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POPSUGAR Must Have x Neiman Marcus Box 2018 Review

Liz Cadman
ByLiz CadmanDec 3, 2018 | 64 comments

POPSUGAR Must Have
3.9 overall rating
530 Ratings | 71 Reviews

Every holiday season, POPSUGAR and Neiman Marcus do a collaboration box that's designed to be perfect for gifting. This is the review of the sold-out 2018 POPSUGAR Must Have x Neiman Marcus 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 box itself is beautiful. It has a magnetic flap closure, and it's definitely a box you'll want to keep for storage or regifting.

The Box: POPSUGAR Must Have x Neiman Marcus Box

The Cost: $275

The Products: These indulgent items will allow you to get ready for upcoming celebrations in style — whether you’re headed to a party or family gathering, your glam factor will be elevated to a whole new level! We partnered with Neiman Marcus to choose the hottest products, from a convertible curling iron to a designer clutch. Consider these items to be your festivity necessities for a crazy good night.

This box comes with a booklet detailing each of the items included:

Now, on to the items!

Rebecca Minkoff Leo Clutch – Retail Value $95

When you bought this box, you could pick your choice of clutch color: black, champagne, or silver multi-glitter.

The silver multi-glitter was calling my name - it feels so festive!

It's accented with zipper detail, and I'm happy to report zero glitter fall-out!

The clutch features a snap closure, with a lined interior, and 6 card slots. It measures. 7.5″H x 10.5″W x 0.5″D. Here it is in hand to give you a better sense of scale:

Tata Harper Illuminating Moisturizer – Retail Value $85

Full-size Tata Harper in a subscription box is super rare, so this was a lovely inclusion for me! (Plus, it is made with actual diamond dust!) If you aren't familiar with the brand, it's a luxe natural skincare line - I love their formulas, but not the pricetags!

This moisturizer is light - it absorbs almost immediately. The formula is a pearlescent pink - it gives you a dewy glow and a slight blur of pores, so it's perfect pre-makeup, or to wear alone. And it's formulated with Hyaluronic acid to help plump and hydrate skin.

You can use this day and night, but I prefer to use a heavier moisturizer at night - so I'll be using this exclusively pre-makeup in the day.

Londontown Lakur in Rose Gold – Retail Value $16

This nail polish is a gorgeous rose-gold micro-shimmer. I love a metallic that almost feels like a nude with my skin tone, and this one is perfect. The formula is amazing, too. I've been wearing it for days with no chips!

And full coverage in only one coat!

Bang and Olufsen Beoplay P2 Speaker – Retail Value $169

This little speaker has a battery life of 10 hours and the sound is GREAT! (I always get my husband, Eric, to help me test out audio products - he has a much better ear for sound than I do, and he was impressed.)

It's super easy to use, too. You can turn it on with the button on the back, or through their app.

Tap on the top of the speaker twice to pause/play. And shake it to skip to the next song.

Here it is in hand to give you a better sense of scale:

Atelier Cologne Clementine California Cologne Absolue – Retail Value $75

This scent has notes of Clementine, Mandarin, Juniper Berries, Star Anise, Sichuan Pepper, Basilica, Vetiver, Sandalwood, and Cypress.

I'm not much a perfume wearer, though some of the Atelier samples I've gotten in past subscription boxes have worked for me, so I was open to giving this one a shot. I like it, but I'm not sure if I love it. It's fresh, and it wears down to a very subtle scent after an hour or so, but it's probably the one item in the box I'm not crazy about.

Dannijo Lotus Necklace – Retail Value $120

This silvertone necklace is made with Swarovski crystals in a zigzag pattern. The pieces between the Vs move, so it doesn't feel stiff on your neck - but it still lies perfectly in place.

It measures approximately 16 inches with a 3.5-inch extender. Here it is on the smallest setting:

I normally go for delicate gold jewelry, but in the holiday season, I love a sparkly silver necklace, and this is my new favorite piece!

