I was super excited to see this on my doorstep…

How to be a Redhead is a monthly beauty subscription box with products curated for redheads. The company says the products are always heavy-chemical-free and compliment red hair. The products range from samples to full sizes, and boxes ship on the 1st-3rd of every month. A subscription paid month-to-month is $18.98, every 3 months is $52, every 6 months is $99, and annually for $180. Prices include shipping, and boxes ship to the US, Canada, and Europe.

I subscribed to How to be a Redhead Box (H2BARBOX) because I often have trouble choosing the right colors for my reddish blond hair and fair skin. I had been considering this subscription for a few months, and finally decided to go for it. I also wanted a super cute free-with-subscription travel mermaid bag that says, “I’m Really a Mermaid.” My 9 year-old daughter loves mermaids, so I was going to give it to her. About a week after I subscribed, and a week before I received my first box, an email from H2BAR arrived saying that “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the remainder of the travel mermaid bags will not arrive to our distribution center until October 9th-10th….Therefore, after many discussions, we have decided to ship the October box without the travel mermaid bags – BUT, they will be in all November bags, instead.”

This is disappointing, because it was part of the reason that I subscribed. I feel that they should have shipped the mermaid bags to all October subscribers as promised, even if it had to go out separately. Honest mistake, or brilliant scheme to retain subscribers for an extra month?

Anyway, I did enjoy the items that actually did make it…

My first impression of the box was a good one. The items were packed well in the attractive red box (because what other color would it be?) with orange tissue and red crinkle strips. There were more items than I expected, and they were all brands or products that I had never purchased before.

1. Previse Skin Care SunSheer SPF 30 Sunscreen Moisturizer – $36 value
   Those of us with fair skin know how important sunscreen use is, and it’s great to get a sunscreen and moisturizer in one. It’s light enough that I can use it on my face, and it has a nice citrus scent and not the typical suncreen smell.
   
2. Nelson J Moisture Healing Line Travel Set – $8 value
   In my box, there were two of each item that came in a sample size. Each travel set came with two samples – one coconut and one pomegranate scent – and a sparkly pink hairband (so my daughter got a little something after all). Nelson J is a Beverly Hills stylist with a self-named salon. Curly hair is extra susceptible to dryness, and with cooler weather and indoor heat coming soon, I was glad to have a product to add some extra moisture.
3. Zuii Organic Flora Foundation Primer – $2 value
   Again, I received two of these, and the values listed don’t indicate if they are for one sample or two. This primer worked well at eliminating shine and making my skin smooth prior to adding foundation. I recently started using foundation primers and currently use a Smashbox primer, but I’ll probably buy this product when I’m out because it’s organic,  I like the floral scent, and it’s comparable in size.
4. Miss Spa Brighten Under Eye Mask – $3 value
   I received three of these in my box, which I was glad for, because I love gel masks. This one is paraben, fragrance and dye-free and is supposed to brighten and reduce the appearance of circles. Can’t wait to relax in the tub while they do their work. The product insert listed this item at a value of $3, but it’s listed at $4 on the Miss Spa website.
   
5. Philosophy Oxygenating Eye Gel Cream and Oil-Free Oxygenating Gel Cream – $56 value per duo
   My box contained two pairs of these products, putting the retail value of the 4 Philosophy products at $112! The eye gel cream retails for $42, and the moisturizing gel cream sells for $14. I love Philosophy, but rarely splurge on it, so I was happy to see the duplicate products.
6. Just for Redheads Ginger Autumn Brow Stick – $14 value
   This product, unfortunately, is one that I’ll pass on to my mom. Ginger Auburn is the darkest of the three colors that Just for Redheads offers in their Brow Sticks, and it’s just too dark for me. Doesn’t make it a bad product, and I’m sure my mom, who has darker auburn hair, will love it.
7. Leven Rose Jojoba Oil – $5 value
   I love this product because it can be used on hair for shine, on the face for moisture and to remove makeup, and on cuticles! It’s made from 100% pure, virgin, organic, unrefined, cold-pressed Jojoba Oil made from the Simmondsia Chinensis plant grown in Arizona. In one day, I used this to control my sometimes frizzy curls, on my skin after showering, and on a dry spot my son had on his cheek. Aren’t multi-use products the best?
   
8. InstaNatural Sample Vitamin C Moisturizer – $5 value
   I received two of these samples, which I used right away. Vitamin C is necessary for collagen production, which decreases in our skin as we age, causing wrinkles.

Overall, I’m happy with the products, which total $203 retail. For at $19 box, shipping included, that’s quite a deal. I’m disappointed that the mermaid bag was not sent, but for the low price of this subscription, it’s not risky to continue it through November to get the bag and try some more products just for redheads.

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