It’s the Ipsy vs. Sephora Play vs. Birchbox $10 Beauty Box showdown!
Ipsy vs. Sephora PLAY! vs. Birchbox
BOX BASICS: All three subscriptions are just $10 per month, so it’s easy to draw comparisons. All three of these beauty boxes also ship out 5 samples (Sephora PLAY! also sends a bonus fragrance plus a beauty item, and occasionally you’ll get a small extra in Birchbox).
CUSTOMIZATION: All three subscriptions also ask you to complete a basic beauty profile. Ipsy allows you to rate items for ipsy match and has started allowing a limited number of subscribers to select an item, but that feature isn’t yet universal. Birchbox also allows you to rate items but doesn’t alter your profile in response to your ratings.
REFERRALS & POINTS: Both Birchbox and Ipsy offer referral points; redeem points on full-size products in the Birchbox shop or on selected samples in the Ipsy bonus section. You earn points on the monthly Sephora subscription plus you can redeem a PLAY! card in-store for an extra 50 points on any purchase.
VARIATIONS: All three of these boxes also send out multiple subscriber variations – we’re showing what we’ve reviewed here, and we would love to hear your experiences in the comments!
Our thoughts? You’re most likely to get items you’ll find in Sephora in PLAY!, including some cult up and coming goodies. That’s a no brainer. Ipsy is a mix of influencer faves, some prestige products, and some drugstore. You won’t often find drugstore products in Birchbox – but you may find some interesting natural beauty brands.
Play! by Sephora
Items:
- Sephora Collection Lashcraft Big Volume Mascara ($5.72)
- Versace Bright Crystal Eau De Toilette ($0.90)
- NARS Bronzing Powder in Laguna ($11.42)
- Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 ($6.40)
- Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1 ($2.72)
- Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo ($7.50)
Total Value: About $34.66
The deluxe sample size products from this subscription are always fun to try. This month, they included products to perfect for spring, including a sample perfume boasting of floral notes and a dry shampoo that works for a quick no-wash cleanse or a volume boost. There’s also a nice sunscreen that works well under makeup. The rest of the items are usable.
Review: Play! by Sephora March 2019 Review
See Play! by Sephora spoilers + past Play! by Sephora reviews or sign up for directory notifications when we post about this subscription!
Birchbox
Regular Box
Items:
- HUM Nutrition Glow Sweet Glow Gummies ($0.83)
- Amika Reset Pink Charcoal Scalp Cleansing Oil ($3.73)
- Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eye ($7.40)
- Marcelle BB Cream Golden Glow ($4.35)
- Manna Kadar Beauty Eye-Dyllic Gel Eyeliner Pencil ($19 Full-Size .11oz)
- Doucce Freematic Highlighter ($14?)
Total Value: About $49.31
Birchbox items are mostly a hit this month! Three makeup products, a hair product, an under eye cream, and some vitamins made for a nice assortment. March theme aims to freshen one’s routine and they definitely achieved that especially with the highlighter, eye cream, and the BB cream.
Review: Birchbox Regular March 2019 Review
See Birchbox spoilers + past Birchbox reviews or sign up for directory notifications when we post about this subscription!
Birchbox
Curated Box
Items:
- Manna Kadar Cosmetics Eyedylic Gel Eyeliner Pencil ($19)
- ThisWorks Deep Sleep Pillow Spray ($1.97)
- Amika Reset Pink Charcoal Scalp Cleansing Oil ($3.73)
- The Beauty Crop Lighting Crew Highlighting Cream ($12 Full-Size .34 oz.)
- EKOS Natura Brasil Hand Cream ($3.42)
Total Value: About $40
This month’s Birchbox covered mostly skin care, hair care, and makeup. They even included a pillow spray that you can use to help you sleep better at night. We all know that good sleep is one of the best ways to look and feel refreshed, right? This box usually includes both premium and niche brands for just $10. The March collection of small and full-sized sample items are perfect to try new products and great to throw in your bag for an on-the-go emergency kit.
Review: Birchbox Curated March 2019 Review
See Birchbox spoilers + past Birchbox reviews or sign up for directory notifications when we post about this subscription!
Ipsy Glam Bag
Items:
- Tarte Maneater Voluptuous Mascara ($11.50)
- First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer ($5.60)
- PÜR Afterglow Mini Highlighting Skin Perfecting Powder ($2.92)
- I Dew Care Disco Kitten Illuminating Diamond Peel Off Mask ($2.19)
- Ciaté London Mini Lip Lustre in Kiss Me ($13.22)
Total Value: About $35
The bag’s theme for this month is “It’s National Women History Month,” and it’s a great makeup pack! Receiving an adequate amount of select cosmetic products from well-known brands is pretty neat! More so when they’re effective and gratifying. The standout items are the lip luster and the coconut priming moisturizer!
Review: Ipsy March 2019 Review
See Ipsy spoilers + past Ipsy reviews or sign up for directory notifications when we post about this subscription!
Deal: Get FREE month of Refreshments when you subscribe to any Ipsy subscription – that’s up to $15 value! Deal applies automatically, just visit and subscribe. FYI, Refreshments is an add-on subscription to your Ipsy membership. Must cancel after trial if you don't want to be charged.
This month’s boxes are all impressive. Value-wise and content-wise, Birchbox deserves the recognition. It had a nice assortment of products that came just right in time for spring. Ipsy and Play! didn’t disappoint as well, both contained great products for nourishing the skin. We’re loving everything and we’re very excited about all the changes that are coming especially for Birchbox!
What did you think of this month’s Sephora PLAY!, Ipsy, and Birchbox? Did you have a favorite?
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