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BoxyCharm Subscription Box Review – August 2018

Marne Orenich
ByMarne OrenichJan 23, 2019 | 97 comments

BoxyCharm box

BoxyCharm
4.3 overall rating
1949 Ratings | 195 Reviews

BoxyCharm is a full-size beauty and makeup subscription box. They always provide a great value compared the cost of the box. (If you are a makeup addict - I HIGHLY recommend this box!)

open BoxyCharm box

This box was sent to us for review purposes. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).

contents of BoxyCharm August 2018

The Subscription Box: BoxyCharm

The Cost: $21 a month

SPECIAL OFFER: One of the brands featured in this box, NOTE Cosmetics, kindly provided us with an exclusive coupon just for MSA readers! Now through 8/15/2018, use code Note25SUBADDICT to save 25% on their site!

The Products: 5-6 beauty items that will include nail care, skin care, makeup, haircare, fragrance and more. (At least 4 of those items will be full-sized).

Ships to: US and Canada

boxy charm info card life of the party theme page

There's a small booklet that folds out to reveal the theme which is "Life of the Party".

page one of contents page two of contents

Then each item is detailed with the retail values. This one was also curated by Laura Lee whose palette is featured this month.

Live it Up

See how this glam gang wears the items!

coupon codes

Lastly, there are coupon codes for Laura Lee and Smashbox!

Laura Lee Party Animal Eyeshadow Palette

Laura Lee Party Animal Eyeshadow Palette - Retail Value $19.00

(All subscribers will receive this)

opened Laura Lee Party Animal Eyeshadow Palette

Wow! I knew what was coming due to the spoiler, but these colors are so vibrant and awesome! The palette comes with a mirror, of course, too.

close up of Laura Lee Party Animal Eyeshadow Palette

I love reading the names of makeup colors and I began to giggle but then realized how true these ring for me on a night out. There are six in all that go from (clockwise from top left) a super unique matte yellow that has a greenish tone (Issa Party), to a bright matte turquoise (Damage Control), bold shimmery lapis blue (Karaoke), deep sparkly purple (Hungover), brilliant glittering pink (Bottoms Up), and a vivid matte orange (Dranks). True, these are daring to wear for the average person (like myself) but I get geeked out on thinking of the fun possibilities too! *Stay tuned next week to see how to wear this palette from office hours to happy hour!* For now, I've swatched below.

House of Lashes in Bombshell

House of Lashes Bombshell Lashes, 1 pair - Retail Value $9.00

(This is one variant of several House of Lashes available, or you may receive Becca Primer or Tarte Mascara)

These are familiar lashes to me since I've seen them around before. The packaging is adorable and they house one pair of handmade lashes. These are said to made of human hair on their site, so although I'm not a false lashes expert, that sounds premium to me.

House of Lashes in Bombshell on tray

The varying lengths give these a more natural look even though they are so much longer and fuller than my given lashes. They come slightly sticky so you can size them on to your lids and trim to fit, but you'll need glue to hold them into place for prolonged wear. The info card lets me know that I should get a good 15 wears out of this single pair as well.

Smashbox Be Legendary Matte Lipstick in Totes

Smashbox Be Legendary Matte Lipstick in Totes, Full Size 0.1 oz. - Retail Value $21.00

(This is one variant of several Smashbox lip products available)

I love getting familiar beauty brands so seeing this Smashbox lipstick was a pleasant surprise! I love the square tube that comes with gunmetal grey accents. It feels very "luxe" to me.

opened Be Legendary Matte Lipstick in totes

The creme stick is a lot brighter on than it looks and delivers a bold matte color that feels really moisturizing. While it doesn't have the same staying power as some liquids I use, that also means it doesn't stain my lips which I appreciate. Swatched below!

3 Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Gold Eye Masks

Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Gold Eye Masks x3 - Estimated Retail Value $12.50 (Buy a box of 6 for $25.00)

Next are gold eye masks that said to "brighten, hydrate, and reduce the appearance of dark circles". If you've read some of my other beauty box reviews, you'll know that my dark eye circles are a main concern of mine and I'm always up to try a product that will help.

back of 3 Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Gold Eye Masks

Normally 6 come to a box but they've graciously sent three sets which is pretty great since using something like this just once rarely yields immediate results. I appreciate that I'll get to use this product three separate times before deciding if I want to go for a full box.

Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Gold Eye Mask out of package

Making sure not to place these too close to my delicate eye area, I remove them from their protective plastic to reveal a white fabric side and the gold foil side you can see above. The foil goes face up and helps retain heat while preventing evaporation of all that good serum. Like a face mask, I left these on for 10-15 minutes (as directed) and then massaged the remaining serum into my skin. These felt cooling while on and I can tell these would be especially nice to use the next morning after a long night out. Time will tell if these have long-term effects to battle those bags.

