BoxyCharm, which I’ve only been getting for several months, contains four to five full sized products, per their website. The products are what I would call higher end (versus drugstore). The subscription is $21 per month (plus tax) and will have a retail value of over $100.
Overall Box Impressions: I feel like we have a second month in a row let-down from BoxyCharm. Really the only item I’m excited about it the three piece Luxie brush set. I received variation 6 (as noted in the corner of my card). If you get this box, which variation did you receive? What was in your box? The total retail value of the box, as noted by BoxyCharm, is $126. That’s on par with other months but includes several products that I feel are a bit overpriced, including the palette, glow powder and lip gloss. I’ll probably give the box one more month, maybe two, but if I’m still “meh” on it, I will likely cancel.
This has been the big hyped product for BoxyCharm this month – a twelve pan eyeshadow palette from PUR called the Festival Palette. I think the colors are a nice blend of fun and neutral. At first blush I’ve seen a lot of people complain the colors aren’t usable but if you cover up the three bright shades in the middle row you’re left with a neutral color scheme.
I went ahead and swatched each of the shades (left to right, top to bottom). Some of these took two or three heavy swipes to get pigment down, especially the mattes. The two glitters would likely do better dabbed or patted on rather than brushed or swiped. The $36 retail price for the palette does seem high given there are only 12 shades and the quality of the pigments is nowhere near other brands. You can buy a 12 pan eyeshadow palette from Tarte for $3 more better quality shades. If you like like the bright colors you could look at the Rainbow Palette from Violet Voss – 10 shades for $30. MSRP: $36
This is the items I was most excited for in the box – a three piece brush set from Luxie. The set includes a small contouring brush, a small shader brush and a large shader brush. The brushes are quite soft and I like how they apply product. However, the handles on this set feel light and less substantial than other Luxie brushes I have – to the point where the handles feel like cheap pencils. MSRP: $32.
This is the Diamond Glow highlighting powder from Artist Couture in the shade Purple Dream. On the skin it looks like a pinky/purple sparkle and the sparkle is prominent. I don’t agree with the product card that this can be applied for a subtle finish. Some people got a different shade which I think might be more suitable for a subtle finish. MSRP: $27
This is holographic lip gloss from Appeal Cosmetics, which means it’s really a clear gloss with pink/purple shimmer. When I do go for a shimmer I usually want it for a dark color, and not pink or purple. This is another item I think is significantly over-priced. It is crazy to me this costs more than a Fenty Gloss Balm and Tarte or Anastasia glosses. MSRP: $21
This is the Bodyography Eye Pencil in Bali Bronze which is a gold shade pencil. I swatched this and it did not apply smoothly (it actually dragged across the skin). I would be absolutely terrified to try this on my waterline – it was that rough. The gold color is pretty but I will be passing on this product. MSRP: $14
You might want to go get a drink before you sit down to read this, because we’re going to be here for a while.
So regular BoxyCharm contains four to five full sized products, per their website. The products are what I would call higher end (versus drugstore). The subscription is $21 per month and will have a retail value of over $100.
On the quarter months (March, June, September and December) BoxyCharm offers BoxyLuxe as an upgrade. Instead of your regular box you receive a box with 9 to 10 full-sized beauty items worth over $250. The box costs approximately $50 total.
Overall Box Impressions: This was a rough month for BoxyCharm in general. There was a large snafu with the face palettes (more on that later) and as of today (Tuesday the 12th), many regular boxes (versus Luxe) haven’t even shipped. In terms of box contents I was hoping to be wowed since this was my first Luxe box but honestly, the number of products I like is the same as the regular box. The next Luxe box will be in June and generally we see most spoilers far enough ahead of time such that I am seriously considering downgrading back down to the regular box if I’m not impressed by the contents. This month’s box by far has the highest number of products I will be destashing/selling, which is very unusual for me.
