Popsugar: April 2016 & Full CFDA Spoilers!

So it’s that time again to get caught up with some of regular subscriptions, so we’re heading back for my review on the April 2016 Popsugar box plus I’ve got the full spoilers for Popsugar’s uber expensive Limited Edition CFDA box.

Let’s get to it. Popsugar introduced some new packaging, but it’s really not too different than the ones we’ve received before.
BoxOpen Box
New Must Have New Popsugar Note

Now to get actually get inside the box:

CookbookCookbook Open
Chrissy Teigen’s Cravings: Recipes for All the Food You Want to Eat

(Suggested Retail: $17.99)
Description: “When cracking open this gorgeous book, prepare for big flavors and even bigger personality from supermodel and foodie Chrissy Teigen.  These craveable concoctions include some of husband John Legend’s top picks. We dare you to declare your favorite.”
Verdict: Love!
I love cooking and I’ve pinned a bunch of recipes from Chrissy Teigen’s blog so this right up my alley. This cookbook has had a ton of buzz so it’s definitely on trend in the foodie category.  Chrissy is a supermodel but these are not healthy recipes. (I think I became lactose intolerant just by reading how much cheese was in the mac & cheese), so consider this book geared more toward the occasional indulgence.  I’m going to use this  to fill my “book written by a celebrity” slot for my 2016 Popusgar Reading Challenge, so come back for a full review and my attempts at making a few recipes from this bad boy.

Salt & Pepper
Canvas Home Tinware Salt & Pepper Shakers
(Suggested Retail: $12.00)
Description: ”When we first laid eyes on these vintage-looking hand-glazed salt and pepper shakers from Canvas Home’s bestselling Tinware collection, we knew we had to have them.  Like something from an antique fair, a combination of functionality and beauty makes these shakers a fabulous addition to any kitchen.”
Verdict:
Like/Gift
I’m a sucker for vintage things, and while I like the look of these ceramic shakers, I wish they actually were enamel tin rather than just painted to seem that way.  I already own salt and pepper shakers I love, but these are a nice size and I’ll either use them for when I’m hosting or give them as part of a gift.

Espresso
Next by Nature Dark Chocoalte Covered Espresso Beans
(Suggested Retail: $3.99)
Description: ”These dark chocolate espresso bites are a natural alternative to your favorite candy – free of gluten, corn syrup, and preservatives, they are a healthier way to satisfy your sweet tooth.  Made with real espresso beans, try a handful of these instead of your usual cup of coffee!”
Verdict: Miss
I love espresso and dark chocolate, but I’m not a fan of eating espresso beans straight up.  I imagine a lot of other subscribers feel the same way.  Next by Nature has a ton of products including chocolate covered fruit which I think would have been a nicer option for the Spring and appealed to more customers.

Pharmacy CreamPharmacy Packaging
FARMACY Sleep Tight Firming Night Balm
(Suggested Retail: $48.00)
Description: “After applying this lightweight balm before bedtime, it transforms into a gentle oil gel to replenish your skin overnight.  Firming, protective, and nourishing ingredients work to balance skin and prevent the appearance of wrinkles.”
Verdict: Love!
FARMACY is a brand that is popping up everywhere and was also featured in Popsugar’s April Mini Box.  I find this product to be far more interesting than the lip balm included in the mini.  I love night creams and the description of this turning into a gentle oil gel sounds really intriguing.  I’ll be adding this into rotation with my current night mask.

Tea Towel
NOON DESIGN SHOP “Lemons’ Flour Sack Tea Towel
(Suggested Retail: $18.00)
Description: “Handmade in the US, this supersoft towel isn’t just cheery to look at – its cotton fabric gets better with every wash.  Don’t be afraid to use this beauty around the kitchen; you can throw it in the washer and dryer anytime.”
Verdict: Love!
I know this will sound weird but I’m kind of obsessed with kitchen towels—tea towels in particular.  I love stocking my kitchen with all kinds of funky designs and the cheerful print fit right in my drawer full of flowers, bunny and nautical prints.

Poppy Lotion
Royal Apothic Field Poppy Conservatories Hand Creme
(Suggested Retail: $24.00)
Description: “Royal Apothic’s rich formulas are inspired by recipes from an antique apotheraries manual – this hand crème’s sentimental note of fig, tea, jasmine, lily, moss and leaf will instantly transport you to a meadow of vibrant blooms.”
Verdict: Hit!
This hand cream is so pretty.  I know I should use it as a gift since I have a giant product stockpile, but I think I want to hoard it for winter so I can throw it in my commuter bag and think of brighter days.

