How do you invest in your skin? Dermstore’s BeautyFIX subscription box hopes to help you find new favorites to include in your skincare routine. Each box includes samples and full sizes of useful products for moisturizing, plumping, cleansing, and hair care. This box doesn’t typically include makeup, but the highly curated skincare products are still worth the subscription, in my opinion.
In this month’s box, I received a cleansing gel, collagen serum ampoules, retinol 8 serum, a deep conditioning hair mask, a hair repair mask, a soothing face mask, and an anti-aging moisturizer. The deep conditioning hair mask is my favorite so far, because it helps define my curls and keeps my hair shiny. I recommend the November box if you’re especially interested in anti-aging products.
What We Like About Dermstore BeautyFIX
My BeautyFIX came in a peach cardboard box, and the products are all packed into a black confetti-like packing material.
My box also came with 2 free samples! I signed up for a sample of the Alpha Beta peel by Dr. Dennis Gross at checkout, but the Eminence Organics mask was a surprise.
This box came with a variety of products, but several of them were geared toward anti-aging effects. I like when boxes have a slight theme overall, because that can help you decide whether or not a particular month’s box is going to work for you.
There are 2 full-size products in this box: the HoliFrog gel cleanser and the Babor collagen ampoules. I would say that the set of Babor ampoules are the hero product here, and the individual glass ampoules certainly feel luxurious.
This box focuses on hair care and skincare, with few no to makeup products. Skincare products tend to be more expensive, and less based on personal taste, so I prefer to get them in subscription boxes. That way, I don’t have to worry about getting the right shade of lipstick or getting a cream versus a powder. Moisturizers and exfoliants work for everyone’s skin, though of course people have preferences according to their skin types.
Each BeautyFIX box comes with over $100 worth of beauty products. Most are samples, so you get the chance to try at least 6 different products.
What We Don’t Like About Dermstore BeautyFIX
Each month, Dermstore has a limited number of $24.95 BeautyFIX subscriptions available each month. If you want to sign up for a new subscription, try to do so early in the month. Otherwise, you may need to pay the $34.95 price for a one-off box.
BeautyFIX doesn’t offer any product options for customers, so there might be some boxes that just don’t reflect your needs or interests. Unfortunately, this service doesn’t offer the option to skip a box while staying subscribed. If you do want to skip an unappealing box, you’ll have to unsubscribe and then resubscribe. This option won’t work for people with long-term subscriptions, though.
I’d also appreciate it if the Dermstore BeautyFIX box came with a little pamphlet or info card with more information on the products. Some of these samples are really deluxe, and at first I assumed the Vichy product was full-size. An info card could help with that!
Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel by Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare
This chemical peel is gentle enough for daily use, and it removes dead skin to leave your face smooth.
What I liked most about this product is that it’s very easy to use. It’s a two-step process, and each packet comes with two towelettes, one for each step. You can easily take these to go, and you don’t need to worry about cotton pads or big bottles of liquid.
The first step involves AHAs to exfoliate and reduce imperfections like fine lines and dark spots. The second step is aimed at soothing and repairing the skin, with retinol, ascorbic acids, and phospholipids.
This product is unscented, which means it has a neutral chemical smell that isn’t super pleasant.
Strawberry Rhubarb Face Masque Eminence Organics
This is an extra sample that’s not part of my official BeautyFIX order. I’ve enjoyed soaps from Eminence Organics in the past, so I was excited to try this.
This mask is designed to exfoliate and plump skin for a more youthful appearance. The strawberries help exfoliate, and hyaluronic acid derived from marshmallow plant plumps and smooths skin. The rhubarb has disinfectant properties and also contains plenty of vitamin C.
This mask smells really delicious, and it has a slight pink tint that doesn’t come out in these photos. My skin felt refreshed after using it.
Superior Omega Nutritive Gel Wash by HoliFrog
This gel wash from HoliFrog is designed for a deep cleaning, and is best suited to oily or combination skin. It also tones your skin, meaning you can skip an extra toning product. The brand recommends it for an extra-clean feeling.
It contains aloe vera, camellia oil, linseed oil, rice extract, and plenty of other botanicals, including broccoli seed oil, which has hydrating fatty acids.
The gel doesn’t have a strong smell. It’s mostly neutral, but it does have a slight chemical tinge that I don’t love. The cleanser foams up well when you add water, and it’s satisfying to use.
