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Birchbox Holiday Lip Kit Review + Coupons

Jessica Hapak
ByJessica HapakNov 28, 2018 | 11 comments

Birchbox Holiday Lip Kit Review - Box Closed Front

Birchbox
3.7 overall rating
657 Ratings | 188 Reviews

Birchbox recently added a new discovery kit to their lineup —  The Holiday Lip Kit!

FYI – This box is still available for purchase!

Birchbox Holiday Lip Kit Review - Box Open Top

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

Birchbox Holiday Lip Kit Review - All Products Group Shot Top

About This Kit

The Box: Birchbox Holiday Lip Kit

The Cost: $35 + $5 shipping

LIMITED TIME DEALS: Save up to 45% off items in the Super Sale category when you spend $30+! No coupon code necessary, the discount is automatic. Learn more here!

Also, Birchbox's Black Friday Deals are still available!

No coupon code necessary, the discount is automatic!

The Products: Everything you need for festive holiday lip looks!

Ships: to the US and Canada

Birchbox Holiday Lip Kit Review

Birchbox Holiday Lip Kit Review - Birchbox Lips bag Top

Look at the gorgeous bag this kit comes in - I am seriously in love.

Birchbox Holiday Lip Kit Review - information sheet Top

Here is the info sheet for the products included.

Birchbox Holiday Lip Kit Review - Grande Cosmetics GrandeLIPS Hydrating Lip Plumper in Clear Top

Grande Cosmetics GrandeLIPS Hydrating Lip Plumper in Clear, 0.05 oz – Estimated Value $16.88 (buy the full-size version for $27)

This is probably the most well-known product from the Grande Cosmetics line, but it doesn’t react well with my skin. This lip plumper crosses the line from tingling to burning, and I have noticed that usually after using I will get a pimple right next to my lip in the next day. I know a lot of people swear by this, though.

Birchbox Holiday Lip Kit Review - Lipstick Queen Medieval Lipstick 1 TopBirchbox Holiday Lip Kit Review - Lipstick Queen Medieval Lipstick 2 Front

Lipstick Queen Medieval Lipstick, 0.05 oz – Estimated Value $3.87 (buy the full-size version for $24)

I love this lipstick! It starts off as a super sheer berry, and you can build the color up by applying multiple layers. It is also insanely hydrating and comfortable to wear - I seriously may buy this in the full-size, even though I have about a million lipsticks already.

Birchbox Holiday Lip Kit Review - Stila Cosmetics Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Patina Shimmer Front

Stila Cosmetics Stay All Day® Liquid Lipstick in Patina Shimmer, 0.05 oz – Estimated Value $11 (buy the full-size version for $22)
I have loved the Stila liquid lipstick line for a while, and I have even loved Patina. What surprised me is that Stila recently released some of their classic shades in an updated matte shimmer, and I am absolutely in love. You get the same great matte finish and long-lasting color, with a gorgeous note of gold shimmer. If glitter lip gloss or dark red lips aren't your things, this lipstick is a fun way to add some holiday pizazz to your look while not being too bold.

Birchbox Holiday Lip Kit Review - Winky Lux Disco Gloss in Far Out Front

Winky Lux Disco Gloss in Far Out, 0.05 oz – Estimated Value $5 (buy the full-size version for $14)

Winky Lux has some of the most fun product packaging and product ideas- look at this gorgeous purple gloss! What is even better is that this gloss adjusts to your body’s pH to become a great rosy pink gloss with glitter. The formula isn’t too sticky and I am going to be wearing this everywhere this holiday season.

Birchbox Holiday Lip Kit Review - Smashbox Cosmetics Insta-Matte Lipstick Transformer Front

Smashbox Cosmetics Insta-Matte Lipstick Transformer .16 oz – Estimated Value $11.29 (Buy a .34 oz full-sized tube for $24)

I am not a big fan of this lipstick transformer - it says not to use it on glosses, lacquers, or balms, and about 99% of the lipsticks I own are already matte. After digging around I found a regular lipstick, and once I applied this lipstick transformer I was immediately unhappy with the resulting texture - it wasn’t comfortable to wear and it transferred a ton. I love Smashbox, but this product isn’t very loveable. This has three and a half stars on Birchbox, and honestly, I am surprised the rating is that high.

Birchbox Holiday Lip Kit Review - Laura Geller New York Lip Strip Smoothing Sugar Scrub Front

Laura Geller New York Lip Strip Smoothing Sugar Scrub, 0.24 oz – Estimated Value $7.84 (buy the full-size version for $16)

I have never tried this before and I have been missing out. This is a super hydrating lip scrub that is mostly oil with a small bit of sugar (so it isn’t too gritty), and it also has peppermint oil in it! This is perfect for priming your lips before going in with your lipstick. How I use it is by applying it and wearing it while doing my makeup, wiping it off, and then applying my lipstick. I am happy with how this helps smooths my lips so my liquid lipstick isn’t catching on chaps.