T3 Micro Convertible Collection: Convertible Base & Cascading Waves Barrel – Retail Value $185

I've been eyeing the T3 line of hair care tools for a while now for a few reasons:

  1. The design. I can't help it - I love the clean lines, and white + rose gold simplicity!
  2. The interchangeable nature means less clutter in my hair tools drawer. And only one cord!
  3. They seem to be popping up everywhere in magazines and gift guides!

So, if you aren't familiar, here's how it works: You buy the interchangeable base, then any of their other styling attachments for different styles of waves/curls/etc.

Here's the base. Those five dots above the power button light up to show heat setting.

And the base comes with this very important accessory:

A heat-resistant glove!

This legit works and while some pros can use a wand curler without one, I can't! I'll show you how to use it in a min!

And then we have the cascading waves attachment.

This is wider at the end to give your hair a loose, cascading waves look.

To use, just insert it into the base:

Hit the power button (and keep clicking to change the heat setting), and you are good to go!

This heats up rapidly, and it is SO easy to use!

You just hold the hair on the barrel for a few seconds then release. Easy!

(And you also get a 15% off discount to use on other attachments.)

Beauty by Popsugar Twilight Eye Palette – Retail Value $42

If you aren't familiar with POPSUGAR's new beauty line - it's ingredient-conscious! No parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate, or gluten! (Check out the full list of ingredients they avoid here.)

The design of this palette is cute, but it does seem like a lot of non-pan space! That being said, I was impressed with the formulas. This set includes a mix of matte, shimmer, and satin shades. Warm neutrals perfect for an everyday look for me. And the colors were easy to blend, too.

Here they are swatched:

And lastly, we have a Neiman Marcus gift card!

Neiman Marcus $25 Gift Card

POPSUGAR included a Neiman Marcus gift card in last year's box, too, and I'm glad to see they've continued the tradition!

Verdict: This box has a value of $812! I think that's a great value for a $275 box, and when you factor in the $25 gift card, it's really like paying $250 for 8 items. ($31.25 an item). Aside from the perfume, everything in this box was an absolute hit for me - and many of these items I'll use everyday!

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box? No, this box is sold out. (But be on the lookout for a giveaway from us + POPSUGAR soon!)

What do you think of the POPSUGAR Must Have x Neiman Marcus Box

Starting at $75.00
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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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64 comments

Nancy Kuntz

Geez, I think if I had ordered the Pop Sugar Nieman Marcus Box I would have been fairly happy! I mean if you want a Dior’ eye shadow palette you should probably just buy one. And who says Tarte is a cheep make-up line? Gosh, so harsh… I actually choose to be positive in my reviews. I understand the world doesn’t revolve around me and different items will appeal to different people and taste levels. If you are not a flexible person you probably shouldn’t be a box subscriber. You would probably do better to purchase exactly what you personally want. I like subscription boxes because I may have never chose some of the items I have received and ended up loving! I Especially love my Stitch Fix Subscription.

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Jt

What finds did you use your NM gift card? I used them towards a pair of Kendra scott earrings I have been wishing for😁

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Cassondra

Am I the only person who still hasn’t gotten the box. I got a notification that my box was being mailed on November 24th then nothing!

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LACE

I would love to buy the necklace at box split price + shipping if anyone is interested!

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Kristin King

Contrary to everyone else, I’m very disappointed in this box for the super high cost. I had not seen any spoilers and as I went through the box, I found very little usable stuff.

The clutch (glitter) has a very narrow opening and is rather gawdy..maybe good for a party but not much else.

Like others, I dont need a curling wand (naturally curly hair) and every box has too much makeup..I’ve got more eye shadow palettes than I could use in a lifetime.

Last comment – the necklace isn’t something to wear even to dinner..its maybe for a party.

So most of the items have a once or twice use which is very disappointing. Now that I know spoilers are done, I’ll look out next time. I took a chance and ended up very disappointed.

