Birchbox recently added a new discovery kit to their lineup — The Lips on Lock Kit.
FYI - this kit is still available for purchase!
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).
About This Birchbox Kit
The Box: The Lips on Lock Kit
The Cost: $44 + $5 shipping ($131 value)
Check our Birchbox Coupon List to get the most up-to-date coupon!
The Products: Lip essentials made for anyone from the makeup novice to the self-proclaimed pro.
Ships: to the US and Canada
Birchbox The Lips on Lock Kit Review
Here is the info sheet for the items included.
Grande Cosmetics GrandeLIPS Hydrating Lip Plumper in Cranberry Crush, .08 oz (Full Size!) - Retail Value $27
This lip gloss is designed to add color, moisturize, and plump. The color is definitely there, and somewhat sheer, and I felt the formula was moisturizing! It's a little on the thinner side and not particularly sticky, which is nice. As far as the plumping factor goes, I felt a little something upon application (a very slight tingle - not as much as other plumping glosses I've tried), but I'm not sure about actual plumping results. I didn't personally notice much of a difference, but they also claim to deliver "even better results" after 30 days of use, so we'll see.
Smashbox Cosmetics Be Legendary Matte Lipstick in Do No Wrong, .1 oz (Full Size!) - Retail Value $21
This exact shade doesn't seem to be available for individual purchase on Birchbox's shop at the moment, FYI. This dusty-rose shade is aptly named: it can do no wrong. This is a gorgeous, natural color that would look good on anyone! I didn't find Smashbox's matte formula to be drying at all, and it had very good staying power (stayed for a few hours until I ate something with oil). For any lipstick, especially mattes, I recommend using a lip scrub and light balm beforehand so it doesn't emphasize any dry patches.
Tarte the Lip Sculptor Lipstick & Lipgloss in Life, Full Size - Retail Value $24
This products is dual-ended, featuring a lipstick on one side and a coordinating gloss on the other. The lipstick is a full-coverage satin finish, which I found to be very comfortable on my lips! It wore well, too. I wouldn't say I noticed anything particularly amazing about the gloss, but it wasn't sticky and, alone, it has a nice color and sheen.
Here, I'm wearing just the lipstick on its own.
And here, I topped the lipstick with the gloss.
Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain in Forever Pink, deluxe sample - Estimated Value $9? (Buy a full-size for $28)
This formula is one that reacts to your body's pH level and changes to a natural pink shade upon application. It's very subtle. Honestly, it's mostly just a balm that helps give your lips a super natural tint. I'll probably just use this as a really nice lip balm. My favorite thing about it is how it smells! It's light and sweet, and it makes my lips feel well moisturized.
M·A·C Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Velvet Teddy, travel size - Estimated Retail Value $9.25? (Buy a full-size for $18.50)
This shade is described as a "deep-tone beige." I think it's beautiful. It's perfect for a Winter day-to-day color, and its been my go-to since receiving this kit. It stayed for several hours - most of the day. It's matte so I prefer to use a balm first to keep from drying throughout the day, but the formula itself wasn't drying out my lips. With MAC's reputation, it's no surprise that I'm happy with the quality and performance of this lipstick.
Lipstick Queen Mornin' Sunshine Lipstick, .05 oz - Estimated Value $10.42 (buy a Full Size for $25)
This is another color-changing lipstick. It goes from a yellow to a "unique-to-you" shade when applied. This one turns to a coral/pink tone in reaction to your skin's pH levels. This formula is very hydrating and I really like the feel of it on my lips. I noticed the color change, but it didn't get very bold. Color-changing lipsticks/lip tints are not something I get really excited about, but as I said about the Jane Iredale one, I'll probably use it as a really nice lip balm that helps my natural lip color.
Stila Cosmetics Stay All Day® Liquid Lipstick in Bacca, .05 fl oz - Estimated Value $11 (buy .1 fl oz for $22)
I've loved Stila's liquid lipsticks for years, so I was very excited to see that Birchbox included one, especially in a newer shade I don't already own. These lipsticks are very opaque, and you need to apply slowly and intentionally because once they're on they're staying on. The wear time is similar to Kat Von D liquid lipsticks, which is to say that they last basically all day with maybe a minor touch up after a few hours (though you'll probably see some wear-off if you eat anything greasy or with oil, and they remove easily with coconut oil). This shade is a deep raspberry, and it's bold and applied evenly and is just so punchy. Love!
Swatches, from top to bottom: Grande Lips, Smashbox, Stila, Tarte Lip Sculpt (lipstick), Tarte Lip Sculpt (gloss), Jane Iredale, Lipstick Queen, MAC
BY TERRY Baume de Rose, 3g - Estimated Value $18 (Buy a 10g full-size for $60)
The last item in this kit is this rose lip balm, and it's my favorite new discovery! The texture is like a cream/gel, and it just melts right onto my lips. It leaves them feeling ultra moisturized, and smells like roses. I don't generally care for rose scents but it lightens up after a few minutes. A little goes a long way with this, and I have been wearing it to bed and waking with soft, happy lips. I don't think I've felt a balm this effective before. It's a life saver with this cold weather!
The Verdict: I really had fun trying all the products in Birchbox's The Lips On Lock Kit. The brands range between ones I've loved for a long time, to ones I've tried once or twice before, to brand new discoveries for me. It also offers a variety of formula types and color shades - balms, gloss, cream lipstick, liquid lipstick, matte, sheer, etc. Some of these products I've seen in a few different subscription boxes (like the Stila and MAC) but I was glad to see they were in colors I hadn't tried before here. Regarding value, Birchbox promised a value of $131 and by my estimates, this kit is valued at $129.67. A couple of the samples didn't have a weight listed to use for value estimates, though, so that (small) difference is likely just from my own calculations.
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 $49 ($44 + $5 shipping) which means you are paying approximately the following per item:
- Grande Lips: $10.20
- Smashbox: $7.94
- Tarte: $9.07
- Jane Iredale: $3.40
- MAC: $3.50
- Lipstick Queen: $3.94
- Stila: $4.16
- By Terry: $6.80
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