Beauty Box Reviews

Which Beauty Box Subscription Is Right For You?

I’ve been getting Beauty Box Subscriptions for about a year now and I wanted to give some insight into the benefits of each box so you can decide which one is best for you.

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Beauty Subscription Boxes are pretty simple. You pay a monthly or quarterly payment for a box of beauty products. Often times your box is a “mystery” but there are times when you can select a product that you want from a list. Many companies also have you fill out a survey about your skin type, hair color, etc. so that they can match you up with better products.

All of my Beauty Box review are right here and I’ve done some video unboxings too.

Here are the subscription boxes I get from low to high in price.

Monthly Subscribtions

Ipsy Glambag

I’m listing Ipsy first because I think it’s a great place to start if you’ve never tried a beauty subscription box.

Not only do you get 5 products every month you also get a unique “bag”. I find the bag to be of excellent quality, I love collecting them. The samples I’ve gotten are a good mix of make-up and facial products and I love that I get a brush once in awhile.

Cost: $10/month

Some of the brands I’ve gotten from Ipsy: Dirty Little Secret, Tarte, Purlisse, Ciate, NYX, theBalm, Too Faced, Josie Maran, Lord & Berry, Dr. G.

Birchbox

Birchbox has been kind of hit or miss for me and I did stop them for a few months. However now that I’m back I’ve been pretty happy. They do tend to give a lot of facial products. This past month (May 2017) was a 10/10 for me.

You get 5 samples every month in a pretty box with a unique design.

Cost: $10/month

Some of the brands I’ve gotten from Birchbox: Coola, MAC, GlamGlow, MannaKadar Cosmetics, Stila, Skin Food, R+Co., Benefit, Dr. Brandt, Bumble and bumble, Vasanti.

Sephora Play

You have to wait to get the Sephora Play Box but I got in fairly quickly. You also get a card that you can bring to Sephora to get 50 VIP points added to your total. You do have to make a purchase to get the points.

Each month you get a cute “bag” of 5 goodies from Sephora and I like what I get from them. It’s a nice variety of make-up and skincare products. Sephora also likes to give perfume samples.

Cost: $10/month

Some of the brands I’ve gotten from Sephora: Sephora, Make Up Forever, Smashbox, GlamGlow, Josie Maran, Urban Decay, Too Faced, Clinique, Origins, Bite, Lancome.

Allure

The Allure Beauty Box is a bit pricier and $15/month but you do get some higher-end products.

Most of the high-end products are skincare like the La Mer ‘The Moisturizing Soft Cream’. You also get a nice glossy booklet that describes each product. I’ve also gotten Luxie brushes which is nice.

Cost: $15/month

Some of the brands I’ve gotten from Allure: La Mer, Smashbox, Clinique, Estee Lauder, GlamGlow, Drunk Elephant, Luxie, Skinfix, Skin & Co., The BrowGal, SuperGoop, Orly.

Glossybox

I’m fairly new to Glossybox but I am loving it! They also have limited-edition boxes that you can get in addition to your monthly subscription. I got the Glossybox Limited Edition Pink Diamond Box for $35.

The products are unique and some brands are from the UK which I love.

Cost: $21/month (less if you purchase more months)

Some of the brands I’ve gotten from Glossybox: ColourPop, Jafra, Gilchrist & Soames, Tarte, Catrice, Rodial, Emma Hardie, Spa To You.

Target

You have to order the Target Beauty Box online, they are usually $7 to $10 and sometimes you can order 2 different ones each month.

You get a lot of great drugstore brands and the samples are on the larger side, you just have to be fast as sometimes they sell out.

Cost: $7 to $10/month (this is not a subscription, you have to order every month from Target online)

Some of the brands I’ve gotten from Target: Wet N Wild, Soap & Glory, Nexxus, Vichy, Burt’s Bees, Yes To, Raw Sugar, Rimmel, eb5, Banana Boat, Dr. Teal’s, L’Oreal.

More Beauty Box Subscriptions!

I also just subscribed to BoxyCharm and Julep!

Quarterly Subscriptions

Walmart

The Walmart Box is actually free, you just pay $5 for shipping.

I’ve gotten a lot of great drugstore brands and samples and I like getting this box every 3 months. You also get stuff like toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant and masks.

Cost: $5/quarter

Some of the brands I’ve gotten from Walmart: Gliss, Colgate, Jergens, Ban, ICE Nail Polish, Covergirl, Ponds, Dove, Aveeno, SOO AE.

