May Birchbox
Summer Plans and Goals
My May birchbox arrived a few weeks ago and I’m just now getting around to posting about it!
First reaction: not very impressed. I’ve had better boxes and less than awesome boxes, but I’d say this was my first dud.
I totally and completely understand sponsorships and marketing/advertisement opportunities for companies working with Birchbox, but I found that the pen was a strange addition to this months’ box. It doesn’t come close to anything beauty related, and it just screamed “sponsored” as soon as I saw it.
Again, totally understand Birchbox needs to keep the lights on–it’s not vastly different than sponsored posts I have here occasionally on the blog. But I do think it’s important, and maybe they are figuring this out like I did, to only work with companies that fit your brand.
Anyway, enough about the pen already!
The sunblock was a nice treat since it’s a perfect size to keep in my pool bag and apply to my face. And I liked the eyeliner as well.
The red bottle in the back is a detangling spray that I have yet to try, but it may also be something I toss in my pool bag as well. I like spraying a leave-in conditioner on my hair after I get out of the pool. It helps prevent knots when I’m combing my hair out later.
In other news, I should let you know that I’ve subscribed to Ipsy. I’ve gotten two “glam bags” already and both were complete dud’s that I couldn’t even fake a post about them. I subscribed in order to compare Ipsy to Birchbox so maybe when my June glam bag arrives I’ll write about it regardless of what’s in it. And maybe it will be a good one!
Have a wonderful weekend!
comments
I subscribe to Ipsy as well and I agree with you that April’s bag was a dud but I really enjoyed May’s. What was it about it that you were unhappy with? I really loved it-guess it shows how much I know hahaha!!
I’m assuming all the bags are different–so we probably got different things!
Maybe so. I’m only asking because I’m fairly new to Ipsy…my bags have been so-so honestly. I do like that the samples in the bags aren’t the little foil packets like the other companies tend to be (or so I’ve heard). I hope the bags continue to be at least halfway decent or I’ll probably cancel Ipsy as well.
Its more expensive, but the new beauty Test Tube is awesome . So is the msgazine!
Its more expensive, but the new beauty Test Tube is awesome . So is the msgazine!
My birchbox wasn’t that great in may either. I have high hopes for June!
I completely agree- my Birchbox was HORRIBLY DISAPPOINTING! I will say the detangler spray is awesome and smells great. But only 1 great thing out of 5 is a real bummer.
May was my first month for Ipsy and I was happy with it. Im curious to know what you didnt like as well since I love 99% of what you use (cosmetic wise Im still to scared to venture into brighter lipsticks).
I am not subscribed to birchbox for that reason. I have heard nothing but bad things about them over the past year, so I wont sign up. I will say that I signed up for Ipsy and my May bag was wonderful! I got a zoya polish, anastasia brow gel, perfume roller ball, concealer, and beautiful Mirabella lipstick. What was in your bags that you didn’t like? I have heard nothing but good stuff ab Ipsy. I’m actually excited ab the June bag ๐
May box was underwhelming, but I received a shampoo, conditioner, and styling gel trio for curly hair excited me. I haven’t tried it yet though. I really like the pen even if it is an odd item for the box. I use it as my checkbook pen. (I will have it forever!)
Kate,
Have you tried Stitch Fix yet? I have only received one box from the company, but I was pleasantly surprised. It may be something you want to check out if you haven’t already!
http://www.stitchfix.com
Stitch Fix is AWESOME!!!
I have. . .and I think I’m too picky for it. My first box was way off–and I know it helps to filter through a few boxes, but it’s just a little too expensive for my taste.
agreed. I don’t like that you can’t get sales and things with the box everything is full price, expensive and not that great quality
I’m currently getting the Ipsy bags too, I ended up canceling my Birchbox because I just wasn’t enjoying the samples I was getting. With Ipsy I find I use more of the samples, and I like getting a new bag every month that I can use for my lipsticks in my purse. Although, the May bag was not my favorite design. Hope Ipsy bags get better for you!
