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POPSUGAR Must Have Box Winter 2018 Review + Coupon

Liz Cadman
ByLiz CadmanDec 17, 2018 | 170 comments

POPSUGAR Must Have
3.9 overall rating
530 Ratings | 71 Reviews

POPSUGAR Must Have is a trend-savvy lifestyle subscription box for women from the trend-savvy minds at POPSUGAR! Each season, members get beauty, fashion, food, fitness, and home items from top- and up-and-coming brands that POPSUGAR editors have tried, tested, and loved.

Right now, get $20 off your the Winter box (a $400+ value) when you use coupon code MSA20—sign up now! 

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

As always, the packaging is great. (This would be a wonderful subscription to gift, too.) And as you can see with the "PS, there's more!" cardboard piece, beneath the cardboard, you'll find the special extra sponsored goodies! (These items are not counted toward the value of the box.)

The Subscription Box: POPSUGAR Must Have

The Cost: $75 a box

If you haven’t signed up yet, use coupon code MSA20 to save $20 off of your first box!

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:

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

Now, on to the items!

Uncommon James 100 Percent Handmade Cotton Fringe Throw – Retail Value $118

Great to know:

The piece was made in partnership with Tribe Alive, a company whose mission is to promote female artisans, ensure they’re paid living wages, and provide safe work environments for them.

This creamy white throw blanket has tassels on the ends, and fringe accents throughout. It’s giving me Anthropologie vibes and I love it!

Here I am holding it up to give you a better sense of scale:

It measures 65 x 50 inches (fringe included). It’s 100% cotton, and dry clean only. (FYI – we put it in the dryer on the refresh setting – 15 minutes steam, and it came out perfectly.)

It’s large enough to cuddle up with on the couch or to accent your bed:

(Shown on a queen size bed.)

The weight of the fabric isn’t too heavy/thick, but it’s substantial enough to give you warmth. I’d say it’s about a medium weight.

Melinda Maria Designs Sabrina Pod Necklace – Retail Value $98

For this item, subscribers could pick between an 18k gold-plated or sterling-silver plated version.

Here it is on:

And looped around twice:

And here’s the silver version on, too:

I think this would look lovely layered with a few other necklaces, too! And I really love that POPSUGAR is letting subscribers customize their metal choice with jewelry - I know most people are usually team gold or team silver, so it's great that this piece isn't one color fits all!

Winky Lux Sugar Palette – Retail Value $25

This palette has a gorgeous sparkly cover:

The shades include matte, shimmer, metallic, and glitter:

Here is a closer look:

And the pigment is amazing! Here are all the shades swatched:

The Sugar Cookie shade can double as a highlighter, and the Gummy Bear shade also works great as a blush! (Check out Marne's daytime/nighttime look tutorial for this palette to get more ideas!)

Apotheke Tobacco Blossom Scented Candle - Retail Value $36

One item I'm always happy to see in a subscription box? A candle! (And this feels extra appropriate for a white winter cozy theme!)

This large candle (11 ounces) has a burn time of 60-70 hours. The tobacco blossom scent has notes of cognac, anise, and vanilla. Honestly, I probably wouldn't have picked out a Tobacco Blossom scent if I was browsing candles online, but this was a pleasant surprise - it's subtle and sweet!

And I love the frosted glass vessel - so simple and pretty.

Just like the blanket, I think this should work with any decor!

Kate Spade 2019 Desktop Calendar - Retail Value $20

First, how lovely is this packaging?! I love when Winter/December boxes include items that are perfect gifting!

But I think most subscribers will want to keep this for themselves because - how sweet is this design?

It has the classic Kate Spade polka dots, too!

The calendar features gold metal pegs and the cream cards are highlighted with gold foil.

On the back of each month is a card is a word with a definition.

It's such a stylish piece -  I love it! And POPSUGAR included a note about remembering Kate Spade, too:

Whiskey in a Teacup by Reese Witherspoon – Retail Value $35

This book is big! 304 pages, hardcover, and I think it would make a perfect hostess gift if you don’t want to keep it to yourself!

The pictures are gorgeous, and it's a mix of a memoir (perfect for Reese fans), an etiquette guide, and a cookbook. (There are meal-themed recipes throughout.)

Check out my full review of this book if you want a more in-depth take!

Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Eye Masks - Retail Value $25

I’ve sampled these before and they are great! They are super gentle and soothing, plus they are ingredient-conscious! (Paraben-free, Phthalate-free, Synthetic fragrance-free, and cruelty-free!)

They come in a plastic disc to help keep things as non-messy as possible:

And they are gold! I put them on for 10 minutes, and I was pleasantly surprised by how well they stayed in place. The formula has a faint (natural) lavender scent and is designed to help with hydration and diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.


Now, time for the Special Extras in the box! (If you aren't familiar, these are extra items that don't count toward the value of the box. AKA bonus freebies!)

Ellia Jet Lag Travel Support Roll-On - Retail Value $14.99

What a perfect inclusion for the holiday-travel season!

