BoxyCharm Subscription Box Review – January 2017

ByLiz CadmanJan 16, 2017 | 50 comments

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1949 Ratings | 195 Reviews

BoxyCharm is a full-size beauty and makeup subscription box. They always provide a great value compared the cost of the box.

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This box was sent to us for review purposes. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).

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The Subscription Box: BoxyCharm

The Cost: $21 a month

The Products: 5-6 beauty items that will include nail care, skin care, makeup, haircare, fragrance and more. (At least 4 of those items will be full-sized).

Ships to: US and Canada

Check out all of my BoxyCharm reviews and the Beauty Subscription Box Directory!

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Each box comes with a card detailing the items included.

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Now, time for the items!

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Vintage Cosmetics Illuminating Face Highlighter Duo Set – Value $35

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Boxycharm has variations of boxes each month, but this item is in all boxes.

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And it is stunning! (Swatched in lower photo.)

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Both of these shades have so much shimmer and really catch the light well. The pigment is great, too. If you're hesitant about overdoing it with this much shimmer, the good news is that Boxycharm included a fan brush for all subscribers this month, too!

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Crown Brush Fan Brush - Value $13

(All subscribers will either receive this brush or the So Susan Fan Brush.) This brush is super soft, and holds just the right amount of powder to give you subtle, even coverage.

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Pur Cosmetics Cheek Stain - Value $26

(Subscribers will either receive this or the Pur Cosmetics Mineral Glow Bronzer.)

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I was hoping I'd get the bronzer (I can never have enough matte bronzer), but this cheek stain is pretty great, too. It has a delicious fruity scent, and the color is very blendable.

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The brush on the opposite side is pretty small, though, so I had better luck just blending with my fingers.

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And this box came with a 25% off coupon code for your next PurCosmetics purchase.

Here is the stain swatched beneath the highlighters:

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Adesse NY Ultra Suede Matte Top Coat - Value $18

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(This item is not in all boxes.)

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This matte nail top coat is lovely! It dries almost instantly, gives a matte finish, and it also feels super smooth. Normally I go for high-shine creme polishes, but this is a nice way to mix it up!

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Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo Spray - Value $23

I know not everyone is happy about getting dry shampoo in subscription boxes, but we always use it - and this Oscar Blandi dry shampoo is a classic that works well and has a sweet, citrus scent, so I'm happy!

Verdict: This box has a value of about $115 As always, the value for Boxycharm is amazing! I really like my box, too. The highlighter and fan brush are fabulous, the matte nail polish top coat was a nice surprise, and the dry shampoo is always useful. I like the Pur Cosmetics cheek stain, too, but I know I would have used the bronzer more, so if I could change anything about the box I'd go for the other variant option.

What do you think of the January 2017 Boxycharm Box?

FYI - According to Boxycharm, if you sign up before the end of any month, that month's box will be your first box.

Starting at $32.00

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BoxyCharm

4.3 overall rating

1949 Ratings | 195 Reviews

BoxyCharm ($32 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.

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Posted in Beauty Subscription Boxes, Makeup Subscription Boxes, Subscription Box Reviews, Subscription Boxes for Women

Liz Cadman

Liz is the founder of My Subscription Addiction. She's been hooked on subscription boxes since 2011 thanks to Birchbox, and she now subscribes to over 100 boxes. Her favorites include POPSUGAR Must Have, FabFitFun, and any box that features natural beauty products!

Read More By Liz Cadman >

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50 comments

Bonnie

I got the same box, except a different blush shade, and for me, it’s the weakest boxycharm I’ve gotten yet. My hair wasn’t dirty enough to try the dry shampoo yet – I need to be at least 5 days without washing it before it will look at all limp or oily. I think the highlighter kit is too light, at least for me, and I didn’t care for the fan brush. I like a much firmer brush. I do like the peachy blush stick, and the matte top coat is ok. I don’t see me using that too often, but I wanted to try it out so I used it over an Essie metallic gold, and it gave a nice brushed gold look.

Bonnie

I correct myself on the highlighter kit…when I do with it what I do with most highlighters, which is use them as eyeshadow, it’s gorgeous. I always try everything the way it’s intended the first day, and then if I see another use for it, I do that the 2nd day. I love this kit as an eyeshadow duo. I guess I’m not a highlighter girl. No matter how I try, I don’t love them on me, but 90% of them make beautiful eyeshadows.

Sigh, I still have no use for the fan brush, which makes me sad since I love SoSusan and their blush brush is my favorite.

Jennifer

I wonder how long I will be on the waiting list for this box. Its been a couple of weeks I never received any emails from them. Is this normal? Usually I get a ” thanks for joining” type of email. But nada. Any feedback would be appreciated:)

Lunalee

Oops, sorry lol! With all of the Ipsy emails I got confused. I am on the Boxycharm waitlist too. Sorry about that!

