April 2015 Birchbox Man Review

 The April 2015 Birchbox Man was an homage to Mad Men. Birchbox Man is a monthly grooming and lifestyle subscription for men. You’ll receive 3-4 samples, plus a lifestyle item. Boxes are $20 per month and you’ll earn points for reviewing the items in the box. You can earn 110 points ($11 in the shop) for picking up a yearly subscription.

Whether you wear jeans, khakis, or slacks for your daily grind, Mad Men has plenty to teach you about style. First and foremost: The clothes might not make the man, but they sure do tell his story to the world. Which is why a tailored suit jacket can improve a man’s career prospects, and a drawer full of crisp white shirts can save him from ruin. This month we’re thrilled to join forces with the show that got guys everywhere excited about dressing up and mixing a proper drink again.

I thought the little booklet in the box’s pocket was very smart.

There was a fold out brochure with 8 different Mad Men inspired outfits for guys.

Earlier in the month I chose the Whiskey Rocks for my lifestyle item. I was surprised to see a repeat from my last Birchbox Man and Birchbox replied to our inquiry within a few minutes noting that they’ll “be in touch shortly with appropriate compensation for this error.” It wasn’t the wrong sample according to my account (and didn’t necessarily come with the Whiskey stones). I’m not sure why it was sent out in the first place but Birchbox has such great customer service, you usually come out ahead with a mistake.

Update: they sent me a code for 20% off Parlor products through April 15. A somewhat lame response.

Cambridge Knight by English Laundry ($1.75)   I love English Laundry eau de parfum, and plan to have my next big bottle purchase be English Laundry.  It will be tough choosing which fragrance, though, as they have several good ones.  Cambridge Knight is sweet and musky.  Unfortunately, I have a cold and can’t dissect any further than that at the moment, but I’m confident I will enjoy this fragrance as I have their other offerings.

 Parlor by Jeff Chastain Reworkable Hold Paste ($3.95) My wife made me smell a different product from this same apparently gender-neutral brand. It smells grassy and fresh and has great hold and texture.  It is not sticky or gummy, and has a surprisingly silky texture.

Plant Get It On Bodywash ($2.11) The essential oils in this are pretty intense.  The sandalwood, cedar, and ginger shine through and invigorate.  Plus its made at a nonprofit that employs adults with mental and physical disabilities.

Royal Rose Three Chiles Simple Syrup ($2.75):  simple syrup is a must-have for  many classic cocktails.  This kicked-up version from Royal Rose has poblano, ancho, and jalapeño peppers to add some character to your classics.

W&P Mason Stones ($17) This is a full set!  Enough to keep four fingers chilly.

Currently you can get a free copy of No Man’s Land by Aasif Mandvi in the Birchbox Shop when you spend $50 and use code NOLANDSMAN. Always add a Mystery Sample Pack to any Birchbox Shop order $35+.

Visit Birchbox Man to subscribe or find out more. Check out all our Birchbox Man Reviews. Don’t forget to take a look at other Subscription Boxes for Men.