I received two subscriptions this month: Birchbox and Ipsy. In my experience, subscriptions can be very hit or miss; most of the time I'm fairly content with the items I receive for $10/mo, but I do have to admit there are times I've been disappointed with the contents of the bag, and even an occasion or two that I've felt that there wasn't a single item I could use. I often debate about cancelling one of my subs, but then they go and send me an awesome box, and I am once again sucked into subscription box bliss. If I do ever decide to whittle it down to just one sub a month, I want to know which box I am better off keeping; therefore, I like to compare month to month and get an idea of the sub I am happiest with most often, and which has the most bang for the buck. I like to compare both products received and overall value to the cost of the subscription; to make cost-comparisons a little easier, I round the estimated value to the nearest quarter dollar. Without further ado, let us begin this month's Battle of the Boxes - read on to see which box reigns supreme for the month of August!
Birchbox is up first this month:
Birchbox is a monthly subscription service that costs $10/mo and provides you with 4-6 samples hand-picked for you and delivered right to your mailbox! When you subscribe to the service, you fill out a questionnaire that helps them pick items suited to your needs and style. This is one of the original subscription boxes, and it has one of the best points systems: for every 100 points earned, you get $10 to spend in their shop. It's easy to earn points through reviewing the products received, shopping in their store and referring friends! Also, another fun perk that Birchbox introduced awhile back is the option to pick one of your samples each month, or even select a fully curated box. I like this option, because you can be sure that you will like at least one of the items you receive (provided they offer a sample choice you like). This month, I chose the Coola SPF 30 Organic Makeup Setting Spray as my sample choice - let's see what else I got:
Oh God, not another Harvey Prince Hello Perfume Sample! This scent makes a regular appearance in my subs, and I am so not a fan. PLEASE STOP SENDING THIS TO ME! Thank you.
Supergoop Forever Young Hand Cream - estimated value $1.75
Ooh, another hand cream... despite my lack of enthusiasm, Winter is Coming (GOT anyone?), which will cause my hands to get dry and cracked, so this hand cream could be a lifesaver.
This is a nice leave in that detangles, protects from heat a UV damage, and leaves hair shiny and smelling amaaaazzzing! Seriously, this stuff is scrumptious.
Coola SPF 30 Organic Makeup Setting Spray - estimated value $7.00
This was my pick for the month of August. I was really excited about it, but I'm glad I tried the sample before purchasing the full size, because I am not impressed. It smells strongly of herbs and earthy things (though that goes away after a minute), and does not work well as far as keeping your makeup in place. I do think the idea of an SPF that can be applied over your makeup throughout the day is ingenious, and would make sun protection so much easier, but $36 for 1.7 ounces is crazy expensive for a setting spray. I'm just not sold on this product, and will continue to apply my SPF the old fashioned way for now.
LAQA & CO Cheeky Lip Pencil in Humble Brag - estimated value $6.75
This is a pretty blush-pink crayon that can be used on both lips and cheeks. The color is not too bad, and the formula is somewhat moisturizing...though I know I'll never use it as a cheek color.
Total estimated value for Birchbox:$18.25
Next we'll compare Ipsy:
Ipsy is a monthly beauty and makeup subscription that contains full or deluxe sized products, all packed into a cute makeup bag that suits the theme for that month. Like Birchbox, it costs $10/month, and the items vary from bag to bag based on your beauty profile. You can earn points by reviewing the products you receive and making referrals, and those points can be redeemed for select items when you reach 250, 500 or 1000 points (depending on the rewards available). There is a theme each month, and for the month of August it was "Prep School". Let's take a peek at what was inside my August Glambag:
This mask claims to detoxify, brighten and strengthen stressed, tired, dull-looking skin in one single application using the powers of Tumeric. Face masks are hit or miss for me, but I am willing to give it a try.
Marc Anthony Nourishing Argan Oil of Morocco - estimated value $2.50
I'm not really a hair oil person, but every once in a while, when my hair feels dry, I will add a bit to my ends. I will put this away for later use.
This will be a great fall shade, perfect for wine and berry lipcolors. I actually don't own a liner in this shade, so I'm happy to have received it!
Tarte Lipsurgance Skintuitive Lip Gloss in Energy- estimated value $3.50
This is a yummy clear gloss that adjusts to your PH levels, creating a unique shade of pink perfect for your skin tone. It is not sticky, and smells like vanilla frosting! I'm actually enjoying this for daytime wear, as it is easy to apply and gives just the right amount of color.
Starlooks Luxe Longwear Eyeliner Pen in Black - Full size!!! value $19.00
I love a good felt tipped pen eyeliner - it makes winged liner so easy! This couldn't have come at a better time either, as my current liquid liner is starting to dry out and skip. I'm looking forward to giving this a try!
Total estimated value for Ipsy: $42.00
Do I really have to tell you that Ipsy once again comes out on top for me?!?! The last few months Ipsy has really been bringing it - what's up with that, Birchbox?? Over and over again, Ipsy has shown the better value for the price of the sub, and August is no different with the values being $42.00 vs $18.25. While both subs have three items I am excited to try and two I couldn't care less about, the fact that Ipsy has a higher value and 2 full-sized products makes it the clear winner for August. High-five Ipsy!
Interested in trying out one of these subscriptions for yourself? Follow this link for Birchbox, or this one for Ipsy.
What boxes do you currently subscribe to? Which is your favorite this month?
Thank you for checking out Battle of the Boxes... live a beautiful life!
~Jessica
*The winner of Battle of the Boxes is based solely on my opinion of which subscription has the better content and overall estimated value. As always, all opinions are my own.
**This post contains referral links
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Thank you so much - your comments are always appreciated!
~Jessica