My May Birchbox was actually a good one – I’ve gotten two good ones in a row. My “made it worth it item” was a Cargo tin of blush/bronzer – 4 gradiated colors. It’s a $30 item and I love it! On the other hand I have coworkers who have been underwhelmed for several months and ended up cancelling their subscription.
Have you ever tried the PopSugar Box. They have a mixture of everything and in my opinion is definlety worth the money.
I agree-May’s box was definitely a dud! I had been a Birchbox subscriber for a year and a half and just decided to unsubscribe. I subscribed to Ipsy about 4 months ago and LOVE it! I love that Ipsy sends a reusable cosmetic case every month. They also send a lot of full-sized products. I’ll be looking forward to your Ipsy reviews. ๐
I was so excited for Birchbox but I don’t let paying for samples that are worse than what I get for free (i.e. little perfume vials or single use samples). My Birchboxes have been meh and the company’s response to dupes (two uglyyyy nail polish colors) and non-beauty products (Godiva chocolate, this pen, etc) has been terrible. I wish I got your nail polish shades instead! Ipsy looked cool because they disclosed their products ahead of time but they seemed to have a lot of drugstore brands.
I think I am going to stick to Sephora sample packs because at least there, they are truly “free” if I spend $30 or something on my regular make up. I got one at the holidays which had 10+ samples that were way larger than my Birchbox stuff. I did get one good Nexxus leave in conditioner full size sample from Birchbox but everything else is either 1 use, not beauty or hair, or just weird. ๐ I wanted to like it so bad!!
I thought the pen being in the Birchbox was pretty random! I was happening with the detangling spray though. I’ve used a couple of times and like it. It smells great too!
I got that spray in a past Birchbox; I used it on my 3 yr old when we ran out of no-more tangles. Ha!
It’s interesting that you’ve been unhappy with the last two glam bags! In comparison to Birchbox, I think Ipsy is 10 times better! I switched back in January. I hope you like your June bag better.
Have you tried Glossybox? out of the 3 it has been my favorite. Ipsy has given me some good stuff too and I canceled Birchbox because I was just unhappy.
I have subscribed to Birchbox and to Ipsy. I really like Birchbox’s products, but I think the selling point for Ipsy is the cute bags that the samples come in. I use those bags to organize my bathroom stuff; especially my hair ties, bobby pins and lipsticks!
However; I just signed up for Julep Maven boxes. Have you heard of those? They are so cool. Go online and check them out if you get a chance. You fill out a beauty profile and they send you different things according to that. You can also pick your box for the month or just cancel the box for the month altogether if you don’t like it. I really like it so far.
I got the exact same box as you… and felt the same way. I used the moisturizer at the beach this past weekend! ๐
Completely agree here – loving Ipsy, had the same Birchbox (without the pen, oddly) and was really disappointed for the second or third time since I started my subscription over a year ago. The first two bags I’ve received from Ipsy have been phenomenal – great products, full size items and colors that are really useful. The bags are also much more useful than the craft boxes that I end up tossing every month from BB. Can’t wait to see your Ipsy review!
My husband cancelled his Birchbox Man after 3 months, and I cancelled my Birchbox after 6 months. I did discover some really great products like the Beauty Blender and Dr. Jart’s BB Cream, but I found that I was tossing or giving away too many samples each month because I did not like them. So I decided to take a break for now. I hope that you get a better box next month! Have you looked into the Julep Maven boxes? They have now started adding cosmetics to their boxes, and I love that you have the option to skip a month if you do not like what you are getting.
I received my first Birchbox yesterday (I used to use to get Glossybox but became fed up with all the foundations they used to send).
I have to say, I am really disappointed with Birchbox, no difference from Glossybox really, and this month’s box included tea (which I don’t drink) and some strange granules which I don’t even know what to do with!!
Think I’ll be unsubscribing pretty soon…!!
I recently subscribed to Ipsy too, I enjoyed May’s Ipsy much better than May’s Birchbox. I’m not giving up on Birchbox yet, but I’ve been very disappointed in my last few boxes. ๐
Julep’s Maven box is AMAZING! You take a quiz to determine your beauty profile. Then, you’re sent 2 nail polishes and a beauty item OR just full sized beauty items. There is currently a code for a starter box (FREEBOX). You’d really like it! ๐
Agreed! Julep is awesome. Definitely worth it!
