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Birchbox The Serums Starter Kit Review + Coupon

Jessica Hapak
ByJessica HapakSep 7, 2018 | 13 comments
Birchbox
3.7 overall rating
657 Ratings | 188 Reviews

BB Serums box 1

Birchbox recently added a new discovery kit to their lineup — The Serums Starter Kit.

FYI - this box is still available for purchase!

BB Serums box 2

My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).

BB Serums group shot

About This Birchbox Kit

The Box: The Serums Starter Kit

The Cost: $20 + $5 shipping ($25 value)

OR

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

The Products: Products with concentrated ingredients to help you get the most out of your overall skincare routine.

Ships to: US, FranceSpain and the UK and Canada

Birchbox The Serums Starter Kit Review

BB Serums info sheet

Here is the info sheet detailing the products included.

BB Serums acure 1 BB Serums acure 2

Acure Brilliantly Brightening™ Glowing Serum, Full-Size! - Retail Value $19.99

When I went to apply this I was surprised that it was more of an oil than typical serum, and I was a bit nervous as I was applying it in the morning when usually I apply my oils at night. This absorbed into my skin really quickly and didn’t leave me feeling greasy. What it did do is leave my skin feeling soft and plump thanks to the argan, pumpkin, and cranberry seed oils. This had a light herbal scent that I found to be pleasant, and the scent did fade quickly. Considering this is a full-size product that is the same cost as the entire box, I am happy that I like it!

BB Serums air repair

Air Repair Protect + Prevent Hydrating Serum, 0.14 oz – Estimated Value $3.58 (buy a 1 oz jar here for $26)

This serum is cruelty-free, paraben-free, and vegan. It is formulated with hyaluronic acid for hydration and cloudberry seed oil to protect your skin against the elements. I would say this serum is best for morning use underneath your regular moisturizer, and while it does help with the hydration it isn’t too heavy for my oily skin.

BB Serums ceo

Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum, 0.17 oz – Estimated Value $14.45 (buy a 1 oz pump here for $85)

I got the full-size version of this product in the January Allure Beauty Box, and it never became a part of my everyday routine. I felt like it left my face feeling sticky, and I was never able to get around that. This is designed to brighten and plump your complexion, and I think it would be best for dry skin rather than oily skin—that beeswax does pack some extra hydration along with the vitamin C and E.

BB Serums kiehls

Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate, 0.17 oz – Estimated Value $5.90 (buy a 1.7 oz jar here for $59)

I love Kiehl’s, and I am happy any time that I see the brand in subscription boxes! This serum is specifically for very dry skin, so I used this as sparingly as possible. This does have silicone, which can be an irritant for acne-prone skin. This serum will work best for dry or aging skin, as it fights to plump up fine lines and rough texture.

BB Serums balance

Balance Me Congested Skin Serum, 0.24 oz – Estimated Value $10.82 (Buy a 0.51 oz jar here for $23)

I had never tried this before, but this product has over 18,000 reviews and a four-star rating on Birchbox—that is a strong recommendation! This had a pleasant scent that was a bit citrusy and a bit herbal, so be aware if you are sensitive to fragrance. This serum is packed with moringa oil and aloe vera and is designed be used as a spot treatment for pimples or as a way to balance your skins natural oil production. I have a few pimples that are fading into acne marks rather than being an active pimple, and I felt like this helped move along the process.

BB Serums cicapair

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Re.Pair Serum, 0.17 oz – Estimated Value $7.82 (Buy the full-size jar here for $46)

This product, hands down, is one of the (if not the) best products I have ever used for the redness in my skin. I wish I had discovered this product years ago—it instantly calms both natural redness and inflamed skin and makes it look like your natural skin tone. I own this in the full-size and use it every morning underneath my moisturizer, and I will probably buy this for the rest of forever. Now that I have been using it for over a month, I do also think this serum has helped with lessening my inherent redness along with masking the appearance of it every day. If you have angry red pimples that like to show up from time to time or have rosacea, this serum should definitely be on your must-try list.

BB Serums estee

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II, 0.05 oz – Estimated Value $2.88 (buy the full-size jar here for $98)

Sleeping masks are all the rage now, but I feel like this was the OG. This serum is designed to increase the cell turnover production that happens when you sleep so your skin looks smooth, clear, and soft when you wake up the next morning. I definitely feel like this makes a difference in the overall clarity of my skin, but it is a bummer that this kit only includes enough for one use.

The Verdict: Another great discovery kit from Birchbox! This was a great way to sample different high-quality serums, and I love that a wide array of brands and concerns were included in this box. I think the Acure serum would work for most people, and considering that is full-size and worth the same price as the entire cost of the box, the value is definitely there. Birchbox promises a $62 value in this box, and I actually calculated a value of $65.44. I am impressed, Birchbox!

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 costs $20 + $5 shipping and I calculated a value of $65.44. That means you are paying approximately the following per item:

  • Acure: $7.64
  • Air Repair: $1.37
  • Sunday Riley: $5.52
  • Kiehl’s: $2.25
  • Balance Me: $4.13
  • Dr. Jart: $2.98
  • Estee Lauder: $1.10

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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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13 comments

Redhed36

I like a lot of that stuff

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Redhed36

Jessica,
I recommend serums that you don’t want to use on your face use on the back of yours hands, chest, and tops of feet. Those areas don’t tend to age well but can sometimes handle products better than the face. I’m using Skin Medica Rejuvenating Hrydrator on the back of my hands b/c I cant stand the smell. 😊

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Jessica Hapak

What a great idea! I’m totally going to do that!
Thank you!

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Pink5

I have the Cicapair cream. That stuff is great. I don’t even have to wear foundation when I use it.

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TK

I thought I was the only one who doesn’t like that SR serum. I have combination skin and it left my face greasy and sticky. Too bad because I’ve received 3 full size bottles in the past several months.

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LB

I tried to give it a fair shot because I was hoping it would help lighten acne scars but I couldn’t believe how sticky it felt and never seemed to fully absorb…even all night. I think it broke me out too. Bummer.

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Rae

I actually broke out, which was unfortunate, when I used the one in the Allure BB, since that was my first time using Sunday Riley and read so many good things about their stuff. What’s funny is that I don’t have sensitive skin, but reading low rated reviews, it is not a uncommon reaction.

Tara

I’m trying to swap for some of it but no one wants to let theirs go! I loved the one I got from allure!

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Jennifer

I still have mine if you want to trade. I’m not on the swap site though.

Marissa

The beginning of the review says the kit is over 30$

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Anna

The price is listed as $35, for $20 I’m definitely ordering it.

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Anna

I meant this part btw:
About This Birchbox Kit
The Box: The Serums Starter Kit
The Cost: $35 + shipping ($88 value)

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