SAMPLE BOX WARS- Eco-Emi, Birchbox, Beautyfix Reviews(May 2011)

[rapunzelfalls]

Holy guacamole, the EcoSkin box comes with SO much! That's it, I'm definitely ordering a subscription tomorrow lol.

[DesertChildAZ]

I'm a little concerned that I just ordered 3 month subscriptions to Birchbox for two family members for Christmas....it seems to be getting some pretty bad reviews lately. :(

[DesertChildAZ]

British Airways gives out the Elemis Marine Cream to their Club World and First Class passengers. I ***love*** it. But I can't afford to buy a full size one. OMG, it does wonders.

[tabithamayne]

ive been doing birchbox for about a year now and i love it, i was trying to find some other sample box services that were compatable but really didnt see anything worth it untill i watched your video. the Eco emi looks perfect for me! i love organic things, ive always been a real nature girl, or a tree hugger as my hubby says:-)and all those samples for just $15 is exactly wht i want, you totally sold me on this box im going to sign up now. thy should really pay you for bringing thm customers:-)

[Superfreaky1RU]

@tabithamayne Ha! I would settle for a small discount! All the subscription fees are killing me! More than four new boxes are launching/have launched lately and I can't afford to get them all so I'm going to have to make a hard choice soon. This month I'm going to be reviewing a new box call Conscious Box that seems right up your alley. $12/month plus $5 shipping and it looks like it's going to be great! I'm waiting on the box now!

[MsTrestar]

Lol this was a long video, and I fell asleep half way in. Still

Loved all the info I think I'll try that Eco box. And I think I'll change my age on birchbox, cause my box was some mess. All I got was lotion and I even called them to complain. So now I know why the send me so much lotion, cause I'm old. Lol

[Superfreaky1RU]

@MsTrestar Oh God, you have NO IDEA how many times I fall asleep trying to edit these things! There are just so many boxes that they take forever and I find myself quite boring! I never changed my age, but I did retake the quiz and unchecked every box except the "try the latest makeup colors and brands one.

[tiffanydoveable]

I agree! My last Birch Box was awful! It looked like something a little old lady in the nursing home would want! Paper Coasters! I am giving them one more chance!

[Superfreaky1RU]

@tiffanydoveable I keep saying the same thing! It seems I get one good box, then a horrible one. Last year ALL the boxes were good. It seems the bigger they get the worse the boxes get. I didn't get paper coasters, thank goodness! But still, not a great box!

[MissFancyEyes]

This is so cool! I have already signed up for BirchBox and I will be getting my first box this month... and I just signed up for Eco-Emi! I am thinking about signing up for Beautyfix! =)

Thanks for all of the great info!

[Superfreaky1RU]

@MissFancyEyes How are you liking Eco emi? There's several new "green" boxes that just launched not too long ago. Plus some more beauty ones!

[MissFancyEyes]

@Superfreaky1RU I will be getting Eco Emi this month! I can't wait! =D Last month BirchBox came in the mail and I liked the box a lot. Hopefully this month is just as good! =D

Thanks for checking in!

[rykerbeck]

Your review is the reason why I'm heavily leaning towards the Beautyfix box. :D Do you have any experience with the TestTube? It really is a toss up for me right now between these two LOL

[AshleyAlexandra94]

hey i always wanted to try eco emi but then i saw Birch box and wanted to try that but which one do you think is better..i liked birch box cuz its all makeup/beauty and i know in eco emi they will give other stuff other than beauty

[Superfreaky1RU]

@AshleyAlexandra94 I'm sorry I didn't answer this sooner! I just saw it. I love Birchbox but I have been very unhappy with a lot of my boxes. Eco Emi is great, but you're right, you don't get a lot of makeup. I think you should look into gogo girlfriend. My review for them is uploading and will be up tomorrow. It's not all high end like birchbox, but you get more makeup. Also look in the new SBW video for the review of the limited edition QVC testtube. OMG...Love!

[MsJessnJ]

Great video :)

about half way through I heard your cat and freaked because I thought there was a cat in the room with me and felt so dumb lol

[Superfreaky1RU]

@MsJessnJ That's so funny! My cat is trouble! She can literally climb walls and jump from the floor to the shower curtain rod and swat at us while we take showers!

