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Birchbox ‘Set For Summer’ Limited Edition Box Review

Jessica Hapak
ByJessica HapakAug 16, 2021 | 2 comments

Birchbox
3.7 overall rating
657 Ratings | 188 Reviews

The Birchbox Limited Edition: Set for Summer Box from Birchbox features multiple beauty products to help you have a great summer- from hair, face, and body, this set has it all.

FYI - this Birchbox LE box is still available for purchase while stocks last!

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

First Impressions

This bag doesn't come in a box- rather, everything is packaged inside the reusable cotton mesh tote made by Public Goods. The set comes with an info sheet that breaks down what the products do and why Birchbox included them in this curation. Right off the bat, I loved how colorful everything was- it made me even more excited to start playing with the products inside.

The Breakdown – What’s Inside This Limited Edition Box

Public Goods Wide Mesh Tote - Retail Value $9

I already have a few bags like this mesh tote, though this one is bigger with longer handles. It's made with 100% organic cotton and is perfect for carrying produce when you go grocery shopping. My local grocery store doesn't actually allow reusable grocery bags due to current COVID precautions, but as soon as that's lifted this will be what I use for my limes, lemons, zucchini, and cucumbers instead of those thin plastic bags. There's a lot of stretch here- even if you don't want to use it for produce, you could fit quite a bit here.

Lapcos Calming Bikini Mask - Retail Value $7

I thought I had tried all of the masks for various body parts out there- thanks to Bawdy I've masked my behind and thanks to Nails Inc. I've masked my chest. But no, there was a bikini mask out there completely unbeknownst to me. This was actually one of the products in the box I was most excited to try- and I wasn't disappointed. I think you can understand why I can't provide detailed photos of how using this mask went, but I was really satisfied with the performance. It covers a lot of surface area- just about everything a swimsuit bottom covers, this covers as well. The formula includes soothing ingredients like hemp seed oil and aloe vera, and if you frequent the salon for bikini waxes this would truly feel fantastic on that sensitive skin post-wax.

Milk Makeup Cooling Water Stick, 1.2 oz - Retail Value $28

 

It took a bit of extra effort for this Milk cooling water stick to make its way to me- my original shipment actually came with two sunscreens and zero milk makeup. Thankfully, a quick conversation with the Birchbox customer service team (did you know you can now text them instead of only being able to call or email?) was all it took to get my missing item sent to me. This is a really great product for the summertime- it features caffeine, aloe, and seawater to cool and de-puff the delicate skin under your eyes, and while it's cooling on its own it feels even nicer after a visit to my fridge. I like to use this right after I shower to help cool down my face (I shower with the water hot, regardless of if it's bad for my skin or not). I haven't had any issues with this clogging my pores or breaking me out, but I do make sure to use this on freshly cleansed skin to keep this stick as free from bacteria as possible.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40, 0.5 oz - Retail Value $17

If you go through some of my oldest reviews, you'll see that I wasn't crazy about this popular sunscreen from Supergoop. I've aged a few years, and this sunscreen kept getting sent in boxes that entire time. As I kept using it, I grew to like it more and more- so much so that this was a choice pick for me in my recent FabFitFun box! This is not your typical sunscreen-it goes on clear with zero white cast, and it has a silicone formula that feels similar to makeup primers. Because of that, this is the sunscreen I reach for when I plan on wearing foundation and rarely do I use an additional primer on top because this works really well for me. If you haven't had luck with traditional sunscreens, this is definitely one worth checking out.

Purlisse Watermelon Energizing Sheet Mask, 2 ct - Retail Value $10 ($5 each) 

 

I am a little ambivalent towards these masks- Purlisse products are usually middle of the road for me, and that was the case here. The sheet masks smell like watermelon, which I enjoy and found cute for a summer-themed box. What I didn't love is how the sheet mask material is on the thick side, and it's hard to get a perfect fit on my face. I still used both of these masks, though, and my skin enjoyed them.

Wander Beauty On-the-Glow Blush and Illuminator, 0.22 oz - Retail Value $42

 

I'm always interested in trying more products from Wander Beauty- it's rare I truly don't like a product, and their eye masks are some of my favorite. I don't normally reach for cream makeup products because I have a hard time using them without disturbing my foundation underneath. That being said, I really loved both the shade and texture of this dual-ended blush and highlighter stick. The pigment is very strong at first (making my blush-averse self pretty nervous), but they blend out beautifully so you can have just a hint of color or a big punch of it.