Special Extra
Bloom Card

BLOOM THAT $20 Gift Card
Description: “BloomThat transformed the floral delivery market by creating a stress-free way to send gorgeous blooms to those you love.  Use this $20 to treat yourself or a love done to one of its beautiful arrangements!”
Verdict:
Miss
I don’t like extras that are strictly gift cards where you need to spend money in order to use them.  I’m sure this was helpful to the subscribers wanting to send flowers on Mother’s Day but it just wasn’t for me.

OVERALL:
April 2016 Popsugar Must Have
Verdict:
Hit!
With my prepaid discount this box only cost me $24.91 and the estimated box value (excluding the special extra) was $123.98. I loved the big ticket items in this box and except for the espresso beans, I felt like it had a fresh spring theme that was very cohesive.  Popsugar’s been doing a great job this year with the curation on their regular subscription.  I’d love to see that attention translate over to their mini and LE boxes.

FULL CFDA BOX SPOILERS!
CFDA Spoilers

Popsugar released this full spoiler for their CFDA Box.  I’m guessing it’s probably because sales didn’t go as planned since this box is still available for purchase at $225.  If you like what you see, head on over to Popsugar and check out the Limited Edition boxes and order one for yourself.

SUBSCRIPTION THERAPY NEWS!
I’ve finally gotten off my rump and started an Instagram account.  Writing posts takes lots of time, but if you’re anything like me, you want to see what’s in the box now.  So I’ve started posting Instagram spoilers as soon as I get my boxes!  So for the scoop before the scoop, follow me on Instagram at subscriptiontherapy.  I’ve got full spoilers for my most recent boxes (including Rachel Zoe’s Summer Box of Style) plus some fun pics from my travels.

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 Mini Pricing:
(Features 2 Full Size Items)
Monthly – $18.95

Popsugar Must Have Pricing:
Monthly – $39.95
3 Months – $109.85
6 Months – $214.70
12 Months – $404.40

Coupon Codes:  REFER5 = $5 off site wide
POPSUGAR10 = $10 off a 3 month subscription to Must Have

Popsugar: March 2016 & another CFDA Spoiler!

It’s another rainy day in NYC and my best way of fighting it is with Harry Belafonte tunes (Shake, Shake Shake Senora!) and by wearing my favorite Jeffrey Cambell boots. I’ve been quite distracted and apparently been saving my March Popsugar review for a rainy day (which seems to be every day this week). Besides the scoop on this box I’ve also got another CFDA spoiler for you and the inspiration for the May Must Have Box, so let’s jump in.
Open Box Open Box 2

Watch On Wrist
Nanette Lepore Classic Rose Gold Watch
(Suggested Retail: $55.00)
Description: “We can’t get enough of the rose gold trend, and you’ll understand why after slipping this stylish watch on your wrist. The strap on this elegant timepiece – exclusively designed by Popsugar – is neutral enough to wear with all of your favorite outfits.”
Verdict: Love!
I love this watch so so so much. Rose gold is on trend and I have so little of it, and this watch is so classic and elegant I can wear it in a million different ways. The pale strap color works well with my skin tone and is perfect as we head into warmer weather. I love that it’s an exclusive and looks a lot more expensive than the $55 retail value. A great pick.

Palette
Pixi by Petra Book of Beauty, Minimal Makeup
(Suggested Retail: $24.00)
Description: ”Complete with two highlighters, two cheek tints, and four eye shadows, this sophisticated beauty kit is your new secret weapon for creating the perfect ‘no make’ look. Its luminous, barely there hues will subtly enhance your natural glow, eliminating the guesswork from your daily beauty routine.”
Verdict:
Like/Gift
I didn’t remove this from the packaging or swatch it because I may end up using it as a gift. I think the shades are lovely and they do look like a great natural makeup collection. I currently have so many neutral palettes, I didn’t want to open another. I regularly clear out my makeup case and add in new things so this might make it into the next rotation. For ladies that aren’t makeup junkies with too much overflow, I’m sure this was a great pick.


Necklace Necklace Close
Miss Ivy Pearl Five-Tassel Necklace
(Suggested Retail: $38.00)
Description: ”Our editors can’t get enough of tassels these days1 Minimal enough to be worn with other beachy baubles or fun enough to wear on its own, this piece will quickly become one of your favorites.”
Verdict: Almost, but not quite
Popsugar didn’t have a link for this in the included card so I’m going to assume it’s an exclusive product. Now tassels are on trend and popping up everywhere.  They can look festival chic or horribly cheap. Unfortunately I think this falls a bit on the latter side. The color  is lovely, but the fringe on the tassel has super thin strands and it just screams out curtain tie from 1979. I kept the plastic cover on it, because I think as soon as I take it off, this thing will start disintegrating in record time. I love the color and the idea, it just needed better execution. I also am not seeing $38 here.

