BoxyCharm is a $25 monthly beauty and makeup subscription box. They always provide a great value compared to the cost of the box and include 5-6 beauty items that include nail care, skincare, makeup, haircare, fragrance, and more. (At least 4 of those items will be full-sized). If you are a makeup addict – we recommend this box!
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
First Impressions
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Boxycharm always arrives with a cute card detailing all of the products inside and listed retail values.
Now, on to the items!
REALHER Dreams So Big Eyeshadow Palette - Retail Value $28
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This palette had good enough performance, but I think it might have been so neutral that I am finding it, well, a little boring. Sure, I like soft nudes and browns for everyday wear, but the truth is that I have plenty and I appreciate a palette arriving with something a little unexpected, like a fun green or pink. I do think this was quite a nice addition to the box, it just lacked a wow-factor for me.
Top to bottom: Dream, Envision, Desire, Imagine, Ambition, Encourage, Inspire, Aspiration, and Empower.
MUDMASKY Mineral-Infused Double Cleansing Mask, 75 mL - Retail Value $59
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This mask has such a weird (yet enjoyable) texture! It is kind of like pudding and jello textures mixed together. This brand always seems to have interesting ingredients and this mask is no exception. It contains six different ferments that the brand says help cleanse the skin without upsetting sensitive faces. It also has hyaluronic acid, lava clay, and antioxidant-rich, soothing cucumber. Although this is called a mask, I guess it is meant to be more of a cleanser from the instructions. They suggest applying a generous amount to the face, giving yourself a gentle facial massage, taking time to brush your teeth, or whatever else you need to do, then rinsing it off. Which seems more like just leaving a cleanser on your face. I honestly didn't notice too much of a difference here, though my face was clean and calm after a rinse. I think this is something I will leave on longer next time.
tarte Glowtion Skin Perfector Primer, 40 mL – Retail Value $32
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I received this in my recent September Boxycharm Premium so I am a little less than enthused to see it again even though I did like it. Here are my thoughts:
This is going to be a product that subscribers either love or hate and I think that depends on how you feel about a super dewy finish on your face. Me? I am into it. I am also dry and I like adding a sheen that makes my skin look less matte. The texture feels like a gel and the result is hydrated skin (thanks to squalane and glycerin), less redness (niacinamide), and a radiant champagne shimmer (mica). I wore this under my BB cream and loved the look, though it solo on my face is a bit too much "dew".
Araceli Bella Sponge Two-Pack - Retail Value $24
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I actually find myself using makeup sponges for nail ombre more these days than makeup, but either way, these little things are useful! These feel exactly like you would expect a makeup sponge to feel, dense, soft, easy to rinse and reuse. I appreciate the creative color choices here!
Mellow Cosmetics Gel Lip Pencil in 'Aria'- Retail Value $15
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So this lip liner arrived with the tip completely broken off (and also missing???) which is never smile-inducing. Once I got it sharpened enough to use, I discovered that the color was a bricky-peach-terracotta that was warm, but still very pretty. I imagine I would use this under a sheer balm for a natural look that enhances my lips, though it would also be lovely over the entire lip. The texture was smooth though not what I would call buttery (it's been very cold here) and the coverage was good. The whole look had more of a matte finish even though this is described as a gel.
Verdict
This month's BoxyCharm delivered a value here of $158 and even with a decent value, this was a bit of a snoozefest, in my opinion. I think at the end of the year I am looking for a final WOW of 2021 and my mind is on holiday and party looks, not shades I could wear to the office. There wasn't a real standout item for me this month either, sadly. That being said, a lot of these items would make great little gifts for friends and I know my mom will likely love a more demure shadow palette!
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Value – Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $27.99
Value Breakdown:
Here is what you are paying approximately per item:
- Eyeshadow Palette $4.96
- Cleansing Mask $10.45
- Primer $5.67
- Makeup Sponges $4.25
- Lip Liner $2.66
Alternatively, each of these 5 items had an average cost of $5.60 each.
Other Things You Should Know
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, your first box will be the January box!
What do you think of the December 2021 BoxyCharm Box? Which variants are you getting?
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