December Ipsy vs Birchbox

It's the end of the month again which means it's time to do another review. This will be my last Ipsy vs Birchbox post, and I'll explain why at the end of this post. If you enjoy reading, make sure to subscribe for updates on new posts!

Birchbox month's theme: Shine On

1. IPKN Radiant Cream Primer SPF 15 (4.97$) Since this is a small sample, I use it just for my eyelids as opposed to full-face. It helps mattify without drying out the skin, and helps keep eyeshadow on all day. It's a very creamy formula, so it provides a smooth surface for makeup application.

2. Real Chemistry Luminous 3-Minute Peel (4.80$) Applying a small amount of this clear gel to damp skin and massaging it in removes the top layer of skin to reveal the radiant and smooth skin beneath. It works gently to peel away dead skin cells quickly and efficiently. The sample is only good for about 3 or 4 uses, but I am glad they included this expensive item in the box.

3. Wilma Schumann Skincare Hydrating Collagen Eye Pads (3.60$) I always love receiving eye pads or masks because they feel so luxurious. These pads are 100% pure collagen so they work really well to decrease puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles. They really plump up your under-eyes and restore a youthful appearance, which is also helpful for dark circles.

4. Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo (3.40$) I have tried this exact dry shampoo before and I really liked it. I was really happy to see I received another sample because I am obsessed with dry shampoo. I have an oily scalp but I wash my hair about every third day. It really helps absorb oils and make hair feel softer.

5. Ardeny Inn Modster Smooth Ride Supercharged Eyeliner (14$) This eyeliner is waterproof and very creamy. If you smudge it with a brush, it creates a smoky sultry effect. It creates a dark and defined line, which I really like, so I will most likely purchase the full size.

Bonus Items: This mirror was a bonus item included in the box this month, and I think it was a great idea. This item was exclusive to the box, so I don't know how much is is worth. It has a simple but pretty design on the back, and is small enough for travel, and to fit in your hand perfectly. The gift tags included are really cute and are printed on thick paper. Perfect for giving gifts!

Final thoughts: I really like all of the items in this box, and am glad they included a mirror and gift tags as bonuses. The total value of the box is about 37.77, guessing that the mirror is about 6$ and the tags are about 1$. My favorite items in the box are the primer and the eyeliner. The theme is strongly developed through the dry shampoo, peel, and eye pads.

Ipsy Month's theme: Carpe p.m.

1. Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask REN Clean Skincare (16.18$) This mask is supposed to brighten skin tone and reduce fine lines and pores. I felt like it did brighten and even out my skin tone, but noticed no difference in my fine lines or pores. The formula is more of a gel and doesn't dry like a normal mask. It is a very expensive item however, so I'm glad that it carries some value.

2. Be Matte Blush in Fresh Melon, Blackberry, and Guava by City Color Cosmetics (about 1$) This matte blush trio offers a purple, pink, and rouge shade to match whatever makeup look you're doing. All three colors are complementary on various skin tones and are really beautiful, as you can tell by the heavy swatches below.

3. Prismatic Shadow by NYX Professional Makeup (6$) There were four possible colors that could be received in this bag; a bronze, peach, purple, and green. I received the green shade, which is the worst out of the four in my opinion. The formula is really nice and ultra pigmented, but I will never wear this shade because green doesn't compliment blue eyes.

4. Nourishing Argan Oil of Morocco Deep Hydrating Treatment by Marc Anthony True Professional (2.99$) This leave in conditioner treatment really helps soften hair and fix breakage or split ends. Since my hair is thin but frizzy, it breaks really easily, so I was thrilled to have a large sample of this healing treatment. It instructs to apply from root to tip, but when putting it in my roots, all of the body was gone because it was too soft to hold any volume.

5. Insta-Matte Lipstick Transformer by Smashbox Cosmetics (11.29$) I was really glad to see such a high-end and well-known brand in the bag this month, even though it was a small size. This product helps transform any lip glosses to a matte finish, but I don't own any glosses because I can't stand the texture. I had a sheer lipstick that I tried this on and a very small amount made it really matte, but still extremely moisturized!

Final thoughts: Although the value of this bag was about 37.46$, I was really underwhelmed. The eyeshadow, hair treatment, and blush are "drugstore quality" and are pretty cheap items. I'm glad that Smashbox and REN were included because they are two high-end and well-known brands.

Who wins? Considering that almost every Ipsy bag and Birchbox are about the same price each month, the items inside are what actually sways the vote. I feel like every Ipsy bag I've received includes mostly cheap items and one or two high-end items. Every Birchbox I've received includes indie brands that are like hidden gems, with the occasional well-known brand. This month, I have to say the winner is Birchbox, because the items felt really curated to me, and there were two bonus items that I really liked. Birchbox has been the winner of these posts 3-1. If you are thinking of signing up for one of these services, I would suggest Birchbox because I like the items included more than the ones in Ipsy. I hope you enjoyed reading this, and let me know what you think!

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