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BoxyCharm Subscription Box Review + Coupon – January 2021

Megan K.
ByMegan K.Feb 3, 2021 | 36 comments

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 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: $25.00 per 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 $5.00

BoxyCharm January 2021 Review

Let's see what I received!

 

Ciaté London Velvet Palette - Retail Value $30.00

Many of you know I don't really love this brand. Their eyeshadows are so inconsistent. And I really disliked this palette for that very reason. The color story is actually gorgeous, and I liked the pink and gold packaging well enough. But my issue with this palette is that the entire first row of colors has basically zero payoff with both finger or brush. The rest are better, but still not great. I kind of wonder if the 3D wave impression on these colors makes them even worse to work with because instead of it being a smooth dip inside you actually have to use a lot of pressure because it's just lumpy feeling. There were maybe 2-3 colors here with a great formula and I have those shades more than covered in my collection.

Great colors but lackluster payoff.

Since the first row was the least pigmented, I tried to create an eye look using only those weaker colors to give them a fair shot. The saturation above took a lot of work and I am just pretty 'blah' about this whole palette.

 

Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer, 50 mL - Retail Value $38.00

I wish I had a fun catchphrase to use when I really, really love a product. Because I would be using it for this oil-free moisturizer. This green goo is filled with such delights that I don't even know where to start. Going down the ingredient list here are the big players that jump out at me: Inulin (a prebiotic), betaine, niacinamide (I love her!), cucumber extracts (anti-inflammatory), papaya extract (exfoliation), a few different sizes of hyaluronic acid, and even more. It feels really cooling and nice on my skin and absorbs in a snap. Even my dry skin can appreciate this lighter weight formula for a day cream. It does have a lighter scent that comes from some essential oils at the end of the ingredient list, but it is pretty light and very pleasant.

 

Avant Bi-Phase Hyaluronic Acid Rejuvenating Micellar Water, 100 mL - Retail Value $90.00

Ok, $90 for micellar water is bananas. But we all know Avant has a tendency towards insanely high sticker prices. And this stuff is pretty average in terms of cleansing waters. It has some good ingredients like vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and calendula extract, but it also has a dash of ethylhexyl palmitate which can be pretty pore-clogging. Sure, shaking it up is super fun and it smells nice, but it isn't my favorite micellar water by a long shot. That award goes to this stuff, which will only set you back a cool $28 for the largest size.

 

Dr. Brandt Skincare Do Not Age with Dr. Brandt Triple Peptide Eye Cream, 0.5 oz - Retail Value $89.00

FYI: The packaging for this item is different from the normal retail pot, but the size is the same. 

I have tried this eye cream before and I like it. It is a cream texture that smells a lot like Sisley products and when I apply it I always notice some tightening, probably from the caffeine inside! This is the sort of product that makes your eyes look less puffy and the skin smoother right away, but it also has a lot for ingredients that benefit your skin over time, like peptides, ceramides, and nourishing lipids. It has a velvet finish that seems to work just fine under makeup, meaning this can be a day or night treat for your peepers.

 

Qveen Studio Dragon Duo - Retail Value $28.00

So this was a new brand to me and I did a little digging. Apparently, it was founded by the singer from Karmin (who I actually really enjoy). When I look at the website, there are so many cooler products they could have included than two black eyeliners. Some of the lipsticks and eyeshadows legit look so great! But, again, we have black eyeliner. Whyyyy. Sure, both of these formulas work fine. The pencil is soft and smokey and the liquid liner is razor-sharp and long-lasting. But I don't know if I will ever recover from black eyeliner subscription box fatigue.

Top, pencil. Bottom, Liquid.

Verdict: My BoxyCharm box has an overall value of $268.00 which is great for a $25 box. I really only loved two items this month (the Farmacy moisturizer and Dr. Brant eye cream) which totaled $120 worth of value, and still made this box worth it. I can't help but think of how much better it would have been with a different palette, a different micellar water, and... maybe a teal or green liner.

To Wrap Up:

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

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

  • Ciaté London Palette $2.80
  • Farmacy Moisturizer $3.54
  • Avant Water $8.40
  • Dr. Brant Eye Cream $7.65
  • Qveen Studio Duo $2.61

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 January 2021 BoxyCharm Box? Which variants are you getting?

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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.

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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36 comments

Mary Decker

I really love the products I get! Except for gorgeous pallettes of colors that I’ll try but probably never wear, at 62, glitter is not the same as at 22, and those black eyeliners. I fully agree, if you’re going to offer liner, try different colors. I’ve never worn black ,and suppose I’ll try it once for giggles, but I just can’t see me in it. Otherwise, Awesome!

