks more coral if I add a sheer coat of pink on top.
HL
Lorelei does mention in the sample choice video that it is a mini nail polish.
kerri
No it is very dark black. I have it.
kerri
For anyone who loves the Opi samples I got 4 different colors from that Venice Opi collection at Ulta last night for free. Didn’t have to buy anything.
Marie
how??? I want it!! You just went to ulta and gave it to you as a form of promo?? Let me know! Thx u!
kerri
Yes. I asked the girl what color from the new collection she would recommend. She handed me 4 tiny bottles and said here try these. I think Opi must have only released these few colors because I got the same colors the Nicole box offered.
asagaobalcony
Is the LAQA really full size? In the youtube video for Canadian subscribers that I watched yesterday on their channel, they showed that pink tube next to the true full size tubes which are gold. Confusing.
Liz Cadman
Hm, it seemed like a full size item to me, and from the pictures of this listing the scale seemed right: https://www.birchbox.com/shop/laqa-co-charm-school-kit
That Birchbox listing doesn’t give a size measurement though, so I’ll try to verify elsewhere. Sorry!
HL
The birchbox set is all minis. These are the ones shown in the Canadian video and they retail for $22 for the full size: http://www.laqaandco.com/collections/lip/products/humble-brag-cheeky-lip-pencil