My two favorite items are the Becca lipstick and the IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream. I love cream lipsticks and haven’t tried the Becca lipstick yet so I appreciate the chance to try it. The Confidence in a Cream says it helps to reduce the look of pores and discoloration which are two items I struggle with. I received variation 1 (as noted in the corner of my card). If you get this box, which variation did you receive? What was in your box? The total retail value of the box, as noted by BoxyCharm, is $302.
CoverFX Perfector Face Palette
This was the largest hyped item for this month’s box, not only the BoxyLuxe, but also the regular BoxyCharm. In February the leader of BoxyCharm went on social media and told Charmers to make sure to fill out their BoxyCharm profile because they would be using that to determine if you got the light-medium palette or the medium-dark palette. Now I am fair-light skinned (Snow – Born this Way, Mont Blanc – NARs Sheer Glow) and noted my skin tone in the profile. I was very excited for this palette since I do not have an all-in-one face palette and I’ve never used a product from CoverFX. Then last Thursday (March 7) BoxyCharm sent out an email to certain Charmers saying that they had a “data issue and identified a small group of Charmers” who might be receiving a shade that did not match their profile. Uh-oh. Fast forward to now as BoxyLuxe Charmers are receiving products and there are a much higher number of light-skinned Charmers receiving the dark palette than vice versa (based on the Facebook BoxyCharm group I follow). And the dark palette is dark. Like the top left highlighter would really only work as a bronzer. Given the number of Charmers posting that they are looking for the light palette, this appears to be much bigger than a “small group.”
Now, to BoxyCharm’s credit, they did provide 4,500 charms for their Charm Room to each affected Charmer (that received the email). However, their Charm Room is well-known for not having much in the way of products to spend their charms on. With the addition of the 4,500 charms, I now have over $70 worth of charms. But I have yet to see something still in stock and I’d actually want to spend my charms on. And this is where most of my frustration lies. I’ve considered cancelling my BoxyCharm but if I do, I forfeit those charms. So I feel a bit stuck with BoxyCharm. As mentioned previously, I will be looking at the spoilers closely for June and at a minimum downgrading to the regular box if I’m not wowed by those spoilers. I will also be looking to sell the pictured medium-dark palette above.
MSRP: $45. This seems in line with what I would expect for a face palette from a high end brand.
Moda Brush Duo and BoxyCharm Traincase
We received a pair of Moda brushes, one for applying face powder and one for highlighting (soft glow). Very soft and the rose gold handles are pretty. I will definitely keep the brushes and use them. However, I think the stated MSRP of $30 is high for two Moda brushes. I’ve purchased Moda brushes before from Wal-Mart where you get six brushes (including two face brushes) for $10. Now, these could be higher end brushes than what you purchase at Wal-Mart but $15 per brush for that brand seems high.
We also received an exclusive BoxyCharm rose gold bag. Now I really like the style of the bag – it’s the same as my toiletries bag. Color really isn’t my style but the bag is nice and is a different product than what we normally receive from Boxy.
MSRP: $30 for the Moda Brushes and $20 for the traincase
Iconic Eyebrow Cushion & Lilly Lashes
The eyebrow cushion from Iconic London is definitely a unique product. Not just in terms of what we receive from Boxy, but what I’ve seen in the market in general. The compact contains a duo-tone liquid cushion and an angled brush to sort of “stamp on” the pigmented liquid onto the brows. Everyone received the shade medium which is much too dark for me (and I use Gimme Brow to make my brows red to match my hair). So while I think this is a cool product I will likely try to destash/sell to someone who can use and enjoy it.
The lashes are exclusive faux mink gaia lashes from Lilly Lashes, which I understand is a popular brand. I actually don’t use adhesive false lashes so while the lashes are beautiful (and very full) I will be destashing/selling these. Postscript – already found someone to swap with – my lashes for their Becca lipstick in Mocha – win!
