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Oceanista Subscription Box Review – Winter 2019

Megan K.
ByMegan K.Jan 27, 2020 | 6 comments

Oceanista Mele Kalikimaka 2019 beach subscription box review

Oceanista
5 overall rating
1 Ratings | 0 Reviews

Oceanista is a quarterly box for women featuring items inspired by the ocean and boho lifestyle. It features skincare, jewelry, home decor, fashion apparel and accessories curated for sophisticated beach lovers. Many of these included items are handmade just for this box, meaning you won't find them anywhere else!

This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)

About this Ocean-Inspired Lifestyle Box

The Subscription Box: Oceanista

The Cost: $89.00/season + $6.95 shipping. Save with an annual subscription.

ACTIVE DEAL: Save $10 off your first box!
CODE: LOVEMSA

The Products: A handpicked assortment of beach-inspired fashion, accessories, and lifestyle pieces.

Ships to: The U.S. for $7.95, Canada for $19.95, and International for $26.95

Oceanista Winter 2019 "Mele Kalikimaka" Review

 

Their info card has a beachy photo on one side with a short intro and list of items on the other side.

 

Classic Knit Beach Hoodie Poncho - Listed Value $35.00

I am not typically a poncho sort of gal, but I have to say that this is one I actually really quite like. I think that is because it doesn't feel like a bunch of material billowing around me, but instead it just skims my body. I also like the neutral color and the subtle details on the edges. It is very soft and has the cutest oversized neck ties!

 

Abalone Capiz Shell Ornament - Retail Value $14.95 (currently on sale for $11.96)

This little ornament feels so on-theme for this box. Made of capiz shell, abalone, and driftwood, it would make a great addition to a Christmas tree, but I think it is pretty enough to display year-round. It catches light beautifully and I hung mine in the office near a sunny window.

 

Genuine Sea Glass and Sterling Silver Stud Earrings - Retail Value $20.00

I used to live on the coast in New England, and I remember walking the beach often, searching and searching for sea glass. I somehow never actually found any! These little cobalt blue studs make up for that a little and I find the sea crafted asymmetrical shapes pretty charming. They are set on sterling silver posts too, so I don't have to worry about any metal irritation either! They provide a perfect little pop of color and look great when I have my hair up in a messy bun.

Here are the cute earrings along with a flower that arrived. More on that a little later!

 

Beach Life Best Life Pillow - Listed Value $34.00

I sadly haven't seen the sea in almost 2 years (I need to remedy this ASAP) so this pillow would have more than a little irony in my home. I do however have a friend with a beach house who would love it! I am really thrilled to gift this to her because it is incredibly well made and quite pretty. The words are embroidered rather than printed, and the edge is a thick and rustic jute trim. I feel like sometimes "beach life" home goods can be a little less than sophisticated, but this would look polished and clean in most any setting. Someday I hope I have a beach retreat again!

 

Handmade Plumeria Flower Hair Clip - Listed Value $5.00

This little addition is pure Hawaii! I don't think I would ever really use this item, but it was included for flavor and curation, which I can always get behind. If you have a little girl in your life she will likely love this, especially if she is a Moana fan!

 

Honua Aloha Youth Serum - Retail Value $58.00

I really enjoy it when lifestyle boxes include high-quality skincare items. Honua is actually an MSA employee favorite, and if you walk around the office you can see this brand living on a few people's desks as regular indulgences. This serum is made in Hawaii, and contains essences and extracts locally cultivated in Hawaii, such as hibiscus, comfrey, and noni! A portion of the proceeds also goes to benefit local farmers and contributes to the replenishment of local plants. In addition to all of those feel-good factors, it also literally feels good! It has a very distinct botanical scent that took a little getting used to, but my skin drank this stuff up! It absorbs well enough to make a great day serum, though you can certainly indulge at night too.

