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Birchbox The French Beauty Secrets Kit Review + Coupon

Jessica Hapak
ByJessica HapakApr 17, 2018 | 9 comments

Birchbox French Connection Discovery Kit bag front

Birchbox
3.7 overall rating
657 Ratings | 188 Reviews

Birchbox keeps up a fun rotation of Discovery Kits, and recently they released The French Beauty Secrets Kit. As soon as I saw it, I immediately ordered it!

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 French Beauty Secrets Kit, which is $18 + $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 French Beauty Secrets Kit

The Cost: $18 + $5 shipping (or free shipping on Birchbox orders over $50)

OR

Check out the 30% off sale for everyone, too!

The Products: Items to help you embrace the relaxed, versatile beauty vibe that the French have into your routine

Ships to: US, FranceSpain and the UK and Canada

Birchbox Mascara Try It Kit Review

Here is the info sheet which featured tips on each item from the Birchbox France Editorial Director, Mathilde Lacomb!

Standard Baggu Tote Bag in Croissant - Retail Value $10

I have heard rumblings of Baggu’s greatness, but this is the first time I have been faced with one. This bag can contain the same amount of groceries as 2-3 plastic grocery bags, and since I believe in making only one trip carrying groceries in I need a bag like this! Plus, since this is a French-themed box I love the croissant theme, and I think it is really neat that it folds up easily. This isn’t like a sleeping bag or tent where once unfolded it takes sorcery to get the bag back in the storage pouch— I was able to easily fold it up and store it with no stuffing or swearing. This will be kept in my truck for future grocery trips!

Dr. Lipp Miracle Balm, 0.1 fl oz

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.

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, 0.17 oz

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, 0.17 oz - Estimated Value $1.88 (buy a full-size tube for $28)

This is a fancy French moisturizer that comes sealed with foil, and you actually need the pointy end of this cap to open it. This isn’t a very big sample, but I want to try it out as a makeup remover the next time I use it. I liked it as a light moisturizer and I feel like it would make taking eye makeup off more comfortable.

Bioderma® Hydrabio H2O Moisturizing Make-Up Removing Micelle Solution, 0.67 oz

Bioderma® Hydrabio H2O Moisturizing Make-Up Removing Micelle Solution, 0.67 oz - Estimated Value $0.60 (buy a full-size bottle for $14.90)

I can always use more micelle water to remove my makeup or for a light cleanse in the morning, so I am happy to try this one. This was able to tackle my mascara pretty well, and I’m going to keep the rest of this sample in a makeup bag for travel.

Avène Soothing Moisture Mask, 0.17 oz - Estimated Value $2.60 (buy a full-size tube for $26)

I love the Avene sunscreen that came in a prior FabFitFun box, so I was excited to try this mask from the brand. Since this mask is aimed at balancing redness and irritation, it was incredibly soothing over my hormonal acne (which is always big, red, and painful). I am hoping that by using it as an acne spot treatment I can make this little tube last a while!

Herbivore Botanicals Rose Hibiscus Face Mist, 2 oz

Herbivore Botanicals Rose Hibiscus Face Mist, 2 oz - Estimated Value $16 (buy a full-size bottle for $32)

I love Herbivore, but I haven’t tried this rose hibiscus coconut water face mist. The scent was really light and delicate, and after spritzing my entire face felt refreshed. I would say the nozzle doesn’t give the finest mist, but it’s also not super-soaker strength either. Considering that the entire box only costs $2 more than the price of this sample, I am pretty stoked to get it.

Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil, 0.09 oz - Estimated Value $10.17 (buy a full-size bottle for $26)

I got the full-size version of this lip oil in a past box, and I love it! The pink is the perfect tint to my lips and I find it incredibly comfortable to wear. Even when the gloss part wears off my lips remain hydrated and slightly tinted, and this is my go-to no makeup day lip product. I keep it in my purse so I can always have it within reach! You can see me wearing it here.

Klorane Shampoo with Peony, 0.8 oz - Estimated Value $1.79 (buy a full-size bottle for $15)

Klorane Conditioner with Peony, 0.3 oz - Estimated Value $1.20 (buy a full-size tube for $20)

The Peony Line from Klorane is specifically for sensitive and irritated scalps, and my scalp is neither. However, the shampoo didn’t dry out my hair (always a plus) and I really enjoyed the light floral scent. My hair needs a little more hydration than this little sample of conditioner can provide, but when I mixed it with my regular conditioner my hair it was soft and easy to detangle

The Verdict: After my last Birchbox Discovery Kit wasn’t up to snuff, I think it is safe to say Birchbox has redeemed themselves! I love the croissant Baggu and the Herbivore that is half the size of the full-sized version! I really think every item matches the French theme perfectly, and it was fun to try the products out. Birchbox promised a $48 value and I calculated a value of $47.49. That’s close enough for me!

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 $23 ($18 + $5 shipping) and I calculated a value of $47.49. That means you are paying approximately the following per item:

  • Baggu: $4.84
  • Dr. Lipp: $1.57
  • Embryolisse: $0.91
  • Bioderma Micelle Solution: $0.29
  • Avene Mask: $1.26
  • Herbivore Mist: $7.75
  • Clarins Lip Oil: $4.93
  • Klorane Shampoo: $0.87
  • Klorane Conditioner: $0.58

Check out all of our Birchbox reviews and the Beauty Subscription Box Directory!

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What do you think of Birchbox's French Beauty Secrets Discovery Kit? Are you going to grab a box?

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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 ju... read more.

Jessica Hapak
Jessica Hapak
I am a staunch believer that pineapple doesn’t belong on pizza and when I’m not working as a family law attorney I enjoy hiking the Louisiana trails (alligator sightings are a favorite!) or relaxing with Duchess, my cat. I’m a sucker for anything labeled a mystery box and I’ve never met a bath bomb I didn’t like.

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9 comments

Virginia

I had seen this kit before and debated whether or not to get it. Your review made me decide to get it.

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Jessica Hapak

Glad to hear, Virginia!

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Jt

I was on the fence but after your review I ordered! Love baggu and can’t wait to try new items to me!

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Kay

I bought this to try the face mist and lip oil and should arrive in a few days. I hope the clear bag can be used for TSA. To answer below comment about lait-creme, it is a multi-use products including removing makeup 🙂 It would be too pricey for me to use it as makeup remover though!

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Snowhitetwin

The review title is wrong (mascara discovery kit), and I don’t understand why you would use the lait-creme to remove eye makeup? It’s a primer/moisturizer, not a makeup remover. How are the scents to these products? I know the Avene products are sometimes very fragrant. Just some FYIs 😃

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Jessica Hapak

Hello! If you click the product info page for the lait creme you’ll see that using it as a makeup remover is one of the recommended uses. I will smell the avene again and follow up

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Jessica Hapak

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Pam

I loved this set and as a matter of fact have ordered as an add on with my May box!

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Sandra

Thanks for the link! I wanted to get this BB box but after seeing your face swatch with the lippie I am totally passing. My wallet thanks you.

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