BoxyCharm Subscription Box Review + Coupon – December 2020

ByMegan K.Dec 30, 2020 | 51 comments

1949 Ratings | 195 Reviews

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

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

About BoxyCharm

The Subscription Box: BoxyCharm

The Cost: $25 a month. Save with longer subscriptions.

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

Ships to: The contiguous U.S. for free, Hawaii, Alaska, and Canada for $5

BoxyCharm December 2020 Review

My variation is #16.

Let's see what I received!

1 of 3

Huda Beauty Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette - Retail Value $27.00

Many of you know that wild eyeshadow colors aren't my normal fare, even before 2020. I tend to lean pretty natural. But something about a super-bright palette always still gets me excited! I don't really have a ton of purples in my stash and this set of 9 shadows is literally all purple! Most of them are on the more pink-leaning side of things and there are 6 shimmers and three mattes inside. I did think the shimmers were much better in terms of pigment and smoothness, but all these shades were pretty decent. These are the sort of mattes that work better with a brush (though beware of fallout) and the shimmers shine by brush or fingertip.

Here are the gorgeous purple swatches...

And here is a super simple but dramatic eye look with the middle shade from the palette and the electric purple to its right!

1 of 4

OFRA Pressed Banana Powder, 10 g - Listed Value $35.00 (buy a smaller 4 g for $16.00)

I love banana flavored candies and I can also happily report that I enjoy banana powder now too. This pale yellow pressed powder is meant to be used to brighten dark circles and even out skin tone. Since my skin is pretty neutral, yellow products usually are a no-go for me, but I kind of think this stuff is great. I used a big fluffy brush to lightly apply it all over my face on top of my usual BB cream and it totally gave me brightness and reduced my redness. And it smells like bananas which is totally also super important if you also love bananas.

Here is a rather heavy swatch on my arm..

And here it is on one side of my face, that I am pointing to. It totally brightens and evens out my tone, but is it too yellow? What are your thoughts?

1 of 2

Tarte Maneater Mascara, 3 g - Retail Value $23.00

I have tried this mascara before and I do like it, though it falls into that weird mascara category where one day it blows me away with the long lashes and volume it gives me but then the next day it just doesn't perform the same. Am I nuts? Does anyone else experience this? Anyway, this black mascara has a brush made of silicone that easily coats my lashes and at the very best makes me look like I have falsies on and at its worst still adds a nice dark tint to my lashes. Either way is an improvement.

1 of 3

MAC Lustre Lipstick in 'Hug Me', 3 g - Retail Value $19.00

I am fully expecting 2021 to be a huge lipstick year for me, even if it is a little delayed as the world (hopefully) returns to something more like normal. While I generally go really bold in the summer with hot pinks and rich reds, this soft nude is a great choice for a more low-key look. I love the MAC Lustre formula (my first lipstick ever from MAC was this same finish in 'See Sheer'!) because it is indeed a little sheer, but totally buildable. It has a gloss like finish and is super easy to wear. This is one of those 'apply it without a mirror' sorts of lippies. 'Hug Me' is a pinkish nude that I think looks pretty cute on me!

Here is a healthy arm swatch..

And here is it on my lips.

1 of 5

THE SPONGE by The Original MakeUp Eraser - Retail Value $18.00

My last item is kind of genius. I don't often reach for beauty sponges because I HATE cleaning them. It takes forever and grosses me out. But this little thing you can put in its little hamster ball and toss into your washing machine. I honestly think you could probably use it to wash all of your sponges because the material of this one feels just like a Beauty Blender or any other sponge I have tested before. This makes me feel significantly more inclined to use my sponges for damp highlighter application or a nice buffed foundation finish.

Verdict: My BoxyCharm box has an overall value of $122.00 which is a little lower than some of my BoxyCharm totals in the past but I think this box is a great example of quality being more important than some outstanding/unbelievable wrap-up value. I would much rather get 5 items I love at a lower (but still awesome) value than 5 'ehhh' items with some crazy $200+ value. I loved the mix of product types and great brands this month and thought everything was downright usable! Even the purple palette!

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, your first box will be the January box!

Value Breakdown: At $25 for this box, here is what you are paying approximately per item:

Huda Beauty Palette $5.53
OFRA Cosmetics Banana Powder $7.17
Tarte Mascara $4.71
MAC Lipstick $3.89
THE SPONGE $3.69

Alternatively, the average cost of each of the 5 items is $5.

Check out all of our BoxyCharm reviews and some of our favorite beauty subscription boxes!

Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

What do you think of the December 2020 BoxyCharm Box? Which variants are you getting?

