Have you been following along with our monthly round-up of favorite items from the past month's subscription boxes? After a bit of a hiatus, monthly favorites have recently returned, and this month we're revamping how they look. Rather than splitting our faves up into four categories published as separate posts, they're all going to be celebrated in one spot. (Right here!) So, you'll see beauty, fashion, kids, food, and more subscription box picks all in this one post.
One more thing! Thanks to suggestions from you, our community (special shoutout to Carol!), we're rounding up our favorite subscription box finds that have stood the test of time. Scroll down past our January favorites to see this month's Forever Favorites picks, AKA items we've received from past boxes that we're still loving.
January 2022 Favorites
Naomi's Picks
The Item: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Dream Body Cream
The Cost: $28
From: Birchbox
Why I love it: I love Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow line in general but this Pink Dream Body Cream… OMG. It has such a smooth, almost whipped texture to it, and don’t even get me started on the delicious watermelon scent. The cream is not greasy, which I very much appreciate, and absorbs quickly into my skin, leaving behind a silky smooth feeling that is not at all irritating to my sensitive skin. I am obsessed with keeping my skin moisturized and buoyant, and this body cream perfectly does the trick while smelling absolutely divine.
Read our full January Birchbox review.
The Item: invisiBOBBLE Bunstar Ice Ice Lady
The Cost: $9
From: GlossyBox
Why I love it: This is such an amazing and innovative product! My thick, curly hair is pulled back into a bun 80% of the time, and securing my hair tightly with a hair elastic causes breakage and sometimes headaches. I was shocked by how well this product worked. Even with all my hair, it securely holds my bun in place without the mind-numbing tightness of a hair tie. It easily slips in and out without pulling or damaging my hair. This is one of my most favorite products of all time!
Read our full January GlossyBox review and more reviews by Naomi!
Taryn's Picks
The Item: JustFab Edde Lace-Up Bootie in Black
The Cost: $89.95
From: JustFab
ACTIVE DEAL: Get your first pair of shoes for $10! No coupon needed - just use this link.
Why I love it: I was on the hunt for a little bit of an edgier black combat-style boot with a heel so I knew these were going to be perfect. I loved them the moment I tried them on, and they are turning into my favorite boot. They are so chic and comfortable, I can pair them with jeans or a dress and tights all while chasing after my kids in ease. These were my first boots from JustFab and I was beyond impressed with the quality and style!
Read our full January JustFab review.
The Item: Be A 10 Be Separate Mascara
The Cost: $26
From: NewBeauty TestTube
Why I love it: I am a creature of habit and have been using the same mascara since high school so I rarely get too excited about a new mascara. I tried this and have used it every day since, I love it so much! This is a 2 in 1 applicator so you can separate and add volume to your top lashes while delicately applying to your bottom lashes. This mascara is made with beeswax, carnauba wax, and rice bran wax to give your lashes intense length and a little curl. I love that this formula doesn't flake throughout the day so your coverage will last you all day, yet it comes off really well without making a big mess. I had to break up with my old mascara because this is now my everyday favorite!
Read our full January NewBeauty TestTube review.
The Item: Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
The Cost: $64
From: Macy’s Beauty Box
Why I love it: This is a deep cleansing balm that is formulated without parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, silicone, petroleum & phthalates. It works to dissolve makeup, daily dirt, and other pollutants without stripping and drying your skin. Honestly, I don't think I ever want to not have this product in my skincare routine, it works so well! It removes makeup and buildup which allows my face wash to not have to work as hard, and then my skin is left feeling clean without being dry like you get with other makeup removers. I am still floored that this came in my January box!
Read our full January Macy's Beauty Box review and more reviews by Taryn.
Sanna's Picks
The Item: AYUNA Limited Edition Terra Viva Vivifying Skin-D Nectar, 3.4oz.
The Cost: $455
From: Beauty Heroes
ACTIVE DEAL: Get 10% off any subscription!
CODE: MSABH10
Why I love it: When I saw that this $455 cream was available for $45.95 (monthly subscription price on the 3-month plan), I just had to get it! This is a limited edition moisturizer that comes in a special, hand-crafted biodegradable container. At first, I was skeptical about the container and assumed that the crazy high price was because of this "vessel". But this brand's moisturizers usually cost $210 for 50ml, so this 100ml version only has a $35 markup. The container is actually really nice to look at and to hold but I'm really loving the moisturizer itself from the smell, which is smoky and divine, the color, a light peach, and the consistency, medium with a kinda tackiness in the jar but rubs in really easily. The whole experience of putting this cream on is so enjoyable and my skin feels great. I could never afford the retail price of this cream, so I'm glad I'm able to try it for such a steal.
Sanna subscribes to Beauty Heroes on her own, but read our full January Beauty Heroes review by Megan.
