Beauty Boxes: Yay or Nay?!?

Beauty boxes are so en vogue right now but are they truly worth the price and hype? I think it depends on what you’re looking for and finding the best box for you. Currently, I’m subscribed to three boxes including Birchbox, Ipsy and the Wal-Mart beauty box. My thoughts and concerns about each of these only reflect my opinion and obviously your experience may be different but I’m the type of person who wants to have an idea of what I’m getting before spending my hard-earned money so I thought I’d give y’all a run down on these boxes. I’m also going to break down the types of products I received from Birchbox and Ipsy.

Also, if you aren’t sure how beauty boxes work you typically set up a beauty profile that is used to select products most appropriate for your skin type or coloring. You also have the opportunity to review your box and items so the service can “learn” more about you.

Birchbox

Cost: $10 a month

Frequency: Monthly

Birchbox provides you with five samples every month but unlike the other boxes you are given the option to pick one of your samples from a list or to pick a curated box. With a curated box, you are shown all the samples you will receive that month which is cool when the theme of the box is something you will enjoy. Personally, I prefer picking one sample and being surprised by the rest. Birchbox also gives you points for various things like referrals and online purchases. The points equate to dollars and can be used towards purchases in the online store. My biggest issue with these points is that it’s hard to earn enough to make a big difference in an item and they expire so you can “collect” enough for free products.

Product Breakdown

Makeup-17

Skincare-13

Hair Care-13

Fragrance-2

Tools-1

Shave Products-1

Lip Care-3

Pros

I like that Birchbox seems to be balanced as far as not having only makeup or only skincare.
There is no wait for Birchbox. You can sign up today and get it next month.
I feel that the colors of the makeup have been more appropriate to my skin tone and more wearable as far as colors.
You can pick a sample or a curated box.

Cons

The points aren’t as convenient as some other boxes.

Ipsy Glam Bag

Cost: $10 a month

Frequency: Monthly

Ipsy is the “box” everyone raves about and don’t get me wrong I love it but I don’t love their method of getting people to post on social media. When you first sign up for Ipsy you are put on a waitlist and to “Skip the Wait” you have to post on social media about Ipsy. I chose not to do this because I don’t like posting marketing style stuff on my social. Also, you would think since I am PAYING for this service I wouldn’t have to jump through hoops. I signed up for Ipsy in December and received my first bag in February. However, one thing that I love about Ipsy is their points system. You get points every time you review a product and those points can be used to score deluxe samples and products from a list of choices for the month. These points expire but you have a long time to use them so it’s not really a problem. Finally, Ipsy is technically not a box but a bag because every month your samples come in a small zippered cosmetic bag which is super convenient even if some of the bags aren’t that cute.

Product Breakdown

Makeup-25

Skincare-8

Hair Care-1

Fragrance-0

Tools-5

Shave Products-0

Lip Care-1

Pros

You get a cosmetic bag each time.
You get a lot of big brands which means you get to try products that you may not have wanted to purchase without knowing if you’ll like them.

Cons

Spoilers galore! I stay away from the Ipsy website right before the bag comes out because they give you a peek at what you’re getting which you may love but I want to be surprised.
Like I said, I don’t like their waitlist marketing tactics.
Every now and then I question the color choices they send me. You fill out a profile for a reason so I shouldn’t be getting medium shaded stuff when I’m clearly pale white.

Walmart Beauty Box

Cost: $5

Frequency: Quarterly (Every season)

This box is a little different because you don’t fill out a profile rather they send the sample available for that season. Typically, the box is themed for the season but because you are not filling out a profile some of the items don’t necessarily meet your needs. The boxes also come with coupons for some of the items which is nice and while most of the items are from everyday brands it’s nice to try new products from those you already love. I think they also have a box for men now if that is something you are interested in.

Pros

Lots of great everyday products.
Only $5!

Cons

Only comes quarterly.
Not specialized.

In the end, I think beauty boxes are a great way to try new products without breaking the bank on something you end up not liking. It’s also fun to have a little surprise every month. It’s like Christmas year-round! Below you'll find the boxes for this past month (September).

Ipsy Glam Bag

Products

Luxie Beauty Angled Shading Brush

Pixie by Petra Beauty Blush Duo

Smashbox Cosmetics Photo Finish Radiance Primer

Elizabeth Mott Pop! Goes the Shadow

Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power