Subscription Boxes

I'm currently subscribed to two monthly subscription boxes, both of which are towards the cheaper end of monthly cosmetic subscriptions. I've had Birchbox for over a year and the Ipsy Glam Bag since October. My subscriptions cost $10 per month each. A special thing about the Birchbox subscription is that they offer boxes for both men and women. The Birchbox subscription is tailored to the subscriber's specific interests, such as skincare, makeup, home or food, body, hair, or even nails. Since Birchbox offers such a large range of products, there is the option to pick and choose the categories. Ipsy, on the other hand, offers a mini survey to describe the type of style you're interested in, such as, classic, formal, hip/edgy, natural, club-goer, professional, vintage/retro, sporty, sultry, worldly, simple, or even bridal. There is no limit on how many styles you wish to select. By selecting from a list of possible brands, and describing what your daily routine focuses on or would like to focus on, Ipsy will customize your Glam Bag accordingly each month. I love both these subscription equally because they each have something different to offer me. One of the perks about Birchbox that I love most is the accessibility to the full-size items of their samples. When I come across a sample that I absolutely love and need to share, I always buy it through their website, this way I get to build up points for later use. Ipsy may not offer full-sizes of all the samples that were distributed, but there is a small shop on their website for products that Ipsy recommends. My favorite thing about Ipsy is their coordinated pieces that's suitable for on the go ready to wear. There's always a complete look in each month's Glam Bag, something for the eyes, cheeks and lips.

Birchbox: April 2015 Box | $10
This month's box was a collaboration between Birchbox and Rifle Paper Co. The pretty floral design on the box was perfect for Spring. Each Birchbox includes a notecard that describes all the samples that you've received that month as well as the price listing for full-size items of those samples. One of the best things about Birchbox, is that if you fall in love with a specific sample you could easily purchase the full-size item on the Birchbox website. Another great feature about Birchbox is their point system which you could put towards your next purchase when you buy any full-size item from their website or store front in SOHO. Every $1.00 spent in their shop will earn you 1 reward point. Each 100 reward points can be redeemed for $10.00 and points expire after 365 days. Most Birchbox samples are from high end products, although the sample sizes can be relatively small, it is enough for you to test the product. Birchbox not only offers fragrance samples, beauty and cosmetic samples, but they also offer a variety of home and food products. It's the perfect place for gift giving idea. For an added bonus, certain months give you two options for your box, an editor's choice box or your standard box. These special boxes are limited, but most of them are worth trying since the special boxes only replace your standard box at no additional cost.

I'm most excited to try the Jane Iredale lip and cheek stain, and the Wei Manuka Bee Venom Mask samples.

Darphin

Hydraskin Intensive Skin-Hydrating Serum | Full-size 30ml 1.0 oz, $76

     WHAT Infused with a potent hydration complex, this treatment moisturizes and revives skins.

     HOW Apply a small amount to clean face, massaging in upward motions to absorb.
[Birchbox: I received a sample size that was 5 ml 0.17 fl. oz]

Jane Iredale

Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain | Full-size, $25

     WHAT This multitasking, long-lasting color adjusts to your skin for a natural, customized shade.

     HOW Glide onto lips. Dab onto cheeks and blend well.
[Birchbox: I received a mini sample size]

Obliphica Professional

Intensive Hair Serum | Full-sized 2.2 oz, $38

     WHAT This lightweight formula restores colored, dry, or damaged hair for soft and shiny strands.

     HOW Rub a few drops between palms. Smooth onto clean, damp hair or your finished look.
[Birchbox: I received a sample size that was 15 ml 0.5 fl. oz]

Wei

Manuka Bee Venom Mask | Set of 8 Pods, $60

     WHAT This treatment firms, softens, and minimizes fine lines, with a warm tingle as it works.

     HOW Brush mask onto clean face, avoiding eyes, 1-2 times weekly. Wait 10 minutes, then rinse.
[Birchbox: I received one pod, out of the set of 8 pods if you were to order the full set]

Whish

Shave Crave Shaving Cream - Coconut | Full-size 150 ml, $20

     WHAT An ultrahydrating, shea butter-packed shaving cream that helps prevent ingrown hairs.

     HOW Apply to legs, armpits, or bikini line before you shave.
[Birchbox: I received a sample size that was 22 ml 0.75 fl. oz]

Ipsy: April 2015 Glam Bag | $10
My Ipsy subscription always arrives in a bright hot pink metallic bubble envelope. Inside is a specially designed makeup pouch that's tailored to a specific theme that changes each month. This month had a bohemian vibe. I absolutely love the colorful woven design on this month's makeup bag! One thing that I love about Ipsy is that almost every bag that I receive has a full sized item inside, whether it's a lip product or a makeup brush. This month I got two full-size items, both the cream lipstick and the blush. I love the shades that I got for both these items. Another nice thing about Ipsy is that all the products that come in each bag is perfect for on the go. It usually comes with everything you need for that day's look, eyeliner or eyeshadow, with a lip gloss or lipstick, blush or powder foundation and sometimes even a fragrance. And everything is packaged neatly in a cute makeup pouch ready for use. In my opinion, this is the perfect starter subscription for the younger targeted audience. Since I'm still relatively new to the world of cosmetics, Ipsy is perfect for me.

The Ipsy Glam Bag does not include a description notecard for the samples you receive, but I've Googled the items I've received for this month's Glam Bag. 

KCO Colors by Beauty Brands

Cream Lipstick | Full-size, $8

Add shine and volume to lips. This cream lipstick offers a wide variety of colors available in pearl and cream finishes.

[Ipsy: I received a full-size lipstick in the shade 'Natural Born Beauty']

Hikari Cosmetics

Blush | Full-size, $15

Vibrant, easy to blend colors that highlight the cheekbones

[Ipsy: I received a full-size blush in the shade 'Tango']

LATHER

Ultra light face lotion | Full-size 2.0 oz, $21

A gentle, nutrient-rich botanical lotion for normal to oily, combination or sensitive skin. This lotion has a lightweight texture, absorbs rapidly and does not leave an oily film on the skin. Special ingredients, such as borage oil and grapeseed oil, make this lotion especially effective for damaged or problem skin. Those with sensitive skin will find it gentle and non-irritating. Paraben-free.

HOW Apply to clean, dry skin and massage in completely. Great for day or night.

[Ipsy: I received a sample size that was 1.0 oz]

theBalm Cosmetics

NUDE Dude Eyeshadow Single | Full-size Palette, $36

Introducing theBalm's latest addition to the Nude series... Nude Dude! Get a quick look using any combination of these triple-milled shadows or dress up your look by adding water to transform your favorite shades into loyal liners. This total package includes 12 full-bodied shadows that can be worn alone or layered for added intensity.

HOW Apply these shadows wet or dry for quick look.

[Ipsy: I received a single sample shade of 'Flirty', the size of the sample looks about half the size of a single shade on the palette] 

Jor'el Parker

Femina | Full-size 50ml 1.7oz, $55

Notes: Meyer Lemon, White Grapefruit, Satsuma Mandarin, Summer Forsythia, Pink Plumeria, Wild Verbena, Tahitian Vanilla, and Sensual Musk

Style: Welcoming. Loving. Refreshing

[Ipsy: I received a mini roller 8.8ml worth $21 in the scent 'Femina']