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Karen

I completely an Totally agree with you. All people did wasbpay that 265.00 too much for the name. F. That do you know how many good useful boxes I could get for that sticker shock price. Nope NO THANKS NOT WORTH IT. AGAIN UR TOTALLY RIGHT. An that uggg ugly dollar store fake necklace worth a buck neck no….. Thank you 4 ur honesty

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Brandi

Do you want to sell the whole box for what you paid plus the cost to ship to me? If so, I’m in.

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amyr

I got my box today and there is not a single thing that I will not use. Even the palette. It isn’t high end by any means. I would compare it to Tarte or Too Faced which to me are on the lower end of makeup brands.

The speaker has awesome sound, I needed a curling iron, the Atelierperfume smells great (not just like an orange at all), the moisturizer is lovely and of course I love the black clutch so much! As for the necklace I have worn it all day. I will get a lot of use out of everything I got.

This is the best NM box ever. I had my reservations but it surpassed my expectations and I do not feel I wasted one penny of my money. This was my big guilty indulgence Christmas gift and I am thrilled!

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Kerry Andersen

I think the box is great! I just really wish I could have gotten the glitter or champagne clutch. They were all gone when it came time to make a choice so I have the black… but it’s still great! If anyone wants to buy the perfume or necklace, message me on FB. I’m going to keep the T3 base and sell the attachment so I can pick up a barrel I will use. The speaker is amazing!

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Emily

I actually got the champagne clutch but would love the black, want to swap??

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amyr

I got another T3 wand with the 15% discount and the $25 card so I got it for under $48 if that helps!

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KN

I just received mine tonight – overall mostly satisfied. I received a stone colored speaker..I was considering giving this to my brother, but with the change in color I guess I will keep it. Did anyone else get another color? The necklace is more delicate than I was expecting…not my style, but not too blingy and may work for special occasions. The moisturizer is the smaller size, so I do think the advertising was misleading. Also, the Popsugar palette is so cheap it was completely smudged inside and not giftable…not sure what to do with it??? Curling iron and clutch were as advertised 🙂

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amyr

I would not for one moment stand for a smudged palette because this box was $275. I may get my box tomorrow. I would prefer another speaker color than black. I think clay would be fine for either gender.

All in all this box was OK but I am peeved about the false advertising on the Tata moisturizer, that cheap palette and the price increase. I know I will love the clutch since I’ve seen it in person, I need a curling wand, love the necklace, rose gold nail polish and perfume.

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amyr

Regarding that palette I would immediately contact PS for a replacement. You paid $275 so every single thing you got should be perfect. Mine is still bouncing all over the US and if it isn’t perfect I will contact PS.

And I a going to contact PS about the false advertising regarding the moisturizer.

As if Lisa Sugar cares. Her company got the money so I guess she’s happy.

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DawnS

So glad none of this is of use to me! I mean the clutch is cute but who wants to carry something in your hand all night or leave it on a table at a party, if it had a long chain….different story. Tata, meh Ive tried it with samples at Sephora. I do not need another wireless speaker they are so over played and over priced an I have not used the 3 I already have. The necklace I have been hearing it has broken for several people. While the nail polish color is pretty I have about 10 dupes of the same color. The palate …. well I agree with most comments here, cheapens it, should have been a Dior or Givenchy product or a fancy box of truffles or something.
I know tons love this box but for the price I am so happy I did not lol. 🙂

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DawnS

Oh and I have curly hair so the curling iron also no use 🙂

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Abi sutton

I’m happy to buy the curling iron, please let me know

Anna

The speaker is AWESOME! Bang & Olufsen is a top brand. I didn’t look at the spoilers and I was very surprised to see the speaker in the box. I buy the Neiman Marcus box so I can give some of the items as gifts for my sister and nieces. I think they really came through this year.

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Steph

I just got my box, and the clutch wasn’t in my box 🙁 I ordered the Champagne color… wondering if any else has had this happened? I’ve contacted PS, and hopefully they will correct.
BTW the palette is awful. This will be given to my young teen niece… who will likely appreciate it.