Ashley Gastfield

Did anyone else get the Rose colored blush? it just super shimmery and didn’t look anything like the other colors shown. I was hoping for the peach color 🙁

Dora

I didn’t get the dry shampoo, but I got a body butter as a variation. I’m looking forward to trying the stuff. Don’t do much nailpolish so I might gift that top coat to a friend. Got the bronzer and So Susan brush as well.

Jaclyn

I received the same box as Liz, except the cheek stain is Rose instead of Cabernet. I wish I’d received the Cabernet shade.

The cheek stain applicator is real wobbly. I’m not sure if it’s broken or meant to be like this. I also have a hard time believing it’s full-size, as listed on the info card. There’s just not much product.

Maricruz Delgado

JANUARY 2017 Boxycharm
Inside my box:
⏩Gorge – Konjac Sponge
$18.00
⏩Crown – Soft Fan Brush SS017
$12.99
⏩PÜR – Mineral Glow Bronzer
$25.00
⏩Vintage – Highlighter Double
$35.00
⏩English Laundry – Pour Femme Deluxe Roller Ball
$25.00
Valued at $115.00
YOU NEVER DISAPPOINT ME BOXYCHARM

Mika

Just opened my Boxy & …. THERE WAS A FAT ORANGE SPIDER INSIDE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was so shocked that I threw the open box all the way to the back window, screamed bloody murder & then proceeded to cry a lil bit. I’m still in shock and have not gone to grab my box or my fallen items, so I am very scared if they broke or not.
My reaction may seem like an overreaction & I should have not thrown my box & reacted calmly. But this is not an option for me because I have a very very terrible case of arachnophobia, so plz don’t judge.
Has anybody else had this, or similar, happen to them with Boxycharm or any other subs? Or is it just me who has had this problem ? It was not a fake spider, or just something that looked to be a spider but was not, NO it was a REAL spider. I’m scared to open any packages anymore! 😭😭😭😭😭😭

Miss E

Mika – I feel you. I’ve had a few experiences with that; opening a package & finding some stowaways. I grew up on a farm so I’m not that freaked out by insects/arachnids but it was still a yucky surprise for me so I can only imagine how upset you were with having a phobia. We’re all scared of something!

The problem with warehouse storage & multi-package shipping is it’s easy for some of these things to hide out & hitch a ride or hop from one package to another during transit. I’m not attempting to gross you out further; the truth is I’m surprised it doesn’t happen more often. I wouldn’t blame Boxycharm for this (I don’t want to mention companies where this has happened to me because it really wouldn’t be fair but they’re well-known with responsible reputations. I know all too well that even the most meticulously hygienic spaces can have these issues – and once it’s on the truck it’s out of their hands. There’s no way to tell WHERE a package picked them up really) but if you called & explained what happened in a cool, calm way, I’m sure they’d help you out & re-send the items that are now ruined or perhaps a whole new box if you’re too squicked out to use the products. Arachnophobia is very common. Most people would react exactly like you did if a spider unexpectedly popped out of their sub-box so I reckon they’d be very understanding & sympathetic.

Maybe have your SO or a room-mate/neighbor open boxes for you for a little while? I’m sure it was a super-nasty shock. Just remember – You survived to tell the tale! You’re brave! 🙂 Feel better.

Lunalee

I can’t stand spiders either, did you catch it? I would never have expected that at all!

Diann

My highlighter arrived broken and they can’t replace it- so they put some charms in my account. Unfortunately since I cancelled my subscription it will not allow me to use them unless i resubscribe. Anyone else have this problem? That is not fair since I paid for a full box and didn’t end up with one. they did not respond to my last email about that fact. And to top it off, the items available in the charm shop are pretty crappy….

Jen

Tell them you’d rather have a similar product rather than the charms. They send me out a highlighter last time when my items came broken. They are usually pretty good with CS.

Jenni C

The problem I have with BoxyCharm is the amount of items they send out that are made in China. I just don’t trust those products wouldn’t want to put something on my face and then find out it has something dangerous in it.

Kathy

Anybody else having problems with boxycharm? I have to file claim with my bank boxycharm took my money was not surpose to won’t give me my refund and sent me a email with false advertising and they know they did! They acknowledged it! Anybody know phone number? The number they have won’t work yep wrong number thery gave the bank.

Ross

They are good, just contact their costumer service via help.boxycharm.com and they will fix the issue. I’ve been subs with them for more then two years and can say only good things. Once I was double charged but they refund me the money before I noticed it. I only saw it after the fact.

