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POPSUGAR Must Have Box September 2016 Review + Coupon

Liz Cadman
ByLiz CadmanMay 2, 2017 | 88 comments

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POPSUGAR Must Have is a monthly lifestyle subscription box for women. Each month they send a mix of items from categories like beauty, fashion, food, fitness, home, etc.

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: POPSUGAR Must Have

The Cost: 39.95 a month

The Products: “Must Have” items for women selected by POPSUGAR editors. (Fitness, Home, Beauty, Food, and more)

Check out all of my POPSUGAR Must Have reviews and the Women’s Subscription Box Directory!

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Each box comes with a fold out card detailing the items included. They also let you know the themes that inspired the box:

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Time to dig into the items!

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Jack & Lucy Bicoastal Wide Brim Hat (Suggested Retail $58)

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This had is made from 100% wool.

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And this hat is adjustable:

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You can pull the strings to make the inner band tighter for a custom fit.

When it comes to me and hats, a lot of times they are too tight on my head, but this one fit! (At the largest setting, but still a victory!)

Here it is on:

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I'm still figuring out what outfits to pair this with (I want to try it with a blazer), but here it is with a leather bomber jacket and jeans:

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NCLA MANI E.R. Tool Kit - Value $16

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I love getting useful items in boxes - especially when they come in cute packaging!

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And I appreciate that this case zips completely closed - no need to worry about anything slipping out in your purse. And these tools are good quality, too.

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Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask - Value $36

I love that this mask is free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates - and it is safe for color treated hair!

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This is a big tub of hair mask! Here it is in hand to give you a better sense of scale:

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There are two ways to use this mask - let it sit on your hair for 5-10 minutes after massaging it into your roots, then rinse out. Or for deeper hydration, cover your hair in a plastic shower cap and sit under a dryer, applying direct heat for 30 minutes, then rinse.

I tried the 5-10 minute version, and I could definitely feel a difference in the softness of my hair after using it. My only problem was that I probably was a little too liberal with massaging it into my roots, so my hair was a tad oily the next day. (I'd recommend going a little conservative the first time you try this to make sure you don't over-do it like I did!)

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F'lint Lint Roller - Value $10

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This is the classiest lint roller I've ever seen! It's perfect for your purse, and the lint roller sheets extend out and slide back in easily.

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Here it is in action:

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Smith & Cult Lip Lacquer in The Warning - Value $22

Smith & Cult has the BEST packaging! I love their nail polish and lip gloss. The color of this shade scared me at first - I don't usually wear a bold red. But good news if you feel the same apprehension when it comes to red lip color - this goes on semi-sheer!

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The formula has a ton of shine, a little shine, and you can build it out to a bold red, or use only one swipe for a more subdued look. Here it is swatched:

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The formula is just a tad sticky, but not bothersome - I like it!

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The Gluten Free Bites Dark Chocolate Coconut Bites - Value $5

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These are really good! I avoid gluten and dairy in my diet, so I was thrilled to have a POPSUGAR treat that works for me and still tastes like a decadent dessert.

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(Full disclosure - my husband Eric who eats gluten and dairy on the regular did not think these were as amazing as I did.)

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They have a toasted coconut coating and a truffle-like center. They're pretty decadent, so I think you could eat only 2 or 3 and feel like you've had a satisfying dessert. (To be fair, though, the bag is already empty!)

 

Verdict: This box has a retail value of about $147 - great for a $40 box. The September box has a "Getting Ready for Fashion Week" vibe to me - moisturize your hair, put the hat on your head, and everything else in your purse, and you're good to go!

I always like getting practical items in boxes too, so this box was a win for me.

What do you think of the September POPSUGAR Must Have Box? What is your favorite item?

Liz Cadman
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!

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88 comments

Carol

Disappointing in that the hat was, once again, too small for my head. It always makes me feel left out ?. Thought the box was a good mix, lint roller is great, needed a new mani set, gluten free candy made me thankful Godiva and I get a long just fine. Overall, great box, just wish I didn’t have to give every hat away!

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Miss Carrie Baby

I finally caved and ordered a Must Have box for my birthday month. Sometimes you gotta treat yo self!! So glad I did… I would never buy any of these things, esp. for retail price but I am going to enjoy the luxuries immensely. I live in Hawai’i so the hat will only be good for hanging outside from nov.-feb. on the top of a mountain when it drops below 70, but still. I’m gunna look cute AF when camping, with a plaid shirt and bold red lips. The lip gloss is a total score. The pricier stuff stays put, unlike the VS stuff that’s ghost after my first beer. My lint roller just ran outta sheets and my nail clipper was on it’s last legs. Is it just me or does the little silver spoon in the nail kit remind you of something to do bumps with? Haven’t tried the hair mask yet. But if I don’t like it, my dog is getting a spa treatment.

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Tiffany

Total Debbie Gibson hat! Are they coming back, I hope? Wear it while listening to a mall queen on tape and watching one of their Creature Features!