I didn’t get the pen in my box. I don’t whether to feel happy or disappointed :). I received the leave in conditioner a few months ago and I LOVE it plus it smells amazing. I got a Cargo blush in mine that I’m really liking. It seems like just when I feel like I want to cancel my Birchbox they send a box that’s awesome.
Anyone know of a service like Ipsy and Birchbox for darker skinned women? I subscripe to both and they are not favorable to us Latinas! Yes, the perfume, pens, vitamins, ect are all well and neutral. ..the nail polishes, and makeup items are mostly a miss for me due to coloring issues. I do try the lipsticks and such, but like last month I got a concealer I’d never be able to use,lol!
Anyone know of a service like Ipsy and Birchbox for darker skinned women? I subscripe to both and they are not favorable to us Latinas! Yes, the perfume, pens, vitamins, ect are all well and neutral. ..the nail polishes, and makeup items are mostly a miss for me due to coloring issues. I do try the lipsticks and such, but like last month I got a concealer I’d never be able to use,lol!
Did any Birchbox subscribers get the bonus Salma Hayek box? I actually enjoyed that significantly more than my regular May box! And the samples were very generously sized.
Ohh that sounds cool and I really want to try her stuff without buying the full size ones. Bummed I missed it!
Jessy
http://theshoestringfashionista.blogspot.com/
I’ve subscribed to both for about a year and just decided to let Birchbox go as I’ve been less than wowed for a while now. I’ve been really pleased with the type of goodies in the Ipsy bags as well as the size. I’ve gotten some great makeup brushes, full size lipstick/glosses, and what I would call travel size skin care instead of that small sample size. I feel that some of the samples in Birchbox are too small to really see any difference. I can’t get a feel for a BB cream or serum in just a couple of applications. Both are super fun, but for me Ipsy is a better value…plus I’m a sucker for the cute bags they come in. ๐
Isn’t it fun being a girl?!
Jessy
http://theshoestringfashionista.blogspot.com/
I got the same box! What a dud! Have you ever tried Popsugars Must Have Box? They are $35 but you get full sized products and I have much better luck!
ooph–that’s pricey! But full size options are nice!
My past two Ipsy bags have been awesome – I find that the brands are MUCH more accessible to me as a consumer. I have actually cancelled my birchbox in favor of Ipsy, but we’ll see… Last June’s Birchbox was hands down the best one i’ve ever gotten, and with the few months left in my subscription i’m hoping they can keep me around!
Glad to know that I wasn’t the only one disappointed with this month’s Birchbox – although, to be honest, I haven’t really enjoyed any of the boxes I’ve received (3). I’ll finish out my one year subscription, but unless they significantly improve, I won’t be renewing.
I got that spray in a Birchbox this winter and really liked it! However, it was one of only two things I got in my three month subscription that were actually worth using. I also got frustrated with BB’s poorly done sponsorship items and canceled my subscription. The quality of the boxes seemed to really go down once Birchbox got large and could no longer personalize things. ๐
I received my first BirchBox this month, as well as my first Ipsy Glam Bag. I prefered Ipsy, no question. I did also start a subscription with Beauty Army, which is $12/mo and you CHOOSE the products you want. You can fill out the profile quiz as many times as you want, and choose 6 of the 9 products they offer you. It has so much more freedom and they offer some full size products as well as samples!
My BirchBox had the Cargo blush and the Juice Beauty green apple peel, Coola sunscreen, the perfume, and Runa tea samples. I wish I had also received the detangler instead of the tea, but we can’t win ’em all! ๐
I too received the red bottle of detangler! Although, my spray bottle doesn’t actually spray. I tried and tried and nothing would come out so I just unscrew the top and pour a little out. Its a nice product though, my hair is always nice and soft after I use it (I have very dry, unprocessed hair). I didn’t get the pen though (darn!) – that was subbed out for an Amika masque (which you mentioned in a post the day after I got my box!), argan oil and Supergoop CC cream.
