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POPSUGAR Must Have Summer 2020 Box Full Spoilers!

POPSUGAR Must Have Box Summer 2018 Review + Coupon

Liz Cadman
ByLiz CadmanMay 4, 2018 | 284 comments

POPSUGAR Must Have
3.9 overall rating
530 Ratings | 71 Reviews

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

(POPSUGAR recently switched from monthly to quarterly, and this is their first ever quarterly box!)

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

The Subscription Box: POPSUGAR Must Have

The Cost: $75 a box

ACTIVE DEAL: Get $20 off your first box!
CODE: MSA20

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!

Each box comes with a booklet detailing the items included, and a letter from Lisa Sugar:

This box is centered around the theme of self-care and a spa day at home.

And POPSUGAR also included a card with coupons for the brands featured in the box:

Now, on to the items!

Eberjey Wrap Robe – Retail Value $88

This robe was available in S/M (up to size 8) and L/XL (Size 10-18) and XXL (Size 20 and up). The fabric is 100% Rayon, and so very soft. Here is the S/M on:

I love the navy piping accent with the pale pink color. The robe has an inner tie to keep it in place, too:

As you can tell from the pictures, this fabric is somewhat sheer. Perfect for a summer weather robe!

Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum – Value $85

This serum is designed to “fight the look of dullness, dark spots, and discolorations, while instantly increasing brightness, radiance, and luminosity.” The cream formula has a light citrus scent (which I love), and it instantly helped give my skin a boost of hydration.

I've sampled this before thanks to a few other subscription boxes, and after using it for months I've definitely noticed a difference in my skin - I'm happy to have more!

Mela Artisans Concha Round Box - Retail Value $60

This wooden round box features a stunning mother of pearl lid:

I was hoping POPSUGAR would send a home item in this spa/self-care themed box, and they delivered! I love that this would work in the bathroom or really any other room in the house!

The bowl measures about 5 inches in diameter. Here is a picture to give you a better sense of scale:

This is a quality piece - definitely one of my favorites in the box.

Lele Sadoughi Circle Garland Earrings - Retail Value $98

These earrings measure about 1/2" diameter and 3" long.

These earrings are inspired by confetti (so pretty) and they are made from natural stone and resin, connected by 14K gold plated rings.

Here is Marne modeling them for us!

(One thing to call out - I believe everyone is getting these earrings, there is no non-pierced ear version of the box.)

Beauty by POPSUGAR Be the Boss Lip Gloss - Retail Value $18

POPSUGAR recently launched a new beauty line, so I was expecting to see something from their brand in a future box!

This lip gloss formula is free of parabens, mineral oils, phthalates, triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate, and gluten. Plus it is vegan and cruelty-free!

The formula is pretty much everything I want in a gloss. A sheer color, a natural looking shine, and not too sticky. (And bonus points for having a Crème Brulee flavor!)

Here it is swatched:

Also, I always appreciate getting lippies in summer boxes that are OK for hot weather in my purse - no melting lipstick issues here.

(The box also included an info card about the new Beauty by POPSUGAR line.)

Sphynx 3 in 1 Portable Razor - Retail Value $14.99

This is a portable razor designed to go in your car, purse, gym bag, etc. - whenever you might need to shave and not have a shower + your regular razor and shaving cream ready!

Here's how to use it. First, spray the area you need to shave with water:

(You'll need to fill this with water when you first get it.)

Next, rotate the center dial to the moisturizing shave bar and apply it to the area you've sprayed with water:

Lastly, click to the razor side, and you're good to shave:

And there's an additional backup razor blade, too:

FYI - this isn't designed to replace your regular razor blade, instead, it's intended for quick touch ups and on the go shaving. I think it's such a smart idea, and I love the design, too. Plus I've started the process of laser hair removal, so I no longer have to shave every day (life changing!) and this is perfect for touchups when needed!

Ahmad Tea Fruit & Herb Selection - Retail Value $4.50

As a several-cups-a-day tea drinker, I'm always happy to see in a subscription box. (Not sure if I'm in the minority on that, though!)

These are all-natural caffeine-free blends.

Peppermint & Lemon
Peppermint leaf, Lemon peel, Natural lemon flavor

Chamomile & Lemongrass
Chamomile leaf, Lemongrass

Lemon & Ginger
Lemon peels, Ginger, Apple, Lemongrass, Quinces, Hibiscus

Detox
Dandelion, Fennel, Birch leaves, Ginger, Rosemary, Peppermint, Nettle, Sweet blackberry leaves

As a lover of lemongrass and peppermint flavor teas, all these worked for me. I think the Peppermint & Lemon is my favorite, though.