Lindsay Love

Wow, thank you, Liz! I’ve had the Pur cheek stain for two days and had no idea there was a brush hiding in there! MSA is a wealth of information as per usual 🙂

Bonnie

The product cards are great sources of such information, even if I need to put on reading glasses to see it! I wouldn’t have known either about the brush, and never expect one in a stick blush, but the card told me. (I would still rather blend a creme blush with my hand, but I gave it a shot)/

Liz Cadman

After years of beauty boxes, I’ve learned to always check the cap for hidden brushes/sharpeners, etc.! 🙂

Cassie

I got my Boxycharm a couple days ago, and I was excited to receive the So Susan fan brush, the English Laundry perfume, the gorge Konjac sponge, and the Pur Mineral Glow bronzer along with the beautiful Vintage highlighter palette! I haven’t tried the perfume yet, but I hope I like it. I’m pretty happy with my box! So glad I got the bronzer instead of the cheek stain.

sirena

Box twin, Cassie! I loved my box and was really excited with the perfume! It reminds me of Coach Poppy, it’s beautiful. I love my box!

Cassie

Ooooohhhh!! That perfume sounds great! I keep forgetting to try it. Glad I have a box twin! 🙂

Lia

I wasn’t so thrilled with this box. I love Boxycharm but I feel that this one was underwhelming. I don’t do dry shampoos, sadly. I like the highlighter and fan brush – I tested it and it does glow. The cheekstain wasn’t what I hoped it to be. I am now looking forward to February.

I got the bronzer ( I love!!!), the sponge (amazing), the matte top coat (I used something similar to this year’s ago and I’m so happy to receive this one in my box!), the so Susan brush,and the highlight palette is wonderful!!! I received the vintage highlighter palette a few months ago in Boxy Charm and I’m so happy to receive another!!! The value is always amazing and I love that it’s such a toss up every month!! I love the anticipation of the surprise!! Thank you Boxy for sending much needed bronzer in winter months so I can keep my “glow” all year long!!!

tanya garza

How do they know you skin tone? Do they ask when your subscribing?

Amanda

No they don’t ask so they don’t actually know. One of the things I don’t like. It’s not a personalized box.

Aria

This box rocks. I live every single item.

Aria

*love every single item

Steffy

oooh nice! If I knew I’d get the same exact box as Liz I’d pull the trigger but knowing my luck, I’d get bronzer which I don’t use, lotion I won’t like (prefer sprays & dry oils) and konjac sponge I already have lol! Plus, um… I went a little nuts between Xmas money/weight loss/new haircolor/kicking butt at work Yay Me indulging recently so am waiting on the WnW Unicorn highlighter, TheBalm Cindy LouManizer (from Hautelook for 1\3 the price… among a few…ok many… other things *coughUltacoughSephoracoughQVC* ahem, sorry….so I think I’m good on highlighters, check mskeup in general! 🙂 I never mind dry shampoos either, can always use them and that’s a good one IMHO.

Cjchav

I like trying dry shampoos, if they don’t work for me. I pass them along to one of my 3 daughters.
Another useful tip: someone here said they use dry shampoo to freshen inside of their shoes.

Maria

I like ur style

Katie

I am so happy I got the other box variety! I received the highlighter, fan brush, perfume, bronzer, and konjac sponge. I loved everything in my box and glad that I received the box variation I did since I needed another bronzer not more blush. Plus I can’t use dry shampoo since I have dry curly hair and I’ve always wanted to try a konjac sponge. Another knockout month from boxycharm for me!

Cjchav

Got the same box. Luckily my bronzer and highlighters from BC and other subs are all gone, gifted or used up. So these arrived just in time!
I love getting perfume in boxes because these are larger than store samples and the 2 perfume subs I tried were too pricey imo.
Also I can never get enough of those sponges, one in shower, another one for travel. They suggest replace every 3 mon, but I toss after a month.

MSUmom

I got the same box and love it! Something new and exciting this month. Not much of a fan of the variations but felt like a winner this month.

Tina

My box has shipped and will arrive on Friday. It weighs .8. If anyone has had this weight, would you share with me what you received? The anticipation is killing me.

Leslie

My box weighed .8 and it was the crown brush, vintage highlighter, cheek stain, nail polish top coat and a 2 oz bottle of Anderson Lilley lotion. Not happy with this box. I received the same nail coat before and received a much bigger bottle of the same lotion in my fabfitfun box 🙁

Tina

Leslie – thanks so much for posting. I don’t even remember seeing the lotion as a spoiler. I’m sorry to hear that you are not happy with the box. I really wanted the lip/cheek stain so I will be happy (i received the highlighter in the Nov box).

Mel

Mine comes tomorrow. The only thing I really don’t want is the bronzer. It looks to be way too orange.

So in love with the Matte Polish.. Always wanted one and it’s amazing

Laurie

I got the same box but with peach cheek stain. Just tried the matte topcoat over the rose gold smith & cult polish and it looks awesome!

Nan

Looks like another great box.

Erica

Are there any coupons for Boxycharm right now?

Jillian

I got the same box with the peach blush. I love it. I’m so happy I didn’t beg the perfume or the bronzer! ❤

Daisy

This is my same box too. I like everything except the cheek stain, since I won’t use it. I really wanted the bronzer as well. I’m super happy about the highlighter and brush though!

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BoxyCharm Subscription Box Review – January 2017

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