Facebook PixelToo Faced 2016 Cyber Monday Mystery Bag Review | MSA
My Subscription Addiction
My Subscription Addiction
Our reviewers research, test, and recommend the best subscriptions and products independently; click to learn more about our editorial guidelines. We may receive commissions on purchases made through links on our site.

Too Faced 2016 Cyber Monday Mystery Bag Review

Haley Faye
ByHaley FayeDec 4, 2016 | 60 comments

too-faced-mystery-box-november-2016-box

Every Cyber Monday, Too Faced releases a Cyber Monday Grab Bag, and it sells out that day. (This box is no longer available for sale. If you want a reminder when the next one is available, make sure to sign up for the daily MSA newsletter).

too-faced-mystery-box-november-2016-inside-box

My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)

too-faced-mystery-box-november-2016-packaging

too-faced-mystery-box-november-2016-review

The Box: Too Faced Cyber Monday Grab Bag

The Cost: $39

The Products: Surprise yourself with this top-secret assortment of Too Faced favorites! $115 value!

Check out the Beauty Subscription Box Directory for more beauty and makeup boxes!

too-faced-mystery-box-november-2016-items-1

Bulletproof 24 Hour Liner in Ohh & Ahh (Sparkly Black) – Full size! Value $19.80

This liner usually retails for $22, but it appears to still be listed on sale at Too Faced’s website. I played with this eyeliner when I worked at Sephora and I remember loving them. This liner really stays put and you can use it as a normal liner or use the foam blender on the opposite end to get a smokey look easily.

too-faced-mystery-box-november-2016-items-2

It has a sharpener, too. I really like using the other colors from this line like coppers and teals because they’re more wearable day to day.

too-faced-mystery-box-november-2016-items-3

Melted Liquified Longwear Lipstick in Liquid Frosting – Full Size! Value $18.90

Same note as above… this retailed for $21 but looks to be on sale/clearance for $18.90.

I remember when this line of liquid lipsticks was released since it was during my time at Sephora. They were a big hit in certain colors. In others… not so much. I have a feeling that this is one of the colors that didn’t do so well. First of all, I didn’t find it to be super long-wearing. It’s a liquid lipstick but it’s not the kind that dries down matte and stays put through the day. It dries down, but I could still wipe it off easily. It smells good, but the formula was also a little streaky, though I think that is likely particularly due to the fact that this is a lighter color.

too-faced-mystery-box-november-2016-items-4

My other problem with this product is that the tube and “swatch” on Too Faced’s website makes this color look very wearable and also a little warm-toned. In reality, the product is very cool-toned (AmyM referred to it as “Pepto Pink” in the spoilers post, which I feel is accurate). You can see what I mean better in the swatch below.

too-faced-mystery-box-november-2016-items-5

too-faced-mystery-box-november-2016-items-6

Better Than Sex Mascara - 0.17 oz (travel size), Value $12

I’ve used this mascara lots before and I really like it. The brush does a nice job of adding volume without clumping. I have to say that “1,944% more volume” is a laughable overstatement, but this is one of the mascaras I’m generally always happy to get extra of (this, and Benefit’s They’re Real Mascara – use the two layered together for spectacular drama and definition!). It stays in place well, though not as well as the waterproof version, understandably. If it’s been a late night or hot day I get a little under the corners of my eyes, but nothing that’s too bad to me.

too-faced-mystery-box-november-2016-items-7

Better Than Sex Mascara in Purple - 0.17 oz (travel size), Value: $12

It seemed like a lot of people were disappointed with a purple mascara in this box, but I’m actually really excited. I think a purple mascara is such a cool extra touch to the purples in the Cat Eye Palette that was included in this mystery box (shown later). My impression of the formula is the same as the regular one – it seems pretty consistent. Despite looking pretty bright on the wand, the payoff is actually pretty subtle. Still noticeable, though, if someone is close and/or checking out your fab eye makeup game. This is not something I’d pick up on my own but I think will be fun to play with.

