So far, I don't REALLY have a preference between the two. They're actually pretty different in my opinion. They each have qualities that I value more than others.
Ipsy Glam Bag I tried Proactiv years ago with not much luck, but this is their new Proactiv+ product that I'm willing to give a try. These are simple and easy to use too. This isn't the full sized product but it's a pretty good sized for me. I like the subtle color I received too. It appears to have a nice shimmer to it too, so I think I'll like it. Full size is 5.25oz, and this sample size is 1oz. It's actually probably big enough for a few uses. You just massage into your hair after shampooing and rinse after 3-5 minutes. I'm always trying to find products to make my hair softer and repair all the damage I've done to it so I'm happy to try this! This lip balm isn't full sized but it's definitely a good size. I'm not CRAZY about the color, after seeing the others they make, but I'll definitely use this either way. Supposedly it's smudge proof and lasts 24 hours, so we'll see about that! Full size is 1.7oz and this is 0.5oz so this isn't actually far from it, but it'll get a few uses. Unfortunately, as soon as I opened it to smell it, it sort of exploded all over the place.. but it does smell good! The bag itself is pretty cute and I'm sure I'll use it. I consider the bag a nice bonus to everything else inside of it! | Birchbox Okay, let me just say this is probably the biggest sample I've ever gotten from Birchbox. They're usually SO small and barely enough for one use, but this is great! This is another product I'll try on my hair to tame those fly-aways! This is 100% natural mascara, which is nice. I don't usually use mascara but it's always nice to have around. It's also good for sensitive eyes, and mine usually get all teary when I wear mascara so maybe this will be good for me. I can't even begin to name all the scents involved in this - but it does smell amazing! Plus it's a bigger scent sample than I normally receive from BB so that's another plus! So this is a two-step manicure set of nail polish and matching glitter. BUT.. the glitter is a HUGE mess. There is no lining under the cap so if you open it at any angle, it goes everywhere! It's already falling out before I even opened it. I probably won't even touch the glitter again. Plus, this blue really isn't my kind of color. BIRCHBOX FIND! Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Day Lotion. This is an item in addition to, not replacing, the items already included. I love Burt's Bees products so I know this won't go to waste! |
I was pleasantly surprised by the sample sizes included in this month's Birchbox! Usually they're so small, it's not even worth using, but this month was great! Ipsy was slightly less impressive but I believe I will use more of Ipsy's products than BB's. Birchbox also came with a series of inspirational cards for 2014 (pictured right). Usually I much prefer Birchbox for their products because of the skin-care aspect rather than make up. This month seems to have turned the tables towards Ipsy! Oddly, my opinions of these two boxes were proved wrong this month. Birchbox had bigger samples, but Ipsy had more beneficial products! Interesting! Overall, I like them both. This month was better than some that I've gotten/seen before. I've actually been contemplating cancelling both of these recently. I rarely use everything I receive and sometimes it seems like throwing $20 away each month just to open a couple boxes. |
If you'd like to give Birchbox a try for $10.00 a month, head over to www.birchbox.com to create your profile! There's usually a short wait to receive your first box, but my wait was less than a month.
If you'd like to give Ipsy Glam Bag a try also for $10.00 a month, head over to www.ipsy.com to join the waitlist (it took me about 2 months to get my first one)!
>>--> Kelli <--<<