[MyLopez92]

Loved your video! I was going to sign up for Birtchbox but after watching this video I went to Eco-Emi and bought a bonus box for $14.00 just to try it out. I'll probably will end up doing Beautyfix too so.... thanks for the info!

[Superfreaky1RU]

@MyLopez92 Thank you and it was my pleasure! I think you'll enjoy both the Eco-emi and Beautyfix immensely! I've seen some of the bonus boxes and they're great products, just not wrapped as well as the regular eco-emi's. A tip for Beautyfix...I found out they have limited amounts of the the more expensive products, so order as soon as you can when you get the new recommendations because if they're out of something, they'll replace it with another product, and it may not be something you like.

[gymnast980]

Did the tree ever grow? (:

[Superfreaky1RU]

@gymnast980 My husband wouldn't let me plant it at home! So I took it over to the park by our house and planted it there. Haven't checked on it yet but I'm assuming it's growing because we've been getting tons of storms here every week!

[ishmolee]

@MsDivagurl10 I'm not sure where you're located, but there is one in the UK called GlossyBox

[rhonda99301]

We seem to get the same Birchboxes. I hate not getting any good stuff. I was so looking forward to the Stila eyeshadow that EVERYONE else seems to have gotten, and of course, I didn't get one either! WTF! I joined Beautyfix when the still had the $9.99 intro. Glad I got in on it before it expired. I LOVE it! Love you!

[7281blondie]

"Don't forget for $8.00 you are getting the soap and a tree" LMAO

[agirlneedsagun]

Great reviews. But I did find it odd that you were upset birchbox sent you all anti aging stuff, and then you chose all anti aging stuff from beauty fix ;) think I might try Eco emi :) seems like the most fun for the price. thanks!

[Superfreaky1RU]

@agirlneedsagun Thanks! Since I got in on the Beautyfix special my choice options were extremely limited in what I could pick out. There was only 2 makeup items, and I'd never heard of them and they had not so great reviews. So it was either hair products or skin care, and I got more bang for my buck getting expensive full size skin care items rather than ;a few bottles of $20 hair care products. Since my next box is a $50 one, I'll get a lot more to choose from an will get some makeup.

[agirlneedsagun]

@Superfreaky1RU It makes sense I was just busting your chops lol. I looked at beautyfix and I'm just not sold on it yet. They only gave me one page of items to choose from and there were only 2 or 3 that I'm really interested in trying... the other 5 were kind of like "meh, i need to pick 5 more things..." so I dunno. I did sign up for eco emi though I'm excited! Gotta wait til july though :(

[Superfreaky1RU]

@agirlneedsagun Only 1 page of choices? That doesn't sound right, they usually have like 4 pages full of them. Weird! Sorry you have to wait so long for the Eco Emi, but it's worth the wait! Aprils box was sold out when I signed up so I had to wait a month too. They shared a couple of products in the upcoming box and one of them is an organic deodorant that I'm excited to try! They start shipping this week so I'm waiting anxiously!

[agirlneedsagun]

@Superfreaky1RU Well I mean it's one really big page... something like 60 choices... lol. but most of it is all similar skin care items... the only makeup item choice i had was a lip gloss and really i only wear chapstick! I know it's a great deal cause I looked up some of the prices, but being a poor college student - I can't justify paying $50 for 2-3 samples I want to try and 5 that I'm like "ehh".. I'd probably end up loving them all but I dunno!

[agirlneedsagun]

@Superfreaky1RU Also - JEALOUS. I saw the organic deodorant in I think someones May box... I really want to try it! I'm very excited. It seems like they give at least 10 pretty good sized samples - better for the price then birchbox and it just suits my interests more than beautyfix... do you know of any other websites like that? I looked at the beauty test tube one and wasn't thrilled with that.. but I want more stuff like birchbox/eco emi.. though everyone isn't thrilled with birchbox lately

[agirlneedsagun]

@Superfreaky1RU Also, I almost feel like birchbox sends the beauty gurus on youtube different and better things then the less popular people - everyone with lots of subs seems to get the nars and full sized products, while people who get only a few hundred views are showing little tiny sample packets that you can get free from sephora!