too-faced-mystery-box-november-2016-items-8

Glitter Glue - 0.17 oz (travel size), Value $9.75

I’m really excited about this primer. I’ve known of it for a long time but never used it myself since I don’t generally do a glitter look. That being said, I tried it with regular eyeshadow and I have to say this might just be my normal go-to eyeshadow primer, glitter or not. I know from doing make overs on clients at Sephora (proms and Valentine’s Day especially), it definitely helps glitter really stick to your lid and look so much better than without. But using it today, I felt it’s really tacky when you apply (a little goes a long way!) which really helps amp up the pigmentation of normal shadows. I wear lots of shimmers, so I know those look great with it – not 100% sure if a totally matte look would be improved with this over a normal primer but I wouldn’t be surprised.

My shadow stayed put and had zero creases or oil on my lids or anything. My most recent favorite eye shadow primer has been from NARS, but I ran out and have been using Urban Decay’s. UD’s has a great reputation but man, it has really not been doing it for me. If I had to choose between this and Urban Decay’s I’d pick this every time. I will use every last drop.

too-faced-mystery-box-november-2016-items-9

Cat Eyes Eye Shadow Palette – Value $32.40

(Again, this usually retails for $36 but is on sale/clearance for $32.40.)

Yay! Palettes are so fun, especially from Too Faced. In fact, this is already one of my favorite palettes. I couldn’t resist it when it launched. Coincidentally, I realized I actually can’t find my palette in my collection so I guess I’m happy to have a replacement!

too-faced-mystery-box-november-2016-items-10

This packaging is so cute. I like the leopard print but what really sold me.

too-faced-mystery-box-november-2016-items-11

I just love so much about this palette. I really like Too Faced’s palettes in general because they have the larger base colors and if you go across the horizontal rows you get great corresponding shades for a look from that row, but you can always mix and match too.

too-faced-mystery-box-november-2016-items-12

Here’s a close look at the shadows… The three darkest shades, the far right column with gold outlines to the pans, are wet/dry colors that double great as eyeliners!

Swatches below!

too-faced-mystery-box-november-2016-items-13

Too Faced Palettes come with a little instructional guide that gives ideas for looks using the palette with step-by-step instructions. They include a day/easily wearable look, a classic look, and a fashion/more dramatic look.

too-faced-mystery-box-november-2016-items-14

Along with the more realistic photos on the front of the booklet, they have a color-by-number sort of guide on the back. This booklet is one of the top reasons I always recommended Too Faced palettes to clients, especially ones that were beginners and/or looking to learn how to do more with their eyeshadows. Their palettes usually have lots of room for versatility – easy-to-wear shades and looks alongside bolder and brighter colors for some experimenting/practicing/playing. I loved selling these palettes so much because, well, I love them so much myself!

too-faced-mystery-box-november-2016-items-15

From top to bottom, here are the swatches:

Purr (frosted finish pearl/white beige)
Tigers Eye (frosted finish bronze-y brown with copper tones)
Leopard (satin, warm-toned brown with some gold shimmer) – wet/dry
Meow (matte finish warm cream/pale nude shade)
Pussy Cat (medium purple with lavender shimmer)
Jungle Love (semi-matte, deep purple with fuchsia shimmer) – wet/dry
Kitten (a satin, pale cool pink)
Kitty Glitter (glittery silver)
Panther (matte true black) – wet/dry

too-faced-mystery-box-november-2016-items-16

I wanted to show you a couple looks and some versatility from the palette. Here, I’m wearing the day look from the palette’s info booklet. This is a warm look with a gorgeous end result.

