One of the most common questions I see regarding subscription boxes is “which is the best one?”  I always think the best way to make that determination is to compare the contents. They vary month to month, so lets compare Ipsy, Allure Beauty Box, and Sephora Play, and see which box was the best for June!

Ipsy:

Doucce Lucious Lipstain in Passion Peach, which is an incredibly bright coral color. This color is outside my normal comfort zone, but does seem summery. I have seen this brand before but previously had only tried their eyeshadow. Also it was really hard to get this swatch entirely off my  hand, so I can see this formula really stays put!

Firma Beauty 102 Elite Blush Brush  -this brush seems well constructed, and densely packed while still having a soft feel and good movement. The brand is new to me but I’m happy with the brush.

Soo Ae Charcoal Clay Bubble Mask  –another new-to-me brand, but it is packed with both trendy and well established skincare ingredients, such as charcoal, green tea, and kaolin clay and bentonite. And a bubble mask is always fun! I’m also pleased that they sent two packets, since each one is a one-time use item.

KVOSSNYC Macaroon lip balm – another new brand for me, this seems like a standard tub of lip balm, but doesn’t have much scent or flavor, which is a little disappointing. Given that its called macaroon, I was hoping for a vanilla or almond scent, or at least something more cookie-like, and the balm itself is a bit thin, so not my favorite.

Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizing Hydrating Primer – now here is a brand I know! I have gotten samples from them before, but never this item. I’ve been having a lot of dry skin issues lately, so I’m rather please to get this hydrating version of their primer!

Overall the ipsy bag is ok. Its a nice variety of products, a tool, some skin care, some color makeup, but nothing that really excited me. I’d say the bag overall is maybe a B.

Allure beauty box (Kat Von D collab)

I know, you’re thinking, “when did Allure Beauty Box go goth??” As I mentioned above, this month’s Allure box was a special collaboration with Kat Von D cosmetics, so not only are four of the five products from Kat Von D, we even get a unique box design, very removed from the usual bright red with Allure logo. This was not a special edition box, this came with a normal subscription.

Kat Von D: Tattoo Liner in Trooper Black, Studded Kiss Creme Lipstick in Double Dare, Everlasting Lip Liner in Lolita, Wax Seal Travel Mirror – (not available on her site,but they do have a full size version)

Ole Henriksen Transforming Walnut Scrub

Honestly this selection was a little underwhelming. I have multiple samples of the Kat Von D tattoo liner in trooper (black), and the mirror felt like a bit of a cheap-out. I got a similar mirror to this in a 500 point reward from Sephora. The lipstick and liner are nice, and the full size of the Henriksen face scrub is definitely a cool item, but the super common liner, and the mirror left this box feeling a bit meh, so maybe a C.

Sephora Play for June:

Milk Makeup Kush High Volume Mascara in Boom Black – this mascara has some interesting claims. It states that it contains cannabis oil, and that it has heart shaped fibers.  The fibers apparently prevent the spidery look that more cylindrical fibers can cause, and are supposed to help provide length and volume. The hemp-derived oil is supposed to provide hydration, and help make your lashes healthier over time.  I’m always wary of hydrating mascara formulas, as most tend to smudge or transfer on me rather quickly, but I’m always willing to try a new mascara.

Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover – this is not only a familiar brand for me, but a solid product. Getting a trial size of an effective makeup remover is always great, good for travel, or for keeping by my makeup for quick corrections. Always great to have!

Too Faced Melted Matte Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in Queen B. This is a familiar brand but a new product for me, and I have to say I’m impressed. Its a lovely color, dries quick, and stays put and stays comfortable! Plus I think this color is wearable for a lot of skin-tones, so I appreciate that consideration for inclusion in a sample box.

Belif the True Cream Aqua Bomb  -I have tried this before, but I am not mad to get a new sample! This is a really nice moisturizer that has a light feel but is still powerful enough to provide some serious hydration, happy to get more of it!

Alterna Haircare Caviar Anti-Aging Miracle Multiplying Volume Mist funny enough, i’ve gotten this before too, I still have a bottle with my hair products! It has a nice scent, and I think it does give my hair a bit of a boost, so I definitely don’t mind more of this one!

Prada Candy Sugar Pop  this is considered the “bonus” item, but most Sephora boxes include a perfume sample.  I do appreciate that this one came fully sealed in a plastic packet, which protects your other items from leaks.  However, this scent confuses me.  According to their own copy, its key notes are Green Bergamot, Apple and Vanilla. And the scent is a “powdery floral,” something I wouldn’t expect from the name Candy Sugar Pop. But further into their description, I see them referring to the scent as having an “ironic twist”.  This is not a bad scent, but it was so far removed from what the name and packaging made me expect, that I really think its misleading, and could be a very unpleasant surprise for someone.

Overall, I like the products from Play! this month, although only 3 of the six products are new to me, everything I got is pretty good. I do love the cloth bag they sent with the fun 80’s neon design too. So this box didn’t deliver too many exciting new things, but it did deliver some good products, so I’d say it’s a B+.

 

Looking at my grades, looks like Sephora Play! had my favorite collection this month, but it was pretty close! One of the reasons I get each of these is that often times, they are very similar in quality, like this month, and I find it hard to choose a clear favorite.  But I look forward to comparing them month to month to see what major differences and similarities become apparent about them.