Ipsy Boxycharm July ’25 Box “Hot Summer Glow”

Again, I forgot that my every other month Boxycharm box was coming. Nevertheless, no complaints from me about the Boxycharm July ’25 products that they selected for me.

Here’s what I got in my “Hot Glow Summer”:

• Origins Checks & Balances Frothy Face Wash: This was the product that I am on the fence about. It’s the only product that wasn’t selected specifically for my skin type. Although I typically love “frothy” or creamy face washes, my dry, mature skin doesn’t need to have oils removed. It’s definitely a face wash for those with younger skin and either combination or oily skin. I did try it, and it is a very nice face wash, but my skin felt drier than it usually does after cleansing. Nevertheless, on days when I’ve been working in the garden or exercising outdoors and sweating, I will consider using it then. Frothy Face Wash removes makeup, impurities, and surface oils. Although it’s not supposed to leave skin feeling “stripped”, it cleans my already dry skin just a bit too well. It contains kelp extract, wheat proteins (not for those who are avoiding gluten!), tourmaline, and mint essential oil. The face wash doesn’t smell minty (it doesn’t smell like anything), but it does have a tingly feeling. reg. price $29

• Innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum: You might remember that I love skincare with green tea as a key ingredient. I picked up two products when I was in NYC two weeks ago from a store in Koreatown, both from TONYMOLY’s Green Tea Collection. Since Innisfree is another Korean skincare brand that I like a lot, I was happy to add Innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum with green tea extract and green tea seed oil to my daily regimen. It also contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. It’s a clear liquid, a little bit thicker than water, that soaks into my skin quickly. The serum is rich in amino acids, antioxidants and minerals that helps strengthen the skin barrier and keep moisture in. reg. price $30

• Volition Beauty Grenache Retinol Eye Cream: I was very pleased to receive a retinol eye cream in my box. Because I don’t usually use sunscreen on or around my eyes, I only use the Retinol Eye Cream at night on my crow’s feet and my under eye area. Grenache is one of the most widely planted red grape variety in the world. It tends to be used both on its own or in red wine blends. Grenache grape seed contains polyphenols that combat free radicals, the cause of crow’s feet and other lines and wrinkles. The retinol in this eye cream is a “granactive retinoid”. Initially, I thought maybe it was “granactive” because it came from the Grenache grape seed, but that’s not it at all. Grant Industries developed this type of retinoid, a derivative of Vitamin A called hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR). HPR is a synthetic retinoic acid ester that binds directly onto retinoid receptors in the skin cells without needing to be converted to another form first like traditional retinol does. In addition, granactive retinol is a gentler alternative to retinol, reducing the potential for irritation while still providing anti-aging benefits. Volition Beauty is sold at Ulta, if you haven’t tried the brand yet. reg. price $62

• LYS Beauty Triple Fix Skin Tint Blurring Foundation Stick: LYS Triple Fix Skin Tint Blurring Foundation Stick comes in LYS’ traditional triangular packaging. It has a fantastic, lightweight, smooth skin feel. It is similar to the lightweight RMS Legendary Serum Lipstick. The shade I received LN6; it stands for Light Nude with neutral undertones. It’s a tad too golden for my skin that has pink undertones, but if my skin gets a slight tan it should be fine. Triple Fix Skin Tint is an all-in-one serum, primer, and foundation with coverage ranging from sheer to full. So far, I’ve been using it as a concealer. The Foundation Stick comes in 22 shades. It’s a lovely, lightweight stick perfect for summer. reg. price $25

• BYOD Eyeshadow Wand in Ethereal Rose: BYOD is a new-to-me brand that is Black-owned. The acronym stands for Be Your Own Desire. Currently, the brand is sold online at their website. At any rate, it’s a terrific lightweight, twist-up, blendable cream eyeshadow that doesn’t crease, and it doesn’t budge…AT…ALL. In fact, you must use makeup remover to get it off! Soap has no effect on it. Ethereal Rose is essentially matte, though it appears to have a slight shimmer that’s fine with me. Nice stuff! reg. price $23

So, I am satisfied with my July Boxycharm box. It’s worth almost $180. I think I pay about $35 including delivery.