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Mountaineer95

Karmin! “So let’s get up, let’s get started, don’t you leave me broken hearted tonight!”

I was just thinking about Karmin yesterday, thanks for mentioning she has this makeup brand. Checking it out momentarily.

And $90 for micellar water is beyond ridiculous…that #$&* is bananas, b-a-n-a-n-a-s.

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Betsy

I think this is the reason that I canceled I can’t stand another pallet of orange red eyeshadow shades they don’t look good on my skin tight I don’t know how many times I have to fill out Boxee charm’s little survey and tell them exactly just that. I’ve canceled all of my Boxycharm and I’m only with Ipsy now which I’m on the fence about too. However my neighbor gets the best Boxycharm’s and I’m wondering if it’s because she’s been with them for so long like do they send the crap stuff to the new people

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SquirrelyGirl

We got a Qveen liquid lip in our Boxycharm a while back. It had a nice formula, from what I can remember.

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Blue

This is my favorite review that I have ever seen on this site. It feels way more honest than a lot of the other reviews. I feel the same way about the overpriced makeup remover. I disagree on Ciate to a degree. I really love 2/3 of their products it’s just that other 1/3 that I could take or leave. I was actually excited for the dragon eyeliner. I don’t have very many liquid eyeliners since I’ve always been intimidated by them but I’m finally learning thanks to the handful I’ve gotten in boxes. I also got the Farmacy and it’s going into my rotation soon so I’m excited for that. I got the Olive You palette and I’m not sure if I want to use it or not. I hope to see more reviews like this one because realistically some products are just not that great and the honesty is refreshing.

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Steph

I usually really enjoy most of the Ciate products I’ve tried (mascara, lip products, setting powder and spray, nail polish) with the exception of their eyeshadow. I now have two Ciate palettes and don’t like either of them. They’re either not pigmented enough or have the worst fallout through the day. Beautiful shades. Just lackluster performance.

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Megan K.

Hey Blue! I appreciate the thoughtful comment. I will say that this review was no different than any of my others in terms of honesty. When you are reviewing products sometimes it is a delicate line between the product just not being great OR me just not liking it. I always try to point out the positives if it is a good item but I am just not into it because someone out there likely LOVES it and I don’t want to ruin their fun or discourage others from enjoying it just because it happened to not be my preference. When it comes to performance though, if a product is just lackluster, I am always going to tell you. <3

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Blue

I like that about your reviews and they tend to be my favorites but this one really hit home.

Jean

I had the same reaction. I love the honesty. I was already dubious of avant products but nothing else among the choice products appealed to me so I got the micellar water. Haven’t used it. I got the Violet Voss palette too, but I do love Ciate’s setting powder. The Ciate palette in the January box would not have been good for me (way too many shimmers) so I’m glad I didn’t get it. Megan’s review does make me excited to try the Farmacy, which I also received. It sounds lovely!

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Blue

I haven’t used the Avant yet. I have two bottles of my Garnier Rose micellar water that I need to use first. Everyone is very into Violet Voss but I’m just not sure about them. I’ve got two palettes by Violet Voss and haven’t swatched either of them in case I want to sell them. I am that oddball that is turning 39 this year and still likes shimmers, metallics, and micro glitters on my eyes. I mentioned what I like about Ciate in another reply here but I get that everyone has their preferences.

Charlotte

I feel the way about Ciate. Most of what I’ve tried from them I’ve liked, some of it I’ve loved (the watermelon burst primer and lip oil are both HGs for me), but every once in a while they put out a real dud. I like the shadow singles I’ve tried from them, but I have yet to be impressed with a palette.

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Blue

I have the Ciate Jessica Rabbit palette and love it. The Editor palette has mostly good shades but one or two don’t feel pigmented enough. My favorite is their single metallic eyeshadows in the small glass pots. The pigment is amazing and stays on all day. I have the setting powder and am less fond of it but I don’t use a lot of setting powder. I have the dewy sticks and they work well but leave a sticky feeling that isn’t all that good.

Deanne

I got the Olive You palette and I adore it which is awesome because I have more palettes than I can use so I’m being picky with the ones I keep. The Avant water I’m using nightly and liberally to use it up, I’m telling myself it’s probably good for my skin but I don’t like it at all. I prefer Bioderma or Garnier miceller waters by a looong shot. It was a great box honestly, I got the Fenty setting powder too and I love the packaging.

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Leslie

I am going through this too. Thanks for the tip. Seems obvious but I have never thought of that. I have a small, well built metal electric fan on my work desk that I turn on and hold up to my face. I think combining the two would be awesome!

