Lavenderwalls & Me...: Birchbox vs. Ipsy March Showdown

Happy Sunday!!!! I hope you all have been enjoying your weekend! Mine has been fun-filled and adventurous...and I made a new friend (who I adore and think is so incredibly fashionable) and ran into one that I hadn't seen in FOREVER!

I got to say this past week was really long for me! BUT...what helped me roll into the weekend happy and excited were my March deliveries from Birchbox and Ipsy kindly waiting for me when I checked the mailbox Friday night!

For those that may not be familiar, Birchbox and Ipsy are 2 of the many monthly subscription boxes, or packages, that have become quite a growing trend these last few years (Seriously, there are subscriptions to fit everyone's interests...even for guys!). The beauty behind the monthly boxes is that each shipment contains 4-5 carefully curated deluxe samples that are based on a preferences profile you set up when initially joining. Therefore, you're not going to get a bunch of perfume sheets that you typically find falling out of your magazines, and you're not going to get deep tan foundation when you clealy have an ivory skin tone (That would suck!).

I've been doing Birchbox for almost a year and ipsy for 4 months. Here's a run down on what makes them so great:

* $10/month (vs. $30-$40 for some others)

* Personalized selections

* Exposure to really great brands and products that you can't normally find at Sephora, Ulta, or the drug store.

*...and who doesn't like a pretty suprise to open every month?!?!

The only (minor) downside to remember about subscribing to these boxes is that they are incredibly popular, so when you initially sign up, you could possibly be put on a waitlist. But, be patient. They are definitely worth the wait!!!

Anyway...on to the IMPORTANT stuff. Since I received both Birchbox and Ipsy for the first time since starting this blog, I thought it would be fun to do a little showdown between these bad gals...

Here...we...go...!!!!

Standard box that comes each month...

...full of March surprises...

My initial thoughts: I like primers. I've tried many primers. Not all primers work on my oily skin. This one is described as "silky-smooth", which could imply that it is silicone-based. If it's anything like Smashbox's Photofinish Classic Primer, it may not work out for me...but we shall see!

Jergens BB Body Body Perfecting Skin Cream

Excitment Level: 3/5

My initial thoughts: This is a new product that recently hit stores and I have seen a lot of ads for it. BB Creams are so popular that it seems like EVERYONE has their own version. Because of that, they truly can be hits or misses. This one says in 5 days it will hydrate, illuminate, even, firm, and correct your skin. All of these properties I definitely need, so I'm curious and excited to try!

...Plus there's a coupon for $2.00 off!

Supergoop! City Suncreen Serum SPF 30

Excitment Level: 5/5

My initial thoughts: I have only known Supergoop! to make sunscreen, so I'm not sure if this is a new product for them. But I tried a little on my hand and it is very lightweight, thin, and has no heavy sunscreen scent...I'm very impressed! I'm anxious to try this and see how my makeup holds up using this as my primer!

As always, there is a surprise box...Oooohhh!....Aaaahhhh!

Surprise #1: Camille Beckman Glycerine Hand Therapy-Morelia Monarch Scent

Excitement Level : 1/5

My initial thoughts: Kind of like body butter...nothing special about the moisturization ability...not sure that I really care so much for the scent. Eh....I'll have to give it a couple more tries....

My initial thoughts: I think I was shrieking with excitment before I realized I was actually doing so (That's scary!). I LOVE THE BALM. The packaging is cute and fun. Their products are fantastic. Of course I am excited to try this! I got the shade Pie. (I'm so excited I can't even form coherent sentences...)

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I love how every Ipsy delivery comes in a different cute pouch! Really makes it special!

Be A...Bombshell Eyeshadow Quad in Bora Bora

My initial thoughts: This reminds me of the Smashbox Shades of Fame palette from a couple summers back. I loved the colors, but wasn't sure if it worked out for my skin tone and eye shape...Well, let's be honest here. I'm not a pro at doing eye shadow, so it could be 90% user error. Regardless, I'm going to try to make this work. The shadows are pretty pigmented and creamy, and I think it would be fun for spring and summer. Side note: The blue shadow reminds me of Mimi from The Drew Carey Show!!!

My initial thoughts: This is very blue! I like blue, but I have to be careful about how I apply this color around eyes. Sometimes it makes me look either 1) bruised or 2) cheap...yes, like trashy cheap. However, earlier this week, I layered a navy liner with black liner, and it worked!!! So, I'm not opposed to trying.

Vita Liverata Luxury Tan Lotion for Face & Body in Medium

Excitment Level: 4/5

My initial thoughts: OOoooh!!! I haven't tried self-tanners in a long time. I guess back when I was a teenager, self tanner "technology" was not as advanced, so I always looked splotchy and streaky and the smell was not so pleasant. However, one of my favorite YouTubers, LisaSZ09 (Go check her out!!!!) got a sample last summer and LOVED IT! This lady is legit, so I'm going to take her word for it and make it happen!

Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in Get Ready

Excitement Level: 5+/5

My initial thoughts: Heck yeah!!! I LOVE THIS LIPSTICK!!!! I actually own this exact one in full-size and the color and staying power is fantastic. Lipsticks can be drying on me, but the formulation on this line is so comfortable. This sample size will be going to my mom (who can literally pull off any color) because I think she's going to like it, too!

Total Ipsy rating: 3/5

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So overall, both Birchbox and Ipsy did pretty fair this month and I'm pleased with what I received, but I got to say that Birchbox took a slight lead for March. With the exception of the hand cream, all the products sparked some curiosity and excitement that I didn't quite feel with ipsy this month. That's ok! They can make it up to me in April.

I hope y'all enjoyed this post because I had such a blast putting these subscriptions head-to-head! Let's do this again next month!!!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and if you received an Ipsy, Birchbox, or whatever subscription, please share with me in the comments below what you got, or instagram me @lavenderwalls, #marchboxshowdown!!!