Facebook PixelBirchbox Skincare Game Changers Review - January 2019 | MSA
My Subscription Addiction
My Subscription Addiction
Our reviewers research, test, and recommend the best subscriptions and products independently; click to learn more about our editorial guidelines. We may receive commissions on purchases made through links on our site.

Birchbox The Skincare Game Changers Kit Review – January 2019

Jessica Hapak
ByJessica HapakJan 23, 2019 | 2 comments

Birchbox Skincare January 2019 - Box Review Front Top

Birchbox
3.7 overall rating
657 Ratings | 188 Reviews

Birchbox recently added a new discovery kit to their lineup —The Skincare Game Changers Kit.

FYI – this kit is still available for purchase!

Birchbox Skincare January 2019 - Box Review Back Top

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

Birchbox Skincare January 2019 - All Content Top

About This Birchbox Kit

The Box: The Skincare Game Changers Kit

The Cost: $29 + $5 shipping ($74 value)

Check our Birchbox Coupon List to get the most up-to-date coupon!

The Products: Heavy-hitters you can add to your skincare routine to brighten up dull and tired skin.

Ships: to the US and Canada

Birchbox The Skincare Game Changers Kit Review January 2019

Birchbox Skincare January 2019 - Informaction Card Top

Here is the info sheet for this discovery kit.

Birchbox Skincare January 2019 - Vasanti Front

Vasanti® BrightenUp!® Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator, 0.70 oz – Estimated Value $5.63 (buy the full-size version for $34)

I think this Vasanti product was in my first ever Birchbox, and it was a holy grail for me for a while! This was when I was a freshman in college, which was a time where I thought Clean & Clear face wash and St. Ives Apricot scrub would work well for my skin- so when I tried this gentle exfoliating wash made with papaya enzymes, aloe vera, and Vitamin E, I was hooked by how soft and smooth it left my skin while brightening up my skin. I have moved on to bigger and better (read: pricier) things, but this exfoliator still has a soft spot in my heart for its effective yet gentle formula.

Birchbox Skincare January 2019 - Real Chemistry Front

Real Chemistry Luminous 3-Minute Peel, 0.24 oz – Estimated Value $6.77 (buy the full-size version for $48)

Peeling gels are a super popular K-Beauty trend at the moment, but before I knew about K-Beauty I knew about this peel thanks to those first few months subscribing to Birchbox. This is a fun exfoliating product that helps to lift dead skin cells off your face, and the experience of the gel balling up is entertaining.

Birchbox Skincare January 2019 - Air Repair Top

Air Repair Protect + Prevent Hydrating Face Serum, 0.14 oz – Estimated Value $3.64 (buy the full-size version for $26)

This is a hydrating serum made with hyaluronic acid, aloe, and cloudberry seed oil. It absorbed quickly into my skin and left it feeling more moisturized, which means I needed less of my regular moisturizer.

Birchbox Skincare January 2019 - Balance Me Front

Balance Me Congested Skin Serum, 0.24 oz – Estimated Value $10.82 (buy the full-size version for $23)

This is a daily serum that doubles as a spot treatment, and it is designed to help fight acne without being too drying. This was gentle for my skin, but it does have a lot of essential oils that may be rough on sensitive skin like lemon and lavender. It all comes down to what your skin personally prefers, but if you are acne-prone and not sensitive to essential oils I would recommend giving this a shot.

Birchbox Skincare January 2019 - Clarks Front Birchbox Skincare January 2019 - Clarks Opened Top

Clark's Botanicals Deep Moisture Mask, 0.5 oz (?) – Estimated Value $21.17 (buy the full-size product for $72)

This deep moisture mask does exactly what it says it will-- provide some serious moisture to your skin. I used this on my cheeks that have been a bit sensitive as of late, and it seriously made my skin so happy. This is like a hug, in a jar, for your face. The size of this sample wasn't listed, but I am estimating it to be about half an ounce.

Birchbox Skincare January 2019 - Sand And Sky Front

Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Porefining Face Mask, 0.45 oz – Estimated Value $11.03 (buy the full-size version for $49)

Sand & Sky is an Australian-based skincare company that formulates their products with Australian-sourced ingredients. This mask is made with kaolin clay, bentonite, aloe vera, Vitamins A and E, witch hazel, and licorice, and it is designed to brighten and refine your skin. I have learned through both beauty blogs and trial and error that the best way to use clay masks is to NOT let them completely dry on your face, otherwise, your skin will be parched after using. I used this mask while I was taking a warm bath (which means my masks never fully dry on my face), and I was happy with how my skin looked and felt afterward.

Birchbox Skincare January 2019 - Eye Pad Top

Wilma Schumann Skin Care Hydrating Collagen Eye Pads, 1 pair – Estimated Value $3.60 (buy a box of five pairs for $18.00)

These hydrating eye gels are designed to hydrate and de-puff the area under your eyes good ingredients like collagen, allantoin, and hyaluronic acid. I suffer more from dark circles then I do fine lines or puffy eyes, but I still enjoyed these as a refreshing 20-minute treat that helped me to relax (anyone else carry a LOT of tension in their face? I find cooling masks to be really helpful with that!).

Birchbox Skincare January 2019 - Skin Elixir Packed Top Birchbox Skincare January 2019 - Skin Elixir Front Birchbox Skincare January 2019 - Skin Elixir Opened Top

Whal Myung Skin Elixir, 0.67 oz – Estimated Value $11.50 (buy the full-size version for $58)

I consider myself to be well-versed in the K-Beauty skincare game, so I was excited to see a new to me brand- plus this packaging is so nice for a sample! This is designed to replace your toner, serum, and facial oil, and it has a thin, milky consistency that absorbed into my skin really well. If you’re interested in trying more K-Beauty but aren’t down with a 10 step routine, this would be a great option to try.

Verdict: Honestly, reviewing the Birchbox discovery kits is one of the great joys in my life. There is the occasional disappointment, but most of the time these boxes are like this one- a great mix of cult classics and new discoveries that I fall in love with. The Clark’s Botanicals moisture mask and the Whal Myung Skin Elixir are my two favorite discoveries in the box, but I think overall this box was curated well. Value-wise, Birchbox promised a $74 value and by my math, that is about right with a total value of $74.14.

To Wrap Up: 

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

Value Breakdown: This box cost $34 ($29 + $5 shipping) and I calculated a value of $74.14, which means you are paying approximately the following per item:

  • Vasanti: $2.58
  • Real Chemistry: $3.10
  • Air Repair: $1.67
  • Balance Me: $4.96
  • Clark’s Botanicals: $9.70
  • Sand & Sky: $5.06
  • Wilma Schumann: $1.65
  • Whal Myung: $5.27

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 Skincare Game Changers Kit?

Starting at $17.00
Subscribe Now

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.

Join the Conversation

Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.

2 comments

Twyla

The box is down to 29 now, so I couldn’t resist. MSA is dangerous to my wallet! 😀

Reply ButtonReply

Marigold

I agree, I always enjoy reading about their Discovery kits and choosing some after reading your reviews! I like the clear thick plastic bags, and the samples aren’t too too small. And the info cards are good, too.

And thanks for the tip on clay masks – I avoid them for the drying out, but now I’ll try keeping them on a shorter time.

My comments have disappeared the last week, so I’ll try a lot of !!!!!!!!!!! exclamation points, to see if that helps.

Reply ButtonReply