POPSUGAR describes their December box as “the wish list you never knew you needed”, and while I kind of disagree with that statement [you’ll see why], some of these products came in handy, and others I came to love after transforming them into something different.
HOW IT WORKS
With POPSUGAR Must Have, you’ll get an exciting monthly box, full of hand-selected items from POPSUGAR editors. Each box will include a variety of full-sized products and premium items worth over $100 (ARV). It costs $39.95/month and you can use the code REFERF5 to get a special one-time $5 discount off your first box.
If you would like to use my referral link please click here to subscribe to PopSugar Must Have. Thank you!
Idecided to post this review a little earlier, because the December boxes are actually still available. So if you like what you see in this review, you have until December 15th (this Sunday) to order in time for Christmas delivery.
Lulu Frost for POPSUGAR Bracelet – This bracelet is an odd combination of thick brass chain and a beautiful bedazzled charm, which is something Lulu Frost is known for – mixing vintage and modern elements together to create unique jewelry pieces.
I like unique things, but I just wasn’t a fan of this particular combination. Also, I have tiny wrists and sometimes it can be really hard to find bracelets that fit me well. Even on the smallest ring, the chain hung too low for my liking.
I remembered that I have a pair of pliers somewhere, so I took the charm off of the chain, attached a silver ring instead of the original brassy one, and put it on a vintage silver chain I had laying around. Much better now!
Mixt Studio Holiday Gifting Set – This gift set comes with three different sheets of holiday wrapping paper made of recycled material, three gift tags and three yards of cozy cotton gift garnish. The whole set has a very “hipster” feel to it, and I bet it will look totally different from other presents under the tree 🙂 You know what’s funny, though? I know many people bought these boxes as gifts to get a bonus necklace from Baublebar. Now imagine unwrapping a gift to find out there’s more gift paper inside. Paperception!
Govino Go Anywhere Flutes – At first I was excited to get these flutes, because I thought they’d be made of glass. Nope, these are actually made of plastic, and you can’t even put them in a dishwasher even on the top rack, because they will melt there. I admit, I actually really like the way these flutes feel in my hand, and that little curve on the side makes them very easy to hold. I will probably save them for picnics in the summer.
ModelCo Fibre Lashxtend Black Mascara – Fiber mascaras are usually perfect for anybody looking to add extra length to their winks, however, I’ve seen so many negative reviews about this particular one, that I’m kind of scared to open it. I got it out of the box just for the pictures, and then put it back right away. I’m not sure if I can even use it as a gift, what if the giftee hates it? I’ll probably end up donating it to a local women’s shelter.
NCLA Peppermint Lane Nail Wraps – These nail wraps are actually made to adhere to a special base coat for best results, which is something I haven’t done before. I normally don’t like nail stickers that aren’t made of real polish, because they’re too thick and can crease and look super unnatural, so I’m hoping these will be different. I plan to wear them for a family Christmas party.
CC Made Caramel Corn – At first I was like “Yay, caramel corn!!” and then I looked at the label and probably had my first ever grammar nazi moment [and English isn’t even my first language!]. The sticker said “classic artisinal“, and for some reason the negative Nancy in me immediately assumed that this popcorn just got dumped on us. Naturally, they have to reprint the labels and repackage everything, so giving the defective stock to POPSUGAR for free provides them with cheap advertisement. I’m probably way overthinking this, and by the way, the popcorn is absolutely heavenly!
Edit: I took another picture with my phone just to show you the typo. You can see that the label says “artisinal” and there’s just no other way to read it [the correct spelling is artisanal].
[Extra] Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares – Drugstore? Yes. Delicious? Absolutely! I’m totally okay with drugstore chocolate, if it’s Ghirardelli. I especially liked the Egg Nog seasonal flavor, and hopefully I can find a standalone box with just those. The rest of the squares will go in a candy dish, and I’m sure my guests will enjoy them a lot.
THE VERDICT
As you can see, I was kind of “whatever” about this box in general, but it really wasn’t that terrible. I didn’t like the bracelet as it was, so I made it into a necklace and now I love it. I will definitely use the wrapping paper, because it’s so unique. Without a doubt, I will overindulge with Ghirardelli squares and CC Made “artisinal” caramel corn. Hopefully, the nail wraps are of decent quality and won’t wrinkle on me as much as other non-polish stickers did. ModelCo mascara will be donated, and Govino flutes will be saved for Summer.