Collagen Concentrate Ampoule Serum Concentrates by Babor
These glass ampoules are so fun, and they’re a nice way to make sure your serum doesn’t oxidize. You’re supposed to use one entire ampoule on your face daily for a full week, with the end results of firmer skin and boosted collagen production.
Each ampoule contains a generous amount, and you could probably cover your face and neck with just half of the contents. Babor’s instructions insist that you need to use the entire contents each day to see wrinkle reduction and other benefits, though.
The instructions say you can use a towel to open one or the little opener tool included in the package. The ampoule broke open fairly cleanly with the tool, but there was a tiny stray shard of glass after opening. It didn’t cause any problems, but I’ll still use a tissue along with the tool next time I open one of these.
LiftActiv Peptide-C Anti-Aging Moisturizer by Vichy
This moisturizer packs a punch with just a small amount. It’s designed to reduce signs of aging and it keeps skin hydrated for 48 hours.
This product should be applied to dry skin after cleaning. Vichy recommends use in the morning and at night. Consistent use is key. The brand says you should see reduced wrinkles after 4 weeks and reduced discoloration after 8 weeks, along with a more defined jawline.
The short-term results are smoothed and firmed skin. The moisturizer contains phyto peptides, vitamin C, and the brand’s trademarked thermal water. These are all designed to brighten the skin and create the anti-aging effects mentioned above.
I can’t vouch for the long-term effects, but this product definitely moisturizes without leaving skin sticky.
Clean Skincare Ultra Comforting Rescue Mask by REN
This is a thick, green-tinted mask that calms your skin and helps reduce redness. It’s most aimed at dry, sensitive skin, so it’s perfect for that winter dryness.
The ingredients include soothing white mushroom extract, algae extract, chamomile, vitamin E and shea butter. Leave the mask on for ten minutes and then wash it off.
After applying, you should see smooth skin with less redness and
Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask by Briogeo
This is a deep conditioning hair mask, for when you want to restore luster and hydration to your hair. It contains hydrating ingredients that protect against damage, like rosehip oil, almond oil, algae extract, and vitamin B.
This product is meant to be used on wet hair, after you shampoo and before you condition. After you add it, leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes. You can use this once a week or every other week.
When I first tried this product, I was skeptical because the product seemed thin, not rich and creamy like I prefer conditioning masks. I was pleasantly surprised after I used it, because it left my curls defined and glossy, which is the result I’m always hoping for from deep conditioners.
Hair Repair by Sachajuan
This is a hair repair mask designed to make hair silky and smooth again. It contains algae extract and castor oil to replenish and strengthen hair.
This hair mask should be applied to freshly washed hair in the shower. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes before washing it out.
My favorite thing about this product is the spicy, cinnamon-y incense aroma it leaves behind. Otherwise, it felt slightly less moisturizing than my normal conditioner. I have curly hair that tends to be dry, so I need a lot of hydration in my hair masks. This didn’t provide enough of that for my hair.
Super Facial Serum with Retinol 8 by Verso
This facial serum has retinol as a key ingredient, making it a useful anti-aging product for daily use. You can use it in the morning, evening, or both. Apply it to skin after cleansing and before moisturizing.
Retinol 8 is a more stable version of retinol in the form of a vitamin A complex. Since it’s more stable, it’s up to 8 times as effective, hence the serum’s name. It’s also less irritating to skin than traditional retinol. If you use retinol products, you’re likely familiar with the potential peeling effects, sensitivity, and redness. This product avoids all of that.
This serum has a sharp peppery scent that reminds me of a jalapeno. It doesn’t sting or feel spicy against my skin, though!
Final Thoughts
My BeautyFIX November box came with a decent selection of different product types. This box seems especially catered to aging skin, with the Verso retinol serum, the probiotic cleanser, the collagen ampoules and the Vichy anti-aging moisturizer. The serum ampoules are a highlight and a fun way to introduce subscribers to ampoule products. I only wish there hadn’t been two very similar hair repair masks. I have dry, curly hair, but even I don’t necessarily want two different products dedicated to combating dry and damaged hair!
I recommend this box if you’re constantly on the lookout for ways to improve your skincare routine with new products. The variety of samples and a few full-size items gives you a chance to try new things without committing to them. Plus, you’ll likely get an extra free sample or two with your order!