Beautycon

Beautycon was one of the first boxes I ever subscribed to and it’s amazing!

The box is curated by a beauty influencers like Grav3yardgirl and the products you get are full-sized. You get make-up, skincare products, haircare products and brushes.

Cost: $29/quarter (plus you pay for shipping. I pay $5.95)

Some of the brands I’ve gotten from Beautycon: Too Faced, NYXDirty Little Secrets, Redkin, OFRA, Milani, Luxie, OGX, The BrowGal, Cargo, IBY.

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Beauty Box Reviews, Beauty Reviews, Birchbox

May 2017 Birchbox Review

*Spoiler Alert! I’m showcasing the May 2017 Birchbox (this is my Birchbox referral code) today. It’s called “Low Effor,t High Impact”.

I was thrilled to get my May Birchbox so early this month. Here’s what I got!

Coola SPF 30 Organic Makeup Setting Spray – This spray smells amazing and fresh and I love that it has SPF protection. Full-Sized Price $36

MAC Cosmetics Strobe Cream – I am super excited to try out this strobe cream form MAC It has green tea and is supposed help dull skin, it also smells so good! Full-Sized Price $33

Ouai Wave Spray – I’ve used this spray before and it does wonders on my hair. It is “paraben- and phthalate-free spray has an Italian lemon, amber, and white musk scent.” Full-Sized Price $26

The Beauty Crop Fabulous Flocking Lashes Mascara – I love the pink flamingo tube and I can’t wait to try out this “tropical-inspired” mascara. Full-Sized Price $22

Whish Firming Body Cream –  Who doesn’t need a good firming : ) This ons is supposed to “stimulate blood flow and reduce inflammation, plus moisturize and protect skin from free radicals.” Full-Sized Price $36

Over all I’m giving this month a 9/10 because I got 2 make-up products and I really like the OUAI Wave Spray and the Coola Setting Spray.

Check out my May 2017 Birchbox Unboxing on YouTube too!

Beauty Reviews, Benefit

Benefit They’re Real! Double The Lip Review

I got a small version of the Benefit They’re Real! Double The Lip lipstick in my April Birchbox and I have mixed feeling about this product.

The sample I got in Birchbox was pretty small so I’m wondering if the full-sized version of this product is a bit more substantial. Although the lipstick point looks like it is the same sized as the full-sized version.

The dual lipstick is oval with a darker tip that’s supposed to work as a liner. You can see the darker shade on my hand below. This lip duo comes in 8 combos and I have the Lusty Rose shade which is pretty.

However when I applied Double The Lip I really didn’t see a huge difference in the two shades and it was a little awkward applying it on my bottom lip because you have to flip it over to get the liner on.

The lipstick itself is nice and moisturizing I just can’t get past the wonky application. I would rather just use a  traditional liner.

Check out my April 2017 Birchbox Unboxing with the Benefit They’re Real! Double The Lip on YouTube too!

Beauty Box Reviews, Birchbox

April 2017 Birchbox Review

*Spoiler Alert! I’m showcasing the April 2017 Birchbox (this is my Birchbox referral code) today. It’s called “Magic Inside”.

I got my April 2017 Birchbox today and aside from the perfume sample I’m pretty impressed. I go back and forth on Birchbox but This month was pretty decent. Here’s what I got.

TOCCA Emelia Eau de Parfum – I’m not a huge fan of perfume but this one is nice. Full-Sized Price: $72

Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Double the Lip Mini – I think this new lip double from benefit is a neat idea. This one is in Lusty Rose. Price: $10

Bumble and bumble. Don’t Blow It – Fine – I’m also pretty excited about the Bumble and bumble. Don’t Blow It, I have used their products before and I love them. Full-Sized Price: $31

derma e Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask – I love a good charcoal mask and this one looks really nice. Full-Sized Price: $19.50

Vasanti BrightenUp! New Skin Amplifying Moisturizer – I’ve never tried this brand and I’m excited to give it a try. Full-Sized Price: $34.

Over all I’m giving this month a 9/10 only because I would rather have had another make-up product over the parfum!

Check out my April 2017 Birchbox Unboxing on YouTube too!

Beauty Box Reviews, Birchbox

March 2017 Birchbox Review

*Spoiler Alert! I’m showcasing the March 2017 Birchbox (this is my Birchbox referral code) today.

