My Birchbox vs. Ipsy series compares both subscriptions every month and gives you a good idea of what kinds of products to expect in each. I pay for both of these subscriptions on my own, and I’m not getting paid to write these reviews every month. I know that one month’s worth of reviews isn’t enough to make an informed decision, which is why I continue to write these posts. My hope is that if you’re on the fence between the two, these posts will help you make the decision about which subscription beauty box is right for you.
Here’s my breakdown of Birchbox vs Ipsy April 2015 edition:
Birchbox
Products (left to right):
- Beaver Professional hydro nutritive repairing conditioner
- Beaver Professional hydro nutritive moisturizing shampoo
- Real Chemistry luminous 3-minute peel
- POP Beauty eyeshadow trio
- Paula’s Choice RESIST 25% vitamin c spot treatment
I received a POP Beauty eyeshadow trio in one of my first Ipsy bags, and I know from experience that I’m not really a fan of these eyeshadows. They’re not as pigmented as I would prefer, and they’re a little too shimmery for my liking. I haven’t gotten around to trying the Beaver Professional shampoo and conditioner yet, but I love the sample size! It’s perfect for traveling, and there’s enough product for me to determine if I like it. The other two products – the Real Chemistry peel and Paula’s Choice spot treatment – are both products I just can’t get into. I feel like they’re products designed for older women, and being that I’m only 25, I just don’t see myself using either. Plus, I have sensitive skin, and peels usually irritate my skin or cause redness. Moving on.
Ipsy
Products (top to bottom, left to right)
- Redken wind blown 05 dry finishing spray
- JulieG nail color
- Pandora’s Makeup Box pink carnation blush
- theBalm Cosmetics NUDE dude eyeshadow single
- Mullein & Sparrow mini lip & cheek tint
The product I was most excited about receiving in my bag was the the Redken dry finishing spray. I love Redken shampoo and conditioner, but I’ve never gotten around to trying their styling products. The JulieG nail color is a good size sample, but I usually stray away from hot pink nail polishes. I’m willing to give it a try though.
At first, I wasn’t too excited about getting a bright pink blush since I prefer more subtle blushes (when I do use them, which is rare). However, when I opened the packaging (which was adorable), I noticed that the sample came in a magnetic single that would fit perfectly into a z-palette. A lot of times, samples get thrown into my sample drawer, never to be used again, but with this one, I popped it right into my z-palette, and I’m sure it will get quite a bit of use. The color is a lot more blendable than I was expecting, and I’m willing to try it out.
I’ve been getting a bunch of products theBalm in my recent Ipsy bags. I love the packaging on the eyeshadow. The color is a purpley-brown, but it’s not quite as pigmented as I was expecting. I like the color, though – especially since it’s different than anything else I have.
Last but not least, the Mullein & Sparrow lip and cheek tint. In the tin, the color is a dark red color, but when you put it on, it’s incredibly sheer. I put it on my lips and barely noticed that it was there. It’s a little too oily-feeling for me to wear on my cheeks, but I liked it on my lips. I like the smell/taste too. Kind of reminds me of a chocolate and raspberry jelly ring. Does anyone else know what I’m talking about?
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