8.20.2012

Product Test Drive: Is Birchbox or MyGlam Better? Plus August MyGlam Bag Review

I get asked this question every day on my blog--which is better? Birchbox or MyGlam?
I subscribed to Birchbox for a year and have recently stopped due to budget reasons. I subscribed to MyGlam in December of last year, so it's almost been a year. Since they're the same in price ($10/month as of this writing), I'm listing my facts and opinions for each below:

Birchbox

  • You fill out a questionnaire that and the results designate what products you'll get. For example, I responded that I'm least likely to spend money on skin care, because it costs so much. This provides products personalized just for you.
  • There is a point system that provides credits that can be redeemed for products.
  • Birchbox offers all high-end products. These can be purchased at Birchbox's site.
  • They offer many products a month, so chances are you won't get everything the same as someone else. Part of the fun is seeing what others get in their box.
  • The samples are small and traditionally-sized. 
  • Plenty of information and prices are available about each product.
  • Many months are themed, offering a variety of products, for lips, skin, hair, etc.
Overall:
  • Once I saw I was getting primarily skin care products, I went to my profile and changed the answers on my questionnaire. This did nothing, as I still got primarily skin care products. I was consistently disappointed in my boxes when compared to what other bloggers received. 
  • While the high-end concept is great--you're exposed to products you might not have access to otherwise--it can be disheartening if you fall in love with a product and not being able to afford it. 
  • I wish the sample sizes were larger, but they offer around 5-6 items per box.
  • If I could be assured I was getting products similar to others, I would rejoin. Most women I've talked to seem to be happy with their boxes.
MyGlam
  • You fill out a questionnaire on your beauty profile and features beauty Youtube stars.
  • MyGlam offers drugstore and high-end products.
  • They offer the same products to everyone, but within the past few months, they now offer at least one product that is different.
  • The samples are traditional and deluxe sized. 
  • Every month is themed.
  • A cute bag comes every month and is reusable.
Overall:
  • MyGlam seems to be geared a bit more towards those who are younger, although I have never felt too old when receiving my products.
  • While I love drugstore products, some may not. Most of the products are brands I have heard of before.
  • Some experienced shipping problems when MyGlam first started. I did not have issues. I've heard mixed reviews. I personally like MyGlam more based on my experience.
MyGlam's August Bag

This month's theme is Endless Summer and here's what's in my bag (l-r):
  • Neon pink and orange mesh bag--it's cute and reusable
  • Circus polish in Spectacle--some received the pink shade instead. If you remember last month's bag I also received a polish in yellow from this brand.
  • MyGlam Lip gloss--gorgeous pink that smells like watermelon.
  • Salty Glama ZOIDI eye shadow--it's a white shadow that's pink iridescent. I personally like using this on my inner corners of my eyes or as a highlighter on my cheeks. It is a bit shimmery.
  • Demeter Roll On Perfume in Clean Skin--some received a different scent. It smells ok:  "a blend of orange, lemon, white rose, bergamot peach and vanilla, make for the perfect shower-fresh scent."
  • Eclos Moisture Therapy Regenerative Cream and Celluar Activator Facial Serum--The moisturizer is too much for my dry face, but I'll try it again once winter returns. I've naturally not noticed a difference yet in the week I've been using the wrinkle serum, but will update if I do.

Swatched are the shadow and lip gloss

PS: How was your weekend? I went to a Falcon's game (I had amazing seats!), saw The Bourne Legacy (liked), and got new patio furniture (it was on sale and I will use it in the fall when it's cooler here in Atlanta).

So which do you prefer: Birchbox or MyGlam?

15 comments:

  1. Lovely nail polish colour! I get a box called Joliebox Uk which so far I have been very pleased with - it tries to give you products according to your skin or hair type too as they take a customer survey at the start. I might try another after 6 months. We had sun here in England which is unusual this summer so had a weekend in the garden...bliss! XX

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  2. What in the Hades rail am I looking at?

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  3. I have been with Birchbox for 7 or 8 months and it's been hit or miss. I'm tempted to try MyGlam, but I don't want to give up Birchbox - and it's not in my budget to have both, haha. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on both!!

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  4. Surprisingly I've never tried either, but I'd be more likely to use Birchbox.

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  5. I have a Birchbox subscription but I got a year for free. I think I'd actually prefer MyGlam if given the choice.

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  6. I had a 3 month gift subscription to Birchbox. Thought it was a waste of money, so I didn't subscribe once the free months were over. Just not worth it. :( MyGlam seems better......
    KB

    http://redcarpetcloset.tv/

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  7. you did a great job with the review. I dont either of these are for me though. I like to pick my own stuff.

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  8. I really like your swatch. I'm not on Birchbox or MyGlam (on VoxBox), but based on your overall experience with both, I'd probably like MyGlam better as well.

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  9. I haven't subscribed to either of those but that lipgloss looks amazing :)

    Glad your weekend was nice, lady!

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  10. Excellent reviews of both Elle. This really helped me understand both programs. I hear both good and bad from bloggers when they receive theirs. I don't think I'll subscribe to any of them. I would rather just spend my money on a product I want to try. LOL Glad you had a great weekend! You got a lot accomplished.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  11. I've tried them both - Birchbox I've only had for two months, and MyGlam for one. I was testing them to see which I'd stick with, and Birchbox won. I didn't care for all the anti-wrinkle products in the MyGlam bag (I'm only 23!!) and I didn't like that everyone pretty much got the same thing.

    What I really like about Birchbox, though, is their rewards system. I'll be sticking with them.

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  12. I like the My Glam bag. It's cute!

    Glad you liked the Bourne Legacy. I've been reading good reviews about it, so I'll have to check it out.

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  13. Thanks for the review! I can't appreciate these products every month, but have always been curious!
    Your weekend sounded great - if only it was still the weekend!

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  14. i love the color of lipgloss!! very pretty!!
    happy monday!
    xo
    MOSAMUSE

    www.MOSAMUSE.com

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  15. My weekend was spent in a U-Haul truck. Fun times! I haven't tried either Birchbox or MyGlam and after seeing numerous reviews and knowing that I don't often use samples, I probably wouldn't subscribe. I don't really need extra stuff in my life. ;)

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