This month’s Birchbox theme is “Away We Go” and focuses on travel:

Dust off your suitcase! This is the season for road-tripping, destination-hopping, and, of course, staycation-ing. That’s why we’re bringing you lots of travel-ready samples and on-the-go inspiration this month.

The sneak peek for this month’s box was cute. I was really looking forward to getting Egyptian Magic cream in box; but, of course, I didn’t get it. I got box #2 this month. Anyway, let’s get started…

Price: $32 (150 ml)
Approx. Sample Price: $4.70 (22 ml)

I’ve been using the cleanser for a week now and there’s nothing special about it. Yes, it cleanses and doesn’t leave your skin dry, but there are many other brands that do the same thing for a lesser price point. A dermatologist recommended Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser to me several years ago and I’ve been using it ever since. I haven’t sampled anything better.

Price: $20 (0.17 oz)
Approx. Sample Price: $9.29 (0.079 oz)

I received the Sugar color and it works well with my skin tone. It does go on creamy, but it doesn’t have any moisturizing effects so I usually have to wear Chapstick under it. Plus, I didn’t find it very long-lasting, but this could be due to me constantly drinking tea and water throughout the day. I think the longest-wearing sampled lip colors I’ve had were from Pixi Beauty and Benefit.

Price: $27 (50 ml)
Approx. Sample Price: $8.10 (15 ml)

They say the best time to start anti-aging products is during your 20s-30s, so I’m looking forward to giving this a try. I did a sample on my arm, and I love the lightness of the moisturizer. I live in an east coast city with very gross and humid summers, so the lightness will help. I wish it had sun protection built in, though.

Price: $22.95 (200 ml)
Approx. Sample Price: $1.15 (10 ml)

What a great-smelling body wash! Unfortunately, that’s really all I could say about this sample. It’s nothing special – just a body wash – so I don’t know why the price point is so high. There are much better body washes out there for <$5 that also exfoliate in addition to cleaning and smelling good.

Price: $110 (100 ml)
Approx. Sample Price: N/A

The description describes this perfume as a scent that “mingles summery fruits and florals,” which made me excited to try it, despite my dislike of perfume samples in my boxes. However, it has a strong musky scent that overpowers any summery fruit/floral scent. Very disappointing since all of the perfumes I currently use are fruity scents (Escada Island Kiss, Escada Cherry in the Air, and rue 21 Pink ICE). I haven’t had any luck with any Birchbox pefume sample and would love to never receive one ever.

Overall, this was a disappointing box along with last month’s box.I’m really hoping next month’s box will be a redeeming one. I really wish we could pick one sample every month, so it would be guaranteed to at least like one product.

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