Glamour race

It seems that the silent shipping war between Birchbox and Ipsy has intensified.

I have received notifications from both yesterday. Wednesday 13 I have received my birchbox. I was so busy at the beginning of February that I had little time to check the spoilers. I was so excited that it took me a while to notice that I was getting a dupe - Ruby Wing in Rid'em Cowgirl.(*correction Birchbox customer service said that because the nail polish was in a different color it was not a dupe, and that I could safely review it for 10 points).

Here's what the mailman brought me:

More under the line

Even I, busy as I was, read about the birchbox cooperation with UsWeekly (I'm pointing at the www.makeuptalk.com forum that I literally stalk before the spoilers are released). I even envied the people who were talking about taking a second subscription. Birchbox announced that everyone would get a curated box, not just new subscribers and I was put at ease. So what did we get?
#1 Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara
Full Size 0.38 oz-$19.50
Sample-0.14 oz - c $7
and a bonus item
Smashbox Full Exposure Palette
Full size -$49
Sample - ?paper sample

I have not tried those samples yet. I must admit that I am looking forward to it, even though my favorite mascara is the Sephora Outrageous Volume Waterproof Mascara  that goes for $15, Benefit's They're Real Mascara that goes for $23 at  Sephora is not too shabby either. I am eagerly waiting for the moment to try both the mascara and the curious little paper sampler of the eyeshadows. 

#2 Agave Healing Oil Treatment

Full size - 4 oz.-$40

Sample -4ml/ 0.1 oz. - $4

Birchbox says that this lightweight oil uses agave to hydrate and protect. According to Sephora "it contains:
-Agave Sugars: Hydrate and moisturize. 
-Wheat Proteins: Add strength and shine. 
-Vanilla and Coconut: Help condition and increase elasticity. 
-Madagascar Baobab Seed Oil: Nourishes and transforms hair’s outer layer. 
 Agave Sugars and Vanilla explain the slightly sweet honey-like smell the oil has. I have applied it to my hair (sample will last for two applications since I have medium fine hair) and it did make my hair softer. I don't think it helped much with the freeze though. It is lightweight, but I am afraid that it does not have enough strength to be much of use for my crazy frizzy curly hair. Nevertheless, I am glad I got to try it.

#3 Ruby Wing Color Changing Nail Polish in
Ride'Em Cowgirl
Full size- 15 ml - $10
Sample size 7ml- $4.7 ~ $5

I was surprised and confused when I received the same brand nail polish to test in two consecutive boxes. The Powers That Be aka Customer Service enlightened me that I received two different colors and therefore it was not a "dupe" (duplicate) item. I'm ok receiving this item, even though I feel that the reasoning is a bit off. I already tested the brand (it was ok) so I don't feel like there was a need to send me another bottle of nail polish from the same brand. Oh well. As it is in a sparkly glittery type of finish I will gladly test it. From the initial swipe, it appears that one has to really load it up on the nail to see it. Opinion not fully formed on that one.

#4- Morellia Monarch Glycerine Hand Treatment
Full size 6oz. -$15 (at birchbox or 8oz -$15.95 at amazon.com)
Sample size: 1/4 oz ~ $0.63 ( I am not sure of my math here)

Birchbox says it is a "nourishing, quick-absorbing formula that restores skin without feeling greasy. I concur. It does not feel like a glycerin cream at all. It feels like a delicate whipped cream that sinks into your skin the minute you put it on. I'm actually considering buying it.

Overall I am happy with this birchbox, even though I still consider the second nail polish a dupe. C'mon birchbox I did not expect you to send me full size products, but sending a clearly "recycled" item from last month is a little too much.

I feel like there is so much variety in Birchbox boxes that the true character is getting lost. I don't feel like I am getting luxurious deluxe samples - what I get are clearly samples that have been thrown haphazardly together without the real consideration for the "theme" or customer.

My Ipsy bag is stuck at the USPS office in Seacacus, I really want to get it, but it seems like the weather has just agreed to conspire against me. I will have to wait :( and I almost got both bags on the same time - well played Ipsy and Birchbox, well played.