Birchbox Holiday Lip Kit Review - Smith & Cult The Tainted Lip Stained in Sweet Suite Packet frontBirchbox Holiday Lip Kit Review - Smith & Cult The Tainted Lip Stained in Sweet Suite Open

Smith & Cult The Tainted Lip Stained in Sweet Suite - Full-Size! Retail Value $24

It is a pet peeve of mine when a lip product calls itself a stain when it doesn’t actually stain my lips. So in my professional opinion, this isn't a stain. What it is, though, is the most comfortable lip gloss I have ever worn. It isn't sticky, it is hydrating, and it is a lovely light pink color that matches my natural lip color perfectly.

Birchbox Holiday Lip Kit Review - M·A·C Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Russian Red Packet TopBirchbox Holiday Lip Kit Review - M·A·C Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Russian Red Open

M·A·C Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Russian Red - Full-Size! Retail Value $18.50

After Ruby Woo I think Russian Red is one of MAC’s most iconic shades, so props to Birchbox for including this full-size tube!. Russian Red is an intense blue-based red, and for being a matte formula this is pretty comfortable to wear.

Birchbox Holiday Lip Kit Review - Lips Swatch Top

Here are the swatches! From top to bottom we have MAC Russian Red, Stila Patina Shimmer, Winky Lux Far Out, Smith and Cult Sweet Suite, and Lipstick Queen Medival.

The Verdict: Wow! Birchbox knocked their Holiday Lip Kit out of the park. This kit is packed with so many good lip products, and even though the Smashbox and Grande Cosmetics were misses for me I am so happy with the Stila, Laura Geller, Winky Lux, and Lipstick Queen products that I don’t really care. Value-wise, this kit has a total value of $98.38, not even including the value of that gorgeous makeup bag. Birchbox promised a value of $106, and I think that $8 discrepancy is the value of the makeup bag. For $40 ($35 + $5 shipping), this bag is an amazing deal full of fun lip products that are perfect for the holidays.

To Wrap Up:

Can you get this box if you sign up today? Yes, as of publication, this kit is still available.

Value Breakdown: This box cost $40 ($35 + $5 shipping), and I calculated a value of $98.38. That means you are paying approximately the following per item:

  • Grande Lips: $6.86
  • Lipstick Queen: $1.57
  • Stila: $4.47
  • Winky Lux: $2.03
  • Smashbox: $4.59
  • Laura Geller: $3.19
  • Smith & Cult: $9.76
  • MAC Cosmetics: $7.52
  • Makeup Bag: n/a

LIMITED TIME DEALS: Save up to 45% off items in the Super Sale category when you spend $30+! No coupon code necessary, the discount is automatic. Learn more here!

Also, Birchbox's Black Friday Deals are still available!

No coupon code necessary, the discount is automatic!

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

Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add Birchbox to your subscription list or wishlist!

What do you think of the Birchbox Holiday Lip Kit?

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Birchbox ($17 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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11 comments

Mish

I’d personally like to see a lipstick review with photos of the lipstick on lips. Even if it isn’t the “right color” for that person’s lips. Hard to just see all swatched. Individual photos with each color. Otherwise, it doesn’t seem like a full review.

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LB

Aaaaahhhhh. I talked myself out of this a few weeks ago but since I’m an Ace I just got it for $17.15. And I was able to add the $15 deluxe mystery trio (for Aces) on to get my subtotal up to $50 so I could get yet another free Baggu too. I have a problem. And you are all enablers. My mailman is going to think I’ve lost my mind when he delivers about 20 Birchbox boxes to my door the next few days….

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Danielle

FYI, for anyone who wants to purchase this — it’s 22.05 (or less) today w/ free shipping. Also, check out the “how to hack the Birchbox sale” post for some great freebie links and ways to get the most out of your purchase. Thanks again for that, you guys 🙂

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Coco

How did you get this for $22.05? When I put it in my shopping cart and went to check out, I only got a 10% discount off of $35, plus free shipping.

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Danielle

My cart shows subtotal $35, discount -12.95 =22.05. Maybe you have to log in? I’m not an Ace, so it isn’t that.

Danielle

It’s from the sale section — it should drop an extra 30% on its own.

Heather

Darn you Jessica. I had the lip kit in my cart and was trying NOT to buy it. You just sold me on it. As always, thank you for you awesome reviews.

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Coco

I agree Heather- Jessica’s great review convinced me to get it. And I don’t even like or wear red lipstick, so the MAC Russian Red has no appeal. But I wipe red lippies off, which leaves a stain, and then I put gloss on top of that- much more wearable for me. And the rest of the items look like winners!

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Kara

Ahhh I wish I could just buy the bag!!

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Jessica Hapak

This set is on super sale with cyber Monday still!

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