Bang Beauty Chocolate Eyeliner

Bang Beauty Chocolate Gel Eyeliner, 0.12 oz. - Retail Value $22.00

Coincidentally, the last time I reviewed BoxyCharm back in May, I received another pot of gel eyeliner, but in black.

bottom of Bang Beauty Chocolate Eyeliner

This one is a creamy chocolate brown that comes in a cute clear pot that you'll use a liner brush to apply.

Bang Beauty Chocolate Eyeliner with lid off

The pigment on this one isn't as intense, but that means I can use it as a brow tint that has a built-in gel! Makeup can be so fun! This is luckily really close to my brow shade so I'll probably go for it since I'm more of a black eyeliner gal. Swatched below!

Adesse Sweet Almond Cuticle Oil

Adesse Sweet Almond Cuticle Oil - Retail Value $18.00

Finally, they've rounded out this month's box with a super useful nail product! I am all about getting my claws sharpened and polished at the salon these days and don't own much nail color anymore. In between visits though, I've noticed my cuticles getting wrecked due to excessive hand washing and the likes, so this cuticle oil is a welcome gift!

Adesse Sweet Almond Cuticle Oil with brush

All I have to do is brush this pleasant smelling sweet almond oil on like I would polish but around those dried out cutes' to make them moisturized and soft again! This will be added to my weekly if not daily routine!

August BoxyCharm swatches

Here are all six shadows, the lipstick, and the gel eyeliner swatched!

Verdict: For $21.00 for this box, I received six items worth an awesome $101.50 retail! I found each product to be a great quality and I'm super excited to incorporate this super bright palette into my makeup arsenal. The lashes are the only thing I won't use frequently, but they're fun to have around and a great score for those who wear falsies more often.

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes! This BoxyCharm is still available to grab!

Value Breakdown: At $21.00 for this box, here’s what you are paying approximately per item:

  • Eyeshadow Palette: $3.93
  • Lashes: $1.86
  • Lipstick: $4.34
  • Eye Masks x3: $2.59
  • Gel Eyeliner: $4.55
  • Cuticle Oil: $3.72

Check out all of my BoxyCharm reviews and the Beauty Subscription Box Directory!

What do you think of the August 2018 BoxyCharm Box? Would you like to see a tutorial on how to wear those bright shadows?

Starting at $30.00
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BoxyCharm ($30 per month) is one of the most popular beauty subscription boxes that we review, with lots of loyal customers. They promise 5 full-size beauty products each month from a variety of both indie and... read more.

Marne Orenich
Marne Orenich
Marne is a lipstick connoisseur, record collector, and twice over cat mom. She loves discovering new clean beauty brands and has quite the collection of beautifully packaged serums and moisturizers.

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97 comments

rea949912

I love my Boxycharm subscription box, can’t complain and if I get the chance to upgrade to the Boxyluxe (which means deluxe, not luxury). I’m ready. Well worth the $28.99 more on top of your already $21 a month adding to $49.99. no complaints here.

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Anna

Check Instagram Yosef has responded and offered a something for those bothered by Laura Lee’s racist tweets that have come to light.

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Sarah Adams

I was going to subscribe for this month but after hearing the horrible racist tweet she made along with fat shaming, I definitely did not want to purchase this box with her pallet in it..So thank you for letting us know to check instagram.

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Jamie

Yep. Boxycharm has cut ties with her. So has Ulta, Morphe and every other company that had a partnership with her.

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Anna

It was nice that Boxycharm was proactive but it’s been on Allure, Washington Post etc so ignoring it wasn’t going to be helpful. I hope that all the subscribers that would want to get the Alamar or charms instead of the LL palette knows it’s an option.

Paula

I thought this box was okay – but my daughter was thrilled. The palette, lipstick and the lashes were her fave. Good thing – because I only liked the eyeliner, patches and the nail oil! Two sets of matches made in heaven. I think I’ll keep Boxycharm for a while longer…

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Courtney

OK so here’s this box there’s one saving grace possibly because I hate black eyeliner and I don’t think it looks good on anybody unless they’re really good at doing wings and in that case I’m just jealous because I can’t do it. Being over 40 I don’t wear eyeliner on the top of my eyelid I tight line from underneath. So I am actually happy to receive a brown eyeliner so let me ask all of you ladies out there who are much more experience with Liquid and any non-pencil format eyeliner and can you tight line from underneath with this gel

