Birchbox and Ipsy

So, I've been discussing BirchBox and Ipsy with a few of my friends lately, and then yesterday, after posting this picture on Instagram about how much I love that the universe (or UPS, whatever....) sent me my BirchBox and my InStyle on the same day, some of my other friends struck up a conversation on facebook with me about Ipsy and BirchBox.

I have some reviews to do (I'm a slacker and I think it's been since July that I've done an Ipsy vs. BirchBox post), but I wanted to take just a sec and talk about them in general first, and post some links for ya.

I'll start with Ipsy.

Ipsy is pretty great. It is more make up oriented (whereas BirchBox does send makeup but seems to be more hair and skin care oriented than Ipsy is), and I love that each month comes in its own makeup bag. I also feel like the sample sizes are most often not really sample sizes. For example, blush and/or lipgloss is usually full size. Nail polishes are always full size. Eye liner and brow pencils are full size. You get the idea.

Also, Ipsy has links to get discounts on full size items that are sent to you in your bag each month. So if you get something and love it, you can buy a full size at a discount that month!

Ipsy used to not really have much of a points program, but lately they've adopted a system much like BirchBox. You can review the items you get in your Ipsy bag, and you receive points for each item reviewed. After so many points, they send you products. I've received a bracelet (that I adore and wear all the time!!), some OPI nail polish and Urban Decay eye shadow. Right now their points are offering NYX eyeshadow, Benefit mascara and some hair accessories. So, that's pretty rad.

Here is the Ipsy link: http://www.ipsy.com/?refer=u-hfwytq3dyjp23na 

On to BirchBox.

I love that BirchBox has an amazing points system. For every $10 that you spend (i.e. each month or more if you order full size products), you receive 10 points. You also get 10 points every time you review a product (and each BirchBox has between 4-6 products a month....so that's anywhere from 50-60 points a month). After 100 points you get $10 credit to the BirchBox shop, and you can save up your points. I've got lots of free stuff, people.

Also, BirchBox gives you free shipping on any of the products that came in your package that month, and if you purchase a full size item, they often send you larger than average samples of really great products (like this Living Proof Style Extender. LOVE!!) and they last a long time. I love that their sample sizes are lots bigger than I'd expect.

Here is the BirchBox link: http://birch.ly/17ihbTX 

Both are just $10/month and I love them both!

_L

Ipsy Vs. Birchbox: July Edition

Hey guys! Happy summertime!

I think this might be one of my very favorite monthly posts, and this month is no exception. I was given the suggestion to go a step further than just showing swatches, and to actually show you how I use the product, so I swallowed my pride and obliged. Also, I've added a couple of coupon codes for some of the products. Let me know if you like this!

Let's dig right in.

I'll start with Ipsy this time. The theme for Ipsy this month was "Beach Beauty".

First, I love the bag. I seriously immediately put it in our pool bag. It's a plastic, waterproof material that is perfect poolside.

The first product I pulled out was Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Beach Spray. This is a sea salt spray unlike any other. This spray is the best because it has a soy complex in it that keeps your hair from looking dry and frizzy, and also adds texture, as you can see in the pics. It came in a smaller than full size, but I know I will get dozens of uses out of it, and when it's out, I'll be keeping the bottle to refill for traveling.

Let me give you a little background on my hair. It is as straight as the day is long. All that I did this day was use dry shampoo and this spray, and this is what I got. You can use it on wet hair but I didn't do that this time. Even my hubby complimented me and asked me to do my hair like this more often. I will definitely repurchase this. In bulk.

And also, you can buy this at ulta.com, and here is a code for $5 off. You love me. You're welcome.

Code: 108723 

Valid through 08/15/2013

Next is this nail polish by Nailtini in the color Mai Tai. I love this! It's a great summer color-the perfect cross between orange and pink. It came in a full size bottle retailing at $13.00. (The entire subscription is just $10.00/month....are you following???!!!) I put it on and it lasted without chipping (with a topcoat) for a full week. And even then, I justified it for a few days after as chips were minimal. That's my kind of nail polish. Low maintenance!!