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Airian

I received my box today and I LOVED it even more than I thought! ? Specially the hat! Super love it! I was a little afraid but it’s perfect and I’m sure I’ll use it a lot! The only thing I did not liked was the lipgloss shade but I’m still super happy! Great box!

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Nicole

I LOVED this box!! And I managed to avoid all spoilers but the hat. (Which was made me re-subscrbe).

I did think that the dent in the hat has a mistake and tried to pop it back out. I came back here to see the review pictures and it’s supposed to be like that! Oops! I put it back in and it does look so much better that way.

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MemphisMom

Cute box. I have a drawer full of hair care indulgences, but alas, no hair repair mask! So, I’m in luck with a hot hot summer coming to an end and heading toward dry indoor heat once fall hits, my hair will transition nicely. Not at all a fan of red lipstick–LOVE THIS one with the hint of gold shimmer. Just perfect and fun! My cap was tough to remove because the lid was completely crushed in on one side. My box is barely dented at the top so I couldn’t figure out how the top was crushed. Ha! I’m apparently not remotely hip. Just saw it’s the hipster design of the packaging. lol. I really do love the sheerness and color of this lip color and I’m shocked by that. Thanks PS for always giving me opportunities to try great new items that I would never ever ever choose on my own. THE LINT ROLLER: Whaaaa??? Where have you been all my life. Love sophisticated twists on standard household daily-use products. So happy about this product. Cute nail kit and always useful in my car, tote bag, or at our lakehouse. Love that there is always a fun new snack to try. Gluten free: you rock my socks. My mother is gluten intolerant so I will definitely let her try ONE of these. 2 were gone in 30 seconds flat. Pretty good… especially if you are used to the flavor sets of very healthy food, like me. The hat… NOOOOO. just not my style. It is cute-ish off, but sort of cowboyish in shape, yet still kind of hipster. Not sure the style of this to google how to wear or accessorize it. I want to like it. It’s just not for me. I will try and swap or sell locally. If no go on that, I will do my best to try being hipster for a night or two when going out with the hubby. lol I’m intrigued with Liz’s photo. It’s totally cute on her. Nice box, overall. Even with the hero item fail for me (hat), I still got more than my $$ worth on this box, I think. And, I love getting presents that are useful.

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CiCi

I had the same thoughts about the lipgloss cap! I was so confused. I am so unhip.

But the hat- the hat is my life. I am a summer person but can’t wait for fall now just so I can wear the hat. I am deeply, passionately in love with it.

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CiCi

I had the same thoughts about the lipgloss cap! I’m so unhip.

The hat though! The hat is now my life. I am a summer person but now I can’t wait for fall just so I can wear the hat. I am in deep, passionate love with it.

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Rosemary

Well this is a box I really want. I had a billing issue and now it’s sold out, if anyone ends up wanting to sell their whole box, I’d buy it! 🙂

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PC

Anyone know why we receive these items from Jack & Lucy but they have no website? I believe this is the 3rd item we’ve gotten from that brand but I’ve never been able to find any information on them.

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Nicole McCollum

Well it is probably pretty easy to make label and pop it on any item … It is cute though!

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Emily

I just read on the review for the Limited Edition fall box that they are a Popsugar exclusive brand. 🙂

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Beth L

The box was ok but I don’t feel like fall from the box. Maybe the hat but I am a big fan of fall and winter boxes which I know I say all the time.
What I will say is Damn Liz, you are rocking that hat with that whole outfit. Love that jacket and the high knee boots. You look super cute…. Your hubby must of been giving you the eye all day. Where is your doggie?

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Christy

The hat just reminds me wayyy too much of Johnny Depp’s hat in the movie Secret Window, I would NEVER wear that, lol.

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Crick

Yes I agree a little creepy lol ?

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Christy

It’s the first thing I thought of when I saw the hat. Liz can really pull anything off but I still don’t think that hat is cute at all. Sorry 🙁 I’ve been waiting all year for something to make me resubscribe to this box but the last 9 months just haven’t excited me. I did like the $20 box deal recently though, I wish they would do that again.

Natasha

I don’t like the lip lacquer or the hair mask :/ I hope they don’t send everyone the same red color of the lacquer. I saw on the product website that they have some really nice other colors. I’m tired of getting red lipsticks/crayons/glosses from subscription boxes.

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TiaMarie10

I love (almost) everything in this box!!!! I don’t think I will wear the hat (I will try) but I can gift it or swap it. Everything else is a big hit for me!!!! I will try to swap for extras too!

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stfne

“Bold * Indulgent * Glamorous * Eye-catching”

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Natasha

Hahaha. I think “bold” is probably for the lacquer, and glamorous is for the hat. Can’t think what would be “indulgent” other than the snack, and “eye-catching” would be either the red lip lacquer or the hat again…

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stfne

Per usual, PSMH subscribers are left scratching their heads about the theme.

(Sorry, hit enter too soon on that first comment.)

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tam

I like everything in the box except the hat. Not my style at all and probably wouldn’t fit my big head anyway…lol. I don’t even have anyone that I could gift the hat too so I guess I’ll wait to see spoilers for Oct or the Sept mini.

