Since this blog's inception, I've been a huge lover of subscription boxes. From Birchbox to Ipsy to NatureBox, I've loved and tried a lot of the boxes on the market.

My favorite, by far, has always and probably will always be the PopSugar Must Have box. It costs $39.99 a month but comes with at least $100 worth of product inside... and it's all full size and lifestyle products, so you get a mixture of everything.

*I've reviewed so many Must Have boxes over the years.. check out some past reviews!



PopSugar Must Have is celebrating their 5th birthday with a stellar, spectular August box. They were kind enough (like they always are) to send me the box and ugh, I was pleasantly surprised when I opened it.




First up is a mask I've been wanting to try since it came out but never pulled the trigger; the First Aid Beauty Bouncy Mask. This is an all in one mask that will just make your skin look and feel better and I can't wait to try it out.

Next up was my 2nd favorite thing in here... a gorgeous blush colored, leather bound notebook from Fringe Studio. The last thing I need is a new notebook but it's just so pretty!

In the past year since I started loving interior design, I've wanted a breakfast tray or similar item so when I saw this 'Cheers' lacquered tray from Pasatel, I nearly keeled over. My mom already stole it from me and put it on the living room coffee table.



Some other fun items inside the box were a Shoptiques $25 gift card, some gorgeous long stemmed gold glitter candles from Meri Meri (which I will be using for my 25th birthday), Goodie Girl Chocolate Chunk Gluten Free Cookies (which I ate as soon as I opened the box) and an adorable Dogeared Friendship Bracelet.



This was a really great box, one of the best I've seen in a while and I'm happy that I was able to receive it and show it off to you all!

Must Have is really the only subscription box I think is worht it nowadays; the market is saturated with boxes but this has clearly stood the test of time and keeps getting better and better!

If you want to try out Must Have on your own, use the code PARTY for $10 off your first box -- trust me, you won't regret it!

xoxo
B

For me, it was the year of POPSUGAR Must Have and I'm so happy to have received this box again. Thank you to POPSUGAR for always partnering with me -- one of the reasons that I love this company so much.

This box was sent to me by POPSUGAR in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own

Another month, another Must Have Box. I'm adoring all of these boxes; it's really a fun treat filled with items you wouldn't buy for yourself. Especially with the holidays coming up, it's something fun to look forward to while you're buying presents for everyone else... but it's also great because the boxes are themed and are filled with items you can use for the holidays.



That's why I was really looking forward to the November box; I knew that there would be a few things I could use for Thanksgiving dinner.

And I was right!

The November box was filled with great holiday items to be used all season, but also a few goodies for yourself.

While I was excited to receive the home items (I always am), I was very, very excited to get a rose gold Kendra Scott bracelet. It's very dainty and beautiful, just like all Kendra Scott jewelry. It's the perfect accent to any arm party, and gorgeous for all year round.



We also received a Stowaway Cosmetics eyeshadow palette, which is so tiny it fits in the palm of my hand. It has gorgeous colors; everything from mattes & shimmers, neutrals to jewel tones. It's a perfect travel palette, which is the point of Stowaway Cosmetics. Everything they sell is mini, because when do you ever use an entire palette or lipstick, but also great for travel and on the go beauty.

Next, were home decor items! There was a Pehr Chambray Runner in a wine color, and I think I was really excited for this. It's neutral enough that you can use it all year round, and it most likely goes with your decor. I also think a runner is something not a lot of people have (or maybe it's just me), but I think it was a really good idea to put in the box.


There was also a Nest Wire Bowl from AJ Goods, which is perfect for chips, bread, or just to put some decorative items in, to create the perfect centerpiece. I think that's what I'm going to be using it for on Thanksgiving.

Two little extras were the food item & a bit of a dessert accessory; Meri Meri Star Party Picks; these have more of a Christmas feel so I might save them for next month. They're such cute little picks for appetizers or desserts, and a great addition to the box.

Finally, the food item: Oogie's Snacks: Gourmet Toffee Butter Popcorn; I didn't get to taste this because my mom ate the entire thing, but it smelled good & looked good. Clearly it was a big hit with her so it was probably delicious!

There you have it; another month, another box!