 

Maui Soap Company Hawaiian Aromatherapy Candle in 'Coconut Milk' - Retail Value $12.99

I admit I am super picky with "tropical" scents, but this one won me over because it smells just like coconut milk. It wasn't too sweet or artificial like so many beachy fragrances can be. The soy wax burns evenly (which I am a stickler for) and the fragrance is strong but light enough to coat a room without being overpowering.

 

Maui Soap Company Hawaiian Aromatherapy Body Lotion in 'Coconut Milk', 8 oz - Retail Value $16.99

This hand lotion had the same creamy and warm coconut scent and felt great on my hands. It is 70% organic, 99% natural, 100% vegan, and phthalate-free.

Verdict: Oceanista was a trip to the islands of Hawaii this quarter. This is my second box and I thought it was really well done. It isn't often that I actually LIKE a poncho. Admittedly, I am more of a cold-coast sort of beach enthusiast, so this assortment might land a little better on someone who loves the warmth of the islands. The sea glass earrings are easily my favorite item. I just love that little pop of blue! I love that so many of the items were either from smaller makers, Hawaiian-made, or both! As far as overall value goes, there is an estimated $196.93 here which is a good value for an $89 box, but I think I needed to see a little more inside to really feel like it lived up to its potential and cost. This is one of the more expensive boxes that I review, so I always look to be blown away. I really did like the products, that is for sure, but I just need just a little more to really feel like this box knocked it out of the park.

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today?  Yes, winter boxes are shipping now!

ACTIVE DEAL: Save $10 off your first box!
CODE: LOVEMSA

Value Breakdown: At $96.95 ($89.00 + $7.95 shipping) for each of the 8 items has an average cost of $12.12.

Check out our other Oceanista review and keep track of your subscriptions by adding this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

What do you think of the Winter 2019 delivery from Oceanista?

Starting at $85.00
Active Deal
Save $10 off your first box!
Use Coupon Code LOVEMSA
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"A beach and boho lifestyle subscription box delivered seasonally to your door. If you love the beach, you'll love the Oceanista subscription box. Featuring skin-care, jewelry, home decor, fashion apparel and accessories curated for sophisticated beach lovers. Most items are made specifically for th... read more.
Megan K.
Megan K.
I love natural/vegan beauty products, Korean skincare, unique jewelry, and weird candies from far away places. When I am not waiting for my next exciting box you can find me painting or taking photographs of interesting people. I never leave home without pug hair somewhere on my shirt and a bold lipstick on my smile.

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6 comments

Ashley

Awesome review, Megan! I hadn’t heard about this box until now and everything looks so gorgeous. A few of the items are handmade from Etsy, in which I love supporting smaller artisans. I caved and ordered one even though a bit out of my budget right now, but I HAD to have it. I also want to mention that their customer service is superb. Immediate responses, accommodating, and so friendly and personable. I would much rather put my money into one or two quality boxes! Way to go Oceanista! Can’t wait to see what’s in store for Spring!

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Laura P.

Thank you for reviewing this box; it’s my favorite beach themed subscription! I also wanted to note that some of us were given the option to choose the color of their poncho (3 or 4 colors) plus an additional style that was more of a wrap or sarong was offered. I love it when we have options! As an idea, the pillow is blank on the back side, so anyone not wishing for a beachy vibe could just turn it around and still use it as an accent pillow. The cream colored fabric combined with the woven jute trim make it the perfect natural accent. And my sea glass earrings are a gorgeous aqua color instead of the cobalt shade – but I like them both! 😃🌴

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Cassie

I was scared of the price of this box, but I absolutely love it and it’s quickly become my favorite subscription. I also plan on wearing the hair clip when summer roles back around lol

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Michelle

I’m not a poncho type of person because I’m pretty small and they all swim on me. This poncho looks great!

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Pamela

The poncho is so soft! And I agree, it feels more like wearing a sweater than a loose poncho. This box is always beautiful!

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Tat2

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I would love to have that candle!

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