Facebook PixelCURATEUR Review + Coupon - Winter 2020 | 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.

CURATEUR Review + Coupon – Winter 2020

Megan K.
ByMegan K.Dec 17, 2020 | 47 comments

CURATEUR
3.3 overall rating
243 Ratings | 52 Reviews

The Rachel Zoe Box of Style is now CURATEUR, a style + beauty subscription box for women.

Our mission is to provide women with the foundation they need to lead a life of style. Imagine luxury home decor, cocktail accessories, latest fashion pieces, the most-coveted makeup and skincare products, plus much more. Not only do we deliver a hand-picked curation every season, we also hold an infinite space for content and community. As we deepen the roots of our new persona and its presence, we will be rolling out even more exclusive benefits for our members. We’ve only just begun, the best is yet to come!

FYI - Box of Style has had customer care issues in the past. Please read this post and the comments about their customer care before subscribing.

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 CURATEUR

The Subscription Box: CURATEUR

The Cost: $99.99/quarter

ACTIVE DEAL: Use code SPRING25 to save $25 off your first box
CODE: SPRING25

The Products: Every season Rachel and the CURATEUR team will hand-curate more than $400 worth of their favorite fashion, beauty, and lifestyle items.

Ships to: The US, Canada, the UK, and Australia

CURATEUR Winter 2020 Review

 

Included this month was a pretty mini-mag with loads of details on our items. All of the brands featured this quarter are female-founded, which is very cool!

 

CUSHNIE Grey Horizon Ombre Scarf - Listed Value $150.00

FYI: This scarf measures 45″ x 75″.

I am not often a big fan of scarves in boxes with huge values attached. I get that this is from a pretty awesome brand, but this is a pretty ordinary feeling (though very stylish) scarf. Made of 100% polyester, (but feeling more like a light cotton) this scarf features a dramatic black to ivory gradient that would seriously go with anything. I will admit that by the time I am reaching for a scarf I am already beyond feeling especially chic because I am likely already bundled up in an oversized winter coat. I do wish this addition had been something other than a scarf because I just don't wear them often. In the info booklet, wearing it as a belted top was also suggested, but I don't see myself attempting that.

 

Understated Leather Crescent Clutch in Ivory OR Onyx - Listed Value $110.00

FYI: this clutch measures about 10" long, 5" tall. 

I am totally a leather person. In fact, I never really buy or reach for pleather. So (secretly) I wasn't very excited about this clutch when the spoilers for this box launched. Upon actually holding it though? It is seriously made so well and the pleather itself is buttery and pretty convincing. It is also heavier than it looks too, and for all of my tassel-averse readers out there, this one is removable! I think I also really love this little clutch because, without the chain and tassel, it looks very much like a smaller version of this $2,700 Bottega Veneta clutch I will never be able to afford. Is it worth the $110 listed value? Maybe if it was real leather! But I am pleasantly surprised by this clutch and I have my fingers crossed 2021 brings fancy events to carry it to. It actually ended up being my favorite item in this box.

Here is a quick shot of the scarf and clutch from my snowy porch.

 

Amber Sceats Emery Cuff - Retail Value $169.00

Most of you know I am way into cuffs and I have a real thing for sculptural jewelry. That being said, I also have skin that totally eats through anything without a decent gold plating. With this cuff, it is so far, so good! Plated with 24k and with a texture that is endlessly interesting, I have found this looks great on my wrist alone or with other cuffs and bracelets. It does feel a little formal, so dressing it down with more casual bracelets makes it feel a lot more wearable with jeans, IMO. It is heavy duty and you can bend it to adjust, though it is a little work. My wrist is 6.5 inches at the smallest point, and this fits just fine.

Here I am, keeping it casual.

 

TALIANNA Lilypad Catchall Tray - Listed Value $75.00

FYI: this tray measures about 7” x 4.25” x 1”

This is a lovely little tray in an ivory color featuring a soft rose gold geometric design. I do like to keep little trays like this in my guest bathroom for soaps or just as catchalls for jewelry. It would also make a very chic hostess gift! While I like this and I will totally use it, I am not sure it is what I would expect to find inside this box.

 

Elaluz 24k Lip Therapy - Retail Value $28.00

My final item is a little pot of balm with gold flakes. The balm itself has no scent or taste and is made with ingredients like Papaya Seed oil and Acai Berry oil to promote smoothness and give a boost of antioxidants. It actually feels a lot like vaseline on the lips, which I personally don't mind, though maybe a little bit of scent or flavor might have been nice! It also has 24k gold flakes which are said to help collagen levels, but I think they might be more for aesthetics!