If you're in a pinch and don't know what to get someone for Christmas, I think a subscription to the POPSUGAR Must Have Box is a good idea. It's a few gifts rolled into one, and I think everyone would like it, because it has something for everyone. If you're thinking of that, use the code SHOP5 for $5 off the box!

Enjoy :)

I've been really enjoying the POPSUGAR Must Have Boxes, if you couldn't tell. I mean, I've been talking about them for months now. POPSUGAR has been nice enough to send me them in exchange for review on the blog, and I've been more than grateful.

It's really nice to get this little box of goodness, that has a theme and great full size products, every month. I've been a subscription box lover for years now and it's so cool to get a present to yourself, from yourself, every month.

The boxes are filled with full size products, everything from food to beauty to lifestyle and fashion. They're things that you wouldn't normally buy yourself, but are always good to have. Some are really useful, some are just fun, and some are pointless but either way, the value of the boxes compared to the price is 100% worth it.

That's why, when I saw the first sneak peek of the October Must Have, a Henri Bendel umbrella, I immediately subscribed for the October Box. I needed this umbrella. I always buy cheap umbrellas that break as soon as it starts raining, but also I've been obsessed with Henri Bendel lately (more on that later), so everything else is just an added bonus.

I obsessively checked for spoilers of the October box because I can't stand not knowing what I'm getting so when I finally did see spoilers, I was super excited.

The October Box is a good one!

Henri Bendel Umbrella
Morning Culture Mug
The Makeup Eraser Mini  
Revlon Eyeliner
Lisa Sugar's new book "Power Your Happy"
Lalicious Brown Sugar Vanilla Shower Oil and Bubble Bath
My Cup of Cocoa Dark Drinking Chocolate

I think I was most excited for.... well everything. Obviously the umbrella but everything else goes perfectly with the theme: cozy, ready for fall, and sweet. I've already used the mug (using it for my morning coffee as I write this), and I bet the hot chocolate tastes so sweet & great for a cool, fall night.



The shower oil smells like a vanilla candle but doesn't leave too harsh of a scent behind, and even though the Makeup Eraser is a mini (I have the large one), this is great for travel.

The total value of the box is $119, but that doesn't include the eyeliner & book, because those were thrown in as "extras". With those two items, the value kicks up to $153. How awesome is that?

This box was well worth $39.99 and I already can't wait for the November box! If you want to try it, take $5 off your first box with code MUSTHAVE5.

Now onto the better stuff... if you read the title you saw that there is a giveaway going on in this post. I went to a POPSUGAR book release party last month for Lisa Sugar's Power Your Happy, so I already have the book. I knew when I subscribed to this box that I was going to get a 2nd copy, and instead of having it collect dust on my shelf, I thought I'd give it away to one of my readers!

I'm in the middle of the book and it's really great. It's well written, there are great illustrations throughout the book, and it's just the perfect "self help/guidance" book that I know a lot of you enjoy.

Enter to win below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Popsugar sent me this box to try and review, but all opinions are my own

I mentioned in yesterday's post that you'd see some POPSUGAR love on the blog, and you're going to get just that.

I was lucky enough to receive the September Must Have box, and I think it was one of my favorites in a while... that is until next month because I finally subscribed to the box. It was this spoiler that put me over the edge, so I can't wait to get my hands on it.

I've said before and I'll say it again, I think, nowadays, in a market that is so flooded with subscription boxes, this is the one that is worth it. It's $40 a month, but you get lots more than $40 in value. There is a mixture of fashion, lifestyle, beauty, food, and everything in between. There's something for everyone, and I think it's a must have (see what I did there?) for everyone to try, at least once!

Use the code Shop5 for $5 off your first box, and you can subscribe here.

The theme of September is: glamorous, eye-catching, indulgent, bold, timeless, and sartorial.

Let's get into what I received:

• Jack & Lucy BiCoastal Wide Brim Hat: This is probably my favorite item in the box. I never wear hats, I never know where to wear them, but I'm so happy about this one. It's not too big, it's black, and it fits snugly on my head. It's the perfect addition to any fall wardrobe, and I think it would be great to wear for brunch (which I'm planning on in the next few weeks). It makes any outfit look more put together. Such a great addition to the box!

• NCLA Mani-ER Tool Kit: NCLA is a brand popular in subscription boxes, and while I love nail polish, I was excited to see something different but still nail related in the box. When don't you need more nail kits around? I'm always needing more clippers, cuticle sticks, etc, and the fact that it comes in this little red pouch is even better! 