This was only my second Birchbox and overall its been fun to get – but the mainly teeny tiny trial sized products are barely worth the $10 – its only when they throw in the full-size lip product, etc. that I feel I am really getting my money’s worth.
I cancelled birchbox. Most of the samples I could get for free from sephora, rarely did they have something that made it “worth it”. I love love love ipsy though. Bigger products that I actually use!
My May box included: Amika Nourishing mask, Sumita eyeliner, tea bags, Coola face moisturizer, and marvis toothpaste. I haven’t used/tried anything yet – so I can’t comment on what I liked/didn’t like. I would have been disappointed with your box too.
I had received the leave-in conditioner spray a few months ago and have used it up already. I did like it, but probably wouldn’t purchase the full product. It took awhile to get the sprays to begin, but after that it worked fine.
I love the detangling spray! Smells wonderful and makes my hair super soft! I have already ordered more of the Coola moisturizer. Great summer find. I do feel a little like it wasn’t the best but I would rather get a few good things than a bunch of stuff I have no use for. ๐
I LOVE the hair conditioning spray- it works wonders!!!
Maddy @ http://www.BeautyBanterBlog.com
I was underwhelmed with my May Birchbox as well. I didn’t get a pen, but I did get some awesome mini Tweezerman nail files. The eyeliner was pretty great, but I haven’t used most of the things I received yet. I hoping June will be better!
I cancelled my birch box last fall because I thought the samples were pretty weak…They even sent me the same thing in two different months. It was a waste of my money. ๐
THE PEN! OH….THE PEN!! I thought the exact same thing you did when my May birchbox arrived and I saw the pen. hahaha
But hey…we always need something to write with right!?!?!? ๐
well, I guess I was lucky because I thought my Birchbox was great. Perhaps it’s my profile with my likes and dislikes? I was sent totally different items than most of you. Supergoop Daily Correct 35 CC Cream, Folie de Joie de Parfum, Nick Chavez Sulfate free Shampoo, Vitvia Vitamin Capsules, La Fresh Make-up remover individual packets (2), Fresh Loctus Youth preserve Face cream (2 Packets). Love all my items and some are completely gone already.
I also subscribe to Ipsy. They send full size items. It was a good bag and my daughter helped herself to the Zoya nail polish and Pacifica Roll-on Perfume. Can’t remember the other items but I remember not being disappointed this month!!!!
Hang in there….perhaps June’s will be better. Maybe try changing your preferences???
Haha the pen! I was just as confused when I received the pen– but I honestly love it. It is pink and writes so well. But it truly doesn’t fit in with the Birchbox theme.
I have also subscribed to Ipsy and received two bags. I was okay with the first one, but this one was kind of a bummer. I had stopped my Birchbox subscription to sign up for Ipsy because I had been less than impressed. Then I got an email from them saying if I signed back up, I’d still get May’s box. What a BUMMER! I didn’t get a pen, but I was still so disappointed!
I signed up for Birchbox but only kept with it for a few months before canceling. I did get away with that little pink hair conditioner, though, and it’s amazing!
We Are Oceans | beauty, food, & lifestyle blog
I actually signed up for birchbox after seeing it here. After a few dud boxes(where I was getting the same stuff I got the month before) I signed up for sample society. I looooove it. Huge samples of stuff that I can actually use. I highly recommend it.
awww, I loved the addition of the pen. It works amazingly and convinced me to go to the store and buy the WHOLE PACK ๐ I know it’s a beauty box, but it was a fun little addition. I do have to say, that otherwise, I was pretty disappointed this month too. Actually, I’ve been pretty disappointed with Birchbox in general this year…
I just discovered Julep. I love the flexibility of the program, and how you get 3 ful sized products each month. You also can pause a box one or more months and can swap out of the box chosen for you. I love it! If you sign up let me know and I’ll give you my referral code. If 2 people you refer sign up you get a free box!