Verdict: I wasn't totally sold on this curation from CURATEUR. I loved the clutch and the cuff and thought the tray and balm were pretty nice, but I think if they had replaced that scarf with a great skincare or makeup item this would have been much more of an impressive assortment. I just have a hard time finding scarves to be a standout fashion item and 100% polyester doesn't get me too jazzed. The clutch and cuff felt much more on-brand for this box and I would like to see more like that in the future, personally. If you consider that at $99.99, each item has an average cost of $20, this box feels like a pretty good value but I have higher hopes for the Spring box.

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes, as of publication, this box is still available. 

ACTIVE DEAL: Use code SPRING25 to save $25 off your first box
CODE: SPRING25

Value Breakdown: This box costs $99.99, meaning each of the 5 items has an average cost of $20.

Check out all of our Box of Style (now CURATEUR) reviews!

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

What do you think of CURATEUR?

Starting at $112.50
Active Deal
Use code SPRING25 to save $25 off your first box
Use Coupon Code SPRING25
Subscribe Now

CURATEUR (formerly Box of Style) is a luxury subscription service curated by designer Rachel Zoe and delivered 4 times a year. Each seasons box contains at least 5 statement staples (fashion, beauty and lifestyle) valued at over $600, curated to elevate your everyday look. Seasonal subscriptions ... 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.

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.

47 comments

shualice

Thank you for the review, I decided to get this box after reading the review. I waited for a coupon. I love love everything in the box. Especially the bag, it is very stylish and super soft. The bracelet is stunning. thank you again for your through review.

Reply ButtonReply

Kristin

Received my holiday box in the new year – which wasn’t the worst thing since they were all gifts for me, but the booklet that came with holiday tips was a little dated by then. I really liked everything that was included and have to second the review in saying that clutch is amazing – and it was the thing I was least interested in. It is well made and really buttery. Would never guess it was imitation leather – or whatever we are calling pleather these days. My real issue is that I chose to pay full price to get my box earlier. Live and learn – I will be waiting for all these discount codes now since I am going to be getting the box super late regardless of when I order. Still not bitter though – Rachel Zoe does a great curation and I hope she continues this box.

Reply ButtonReply

Rich

Avoid this company like the plauge. I placed my order on 12/8/20. Then I recieved an email on the 14th saying that my package had shipped with a tracking number. However, the only update the tracking ever gave was “Shipping Label Created, USPS Awaiting Item”. I contacted customer service on the 18th, 21st, and 23rd. Each time they assured me that the box had been shipped and to wait until the 30th. How they expected the package to get delivered without it being scanned once is beyond my comprehension. I contacted them yet again on the 12/30 and 1/4 but neither message was replied to. I had to make a credit card dispute to get my money back. Horrible customer service.

Reply ButtonReply

Kris

I loathe this company and am visiting my bank to put a STOP on their band draft.

Absolutely awful junk, rubber “pleather” Walmart garbage purses and the worst costumer service next to FEMA.

They absolutely state they will NOT bill you until February – but then send the February box in late December which I did NOT want — then say they do not accept any returns.

Well, they will receive their unopened box back and they will NOT receive a dime of my money.

I never liked Zoe, she is a pretentious little troll with Cousin It’s hair, dressed like a leftover from Woodstock.

Her taste is abysmal and her product choices are nonsense.

Has anyone ever, in their entire lives seen anything as ridiculous as Zoe carrying a (cheap Missioni knockoff) bath towel over her arm as an accessory?

Reply ButtonReply

Molly Honey

It doesn’t seem like you know how subscription boxes work. These boxes are seasonal, not monthly, and it sounds like the box you received was the Winter curation. Nothing to do with February. It was supposed to come in December. The Spring box comes out, and bills, in February. All you have to do is frequent their website or this one to know what season you’re in and what’s included in that season’s box. And no you can’t return the box. But why would you need to since you ordered it knowing what’s in it.
This is one of my favorite boxes, which I never pay full price for, and love the value. I think it’s a great way to boost your wardrobe inexpensively.

Reply ButtonReply

Kristin

Are you saying the winter box doesn’t bill until February? Winter is almost over in my neck of the woods then.

Reply ButtonReply

Mallory @ MSA

Hi Kris! We’re so sorry to hear you’re not enjoying Curateur. We recommend reaching out to their team directly for help cancelling your membership: https://www.curateur.com/pages/contact-us

Reply ButtonReply

chris

Love this box!

