Birchbox July 2016 Subscription Box Review #2 + Coupon

Birchbox is a beauty sample subscription box with at least 5 new items to test out each month. Birchbox is $10 a month and formerly featured an extensive points/review system that they have removed in favor of 50 points total ($5 in the shop). You can find more about the Birchbox review program changes here.

The information card gives brief details on each item. Remember to go to to Birchbox.com/MyBox to review your samples for points! I noticed that Birchbox updated the header on the card to a gift with purchase offer.

The theme card discussed the inspiration for the box theme. I must be the only one to leave the house without mascara on. Sorry, Birchbox.

My box looks fuller this month. Ignore the plastic tag in the box. This is what happens when a 7-year-old assists you.

Here is my July Birchbox. I am excited about the Coola item!

Birchbox felt I was worthy of the Smashbox Cosmetics X-Rated Mascara ($11.00) which I have no doubts is an excellent mascara because Brandy raved about it. I did not want a mascara because I won’t use it because of my eye disease. I did love using mascara when I was younger and would have enjoyed trying out the Smashbox mascara. It is made in Canada.

I tried out the Oribe Shampoo and Conditioner for Brillance and Shine (.23fl oz, $1.68 ea, $3.36 total). The packets were barely enough for me to try it out once on my long, thick hair.  It had a pleasant scent and left my hair feeling soft. I did not notice a difference in the shine. Maybe I needed more product? It is made in the USA.

Alas, I am not able to use the  Ren Keep Young and Beautiful Instant Firming Shot (9 ml, $16.20). It has a lovely rose smell which smelled true to rose, not chemical. The ingredients include Rosa Damascena Flower Oil and Rosa Damascena Flower Water. The made in the UK serum gel is free of the nasties that I try to avoid and is gluten-free. The vegan formula addresses firmness, wrinkles, and dryness. I am disappointed that I can’t use it!

I am a fan of anything Coola. I already own a full-size body of the  Coola Environmental Repair Plus Radical Recovery After-Sun Lotion (12 m, $2.16) and will carry the sample size bottle in my purse. I use it on days when I receive too much sun which makes a difference in my skin. 70% of the ingredients is from organic farms. Coola is made in the USA.

My tiny sunscreen sample for July is the MDSolarSciences Daily Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30 (.25 oz, $10.06) worked well on my face. It is a lightweight moisturizer that has a few unusual ingredients such as mushroom and corn oil. I do wish it was a little larger to see if the formula bothered my skin after more than a few uses.

This little guy was drinking nectar while I was taking pictures. It is a hummingbird moth. I have seen hummingbirds but have yet to photo one because they move quickly.

I like the Tocca Eau de Parfum – Bianca (0.05 oz, $2.04) has a musky citrus smell. I do like the scent although I prefer being able to spray the scent. I won’t complain this time about receiving a perfume because I received a seven-item box. I prefer them as a bonus because people prefer different types of scents.

I have mixed feelings about my July Birchbox mainly because of the changes. July marks my 25th Birchbox. It never occurred to me that the point system was not sustainable because it was already implemented when I joined. Although the June and July boxes are matched better to me than some of the boxes I received in the past, I still received items that I am unable to use. I did receive an excellent box this month with a value of $44.00. It will be interesting to see how things work out for Birchbox.

What do you think of my July Birchbox? What did you receive in yours? Share below and let us know!

Pick a code for your subscription if you’d like to sign up:

Birchbox is offering a free Lip Sync Kit with any women’s annual Birchbox subscription, through 7/25 or while supplies last! Just use code LIPKIT at checkout!

Visit Birchbox to subscribe or find out more!