I decided that since I was getting back into the subscription box game (I took a break for a few months because things started piling up), I would subscribe to Birchbox Man Beta so I can sneakily get my boyfriend into skincare-- I mean, er, review a new subscription box for those who are interested for getting something for the man in their life! I was doubly excited that Birchbox now has a men's box that is the same price as the woman's box, so for $10 a month I think I can manage to push skincare stuphs onto my boyfriends face.
Birchbox Man Beta is a subscription box fulfilled by Birchbox that allows men to new and better products through a special membership program. The membership helps you assemble your new product regimen through boxes of hefty samples that cover a single step in your grooming routine, from shaving essentials to woodsy beard oils. You'll take a personalized survey of your preferences just like with Birchbox and they'll send you the products they think you might enjoy the most.
Birchbox Man Beta costs $10 a month. This is not the original Birchbox Man box, which is $20 a month, but it's a nice option for men who can't seem to get through huge amount of samples like we women can (or at least, I know these samples will last my boyfriend more than a month's time!). Currently, those who subscribe to Birchbox cannot access the original Birchbox Man for some reason, but if you shoot them an email at beta@birchbox.com, I think they'll help work something out with you if you want to sub to the original Birchbox AND Birchbox Man.
The Birchbox Points System
One of the best parts about Birchbox in my opinion is the points system! After you receive your monthly box and try out all the samples, you can review them on the Birchbox website. Birchbox awards 10 points per product review, and 100 points is equal to $10 to use in their shop. So essentially, if you review your samples every month, you get $4-5 back, which averages the box costs to about $5-6. This really pays off if you find a product you love; if you're diligent about your reviews, you can often pick up great items for free with the points you've earned over time. You can also earn points by shopping the Birchbox store online (1 point for every $1 you spend), as well as certain coupon codes that give you points when utilized.My Birchbox Man Beta came pretty late in the month (it shipped on May 26th), so I've been scrambling trying to get some reviews posted before my birthday on the 30th! I can't believe I'll be 23, it feels like I'm still 18 some days. :D
Clinique For Men Charcoal Face Wash (Full Size: $20) - This is the first cleanser that my boyfriend grabbed at of the box, because I think it's a brand he recognizes (I mean, everyone's mom used Clinique at some point, am I right?). This one is his favorite so far, as it helps control his oily skin and makes his face feel cleaner and less weighed down. It's also less drying than my COSRX Good Morning Gel Cleanser that he's been using, so that's a plus!
What Birchbox Says:
"In matters of the complexion, what you can't see actually can hurt you. This gel wash employs charcoal bamboo to drive out the dirt and oil lingering deep within pores - which, if ignored, can lead to breakout, shine, and other ill effects. Its rich, gentle lather leaves your skin feeling super clean but never tight or dry."
To Use:
Use morning and night. Work a small dollop between palms with lukewarm water. Massage into damp skin and beard. Rinse well and towel dry.
Malin + Goetz Grapefruit Face Cleanser (Full Size: $32) - Such grapefruit. I didn't touch this since cleansers with grapefruit extract tend to dry out my skin, but my boyfriend was satisfied with it though. To be honest, he's satisfied with anything, so after a little more prodding I found out that this does make his skin feel a bit tight, but it "gets the job done without much fuss." Womp womp.
What Birchbox Says:
"This triple threat cleanser from (MALIN + GOETZ) dissolves dirt and oil, clears acne, and balances skin's pH. The amino acid-based foaming gel taps naturally antibacterial grapefruit to prevent blemishes and exfoliate, while hydrating glycerin and sodium pca leave your complexion soft, not taut. It's gentle enough for sensitive skin, and rinses away completely - no need for toner. (So... quintuple-threat?)"
To Use:
Birchbox doesn't have any specifics about how to use this, so go crazy! Just kidding. Just put it on yo face and stuff.
DTRT Face To Face Foam Cleanser (Full Size: $23) - Chris really liked this one also. It has a thicker, richer lather that's quite unlike your typical foaming face wash, and it leaves his face feeling clean and soft. It also has a really calming, pleasant scent. I tried this out as well and it does have a very rich, luxurious lather and left my face feeling the least dry of all the cleansers in this box.
What Birchbox Says:
"When it comes to skincare, DTRT has a habit of shaking things up. Take this formula: it generates a dense, bubbly lather that purges oil and dirt while leaving your skin soft and hydrated. As a result, this uniquely satisfying cleanser exists in a class of its own."
To Use:
Three times a week (or more often if needed), work a quarter sized dollop of cleanser into face and neck. Massage with circular motions to build up lather, then rinse with cold water.
Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash (Full Size: $23) - This is a cleanser both I and my boyfriend love. I totally stole this from him, no shame. It has a relaxing herbal scent and forms a light lather that leaves your skin feeling soft, clean, and not stripped at all. Definitely purchasing the full size sooner or later.
What Birchbox Says:
"Named after the constellation often used by travelers to find true north, Ursa Major is here to help you find your skincare stride. This refreshing face wash is a welcome first step - its foaming gel formula lifts oil and dirt, clears away dead skin cells, and unclogs pores - all without drying out your skin."
To Use:
Wet face, then pour nickel-size amount into your palm. Use both hands to massage thoroughly over face and neck. Rinse. For an extra deep clean, leave it on for 30-60 seconds before rinsing off.
Final Verdict - This is a pretty fun box, and a really cool idea on Birchbox's part. I love that there's a less expensive option for those who only want a few samples a month, and all the samples included were from solid brands and worked well for Chris' skin! I'll definitely be purchasing the full size of the Clinique charcoal cleanser for him, and probably the Ursa Major for myself. Birchbox is a great, highly affordable subscription box, especially for those on a budget, and they make great gifts as well!
Sign up here to get started with Birchbox Man Beta! Use code SUBSCRIBENOW50 to get 50 Birchbox points, which is equivalent to $5 to use in the shop.
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