If you read here frequently you probably figured out that I have an unnatural addiction to Popsugar Special Edition Boxes. I’ve given up trying to resist, so when Popsugar offered their Must Have Resort box I jumped all over it. After this winter that will not die (goddamn snow in the middle of April), I was dying to get items that would transport me to idyllic foreign locales with clear blue oceans, fancy spas and fruity drinks with little umbrellas in them. See that’s what “resort” means to me. The question is, what does it mean to Popsugar?
Cuyana Turkish Towel (Estimated Retail: $55.00)
Description: “Made of the finest grade cotton and bamboo, our summer towels are ultra-light and ultra- absorbent. Their generous proportions enhance their versatility. These towels are perfect for home, travel, and trips to the beach. Each towel folds up compactly with a fine weave preventing sand from getting caught between the threads.”
Verdict: Love!
This was the item that Popsugar released as a spoiler. I love the design of it and it definitely gives off a Turkish spa/bathhouse vibe. It’s soft and feels really high quality. I’m not much of a beach-goer (cause of the whole sunburn after 5 seconds thing) but I’m updating my bathroom with a nautical theme and this towel fits in perfectly.
Epicuren Discovery Tropical Lave (Estimated Retail: $20.00)
Description: “The soothing, silky gel- made from coconut oil, papaya extract and other natural ingredients – can also be used as a shampoo.”
Verdict: Fail
Maybe I’m hard to please but in a luxury box I expect items to have nice packaging and feel luxurious. This thing looks like something you picked up at Walmart in 1985. It smells like coconut, because there aren’t a million products out there that will smell like coconut. If Popsugar was going to go the whole “tropical bodywash” route I expected something far nicer. Past special edition boxes have included much better packaged and far more interesting body items. And no woman who shells out $100 for a beauty subscription box is going to want bodywash that “doubles” as shampoo. I also couldn’t even figure out the price because you need to register on their site to do it. Let’s just say it’s $20 because it really shouldn’t cost more than that.
R.B. of McD #2 Clutch (Estimated Retail: $100.00)
Description: This Popsugar exclusive is handmade from canvas and leather and comes in two different styles: tan and navy or al navy. Wear it as a fold-voer clutch or wallet and give off the ultimate cool-girl vibe.”
Verdict: On the Fence
I have mixed feelings about this item. If this wasn’t a resort box I’d probably give it a “love” verdict. This items feels way more suited to a New England vacation than heading out to a resort. It’s not fancy enough for an evening out, nor is it practical enough for daily sightseeing since it has no wristlet strap. The colors also don’t scream out spring or summer. If this was made exclusively for Popsugar why not feature a cheerful bright color or even a soft mint or melon? I just can’t imagine anyone seeing this bag and thinking “resort”. The shape of this seems more suited for use as a toiletry bag. It’s definitely nice quality but the total wrong fit for this box. If Popsugar had replaced the weird bodywash with a lucury travel sized set of toiletries it would have made a great pairing. Similar bags on the R.B of McD site cost $180 but they are all leather (not part canvas) and have a lovely chain strap. I think we can safely estimate this at $100 (thought it’s probably worth more). I’m still so confused why they chose this color palette and left off a chain/strap.
Salty Road Salt Water Taffy in Salty Caramel Apple (Estimated Retail: $6.50)
Description: “The all-natural flavor is made from unique apple cider jelly and a secret blend of fresh spices.”
Verdict: On the Fence
So this is beautifully packaged, but once again I’m not feeling resort here. I’m a Jersey girl and salt water taffy = Atlantic City and I’m sorry, but in no way does that scream out luxury resort. (I don’t care how many millions Christie spends on advertising that we are “stronger than the storm”.) I’m sure this is tasty, but “apple cider” flavor and salt water taffy do not scream out resort to me. I’d give this a “love” in a different box, but not this one. Couldn’t they at least go with a tropical flavor? Apparently Popsugar thinks beach = resort. It doesn’t. Resort is a goddamn fashion thing and it doesn’t mean any old beach and I shouldn’t have to lecture you on this Popsugar!!! Okay, okay I’m fine, but I’m just getting agitated with this box. Note to Popsugar: “Resort does not mean what you think it means”.