The Item: DANESSA MYRICKS BEAUTY Vision Flush in 'Bread-N-Butter', 6 mL
The Cost: $20
From: IPSY Glam Bag Plus
Why I love it: I love the idea of multi-use products because I like to keep things minimal but I find that most multi-use products don't really work for everything they claim. This was not the case with this product for cheeks, lips, AND eyes. While it's not a typical color I would use for my eyes, I'm finding that this + a bit of shimmer in the inner colors is a really pretty and easy eye look. Then I can use the same product for my cheeks and it's perfect as a lip color as well. This is definitely something I'd love to take with me on vacation since it really works as an all-in-one.
Sanna subscribes to IPSY on her own, but read our full January IPSY Glam Bag Plus review by Megan and more reviews by Sanna.
Nicole's Picks
The Item: Alondra Faux Fur Checkerboard Coat by Eloquii
The Cost: Listed Value $184.95, On Sale for $110.97
From: Dia & Co
Why I love it: I am one never to shy from bold prints, glitz, and faux fur. This coat has two of the three going for it! I love this resurgence of the checkerboard print trend– I am scooping it up while I can! This coat was what teenage Nicole would have only dreamt of wearing back in the late 90s/early 00s. This piece is funky, yet classy and chic. You can wear it with your favorite vintage t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers or a crop top, faux leather leggings, and heels. It will bring a touch of sass and glamour to any ensemble– and keep you toasty warm too!
Read our full January Dia & Co review.
The Item: Grace Jumpsuit by Skies Are Blue
The Cost: $78
From: Stitch Fix
Why I love it: This jumpsuit is everything. It is incredibly comfortable to wear, the cotton material is incredibly soft and stretchy. I love the subtle zebra print too because you can tone it down or amp it up depending on how you accessorize. Plus, this is a piece I could easily wear all year long making it an immensely versatile and valuable addition to my wardrobe!
Read our full January Stitch Fix review & more reviews by Nicole.
Jessica's Picks
Image via Blue Apron.
The Item: Ground Pork Ragu & Lumaca Rigata Pasta
The Cost: starts at $39.96 +$9.99 shipping
From: Blue Apron
Why I love it: You know how sometimes hamburger helper tastes decadent, even though we’re adults with sophisticated palates? I loved this pasta from Blue Apron, but I couldn’t figure out why I loved it so much beyond the fact that it tasted good until I realized it hit on a nostalgia factor for me- this is like Hamburger Helper, elevated thanks to the shishito peppers and currants. Prior to subscribing to Blue apron I never cooked with shishito peppers or added raisins to my food, but now whenever I see that as a menu option I get excited because I know my taste buds are about to go to flavor town.
Jessica subscribes to Blue Apron on her own, but check out our Blue Apron details for more info about this meal kit subscription.
The Item: ROSE INC Lip Sculpt Amplifying Lipstick in Beams
The Cost: $26
From: Sephora Favorites Plump and Hydrate Lip Kit
Why I love it: I have more lip products than I care to count, but I still have fun trying new ones. This lip crayon from Rose Inc is a fun lipstick- it’s a matte formula that isn’t too drying, and the crayon makes it really easy to line my lips and then fill them in. The mauve color is a really good fit for my skin tone, and the value of this lipstick was just a few dollars less than the value of the entire lip set!
Read our full Sephora Favorites Plump and Hydrate Lip Kit review.
The Item: Pacifica Lavender Moon Body Lotion
The Cost: $10
From: Cult Beauty More Beauty Sleep Edit
Why I love it: I love this body lotion for a few reasons. The first is the price- it doesn’t do me much good when I love a product if I can’t afford to re-purchase it when it runs out. This body lotion is super affordable and super accessible- you can find it at Target and Ulta. Plus, the aromatherapy smell of this body lotion is top-notch. It smells expensive, and like it comes from an apothecary that formulates small-batch products specifically designed to help you relax before bed. This body lotion is lightweight, so even if I am not applying it all over my body I like to use it as a hand cream before bed and hold it close to my face so I can breathe deep and inhale zen for a few moments.
Read our full Cult Beauty More Beauty Sleep Edit review and more reviews by Jessica!
Becca's Picks
The Item: SketchBox Signature Watercolor Powders
The Cost: $19.96
From: SketchBox
ACTIVE DEAL: Save $5 off your first box!
CODE: SKETCH5
Why I love it: I love watercolor but have very limited knowledge when it comes to watercolor in powdered form. This set of brilliant colors gave me the opportunity to try new techniques and discover a fondness for abstract art created by the bloom effect when added to water. Magnificent and fun, it was one of my favorite boxes to date!
Read our full January SketchBox review.
The Item: 24-7 Flare Kick Pant
The Cost: $69.95
From: Fabletics
Why I love it: Throughout the work week, I am obligated to dress in a somewhat professional manner, giving way to a small collection of black slacks. This particular pair happens to look polished, but actually feels like I am wearing yoga pants! The side zipper, high-waist, back pocket, and stretchy fabric have created a combo that I cannot resist. I’ll take them in every color, please!
Read our full January Fabletics review.