 

Here are the swatches. The second photo shows the shades blended out - isn't it gorgeous?

Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Banana + Coconut Body Cream, 8 oz - Retail Value $26

This was the other product in the box I was most excited about. It's a relatively new launch from Briogeo, so I appreciate that it was included in this Birchbox set. This silicone-free lotion is made with banana peel and coconut fruit extracts, and also has acai extract and mango juice. When Briogeo says this lotion was inspired by a smoothie, they really meant it. I liked this- it wasn't too heavy on my skin making it a great option for these warmer months, and I enjoyed the banana coconut scent.

Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Mask, 1 oz - Retail Value $16

We have to go back quite a few years, but I do think Birchbox was my first introduction to Peter Thomas Roth and their iconic cucumber mask. PTR is now one of my all-time favorite skincare brands, so it's crazy to think about how that journey started with a small tube inside of a $10 box. This is a product I am always happy to have more of- it's a soothing face mask that feels great on skin that's spent a few hours out in the sun or just skin that wants a boost of hydration (and like the Milk Cooling Water Stick, this is another product that is elevated a notch when you stick it in the fridge before using). This mask is formulated with cucumber, aloe, papaya, and chamomille, and it is my go-to mask to bring with me on summer vacations because I know my skin will enjoy it even if I get a little burned out in the sun.

Bumble and bumble. Surf Styling Leave-In, 2 oz - Retail Value $16

One of the things I noticed right off the bat is that this is a product that promises beachy waves but without salt in the formula- I don't know if I've seen that before, but I certainly like it. The formula is made with red seaweed, aloe, kelp, coconut, and algae extracts, and it wasn't drying the way a lot of the hair products that promise beachy waves are. Sure, my hair goes way past waves into tight curl territory, but sometimes I still want to feel a little beachy- a product like this is perfect. It adds texture without turning my hair into a mess, and I appreciate that.

amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo, 5.3 oz - Retail Value $25

If someone came to me asking for dry shampoo recommendations, this would be one of my top picks. Along with the incredibly pretty and fun packaging, this dry shampoo smells amazing and does a good job of removing oil and adding volume at the roots without a white cast. I only need dry shampoo when I heat style my hair straight (my curls soak up any natural oils otherwise), but I usually always have a bottle of this handy specifically for that. This has been around for a long time, too- and I can't think of anyone who has had negative things to say unless they prefer fragrance-free dry shampoos.

Value – Was This Box Worth It?

The Cost: $58

Cost Breakdown: 

  • Public Goods: $2.66
  • Lapcos: $2.07
  • Milk Makeup: $8.28
  • Supergoop: $5.03
  • Purlisse: $2.96 ($1.98 each)
  • Wander Beauty: $12.43
  • Briogeo: $7.69
  • PTR: $4.73
  • Bumble & bumble: $4.73
  • Amika: $7.40

Birchbox promised a $196 value with this box, and my math adds up to exactly $196.

Key Takeaways

Birchbox consistently impresses me with their limited edition sets, so much so that I always have high expectations for new releases- but Birchbox meets those expectations and delivers a fantastic box with their "Set for Summer" set. I think all of the products tie into the summer theme of the box, and I appreciate that we received four full-size products plus multiple travel-sized ones as well. The bikini sheet mask may not be for everyone, but I really enjoyed it and appreciate that Birchbox sent such a unique item. This is a good value for the cost of the box and will be an even better value if it goes on sale (and keep an eye out; they usually do!).

Keep track of your subscriptions by adding this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

Other Things You Should Know

Can you still get this box if you order today? Yes, as of publication, this Birchbox limited edition box is still available for purchase!

Will you be ordering Birchbox's Limited Edition Set for Summer Beauty Box? What product would you like to try the most?

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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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2 comments

Snow

Your grocery store still won’t allow reusable bags?! Goodness, getting rid of those awful, thin plastic bags was the best decision my state ever made. Pretty sure the instances of covid being transmitted via reusable bag is near zero, but then again does anything make sense anymore?

Appreciate the review Jessica!

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Jessica Hapak

I’m with you- I am over the plastic, but what can you do 🤷🏻‍♀️
Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for reading, Snow

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