Im signing up! Email me your referral code. My email is
crystal.emery06@gmail.com
I Love that little red bottle of detangler in the Birchbox this month – it smells wonderful. Otherwise I agree the remainder was dud-ish, although less of a dud as my first Ipsy “box/bag” nearly everything in the Ipsy is being given away.
I subscribed to Birchbox for about 6 months after I learned about it on your blog. I loved it at first but they eventually went downhill. I switched to Ipsy and love it and I am surprised you don’t! Obviously everything wont be perfect but They usually get 3-4 things perfect in there! Hope you like the next one.
Sorry about your dud box, but Coola products are fabulous. I own a skin care company so Coola reps and I attend some of the same spa/skin shows so I always get their products and they are very, very good!
I haven’t gotten many things in my BirchBox that I would buy in full size. One month either one or two items were missing from my box, and when I contacted the company, their response was, “sorry, we’re out of those. Here’s a $5 credit when you order from us.” Not a good customer service response. I have also had things melt and leak before reaching me. Julep Maven boxes are great, but I am facing a big backlog on nail polish!
I totally recommend ipsy as an alternative monthly beauty box! I have posted about it – and honestly – birchbox doesn’t even compare. You will be amazed! Totally recommend!
Ginny
http://www.moderncommonplacebook.com
I had subscribed to Ipsy and cancelled to. The bags I got were awful.
I subscribe to both Birchbox and Ipsy. I have gotten two months worth of items from both companies. Overall I like Birchbox more. I love the detangling spray that came in this months box. I actually ordered the full size bottle. I really hated my May Ipsy bag. I really don’t like pink and I received pink nail polish. The lip gloss I got was bronze. My skin tone is very pink, I can’t wear bronze! I do like that I get a new makeup bag every month but does that really make it worth it.
I felt the same way about my Birchbox this month, which was my first one. I got a small tin of Cargo blush and it was cracked in half. My Coola sunscreen had a hole in the bottom of the tube so it was leaking all over the box {but I did LOVE the sunscreen, what was left of it). Not cool! I’m hoping this isn’t a regular occurrence!
I have loved every single IPSY bag!!! I’m also curious what you didn’t like? I loved the full-sized nail polish, the organic lipgloss (retails for $15 on the webiste), really liked the perfume roll-on, and used the eye-shadow so much already!
What brand is the detangling spray everyone keeps raving about?
I think that Ipsy and Birchbox are geared to different women, ipsy seems much more college gal to me than birchbox does. Both have good months and bad months in my opinion, but bb needs to stop sending me perfume samples!!!!!!!
Hey ^^ Ich hab dich in meinem Blog verlinkt ๐ Hier ist der Link: http://mywonderlandmyblog.blogspot.be/2013/06/verlinken.html
Iv heard of the Birch Box before! im going to have to give it a try. what a great blog you have, thanks for sharing!
mamaplusmini.blogspot.com
That detangler is my hands-down favorite detangler ever. I’ve tried them all, from the cheap drug store crap to high-end items, and this is the best I’ve found. It’s not oily, and it doesn’t smell like perfume.
Kate –
my May Birchbox was definitely different than yours. I ended up with quite a few awesome things that I loved — and I never got that dud of a pen! Sorry that’s what you ended up with! I’d be feeling the same thing if I were you… That hair detangler was sent to me back in January or February I think — I thought it was ok, but nothing great. Hope your next month’s is better! I love reading your blog!
Jarrin
http://www.jarrinrachil.blogspot.com
Yep I got basically the same items you did and I agree, not the best box. I tried Ipsy for the same reason I think you did, just to see how it compares and I have to say I still like Birchbox better. I got some good items, but the brands just didn’t seem as high end. I’m curious what you think of it.
Great post, thanks!
Can you tell us what was at least IN your Ipsy bags? I’ve been debating getting a subscription.
Also, I got the same Birchbox, but with a different perfume (which I really like!). The pen was silly and it’s so light pink you can’t really use it. I do really like the shaving cream though.