You can buy this on tinibeauty.com and this code will give you 30% off: hot4ipsy.

Then there is this eye shadow pallet by BH Cosmetics. It's the "California Collection" in the colors Hollywood (deep purple), San Francisco (neutral brown) and Malibu (gold). The pictures on the left are when I first put it on (using only a primer under it) and the pictures on the left are 8 hours later. It didn't crease, so I'm sold, baby.

Next was a tinted moisturizer with sunscreen or a tinted sunscreen that moisturizes. Take your pick. It's by Coola, which is probably this product's only redeeming trait. Honestly, I'm not a fan. It's an odd, very orange color. The sample size was incredibly small (maybe 2 uses). I love Coola, but this, not so much.

And last but not least, we have a lip crayon by POP Cosmedics in the color Fuscia Flirt (that middle one). I'm in love with this. I've worn it every single day since I got it. The size is great! It's a bit smaller than full size but it will last me a long time, as a little goes a long way.

Way to go this month, Ipsy. I'm a happy customer.

Next, let's go onto Birchbox!

The theme for Birchbox this month was Power Play. Frankly, I'm not really following the theme when it comes to the products, but I like them anyway.

First were these thick bobby pins by Birchbox. They come in a set of six for $5, and the sample came with two. Mine were the white and blue ones. I really like them. They hold my hair well, they're super sturdy, and they're cute. I might even buy more.

Next was this lipstick by ModelCo (a brand I really like) in the shade Peony. The line is called "Party Proof" with the idea that it'll last. It's a matte lipstick that is supposed to be more moisturizing than most matte lipsticks. I really liked it, but the color wasn't great. It's a "once in a while" color instead of an "every day, go-to" color. A lighter pink would have been more practical, for me anyway. The idea is great though. It does what it says it'll do and it doesn't transfer, yet it's not as big of a commitment as a lipstain.

Birchbox also sent over this hair oil by I.C.O.N India. The sample size was great and I liked it a lot! You can use it on dry hair, too. I've used it three times and I can definitely see the repair properties. It smells great, too! The full size is $40, so I probably won't buy it seeing as that's way too much to spend on hair oil, if you ask me. 

This next product is pretty nice. It's a foot lotion by a company called Pedi Cure which is hard for me to discuss considering I have a foot phobia. BUT, that being said, I used it and I really like it. It's like a pedicure in a bottle. Any callouses are pretty much gone after using it once (I used a lot and put socks on after overnight). The sample size was enough for at least four generous uses, and the full size is only $14. Okay, so bottom line is that I really recommend this but I just can't talk about it anymore because feet gross me out and I can't believe I actually used the word "callouses" and "foot" in the same paragraph. You'll like it, let's just not talk about it.

And lastly we have a Ceramidin (as in ceremides-a lipid already found in the skin) face cream by Dr. Jart. The sample they sent to me is the sensitive formula based on the profile you fill out when you sign up for Birchbox. I've used it the last 4 nights in a row. I use it at night and don't need any moisturizer the next day. It's an intense moisturizer but doesn't make your face look oily, shiny, greasy or anything else that would suck. It also kicks redness and helps even skin tone. The full size is $48, but I'm a splurger when it comes to skincare. I'll use it until the sample is gone (good size...I can probably get two weeks out of it) and then decide if I can't live without it. I wouldn't buy or need any other moisturizer or primer with this though, which justifies the cost. 

Nice work, my Birchbox friends.

After using the products in both subscriptions for about a week now, I have to say that this month, I would choose Birchbox over Ipsy. I loved my Ipsy products, but I've found myself having fun with the Ipsy products here and there but consistently reaching for the Birchbox treasures. Consistency is key!!