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BoxyCharm

4.3 overall rating

1949 Ratings | 195 Reviews

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.

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Posted in Beauty Subscription Boxes, Makeup Subscription Boxes, Subscription Box Reviews, Subscription Boxes for Women

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.

Read More By Megan K. >

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51 comments

Ginger Smith

At first I was jealous I didn’t get that eyeshadow palette, but I have sooo many pretty ones that don’t get used already. I also got the Maneater mascara and I couldn’t remember if it was one that I loved or if I should give it away, I think I’ll pass bc I want consist results. Now I wish I had chosen the banana powder bc I can totally see the difference!

Julie Allen

If I had gotten any one of these things in my box I would have been happy. I got none of these. I got a bunch of terrible no name stuff and then the one redeeming thing was a Sunday Riley Good Genes with a broken pump. Complete and utter disappointment 🙁

Megan, your hair and eyebrows look sooo lovely in the banana powder pic.

Aarjullor

I’m 48 and I have purple hair, after taking a break from a long stretch of pink. So, you’ll get a big NO! from me about your being too old, you’re never too old, IMO. I’ve never given, nor will I ever give, a rats ass, about what others think about me. But, I’ve never grown up. You’ll have to pull my chucks or docks (throw in the occasional pair of vans in there too) off my cold dead feet before I give them up. Good luck!

Janelle

I’m 36 with purple hair and I swapped for this palette because I use the rightmost middle shade as my brow powder.

Aarjullor

Well, that didn’t go where it was supposed to!

Lux

I love it! I’m 43, and long ago realized that we’re all just big kids, esp those of us who took to heart the Toys R Us fight song! The advent of the word “adulting” really says it all – we’re not adults, we just participate in some acts that we associate with that mythical creature. Big kid slumber parties is where it’s at!

Michelle

All of your products selections are wonderful this month! That Huda purple eyeshadow looks really nice. I so want to purchase that palette but keep hoping I receive it in one of my sub boxes. I have decided to color my hair pink. So excited but yet apprehensive as well. I am 53 and really maybe too old for pink hair??? But have wanted it since Cyndi Lauder! I think the Huda palette in Amethyst would look good with pink hair!

OneMoreSarah

I’m 43 and did some pastel colors back in the spring and summer when I was working from home. I loooooved the pink I did. I had to let it go to blond, though, when I was interviewing for new jobs (I’m in a very conservative field), which was a bummer. I bet you’ll look great with pink, and I don’t think there should be an age limit on princess hair 🙂

Megan K.

Pink is a good choice no matter how old you are and I know you will rock it! <3

Aurora

Maybe I need to see a before picture because I was thinking they looked like they missed waxing and got glued down and not filled in. 🤔

Megan K.

I actually don’t wax, so you aren’t wrong. I don’t really buy into the “perfect brow” trend. Mine are wild and I love them.
And no worries, they enjoy blowing in the wind, glue-free, just fine. 🙂

Stephanie Hyde

I am glad to hear I’m not the only one who’s mascara is perfect one day and then looks like I put on dollar store junk another day!!!

Megan K.

oh, it happens a lot more often than I even thought possible. You aren’t alone!

Snow

I’m liking all your pics Megan! Your brows are looking fantastic btw. They seem way more full (what’s your secret? Lol.) The powder looks great too!

A sign of getting old(er) is I’m just not into make up as much. I wear it and love it, but just not into experimenting anymore.

Skincare on the other hand…..I could discuss all day 😁

Aurora

Maybe I need to see a before picture because I was thinking they looked like they missed waxing and got glued down and not filled in. 🤔

Megan K.

Brow lamination!!! I just got certified. And I have been practicing on myself mostly, because, well, 2020. Total game changer. I highly recommend it for anyone with thinner brows. I still have to use my Benefit Gimme Brow to fill in a few spots but dang it has been a game-changer.

Snow

I probably should just Google what you mentioned, but what exactly is that? As an over plucked lady myself, I would love to more!

I’m loving the brows, Megan. I like your fearless style and free spirited personality ☺️

Alice

My December box was one of the best I’ve received. However, I cancelled BC, in addition toany subscriptions, because I have too much. I’m committed to using what I already own, and saving more money in 21.

Michelle Whitehead

What load would you put a yucky makeup sponge in? This doesn’t seem practical to me at all.

Snow

I don’t use makeup sponges but would think a rinse and squeeze with water would get out the major makeup, and the washing machine would be a more thorough clean. A sponge isn’t that big. Throw it in with your towels and voila!

Megan K.

