Because I so enjoyed my Popsugar Special Edition Fall Style box, I decided to try out their regular monthly subscription. It was supposed to start off in November, but they managed to sneak me in the October box.
Part of this box’s theme was Breast Cancer Awareness so Popsugar donated $1.00 from every box to Breast Cancer research and teamed up with brand and products that also supported breast cancer charities.
Now that I can feel like my subscription addiction is actually benefiting charity, let’s get inside this box.
NYX Cosmetics Liquid Liner and Smokey Shadow Palette (Retail: $6.00/$7.00)
Verdict: On the Fence
I appreciated that instead of the ubiquitous black eyeliner this one included a chocolate brown (which works much better with my pale skin and red hair), but I’m not crazy about liquid liners in general. I’m also not sold on the colors in the palette, but I’m going to give them a try and see how they work with my other makeup.
Gorjana Charity Bali Bead Bracelet (Retail: $45.00)
Verdict: Hit!
This Gorjana-Griffin bracelet was described as “delicate and playful” and that’s exactly what it is. It’s on the smaller side which is perfect for my freakishly tiny wrists. I think it would pair surprisingly well with even dressy gold bracelets for a chic layered look. 100% of the proceeds of this piece go to charity so you can feel good while you look good.
Julep for Popsugar Duo: Freedom Polymer Topcoat & Myrtle Polish
(Topcoat: Retail: $18.00/Maven: $14.40; Myrtle: Retail: $14.00 Maven: $11.20)
Verdict: Hit!/Gift
If you’ve read much of my blog, you’ll know that I’m already a Julep maven, but I was in desperate need of more topcoat and this showed up at the perfect moment. I find that Julep’s topcoat has a great shine to it and lasts for quite a while. I already own Myrtle, but it’s a wonderful shade and I think I will be incorporating it into some Christmas gifts. If you’re interested in a Julep maven subscription, I’ve got lots of Julep reviews on my blog and if you decide to sign up, I’d love it if you used my referral link.
Jane Tran Metallic Bobby Pins (Retail: $12.00)
Verdict: Hit!
My hair is my last real beauty frontier. Thanks to Julep I have gotten into the habit of doing my nails and I have pretty much always been into fashion and makeup, but hair has been the one place where I’m a serious slacker. The last couple years I’ve sported some modern bobs, but I decided to grow out my hair and attempt to actually start “doing” it. I am currently in the awkward growing out stage so these bobby pins will come in handy. They are substantial enough to hold something with a bit of color to them, but not so much that I’m going to resemble a kindergartener.
The Wet Brush (Retail: $14.00)
Verdict: Love!
So you know how I said that I’m a total slacker when it comes to my hair? I’m pretty sure I’ve had the same plastic detangling comb in my shower for the last decade. I’m excited to upgrade and try this out. I know it will come in handy as my hair gets longer. They are also another company giving a donation toward breast cancer for every brush included in this Popsugar box.
The Crispery Halloween Crispycake (Retail: $3.95)
Verdict: Hit!
This is one a big ass rice crispy treat and it has sprinkles! What’s not to love? In the spirit of Halloween, I cut a little (okay big) slab off and had it with some pumpkin spice coffee. It was delish and very very marshmallowy. Mmm..Marshmallowy..sorry, I got distracted.
StitchFix Gift Card (Retail $20.00)
Verdict: Hit!
Stitchfix is another incredibly intriguing subscription box. You sign up, fill out a very detailed fashion profile and pay a $20 styling fee. The Stitchfix stylists send you 5 fashion items that you can try out at home. You keep what you like and send back the rest. If you purchase anything, your $20 styling fee is applied to your purchase and if you elect to keep everything sent to you, you also get 25% off. I have been wanting to subscribe to this for a long time, and there’s only one reason I haven’t. They can only currently offer styles up to a size 14. I’m a 14/16 right now and am leery of jumping in when I may or may not fit into what they have. I’ve been working on slimming down, so this is a great motivation and reward. I didn’t see an expiration on the card so once I’m a 12/14, I’ll put it to good use.
The Can’t Cook Book: Recipes for the Absolutely Terrified! By Jessica Seinfeld (Retail: $16.76)
Verdict: Love!
I really enjoy cooking, and I think I love collecting cookbooks even more. This one is geared more toward beginning cooks, with incredibly useful how-tos (like chopping onions and herbs), lots of photographs and even guides on how to stock your kitchen. The recipes are accessible, quick, easy and only use a few ingredients. I think I’ll find some great go-to recipes for during for during the work week in this book.
I already found the first one I plan to try: “Baked Egg Noodles with Cheese”. Hmm, noodles and cheese..although if I want to fit into the Stitchfix gift card, I should probably make the “Roasted Cauliflower and Sage” instead. Decisions, oh decisions.
Overall: Love!
Because I paid for 6 months in advance, I got a discount and paid $33.88 for my October box. The retail value, including the gift card was $156.71. Removing the gift card and using Julep maven prices the value is still an excellent $130.31.
I’m going to use every item in this box except for the red polish, which will be part of a fabulous Christmas gift. That’s a pretty great haul for my first regular Popsugar box and I can’t wait to see what’s in store next month.
If you love reading up on the Popsugar boxes, please head back soon as I am one of the lucky subscribers who snagged the Moby Dick of subscription boxes, the now infamous Neiman Marcus Popsugar Must Have Box. Even at the hefty price tag of $250, it sold out in twelve hours. Popsugar claims it will have a $600 retail value, so I’m assuming it’s filled with wish granting genies and unicorn tears. Subscribe so you can be the first to glimpse the magical subscription box to end all subscription boxes.
The Backstory
Popsugar is a women’s lifestyle subscription that delivers a monthly box of fun, full-size products hand-selected by Popsugar editors. For details on the different subscription prices and some coupon codes, jump down below. Now onto the review!
If you’re really digging these Popsugar boxes, I suggest you order asap. After November 4th 2013 the price will go from $35 to $39.95 for a monthly subscription. There are discounts for ordering for several months in advance.
Coupon Codes: REFER5 = $5 off sitewide
POPSUGAR10 = $10 off a 3 month subscription
Lisa Preziosi 
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