Are you a POPSUGAR MustHave subscriber? What did you think of this month’s box?
| Product | Retail value |
|---|---|
| Lulu Frost for POPSUGAR Bracelet | $110.00 |
| Mixt Studio Holiday Gifting Set | $9.00 |
| Govino Go Anywhere Flutes | 12.95 |
| ModelCo Fibre Lashxtend Black Mascara | $24.00 |
| NCLA Peppermint Lane Nail Wraps | $16.00 |
| CC Made Caramel Corn | $4.00 |
| [Extra] Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares | $8.50 |
| Box Retail Value | $184.45 |
Ok… grammar stuff drives me bonkers and your comment on that made me LOL! I went to Webster’s and looked up “artisanal” and I feel like it’s fine here as an adjective. One of the uses is “pertaining to or noting a high-quality or distinctive product made in small quantities, usually by hand or using traditional methods: artisanal cheese.”
Yes, I’m a nerd. But this stuff really bugs me and I had to look it up! LOL!
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/artisanal?s=t
I have no problem with “artisanal” claims, but they spelled it as artisinal with an “i” instead of “a” lol 😀
Oooooh. OMG. You’re right. I didn’t even look at the front. I bet they were totally trash due to misspelling!! LOL!
Well, a lot of people probably wouldn’t notice. Besides, the popcorn itself is dangerously addicting 🙂
I haven’t had any trouble with the mascara and I’m a mascara snob because many higher end brands always smudge for me (I typically use Cover Girl mascara), but I haven’t had any trouble with this clumping or smudging.
I’ll probably end up doing the same thing with the bracelet, putting the charm on a necklace chain.
It’s nice that the charm is so easily detached, isn’t it? 🙂
As for mascaras, I have the same problem as you, most of them smudge heavily on me no matter what I do, even the so-called smudge proof ones.
I’ve actually never heard of this mascara but I will probably steer clear! Even though you were overall “whatever” on this box I found it appealing to try. You got some quality, costly things for the money you spent on the box. And I love NCLA nail wraps. I hope you like thme. But yes, put a sticky base down first. I receive a lot of compliments when I wear them! Anyway, I will have to come back and click on your referral link when I’m ready to sign up!
Good to know about NCLA wraps, I’ll try wearing them for the party 🙂
I got the pistachio nut flavor caramel corn, not the artisinal one though. So hopefully, they dint intentionally dump these on us.
I sure hope so 🙂 How did you like the pistachio flavor?
What a great assortment of items! I have heard great things about these PopSugar boxes!!! Looks like you got a fantastic box! Jealous!!! 🙂
Thanks Pammy! Admittedly, I liked previous month’s boxes a bit more, but this one wasn’t a total letdown 🙂
These must have boxes always look better and better each month!!
Don’t they? It’s like getting a Christmas present every month 🙂
I’ve always wanted to try the PopSugar box
I think you might like it partially, but some of the brands they feature are not cruelty-free.
WOW! Now I’m hungry 😉
Haha, those treats were delicious!
Love it
Jannatul12.blogspot.com
Great selection, isn’t it? 🙂
That bracelet is adorable!
Did you like it as a bracelet or as a necklace more? 🙂
Mine is on the way! I can’t wait, I’m loving the bracelet!
I’m sure you’ll rock it! 🙂
You got some great stuff!!! (sheila, painted ladies)
Thanks Sheila 🙂
That looks like a great box! Love how you made good use of that pendant…pretty!
Thank you Harshleen! I personally like it more as a necklace, but some people can pull it off as a bracelet 🙂
yumm! I want all of this. But I especialy love that bracelet! It’s gorgeous!
Haha, it’s very pretty indeed 🙂
This is my 3rd PS box (I’m in Hawaii so won’t receive it ’til the 23rd based on their prediction) and while I absolutely loved October which was worth it for the cookbook and wet brush alone, I was underwhelmed by November’s and look to be the same about December’s. I have high hopes for January though.
So sorry that you didn’t like your boxes. I was kind of in the same boat, and I’m also hoping the January box is better than this. I predict we will see some fitness items and other “resolutions” related stuff.