For some reason, despite my addiction to subscription boxes, I have managed to remain only passively aware of Birchbox Man. When I saw the contents of the March box, I figured I needed to finally subscribe after putting it off all these months. My husband likes this kind of stuff and while he may not be all over the whole subscription box thing, he does like getting mail. So I used a GAP10 code to get $10 back in points and signed up.
This particular Birchbox Man is in partnership with AMC’s MadMen. It’s an “ode to the heyday of workplace style. Whether you need a set of whiskey stones to class up your Friday happy hour, or a pomade to style the perfect side part, these picks will help you polish your in-office persona—and channel a modern-day Don or Roger. Whatever’s in your cup, be it coffee or gin, join us in raising a five-o’clock toast to every dapper detail.”
The box is a drawer! The door is ajar. No, seriously, I think that is the awesomest thing ever? All they all like this? Because I’m going to glue them together and stack them on top of eachother if they are. I’ll have a Birchbox beauty box shelving unit! Hah!
The Cost: $20/month
What You Get: Each box includes 3-4 grooming samples, plus a stylish accessory or gadget.
Billy Jealousy Illicit Pearlized Body Wash
This is a moisturizing cleanser with hemp seed oil. It has a rich, spicy scent that I love so I told hubs he had to use it right away.
Lab Series PRO LS Tech Lip Balm
The minty aroma refreshes and stimulates, while a blend of beeswax and shea butter keeps the moisture locked in. With a matte finish so there’s no glossy lipped goodness. This lip balm has a mighty fancy name for being a basic mint chapstick. However, considering some of the names of my lipsticks, I’m not gonna say anything. 😀
Value: $9.50 (you’re kidding, right? it’s lip balm for goodness sake!)
Jack Black Supreme Cream Triple Cushion Shave Lather
A tiny pillow pocket of shaving cream. It has macadamia nut oil, glycerin, and soybean oil. The formula is free of parabens, fragrances, and petrochemicals. It lifts whiskers to give you a close shave while moisturizing and shielding so you end up with smooth, nick-free skin.
Tommy John Boxer Briefs
This pair of shorts accounts for basically all the value in this box. They’re soft and gray. Um. They’re underwear. Not your typical Y front either. And I’m seriously weirding out over the sticker that says “How quick is your draw?” and then asks to be told that information on their website. Somehow I just don’t see men calculating that and then hopping online to share that info. I mean, maybe if they were 15? Anyhoo, they call this horizontal opening the “Quick Draw” (and without trying to be deliberately crude) is supposed to reduce drip rate by 50%. Now *that* would be a nice benefit. *cough* Okay… moving on… Apparently these are super nice boxers and you can get them at Nordstroms.
Value: $29
VERDICT
Well, I won’t lie. I felt the box was kind of empty what with the tiny Jack Black sample. But the undies are supposedly worth $29 (omg, I would have a serious talk with my husband if he actually spend that much on one pair of boxer briefs). However, Birchbox Man is more expensive because they include a real, full size item with each box. By real, I mean… something useful and awesome? Also, $9.50 for lip balm is outrageous. I mean, I think spending $3 on EOS is outrageous but I still do it. But for $9.50, that better be something that lasts all day has 24k gold in the ingredient list. Gah!
I’m staying subscribed because it looks like you can customize your box each month and if I can do that then I can avoid things like boxers when there’s something more fun available. Like the leather bracelet from last month.
If you want to sign up for Birchbox Man, you can do that right here. It’s $20/month. Use code GAP10 to get $10 back in points added to your account. Make sure to review everything after you’ve received your box because you’ll get more points for those. Birchbox has the best store ever and their generous points system is the reason I stay subscribed.