The Item: Cocoa Glazed Gingerbread Sticks
The Cost: $5.10 for a pack of three
From: Universal Yums
Why I love it: I am a sucker for sweets, but tend to stay away from anything containing ginger and molasses because I just don’t love it. That has completely changed after discovering these cocoa glazed gingerbread sticks. Not only are they sweet and slightly bitter, but the cocoa glaze is the perfect sidekick, creating a fantastically crunchy coffee stirrer/dessert combo that I have now become addicted to.
Read our full January Universal Yums review and more reviews by Becca!
Brandi's Picks
The Item: Lip Care Trio by CLE Cosmetics
The Cost: $48
From: Aesthete by Cloth & Paper
Why I love it: This little lip care trio is so unique! The packaging is so clever and innovative and I love that it has the peel, oil, and gloss all in one. I have been loving the way it makes my lips feel. It has been such a perfect treat for my dry, winter lips! It definitely feels like a luxury item, too which is what makes it even more fun to receive in a box!
Read our full January Aesthete by Cloth & Paper review.
The Item: Kanoodle Jr. by Educational Insights
The Cost: $16.97
From: Sensory Theraplay
Why I love it: This game has kept my three-year-old (and occasionally my older children) entertained for several hours now. It’s such a fun little game that is just the right amount of challenge for the kiddos and I love that it all comes in a convenient little package that is easy to throw in my purse for on-the-go entertainment. We really love all of the Kanoodle games we have tried and I’m so happy that now we’ve received one that even my younger son can enjoy!
Read our full January Sensory Theraplay review.
The Item: FabKids 3D Ombre Dino Shirt
The Cost: Retail Value $36, VIP Cost $29.95
From: FabKids
Why I love it: This sweatshirt is just so fun and cute! I love the dinosaur details on the hood, which my son is also ecstatic about, but what I love most are the colors! They are so vibrant and eye-catching, and certainly unique. It’s cozy, it’s cute, and it’s fun. Not much more I could ask for from a kid’s sweatshirt!
Read our full January FabKids review and more reviews by Brandi!
Christen's Pick
The Item: It Was Supposed to Be Sunny by Samantha Cotterill
The Cost:$17.99 (found here for $12.59)
From: Little Feminist Book Club
Why I love it: This story is such a beautiful example of overcoming disappointment. The child in this story is autistic, but the gentle guidance her mom gives her, the tools she uses to calm herself through shifts in expectations, and the patience her friends have with her are all such awesome behavior to have modeled for young, developing minds.
Read our full January Little Feminist Book Club Ages 2-4 review and more reviews by Christen!
This Month's Forever Favorites
Naomi's Forever Pick
The Item: Cloudz Microbead Travel Neck Pillow in Blue
The Cost: $14.99
From: Bombay & Cedar Lifestyle Box, September 2021
How it impressed me: I love that this neck pillow has a cooling spandex texture on one side and a soft, plush velour-like texture on the other. It is also stuffed with microbeads, which I find to be much more comfortable than other stuffings. I use this pillow almost every single night when I'm sitting up, watching TV in bed. Before this product, I would end up with a stiff neck, but after adding this little pillow to my routine, I have leveled up my comfort and ‘house troll’ game.
Read our full September 2021 Bombay & Cedar review and more reviews by Naomi.
Nicole's Forever Picks
The Item: The Gemma Jogger in Basil
The Cost: $69.95
From: Fabletics, September 2021
How it’s impressed me: These pants are so comfortable, but look so sharp! I wear them around the house and for errands rather often. The color is so unique– I just love this shade of green. I actually recently wore it out with the Dominique sweater featured in my most recent Dia & Co review for a killer monochromatic ensemble. It also looks great paired with bold print mock turtleneck tops!
Read our full September 2021 Fabletics review and more reviews by Nicole.
Christen's Forever Picks
The Item: Koi Oven Mitt & Pot Holder Set
The Cost: $40, box exclusive
From: JourneeBox, Fall 2021
How it’s impressed me: If it’s the little things that get us through the day (and, honestly, it is), then the unexpected blue koi print on this oven mitt and pot holder are contributing to my mental health maintenance this winter. There has been so much time spent within the walls of my home that I am needing little reasons to smile, and I truly do every time I pull these two out.
Read our full Fall 2021 JourneeBox review.
The Item: Corkcicle Nona Roll-Top Lunchbox
The Cost: $39.95
From: BREO Box, Spring 2021
How it’s impressed me: This lunchbox has been used every single day by my husband. If you read my initial review, you may recall that he had thought of it as a good carrying case for the glue smorgasbord he uses for his work, and, well, that’s exactly what he did. On freezing cold nights rather than hauling his entire heavy tool kit indoors, he can just grab his glue bag. And bonus that it looks really nice hanging on its hook until it gets taken back to work the next day.
Read our full Spring 2021 BREO Box review and more reviews by Christen.
What do you think of our favorites from January subscription boxes and beyond? And what were your favorite discoveries this month?
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