(FYI – the lip I’m wearing here is the Too Faced La Crème Lip Balm in Just Kissed. I added it to my purchase from the sale section on Cyber Monday.)

too-faced-mystery-box-november-2016-items-17

Since I used the instructions from the palette booklet, I’ll just reiterate those for you here:

  1. Sweep Purr from lashes to brow
  2. Blend Tiger’s Eye into your crease
  3. Using an eyeliner brush, wet and use Leopard to create a crisp cat- eye shape
  4. Finish off with the Better Than Sex mascara in black

too-faced-mystery-box-november-2016-items-18

And now a more dramatic look! For this look, I used the fashion look from the palette’s booklet as inspiration, but I felt that none of the provided look guides showcased the gorgeous shimmer purple/lavender, Pussy Cat, as much as I wanted to, so I kind of played with it a bit.

The lip I’m wearing here is the Melted Lipstick that came in the Mystery Bag. In person, it’s a brighter, pale, cool pink – one I just don’t love with my complexion. It somehow looks much better in these photos, but it is not one that I think compliments my coloring one bit in person.

too-faced-mystery-box-november-2016-items-19

Here’s how I got this look…

  1. Sweep Kitten from lashes to brow
  2. Blend Jungle Love into your crease and outer corner
  3. Press Pussy Cat onto the center of your lid
  4. Use an eyeliner brush (dry) and blend some Jungle Love along your lower lash line.
  5. Use an eyeliner brush to wet Panther and draw a cat-eye line
  6. Use the Bullet Proof 24 hour Eyeliner on your lower waterline (aka the inside of your lower lid; this liner is awesome for waterlines)
  7. Blend Kitty Glitter into the inner corner of your eye and sweep a bit on your brow bone (just under the outer half of your eyebrow)

too-faced-mystery-box-november-2016-items-20

Finish off the look with the Better Than Sex mascara in purple on both your upper and lower lashes! You could also use regular black on top lashes and purple on the bottom if you want to play with the purple mascara but want to get to know it gradually.

Verdict: All in all, I’m happy with Too Faced’s 2016 Cyber Monday mystery box! I love that it had a palette, especially one that provides versatility and both wearable and dramatic looks. The whole thing cost $39, and the palette retailed for $36 when it was released, $32.40 now. So, to me it feels like you could look at it bought a great palette (that I liked anyway) and got a lot of travel- and full-sized freebies with it. The total value – accounting for the fact that most of these items are listed at sale prices now – adds up to $104.85; Too Faced advertised a $115 value, which is what it adds up to with the original retail prices of the items before being sale listed.

Reading over the comments of the spoiler post, it seems like a lot of people were unhappy with this mystery box, or at least a lot of the people who commented/vocalized their opinions were unhappy. It’s always a risk with any mystery box of products from cosmetic companies that the products just simply may not be something you’d use or like. I think some dissatisfaction may also come from comparing this to past Too Faced Mystery boxes, which I think had higher values and better packaging in past years if I remember correctly. Another thing that could contribute to discontent is that, along with said comparison to past bags, Too Faced marketed this as “the best mystery bag ever,” which I think was just predictable marketing verbiage leading to hype, when satisfaction is really somewhat subjective to the purchaser (especially if that purchaser bought on previous Cyber Monday sales). Also many people buying the mystery bags from Too Faced are likely already fans that have a good amount of Too Faced products already – probably including black eyeliner and mascara – so I can see how it might be underwhelming to some fans to get some duplicates and cosmetic “basics.”

So, trying to objectively look at this mystery box, I’m honestly happy. I got $104 of product for $39, and it was a mix of signature products/basics and more playful/bold colors and products. I just wanted to address that because of readers’ vastly varying responses to the spoilers. There’s a lot of factors and hype and subjective opinions and established makeup collections that all play into how you personally feel about this year’s mystery box and whether or not you’ll use the products.

What did you think about the mystery box this year? Which product are you most (or even least) excited about?

Haley Faye
Haley Faye
Haley Faye first discovered the wonderful world of subscription boxes in 2012 and began writing for MSA in 2014. Over the years, she has found many subscriptions to love. Now a mom of three, her favorite boxes are ones that dress her kids, help her get organized, feed her family, send her snacks, and offer educational fun for her children.

