I've decided to start a series (is that the right word I'm looking for?) where I'll compare my monthly subscription services.
Right now I currently am receiving Ipsy and Birchbox. I'm wanting to join another subscription but am torn on which on to join.
SO many choices.
Normally I receive my Ipsy bag before my Birchbox but for the month of September it was opposite. I got my Birchbox during the second week of the month, while Ipsy just showed up a couple days ago. I try not to look and see when they will be coming so it's a kind of sorta surprise. Nothing beats having a blah day and than seeing a pink box or bag in your mailbox.
September's Birchbox theme is Heritage
It included 5 items- 4 deluxe samples and one full size item.
- Beauty Protector - Protect and Shampoo
- Sweet, sugary coconut smell. Sulfate free. Paraben free.Vegan. Love that it's in a bottle not a foil packet.
- Deluxe sample = 1.5 oz
- Full size = 8 oz for $21.95
- Sample value= $ 4.12
- Beauty Protector- Protect and Condition
- Sweet, sugary coconut smell. Sulfate free. Paraben free.Vegan. Love that it's in a bottle not a foil packet.
- Deluxe sample = 1.5 oz
- Full size = 8 oz for $21.95
- Sample value = $ 4.12
- Dr. Jart+ - Premium Beauty Balm
- Love Dr. Jart+ Beauty Balms. Nice coverage. Brightens complexion. Contains higher SPF (45) than Dr. Jart+ original Beauty Balm.
- Deluxe sample = 0.17 oz
- Full size = 1.5 oz for $39.00
- Sample value = $4.42
- Dr. Lipp - Original Nipple Balm for Lips
- 100% natural. Hypoallergenic. Odorless. Super thick and ultra moisturizing. Can be used on skin as well as lips.
- Deluxe sample = 3 ml
- Full size = 15 ml for $14.50
- Sample value = $2.90
- Ruffian - Nail Lacquer in Foxhunt ( Pumpkin Orange with Gold Shimmer)
- Nice color. Perfect for fall. Not a fan of the packaging. Have yet to try it so no word on the lasting power
- Full size = 5 ml for $10
- Sample value = $10
Birchbox total value= $25.55
Overall this month's box was good. I can honestly say I will be able to use all of the items included. Normally there is an item I won't get use out of but this is not the case!
It included 5 items (3 of the same ) - 1 deluxe sample and 6 full size items.
- Elizabeth Mott - It's So Big Volumizing Mascara
- I always enjoy trying out new mascaras. The brush is nice and full with a curve in the middle. Have yet to review it but I'll let you know!
- Sample size = 4 ml
- Full size = 10 ml for $19.99
- Sample value = $7.96
- Starlooks - Kohl Eye Pencil in Obsidian (Black)
- A nice black kohl liner. The color payoff is there but the staying power is not. I would recommend topping with a matte black shadow but for the price there are better liners.
- Full size = 2.4g for $12.00
- Sample value = $12.00
- J.Cat Beauty - Fantabulous Lipstick in Honeycrisp
- Color is horrible. Too yellow and not flattering AT ALL. The formula is borderline okay. Nothing amazing. Packaging is cheap. Do not recommend.
- Fullsize = 3g for $2.49
- Sample value = $2.49
- NYX - Eyeshadow in Cryptonite ( Charcoal Gray with Silver Shimmer)
- Love me some NYX eyeshadows. Pretty color. Not as dark as in packaging. Velvety and blendable.
- Full size = 2.4g for $4.50
- Sample value = $4.50
- Freedman Beauty - Facial Paper Mask in Rose (Brightening), Starfruit (Purifying) & Blue Agave (Hydrating)
- I'm a fan of Freeman Beauty and have tried their traditional masks but have yet to try the paper masks. I'm excited!
- Full size = 1 mask for $1.99
- Sample value = $5.97
Ipsy total value = $32.92
Overall I'm happy with this months bag. Almost everything was full-sized and lots of makeup to play with. Don't think I'll use the lipstick at all. The eyeliner is nice but without the staying power I doubt I'll reach for it often, if ever.
Bottom line-
While you get more bang for your buck with Ipsy, Birchbox gives you higher quality products. You get more makeup with Ipsy but the colors and/or quality are not the greatest.
If we're judging just on price and sample sizes than Ipsy wins hands-down. If we're going off of quality and usability than we have to give it to Birchbox.
I call a tie.
Who do you think won?
What is your favorite monthly subscription service?
XOXO
Thanks for reading,
Love, Elle