This is my favorite special extra in the box - it's made with natural essential oils and the scent includes all my favorites: orange, peppermint, and lemongrass!

Ellia recommends using it any time you need to wake up and feel energized - just roll it on pulse points, temples, the back of your neck, or the soles of your feet.

Estee Lauder Beautiful Belle Eau de Parfum Rollerball - Retail Value $28

This is a brand new scent from Estee Lauder. The fragrance is a blend of Lychee, Mimosa, Rose Petals, Orange Flower, Gardenia, and Marzipan Musk.

Personally, I'm not a big perfume wearer, and this floral scent isn't for me, but it's a bonus item so that's fine! Plus it's a full-size rollerball - great for gifting or a stocking stuffer!

Lumify Redness Reliever Eye Drops - Value $12

I feel like redness-reducing eyedrops are having a beauty moment, and these definitely helped make my eyes pop a bit more - especially with mascara and eyeliner. Once in a while, I'll wake up to one or both eyes looking a little bloodshot, so this is a welcome addition to my beauty bag!

Verdict: This box has a retail value of about $412 counting the special extras! Amazing! I am really impressed with this box - it includes 4 home items, 2 beauty items, and 1 fashion item - a perfect mix for a holiday season box in my opinion. (I think the blanket alone is worth the $75 box cost.) And I love that just about everything in this box can be gifted, too. If you're looking to grab a few holiday gifts and keep a few items for yourself, I think the value here is amazing.

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today?  Yes. When you click "Subscribe Now" on the POPSUGAR site, the box your subscription will start with will be highlighted.

DEAL - If you haven’t signed up yet, use coupon code MSA20 to save $20 off of your first box!

What do you think of the Winter 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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170 comments

MissPickles

Kicking myself … is there any way to get this box now? Has it shown up at Gilt City or somewhere like that?

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Nadia Mausten

Hi,
If you still have have the necklace. I would love to buy, trade, whatever. I got my box when my really close friend was with me and she loved the necklace (she has been super down since her husband has been overseas deployed, so how could I not give it to her ya know. It gave her so much joy and she wears it alot), but I really loved it as well . So I have been trying to get my hands on another one. Please let me know either way. Thank you for your time.

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Kaitlan Whitteberry

Have extras of the book, necklace, eyeshadow and eye masks to anyone who may want them!

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Jordan

I just ordered my first box and am SO excited! Just curious, I couldn’t find any information about shipping without an existing subscription. Do the boxes usually ship pretty quick? I know some subscriptions can take a month or so once you order your first box. Thanks!

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Kimberly

I got this for my daughter..My first year for subscriptions..I am extremely pleased with every item…My daughter was thrilled with everything..She’s 21 and hard to buy gifts for..TY to MSA and Popsugar for a wonderful memory…

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Cary San

I just received today and the candle does smell like tobacco but sweet but I did not get any flower sent, at first I hated it and now it kind of grew on me but I haven’t burned it yet the jet lag essential oil smelled really bad to me and I still have not got used to that smell it smells like eucalyptus and lime with a bunch of other smells in it. I loved the blanket and it feels really soft I also love the calendar, the rollerball smells good like clean flowers I picked the free gold earrings and they came in a little drawstring bag an the book is really heavy.

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Noelle

So frustrated. I got my shipping notice on Monday, so far the box has made it to Wyoming. It looks like it will arrive on Friday. The suspense is killing me.

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Julia

Hello! Got the box the other day! If anyone is interested in any of the items please let me know! I ordered by accident and only want to keep the calendar, palette, and the eyemasks!

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Kay

The blanket is much better quality than I expected…although I miss PopSugar being monthly…the improvement in quality has been superb, the fall scarf is AMAZING!! The Spring robe is, too! I wish they’d run a big sale on an annual subscription!

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Lana

Just got this box – it’s amazing! The throw is great quality, I was worried about that since I really wanted it and I’ve been disappointed in quality of items I got in boxes in the past (I’m looking at you FFF beach towel). The candle smells great, a light floral, and is nice and heavy. I was going to gift the calendar, but now am very tempted to keep it or to buy another one for myself. Wonderful experience overall.

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Maria

I really can’t do it this time. I am out on the book, calendar, nearly everything in this one. I truly wish they’d just let me buy the Fall box without the subscription. I love the leather bowl (keys, maybe?), and the accessory holder, and the sunglasses, less so the shawl. I really bought too many Box of Style and others to actually subscribe to this. Maybe they’ll sell Fall as a single?

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Lori

Box came today and I was super excited for my necklace to arrive only to realize how cheap it felt. No way is this a RV of $98, IMO, this could be $15 at Charming Charlie’s. The box is a win because so many items are going to be gifts (the calendar -love it but not a daily person), the rollerball perfume, the palette, and possibly the throw. My unexpected winners were the wander brush and the essential oil rollerball.