• Briogeo Don't Despair Repair Conditioning Mask: I've had sample sizes of this so I'm so happy to have a full size! This tub is HUGE, and will last me a very long time, especially since I've have a few other hair masks in my stash that I have to go through. This is lightweight, doesn't leave any residue behind in my hair, and makes styling my hair a little easier. If you're in the market for a new hair mask, try this one.

• Flint Lint Roller: A portable lint roller? I never knew I needed something so much! This little guy is so handy, compact, and is platinum, so it's super cute. These are the kind of lifestyle items you may not think of buying yourself but are so handy, once you receive them in a subscription box, you can't imagine life without them. 

• Smith & Cult Lip Lacquer: UGH, Smith & Cult, I love you! I already have one Lip Lacquer from them, and it's a great lipgloss formula, so I was happy to receive this bright red shade called "The Warning". It's perfect over a red lipstick, or worn alone, and will compliment any fall makeup look. This is a great beauty product to receive in a subscription box.
• Gluten Free Bites: These dark chocolate coconut bites were not my favorite. I don't enjoy coconut flavored things, and didn't even try them. My sister & mom tried one, and they both love healthy, coconut snacks and they weren't even a fan. These will probably sit in my cabinet for a few weeks until we throw them out #whoops!

POPSUGAR sent me this Must Have box to try but all opinions are my own!

I love reviewing subscription boxes because even though the market is flooded with them, they're still exciting to receive and see what is stuffed inside.

POPSUGAR, like I've mentioned in the past, is one of my favorite subscription boxes. For $40 a month you can receive this lovely little box, and it's filled with all full sized products in a variety of categories, and the value is always so much more than the $40 you pay.

I was so excited to receive another box courtesy of POPSUGAR and review it for you!

I received the July box and it was filled with all kinds of summer fun. Sunny.Retro.Fun.Vintage.Playful.Cheeky.Warm is what it says on the card which is definitely the vibe I get from the box.




The beauty products I received were the Sachajuan Hair in the Sun and European Wax Center Oh My Brow Highlighter. I love the idea of Hair in The Sun, a treatment that protects your hair from the UV rays and helps keep it healthy post sun. The brow highlighter is also gorgeous, definitely a step up from any other highlight I've seen.

Those were probably my favorite items but this next item is a close third. House of Pom Emoji Cocktail Napkins are so cute and such good quality! I don't host that many cocktail parties so I figured I'd keep these in my room and use them as coasters. Improvise, people!




I won't get that much use out of the Sunnylife Inflatable Swan Drink Holder because I don't have a pool, but if you do, it's such a cute summer idea!

I already tied the Michael Stars Porcelain Skinny Scarf along with the Pintrill Pineapple Pin on my Tory Burch Perry Tote, as an added decor item.

Some fun extras in the box were Joe Chips Sea Salt Potato Chips *which were delicious* and a $20 gift card to Trove, which has gorgeous, dainty jewelry.

This was such a fun box and honestly, there is hardly anything in these boxes that I don't find a use for.

If you're in the market for a subscription box, in my opinion, the only one to go for is POPSUGAR Must Have. PLUS, you can use code SHOP5 for $5 off your FIRST BOX!

Happy subscribing everyone!

This product was sent to me in exchange for a review but all opinions are my own.

I've been out of the subscription game for a while; I stopped my Birchbox subscription a while ago, I don't receive any food boxes anymore. I am receiving the Sephora Play box (post coming soon) but I'm unsure if it's worth it.

As much as I love getting a present delivered to my door every month, I just don't have the budget and sometimes getting too much every month makes me feel overwhelmed.

Also, everyone has a subscription box now and the market is very saturated -- how can you possibly just choose one to receive?

The ONE box that I do love and recommend if you're in the market for a new subscription service is PopSugar Must Have. I just think the value always beats everyone else & the price is a medium mix: $39.99 per month and usually the box is valued at AT LEAST $100, if not more.

I've partnered with PopSugar in the past & they've sent me boxes for review, and we're back at it again. I was so excited to receive the June box, I always feel like the summer boxes are exciting at PopSugar.