MSRP: $40 for the eyebrow cushion, $25 for the lashes
Wander Beauty Peel of Mask & it Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream
Wander Beauty has been in a lot of subscription boxes lately, which I love because I appreciate the quality of their products. The Lift Off Purifying and Brightening Peel Off Mask contains a variety of natural ingredients (acai, goji berru, blueberry and more – remember not to eat the mask) and is designed to purify and replenish skin. In addition, it is purported to minimize the appearance of enlarged pores. So, all benefits I’m interested in.
One of the other hyped items in the box is the Confidence in a Cream from it Cosmetics. The cost of this product is actually almost the cost of the box itself. I’m excited to see how if performs and if I see improvement in my pores, skin tone and scarring.
MSRP: $34 of Wander Beauty mask and $48 for Confidence in a Cream
Becca Cosmetics Ultimate Lipstick Love
I’m a lipstick hoarder. I admit this. We’ve discussed this. This is a new lipstick so I’m beyond thrilled to try it out. I received the shade Crimson and am going to try to trade some of the products I don’t like for additional colors. This lipstick is purported to be an 8-hour longwearing silky satin color and is infused with hyaluronic acid.
MSRP: $24
Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish
These nail polishes are absolutely tiny but supposedly they give you the effects of gel polish without the damage. I’ve tried many polishes that make that claim but I am so hard on my nails nothing other than a true gel manicure holds up. So, I will be passing these along to someone who can enjoy them.
MSRP: $20
Morphe Eyeshadow Palette
I received this 15-shade palette in the shade 15B – Babe Brunch. Lot of neutrals and pink tones. I’ve actually already found someone on FaceBook to swap with for the 15N palette, which has neutrals and more purple toned shades. Morphe has a lot of very affordable palettes but their formula isn’t my favorite (especially in regards to blending). So I’m mixed on this being included in BoxyCharm.
BoxyCharm, which I’ve only been getting for a few months, contains four to five full sized products, per their website. The products are what I would call higher end (versus drugstore). The subscription is $21 per month and will have a retail value of over $100.
Overall Box Impressions: I was hesitant to subscribe to a box with full sized items because I was worried I would be left with full sizes of items I didn’t love or wouldn’t use. That hasn’t been the case though – the curation of items in BoxyCharm it top notch. My two favorite items are the Touch in Sol Primer and the Pretty Vulgar highlighter. The mascara is one of my staples so I guess that’s a third favorite. I received variation 3 (as noted in the corner of my card). If you get this box, which variation did you receive? What was in your box? The total retail value of the box, as noted by BoxyCharm, is $121. That’s a little higher than last month and about the same as the month before that.
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
This has been the big hyped product for BoxyCharm this month – a full size tube of my favorite mascaras. I’m going to keep it sealed up while I use my current tube. I also have the waterproof version, which I think is more clumpy than the regular version. Both are extremely volumizing and really separate your lashes.
This highlighter is just beautiful – I don’t know of a better word to describe it. The one I received is in the shade Sparkling Sass, which is a light gold with very peach undertones. The box variation was to receive this highlighter or a bronzer. I have yet to find a Pretty Vulgar product I do not like. I only wish my Sephora carried them in store so I could sample a few of their other products! MSRP: $32. Website: https://www.prettyvulgar.com/shimmering-swan-highlighter.html
Touch in Sol No Poreblem Primer
I had actually never heard of this primer from Touch In Sol before, even though I’m always on the hunt for a good pore-minimizing primer. I also received a small sample of this in one of my Ipsy bags, so apparently its pore minimizer month :). I’ve never heard it mentioned by beauty YouTubers I follow but it is highly rated and I look forward to giving it a try. MSRP: $18 Website: https://www.sephora.com/product/no-poreblem-primer-P419640
Farmacy Clean Bee Ultra Gentle Facial Cleanser
So not a great product for me (it contains honey which causes me to breakout in a horrible manner), which is a bummer because I was looking forward to trying something from Farmacy. Aside from the honey, of course, it sounds like a great cleanser with many natural ingredents (ie chamomile and calendula). I have actually already found someone to swap with – I’m sending her this cleanser and she’s sending me an item from February’s BoxyCharm that I didn’t receive! MSRP: $22 Website: https://www.farmacybeauty.com/products/clean-bee
Trestique Prime + Glaze Lip Crayon
I’m a lipstick hoarder. I admit this. We’ve discussed this. What I think is so cool about this lip crayon (aside from the magnet in the lid that makes it snap close) is there is a lip primer in one end of the crayon. Perfect travel lippie – everything is right there in one. The color I received is English Rose which is a deep rose shade. I have a feeling I might me wearing this soon – like tomorrow. MSRP: $25 Website: https://trestique.com/products/lip-glaze
BoxyCharm, which I’ve only been getting for a few months, contains four to five full sized products, per their website. However, I have heard some beauty YouTubers mention that sometimes travel size items are included and this is the first month it appears I have received a trial size item. The subscription is $21 per month and will have a retail value of over $100.
