Battle of the Boxes: Ipsy vs. Birchbox

Hey Fashionistas!!

 

The time has come.  Let's have a real chat about Birchbox and Ipsy.

This all started a few months ago when my sister-in-law told me about Ipsy.  For those of you that dont know Ipsy is a susbcription box where you pay $10.00 a month and in return you received a small make-up bag everymoht full of different beauty products specially picked for you.  Back in September 2013 I did a little research and signed up to receive it.

 

I am almost positive that Ipsy is the new name for the initial company called “Glam Bag”. And all I read about Glam Bag reviews is that they were awful. Shipping issues, duplicating payments, etc. So I stayed far, far away from Glam Bag when it first launched.

However, if Ipsy is the new rendition of the original Glam Bag, I’d say they got their mess together. I’ve been receiving my Ipsy bag for 9 months now and haven’t had a single issue with them. 

 

Now, I heard about other subscriptions boxes and that's how I came in contact with Birchbox.  I wanted to try it for a few months in order to be able to choose which one I like best.  I've been receiving a monthly Birchbox for about 8 months now and just like Ipsy I haven't had any issues with them.However something I do have to say its that for the past 2 months the Birchbox mail has been late, nevertheless they reward their subscribers by adding points to your account that are redeemable for for free products, so waiting a few extra weeks is not so bad after all.  

 

Now for those of you that don't know what any of this boxes are here are some details about each one:

 

Ipsy:

 

Ipsy is created by YouTube beauty Guru Michelle Phan. Michelle and her team of stylists have selected products they love, for you to try. Each month, subscribers will receive a beautiful Glam Bag with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products. Members can watch and play along with the stylists with the same products that they are using. All for $10 a month.

 

BirchBox:

 

Each month, you'll receive a selection of samples. Their samples are source from both well-known brands and emerging gems.  They have women and men boxes. The women’s subscription includes everything from skincare to makeup, as well as fun non-beauty extras. The men’s subscription delivers top-tier grooming products in addition to lifestyle accessories ranging from hip socks to tech accessories.  On their page you have the option of also buying the products you received monthly once you are done with the samples. All for $10 a month.

 

Similarities:

-Both are $10 a month
-Both send 4-5 products, typically sample sized but sometimes full size.

-Both are personalized based on your beauty profile.

-Both have a points system where you can redeem point for beauty items.

-Both give you options to buy the products once your done with the samples.

 

Differences:

-Birchbox leans towards the skincare/body care end of things while Ipsy leans almost entirely on the makeup end of the spectrum

-Ipsy arrives in a mailer, with a bag inside

-Birchbox arrives in a box

 

 

 

I pay for both of these subscriptions, and as a regular customer I get one of many variations available each month. So while one month alone might not be enough info to make a decision, looking at the results over several months should give you a good picture of what to expect with each box. Please see below pictures of my bags/boxes for the past 3 months and make your pick!

 

BIRCHBOX JUNE 2014:

 

 

Products Included:

Harvey Prince Hello - 50 mlBuy

Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face RejuvenatorBuy

Egyptian Magic Skin Cream 4ozBuy

LAQA & Co. Sheer Lip Lube PencilBuy

Coastal Scents® Revealed 2 Palette SetBuy

 

 

BIRCHBOX MAY 2014: 

 

 

Products Included:

Jouer Luminizing Moisture TintBuy

Kérastase Cristalliste Bain Cristal Thick - CleanseBuy

Kérastase Lait Cristal Conditioner - TreatBuy

Whish Shave Crave Shaving CreamBuy

ElevenSkin Rescue Omega 3 SerumBuy

Supergoop!® Everyday SPF 30 with Cellular Response Technology, 18 oz.Buy

 

 

BIRCHBOX APRIL 2014 

 

 

 

 Products Included:

Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow GelBuy

Color Club Gala's Gems CollectionBuy

GUYandGIRL Shower GelBuy

Davines OI / Shampoo Buy

Davines OI / Conditioner Buy

KIND Healthy Grain Bars

 

 

 

IPSY JUNE 2014:

         

           

 

Products Included:

Nyx Butter Gloss

Jesse's Girl Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

Laneige BB Cushion

March Anthony Dream Waves Beach Hair Spray

Be a Bombshell LAsh Out Mascara

 

 

IPSY MAY 2014:

 

 

Products Included:

Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair MAsk

Hang Ten Classic Sport SPF50

Pacifica Mineral Eyeshadow Duo

Lulu Blossom Dreamsicle Body Balm

Mee Beauty Bee Nourished Night Cream

 

 

 

IPSY APRIL 2014:

 

 

Products Included:

Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide-on Eye Pencil Travel Size

Coastal Scents Medium Eyeshadow Brush

Dr. Brandt microdemarbrassion

Elizabeth Mott POP! Goes the Eyeshadow

Starlooks Luscious Longwear Lip Pencil

 

 

So Fashionistas tell us which box do you like better!! Enjoy!!

 

Happy Styling!!