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Pam

I got my box, I love it! This box is the first one I ordered, I have looked at other boxes but was not as impressed as I am with this one. Not sure if I will order next season though, it really depends on the spoilers and reveals.

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Kaitlan Whitteberry

Hi Liz!

You mention subscribers are allowed to select their necklace color – do you mean annual subscribers? I went to the Popsugar page to order but never saw a section to choose the color. Or do they send you an email later? Thanks for clarifying!

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CR

My throw is shedding like crazy, leaving clumps of white cotton on anything that comes in contact with it. Is anyone else having this problem? I tried washing it on the cold delicate cycle and tumble drying it without heat, but it didn’t help the shedding problem (even though an enormous amount of cotton was left over in my washing machine, like two large fistfuls). Super bummed that the throw isn’t useable (it will just have to be decorative), as it was the sole reason I ordered this box.

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Jennifer

Got this and FabFitFun the same day and could not believe the difference. I’ve been on the fence for FFF and this was the nail in the coffin. Cancelled it.
In contrast, loved the PopSugar box. My first. Quality of everything seemed a notch higher. The throw by TribeAlive is worthy of Causebox (actually, have never gotten anything this substantial from them) thought the various beauty/travel products were great, the book is fun in a Sharp Objects but not dark way. Wish I’d gotten the NM box but I was nervous about the cost having not subbed before.
The necklace I’d rather have in silver so will try to swap it and the perfume I’ll gift but this one is a keeper for me.

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Blue

This box is also quite a bit more than FFF, so it’s not exactly fair to compare them.

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Kimberley

Hey subscription friends! Just heard from pop sugar that I’m getting another winter box with my add one of wander beauty brush and blush:highlighter. Anyone interested in box? It will be heavy to ship. I’m curious to see what else is in n m box to know what items I would want. I’m eyeing the clutch so far!

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Kimberley

I think the throw is a glorious item! It’s cotton, soft and washable. Necklace is different and it will look classic with sweater or layered. Book is creative to read and will do some of the recipes. Love the size of the candle, and the smell doesn’t bother me. Perfume is flowerly and has staying power! Oil will put in my yoga bag. I think the eyeshadows were beautiful but I have sensitive eyes and can’t use. This box was a lovely winter box and I felt like I got my luxury items instead of high overpriced exclusive items. Thank you pop sugar! This is a winning box!

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Elizabeth

Just got my box and love everything in it!

Am watching holiday movies under the blanket with some cocoa while the candle is burning on a table nearby.
And I’m even wearing the necklace.

I am totally winter boxing out right now!

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Lily

( 1st post hasn’t appeared).

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this lightweight throw! It’s absolutely perfect for year round use where I live. I’ve already bought a second one, so hubby and I each have one when we’re in our new media room watching a movie together.

Reese’s book is beautiful, and she’s funny and cute.

I think every one of the scented items smells WONDERFUL! TOTAL WIN!

The necklace is delicate and super pretty.

Winky Lux palette is precious, and colors are really cool.

I have needed a calendar like the Kate Spade one for a long time, but it’s a bit sad to me now, as a buyer of her name brand items from the first bag.

I feel like everything was carefully and well curated. It’s such a pretty and practical box for me in all ways. Probably my favorite PSMH box of all time because of the unexpected high quality of the pretty cotton throw.

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Jan

Can someone please help me? I’m so confused and concerned. I ordered this box, and used the coupon code. My credit card has been charged, and the order paid. I have not received an order confirmation, and when I log into PSMH, it doesn’t indicate that they have any record of my order. The only proof I have of the order at all is my credit card statement, indicating the payment was accepted. What should I do? Is this normal? Should I have gotten an e-mail confirmation of my purchase? I’m really nervous. Thank you for any advice or assistance.

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Becca S

Are you logging into the Must Have section of the site? If so, definitely contact them!

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Lily

OH, WOW, I LOVE my box!! Already bought a second throw on eBay. Funny, I wasn’t sure I’d like the cotton material, but seem to forget that I live in a very mild to exceedingly hot climate year round.

I love every item they packed into this very fun and high quality box. I never worry about my PSMH boxes not reaching me, nor them goofing up a selection with a choice to make. I LOVE the perfume, the candle, and the essential oil! YAY. This is a HOME RUN of a box for me and I didn’t really know if it would be. The necklace is sweeeet.

I am very excited to delve into my box more after the holidays.
My sweet puppy boy is asleep under the very edge of the throw. He’s never liked any faux fur throws or knitted type ones, but he’s totally loving this one. 🙂
That likely makes me happier than anything else!!

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Ashley Kutchi

I was super excited to get my box. I revived it today. It was missing the eyeshadow. 🙁

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Carmen

If anyone is interested in buying the throw, I listed mine on eBay for $24.99 plus shipping.

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Sharon Paige

I just went to the Uncommon James site to check out the throw and it sells for $168!! Getting it in PSMH is definitely the ONLY way that I’ll own it lol! There’s also a really expensive matching pillow cover.

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