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Jessi

Are you on swap. I love the hat so much.

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Jennifer

I want the FLINT! Introduction to awesome little finds like that is one of the reasons I love Popsugar. I carry a little travel lint roller in my purse and car, but the outside just collects debris-kinda gross but I have a yellow cat and black dog so I am visibly covered in animal hair no matter what color clothes I wear.

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Kristin

LOL I have 2 cats and feel the exact same way! I am consistently covered in fur and those little lint rollers meant for your purse always get gross so I can’t wait for this! Already pretty sure this will be my favorite Popsugar find of the year!

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Jenn

I agree about the awesome little finds, and the Popsugar items are always such good quality – I love the Triple C charger from the August box. I think the whole point is to try new things… The May (?) yoga box will probably always be my all-time favorite box, although it seemed like a lot of people didn’t like it! To each her own. 🙂

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Melissa

If I subscribed today, would I get this box?

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Liz Cadman

Yes, according to the POPSUGAR site, as of right now if you subscribe your first box will be the September box. Hope that helps! 🙂

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Ash

When you want the hat but you’re out of swap bait ….

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Stephanie M.

I know right? Ditto

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Ali

Do you have the Baggu from last month in black or static? I hate the hat.

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Stfne

Fall and winter are definitely PSMH’s best months/seasons. After kind of a “blah” summer, I’m very happy I re-subscribed for September. Tried to resist the spoilers, since my box hasn’t even shipped yet, but i needed to reassure myself I wouldn’t experience buyer’s regret. I already knew I love the hat from the first spoiler. I can’t have enough lint rollers, living with two dogs and a cat. I love how compact and sleek this one is, and that the lint sheets aren’t constantly exposed. I hope I can find refills locally. Briogeo is a favorite brand, ever since I discovered the leave in conditioner in a PSMH box last fall – was that September too? I’ve tried this mask thanks to Ipsy and I’m looking forward to having the full-size for more uses.

But the best part of this box – let’s all be – NO TASSELS!

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stfne

Oops! That last line was supposed to read, “let’s all be honest.”

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Ash

I hadn’t realized that but you are so right! Tassel free! Are they (please please fashion gods) on their way out?

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Bekah

Yay! I am super excited!!
The hat has a rocker vibe to it. Something I would never buy for myself but I’m excited to rock it!
I just bought the Briogeo Co-wash and leave-in milk. They had a lot of good reviews. I’ve washed my hair 3 times and it’s left my hair shiny and super soft. So I was so happy to see the full sized deep conditioner!
I was just thinking I needed a mani kit. That will come in handy ?
I have a ton of lipsticks, glosses and balms- but I don’t have a bright red gloss… It might be fun to wear to holiday parties…

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Cindy

I just realized that hat might make a very nice Christmas present for a friend who likes hats.

And I would actually like the lint roller.

Reconsidering….

Wish I could get my Fall LE box before committing, though. And perhaps even my 5th Avenue Style Autumn box as well.

When do the monthly boxes usually sell out?

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Mattie

We received emails this morning saying they were down to their last 500 boxes but I don’t know how quickly those would sell out. I think last months sold out rather quickly

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Jen

Just ordered one! I love the hair mask and need to start giving a deep moisture treatment to my hair every week; I also need a portable lint roller. And I’ve wanted to try the Smith and cult lip gloss forever! That color looks amazing and I really hope there’s no color variation for that item. The snack will get eaten, the tools are useful (or I’ll bet the case will be useful to transport other small things like jewelry), and I’m excited that the hat is adjustable. So even if I don’t like it I can gift it. Well done, Popsugar! I haven’t gotten a monthly box since April and this one I couldn’t resist. Happy birthday month to me!

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Liz Cadman

Yay!! Happy Birthday month, too! 🙂

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Jen

Thanks, Liz!

Jax

I finally caved and subscribed! I love the hair mask and was getting ready to buy more so why not just get the whole box for around the same price!

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Liz Cadman

That’s a great point! Everything else is just bonus! 🙂

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sher_w

I think I will love everything but the lip stuff, which I can put up for swap. Yay!

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Heather

LOVE this box! ❤️❤️❤️ September is always one of my favorites and my birthday month! Can’t wait to see what’s in the Mini and Fall LE!

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Mattie

I’ve never gotten the mini before but if it’s good I’m wanting to get it too! Does it normally sell out?

Already have the Fall LE on the way 🙂

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Heather

The Fall LE and September box are on their way to me now also, I can’t wait!

I’m not sure about the Mini selling out though… I want to get it, but I’m trying to wait for spoilers! Pretty sure it’s going to be amazing!

Mallory Dawson

Already know I will never ever wear the hat. Anyone who is interested in buying it from me PLEASE let me know!!! I will give you a really good deal – I didn’t even intend to order this month’s box, forgot to cancel after my 6 month sub ended 🙁

Almost everything else from the last few months boxes are also pretty much available as well… let me know! (Really wanted a fun patterned Baggu bag, I got solid black, never used it)

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Mallory Dawson

Also willing to part with the lip gloss. Not a gloss girl.

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