October often signals a shift in how we approach beauty—cooler temperatures tend to dry out our skin, and the hustle of fall means less time for elaborate routines. This month’s Birchbox offered a chance to refresh and simplify, with a mix of products that felt both functional and versatile. From skincare to haircare and beauty, the box showcased a wide assortment, giving a little taste of what’s trending. With customization based on the quiz, each item had the potential to match individual beauty needs, but how did they measure up? Let’s dive into what this month had to offer.
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The Colourpop Got Me Beaming Highlighter Palette ($18) is a real gem. The four shades—pearl, pink, rose gold, and bronze—are perfect for a natural daytime glow or a glamorous evening look. I loved how buttery soft the formula felt, and the high shine added that extra something to my cheekbones. The superfine pearls give a gorgeous glow without making my skin look glittery, which was perfect for an afternoon coffee date. Honestly, this palette has something for everyone, and it’s versatile enough that I’m keeping it on my dresser for daily use.
When it comes to hairspray, I typically prefer something that keeps my style intact without making my hair look like it’s been glued in place. Percy & Reed London Strong Hold Hairspray ($20) manages to walk that line reasonably well. It offered good support, and my hair held up even on a particularly windy afternoon. While it claims to provide a strong hold, I did notice that my style still softened as the day went on—not a bad thing if you like a natural look, but it’s something to consider if you’re after extreme staying power. The added heat protection and anti-frizz benefits were nice touches. It worked best when I wanted to tame flyaways without compromising the natural movement of my hair.
The Oribe Straight Away Smoothing Blowout Cream ($18) is one of those products that can really make a difference if you’re someone who regularly uses heat tools. For my hair, it made blow-drying less of a chore, and I ended up with a smoother, more polished finish. The cream is rich, so I used it sparingly, but even with that, I felt it added some weight, which could be a drawback for those with fine hair. The anti-humidity claim was put to the test during a drizzly morning, and while my hair didn’t completely frizz out, it didn’t stay perfectly sleek either. I’d say it’s more for taming than completely transforming unruly hair.
For anyone with fine, flat hair, promises of volume can be hard to trust. The Philip Kingsley Body Building Shampoo ($27.50), designed to cleanse while boosting body, felt lightweight and non-drying, which is a plus. It’s also infused with keratin proteins and natural cellulose, cleansing my hair gently without stripping it of moisture. I did notice my hair had a little more movement after a few washes, but the effect was subtle. The added volume felt natural rather than overblown. However, if you’re looking for immediate and noticeable fullness, this might not be an instant fix. It seems more like a gradual solution for improving hair health and volume over time.
Lip oils are becoming more popular, especially with the focus on hydration and natural tints, so I was curious to see how Billion Dollar Beauty pH Lip Oil ($18) would perform. The pH-reactive formula promises a custom tint that adapts to your body’s chemistry, and while the tint I got was flattering, it was lighter than I expected. The oil itself is hydrating, which is great for fall, but I found that the tint faded quickly, requiring a reapplication sooner than I would’ve liked. Still, it’s lightweight and non-sticky, making it a nice alternative to heavier lip products.
The Living Proof Full Volume & Root-Lifting Spray ($32) was one of the more intriguing products in the box, as volume sprays can be hit or miss. Living Proof is known for solid hair products, and this spray held up to its promises. Applied from root to tip on damp hair, it gave noticeable lift, especially at the roots where my hair tends to fall flat. The lightweight hold felt natural, and while it didn’t last the entire day, it did add some fullness that I don’t usually get from volume sprays. The fact that it’s safe for color-treated hair is a bonus.
Individually wrapped wipes can be a lifesaver on hectic days, and the Busy Co. Clarifying Citrus Body Wipes ($14.95) didn’t disappoint. They’re large enough to refresh your whole body, and the citrus scent was invigorating without being overpowering. I appreciated how clean and refreshed I felt without any sticky residue. For post-gym or mid-day freshening up, these wipes are a convenient addition to anyone’s bag. It’s not something I’d use daily, but for the occasional quick refresh, they do the job.
October’s Birchbox offered a nice variety of products, totaling around $147.45, but there were a few standouts and some that didn’t quite hit the mark. The highlighter palette and lip oil brought some fun customization options, but their longevity left something to be desired. The hairspray and volume spray provided decent hold and lift without being too stiff, though I wouldn’t call either a game-changer.
On the plus side, the hair products were practical and user-friendly—particularly the Oribe blowout cream, which made styling quicker and smoother. The wipes were a handy addition, offering a quick fix for days when you need a little refresh. Overall, this month’s box had a good mix of skincare, haircare, and beauty, but it felt like it leaned more on the functional side than the fun, experimental side that Birchbox is often known for.
Birchbox offers a flexible subscription service for beauty and skincare lovers. For $25 a month, you’ll receive 4-6 items, including trial, deluxe samples, and full-size products, all with free shipping. You can customize your box and enjoy the convenience of automatic renewals. There are also prepaid options, like the 3-month membership at $24 per box, where you save 5% each billing period, or the 12-month membership for $22 per box, which includes a free $85 gift and 15% savings per billing period. It’s an easy way to discover new products tailored to your preferences!
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