I am always tossing my studio paint-covered clothes in my washing machine. I guess there isn’t a huge difference to me 🤷‍♀️

Alice

I had the same thought. I have a super old washer,but would never place anything in it except for our clothing.

Alice

I tried the sponges, and am not a fan. Seems like a bacteria magnet, and I really don’t have a use for them with my simple face routine. When I did try them, I simply hand washed after each use, just as I do my brushes.

Amy

In love with the Huda Amethyst, I got Ruby which is only slightly useful to me but I would’ve loved that purple palette!

I do think the banana powder looks a bit yellow, but that might be just seeing the half and half, if you have it on your full face in the last photo it looks good there, a bit cakey next to the shiny lip imo but maybe it would work just under your eyes and not full face? Def worth playing with some more, and you’ve inspired me to play with mine rather than just sniff it occasionally lmao

Megan K.

I do also enjoy the scent haha! I think you are right though. It is super brightening under my eyes!

Kate M

I love, love, love that eye look you created with the Huda palette! I have that palette from Ipsy and am going to try out your look, as I have had a hard time jumping in and finding something not too bright, lol! I am happy to have received the Ruby Huda palette in my box! I also think the banana powder totally works for you and not too yellow! The Mac lipstick is beautiful on you too!

Thanks for sharing! We so often have very similar boxes and totally different this month, but all hits for me too! I got an Iconic London face palette, the Ruby Huda palette, and Elemis glow moisturizer and primer (LOVE), Mac lipstick in a great neutral shade for me, Glamnetic Eyelashes which I have yet to try. This month was a full face look in a box!

Megan K.

Thanks so much Kate! I am always scared to do brighter looks for the reviews because I am just not as talented with shades like this as so many people are. That natural MAC lipstick was much more in my comfort zone, tbh. Your comment makes me feel better <3

KateM

Megan,

I totally stand by my comments and in my opinion, you don’t give yourself enough credit for your created looks…you appear always up for the challenge and I just love your reviews. Oh and of course I still love that look with the purple Huda palette you created 😉 Happy New Years to you!! Cheers to 2021 and to your reviews that are top notch and trust worthy!

Kate M

Ooops (good thing I just reread what I wrote because autocorrect said “poops” for ooops, lol) I lied about the Iconic London face palette and got the Eloise Liquid Eye Shadow instead. I got a face palette in my premium box instead, lol. The base box was a big hit for me this month.

I had cancelled my premium and Luxe as I’m growing a huge collection, but then resigned up for premium after seeing the Ofra palette for January! I think after that I may just stick with the base, so I don’t totally have the fomo!

Gillian Labe

I LOVE the eyeshadow on you. I wish I had gotten this box but had to cancel them and Ipsy because products are stocking up and I other then the market I haven’t left my house in 8 months.

Megan K.

Thanks Gillian! It makes me want to try out purples more often. Maybe I will have a reason to in 2021! 🤞

OneMoreSarah

I wanted that amethyst palette so badly, but I got a ‘caliente’ one instead that’s full of super bright orange shades. I could see them working well on someone with a different skin tone, but they would just look comical on my very pale, pink face. I decided to drop Boxycharm because I’m always jealous of other people’s boxes, and I have such a stash of products now that I don’t really need to be shopping the pop-up sales.

Lori

Same here regarding that Caliente palette. I don’t think orange eyeshadows are all that flattering on anyone, even those who can pull it off.

I cancelled Boxy again. I remember how much I used to love most of the items I got, but now there are so many variations and at best, I only ever like 2 of the items. Interested to see what changes with Ipsy acquiring them.

OneMoreSarah

Yeah, I kept being disappointed with my boxes, and that’s no way to go through life. Like you, I’m curious to see what effect the Ipsy buyout will have.

Vic

Question for Megan — my skin leans toward reddish as well…may I ask which BB cream you use? It works great on you! I’ve tried sooo many and still haven’t found my HG in terms of covering redness + staying power. I’m definitely more of a BB/CC cream gal, and not a foundation user. Thank you!

Megan K.