Reply ButtonReply

Hugg

I’m jealous of everyone who’s actually getting their boxes. It took almost 3 months to get my fall box, and that was only after 4 emails, multiple comments on their Facebook posts, and multiple comments on Instagram where I threatened to go to the FTC. They claimed my box had been “lost by the carrier” (the carrier’s site showed they’d never even received it). Got a shipping notice for my winter box several weeks ago, and guess what? Once again it’s sitting in “en route to the carrier” and my emails and comments have gone unanswered. This time I’m not spending the next few months begging them to send me what I’ve paid for. I’m contacting my credit card company, the FTC, and the BBB on Monday.

Reply ButtonReply

Rich

Thi EXACTLY what happened to me.

Reply ButtonReply

Begonia

I still haven´t received the missing serum. I am very dissapointed with this box as well. I won´t get it.

Reply ButtonReply

Kris

The serum smelled strongly of fish.

Reply ButtonReply

Debbie

I received my Winter box yesterday. I agree the clutch is really nice. I love the cuff and am overall happy with this box. The perfumes have some great scents and I will wear for sure.

Reply ButtonReply

Barbara

Do not under any circumstances order from this company – it is a sham; They lie and are unresponsive and don’t care once they get your money. Read reviews research etc you will find this is a horrible company with horrible customer service and crap products. Give $100 to charity – you will feel better

Reply ButtonReply

AmyM

I canceled so quickly when I saw these spoilers. My tolerance for hugely inflated “retail” prices on scarves and costume jewelry ran out a long time ago. The first few years of Box of Style really felt like something special, but they lost it somewhere along the way.

Reply ButtonReply

Gloria

I received the Initial box, Summer & Fall boxes when they started out. I still have AND use the Mara Huffman sarong that was included in Summer edition of 2015.

The novelty quickly ran out for me when I received the Fall box so I cancelled right there. For me, the best sub (not skincare/makeup) was Avenue A by Adidas. I miss it so so much and a part of me still has the hope that it will be back one day 🙂

Reply ButtonReply

Gloria

Rose! I totally agree with you. The $100 boxes have taken a downhill. I was really early to the sub was in August 2012!

The box sub world has changed wildly during the last 7 years! I took a major break of no sub in 2019! this year, out of boredom I experimented with a few boxes/services. The only ones that made the list for 2021: Beauty Heroes (I like their company and the founder so most likely will do a 1 year commitment in January); Boxwalla and Blue Apron! And I will occasionally buy stuff at Birchbox.

for every other things I will be on the lookout for sales in major retailers with generous merchandise return policies.

Rose

Oh Gloria! I only received two of the Avenue A boxes, but were fantastic. It seems that the overall quality of “higher end” sub boxes has plummeted (I just cancelled Robb
Vices). So far I haven’t even been tempted to buy Rachael Zoe’s offering even with free gifts and a discounted price tag. I don’t want polyester or pleather (although I appreciate the cruelty-free aspect of plastic products). I also don’t want any part of gold-toned costume jewelry (unless it’s an ÉVOCATEUR cuff).

Mel

I guess I am the odd one out – I LOVE the cuff and earrings, I am a huge lover of sculpture and the freeform style! I do agree that the scarf is a low budget item but for 75.00, I think it is a steal.

Does anyone know if ordered today/tonight if it would be delivered by x-mas?

Thanks!

Reply ButtonReply

Elizabeth

Almost certainly not. There’s a 50/50 chance you could get it before Easter though!

Reply ButtonReply

Mel

Elizabeth, that is hilarious and point taken, scratching this one off my list!

Dawn

I have not yet received my missing serum from the last box. And, I am somewhat doubtful about getting my Winter box anytime soon. It was shipped via Pitney Bowes and is in the same black hole warehouse as my long-missing Fab Fit Fun winter box.

Reply ButtonReply

reeb

I finally got my shipping notice for the fall box serum today. My winter box, however, also seems to be stuck somewhere in postal purgatory.

Reply ButtonReply

Chantel

Definitely nothing of interest to me at all. This is my least favorite of this box I’ve seen. The bracelet is too formal, the scarf is boring and I live in Florida so it’s lost on me. The bag is nothing that would be useful, it’ll barely fit a phone and I find it unattractive. I’m sad because I was hoping this box would start getting better not worse!

I would never purchase a $100 box where a scarf is the main item.

Reply ButtonReply

Diamond

I’ve never liked this box. The only way I’d buy it is if I can sell the items on eBay and make more from the box then what I paid for it.

$100 every few months isn’t bad.. But idk, haven’t like really anything from these boxes. The lip oil is the only item of interest to me. I’m more a cute mini backpack girl even at 31 years old. My jewerly is far different taste wise then anything in these boxes. I’ve never worn a scarf in my life. Lol.
x_x

Maybe just getting high priced items in a box feels good? Idk. So many women love this box and I’m over her in a dark corner alone like O.o why I no like it? I’ve tried.