You can check out an Ipsy subscription here, and/or a Birchbox subscription here. Remember, both are just $10/month and each has their own points system/benefits towards free product.

And don't forget to let me know if you're into me loading you up with coupon codes. If so, I have plenty more!! Hit me with lots of feedback as I'm into doing either a Birchbox or Ipsy giveaway. I want to know which one ya'll like best.

-L

Ipsy vs. Birchbox: June 2013

I am so excited to review my Ipsy bag and Birchbox for the month of June. This month is full of fun surprises, and as usual, each subscription is just $10/month. This is so worth it, you guys!! Every time I open up either subscription, it's so obvious to me that the product value is above and beyond my $10!

If you're new to the blog and need an intro on this on going rivalry, or you want to learn about how you can earn free Birchboxes or fun surprises from Ipsy, check it out here.

I'll start with Ipsy this month:

Ipsy's theme for the month of June was "On the Wild Side". Fitting, enclosed treasures considered!

First of all, let's discuss how cute this bag is? Leopard print? Hi, have you MET me? It's as if I designed it myself, I swear. I can't think of anything I need to put in it right now. Maybe I'll just carry it around with me wherever I go and...cuddle it or something.

Next is the NYX cream blush in the color Rogue. This blush is beautiful, especially for summertime. It's very dewey and looks natural and pretty. The swatch on my hand is hard to see in the picture, but I really think that's a testament to the kind of blush it is; understated, pretty and soft.

This came in a full size. And I'm very happy about that.

Next is a lip liner by Starlooks in the shade Tipsy. This is a really gorgeous coral color. It's bright, but definitely not too bold. I wore it with a little gloss, and could even pull it off for church without it looking like "too much". I think it's beautiful, long lasting, very smooth and doesn't feather out or make your lips look dry like some lip liners do.

This is also a full size sample.

Next is a cream glitter palette by J. Cat.

This is horrid.

Like, horrid.

Like, there is body glitter horrid, and then there is this stuff.

It's gaudy, and not in a good way. It's glittery and not in a good way. It's not meant for your eyes, so.....where do I put it? They say it's a cream, but it's more of a gushy (yes, gushy) craft glitter nightmare.

Literally, I put this in.the.garbage.can.

Full size? Maybe. Don't care.

Next from Ipsy this month is a highlighter pencil by Chella in Ivory Lace. This product is so great! It can be used as a highlighter under the brow bone, for under eye circles, to cover blemishes, as an eye opener in the inner corners or outer corners...the possibilities are endless. It's so pretty, so creamy, easy to blend, but stays where you put it. (What a novel idea, right?)

I don't think this sample is full sized, but it's definitely not small by any means!

Lastly, Ipsy sent a gel eyeliner by Cailyn Cosmetics in the color Iron.
This is a great liner, with a really great built in brush. It's a grey slate color, and I think it's awesome. It does just what it says it will do. Plus, presentation is everything and how pretty is this jar/brush combo?

And now onto Birchbox!

First, Birchbox sent me a sample of an exfoliating foaming scrub cleanser (yeah, all those things in one!) from Suki. This smells really yummy, but honestly, I can live without it. It's kind of a cool concept (foaming scrub), but the full size is about $35 and I think I'd have to be pretty much in love to spend dollars like that on a cleanser. Regardless, if you have the dough and you like it, I'd definitely give it a shot!

Next is a really pretty nail polish from The Color Club (one of my favorite polish brands) in a really cute ivory color. This is from their new wanderlust collection, and I'm a fan! It goes on really smooth, dries quickly, but doesn't get sticky on the brush before you're finished.

I really love this next product. It's a really pretty lip color by Laqa and Co. I received it in the line's signature color, Lambchop, and I adore it. I'm sure I'll be purchasing this when I run out.