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Leslie

This was meant to be a reply to the perimenopause comment. Whoops!

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Denise Atkinson

When I tell you I almost killed my husband fighting over the setting on the air conditioner in the summertime I’m not lying he wants to see menopause in full swing well he saw it I said put a blanket on there’s nothing I could do about it LOL I live in the North so right now when I go outside sometimes I have a jacket on sometimes I have a t-shirt on sometimes I go out with a T-shirt and bring my jacket it’s a crapshoot

Denise Atkinson

Glad I could help. Just spaying the coolness on your face really helps. Hang in there. 👍

inkchick

Too much black eyeliner is why I ended up cancelling Boxycharm for good. My god. I got black eyeliner in EVERY BOX.

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Carol

I wonder if anyone actually buys Avant at retail. I’ve only ever seen it in beauty boxes and on discount sites like Nordstrom Rack. I figured it was one of those brands that only exist to be deeply discounted on sites like Rack.

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Megan K.

I have wondered this too! 🤔

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Prettypony

I was trying to swatch that palette and the pan broke. I really did not like this palette at all. I even tried to give it a go, but it looked horrible on me.

I actually lost my makeup bag with all my eyeliners it. I had about 70 eyeliners in it. I go a little crazy on my makeup. Since I have not been able to find it, I am loving all the black eyeliners from the sub boxes!

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Katy

Black eye liner is boring. I do like the design on it though. Makes it a little more interesting. I’ve only used the Avant water once as a first step in double cleansing. And my skin came out so smooth with diminished looking face lines. So I’m liking that. But definitely too pricy.

I must have ordered my box too late in the month because I got a lip gloss and an Elemis primer. I like both so I’m not unhappy about it. And I got the Violet Voss Olive You palette. I wanted the Ciate for the color story. I’m glad to see it reviewed so now I know not to buy it. I’m getting to the point of being tired of palettes that only have a few quality pigments. I want them all to be good.

It was a good box overall. Now I wish they would get some more spoilers for this months box.

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Megan K.

Agree with you totally. I want all the colors to be amazing!! The last time my socks were literally knocked off was from an Alamar palette. Sure, they werent my ideal daily colors, but the formulas were insaneeeee! More like that, beauty world.

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Carol

I love gel moisturizers, but that one is so greasy/shiny on me, which is a shame because I love the scent and texture. I don’t event have oily skin. I think it’s just ‘normal’. I haven’t had luck with Farmacy in general.

Bummer about the palette. It looks so pretty.

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Megan K.

Interesting! I have dry skin so I think mine just soaked it up. Would it be better as a night thing for you, Carol?

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Carol

Yeah, I had a deluxe sample so I used it up at night (I loved the scent). I often have problems with products absorbing in general, so I think this was a me problem.

Snow

$90 for micellar water is almost insulting. A person working minimum wage would have to work an entire day just to afford that bottle!

The moisturizer sounds amazing. I wish Boxycharm and Ipsy would have a skincare only sub box. I would seriously be all over that!

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Megan K.

I am also in!

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Alice

Check out Facetory Lux Plus.P for skin care, and Seenewskincare.

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FetchingMommy

Oh my goodness, yes!! I would absolutely be all for a skincare only box. The same for makeup would be nice as well. I think there should be 3 options; skincare only, makeup only and then a combination of both. I think having those options would make boxes sell like hot cakes 😀

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Leslie

Me too. That would be fabulous. We don’t need Ipsy X and Ipsy Refreshments or Boxy Charm Plus. I think a skincare centric box would be very popular.

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Boxy Fox

Is the micellar water you like made from french spring water? I’m addicted to my silly spray can of water!

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Megan K.

Yes! I LOVE that stuff. It smells good, works great, and isn’t $90. 😂

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Denise Atkinson

Let me tell you something about those cans of spring water that you spray on your face. I know you’re probably much too young to have this but when I started going through menopause perimenopause and I’m in menopause now someone suggested when I said I had hot flashes at night time to keep one of those little cans next to my bed and mist it on my face when I had a hot flash and let me tell you something, I would pay $99 for that helping me through menopause then I ever would for anything else !! so believe me there’s nothing silly about it LOL you do you 👍

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Megan K.

1000% Denise. I don’t need it for the same reasons quite yet, but I am addicted to spray water. Avene makes a great one but my fave spray is by Caudalie. Its a dream!

Leslie

I am going through this too. Thanks for the tip. Seems obvious but I have never thought of that. I have a small, well built metal electric fan on my work desk that I turn on and hold up to my face. I think combining the two would be awesome!