This month was curated by Reese Witherspoon in honor of Women’s History Month.

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Here’s what I got in my March Birchbox…

Arrow Enhance Waterproof Eye Brightener – I feel like this was the most useful item in my box this month. It’s a pretty pink shade that I want to try. Full-Sized Price: $16

Bioderma Sébium H2O –  I’m not sure why I got an acne product this month but it smells nice. Full-Sized Price: $16.90

COOLA Mineral Face SPF 30 Unscented Matte Tint: This matte tint is probably the second nicest product but I wish it was a bit bigger in size. Full-Sized Price: $16.90

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Nettle – For Oily Hair – I really wish Birchbox would stop sending me dry shampoo! I have a box full and I’m allergic to nettle. Full-Sized Price: $20

Number 4 Super Combo Prep & Protect – This is actually a nice product for hair and it has a nice scent.  Full-Sized Price: $32

I’m giving this month a 7/10. I think Birchbox could have done a bit better, especially with the Reese Witherspoon collaboration. I would have liked to see at least one high-end make-up product in the box.

Also check out my March 2017 Birchbox unboxing.

 

Beauty Reviews

December 2016 Birchbox Review

*Spoiler Alert! I’m showcasing the December 2106 Birchbox (this is my Birchbox referral code) today.

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I’m late on my Birchbox review this month so here’s a quick Christmas Eve update on what I got for December.

R+Co Death Vally Dry Shampoo – I need to try all of these dry shampoos I am getting soon. I do love the R+Co brand so I’m hoping to like this one. Full-Sized Price: $29

Real Chemistry Luminous 3-Minute Peel – I can’t wait to try this peel! I love a good quality face peel and this one gets good reviews. Full-Sized Price: $29

Chella Eyebrow Defining Gel – Eyebrow is really a nice addition to your brow routine and I can’t wait to try this one. Full-Sized Price: $18

ARDENCY INN MODSTER Smooth Ride Supercharged Eyeliner – I never turn down a new black eyeliner! I like the texture of this one. Full-Sized Price: $20

Wilmaschumann European Skin Care Hydrating Collagen Eye Pads – I have never tried eye pads before but I’m up for getting rid of wrinkles! Full-Sized Price: $18

I also got a Birchbox purse mirror in this box.

I’m giving the December Birchbox a 10/10 for the 5 quality products that came this month. I’m excited to try all of them.

 

Beauty Box Reviews, Birchbox

November 2016 Birchbox Review

*Spoiler Alert! I’m showcasing the November 2016 Birchbox (this is my Birchbox referral code) today.

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I’m really happy with the November Birchbox and I love the blue and pink box. Here’s what I got this month.

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Benefit They’re Real Tinted Primer – I’m excited to try this brown eyelash primer from Benefit. It’s supposed to “give lashes a feathery, natural look.”

Full Sized Price: $24

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Marcelle New Age LumiPower 3-in-1 Moisturizer – This moisturizer from Marcella is for you eyes. It’s oil-free and scent free and looks like a neat product.

Full Sized Price: $26

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Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant – This is a pricey product that Imm curious to try. I’ve had great luck with  microdermabrasion products in the past and this one gets great reviews.

Full Sized Price: $79

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Coastal Scents Blush and Highlighter Duo – I always get excited when I get make-up samples in my Birchbox and this duo from Costal Scents is nice with great pigmentation and coverage.

Full Sized Price: $19.95

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Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Oil – This is another pricey product that I’m curious to try. It’s supposed to be “light-as-air” while leaving hair smooth and shiny. I’ll take that!

Full Sized Price: $40

I’m giving the November Birchbox a 10! I’m super excited to try all 5 products and they definitely are worth $10 this month.

 

 

 

Beauty Reviews, Birchbox

October 2016 Birchbox Review

*Spoiler Alert! I’m showcasing the October 2106 Birchbox (this is my Birchbox referral code) today.

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I am very happy with the October Birchbox selection this month. This box was worth it just for the GlamGlow! I also love the colorful box design.

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Here’s what I got this month…

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GlamGlow POWERMUD Dualcleanse Treatment – I am a fanatic about the entire GlamGlow line so anytime I get a sample I am thrilled because GlamGlow is pricey. As soon as I got my October Birchbox I tried out the POWERMUD and I loved it. It made my face noticeably smoother and brighter. I seriously need a GlamGlow budget!  Full-Sized Price: $69.

