as i'd previously mentioned, i've been into subscription boxes lately. to date, the most satisfying box is POPSUGAR. their monthly must-have boxes, although slightly more expensive than others ($35/mth) have the most value per box.
the February 2013 box was Valentine's Day themed (no surprise there).
the reason i don't do subscription box reviews often is because i don't always use all the items in a box right away. they're more like nice little treats that i use when the occasion arises (but that might also be because a lot of the items tend to be make-up related, which, while fun, isn't something i use day-to-day).
but that's where POPSUGAR differentiates itself. while yes, there are some cosmetic items, there's always a bunch of other items too e.g. small food/candy samples and non-food items. my favorite item from the February box was the Brokedown Spa Wrap (regularly $84). this was a full-sized (so to speak, i mean it's a short body wrap) item! and it was super soft and comfy. i've already worn it a few times after the shower or using it as a quick cover-up for short trips around the apartment.
the only other item i tried from the box was the MarieBelle Tresor Box (regularly $12). i mean, who can resist chocolate right? and these were really good, like little rice crispies/ crunch bars in small dot form. the only problem is that you never grab just one and always ending up dropping at least one dot on the journey from the box to your mouth.
the other items, which i haven't tried but was still stoked about:
Hanky Panky's Rolled Signature Lace Thong (regularly $20): allegedly these are amazing. i'm not a big fan of thongs tho, so if i do end up liking these then they really are amazing.
Connoisseurs Quick Jewelry Cleanser (regularly $8): again, i don't really wear that much jewelry but that doesn't mean i don't own any. so this'll probably come in handy at some point.
Safe Haven ($10): i haven't bought a book in forever. so it was nice to get this. and now i have something (other than work) to read on the subway! and although i hate to admit it, i actually like Nicholas Sparks books (and movies). also gotta give props to the movie promoters for really pushing the opening of this film. Bloomspot was also doing some type of give-away related to the move premiere in NY.
the rest of the items included a lip balm/stain and candy hearts. pretty sure i won't partake of either of those items but will probably gift away to somebody else.
i purchased the POPSUGAR box via a deal which gave me 30-40% off a 6-month subscription. the January and February boxes have both been pretty great, with values way over the $35 i (am supposed to have) spent.
during the holidays, while i was vexing about what presents to get people (ANOTHER sweater?), i stumbled upon the concept of subscription boxes.
and completely became enamored.
and a little subscription box crazy.
there's something about the idea of getting a surprise box every month that's SO fun. there was a promotion going on for Julep so i decided to purchase an intro box and 1 month for my sister as part of her christmas present.
and that's when the trouble started.
since i wanted the gift to be a surprise, and i wanted her to be able to receive it before the holidays, i decided to test out the subscription on myself and create one for her as well. as it turns out, you cannot receive more than 1 Maven box per address. so color me surprised when, although i purchased my subscription (and they charged me) on December 9th, more than a week later i had not received any confirmation of shipment.
a quick call to their customer service reps cleared up the misunderstanding and my sister received her introductory box in time for me to wrap it for christmas morning. and she received her January box shortly after the new year.
however, my boxes for December 2012 and January 2013 were still yet to arrive. another call to their customer service assured me that my boxes would be shipped out right away.
tick tock, tick tock. and hooray! my January 2013 box arrived! and it was a Gold Box, which means i received extras in addition to the January It Girl colors.
i haven't used any of them yet (i have a weird system when it comes to wearing clothes and make-up. probably something to do with having been scolded once as a child about only liking "new" things vs. "old" things). but 7 polishes (and 2 neon hair ties-the type that supposedly won't leave a crease in your hair) for $19.99 is not bad. not bad at all.
except for the fact that my introductory December box still hadn't arrived.
so another phone call to their customer service, a weird e-mail regarding a failed shipment, and 5 days later, i have my December Boho Glam box.
fun nail glitter and a cuticle balm in addition to the nail polish. for the introductory price of $4. again, not bad. but the hassle of getting these 2 boxes, and the fact that i have enough nail polish to last me the next 20 years, means i'll be stopping my subscription.
plus i still have other subscriptions to think about...