Join the Conversation

Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.

60 comments

Samantha

If anyone that missed this sale lives in Chicago, ATTENTION! The Cat Eyes palette is on sale at the Nordstrom Rack in South Loop for $15! After seeing it in person, I decided not to buy it even though the colors are very pretty because I already have similar colors across a few palettes. However, I picked up a Too Faced Borderline lip pencil for $9 and a small NEST candle for $10!

Reply ButtonReply

G

Everyone posting here seems happy with the mystery box as opposed to the original post where it went on sale. Well, despite the fair review from Haley, I’m still not pleased. I feel mislead on the value in general, the claims of how great it is, but especially because it was all on sale at the time and I could have selected colors and items that I wanted. It also definitely didn’t even cross my mind that there might be 2 trial sized mascaras in the box. I need another trial mascara like I need a…well we all know none of us need more trial mascaras haha. Has anyone actually tried to return this mystery box? My calls to them keep hitting a busy line (not sure how is that even possible for a big company that there is not automated answer) and my emails are not being responded to. I wanted to know if I can return the mystery box before I send it all back in. Thanks in advance!

Reply ButtonReply

Sherry

I would have LOVED this box!! I’ve been wanting to try purple mascara and that palette is perfect!

Reply ButtonReply

Leah

Buy mine, buy mine! 🙂

Reply ButtonReply

G

Haha…I’ll add myself to the sell line as well.

ab1031

I have seen two mentions of this mysterious bare minerals grab bag… when do they do them usually?! If I sign up for emails will they alert me? I love their stuff as well.

Reply ButtonReply

Rebekah

Hi! Bare minerals seems to do a mystery bag about once every month/month and a half. Liz always announces it here on MSA on the day they go “live”. I am subscribed to bare minerals emails and they have only sent me a heads up about the mystery bag/box once or twice in the last year.

If you do get a bag, I would recommend waiting until the middle of the day the bag goes live. That way you can check the msa posting before buying– so you can get codes for freebies that other people post, as well as keeping abreast as to whether or not people are being triple charged for the item… or in some cases even charged 9 times. Sounds extreme, but it’s happened to lots of people unfortunately. Better safe than sorry!!

That being said– I always enjoy the boxes and have gotten excellent products each time for well below usual price.

Reply ButtonReply

ab1031

Great review!

I am really, really pleased with the palette, it’s very nice. I actually got two mascaras in mine, one in the box, and then one that wasn’t in the box, that was black and the trial size.
I’m not at all feeling the lip melt, but oh well. I think it was a nice value for the entire box. I was hoping for the Country whatever it is called palette, but I might be happier with Cat Eyes.

Reply ButtonReply

Jennifer

You hit the nail on the head with your summary of why the mystery box would be disliked, and I personally fall into all of those categories . Saying it will be the best box ever was the most misleading thing, making me think it would include some brand new product. But after actually getting my hands on the mystery bag, I have to admit, it all grew on me (except for maybe the lipstick, which I still haven’t tried). I didn’t realize the eyeliner was sparkly, which is fun. And I am pleasantly surprised by the palette. Anyway, great review Haley!

Reply ButtonReply

Ann

Once I saw the spoilers I was going to return my mystery bag without opening it, but your review inspired me to keep it and give the palette a try. The day colors look especially lovely. The melted lipstick went right into the garbage after I tried it, though. It is awful. I don’t think there is a person alive who would look good in that lipstick.

Reply ButtonReply

Helen

Actually, I look great in that shade. It’s a shame you didn’t swatch it first, I’d have swapped for it!

Reply ButtonReply

ab1031

Helen:

I have mine unused if you are interested.

Sarah V

I just wanted to say that you give the absolute best reviews. The detail does product background are so so helpful. I’m sure it’s probably time consuming but just know all the work yours put into reviews is so helpful and very much appreciated.

