Ipsy vs Birchbox: January Sub Box Review

 Hello Again!

It's time for another sub box review! I mean to post these monthly, but generally forget until the month has passed me by.

Ipsy and Birchbox  give you the chance to try out some rad new beauty products for a fee of $10 a month. I've subscribed to both for several months now, and am generally pretty excited about the goodies I receive.

Here are the contents of this months' Ipsy bag:

1)Nailtini Nail Lacquer-This is a gorgeous, rich red nail color. I will be doing a retro manicure with this color in the near future!

2)Josie Maran Pure Argan Oil-I am an Argan oil junkie. My dyed and fried hair needs it so! I've used several different formulas, and this is definitely one of the best. It can also be used as a skin moisturizer!

3)Big Sexy Hair Play and Spray Volumizing Hairspray-I haven't played around with this yet, but it sounds promising.

4)Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter-The best body butter, ever. It smells divine, and is rich enough to soothe my Winter chapped hands.

5)Soho Concealer Brush-The perfect brush for concealer, or filling in eyebrows.

I was thrilled with this months' Ipsy box. The body butter and Argan oil alone were worth the $10 monthly fee! I like the variety of products, and Ipsy's tendency to give full size products in their bag.

In my previous Ipsy vs. Birchbox post, I stated I would be cancelling my Birchbox in the near future. Not because Birchbox isn't fabulous in it's own right, but because it wasn't the right fit for me. Well, I am a bit of a procrastinator, so the cancellation hasn't happened as of yet. Here are the contents of my Birchbox:

1)Ojon Damage Reverse Instant Restorative Hair Serum-I haven't gotten around to trying this serum, but it sounds amazing!l

2)Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè-A rich cream that doubles as a makeup remover.

3)Aerie Shimmer Fragrance-A light, lovely scent.

4)Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner-A fab, felt tip, liquid eyeliner. I might purchase a full size one in the future, since it has great staying power.

5) LÄRABAR® über-A yummy, salty-sweet energy bar.

I do like Birchbox's selection of high end beauty products. These are items I have heard of, but generally wouldn't try because of the cost. It feels good to give them a whirl!

Overall, I am more of an Ipsy girl, but am still hesitant to cancel Birchbox. Decisions, decisions....

Have a good one!

Adrienne

Ipsy vs. Birchbox: October Sub Box Review

Hello Again!

I am very late in reviewing my October subscription boxes! But, I was fairly impressed with the boxes last month, and wanted to share goodies I received with you.

Let's start with my October Birchbox.

Here is what I received:
Eve Lom Cleanser & Muslin Cloths
Amika Nourishing Hair Mask
Luna Lemon Zest Bar
Chantecaille Faux Cils Mascara
DDP Advanced Micro-Exfoliation Cleanser

I have used most of these products and enjoyed them. The DDP Cleanser is a nice exfoliant, the mascara gives me lush lashes, and the Luna bar was yummy.

I've been feeling rather "ehhh" about the last few Birchboxes I received. They are beautifully packaged, and generally have some nice skincare items. But, I don't feel that they are necessarily geared towards me. I am in like, but not love, with my Birchboxes. But, this one was a bit better than the previous.

Next up is my first Ipsy box/bag (formally known as My Glam Bag):

Here is what I received:
Coastal Scents Eye Shadow
The Balm " What's Your Type" Bodybuilder Mascara
Be A Bombshell Eyeliner
Mirenesse Lip Bomb Glossy Lacquer Stain
Couture Color Pequi Oil Treatment

I was quite impressed with my first Ipsy bag. First, I loved the Bombshell/Pinup concept, and the bold, feminine products. The Be A Bombshell Eyeliner was long lasting, though the felt tip was a bit thick for my taste. The Balm mascara was lush and lengthening. I've used the Couture Color Oil Treatment a few times, and it leaves my hair very soft.
Plus, with Ipsy, you receive a mini bag each month! I found the chevron stripe bag quite snazzy.

My favorite item from Ipsy was the Mirenesse Lip Bomb Glossy Lacquer Stain. The color is very highly pigmented, goes on glossy, and has the great staying power of a lip stain.

The Coastal Scents eyeshadow was really the only "ehhh" item. The colors are pretty, but the item didn't seem to fit with the Bombshell concept.

So, obviously I am partial to Ipsy. I might give Birchbox one more month (yes, I said this a few months ago), and stick with Ipsy for now.

How many of you subscribe to beauty boxes? What have been your experiences?

Have a good one!
Adrienne

My July Birchbox

Hello Again!

Yes, I am a bit late with this subscription box review, since it is now August.

How many of you ladies subscribe to Birchbox's monthly beauty box? I started receiving mine back in May. Honestly, I wasn't that impressed with my first two boxes. The choices were interesting, but some of the items seemed a bit random to me (blue glitter eyeliner anyone?).

I decided to give the monthly subscription one more go, and I am glad that I did! Here is what I received:
Birchbox partnered with Glamour magazine this time around. The theme for July was our five senses, and using them to fully experience Summer.

 I received:
1) Larabar Uber Nut Roll.-I found this roll to be super yummy and filling.
2) Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint-I tried a bit on my skin, I like the clean feeling and light coverage.
3)Oscar De La Renta Live in Love perfume sample-Not really my kind of scent, but not bad.
4) Bamboo UV Fade Proof Fluid-I can't wait to try this on my ever-fading red hair.
5)A pair of Glamour ear buds-Very cute and useful.

 6) I also received this Stila lip glaze that I forgot to include in the pic. It is a great neutral color!

In my opinion, I feel like Birchbox is a good deal for the $10 monthly subscription fee. You receive quality, name brand products (occasionally they are even full size). Overall, I am happy with this Birchbox and will continue on with my subscription. For you Birchbox subscribers, how do you like the boxes thus far? Does anyone subscribe to Glossybox?

Adrienne