August 2014 - Ipsy Subscription Review

My August Ipsy subscription arrived. I wasn't excited about their plastic (cheap looking) cosmetic bag, but I did like the pattern/color. I got 2 full size products and the rest were sample sizes.

August's Products & Estimated Value:
Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner (Sample ~$11.25)
Urban Decay Perversion Mascara (Sample ~$5.50)
J. Cat Beauty Flying Solo Eye Shadow (Full Size - $2.99)
Jersey Shore Sun Mongongo Lip Conditioner (Full Size - $5.50)
Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk (Sample - $6.50)

Total Estimated Value: $31.74 + Cosmetic Bag

Overall this wasn't my favorite Ipsy bag and the value was lacking from previous months. However, I will probably use everything in the bag or at least try it out.

August 2014 Birchbox Subscription Review

So I've been having fun with the subscription box Ipsy and decided to try a new subscription box called Birchbox. It's very similar to Ipsy, and it's also only $10 a month shipped. It arrived today! :)

I found this pretty pink box in my mail today! :)

What do you receive with Birchbox?
Every month, you'll receive a box filled with 4-5 beauty, grooming, and lifestyle samples from both up-and-coming and well known brands.

August 2014 Birchbox - What's inside?

The Tee-Hee box had the perfume and lip gloss inside it

• Catherine Malandrino - Style de Paris Fragrance (sample): I like the scent. Very light, crisp, summery
• K6 Skincare - clear Antioxidant Facial Cleanser (sample): clear color and the smell reminds me of Noxima
• LAQA & Co - Sheer Lip Lub Pencil in Bees Knees (full size): fun coral color, smells/tastes like a mint toothpick, not too thick or cakey feeling
• Noir Cosmetics - Long-Wear Eyeliner in black (full size): I haven't tried this one yet, but the words creamy & velvety in it's description has me believe it would go on nice and I like that it's waterproof. P.S. - Why don't they say tear proof instead of waterproof...isn't that what we are the most concerned about? Mull that around for a while, but I think I'm right.
• Whish - Shave Crave Shaving Cream Acai Grapfruit (sample) - I also haven't tried this one yet but it has shea-butter in it and it smells great. Full size $20!!! Woof!

Birchbox Pro's & Con's List:
Pro:

• $10 a month shipped! Not too shabby considering I got 2 full-sized products, and just those 2 products alone are worth $33.
• Products are high-end and are a good variety (not 3 different lipsticks)
• The box comes addressed to The Brilliant __(your name)__
• I like that they include a description card. It lists out the product name, cost of the full-size product, a description of what it is, and how to use it. I like that you don't have to go on their website, or do your own research, to figure out how to use it, or how much it would cost you. You can still go on their website for more info, but I like that they provide a quick description in the box.  

I got full-size products of the LAQA & Co. lip gloss and the Noir eyeliner

Con:
* It comes in a box vs. a cute reusable cosmetic bag that Ipsy offers. Granted I'll probably recycle the box I like that I'd actually reuse the cosmetic bags from Ipsy.


Overall, I liked this months products and will use all of them. I think I'll give it another month, but as of right now I am leaning towards Ipsy. I don't need to have 2 beauty subscription boxes, and I like getting the reusable cosmetic bags from Ipsy.

Ipsy Subscription Review - July 2014

It's here! It's here!

My July Ipsy subscription has arrived in its usual hot pink bubble envelope. I've been an Ipsy subscriber for 3 months now and LOVE it! 

First, what is Ipsy?
For $10 a month (shipping included), you get a different cosmetic bag (AKA Glam bag) filled with about 4-5 deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products to try. When you sign up, you complete a questionnaire about yourself, so they know your skin tones, make-up preferences, etc. 

5 reasons Ipsy's a fun Subscription service:
1. It comes in a bright pink bubble wrap envelope - so you feel extra girly! 
2. You get a fun surprise in the mail each month for only $10 a month. Who doesn't like fun mail! 
3. The products fit your preferences that you fill out in the questionnaire
4. If you don't think you'll use one of the products or the Glam bag...it's a fun bonus birthday gift for someone or stocking stuffer.
5. On Ipsy's website, you can find out how to use the products, if you are a low maintenance kind of gal and don't know how to use some of these products (like myself).


July's Products & Estimated Value:


* bareMinerals READY Eye-shadow 2.0 (full size) $20.00
* POP Beauty Sun-kissed Bronzer (full size)   $10.00
* derma e BB Creme with SPF 25 (deluxe sample) ~$7.00
* Pixi Beauty Mini Tinted Brilliance Balm (deluxe sample)   ~$8.00
* Pur~lisse pur~protect essential daily moisturizer spf 30 (deluxe sample)   ~$16.50


Total Estimated Value:
$61.50 in product + cosmetic bag








Here is the link if you are interested in joining!
http://www.ipsy.com/r/7qt7