Reply ButtonReply

Jennifer

The cuff does look unique and interesting, but otherwise the spoilers didn’t wow me very much. Maybe it’s because I already own a black leather clutch, and I almost bought an ombre scarf like that for $8 at Burlington coat factory last time I was there, but it doesn’t really hit the “elevate style” mark for me.

I do love cuffs though, and was really tempted by the promo with the free earrings, but in the end decided it was too expensive to pick up the box if I wan’t crazy about the items overall.

Reply ButtonReply

Ali

Did the perfume gift come in yours? I really want that!

Reply ButtonReply

Beth

This box looks pretty cheap and lacks in curation. Glad I cancelled, but bummed the box took a dive

Reply ButtonReply

Cindy

Agreed 100%. And 150 for that scarf? Hahahahaha.

Reply ButtonReply

Frances

I completely agree – I cancelled after seeing the spoilers for this box and am glad that I did. It makes me so sad…I used to love this box!

Reply ButtonReply

B

Was hoping your review would get me excited. Great review but still not excited. I love a big scarf, I’m always cold & I think they drew up tees w jeans or warm me up as a wrap at weddings, this one looks very similar to a grey ombré one that I think was in PSMH years ago. It’s a go to

Reply ButtonReply

Jennifer

It’s sort of hard for me to get excited about any scarf in a sub since I got my dream scarf in a 5th Ave Style box a few years ago. It’s a gorgeous (giant!) quality wool and cotton blend, with a pretty floral pattern and intricate fringe. It’s so nice I only dare wear it a couple times a year. The brand, Sharvit Couture, wasn’t one I could find much on, but the quality was top notch. Since then, I see polyester scarves in boxes and just shrug at them, lol. It’s the same with ‘pleather’ bags – they always come off as overpriced gimmicks than a genuine deal or an item I can’t find anywhere else.

Reply ButtonReply

Jody

Wow. I looked at the leather pouch for $2,700! Exact image in my eyes!

Reply ButtonReply

Jt

I love each item and look forward to receiving it! Thanks for reviewing!

Reply ButtonReply

Melody

Me too! I think it looks gorgeous and I could see myself wearing the scarf and cuff (and earrings that I will get because I cashed in on that deal) for a night out. I think this is curated very well and think will make for a cohesive, chic look. I’m very excited!

Reply ButtonReply

Kc

Glad I passed on this. The items look cheap.

Reply ButtonReply

Jeanette Horning

Has anyone received their missing item from the Fall box yet? I am getting worried we are getting the old bad customer service from Box of Style two years ago. I told myself never again but wanted to give another chance. That missing beauty item was valued at over $150? It should have been sent by now. I think there needs to be a disclaimer on this box!

Reply ButtonReply

Anne

Have not received my missing item.

Reply ButtonReply

B

I’m still waiting on it as well.

Reply ButtonReply

Beccaox

I ordered two (discounted) boxes. One arrived with it inside(2nd ordered box), the other arrived missing (I got emailed a $25 credit for the inconvenience) and the item arrived separately a few weeks after.

Reply ButtonReply

Mel

Hi, how long did it take them to ship it? Happy Holidays!

Alice

I just received my fall box and it was included.

Reply ButtonReply

Alice

I never wear a scarf, so mine willbe gifted. The rest of the items I definitely will use, the bracelet is my favorite item, then the clutch and tray. Discounts and gwp always make these boxes of value for me.

Reply ButtonReply

Snow

Great review, Megan! I see you rocking the fuscia lipstick on your front porch 👍

I definitely agree with you on your verdict. Scarves are a bit meh and clutches are a don’t in my world (even with the chain…. just too small!)

Not enough snazz or pizazz this quarter 😔

Though oddly I am liking that cuff….

Reply ButtonReply

Heather

Has anyone tried out the Amber Sceats Reese Earrings- are they heavy? They are one of the few things I want out of this box but I’m betting they will be too heavy for my ears.

Reply ButtonReply

Amy

I just got mine yesterday! They are pretty heavy, and pull my ear a bit. I probably wouldn’t have purchased them if I’d been able to try on in advance. They’re more of a special occasion earring versus every day, but I imagine I’ll wear them to at least one zoom party over the holiday season.

Reply ButtonReply

Megan K.

I can’t speak to the earrings since I don’t have them, but I will say the cuff has a decent weight to it (in a good way!) I do love the look of those earrings though. The crushed metal effect is really cool!

Reply ButtonReply