Mrs. Meyer's Lemon Verbena Bar Soap - Retail Value $3.99

I use Mrs. Meyer's Multi-Surface Cleaners daily, so it was about time I tried their soap.

This gives you a creamy lather and works for hands and body. Just like their cleaning products, the scent is pretty strong with this soap.

Mrs. Meyer's Lavender Hand Sanitizer - Retail Value $3.49

This item is a Special Extra from POPSUGAR and Mrs. Meyer's. (It is not counted toward the total retail value of the box.)

I always have a hand sanitizer in my purse, and I may switch to this brand after sampling it. The spray goes on light and absorbs almost immediately. (And I love the lavender scent.)

Propel Watermelon Beverage Mix - 10 packets Retail Value $1.98

This item is a Special Extra from POPSUGAR and Propel. (It is not counted toward the total retail value of the box.)

This mix is sugar-free (it's made with sucralose), zero-calorie, and designed to add electrolytes and vitamins to your water. I liked the flavor (think Watermelon Jolly Ranchers), and I typically buy electrolyte water for heavy-sweating workouts, so I'll add these to the mix as an alternative.

Verdict: This box has a retail value of about $372.48 (not counting the special extras). I think the value here is great, and what I would hope for in a $75 box from POPSUGAR. To be honest, when I first saw everything in the box, I wasn't sure how all the items all fit the self-care/spa theme of the box. (The Lipgloss and earrings both seem like Girls Night Out theme to me). But I actually love everything, so I'm OK with the theme not connecting to every item perfectly. (Plus the robe, serum, and earrings are from high-end brands and each worth more than the cost of the entire box!)

I wasn't sure what exactly to expect from the first $75 POPSUGAR Box, and it seems like a good balance between the past monthly boxes, and the Limited Edition boxes. A mix of some lower price point brands that would have been at home in the monthly box, and some pricey luxe brands that we'd only see in the Limited Edition boxes.

I'm still sad that we don't get POPSUGAR every month, but I'm loving this box, and I'm already excited to see what will be in the fall box!

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today?  No, right now it looks like the Fall box will be your first box when you sign up. When you click "Subscribe Now" on the POPSUGAR site, the box your subscription will start with will be highlighted.

Coupon - Use coupon code MUSTHAVE5 to save $5

Value Breakdown: At $75 for this box, here's what you are paying approximately per item:

  • Robe: $17.71
  • Serum: $17.11
  • Earrings: $19.73
  • Bowl with Lid: $12.08
  • Lip Gloss: $3.62
  • Tea: $.90
  • Soap: $.80
  • Razor: $3.02

What do you think of the Summer POPSUGAR Must Have Box? What's your favorite item in the box?

Starting at $75.00
Active Deal
Get $20 off your first box!
Use Coupon Code MSA20
Subscribe Now
POPSUGAR Must Have is a quartely lifestyle subscription box curated by the editors at POPSUGAR. Each box features their "must have" products for beauty, fashion, home, food, fitness and more. Every box has a value of $250 +!
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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284 comments

Haley

That box comes with amazing products.

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Tanya M

I know the comments on Instagram were forthright and honest. Makes me wonder if they are scared to release any spoilers for theFall Bix. I’m gonna need one fantastic spoiler to stay …,

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Tanya M

Fall box

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Pam

What did it say on instagram/what are you referring to? I don’t have Instagram so I was just curious. Tia

Tanya M.

Billing is August 1? Correct? I am going to need a spoiler to keep this box going… I hope soon I keep stalking their Instagram because other than here I don’t know where else to look.

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Becca S

It’s so odd that there are no spoilers yet!

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Pat Greene

I stuck with PopSugar for about a year before cancelling. Periodically I come back here and read reviews on current boxes and I’m always glad that I did. Really thrilled with the three different beauty boxes I subscribe to, but the PopSugar was ALWAYS a disappointment. Mostly the items screamed “didn’t sell – so we’re dumping ’em on you!” There are a few household items that I still use, but they are nothing distinctive or anything I would have bought.

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Tanya M.

That helps.. with my decision making. Reading yours and other comments.

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Laura

I’m so glad I canceled. The only big item I liked was the Mela Artisans Concha Round Box. And I’m still miffed that the company decided to tell us they were switching over on the last box instead of a little more notice.

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Tanya M.

Even though I’m down 20lbs on weight watchers so glad I ordered the xxl robe since 14/16 and this is perfect . I feel short because it comes below my knees .. . Was looking for FFF summer but this came today instead,

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Emilia

I’ve never subscribed to this box not I ever wanted to, but this box is such a darling! I just bought mine on eBay for $22. Very happy!