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Courtney

This was by far the worst sub box I have ever gotten and that’s saying a lot considering some of the crappy boxes I’ve gotten from Birchbox I got a Smashbox always on lipstick in a color that I swear looks like something my puppy dumped in the backyard in addition to the hideous Halloween pallet I could appreciate a pop of color if the lip product even remotely went with it but this is the worst generation I have ever experienced in my life and then I got some crazy lashes that aren’t even a whole lashes their little mini extensions but the hair is on them go every possible way they look like something that my 13-year-old autistic son glued together for his crap arts and crafts I mean these aren’t even wearable lashes so I guess maybe if the curación theme was for a Halloween costume I could go with it

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Liz

Fully agree.

I hate the eye shadow and I got black lipstick

HORRID

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Julie

Boxycharm is my fave subscription out of the 5 I get monthly,iv been subscribing for over 2 years and never complained..but I don’t like all these variations. That’s was one of the reasons it’s my fave,everyone got the same products..hope the quiz they asked us to take will have some bearing on what products we do receive,but still the old way:(

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Jamie

If it does it’ll be at least 2 months before it takes effect.

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Susan

I might be on the wrong thread for this. My apologies if so. If I’m wrong in how the extra item for the double BECCA Primer is being handled, my apologies once again. Can someone please clarify if so? Thanks
I didn’t get the LE Box, I wanted it but it was sold out, nor did I get a BECCA Primer this month. However, I did get a set of false lashes a month or so ago, of which I do not wear as stated in my beauty profile, and another set in this month’s box… Does this mean I’ll also be getting a freebie??? I feel all of the subscribers that got their hands on an LE Box which included a BECCA Primer and were LUCKY enough to get ANOTHER ONE instead of ANOTHER SET OF FALSE LASHES are just that, LUCKY. For all of us whom received the false lashes twice in a 2 or 3 month time span should be given a freebie.
Why is Boxycharm giving free items to people whom got good items twice versus the latter? Why not hook up the subscribers that got duplicate lashes with a BECCA primer??? Or a pencil sharpener… Kidding but not really. Anything would be better than nothing, or another set of false lashes..

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Caressa

I’m upset also. I send them a email and they dont care at all. They didn’t care if they lost one person like me but I told them it’s not just me. I wont pay anything from them. I just spend more on my fabfitfun. I’m going to cancel after one more month. The last 2 boxes I couldn’t use anything. Ipsy helped me way more. They just didnt care so I’m done. I know it is to try stuff but I can try fake eyelashes r my eyes will break out but like I said they didnt care!!! So they can keep giving the good stuff to ppl that make them look good that is all they care about. Over it 🙂

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Jamie

As far as I know only the ppl who actually bought the L.E. box and got an email abt getting the becca primer twice are getting a replacement item.

I feel your pain though. I got the primer this month, but I don’t believe I can use it bc it’s the absolute wrong type for my skin. I needed the pore filling one and got the purple one instead. I have a sample of it somewhere in going to try before I put the full to be up for swap, but still, we all just got a big tube of primer 2 months ago from Cover FX. Just like we all just got lashes too. I was so disappointed with this mishmash box of repeats that I canceled.

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Ashley

I love House of Lashes and buy their lashes often, but I seriously got the most horrid pair ever in my box. The style is called “Bambi” and it resembles the hairstyle that Cynthia from Rugrats rocks. Yes, it’s that bad. Throwaway product for sure!

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Sara

I got the Bambi lashes as well and feel they give a more snuffalupogous type look than the doe eyes I think was the goal.

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Brook

Hey ladies, just a quick suggestion for those of you who aren’t happy with what you received. I know these palette colors are really bright and hard to work into every day wear for some of you. I tend to be a little conservative on my shadow colors as well.

For really bold eyeshadows, I use them on days when I’m staying at home. I like to step out of my comfort zone, pull up some really wild eye tutorials on YouTube, and glam it up! No one but my family is going to see it anyway, it’s fun following along on the tutorials, and I really enjoy the challenge of combining some of the brighter colors. It helps me step up my makeup game (because mistakes are much more noticeable with high contrasting shades) and sometimes I surprise myself with a look I really like.

For the bizarre lip colors, try layering them with colors you’re more comfortable with to create some dimension. Dark browns and purples are great for contouring under bold shades you DO like, whites and greys are great for highlighting over your regular colors, and the oranges can warm up cool tones.

I know this was a pretty bold box, but I think this is a great combo for some serious experimentation. And for those of you who got lashes that you won’t wear? Slap them on for cleaning the house! If you’re going to be elbows deep in dishwater or scrubbing dirty floors, you might as well look glamorous while you do it!

