This month both Birchbox and Glossybox have teamed up with a partner to produce their monthly box. Harper’s Bazaar with Birchbox and Superdrug with Glossybox. I have seen lots of advertising and both companies seem to be pushing their boxes allot this month. So I thought it would be a fun exercise to compare the two boxes. See if I can recommend the best box to you.
If you don’t know already, a beauty box is a way of subscribing and having a collection of approximately 5 hair and beauty goodies sent direct to your door each month. They can be full size or sample size. They promise to be varied, and both of these beauty boxes ask you to fill out a questionnaire of likes and skin and hair type etc so I thought they would be a good comparison.
I subscribe to both of these. Glossybox for the last couple of years and Birchbox since Christmas.
Glossybox
Cost of box
£10.00 plus p+p (3.25) You can reduce the cost to as low as £8.50 plus p +p if you sign up for 12 months.
Value for Money
Well this months box was a heavy one, as all of the products were full size, with a bonus of two samples too.
Solait Illuminating Facial Bronzing Cream 2.99
L’Oreal Volume Million Lashes Black 10.99
Scholl Velvet Smooth Overnight Mask 7.99
Vaseline Spray & Go Coco 4.99
B Sheer Conditioning Lipstick 6.99
It was too difficult to add the two samples to the overall value but have added £1 to the total.
The value of the box was £34.95 : Thats amazing value for money
Added Value?
The bonus of two samples was great, you also receive a small ‘Glossy’ magazine, which is always a great read.
Overall Impressions:
I was very impressed with this months box, some great products to try. I would use each of them, thought I feel a little hesitant to try the facial bronzing cream. I have visions of looking like I have been tangoed! The Lipstick is perfect for summer, as very wearable coral colour, quite sheer. However my one criticism is all of the products are from a more budget range of brands, there is nothing wrong with that, I just really enjoy trying out aspirational brands, and that’s one of the reasons why I subscribe to a beauty box.
This box is to celebrate 50 years of Superdrug
Harper’s Bazaar
Cost of box
£10.00 plus p+p (£2.95) You can reduce the cost to as low as £7.50 plus p +p if you sign up for 12 months.
Value for Money
Benefit They’re Real Mascara (Sample Size £6.50) Full Size £19.50
Soigne Nail Lacquer £11
Aromatherapy Associates Bath & Shower Oil (Sample Size £2.20) Full Size £40
Philip Kingsley One More Day Dry Shampoo (Sample Size £3.37) Full Size £13.50
Laura Mercier Skin Polish (Sample Size £2.88) Sample Full Size £25.50
Lifestyle Extra Imedeen derma one £14.99 a 15 day supply
The value of the box was £40.94 : WOW!
Added Value?
The bonus of Imedeen really bumped up the value of the Birchbox. You again receive a small beauty guide magazine, which has gorgeous photographs and more information about the products. There is also a fantastic subscription offer : £12 for 12 issues of Harper’s Bazaar – saving you 76% as the magazine is usually £4.20
Overall Impressions:
I love the styling of this beauty box, it really appealed to me both visually and the types of products in there. A real tropical summer feel. The nail polish is a gorgeous cerise colour, perfect for toes this summer. I’ve heard an awful lot about the Laura Mercier flawless skin, so that really is a great bonus to be able to try that at last. The dry hair shampoo, is perfect for a handbag as is the mascara.
So Which Beauty Box Won?
I think both boxes have merits, and it is really down to personal taste.
I think for May 2014 though, I would recommend both boxes, if I had to choose one, then the Birchboxis the winner for me!
Disclaimer : I have worked out the pricing to the best of my ability. I pay for my boxes they are not PR samples.
