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.
Susanna says
Both of those boxes sounds like heaven to me!
Amanda Cottingham says
They are two gems this month, I agree!
Pinkoddy says
This sounds like a great idea for someone like me, who rarely uses things but really ought to be pampered a bit more, so I could try them out.
Amanda Cottingham says
They are completely perfect for that. They are so varied each month, there is bound to be some stuff that you will love!
Emma says
I so like the sound of these boxes, love looking forward to post each month. Sadly, there’s nothing like that here, but I will be subscribing when we move back one day! 😀
Manchester Mummy says
Fantastic post – I have always been curious about beauty boxes and would love to sign up for one. Think the Harper’s Bazaar box would be my favourite this month simply due to the nail polish!
Amanda Cottingham says
Ah, that nail polish is a good one I agree. I’ve had a few nail polishes with Glossybox, but they’ve tended to be neutral ones, which aren’t my favourite, as I only use them on my toes. I like a french polish on my hands. Let me know if you try one out!
becky says
ooh i may gave this as a birthday gift idea this year sounds fun,Id got hr birch box too!
Vita says
I have to say, I’ve often looked at these boxes and contemplated buying one but have yet to do so as I’m always worried they won’t be good value! They look fabulous however! Birchbox looks very luxurious…now to convince Mr G I need one! 😀
Rebecca says
This is great as I was wondering if these boxes are worth it. I like the look of the Birchbox the best as the products look a bit more luxurious and aren’t ones I would normally go for so it would seem more of a treat.
older mum in a muddle says
Both of these boxes look great….. BUT what I would really like to subscribe to is a box that specialises in skin care for sensitive skin. I would be a bit nervous of trying a load of random products every month – it would be pot luck on my skin! :o).
Amanda Cottingham says
Yes I think if your skin is particularly sensitive it definitely could be a bad idea. There is another box that I’ve tried which sells all natural products, I bought it for my tween, as she was at that point of wanting to experiment, and I felt really comfortable with this one it had some fab things in it. : http://www.lovelulabeautybox.com
otilia says
Wow i never thought about subscribing to something like this before. It is definitely good money for money although you never know what will show up to your door every single month. I think the Harper’s Bazaar box is my favourite out of them two. The products suit me best. Lucky you to have such lovely products now
I wanted to tell you that i am running a beauty and style linky and if you would like to link up your posts will be lovely http://www.goldsprinkles.com/beauty-style-party-3/
Nikki Thomas says
A brilliant idea to compare the two. I won a Glossy Box before Xmas and I was really impressed, I might have to try Birchbox as I love the idea of having a box of treats each month.
Stacey Corrin says
I’m not really one to indulge in beauty products but it does seem like a pretty inexpensive way to treat yourself each month.
If I had to choose I would probably go with the birchbox – purely because it sounds the sexiest 😀
Liz Burton says
I love the sound of the Birchbox, it looks very luxurious and lots of products I wouldn’t necessarily fork out full price for.
HPMcQ says
the birch box looks great, i didn’t really know about these but they would make great gifts wouldn’t they? for that person you never know what to get. a surprise every month!
Katy Hill says
What a fab idea! x
Ruth says
Ooh, this post is a great idea to compare the two, although I’ve just read your comment above about the all natural LoveLula box as well, and it’d be great to read more about that! I’m not a huge one for beauty buys, but we all need pampering occasionally! x
Molly says
Great idea to compare the two – thanks A. Love the look of this month’s Birchbox with the tropical styling, and that gorgeous nail polish. I used to subscribe to Glossybox but gave it up as I just have way too many beauty items!
Emma says
Oooooh the Birchbox looks fab, and what a lovely bops to receive in the post each month. x