Birchbox keeps up a fun rotation of Discovery Kits, and recently they released The Commuter Essentials Beauty Kit. I am a full-time law student and work two part-time jobs, so I am always on the go. I was excited to see if this discovery kit could help me make things easier!
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).
This is a review of The Commuter Essentials Beauty Kit, which is $25 + $5 shipping (or free shipping for aces, or with a $50 purchase). This kit is still available for purchase!
About Birchbox
The Box: Birchbox The Commuter Essentials Beauty Kit
The Cost: $25 + $5 shipping (or free shipping on Birchbox orders over $50)
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The Products: Items to help you go from partially ready to polished without slowing you down.
Ships to: US, France, Spain and the UK and Canada
Birchbox The Commuter Essentials Beauty Kit Review
Here is the info sheet that details the products and the prices of their full-sized counterparts.
RMS Beauty The Ultimate Makeup Remover Wipes, 2 wipes - Estimated Value $1.60 (Buy 20 wipes for $16)
I tried these in the April Better Beauty Box (review coming soon!), and I have mixed feelings about them. They will make your entire face smell like you made out with a coconut, so if that isn't your thing these aren't for you. They didn't do a very good job of taking off my mascara, and overall these wipes feel a bit drier than what I am looking for in a makeup remover wipe.
Stila Cosmetics Huge Extreme Lash Mascara, 6 ml – Estimated Value $10.61 (buy the full-size version for $23)
This is a subscription box staple, and it is thanks to the jet black formula that really provides volume, curl, and definition. See me wearing it below.
Pixi by Petra Multibalm in Wild Rose, Full-Size! Retail Value $12
Cream blush and I don't get along very well, so this multipurpose balm is going to be handling just the lips. That being said, the aloe vera and shea butter make this super moisturizing, and I like the very natural hint of color it provides. It is a solid lip balm, but I don't know if its $12 solid. Getting it in a kit like this, however, is always a plus— it’s totally worth it for the value breakdown.
Here I am wearing the pixi on my lips and stila on my eyes! Gorgeous curls courtesy of the New Beauty Spring Report Box.
Arrow Protect Aluminum-Free Deodorant, Full-Size! Retail Value $9
As I mentioned in a previous review, I don't really worry about aluminum in my deodorant. I have been reaching for this on the days I wanted to smell fresh but wasn't concerned about sweating. It is pleasant enough, but it isn't something I would repurchase. I will say that this would be a good pick me up in the middle of the day or after work before going to an event.
Georgette Klinger Coconut Facial Mist, 1.7 oz - Estimated Value $3.64 (buy the full-size version for $9)
I have never heard of Georgette Klinger, but I really like this mist! The spray was really fine and misted my face well, and I enjoyed the light fragrance. I was even more impressed when I looked this product up and saw that the full-size version was only $9. This is a great, refreshing pick-me-up for the price.
R+Co DEATH VALLEY Dry Shampoo, 1.6 oz - Retail Value $17
This dry shampoo references the California Death Valley, however, any true Southerner knows that the real Death Valley is right here in Baton Rouge (and a mile away from my apartment). Now that my LSU pride has gotten out of the way, I need to preface this by saying that I don’t use dry shampoos. My curly hair is never oily enough to call for it, and I worry about products like this actually causing tangles in my hair. I tried this out before throwing my hair up in a bun, and I do think it provided some volume at the roots that made the end result a bit more polish. That may not be the main purpose of this dry shampoo, but I am digging the end result.
OUAI Anti-Frizz Hair Sheets, 5 sheets - Estimated Value $6 (buy 15 sheets for $18)
These are like a blotting sheet, only instead of being ready to absorb oil, they are ready to spread the oily love around. I used these when my hair was up in a bun and I had some frizzy stragglers, and I did notice a small bit of improvement. I think in the scheme of things, my hair would be a bit too much for one of these wipes to handle if I wanted to tackle frizz when I was wearing my hair down.
Air Repair Complexion Boosting Moisturizer, 0.24 oz - Estimated Value $2.76 (buy the full-size version for $23)
This is a standard moisturizer to me. It doesn't do a stand-out job, but it doesn't break me out or make my face even more oily. This is a great moisturizer for traveling or on the go skin pick me ups, but I probably wouldn't seek out the full-size version.
Dr. Lipp Miracle Balm, 0.1 fl oz – Estimated Value $3.25 (buy a full-size tube for $16.50)
Way back when I was subscribed to Birchbox (I think that’s over two years ago), I got this sample from Dr. Lipp. I liked it then and I liked it now— a little goes a long way and this is a very thick balm. My lips are more chapped now than they were in the winter, so I am ready for this thick salve to help me out.
The Verdict: After a recent Birchbox Discovery Kit wasn’t up to snuff, I am happy that The Commuter Essentials Beauty Kit shows Birchbox is back on track. While every product wasn't for me, everything definitely fits into the commuter essentials theme. Georgette Klinger was a new brand discovery for me, and I really liked what I tried (and the price point of the full-size versions). Value-wise, Birchbox promises a value of $62 and I calculated a value of $65.86.
The Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if I sign up today? Yes, as of publication, this box is still available!
Coupon - Check out all the free gift with purchase coupons, and don't forget to add your free sample pack with any $35 purchase.
Value Breakdown: This box cost $30 ($25 + $5 shipping) and I calculated a value of $65.86. That means you are paying approximately the following per item:
- RMS wipes: $0.73
- Stila mascara: $4.83
- Pixi multibalm: $5.46
- Arrow Protect deodorant: $4.10
- Georgette Klinger facial mist: $1.66
- R+Co dry shampoo: $7.74
- Ouai hair sheets: $2.73
- Air Repair moisturizer: $1.26
- Dr. Lipp balm: $1.48
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What do you think of Birchbox's The Commuter Essentials Beauty Kit? Are you going to grab a box?
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