[Superfreaky1RU]

@agirlneedsagun I'm pretty sure it's by ages and those in their early to mid 20's getting the best products so you'd prolly be fine. One of my subs told me she went on the website and changed her age and got the awesome Laura Geller blush in the first round of boxes. If I don't get a good box this month I'm going to go apeshit! There's a new box in Canada, I'm waiting for it to come to the states, and Pretty Pink Box is retooling and coming back with a different name and better box.

[Superfreaky1RU]

Also, there's a box I've been checking out, also Canadian that has all kinds of stuff in it and it's a bi monthly box. It's mostly soap, bath, jewelry, and candle type products, a lot of it from small business owners from etsy and artfire plus a few larger names like Juice Beauty. But they halted their boxes because of the Canadian postal strike and they may not have a box until next month or later depending on how it goes. It happened the day before they went on sale! Grrrr!

[MsDivagurl10]

@Superfreaky1RU Please tell me the name of this company! I really wanna try eco-emi but I can't because I do not live in the states! Thanks!!

Also, have you tried loose button??

[Superfreaky1RU]

Also, I have a box from Infulenster coming this week. They contacted me soon after this video came out and asked me to sign up for their program and get the beauty badge so I could get June's beauty box. They also have all kinds of other catagories, and you can sign up for up to 5. It's free to sign up and the boxes are also free!

[agirlneedsagun]

@Superfreaky1RU Omg, free? Nice! I'm doing it right now! lol you simply cannot beat free!! thanks for all the info!

[Superfreaky1RU]

@agirlneedsagun You're welcome! And I agree about the free! I was practically jumping for joy when they private messaged me and asked me to sign up! Then they sent me a list of products I'm getting and I did another little happy dance! The box includes the complete skincare kit of Meaningful Beauty by Cindy Crawford! I can not tell you how many times I've seen that infomercial and thought HMMMM....I wonder if it works! And now I get to try it for free!

[MsTeig2009]

Talk to the owner of birchbox. Maybe they can help?

[loveandlive12]

I agree with ur opinion of birchbox. i never got anything good, and i only got skincare stuff. i got sick of it and cancelled. im going to try eco emi.

[Superfreaky1RU]

@loveandlive12 Eco Emi is absolutely fantastic!  I'm still using every single product I got in my box, something which I never do with Birchbox!

[4LuvMissCrystal]

Wow.. Ecoemi gives you A LOT more than Birchbox.. Hmmmm.. I want to try Eco emi.

[Superfreaky1RU]

@4LuvMissCrystal Go for it! You do seem to get a lot more with Eco Emi, and I'm enjoying ALL the products, not just some of them which is a problem I have with Birchbox. It is an extra $5/month than Birchbox, so it's $15, but it's worth every penny!

[amhamm1485]

You should check out NewBeauty TestTube. It's an every 3 month thing and the cost is right around 40$ with shipping I was pretty pleased with March's.

[Superfreaky1RU]

@amhamm1485 I did check them out, but I hate that you have to pay $9 for shipping! All the other boxes are shipping included which is why I chose Beautyfix instead of Test Tube. With the shipping costs it was only an $11 difference between the two, plus I get to choose my own products which I love. But if I can convince my hubby of it, I'm going to sign up for every box I can, including the Test Tube!

[scarletfire28]

That is awesome! There is a deal going on right no at dermastorecom and if you spend $100 you get a free gift worth $130 from beautyfix :) Thanks so much for the info hun! Have a great holiday!

[Superfreaky1RU]

@scarletfire28 You're welcome! I saw today that Dermstore is giving away a free full sized mystery gift with every purchase this week! How intriguing!

[MonroeMakeup44]

love you freaky lady. miss you

[Superfreaky1RU]

@MonroeMakeup44 I miss you too! I've been flat on my back for almost a month and I hate it! I finally got these expensive patch things last week from my doc that sort of numb my whole back so I can walk again. I'm supposed to have two non invasive surgical procedures in July, but I'm on the wait list in case they get a cancellation. John's taking us to a Kansas City next weekend and I had to get a wheelchair to be able to go! I'd skype you right now, but I can't sign in! Mad!