Side note: If $39.99 a month is too much for you, PopSugar just recently released their mini subscription box for around $18 a month. You get 2 items and the box is valued at around $50. I subscribed to this the first month it was offered and I received a candle & a Farmacy Lip Bloom. I was pretty happy with it but quickly canceled because it's just not in my budget. Once I get on track, I probably will subscribe to that because I like the idea of a cheaper box but still a good value.

I was really happy with what was in the June box; it's a mixture of food, lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and it's honestly just a box of fun.

The theme of this month's box (every PopSugar Must Have is centered around a theme and all the items are related ) was "sunshine, cheers, joy, togetherness, outdoors, and festivities" so the start of summer, outdoor fun, and entertaining.




I have to say, everything really does scream summer & entertaining and I really like it.

First up, a Neutral Diamonds-Printed Sarong that is super cute, good quality and versatile. It can be used over a bathing suit, as a shall, on your head-- I may not get too much use out of this but I know my mom definitely will.




Some beauty products that I received was a NCLA nail polish in "Born on the Fourth" which is a red, white, and blue glitter polish. I haven't tried it out yet but I sure will once July 1st comes. Also, NCLA is a great, expensive high quality nail polish brand so my expectations are high.





I received Pacifica Under Arm Deodorant Wipes and these are very intriguing. I have never tried a Pacifica product but I have been wanting to for a while. I think the idea of this product is really interesting and it's ideal for the beach or the gym so I will definitely be trying these out and possible reporting back.

A lifestyle/beauty item was a Knock Knock "Are You Ready For Your Close Up" Compact. I have a few compact mirrors but I really like this one because it's one that you open & close, and it also has a magnifying mirror in addition to a regular one. This is my new go-to.



As for the entertaining items, a bottle opener that says "Cheers" and a "Wild & Wolf" Who Am I? Quiz, which my family & I played at yesterday's Father's Day BBQ.



And FINALLY, the food item in this month's box was a bag of 'Pressels', a lower calorie pretzel, in the Sriracha flavor. I haven't eaten them yet but I'm sure they're good -- I hardly ever do not like the snacks that come in subscription boxes.

And there you have it, everyone. The June 2016 PopSugar Must-Have Box. If you have the extra money and like a subscription box that isn't in one specific niche, this is the one you need. I promise, you will not be disappointed.

What is your favorite subscription box?
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I've been thinking a lot about Birchbox and maybe I don't need these monthly boxes filled with beauty products. I have enough products to last 3 lifetimes. It's beginning to get a tad bit overwhelming and I think about canceling my subscription more than once a month.

But then, I watch the Sample Choice videos, see the previews, the pretty box, and I'm so happy to spend my $10 a month on this baby. It doesn't get much better than Birchbox -- the points system is treating me pretty well these days, and the Customer Appreciation Day was such a deal breaker -- in a good way.

Every time I get my box, the overwhelming feeling gets wiped away. It's just too perfect!

(Side note: maybe I'll do a make-up declutter before the holidays and see what I have/use/don't use -- that's a good idea for the soul and for a good blog post)

Well, the September box was a special one because it was their 5 year anniversary box, meaning it was filled with some extra special goodies. I think this is the most samples I've ever received in a box and I was really happy with all of them.

All Birchbox subscribers also got 20% off to the Birchbox Shop included in their subscriptions so that is a nice little bonus. 20% off does a girl good in the shop.

Also -- Birchbox is doing a great deal this month! If you sign up for your first subscription, you get it for $5! That's 50% off a regular monthly subscription. Get a nice little box of samples for $5? That sounds perfect! Sign up here!





I haven't used any of the products that I received yet, but I am impressed with the quality of them all. I think I was a little scared of the eyeshadow palette thinking it would be cheap, but I should've known -- Birchbox never steers me wrong!

//Malin + Goetz Grapefruit Face Cleanser: I've heard a lot of thing about Malin + Goetz in subscription services but have never tried anything from them. Well, that's still true because I haven't tried this yet :( It says that it clears breakouts & balances out your skin's pH so it should be good! I love getting cleansers in subscription boxes because they're great to travel with but I also really like trying new ones out! As a bonus item, I got the Malin + Goetz vitamin e moisturizer (which I also haven't tried yet)

Sample size: 3/5
Full size: $26

//Davines LOVE Smoothing Shampoo: I haven't tried this either (like I said, I haven't tried anything) but this I especially haven't tried this because I still have a bit of keratin treatment in my hair so I didn't want to use any shampoos that aren't sulfate free. This is an amazing sample size and I am excited to try it out, since it says it smoothes out frizz & tangle proned hair. I also got a bonus with this, the Davines LOVE conditioner!