Lastly, these two hair products were included this month. One is a nautical themed hair tie by Birchbox and one is a dry shampoo by Klorane. I didn't think much of either of these, and wondered how much use I'd get from them. But then this weekend, I saw them sitting on my vanity and they became part of a haphazard but really fun asymmetrical french braid. And now, I'm sold. I love these hair ties. I.want.more. Plus, this dry shampoo couldn't be a more perfect size to toss into my purse or to travel with. I'm really happy with both of these.

This month was tough, as usual. My favorites from Ipsy was the NYX cream blush, and I could definitely live without that train wreck of a glitter palette. Birchbox won me over with the Laqa and Co. lip cream/pencil but I could have passed on the cleanser. All things considered, I think that Ipsy wins again, but I'm not willing to give up either subscription!!

Check out the websites and get yourself signed up!! Go see how you can earn points and end up with a free Birchbox every few months here.

And check out Ipsy and how you can get these adorable bags and maybe even a really cute surprise (like the white and gold bracelet I'm sporting in some of the above pics by BaubleBar) by going here. 

Let me know who you think should have won! I'd love to get lots of feedback and I'm going to do a giveaway for a subscription to the company that you guys like the most! 

-L

Ipsy vs. Birchbox

Hey, everybody! Alright, so the moment of truth has arrived upon us. Now, this is serious business, here. All of this world peace business and national debt hootenanny can just calm down for a minute. We have real issues to discuss. Like which is better? Birchbox or Ipsy?

In all seriousness, there are a lot of sad, scary things that happen in our world. I get that, and I don't mean to make light of it. But how about we all just take a second and be girly for a minute? Because I have some awesome stuff to show you.

For those of you who don't know, Birchbox and Ipsy are both programs that are each $10/month. Though they're similar, they're totally separate companies. They are subscriptions that you can purchase for a year (at a discounted price) or pay month to month. They send you a package once a month full of high end beauty samples, and some of the products even come full size, which I love. You always get well more than $10 worth of product. For someone like me who is a self admitted cheapskate, it's a great way to test out the really expensive, but really nice, high end products without feeling like you are running a huge risk or that you have to go back to the department store to return expensive product. 

So, both my Birchbox and my Ipsy bag arrived on the same day. Here they are, in all of their pink, girly glory!

Both subscriptions are just $10/month

The first one I opened was my Birchbox. As you can see, lots of goodies came this month!

-Juice Beauty Green Apple Skin Peel for Sensitive Skin (Like mine. Holla!)

-Cookies

-Kerastase Shapmpoo

-Coola Cucumber Facial Sunscreen

-Cargo Water Resistant Blush in Los Cabos

First off, the Juicy Beauty skin peel. I have really sensitive skin, so I was nervous to use a skin care product on my face that I hadn't really heard much about. But I did a little research, and after some awesome reviews, I gave it a go. And I.love.it. It's certified organic, and makes my skin feel so soft! It's kind of pricey (about $40 for a full size jar), but I honestly think it's worth it. I'm planning to buy the full size, and I can tell just from my sample that a little goes a long way, and it'll last a while.

Next, the Hail Merry Macaroons. These tasted like butt. Don't eat them. I tried to make my sister eat one just because I wanted to see her face or watch her spit it out, but she didn't buy it. One bite of one cookie, and the rest hit the trash can. Also, they were more like the consistency of a brownie, not a macaroon.

The shampoo was fine. Nothing super special. I liked it and used it because it came with the package, but I don't know that I'd seek it out to buy more. I'll stick with my Biologe, thankyouverymuch.

This sunscreen smells so great. It's really fresh and feels really light on your skin. It's the perfect size to toss in your purse or keep in your car. I also love that it's formulated for your face. One thing I hate about sunscreen is the oily feeling it gives your skin and this is great. My makeup has sunscreen in it, but for the days I spend by the pool with my kids, I plan on going au natural. This will be awesome for that!