Overall Box Impressions: I was hesitant to subscribe to a box with full sized items because I was worried I would be left with full sizes of items I didn’t love or wouldn’t use. THat hasn’t been the case though – the curation of items in BoxyCharm it top notch. My two favorite items are the Tarte eyeshadow palette and the OFRA liquid lipstick. I received variation 4 (as noted in the corner of my card). If you get this box, which variation did you receive? What was in your box? The total retail value of the box, as noted by BoxyCharm, is $115. That’s a little lower than last month but I will use more of these items than those received last month.
Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Eyeshadow Palette Vol. III
Full confession: I actually saw spoilers for this product. I was so excited for two reasons – one, I don’t own any eyeshadow from Tarte and two, I love nude shades.
There are eight shades, seven of which are shimmer/metallics. I’m actually ok with only one matte shade because the shimmers are very subtle. My first impression is the shadows have good pigment and go on smooth. I swatched the darkest and lightest shades below. The shade closest to the eyeliner is malibu and the shade below it is treasure.
I will review this product in detail, and swatch all the shades, at a future date after I’ve had a chance to use the palette several times. MSRP: $36. Website: https://tartecosmetics.com/
Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Face Mask
I’ve never had the opportunity to try a Tatcha product before but my opportunity is here! These are the luminous dewy skin masks and are intended to be restorative and radiant. I’m excited to use one soon given the dry winter conditions. MSRP: $24 (for two). Website: https://www.tatcha.com/
Starlooks Luxe Longwear Eye Pencil
Eye pencils. A common inclusion. . .appears in almost all subscription boxes. I mean, has anyone who receives subscription boxes had to buy an eye pencil? That said, this one from Starlooks is brown, not the usual black. I prefer a brown liner as it produces a bit softer of an effect, so I’m actually happy to receive this pencil.
It went on my hand creamy and consistently, so I think this will be a winner eye liner for me, especially on my waterline. MSRP: $19 Website: https://starlooks.com/
Briogeo Leave-In Hair Mask
This brand is another common inclusion in subscription boxes. This leave in mask is supposed to moisturize and strengthen damaged hair. I’m going to give this product a try, and will report back later. While I don’t have heat damage, I do have very tangle-prone hair and my ends sometimes become split. So, I’m hopeful this will help with that without weighing down my hair. This does appear to be a travel size as I cannot find a 2 ounce bottle of this product on Sephora or the Company’s website. MSRP: $16 (for 2 ounces) Website: https://briogeohair.com/
OFRA Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick
I’m a lipstick hoarder. I admit this. Even moreso if its a non-drying matte lipstick. While this will be the first opportunity to try OFRA liquid lipstick (my Ulta does not carry it and I hate ordering unknown shades online) I have heard so many wonderful things about this product from beauty YouTubers.
I got the color Havana Nights and it is a deep dark saturated red. What colors do you like and think I should try? I will wear this for a full day and report back in a review. MSRP: $20 Website: https://www.ofracosmetics.com/
MooseBeauty 