Clark’s Botanicals Cellular Lifting Moisture Mist
(Estimated Retail: Full Size 30mL $28.00)
Description: “This refreshing facial mist from Clark’s Botanicals is designed to improve skin in more ways than one. The anti-aging formula delivers maximum hydration minimizes wrinkles, helps heal sensitive areas, and firms the skin…the convenient travel size means you can take it anywhere.”
Verdict: Like
An anti-aging face mist seems perfectly suited to a luxury resort spa feeling. I’ve never tried a product like this and it seems a great little item to use to refresh you during a vacation when you’re tried or overheated. The travel size will fit easily even in a smaller handbag.
Smashbox Cosmetics: The Santigolden Age: Double-ended Limitless Eye Liner
(Estimated Retail: $24.00)
Description: “…musical artist Santigold partnered with Smashbox to create this limited-edition, double-ended liner with blue and gold colors.”
Verdict: Love
I’m relieved to find another item that actually feels resort to me. It’s also great that this is limited edition. I have a lot of Smashbox cosmetics and they are excellent quality. I know that gold eyeliner is a big trend and I’m interested in trying it out. I’ve used navy before successfully so we’ll see how I handle a new shade of blue.
Sisco Beluti Bracelet Stack(Estimated Retail:$100.00 )
Description: “You’ll be one of the only ones to wear these baubles made exclusively for Popsugar by Sisco Berluti, a jewelry line loved by celebrities like Halle Berry and Jessica Alba. The three bracelets…are designed from turquoise, brass and labradorite stones.”
Verdict: On the Fence
On the bright side this certainly fits the resort theme so it has something over on half the other items in the box. The problem for me is that it just feels cheap. I know it’s a celebrity jewelry line but the bracelets just didn’t wow me. I feel like I could put together something just as nice or find something similar in Charming Charlie for a fraction of the cost. I understand why this was in the box and I think it was a great thing to include, but I’m just not sure it’s for me.
Overall:
Disappointed.
Since I started my subscription box fix, I’ve gotten ALL the popsugar limited edition boxes: the Fall, Neiman Marcus & the Holiday box along with this one. This is the only one I’ve been disappointed in.
I feel like Popsugar thought resort just meant “beach” or “ocean” while “resort” has a lot of other fashion connotations. I was expecting high fashion/luxury resort not slightly nautical and boardwalk.
If Popsugar had labeled this as a “beach box” or a “summer box” I would have had more appropriate expectations. I paid $107.00 for this box and got well over $300 in value so I definitely got my money’s worth, I just expected more thoughtful selections.
So what did you think of the Popsugar Limited Edition Resort Box?
Did it scream out resort to you or leave you wanting?
The Backstory
Popsugar is a women’s lifestyle subscription that delivers a monthly box of fun, full-size products hand-selected by Popsugar editors.
In addition to Popsugar’s monthly must have boxes, they have some seasonal special edition boxes that contain uber luxe items. The price tag on these boxes is higher, but the products you receive are high end.
Popsugar Pricing:
Monthly – $39.95
3 Months – $109.85
6 Months – $214.70
12 Months – $404.40
Coupon Codes: REFER5 = $5 off sitewide
POPSUGAR10 = $10 off a 3 month subscription
Lisa Preziosi 
Sorry to hear that you weren’t blown away with this box. The towel is definitely cute and although I think the items are nice, they certainly didn’t scream resort to me either.
It was definitely worth the money, but it didn’t live up to the hype.
This box didn’t leave me feeling very resort-ish at all. That’s kind of a let down!!!
I’m glad I wasn’t the only one. I kept opening items and being confused. The clutch in particular seemed totally out in left field.
Although my review of this box seemed a tiny bit more positive, as I am still trying to convince myself that I am not as disappointed as I really am…. I TOTALLY agree with all of your thoughts here. They could have done SO MUCH MORE with this box and this theme… If Pop Sugar were a person standing in front of me I would grab them by the shoulders and shake really hard! >:O
I think I’m super disappointed just because I have such a high opinion of their previous boxes and their regular subscription. This box just felt like an afterthought and I really don’t understand why since it could have been epic.
I liked most of the items in the box. I actually love the smell of the body wash and just for fun I tried it as a shampoo too. But I think $107 was too much, I would’ve felt better about the box at about $50.
I think when it came to the bodywash I was really spoiled by the other limited edition boxes. The tokyo milk body butter from the holiday box and the library of flowers bubblebath from the fall box were beautifully packaged and more unique.