The Cargo blush is AWESOME. It's water resistant, which means it lasts all day and looks great. But it still comes off so easy when you wash your face. I adore Cargo, anyway, and this blush is a new favorite. The sample size is a fairly good size, and even if I used it every single day, I bet it would be a month or so before I even hit pan. It's a matte, coral-ish color, and I'm loving it for summer. It stays matte all day long. Another huge plus. I want more of this, in all three of the colors that Cargo makes it in.

Next is the Ipsy bag!

- Chevron Makeup Bag

- Zoya Nail Polish

- Pacifica Island Vanilla and Tahitian Gardenia Roll-on Perfume

- Pacifica Coconut Crushed Pearl Bronzing Body Lotion

- Yaby Concealer

- Mirabella Shimmerati Glimmer Gloss

The makeup bag that all my goodies came in is adorable, and fits in my purse perfectly. It's also awesome for travel. Seriously, you can't ever have too many of these gems.

The Zoya nail polish came in a REALLY cute mint color. I love this nail polish. It came full size, and that alone is an $8 value. I love this nail polish. It dried fairly quickly, but not so quickly that it was getting clumpy before I was finished like some quick-dry nail polishes do. It's also really durable, which is a MUST HAVE for me. Of course, I did two coats, but I did it three days ago, and it still looks perfect. Not a single chip. It's rivaling Essie and Revlon Colorstay for me, and those are my two favorite brands. I'm a big fan of this. I want it in more colors!

This roll-on perfume smells DIVINE. It's got the musky, deep smell of vanilla, but it's still flowery enough to wear every day. I also love roll-on perfumes because I can toss them in my purse and keep them there for whenever I need it. It's full size for a roll-on, and it's actually even bigger than my other roll-on perfumes that are already stashed away in my purse. I love this!

The coconut bronzing lotion is so pretty! I am excited to use this in the summer, when we are out in the sunshine. It smells really fresh, and it's bronzing without being streaky or looking AT ALL like sunless tanner. It's just pretty and smells really fresh.

This concealer is really creamy, and because of the quiz that Ipsy has you take when you sign up, it was my perfect shade. It's a small, sample size. But to give you a general size idea, if I used it every single day, it would probably last me 2-3 weeks. Then again, I don't tend to use a ton of concealer, so it just depends on how much you typically wear. It's definitely enough to know I'm a big fan, though!

This lip gloss is awesome, too. It isn't sticky, and it's a really pretty color. It's a bright, hot pink, but it's really shimmery and sheer, so it doesn't come across as too bright, and you can wear it every day and not look like a Lady of the Night, if you're catching my drift. (Kidding. I actually LOVE dark lipstick. Especially red!!) Plus, as you can see in the pic, the packaging is so cool. It's full size, and ya'll know I love that!

So, there are products from both subscriptions that I really love.

Birchbox: At first sight, the Cargo blush was my favorite, but after using the Juicy Beauty Skin Peel, I realized it's a draw between the two for the favorite spot. I also wish the sizes were just a little bit bigger.

Ipsy Bag: Although it's really hard to decide, I'd have to say my favorite in this bag is the nail polish. But the perfume comes in as a close second!

Both subscriptions were awesome this month, but I felt like Ipsy gave me more bang for my buck, and that's a big deal to me! I'd have to say Ipsy is the winner this month, but I can't wait to see what's in store for next month!! One thing about Birchbox that I love, that Ipsy doesn't offer, is that you can earn points with Birchbox for reviewing the products you receive in your subscription, as well as for purchasing your subscription every month. It makes it so if you do your reviews, about every third month is free. Ipsy does have a points system, but it's only for referring people, and they're harder and less realistic to accumulate.

Let me know what you guys liked, and if you're interested in a subscription to either, the links are below!

For info about an Ipsy subscription, click here: Ipsy
For info about a Birchbox subscription, click here: Birchbox

Also, I'd love to know if a Birchbox or Ipsy giveaway is something ya'll would be interested in, sometime in the future?

Thanks, all!

-L