Who wouldn’t appreciate a present delivered to their doorstep every month that’s altered specifically to one selves taste?

That’s what the newest sensation, Birchbox, does for their customers. Customers originally go onto the company’s website and ask to get put on the waiting list. Yes, there’s already a waiting list for the hot piece. Most users will receive an email saying they are now in line for access to receive the 7” x 5” box and all of its’ entirety. Later, they will receive another one notifying them that their subscription is available. Most waits are around two weeks.

The founders, Katia Beauchamp and Hayley Barna, wanted their customers to receive a modern cardboard box each month with four to five beauty, grooming and lifestyle samples. Users can expect to see products from well-known brands but also new, promising clientele that will never disappoint. While the products are called “samples”, the company makes sure to provide enough that the consumer can determine if the product is for them or not. This is deprived from the owners innovative “try, learn, buy model.” Information about each monthly product is included in the box but Birchbox’s website, Birchbox.com, gives more lengthy, in-depth descriptions for the hesitant or wary user. If users take special interest in a product full-size versions of the products can also be found on the website in the Birchbox Shop section.

So how does the company satisfy their customers when every person is different? After the company is able to give someone a subscription, that person will fill out a questionnaire answering different questions such as: skin type, hair type, fragrance preference or beverage and treat favorites. The company does their best to send each person a variety of products, generally covering all categories that best conforms to the customer’s style and beauty recommendations.

One of Birchbox’s biggest competitors is a company called Ipsy that is also based off of a monthly subscription. Kate, from The Small Things Blog, devoted a whole blog to comparing the two brands and this is what she had to say. The similarities are that they are both $10 a month, send four to five products that are typically sample sized and they are personalized based on your beauty profile. The two are different because Birchbox tends to lean towards the skincare/body care items while Ipsy is almost solely makeup themed. Ipsy also arrives in a mailer with some sort of bag inside while Birchbox is delivered in a box. After comparing all the products from a months order at each company, Kate said, “It seems like if you are more interested in skincare, bodycare, hair products, and a few lifestyle products, Birchbox is the way to go. If you are more interested in makeup, maybe try out Ipsy.” Kate also added that, “Makeup is such a personal thing, and it’s really important to buy flattering shades/products that work for your skin tone. I’ve found that I’ve tossed more items that come in my Ipsy bag than I have from my Birchboxes.

Such a sought after package that hands out top-notch items is expected to cost a fortune and no college student has extra leeway for seemingly unnecessary presents. Surprisingly, the women’s subscription is only $10 a month and can be bought in three, six or twelve month increments. From a financial perspective, each month’s total equals to about two lattes, which would not be hard to cut out of a daily routine twice a month to suffice the anticipation of a high-end package. So make sure to ask mom for your own subscription on your next birthday! Additionally, the brand extended to Birchbox Man in April 2012.

For more reviews and tips, check out The Small Things Blog or shoot her an email!

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