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Emilia

*Mela Artisans box is a darling;))

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Gemma

After receiving this box that I was sooooo hopeful for, I opened the lid and went “What the h—- is this?” First, I’ve been a PopSugar subscriber for a while and love each and every Limited Edition box I got. After PS changed to a quarterly schedule I just knew they would step up to this level. Not so. We essentially paid $75 for a bar of soap, hand sanitizer, and a disposable razor. I literally could’ve obtained those for $3 at the Dollar Store. Add to that Propel water, a lip gloss, earrings from the 99 Cent Store, and a robe that is nearly see-thru. Thanks, but no thanks. The best items were the mosaic box, and the Sunday Riley – but that’s shown up in every other sub box making it a ‘meh’ item. Where are the bath salts or bath bombs? Candles or sheet mask? Spa day curating FAIL.

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Lily

I never felt prompted to post but I hope Popsugar reads and takes note to most of us who are letdown here. Just opened my box and I too felt they’d try to wow us all because I think a majority of us liked Popsugar as a monthly box, as sadly they are getting more rare these days. Being a first box, yes it is a good “value” based on retail but I agree with others many of these seem a tad inflated. To me the box is a little confused between Golden Girl or Saved by the Bell (I’m looking at you 80s earrings!). The dish looks sorta acorn meets coconut to me and the robe I’d have preferred in reverse with navy/pink piping (too sheer to me – fabric/fit feels bad on). The lower priced items I do like but feel overall as a summer / spa box this is a little blah. I was more than happy with the way Popsugar was. Hopefully next month they bring back the seasonal fun I came to love them for. I miss my little treat each month even more now 🙁

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Maggie

So disappointing… i actually subscribed annually and if I could get my money back for the future 3 boxes I would cancel it right away.

What were they thinking?

Earrings are just horrendous, impossible to use!

The robe is cheap…

and everything else (except the round box) looks like it has been put in the box as an evil joke!

Step it up Popsugar or you are going to lose us ALL pretty soon!

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Mandy

The lady who made the earrings has the same pair but in Rose Quartz on her website, and they are so much prettier, muted and more cohesive looking. But still very long.
Price is the same as what we got.

I HATE that round razor so there are no words. It reminds me of one I used when I was a teenager. I don’t recall the name, but it cut the heck out of my legs. They were really popular in the 70’s ( without the water or soap inside).
I’m throwing mine away because of the bad memories of the white and pink one.

Also, that Mrs. Myers soap STINKS and my entire box smells like it. I HATE things that are way too strongly scented and to me, this smells like some sort of cleaning product. I will never buy that brand, and another box has been sending me tons of emails to get a free bundle of Mrs. Myers products to join. No way!

I love the MOP dish and have mine next to my cosmetics tray in my bedroom with cosmetic cotton rounds in it. SO handy. I really needed it and didn’t know it. 🙂
I have had robes from Eberjey before now and they’ve always been more substantial. IDK what happened to the quality but it’s not there now. NO pockets, NO lining in a paper thin robe? Not quality.
I have a great bamboo fiber black robe from Soma Intimates ( a shop close to malls and they have online ordering) that’s probably about the same overall thickness. But, it’s way less expensive and it is 100% better quality, not see through, has an attached belt which doesn’t twist, and has a very pretty shape and drape.

I think somewhere along the line, PSMH either lost a great deal of their former buying power, or they just stopped trying to curate to a theme. Hand sanitizer in a quarterly box?? Just TACKY.

And, I hate that type of tea. I live in a climate that is so hot most of the year, we drink cold beverages or no beverages at all.

I would have liked a voucher for a book or Kindle download, Bomba athletic socks like they sent in a monthly box years ago, candle, body lotion, foot creme since it’s sandal weather, deluxe brand shower/ bath creme.

Not sure I’m ever going to get another box without a LOT more spoilers!!! AND DISCOUNTS!!!

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Sam

I normally hate being negative about boxes.. but I have to say it! My favorite thing about this box.. was the box! 😂

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Maggie

OMG… had the same thought

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Pam

I loved the box too! I’m using it for storage in the top of my closet!
I love the Sunday Riley. But- can someone tell me—-do you use this and then use a moisturizer? Or is this in place of a moisturizer? I’ve researched it and cannot find a definite answer on how/with what it should be used. Tia

Suzanne

Sam-I found it weird and eerie that it was black. I mean a summer box??? And it’s black? Maybe all of their boxes will be black. I’m just used to the seasonal changes with FFF boxes.

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Stephanie Auman

so I didn’t get my robe! i reached out to CS but haven’t gotten a reply, is there a number I can call?

