Birchbox comparisons! September vs October.

Today I bring to you a comparison of my first Birchbox of September 2012, and my second one of October 2012.

To those that do not know what Birchbox is, it is a monthly subscription beauty box. Every month you receive a box with samples and/or full size products ranging from lifestyle to grooming to beauty items. For only $10 a month, I figured, why not give it a try?

You request to join the wait list, and will be emailed when there is an available spot. I believe I signed up in early August, or close to the 10th, which is why I had to wait til September for my first box.

I was pretty impressed, though slightly overwhelmed, with my first box. I got some fun products I had never heard of before, so I was excited!

September 2012

 

 This was the contents of September's box. (Minus 1 tea pouch)

• 3 different loose leaf teas by Mighty Leaf
• Sample of Twirl perfume by Kate Spade
• Sample of Vasanti Brighten Up! face cleanser
• Sample of Jouer Matte Moisture Tint in Linen shade
• Mini of Color Club polish (Birchbox exclusive colors) in Tweet Me

 

An opened view of the sample perfume. I really enjoyed the scent, and immediately stuck it in my purse to keep at work!

To show you size comparison of the sample Jouer and mini Color Club polish! Unfortunately the color was not for me, I did not even swatch it before swapping it away. I wish I had gotten the blue polish but what can you do! :)

I have never heard of Jouer or Vasanti products and so I was nervous (still am!) about trying them out. My face is very delicate so I worry about breaking out with new products. I aim to try them this weekend though, and will update/edit with results!

As for the tea, I am not a tea drinker. Ever. But I promised to try one- so I chose the Chamomile Citrus. Considering I don't like tea, it wasn't too terrible! I added a splash of milk and sugar too.

OVERALL GRADE: A

I was introduced to many new products,  and definitely feel I got my $10 worth, even if I personally did not like a color or one of the products (tea.)

October 2012

October's box was a mix of happiness, and disappointment for me.  I was not thrilled to see *another* perfume sample, or the vitamin capsules for aging skin. (I'm 24! My skin is still young enough that I felt these unnecessary.) I was also not thrilled to see the luna bar - maybe a different flavor would have excited me more, but I am *VERY* particular about peanut butter and how I eat it.

I was however, thrilled over the eye shadow/high lighter and Jouer lip treatment!

 This is a beautiful shimmery golden color. Made by the Balm cosmetics! The flap is magnetic so it will stay closed between uses! It did not come with an applicator, but any brush you use for similar colors, or even a finger pad works! I paired this with my favorite eye shadow that is a dusty golden olive brown color, and used this as an accent- swept underneath my eyes, in the corners, and on the brow bone.

 This scent I was not as fond of, and again- very similar packaging. Since they have no caps, I keep them in the holder they came in.

 The inside of the Luna bar! Even my boyfriend had a nibble. It was a bit dry. Overall I did not like it, and just threw it away after trying it. :(

OVERALL GRADE: C

While I received a *different* product made by Jouer, I had hoped to see another brand. I have used the lip treatment and it was very gentle and my lips felt so new and soft after!

 I also was not happy to get another perfume sample, again, even though it's from another brand. I also did not like this scent, so it impacted my liking of the box.

 I was surprised by the vitamin capsules- they feel really nice on my skin, did not leave a sticky residue on hands or face, and left it quite soft.

You just read how I felt about the Luna bar...

Overall, the eyeshadow was the only winning component for me! Stuck immediately in my everyday makeup bag! 

I did get my money's worth again, but was disappointed in my contents this month. Can't win them all, right?

In conclusion, I will be giving BB another month or two to impress me again, or I will cancel and stick with my Glam Bag/ Ipsy bag!

Do you get Birchbox? How do you like or dislike it?
Thanks for reading!

xo, Tomboy Nails // Sara

October Ipsy Bag // Glam Bag Reveal!

October was the first month of my new Ipsy (previously known as Glam Bag) beauty subscription! It is a great, fun subscription. For only $10 a month, you receive a mix of beauty and body related products, some full sized and some sample sized. You create a basic profile and you will get items based on that. I must say, for my first bag, I am thoroughly impressed!!! I can't say the same for my Birchbox,... but that is for another post this week, ahem.

Let me just get right to the good stuff! It arrived in a hot pink/magenta bubble wrap envelop which of course immediately caught my eye! I tear into it, to see a bag filled with goodies waiting for me!

This bag is so cute, and perfect to fit some basics in for traveling, an over night stay, or just to keep in your purse!

I was also pleasantly surprised to find a full sized lip gloss/ lip stain by Mirenesse! It does not have a formal name on the container itself, only a number (#9) but as you can see by the package, and confirmed online, it is called "Mirror Me." I took these photos at work, so in the photo it might look a bit more mauve, but it is actually a lighter pinky coral, leaning towards the nude side. 

On the Mirenesse website these are described as:

"A Revolutionary colour that combines gloss, stain and lacquer all in one! A satisfying NEW INNOVATION in lip colour; beyond gloss, stain or lip lacquer. Colour that drenches your lips for a juicy high impact colour that's feather-light and super-moist with a velvety finish. Power packed with non-smearing pigment that lasts and lasts."

 This is a quick stroke on my hand, by cloudy skies (I swear, it's been raining for a week straight) :

Unfortunately for me, the color is something that unless I pair it with a slightly darker gloss on top, it is too pale. Or, maybe better suited for summer weather. But with fall coming, I like berry colors more. Still a win, because the formula is wonderful, and it does last quite a while as they claim. Not too sticky like some glosses either! At retail price, these are $35.10 and can be found HERE.

The rest of the bag contained these goodies:

Be A Bombshell eye liner in Onyx black. It looks, and applies like a felt tip marker. Very easy to control, long lasting wear, very bold color. This came just in time, as I was just thinking about how I needed a new eyeliner!! Retail found HERE for $14 USD.

Below that, is a mini mascara. What's Your Type? "The Body Builder" in black. This is made by The Balm cosmetics and can be found HERE for retail price of $19 USD.

Bottom left is a sample size of Pequi Oil Treatment for your hair, made by Couture Colour It is meant to restore softness and shine. My hair takes a beating with heat styling and random coloring, so I am always on the lookout for something nice to treat it with! According to instructions, it can be used on wet or dry hair too! For a full 4oz size, retail from Couture Colour directly is $50 USD. They also offer my same sample size for $12 USD, or a middle 2oz size for $32 USD. (HERE)

**Edit** Sunday afternoon I took a shower, and used a small amount of the Pequi Oil and rubbed it in wet hair, then styled like normal with hair dryer and brush. I have never had softer or more luxurious feeling hair, ever! Even my boyfriend complimented how shiny and pretty it looked, and how soft it felt. I will definitely treat myself to this again!!

Last but not least, a sample eye shadow quad from Coastal Scents! Eyeshadow Sample "Set 4" according to the back. Colors from top left, going clockwise are: Rosy Pink, Gunmetal, Light Pink, and Elven Silver. These shadows applied so easily, and with such bold colors! I have already surfed their website and ogled the palettes they offer for AMAZING prices, with SO MANY different combinations. Great deal for those on a budget, or want more bang for their buck!

Based on this month's first Ipsy bag, I will definitely be sticking with my subscription to see what next month brings!