June 2014: Ipsy/Birchbox Comparison

This morning, I’m jumping back in to the blogosphere with a lengthy review of my June subscriptions. Turns out, buying a house and planning a wedding at the same time is NOT an easy feat!

Since December, I have bought and moved into a new house, found all of my wedding vendors, and taken on more responsibilities at work. Needless to say, writing on a blog was not on my list of priorities. However, now that things are beginning to slow down (better knock on wood) I feel the need to pick it back up again. If nothing else, it’s a release that is more satisfying than watching an entire season of something on Netflix in 2 days.

I have also joined Influenster, so that gives me an even better reason to jump back on the blog-wagon. I will be reviewing any and all products they send me, starting with the Aveeno voxbox, which should be coming soon!

OK, let’s dive right in:

June Ipsy: “Pretty in Paradise”

Item 1: Be a Bombshell Lash-Out Mascara

Although this is a full-size sample, I didn’t get that excited about this when I got it. I’m not a huge fan of Be a Bombshell’s formulas, and this mascara wasn’t an exception. The brush seemed cheap and the mascara itself has a weird smell to it. Not a fan!

Item 2: Marc Anthony Dream Waves Beach Spray

I’ve tried beach sprays/sea salt sprays before, but this is my favorite by far. It comes out of the pump in a super-fine mist, so you won’t get that “crunchy” feel in your hair once it’s dried. It also smells fabulous.

Item 3: Nicka K New York Shimmer Eyeliner in Green

Once I pulled this out of the bag, I immediately thought to myself, “I will never use this”. I swatched it on my hand, and it was bright emerald green shimmer. However, I always make myself try all the samples I get at least once… I mean, what’s the use in having sample subscriptions if you don’t try all the samples?? So, I used a tiny bit on my lower lash line in the outer corner and I have to say – I liked it! Not an everyday look, but great for something different and dramatic.

Item 4: NYX Butter Gloss in Éclair

Now this, I was excited for. I had heard great things about this stuff! It tastes great and lasts substantially longer than most other glosses I have. I really like the light pink color I received and I will probably buy different colors eventually!

Item 5: DERMAdoctor DD cream with SPF 30

OK, I’ll admit. I don’t know the difference between all these BB, CC, DD and whatever creams. They all seem like tinted moisturizer to me. This formula was a little too greasy for everyday wear, but I like the SPF so this product would be great for an afternoon by the pool.

Onto Birchbox! (I’ll try to make this more condensed)

** I had issues with birchbox’s shipping this month for the first time. I tracked my box on June 13^th through the Birchbox App on my phone, and it said that it had been delivered… but alas, it was nowhere to be found. I called birchbox ops and they said if I hadn’t received it within 3 days of when it said it was delivered, they would send me a replacement box. Well, that day came and went and no box. So I called the post office, just to be sure it hadn’t been floating around the mail room. They didn’t have it. I then called birchbox ops again to let them know to send the replacement. It took about a week and I had the replacement box. Then, a few days later my original box showed up! I honestly did not try to pull one over on birchbox, but my tracking code said delivered on the 12^th and it didn’t show up until the 26^th, 5 days after my REPLACEMENT! Although that was frustrating, I am not going to complain anymore because both boxes I got were fantastic, and they both had 5 different products, no repeats!

Replacement Box:

Evologie Stay Clear Cleanser (love!)

Cynthia Rowley Creamy Lip Stain In Valentine (obsessed)

The Aloe Source Vitamin C Crème (a little greasy, great for nighttime though)

Antica Farmacista Bath & Shower Wash (good scent, great travel size)

Phytolisse finishing serum (perfect for split ends, but not for my roots- too oily!)

Overall I was ecstatic with my replacement box. It already had beaten out the Ipsy bag in my mind, and little did I know I would get my original box afterall!!

Original June Box:

Folle De Joie Perfume (New favorite scent- just wish the full size wasn’t $98!)

Supergoop! SPF 30 sunscreen (don’t really like the scent – but sunscreen is always a plus)

Coastal Scents Revealed 2 pallete sampler (came with 4 shadows- all in the rose gold and brown family)

Jasmine Seven Peppermint Foot Wipes (interesting concept, these left my feet super smooth and soft)

Number 4 super comb prep and protect(nice leave in conditioner for before bed)

Although I unknowingly cheated the system and was super frustrated for about a week and a half, it was worth the wait. Next time I don’t receive my Birchbox on time, I guess I’ll just wait!

I know this is a rather lengthy post but I’m back in the blogging game now!

Until next time,

Amanda