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Kate

I think it was for XL robes that were selected after a certain date,

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Beccah

Some robes are being sent separately in June because they were out of stock and had to back order them.

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Stephanie Ann Auman

thanks! so strange since I was able to select my size in the first round

JENN

I was so excited about this box and it was just a super let down. I canceled my subscription! Not cool at all PopSugar!!!!

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Jen

To me this was the caliber of a “monthly” box. Nothing had the Wow factor for me. I liked the robe, it was very soft. Hope the next box is better.

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Kassie

Was I the only person that misses the Sugar part of Popsugar? I don’t buy sweets at the grocery store so I always looked forward to what Popsugar sent. The propel definitely doesn’t count! I really like the robe even though it’s shear. It’s perfect for me in Arizona. And I love Sunday Riley! I was excited not to have to pay full price for this after falling in love with it from my Allure box. The lip gloss is wonderful and now I need to clear some room off my makeup counter for that cute mother of pearl jar. The tea is great too I just wish we had something sweet to eat with it.

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Anna

Yeah! Where was the snack?😊

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Trisha

I am so glad that I am not the only one who did not like this box. I came on here to just to see what everyone else thought and glad I did because now I am not the only one. I am happy about the razor but everything else is give away…hoping the next box is great but scared to lose 75 bucks again.

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Tiffany

I signed up because of all the hype that this was sold out and had to rush to secure fall box. I just received the summer box that I didn’t want. Not pleased at all

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Jordyn S.

I thought the boxes would get better now that Popsugar Must Have has switched to quarterly boxes and I thought the summer box would blow it out of the water, but I was EXTREMELY disappointed with the Popsugar Must Have summer 2018 box! Besides the robe, the serum, and those god-awful earrings everything else was under $5??? Price value alone I’m sure no one thought to themselves “What a steal” when they received those items in their boxes…I know I didn’t. I just finished customizing and selecting my add-ons for my summer 2018 box from Fab Fit Fun and I must say, I’m throughly excited! Unlike Popsugar Must Have, Fab Fit Fun lets members customize their boxes and select add-on products at a SIGNIFICANTLY discounted price! All for $40/quarter opposed to Popsugar’s
$75/quarter which includes none of those luxuries and underwhelming products. Glad I’m saving $75 every quarter now though, so it isn’t all bad!

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sher_w

Finally got my box this weekend. I swapped the robe b/c I already have enough of those, but I was surprisingly happy about the little round box, what a lovely (and like Liz said, quality) home piece.

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MinnePuffin

I was definitely unhappy with the earrings (and I still think the RV is inflated), but I’m wearing them today and think they are so cute. I have understated makeup and outfit and they are a fun pop. I do think I need to coat the posts with nail polish though because they are already itchy. It’s weird that the post isn’t gold since the rings are.

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Pam

I received my box yesterday. I’m excited about the Sunday Riley-I didn’t receive this item from Allure the way others had. Was not that impressed with the robe-expected it to be great due to brand/rv. Again, just my opinion but at most it’s just ok. The earrings are uglier on than they were in the picture. Could just be me, may look great on others. Either way, I canceled my subscription today and joined FFF last weekend. I’m locked in for a year with them and am very excited about this upcoming box. The add on sales with FFF are amazing-to day the least. I only received two boxes from pop sugar and both were just Meh. Hope the next one is better for their subscribers. I won’t be with them to find out and will no longer have FOMO with pop sugar. They cured me of that after just 2 boxes! 😂

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Pam

**** to “say” the least. Dang auto correct 😆🤣

Emily Ploch

But…but…where’s the awesome food item that PopSugar always includes?? :'( I want my snack!

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Makenzie

I love everything in the box except for the earrings. I wish they would have let us choose between different jewelry items. I have gauged ears and can’t wear earrings. So it’s a waste for me. 🙁

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Redhed36

I finally had a chance to go through the box and I still don’t think it’s worth $80, but it’s not all bad. The robe I purchased too small, but fits better than expected. It seems nice, but wouldn’t pay asking price. The Sunday Riley is the hero item for me. I received one in my Allure box and love it. Don’t get me wrong I would never pay asking price for it. I also really like how the bowl looks, though it feels more on the cheap side you can’t tell when it’s on display, again not worth asking price. I feel like I should eat the earrings, they look edible, probably should watch little ones around them. Next to the Sunday Riley my favorite item was the box itself I love magnetic closing boxes, the box will definitely be put to use.

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Megan

I really like this box! The robe, Sunday Riley, and container are great, and the extra items are useful too. Miss getting a fun snack though!

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