I have been loving the Purlisse illuminating BB cream that Deanne mentioned below (I also wear the ‘Fair’ shade). It is what I am wearing in the images of this review. I do agree that it can sometimes settle a little weird in some of my larger cheek pores but I have found that only applying in downward motions on my face fixes this. I have no idea why that would be, but it works for me! I also received mine in an IPSY sub and have repurchased it. I can’t stand heavy foundations either! <3

Kim

I wanted to comment about the “lower value” of this box ($122) compared to other boxes. Honestly, I think this box is actually higher value than many we have received before. Why? Because as much as I love Boxy (long time subscriber), I often ignore the stated “retail value” on the boxes. Here is the thing: the box you reviewed contains all known brands with products that are for sale at retailers such as Ulta and Sephora. That is great!! These are all verifiable retail prices. Often, in the past, Boxy has included “filler” products—products that are private label and only in sub boxes with astronomical “retail values” that are drugstore quality and exist only to increase the number of items and inflate the “retail value” of the box. So, is it under the promised $125? Is it a higher value than some Boxy variations in the past with a much higher stated “retail value”? In my opinion, yes. Now, all that being said—we all know that the mark-up in the beauty space is almost criminal, but that is a discussion for another day…

Deanne

I love the one from Purlisse that has spf 30 the fair version is absolutely perfect for me which never happens and it doesn’t orange or oxidize at all. It’s very creamy and a little goes a long way. Ipsy always has it in the extras next time you see it grab one! Even the one that says illuminating is matte, just brightens, and I have oily skin but it stays put after it dries.

Vic

Hi Deanne — thank you for your reply! I also received the Purlisse BB in my Ipsy glambag and while I *did* like it (and actually went as far as opening the Purlisse website to purchase it), I ultimately did not purchase because of the way the formula sets into my sort of large pores. I liked the coverage and staying power, but I didn’t love the way it settled for me.

OneMoreSarah

I’m not Megan, but I do have fair skin that runs red, and the best bb cream I’ve ever used for dealing with that is Dr. Jart’s Black Label Detox bb cream. The coverage is nuts for a bb, but it doesn’t feel cakey. It is pretty pale, though, and can look gray if your skin tone goes past light. (I’m fair to fair-light, and it’s a good match for me.)

Prettypony

Thank you for this. I am really into BB and CC creams and I am always looking for my holy grail. I want to try the Dr. Jarts. I have tried a lot of different ones. Everyone loves the Purlisse but It does not work for me, it sinks into my pores really bad. So far the holy grail for me is Eborian BB cream. I just bought and tried the Hey Honey CC. I had really high hopes for it, because I love on my skin. Sadly the color did not match and it sunk into my pores. Anyway ty for the suggestion!

OneMoreSarah

You’re welcome, Vic! I hope among the different suggestions you can find one that works for you!

Vic

OneMoreSarah — thank you so much for the recommendation! I’ve tried other Dr Jart products and I’m a fan, I’ll give this bb cream a try.
I used to use a bb by Dior. It was VERY pricey but it worked wonders, unfortunately it’s been discontinued and I’ve been on the hunt for a new HG.

Mel

Your box is excellent! So funny that I didn’t get a single one of those items. I’ve yet to try banana powder, but am also a neutral like you. I think it looks nice and is not too yellow. It also noticeably reduces the red. I usually use IT CC cream which leans yellow, so I am curious how the two would work together. I adore my Mauve Huda palette and have been hoping to get another Huda palette in any of my subscriptions, but I always end up with a different palette. Love the purple you received! Also, that lipstick is great! I’ve only received one Mac lipstick and it was awful. So awful, it turned me off from trying Mac lipstick, but that one looks amazing!

I’m not super wild about Maneater, either. The only Tarte mascara that I really care for is Tarteist lash paint. The others, like Maneater, just don’t consistently perform. Big Ego is the worst.

Bethani

I love mac lipsticks, I would definitely find a color you like and give them another try if you like lipstick. They also have a recycle program where if you bring in 5 of there makeup containers (like foundation jars or lipstick canister thingy) you can get a free lipstick. They always have deals on there site for the mini lipsticks if you want to try them again but dont wanna buy a whole lipstick to do it. Wow i totally sound like a sale rep 😆 ive just been in love with them since i was a teen. If you dont love there product you can always return it and pick something else too.

Megan K.

I have been wanting the Mauve palette!! Glad to hear you like it.
What formula/color in MAC did you try? They have been my fave lippies since college (my BFF used to work there and would bring home all sorts of goodies!!). I don’t love their matte formula every time, but their cremesheen is a dream!

Prettypony

That eyeshadow looks great with your eye color Megan! I really wanted to love that banana powder. It felt so good on my face, it was so smooth. As soon as I looked in another mirror, I looked jaundice. I loved how soft it felt!

Megan K.

I do wish they made like a light banana.. but I guess that would just be translucent powder. Maybe a banana 0.5? I am hoping in the summer I will like it a little more (with less yellow worries), but now I do love it if I am super light with application.

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BoxyCharm Subscription Box Review + Coupon – December 2020

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BoxyCharm December 2020 Review

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