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Anna Marie

Thank you those are all great ideas! Your post is the definition of seeing the glass half full.

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ReeRee

Awesome ideas! Thanks for sharing.

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Dawn

I got this bright pink lipstick from smashbox. Its really is awesome. I love it and in the end thats all that matters. I think some people call it barbie pink lol. I love the bright color however. Thank you for the great review.

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Rashma

How come Laura Lee Party Animal Eyeshadow Palette didn’t came in original BOX????🤔WHY WITHOUT BOX!!!🤔

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Jamie

That is weird that it didn’t come in a sleeve or anything. Mine wasn’t even in bubble wrap lol. Just an open ended plastic bag.

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Tara

That’s strange…mine had the box and everything. I would write to customer service. I heard some people didnt receive the palette though, it seems like a warehouse issue…

Cady

I am soooo happy with my box! I got the HOL in Boudoir – they’re sooo pretty & I wear lashes all the time so it’s perfect for me. I also got the Smashbox matte liquid lipstick in Stay Neutral which is also perfect for me! I love brown shades, it compliments my skin tone way more than pinks so I’m thrilled & all I wear are matte lipsticks so it’s a win-win for the variations. The eyeshadow palette is bomb! I’ve been looking for a cobalt blue like the one that’s in there so I’m definitely thrilled for that. All and all this box is an A+ for me and I’m stoked for the Boxyluxe – bring it on! <3

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Elizabeth

💌💙💚I’m so happy you loved ur box my spoiler said I’m getting the lashes too (if anyone wants to trade lemme know😄)
💙love seeing positive comments here💙

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Marie

I got this same box (variation 1) except I got Featherette lashes and a metallic lipstick in XO Vlada from the Petal Metal collection. I love the lipstick.

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Courtney

I’m insanely jealous. I got poop brown liquid lip

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Cora

I also got the poop brown color but if you mix it with white lipstick it really tones it down I do this with all lipsticks that I get in my numerous boxes hope that helps

Samantha

I’m 34, an elementary teacher, and a single mom. These items will not be in my ‘daily wear’ bag, however I am so excited to have something to have some fun with! I absolutely love this month’s box! My variation was box 5 with the bight eyeshadow, Tarte sweatproof mascara, smashbox pucker up palette, wander eye masks, bang beauty chocolate eyeliner, and ncla so rich cuticle oil. While I know it’s not for everyone, I am so thankful to Boxy to remind me that everyone deserves a little fun now and then!!

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Chandra

Anyone who got the Crown Glam Metals palette in a previous box, I think this Party Animal palette would make a great companion for it. Just a suggestion.

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tanya

Good idea!!!!!

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Trisha

Got this exact box and I LOVE IT!

Can’t wait to see the makeup review!

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OJ

this was my second boxycharm box. July was great, this box not so much.. the eye pallet was made for a 6 year old. Sorry but not wearing blue, yellow, or orange eye shadow to work. The eye liner worked on my brows but def not eyes. And cuticle oil?? Really? Mascara was fine but not a fan of brown. And my lip kit was also a joke. Bummed !

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mikelly02

This is the first time that I’ve ever been disappointed in a box. And it’s the whole box. I got the same variation (always get 1, and it’s never the one I want but I never complain because I still love the value of the box) Does anyone know 1) How to tell in advance which variation you’re getting, and 2) is there any way to influence which variation you get? While I’m at it, 3) WHY do the variations vary so widely??? I’m not going to cancel, it’s a bad month for plenty of good ones… but it still stinks.

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Lena

If you have FedEx Manager, you can see which variations you’re getting. There’s a spot under “Shipment Facts” that shows the purchase order number and at the end of those random numbers will be an “_#” with the # being your variation. So far, this has correctly been the variation I’ve gotten (variation 1 in July, variation 3 for August).

The new quiz they released (you’ll find it under giveaways on their website) will supposedly influence the stuff you’ll receive, but it’ll take a couple of months to really have an effect, I read.

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TheOtherJulia

I hate this month’s box. The palette is crazy, the eyeliner is garbage, I got orange lipstick, the lashes are just too much, and I won’t use the cuticle oil (already have some from another sub). It doesn’t matter if the products are worth over $100 if you don’t like them or cannot use them. So yes, they will be donated, but I don’t buy this box to give everything away. Call me selfish, but my sub boxes are a treat for me. I do have a donate box for the occasional product I can’t use or don’t like. But to not be able to use the majority of the box is really upsetting. I understand that I won’t like everything all the time, that’s the risk of sub boxes. But when it looks like more people hate the box than like it, that’s a problem.

