Birchbox Love: Beauty Protector and Dermablend
Back in mid-November, I won a Birchbox giveaway on Twitter, which gave me an opportunity to review a shampoo and conditioner from Beauty Protector and an illuminator from Dermablend. I wanted to finish up the shampoo and conditioner so I could give a complete review, but the bottles are lasting a while even with daily use. Still, I feel a month of use has given me a pretty good idea of how effective they are. Also, the time has given me more opportunities to play with the illuminator.
Beauty Protector Protect & Shampoo / Protect & Condition
This duo is paraben free, vegan, color-safe, and meant for daily use on all hair types. While the shampoo is sulfate free, the conditioner is not. It’s also worth nothing that both contain dimethicone, if that’s an ingredient you’ve been trying to cut from your hair/beauty routine.
A bit about my hair before I get into the review: It’s long, fine, and builds up oil quickly at the roots. Because of this, I concentrate on the roots when I shampoo and concentrate on the lower half when I condition. Usually, that means I use less of each during my shower, which makes the product last longer. That’s a definite plus, and you’ll find out why in a bit.
Beauty Protector claims their formula will enhance volume, add shine, seal the cuticle, revive moisture, and provide UV protection. Aside from the UV protection, which I don’t have a reliable way of measuring, I would agree with the claims. I found that my hair had decent volume, was smooth, and had a healthy shine. I was pleasantly surprised that the conditioner didn’t weigh down my hair.
I was also pleased with the scent, which is slightly ‘tropical’. Sweet, coconut-y, a little floral. I love catching whiffs of it throughout the day.
I know some folks had an issue with a lack of lather from the shampoo, which is typical of sulfate-free shampoos. I didn’t encounter that problem unless my hair was particularly oily or had a lot of buildup.
One thing I am a bit critical of is the price. Each bottle is $21.95 USD for 8oz/236ml. While it’s on par with some other high-end brands (Alterna comes to mind), it’s nearly twice as expensive as my regular Amika shampoo and conditioner ($22 USD for just over 14oz/425ml). That said, I could see myself purchasing them, especially if I’ve banked some Birchbox points! Both products have four stars on Birchbox and over 13,000 reviews between them, so I doubt I’m the only one looking to splurge.
Dermablend Quick-Fix Illuminator
Quick-Fix Illuminator is used to brighten the eye area as well as highlight and sculpt your brows, lips, and cheeks.
It comes in liquid form, dispensed through a twist-up tube with a brush applicator, similar to some lip glosses and concealers. The brush works well to place the illuminator where you need it, but I preferred to use my fingers to pat the product in and sheer it out.
I received the Pearl shade, which is different than the other skin tone-based shades in that it isn’t meant to conceal dark circles. I use it strictly to highlight certain areas of my face: under my brows, on the tops of my cheekbones, and in the inner corner of my eyes.
The product is very nice. It blends well and the result is a subtle, flattering glow. For the photo below, I only slightly blended the illuminator. You can sheer it out even more for a softer look. The Pearl shade can be used with all skin tones, which is a plus.
Dermablend’s Quick-Fix Illuminator is another four-star product on Birchbox. I would recommend it, especially if you are looking for a liquid highlighter.