[glamourdolleyes]

i have been really upset with my birchbox lately as well and this month i got the eye shadow, which i thought would really cool but i agree, i think its going down hill. the fact that we got that tiny serum for $190 is INSANE. we do sample boxes to try stuff out, i don't know anyone who would spend $190 on ONE item like that!!

i think birchbox has too many people now and they're doing quantity (subscribers) over quality now.

[Superfreaky1RU]

@glamourdolleyes I know! When I first saw it, I was pretty excited to try out such an expensive product, but then when I went to use it and saw that I wasn't really going to be able to try it out more than once I thought it was the dumbest thing ever! I think you're right about the quantity over quality, it makes me really sad. Can you give me a hint of what's in Pretty Pink Box from GDE this month? It's the only reason I would buy the May box. Love the new Superhero line!

[glamourdolleyes]

@Superfreaky1RU i almost fell over when i saw the price. i don't even want to try it because i don't want to love it haha.. she ordered sample baggies for the box.. i think i sent her 50 samples.. i have been watching may reviews though and haven't seen anyone who has gotten one yet.

[Superfreaky1RU]

@glamourdolleyes The boxes just went on sale on Thursday, so I think they'll start coming next week. I had sent her an email last month telling her how disappointing the last box was, as were all the complaints from my subbies about their boxes because I felt horrible because it was a product I recommended. She wrote back saying that personal problems were getting in the way of business and she was going to do only one more box. I'm unsure about it. I think I'd rather just order some shadow!

[glamourdolleyes]

@Superfreaky1RU she contacted me about getting some shadows for the box and said that she is doing her last box as my little pink box and opening up another one.. i'm not sure if shes announced the name yet so i won't say it here. 2 people emailed me last month saying they were disappointed in the box and gave me their feedback, since i had sent in some scentsy samples.. shes been around for a while, i wonder what happened ):

[Superfreaky1RU]

@glamourdolleyes She told me that when she sent out the boxes, she honestly thought they were fine and it wasn't a purposeful thing, and then told me that she was having personal problems, but didn't get into what they were. She told me she was taking a few months off to wrap up whatever issues she's having and then coming back with a new concept and box, but she didn't tell me the name. I sent her an email back saying I'd be the first one on board and to contact me when she was ready.

[glamourdolleyes]

@Superfreaky1RU oh well good for her.. very respectable of her to actually close down to take care of problems rather than trying to work through them.. i hope her new box is better.. i know she has a lot of customers!!

[Superfreaky1RU]

@glamourdolleyes I totally agree! It took a lot of guts to say she couldn't handle things right now, and stop rather than continue to let people down. And I hope she does come back bigger and better! I wish Lela over at Glittersniffer would have taken the same route. She just ended up screwing a lot of people, myself included. The truth is always the better option, I respect Linda more for saying it. I hope she'll contact me when she's ready to come back!

[scarletfire28]

Ok so I changed my mind after seeing the beautyfix that looks fricken amazing! And I love that you get full size products :)

[Superfreaky1RU]

@scarletfire28 LOL, me too! Even though I had a limited amount to choose from, I spent HOURS researching every product so I could pick the best four! I love that I'm getting to try expensive products without a huge commitment, and then I can make an informed decision if I want a product or not. In the past I've bought cheaper or mid range items to try to save money, but if I get to test out an expensive one first, I won't be afraid to buy it if it works, and so far these are!

[SCENTSationalSoaps1]

Sheryl, WhooHooo a wishlist with us! =) Looking forward to your order when you are ready! <3

[PrettyinPink69121]

Anyway, so I contacted birchbox by emailing them. I got an email from "emily" and she said that the only thing she could do was to update my list on the order review page on birchbox.com and that they would not send me my true samples which I think is bullcrap. I am 20 years old and I didn't get anything in my box that I feel is worth 10 dollars, let alone anything that is appropriate for my age/skin tone/etc. Needless to say, I am not too thrilled with my FIRST birchbox.

[Superfreaky1RU]

@PrettyinPink69121 OMG! "I'm sorry Miss, I can't help you get the right box, but I'm happy to delete the evidence of our screw up" LOL! That would make me sooooo mad! I'm sorry your first experience with Birchbox was a bad one! I'd give it a few weeks and see if they fix things for June. I think they need to rethink their whole "picking" process. I like Eco Emi because everyone gets the same thing every month so there's no hard feelings.