Govino
Govino Go-Anywhere Carafe and Water Glass Set
(Suggested Retail: $14.95)
Description: “It’s easy to stay hydrated when you can do it in style! Use this shatterproof carafe and glass to hit your daily water intake goal, and because the set is mad BPA-free polymer that resembles fine crystal, it will easily elevate any bedside table or picnic.”
Verdict: Love!
This was perfectly timed because I’d been looking for a carafe and glass set for my bathroom (to use with mouthwash). Most were glass and in my teeny-tiny, overcrowded bathroom I was sure I’d knock it over. This version is plastic and unbreakable so perfectly suited for my purposes. This would also be great to keep on a bedroom nightstand. I couldn’t find this exact set on the Govino site, but I linked to a similar one with two glasses.

Toothpaste
Hello Extra Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste
(Suggested Retail: $4.49)
Description: “Feel good about your dental hygiene when brushing with this peroxide- and preservative-free toothpaste. Good for you and the earth!) From start to finish, this extra-whitening paste is vegan, packaged in a recyclable carton and made in the USA.”
Verdict: Love!
One of my wishlist items for sub boxes this year were more everyday luxury items, so I’m actually excited to get fancy toothpaste. I really appreciate the “green” qualities to this brand.

Toffee Cookies
Goodie Girl Cookies – Toffee Chaos
(Suggested Retail: $4.99)
Description: “You don’t have to live a gluten-free lifestyle to love these tasty toffee cookies! Made with kosher dairy and sans peanuts, Goodie Girl’s delicious bites have a low fat, sugar and calorie content that makes them better for your body and taste buds.”
Verdict: Hit!
These were super tasty. I paired them with the lemon cookies and tea I got from my Try the World box and had a little tea party in my living room. I thought it was quite nice for Popsugar to include a gluten free treat for the folks that often get left out of the fun baked goods.

Special Extra
Lola
LOLA Gift Card

Description: “Many feminine care products use synthetic ingredients and harsh chemicals, bu LOLA’s 100 percent cotton tampons are refreshingly different. Use your gift card to pick up a box, then check out its customizable subscription service.”
Verdict:
Miss
Despite being a sub box junkie, I’m very particular about my feminine hygiene products so I’m not going to use this one. It does look like the card covers 1 box of tampons so at least you don’t have to spend money in order to use it.


OVERALL:
March 2016 Popsugar
Verdict:
Hit!
With my prepaid discount this box only cost me $24.91 and the estimated box value (excluding the special extra) was $141.43. I loved the watch so much that it really made everything else in the box an extra. I thought the box had a nice light spring feel to it and that the curation made a lot of sense. This was another good collection from Popsugar.

 SPOILERS!
THE CFDA Box

Spoiler #2:
CFDA Spoiler 2
Description: “For the second year in a row, we’re proud to launch our limited-edition Must Have box with the Council of Fashion Designers of America. This fashion collaboration has little luxuries perfect for a relaxing day by the pool or a weekend filled with sun and music. Fifty percent of POPSUGAR’s profits from each box will be donated to the CFDA, in support of the CFDA mission to strengthen American fashion in the global economy.”
Cost: $225.00
Spoiler: every box includes a pair of Illesteva Leonard sunglasses.
Popsugar has released a second spoiler for their CFDA box. (To see the first one, check out my review of the April Mini Box). I’m guessing after last year’s CFDA box disaster, sales on this one are slow. These shades definitely look fun, but they haven’t swayed my resolve in staying far away from this LE box.

May Must Have Inspiration
May Spoiler

Popsugar has released the inspiration for the May Must Have box. I’m going to be a bit controversial and say that I’m disappointed. I sort of hate fitness items in non-fitness sub boxes. You end up with a cardio DVD even if you don’t have space to do use it or a jump rope when you have joint problems. Fitness is so personalized that it can be difficult to find items that really work for a majority of folks.  I’m also hoping hydration doesn’t mean we get yet another water bottle. I have glass, plastic, with filters and fruit infusers and so on. I really don’t need or want any more of them.

What do you think of the May theme? Are you disappointed like me, or looking forward to it?

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 Mini Pricing:
(Features 2 Full Size Items)
Monthly – $18.95

Popsugar Must Have Pricing:
Monthly – $39.95
3 Months – $109.85
6 Months – $214.70
12 Months – $404.40

Coupon Codes:  REFER5 = $5 off site wide
POPSUGAR10 = $10 off a 3 month subscription to Must Have

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