Boxycharm is the only subscription I currently receive. I selected it because I enjoy trying new, under-the-radar cosmetic companies. Most importantly, I love that Boxycharm sends only full sized products. In the past, I have grown tired of receiving small samples that run out quickly or don’t pack the same punch as their full-size counterparts. (Like with mini-mascaras that tend to dry out quickly). Boxycharm allows me to get more bang for my buck (it’s only $21) a month and to explore brands I would never normally know about.
The down side to Boxycharm…
- You may never receive that one product you are lusting after… There are many different items that Boxycharm chooses from when curating your box. So, if you’re like me and can’t help but watch Boxycharm un-boxings or click the ‘Boxycharm’ hashtag to see what other people received, you might get your hopes up for a product that never arrives. (Moment of silence for the Ofra Cosmetics Beverly Hills Highlighter wheel that I dreamed of but did not receive in the October 2016 box).
- You don’t fill out a profile with your personal information (hair/eye/skin color or type). My coloring tends to be compatible with multiple products, however if you are someone who struggles to find cosmetics that work with your colors or skin/hair types, this might pose a major issue when you receive your box.
Is it worth it?…
- For me, yes. I am so excited whenever I receive my box (even when it doesn’t contain that one item I’ve been keeping my fingers crossed for).
- I’m able to try different brands and learn about products/brands I never knew about.
- Despite many of the brands not being carried at Sephora or Nordstroms, the quality of the products is almost always on a par with or above that of what is offered at Sephora. There may the occasional dud in terms of a color or a product that I don’t normally wear, but the overall value is incredible. And if you have friends also receiving Boxycharms, it can be fun to swap products.
So without further ado, November’s “Groovy Town” Box…
- Studio Makeup Eyeshadow Palette in Cool Down $49.95
- Skyn Iceland Icelandic Relief Eye Pen $20
- Vintage Illuminating Face Highlighter in Rose Gold $32
- Bellapierre Kiss Proof Lip Creme in Dusty Rose $20
- Crown Brush C513 Pro Detail Crease Brush $12.99
Total Box Value: $134.94
What I would re-purchase…
…Definitely the Skyn Eye pen. I applied the formula overnight (by twisting the product out of the pen and using my fingers to apply to my undereye). The pen has a rubbery tip that drags along my skin so I like to apply the cream directly with my fingers. This product dramatically reduced the puffiness I have in my undereyes after working three night shifts in a row. At $20, this product is reasonably priced and actually works.
Best Value…
…I’d have to go with the Studio Makeup Cool Down Palette. Any time you are getting a full sized eyeshadow palette that has pigment and smooth texture, that is a huge win.
Dud…
…No true duds in this box, though I will say the Bellapierrre lip creme is not totally kiss proof. It does transfer. The color is much darker on me than I expected it to be but it is still a pretty lip product that goes well with the eyeshadow palette.
Best Packaging…
…With Boxycharm specializing in indie and smaller scale brands, some of the packaging can be underwhelming. The Vintage Illuminating Face Highlighter has both beautiful boxing (covered in gold toned poppies) but also the compact itself is a smooth, ivory with the word “Vintage” in gold toned cursive on the front. The highlighter itself is massive and has a great mirror on the inside. This highlighter would be a great blush topper. It looks like a more reflective version of Nars Orgasm.
Pleasantly Surprised…
…Skyn Eye Pen and Crown Brush C513 …I had never heard of either of these brands prior to receiving my Boxycharm. The eye pen is truly amazing and I’m so glad I received it. The Crown brush is soft, works well with my eye shadows and is perfect for smoking out your lower lash line as well as creating a defined crease color on the upper lid. Big fan of both products and I’m excited to further explore those brands.
The one that got away…
…As a HUGE skin care devotee, I had hoped to receive the Marula Oil that I have heard rave reviews about. It’s a bit pricy (around $49 per bottle) so it would have been great to receive this pricy product in my box, but, despite not receiving the Marula oil, I still love my box and am super pleased with the products I received for November.
Have you tried any of these brands/products? Is there a certain item you would like to learn more about? Let me know in the comments!
Lots of Love,
Elizabeth