[PrettyinPink69121]

@Superfreaky1RU I definitely think I am going to try Eco Emi. And I am going to give Birchbox another month or so...hopefully they will give me a better experience! Love you and your videos!!! Feel better darlin!

[PrettyinPink69121]

I am annoyed with Birchbox too. On my account on birchbox.com after I log in and scroll down to where my order shows for the May birchbox, it has a list of the true items I should have gotten. It shows the stila eyeshadow, the pomegrante soap, the bvulgari perfume sample and the ahava hand cream. I got a jouer lip gloss, those tinted moisturizers that you got, the ahava hand cream, a stupid perfume sample of a nasty smelling perfume (can't remember the name, but it smells like an old lady).

[DeeDoesMakeup]

Great video Sheryl! Glad your back!Missed you! Eco Emi seems worth the try! I have been happy with birchbox so far except one month but thats bound to happen.Hugs sweetheart!

[Superfreaky1RU]

@DeeDoesMakeup Thanks Dee! Eco Emi is most definitely worth a try! I was so happy with everything in the box! The Pure Bar was so yummy that I called my local grocery to see if they carry them in their health food section and they do so I'm picking up some this weekend! Even my husband loved the soap, and he can't stand Lush!

[Marielovesblue]

For the beauty fix is the box still $9.99?

[Superfreaky1RU]

@Marielovesblue Unfortunately the sale ended on April 30th. I called Beautyfix and tried to get a coupon code for you guys but they said no. :( But I've seen blogs that have done reviews and have $20 off coupon codes on them, so do a google search on Beautyfix or Beautyfix coupon codes and see if you can find a code that still works. Good luck!

[boxerchick702]

grrr can't believe I can't do the half box.... :(

[Superfreaky1RU]

@boxerchick702 I called Beautyfix and tried to get a coupon code for you guys but they said no. :( But I've seen blogs that have done reviews and have $20 off coupon codes on them, so do a google search on Beautyfix or Beautyfix coupon codes and see if you can find a code that still works. Good luck!

[boxerchick702]

@Superfreaky1RU thanks I really want to try it since you can pick your products :D

[scarletfire28]

i wanna try the eco emi for sure :)

[Superfreaky1RU]

@scarletfire28 It's a fantastic box! I love that I get products to try and at the same time I'm helping the planet and the people in it!

[SCENTSationalSoaps1]

I love watching these videos with birchbox, etc...!

Great video, loved it!!!

[Superfreaky1RU]

@SCENTSationalSoaps1 Thank you! I think while you were watching this I was watching your new video about your chocolate honey line. It looks so fantastic! I registered on your site last night and set up a wishlist so when I order I can do it quickly. I can't believe how many products you've added! Congrats on all your successes, they couldn't happen to a nicer lady!

[timeforlyd]

So nice to see you back! Missed you!!! Wow, eco-emi has quite a few samples. I did get the Stila in my Birchbox and I am 52. So I was surprised because the other 2 times I received anti aging stuff and none were full size. The soap just ruined it for me though....everything in the box smelled:-( But I am looking forward to June's though. I am so tempted to try eco-emi now. Have a great weekend!!!

[Superfreaky1RU]

@timeforlyd Eco Emi is definitely worth a shot, I loved my first box! Lucky you getting the Stila shadow! I'm sorry you didn't like the soap. Am I right about the pomagranite being everywhere lately? It's the beauty flavor of the month I guess. I didn't hate the smell of the soap, but it's not a scent I would ever buy. I'll use it, but probably not until I run out of all my other soaps first. Have a great holiday weekend!

[timeforlyd]

@Superfreaky1RU I agree....everything is Pomegranite :-) I should have put that I think I received a bad soap....lol! It had an awful musty smell and the box was discolored. When I opened my Birchbox the musty smell hit me in the face and it just ruined my excitement.....oh well!!! Wishing you a wonderful Memorial day, be safe! I have a rare 3 day weekend....Woot Woot!!! Glad you are back :-)

[143moon1]

Hii! I just signed up for birch box and the Eco emi have heard of test tube? I think qvc has it and it's like 29.99 a month for every 3 pr 4 months. And there is one more for like 50 dollars but you get to choose like 5 of your products. Thank you for this review.