Reply ButtonReply

Haley Faye

Thank you so much, Sarah 🙂 I appreciate that!

Reply ButtonReply

Brittain

I’m glad I didn’t order this box. I’ve seen most of these products at Nordstrom Rack within the past week. I know the lipstick was on sale for $10 and the palette was around $20

Reply ButtonReply

Haley Faye

Oh, cool! There are no Nordstroms or Nordstrom Racks around me! 🙁

Reply ButtonReply

Nava

Haley I’m selling my entire bag if your interested

Julie E

I would have liked all but the eye liner and lip color but this is not the time of year I buy much for myself. If they would do these mystery bags throughout the year like Bareminerals does then I would definitely buy some! I love everything Too Faced especially melted lipstick! It smells like a tootsie pop! It’s definitely not long wearing though and the color they included is horrible.

Reply ButtonReply

Trisha

Wow Haley! Those last 2 full face pics of you are beautiful! You might not love that lippie color- but it loves you!!

I just opened my box last nite ( was on vacation) and I’m THRILLED with everything! The more Too Faced products I try, the more I like the brand. Looking forward to trying the glitter glue because I have a few holiday looks that I’m gonna need it for.
I agree that for me UD primer is meh, and I’ve tried various formulations of it over the years.

I also received the bonus La Creme lippie in Naked Dolly (beautiful), a sample trio of their Chocolate Matte Bronzers and a 20% off coupon. How great is that?

For me this is worth every penny and I’d buy it again in a heartbeat. Great review Haley- Thank You.

Reply ButtonReply

Rebekah

I wholeheartedly second this– you’re amazing Haley. We appreciate your AMAZING reviews and gorgeous face ( and personality!!)

Reply ButtonReply

Haley Faye

Trisha, Rebekah, you two are so sweet. I so appreciate your kind words! Thank you, and thanks so much for reading! 🙂

Moe

Loved this review and thank you for taking the time to show us different looks! That was/is awesome.

Reply ButtonReply

Haley Faye

Yay, glad to help!

Reply ButtonReply

Elena

Your review is amazing! It actually makes me kinda want this bag, although I’m very happy that I didn’t buy it. Almost everything has been on clearance at my local Nordstrom Rack including the palette (twice cheaper than on TF sale section); bulletproof eyeliners were at Marshall’s for $6. I’m pretty sure if I just bought everything separately I’d end up with same price or even less. It makes me quite sad that they used their mystery bag as a way of getting rid of old stock. But at the same time why else would they sell a mystery bag, right?:)

Reply ButtonReply

Cat E.

I am really excited for this box! I don’t own much from Too Faced, so even though these are mostly sale items, this is perfect for me! I had been eyeing the Cat Eye palette in the sale section, so I am happy that I decided to go for a Melted lipstick ornament instead. I don’t love the Better Than Sex mascara, but it’s not a bad one. I just love a couple others more! I agree that it would have been nice to remove the Cat Eye palette from the sale section, but I can’t really complain for myself.

Reply ButtonReply

Lisa

Loved your review! It was so awesome that you went above and beyond to show different looks with the palette. Overall, it’s a great deal, but I’m holding out for a skincare subscription. 😜

Reply ButtonReply

Lana

I’m actually pretty happy with the contents with this box…but I’m not so happy that mine hasn’t even shipped yet despite buying it right at 3am :/ Ah, well, I’ll get it soon and love most of it!

Reply ButtonReply

Diana

I received mine on Friday (really fast imo) and I’m really thrilled with the things they included. The stuff I won’t use (the melted lipstick, and prob the purple mascara) I can always give to my niece. But that palette is so pretty, I have to agree with other commenters that it probably should not have been so deeply discounted at the time of the mystery bag to avoid people getting more than one though. But yeah, I would definitely repurchase their mystery bag again!

