Hi lovelies! As I just posted my Glossybox review yesterday, it's now time for the head to head (to head!). Curious how the 3 most popular beauty subscription boxes (and bag!) stack up? Not sure which one (or two or three!) you want to subscribe to? Have no fear, my dear, as I bring you July's edition of Birchbox vs. Glossybox vs. Ipsy Glam Bag! {Click to see how they stack up!}
Ipsy's theme this month was 'Beach Beauty' and I especially love how well each product fits the theme. Of all three boxes, I think Ipsy kept with its theme the best, and how cute is the makeup bag? It's simply perfect for the beach! Want to see my review again? Ipsy Glam Bag July Review.
Birchbox's July Box was all about the Power Play - helping you take control of any situation. I don't quite think the theme is super apparent with the products, but I really love each product received, especially the full-sized vibrant purple Eyeko liquid liner, and the Mandelic Acid 3-in-1 Wash. Curious about each product? Birchbox July Review.
Finally, Glossybox was all about Le Grand Bleu in July. That is, products to accompany you through a glorious day at the beach. Well, I think that this box was the farthest from its theme, as the lip balm and maybe the nail polish are the only things beachy. I do love the individual products, but feel that considering this box costs more than both Birchbox and Ipsy together, it certainly left me wanting more. Want to see each product? Glossybox July Review.
Here's the breakdown:
BIRCHBOX ~ Cost $10
Eyeko Skinny Eyeliner ~ $16
Keratase Chroma Thermique Protect ~ $5.63
Vivant Skin Care Mandelic Acid 3-in-1 Wash ~ $0.59
purminerals CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 40 ~ $7.60
Birchbox Bobby Pins ~ $1.67
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Total Value $31.49
IPSY GLAM BAG ~ Cost $10
Benefit Benetint ~ $5.71
Coola Mineral Sunscreen ~ $4.87
bh cosmetics California Collection Palette ~ $6
pop beauty Lip Crayon ~ $4.17
Big Sexy Hair Weatherproof Spray ~ $7.80
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Total Value $28.55
GLOSSYBOX ~ Cost $21
Brazilian Blowout Acai Deep Conditioning Masque ~ $5
Bvlgari Eau Parfumee au the Blanc Shampoo & Shower Gel ~ $6.18
Evologie Intensive Blemish Serum ~ $11.67
Figs & Rouge Cherry Blossom Tinted Lip Balm Tube ~ $9
Nails Inc. Baker Street Polish ~ $3.80
Nicka K New York ABSOLUTE! Make-up Cleansing Tissues ~ $1.17
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Total Value $36.82
*All prices were calculated by creating a ratio of the cost of the full size to it's size and then applying that to the sample size to arrive at a price. For example, if something costs $10 for 1 ounce, and a 1/2 ounce sample is received, I'm valuing it at $5. Make sense?
THE VERDICT
Well this month was a bit of a disappointment for the two usual favorites. Glossybox boasts of its value being twice its cost, and this month it wasn't close. Although these subscription boxes state they send deluxe samples, we've been spoiled by full-sized products and boxes of values nearing triple its cost. Of my three Ipsy Glam Bags, this one also was its lowest value, especially considering my first one rang in with a value of $60. Although I love the products received, and they did a wonderful job in keeping with its theme, something the others neglected to do. This is the first month that all three boxes had a value of pretty much the same. Weird right? So now we need to take into account the costs. Given that Glossybox costs more than both Birchbox and Ipsy, I'd expect its value to as well. Since it doesn't, well, we can assume that Glossybox will finish dead last again. Now it's down to Ipsy and Birchbox. Well, Ipsy really had some great products that really fit the theme. Most months boxes although they have a theme, it's rarely apparent. Birchbox really continues to impress, after leaving much to the imagination for its second year, now that they've rebranded, I'm back to loving them and putting them up there with where they were in their first year.
THE WINNER
Although it was extremely close, I feel that the gold medal has to go to Birchbox this month. They've really shown that they've taken all the criticism into account and have really worked hard to provide some amazing products lately. This is the first month in a long time that Birchbox has had a box with a value of three times its cost! Ipsy is most certainly a close second, taking the silver, and Glossybox gets the dusty bronze.
Who would you pick as the winner? Do you think I got it right?
xo
Lia