[Superfreaky1RU]

@143moon1 The Beauty fix box I got is one that costs $50 every three months. I haven't ever gotten a New Beauty Testtube, but I've been thinking about it I think it's $30 every other month. I'm not sure I can afford to get ALL the sample boxes, because then I won't have any money for makeup I want to try. They're all great deals, but they sure do add up if you get all of them!

[ThePixieSprinkles]

lol Is your CAT named Odie?! Too funny! You don't have a dog named Garfield do you? ;) I've never signed up with the Beautyfix because no matter how I do the quiz, I get the same exact offers...most of which I can get at Walmart for cheap (Caress and Dove?! Hello! lol) ! I have sensitive, oily skin and kept getting offers for dry skin and anti-aging! LAME! lol

[Superfreaky1RU]

@ThePixieSprinkles Her name is Odie Sparkles, actually! We had a tortie cat who we lost to old age, and when we saw Odie she had LOTS of the same quirky features about her that Claudia did. I took one look at her and said she was an ode to Claudia, and that's how we picked her, and her name. Ode became Odie because Ode is a stupid name for a cat and we added the Sparkles a little bit later because I think all cats should have a regular name, and a drag name...thus Odie Sparkles was born!

[Superfreaky1RU]

@ThePixieSprinkles And yes I know I'm a total geek/freak. No dog named Garfield either...their names are Nugget the Puglet aka Nugget the Amazing Monkey Dog and Princess Leia aka No Leia aka Stupid Damned Dog. That one is trouble...she's 100 lbs of "I'm not listening" but the packaging is so pretty we can't help but love her,. I didn't get any Walmart type stuff to choose from, that's totally lame! I loved the choices they gave me. If they come back next time with Dove, I'll be pissed!

[marshmelly]

don't worry you're not the only one who didn't get makeup lol...I got all skincare stuff and the same lip enhancer, and I'm in my early 20s. I really did like my birchbox this month though (I'm more of a skincare than a makeup person), but I hope they keep up with that for June.

[Superfreaky1RU]

@marshmelly Don't get me wrong, I'm a skin care junkie! I just would like a good combo, and I'm really disappointed that I'm getting repeat samples, but even smaller than I got previously. When Birchbox started, they said that it would be all deluxe samples, and not "foil pack" types. For the first few months it was great...for the last three the sample sizes have gone way down, at least for everything I get.  The other two boxes had WAY better skin care samples, you should check them out!

[LipsSpeaks]

Wow what a video!! Great sample box wars :D

[Superfreaky1RU]

@LipsSpeaks Thanks! This took hours to research, make, and edit. I hope I never have to do it again! LOL! Maybe I'll just stick to 2 boxes from now on!

[tpluseddy4eva]

i got every single thing in the birchbox as you, all antiaging, but im 13!

[Superfreaky1RU]

@tpluseddy4eva Seriously?! That sucks!!! I hope you called and complained to them because that's the worst Birchbox error I've ever heard of! I know they say that you can never be too young to start to worry about the way your skin ages, but 13 years old?!?! That's just crazy!

[Tonks1967]

So glad to see you back!! What great boxes!! Have a great weekend!

[Superfreaky1RU]

@Tonks1967 Thanks! It's been a rough few weeks, and I'm glad I'm back too! Have a great holiday weekend!

[usi2004]

Glad to see you back on here! Great video, I really want to check out the birch box!

[Superfreaky1RU]

@usi2004 Thanks! As annoyed as I am at Birchbox, you still can't beat the value of it. It's ALWAYS worth more than the $10 price tag, so I'll keep on with my service and hope they'll improve on their system of picking samples for people.

[MuzicLova26]

i would be really upset about getting repeat samples AND a perfume sample that you could easily get for free at a department store. Seriously, all you have to do is ask and they give it to you. I agree with you that Birchbox is getting pretty crappy now.

[Superfreaky1RU]

@MuzicLova26 The repeat sample thing stings, especially because I filled out a survey saying it's not a product I would buy myself, and then I got it again! The have some real issues to work out, and I really hope they do because I would love to continue my subscription! When our Ulta opened here last month, I got at least 10 free perfume samples! They were passing them out like candy! I think that the perfume oil in eco emi was a better deal, because that's something I can't get in stores.