Reply ButtonReply

Resa

Mine arrives this week and I’m ecstatic! I ordered a purple/violet eyeliner as that’s my preferred go to colour with my mystery bag – so seeing a purple mascara was awesome and I can’t wait to try it. I also like pink lippies, so I’m curious to see how this particular shade will look on me. the pallet colours look very wearable. The black eyeliner and mascara will make a great addition to my neice’s Christmas gift. Thanks for such a fantastic review! I always love reading yours Haley, coz I learn something every time. (I always like seeing how you use your shadows, too. I feel like I do the same thing all the time!)

Reply ButtonReply

Haley Faye

Thank you, Resa!

Reply ButtonReply

Maria

You nailed this review. I’m glad with this purchase, but the lip color is iffy on me. I’m thinking of trying it as a cheek stain.

Reply ButtonReply

Haley Faye

Good idea, Maria! Let me know how that works for you!

Reply ButtonReply

Maria

Not that bad. Gives a slight flushed look, but you have to go light with it.

Diana

That’s a really good idea 💡

Reply ButtonReply

Connie

Great review!! Instructions were great and I appreciate your comments regarding how some may have been disappointed. Honest and positive. Thank you.

Reply ButtonReply

Kate

I was really looking forward to this but ended up not getting it because of their ‘buy a full-sized mascara and get another item 50% off’ promotion on Black Friday. I got a Better Than Sex mascara and got the Chocolate Bar palette half off, plus also already had a 20% coupon code applied, so everything came to about $36. Glad I went that route rather than the mystery bag, even though it does look like a great deal.

Reply ButtonReply

Marion

I’m still waiting to receive my bag, but from what I’ve seen, I’m pleased. I’ll be putting a few things up for swap, but I’ve really been wanting to try a Too Faced palette for a while, and this was a convenient way to do that.

Reply ButtonReply

Katherine

I’m one of the few that was happy with this mystery box. & I’ve already got the cat eyes palette! I’m giving this one to someone for Christmas & keeping everything else. You’re paying roughly 6.50 for each item plus you’re getting a palette! How is that not a deal?! Even if you have some of this stuff already, it’s a great deal because you can easily gift what you already have. I’m satisfied with what I received & will probably get this again next year.

Reply ButtonReply

Julie B

Perhaps it would help if they reveal which eye palette will be in the mystery box and leave the other items a surprise. A lot of people will be adding a clearance item to get free shipping and I personally was ready to add this very palette, thus would have been disappointed to get two.

Reply ButtonReply

JacLyn

I agree with this! Or, if not reveal which one, at least don’t have the same palette on sale. Not knowing, I grabbed a Cat Eyes palette because I’ve been wanting one for a while and the sale price was good. Now I have two coming. :/ Too Faced has so many palettes, I feel they could have tossed in something that wasn’t in the current sale. Also, the mystery bag was very eye heavy. A blush or a sample of their concealer (if you could pick your shade somehow) or something like that might have been nice.

Reply ButtonReply

Haley Faye

Julie and Jaclyn, I totally agree. It would have been best had they not included the Cat Eye in both the mystery bag and the clearance section. Also, I would have loved a cheek product… They have such a great line of blushes and bronzers!

Kim

I don’t do mystery boxes anymore. It’s usually products that are discontinued or low selling products. It is a risk. You get a lot for your money per see but it might not be products you will like or use. I saw all the unhappy folks in the spoiler post. But it is a risk and companies use these mystery boxes as a way to get rid of stock that isn’t selling. I looked at the clearance page on too faced and figured it would be products from clearance and it was. I wouldn’t have minded the palette but I was afraid they would put those awful soul matte bronzers in again.

Reply ButtonReply

Haley Faye

Kim, I agree! Also – I agree about the soul mate bronzer, lol. Those launched while I worked at Sephora and I don’t think I saw a single one sell! They seem like a niche hit for FRIENDS lovers. That’s why it was perfect for Liz in the last one that she reviewed. 😉

Reply ButtonReply