Sample size: 5/5
Full size: $35

//NERD Skincare Super Hydrating Mask: I always appreciate a good sheet mask to add to my ever growing collection. This isn't so different. I've never heard of NERD Skincare but it seems fancy since a set of 3 masks are $27!! This mask is supposed to give you a more youthful, smoother complexion so I may save this for a really tired skin day.

Sample size: 5/5
Full size: 3 for $27

//Pop Beauty POP Portfolio Eyeshadow in Sugar Plum: I never received a POP Eyeshadow and I think I was always very scared that I would get one. I thought the packaging looked cheap and that the product would be no different. Well, I was terribly wrong. The packaging may look a little cheap but it doesn't feel it-- and the eyeshadows are pigmented, smooth, and rather large. I'm really happy I got this little trio and I hope I get more!

Sample size: 4/5
Full size: $24

//Rituals Happy Buddha Foaming Shower Gel: A foaming shower gel? That sounded interesting to me yet I haven't tried it out yet! It's supposed to be very moisturizing and soothing which I hope is true because my skin is already getting dry.

Sample size: 4/5
Full size: $25

I am definitely a little late in posting this (I think I got my Birchbox a little late) and in actually reviewing the products but life has just been getting the best of me lately! #sobusy

All in all, I was relatively happy with this Birchbox and I can't wait to see what October (OMG) has in store :)

What did everyone else get in their Birchbox this month?

It's that time of the month again!

This month for Birchbox, I didn't choose the curated box nor did I pick any sample products. It was a total surprise and I'm always super anxious to see what I get when I know everything is a complete surprise. All of the sample choices were hair products and I had a feeling I'd be receiving one of them anyways, whether I chose it or not.

I was in fact, right, and I was so happy that I got what I did.


Most of my box was skincare and one makeup product. I didn't mind this because I've been kind of obsessed with skincare lately.





Here's what I got in my March Birchbox!

//Elite Therapeutics Rosemary Eucalyptus Body Creme: I love a good lotion and this was a pretty nice sized sample. It has an odd smell, very herbal, but after one or two uses you barely notice it. I've been keeping this in my desk drawer and it's very hydarting, nourishing but not greasy in the slightest. This is a definite plus for me!

Full size: $19
Sample Size: 4/5

//It's a 10 Miracle Leave in Product: This is what I was most excited about! This was the sample I would've chosen if it wasn't sold out when I went to go choose. I've used this product before and it's incredible. I've been looking for a great leave in conditioner that won't weigh my hair down and honestly, this is it. It smells fantastic, leaves your hair shiny and soft, and I'm basically obsessed.

Full size: $18
Sample Size: 5/5





//Jelly Pong Pong Glow Getter Highlighter: I'm all about highlighters and I'm always willingly to try out new ones. This is unlike anything else I have. It looks like a nail polish and it's a rose gold, bronze color. I haven't applied this to my face yet but when applied to my hand, it gives such a great J.Lo type glow. I don't have many liquid highlighters so I'm happy to add this to my collection.

Full size: $12.75
Sample Size: 4/5



Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser: Okay, I've been wanting to try something like this since I found out about this type of product. What you do is, when you're ready to wash your face, rub this cleanser all over your face (with a full face of makeup), let it sit and it'll break down your makeup. Then you go in with the cloth (soaked in hot water) and rub it all off. It's sort of like a cleansing balm and I think it's pretty cool. It really does dissolve all my makeup, replacing a makeup remover wipe which I think is a great alternative.

Full size: $25.50
Sample Size: 3/5



//Roloxin Lift Revitalizing Facial Masque Treatment: I haven't used this yet and I'm skeptical because it's supposed to reduce the signs of wrinkles and being 22 years old, I don't have any yet. I will be using this soon because it's there and it's a face mask and I love face masks.

Full size: Set of 10 $110 (IS THIS A JOKE)
Sample Size: 2/5

See? Lots of skincare! Anyways, I was really happy with this box and already can't wait for April's!

Do you subscribe to Birchbox? What did you get this month?