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lesli

Totally agree! The eyeshadow colors are child-like. The lashes are too long, I literally got BROWN lipstick. Like who cares if it’s smashbox if it’s BROWN. and like chocolate brown too.

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Nichole

I actually really like wearing brown lipsticks especially in the fall with a warm eye look

Sarah B

I got a grey lipstick. It’s named “punked.” Yeah, I got punked alright.

h

I’m with ya on the palette. Maybe I’ll use the dark shimmer…but there’s no way on earth, as a cool-toned person, that I’m putting on yellow, orange, pink, blue, turquoise…and that liner application and the lipstick shades sounds like hot messes from what I’m reading. Why, BoxyCharm, why?! Laura Lee has some nice-looking palettes, and this is what we get? Maybe it is Halloween in a Box. That will help me feel like I have a use for it.

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Shawn

I received:

Becca Matte Primer(YAY)
Eye Masks (Okay)
Eyeliner
NCLA cuticle oil (I’ll use it eventually)
Colorful palette (Nope)
Smashbox metallic lippe in Foiled Brat (It’s purple! Absolutely.No.Way!)

I keep looking at the palette and lippe trying to figure out how in the world can make these work. Unfortunately I cannot. I’m going to give everything except the primer to my local YWCA.

This will be my last box. So long Boxy…..

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NikitaMarie

I wish I got metallic purple lipstick!! I got the same brownish pink neutral again. And Becca primer…wish I’d gotten mascara or lashes!

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Lesli

I think smashbox was trying to get rid of all their awful colors. I got dark brown matte. Gag. My 9 year old took the eyeshadow.

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Mel

I got the same variant, but the lipstick is a different, MUCH brighter shade (Power On Matte, a bright poppy coral). I think it’s going to have to be swapped. It’s a pretty color, but a little much for me.

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Julie Moore

Everything was fine but the eyeliner in a pot was a joke. Just a smeary mess trying to make it work. Not good for an eyeshadow either. Disappointed in another orange lipstick. Nail stuff is pretty much clutter and probably won’t use it. Rather have had a top or base coat or just a polish. Other stuff was great though. Loved the fun pallet.

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Tanya

I am in the minority, but I love this box so much!

The “eyeliner” says you can use it as an eyeshadow base or to touch up brows. I used it as a casual Saturday shadow and it looked great, but I’ll likely use it as a base and brow fill on my blond brows.

The lip color is the same as this one, and it is a lovely rose color on me. I use eye masks all the time, and put one on immediately. Love. I actually like to wear lashes sometimes. I’m pretty well stocked, but these are the right length for me. The eyeshadow isn’t my style, but it might be fun for dress-up days at school or halloween. And I have another cuticle oil I love, but this will get used when I run out.

So… everything should get used and that rarely happens with this box. Even still, this box is always a bargain for $21!!!

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Danielle

I’m so disappointed in Boxy this month. I’ve been subscribed for 3 1/2 years and this is by far the worst box I’ve ever received.

The gel eyeliner just clumps up on my lashes when I try to apply it to my waterline, and I can’t even see it when I apply it on the skin right above & below my lashes. I got the shade ‘Warrior Pose’ for my Smashbox lippie, which is a deep brown. It won’t work for me at all – I’m a light-skinned blonde.

Unfortunately, I don’t need more cuticle oil or eye masks, either, and I’m allergic to the glue used to put on false lashes.

The eyeshadow palette is the only thing I can work with, but only on days when I’m going for a bold look. Mehhhh.

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tanya

haha same, girl. Same.

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Amber

I love boxy charm. But I received a weird white, lilac, beige type color for the lipstick. No one on earth would wear that color. It is awful! I haven’t see anyone get a lipstick as bad as me yet. Maybe I can use it to lighten some darker shades. The formula is great though! I love almost all makeup but that lipstick goes too far. Love the rest of the box!!! Sorry i’m complaining but why would anyone even produce that color. My husband told me I looked dead. LOL. Oh well. I still love boxy charm!

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Drey

They’d produce a color like that for people like me, ahah! Everyone has different aesthetics and likes/dislikes so it seem so like people who aren’t into a wide variety of looks & products would be better off either a customizable box or a box that you’ll know the contents of before purchase. I have a very gothy, death-rock aesthetic but I also like plenty of other looks so a lot of the things people are complaining about, like the lilac lipstick, sound awesome to me. Remember, everyone is different!

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Jamie

I’m weird. I only really like lilac lipstick. Kim Chi from Sugar Pill is my fave and I’m bummed it’s been discontinued.