I subscribed to Birchbox for two years and then started seeing a lot of repeats so cancelled that. I tried ipsy for two months but both were duds so I cancelled that as well. Disappointing!
Hi Kate,
Have you tried Glossybox? Just got the June one and the full size lipstick/lip gloss was worth at least the cost of the box ($20). Great stuff and beautiful packaging.
Love your blog!
Totally agree with the pen! did you notice they stopped allowing people to make reviews on the pen’s page because they were all so terrible. well hopefully they’ll live and learn. This box was kind of a dud not because the products weren’t good but because it lacked excitement.
I got that leave-in in my second box ever back in January. I love it and use it everyday. Makes my hair so shiny and healthy. I hope you like it when you try it. The sunscreen and eyeliner were nice too. I got this terrible toothpaste in mine. But I also got Khlorane’s dry shampoo which is fan freaking tastic! so wonderful. Ordered the full size bottle which should be here soon!
Fingers crossed that the next box has some more excitement.
I was super disappointed with this month’s box as well. I didn’t get the pen, but I got a nail file… the type of nail file I hate to even touch haha.
I also did IPSY to compare to birchbox. IPSY sucks butt. Pardon my (whatever language). So sad to cancel my birchbox but need to save up right now.
Everbody keeps talking about how awesome the detangling spray is. What is the brand? My daughters both have curly hair and are not old enough to comb it themselves so I would love any help I can get.
I ended up just cancelling my Birchbox sub after the disappointing May box. I had just recently signed back up for 3 months after a hiatus, but was disappointed that Birchbox had not improved.
Kate!!! I LOVE my Ipsy subscription!!! I have received two glam bags, as well, and I like it A LOT more than Birch Box. Last month, in my glam bag, I got a tanning lotion, a hair serum, a concealer, nail polish, and a lip gloss. I didn’t like the lip gloss, or the color of my nail polish, but I LOVE nail polish. I didn’t like the gloss at all. Had my nail polish been a different color, I wouldn’t have even cared that I didn’t like the lip gloss. I also liked my “pretty in pink” bag, though I have yet to try the blush. I have SO many blushes!!! I really liked the Mica Bella eye shadow in that bag.
I’m SUPER surprised that you haven’t been excited about your Ipsy bags. I ditched Birchbox awhile ago after far too many totally uninspiring boxes. They were never bad, but.. they were never good. My first two Ipsy boxes have been awesome – cute lip gloss, TWO full size nail polishes, eye shadow, and the list goes on.
I was not impressed with Ipsy (maybe it is because I’m not much of a make-up expert). I unsubscribed after a couple months. However, I just signed up for Whimsey Box. It is a craft box and I am SUPER excited to get my first box and try it out!! Maybe if your make-up boxes aren’t impressing you, you could try Whimsey ๐
I don’t know how often you go back through messages on old posts, so I will probably repost this for you again when you do your June Birchbox review. I signed up for Birchbox well over a year ago after learning about it through your blog. You always seemed to get the neatest stuff and I was super excited to try. My first box was a bit disappointing, but my next several weren’t bad. Then after a long stretch of getting kind of crummy boxes my April box was missing two items. I complained on their Facebook page about this and the fact that I never got anything but facial lotions (I would get at least one in every box). They ended up resending me the April box with all the samples and I got May’s box for free. They also gave me some tips on how to change my profile to get more of the products I was hoping for. May’s box was super disappointing as well, but I just got my June box and it was by far my best box ever!
I also just signed up for Citrus Lane. This may be something for you to consider now that you’re pregnant (CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!). Depending on the subscription you choose it’s $25-$21 a month and you get items that other mom’s love that are geared towards your childs age. Boxes will have items for children 0-5. I found a promo code on Facebook and they are currently offering half off your first box. I’ll get my first one in July, but in my opinion it looks pretty awesome!
You referenced using a leave in conditioner after you get out of the pool, which one do you use?
I’d love to know what you think of the leave in spray once you use it – I personally loved it! Several people asked if I had colored my hair, because it made my hair so shiny! It also made it very soft and “slippery”, though, so styling was a little more challenging.
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