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Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo – This is a dry shampoo from Oribe. It looks interesting and I’m curious about trying it. Full-Sized Price: $44.

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Avene Hydrance Optimate Hydrating Cream RICH – Birchbox had the Avene Spring Water in the September Box and I should try these products in the same week. This is a rich hydrating creme. Full-Sized Price: $32.

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This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray – Tip here! Open this bottle VERY carefully. I pulled on the cap and flung almost the entire product across the room. Not my entire living room smells like lavender and chamomile which is nice but a bit strong. Full-Sized Price: $29

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MAKE Silk Cream Lipstick in Magnolia – This has got to be the cutest lipstick I have ever seen. While I have never heard of this brand I’ll certainly use this one. Full-Sized Price: $25

Overall I give the October Birchbox a 9.5 out of 10. I feel like this was an awesome box with the GlamGlow, MAKE Lipstick sample and Avene.

 

 

Beauty Reviews, Birchbox

September 2016 Birchbox Review

*Spoiler Alert! I’m showcasing the September  2106 Birchbox today.

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Ah Birchbox! What happened this month? This is my 3rd Birchbox and I’ve been thrilled so far. I was expecting a special box this month because it’s their 6th Anniversary and while the products were nice I was expecting another “wow” factor product like a lipstick or mascara.

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Here’s what I got this month…

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Milk Makeup Highlighter – I am super excited to try this Milk highlighter. I’ll be doing a full review on this soon. Full-Sized Price: $24

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Beauty Protector Blonde Toning Shampoo – This purple shampoo looks like an interesting product being that I have blonde hair and I’m curious to try it out. I believe Beauty Protector is a Birchbox brand because I can’t find much out about the company. Full-Sized Price: $23

Avene Thermal Sprig Water – This product gets great reviews it’s just not up my alley. It’s “A mineral-rich water mist for softening and relieving sensitive skin.” Full-Sized Price: $14

Klorane Waterproof Eye Make-up Remover – This is another product with good reviews and it’s supposed to remove mascara which is a win. Full-Sized Price: $16

The Organic Pharmacy Double Rose Rejuvenating Face Cream – This product is supposed to leave your skin “hydrated and glowing” and it’s pretty pricey! It does have a nice secnt Full-Sized Price: $88

So, I’m giving this months box a 7.5 because of the lack of a second make-up product and the Spring Water sample. However I can’t wait to see the October box. I’m still a fan of Birchbox and just because this wasn’t my favorite box I do love getting my surprise products every month.

How did you feel about Birchbox this month?

 

Beauty Reviews, Birchbox

August 2016 Birchbox Review

*Spoiler Alert! I’m showcasing the August 2106 Birchbox today.

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I was so excited to get my August Birchbox today! I love the pretty geometric box and the haul is super exciting in this one!

Here’s what I got in the August 2016 Birchbox!

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MannaKadar Cosmetics  – This one is a bit odd because the Birchbox card says this is The Day Dream Palette but the back of the product says Fantasy which I think is this. Either way I love it! You can use it as a blush, highlighter or eyeshadow. It’s super shimmery and and lightweight. I can wait to use this tomorrow.

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Beauty Protector Oil – I can’t find a website for this product so I think it could be a Birchbox exclusive. It’s supposed to give hair “serious shine” and protect from UV rays. It smells really nice, like a warm vanilla and I’m excited to try this one out.

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Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick – I’ve been wanted to try Stila but my Sephora budget is maxed this month so I was thrilled to get a sample of the All Day Liquid Lipstick in Patina which is a rosy pink. This product smells amazing, like sugar cookies and I can’t wait to get it on my lips. I’ll be sure to review this one soon.

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Skin Food Black Sugar Mask – As you can see from my blog I love a good skin mask so I am so excite to try this one from Skin Food. I might just try this exfoliating mask tonight. It’s got a light caramel scent which is nice.

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R+Co BADLANDS Dry Shampoo Paste – Finally I got another hair product. The Badlands Dry Shampoo Paste looks really neat. The R+Co says this product is “One part dry shampoo, one part styling paste and 100% badass on days when you want to add texture and hold to slept-on hair.” I’m so on board with this! I also love the smell, it’s a cross between sea salt, maybe lime and perhaps what Johnny Depp smells like!

Overall I give the August Birchbox a 10 because not only will I try every product they all smell amazing too which is so cool to have 5 out of 5 that smell so good.