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Alison

The speaker was missing in my box 🙁 Very disappointed. I contacted PopSugar immediately and I am hoping they can still send me one.

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amyr

PopSugar absolutely cheapened the box by adding that palette. It is not luxe. It is cheap quality makeup. It is a blatant act of desperation and self promotion.

I can’t wait to get my box and the rest is awesome but they should have left that hideous palette out. If they can’t put in luxe makeup then I would rather have a luxe snack than that thing.

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Tracy T.

Liz, was there suppose to be a dust bag included with the Rebbecca Minkoff clutch? I ask as it’s an upscale handbag & also, it states, on the insert inside of the clutch: “When not in use, store your handbag in the protective dust bag.” Thanks!

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Kristin King

I did not have a dust bag either. I received the glitter clutch and it really needs the bag to be stored properly.

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amyr

I bought one at Dillard’s and it did not come with a dustbag either. But I have seen them have covers at Nordstrom. So I guess it depends on where you get the bag.

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Eileen

Hi,

I received my box today and it did come with a dust bag.

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Amy

Was in inside the purse? I got the glitter clutch, which ones did the two of you get?

Eileen

Well, this is a record. Necklace lasted four whole hours. I tried it on when I opened my box today at 5:30. I’m sitting here watching TV and I feel it fall. It came apart between the “Swarovski” crystals without any pressure on it at all and is irreparable. Hunk of junk! I would never buy a thing from that company.

The rest of the box seems great…let’s hope the quality holds up on the other items!

Amy

Mine didn’t come with one either and I was perplexed.

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Kay

If anyone is unhappy with this curling iron coming with just one attachment, I’ll happily swap for it. Just click my name for my swap profile.

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Celine

I really like this box – but why did you have to put that palette in there Popsugar, why?? It seems SO out of place. If they really wanted to promote their beauty brand, why didn’t they just put this palette in the winter box instead of the Winky lux one? theycould’ve included something else, maybe a food item or a higher value gift card (or maybe another attachment for the curling iron, even?) This box would have been an A+ for me if they didn’t put that palette in there

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Jen C

Like others, i find it such a joke that they included the Popsugar palette in this Neiman Marcus box. Am I the only one who realized that popsugar shadow palettes (plus various makeup and clothing) is sold at KOHL’S?! There’s no overlap between anything sold at NM and Kohls on any items that I’m aware of!

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Keira

I SO wish they included another attachment instead of the Tata Harper (both are worth $85)

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Marion

I like the styling of that clutch with the moto jacket, Liz !

Clémentine California is one of my absolute favorite fragrances. If you’re looking for a citrus that smells like fresh fruit, & not something artificially sweet, this one could be for you!

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JA

Not sure why’d they be upset since PS spoiled the retail price early on and no way it would be a base plus all the attachments because that would be over $300. And MSA, as usual, made this pretty clear (as many also did in the spoiler post comment section). It’s a great set because the base is the most important part and then it comes with one “starter” attachment.

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Bella01

Omgosh Liz, your side profile is beautiful. Your lashes, oh those lashes and your cute little nose. Liz your a beauty. I missed this box. I might have to get a T3 too. I love you curls Liz

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Liz Cadman

Thanks! 🙂 Lashes are all tarte Lights Camera Lashes mascara!

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Suzanne

I’m interested in swapping for the necklace. I’ll swap over RV. Click my name to see my swap profile. Or my email: thoozie (at) gmail (dot) com

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Jessica

Great review- this box looks amazing. My favorites are the perfume, the Tata Harper and the necklace!

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Tracy

I bought this box and I’m more excited than I originally was. I can’t stand perfume (insta-migraine), so my first look at the whole box kinda messed with my initial impression just because I saw that item.

I will absolutely use everything else in the box except that item…some more than others, true…but nothing else is a dud for me.

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Marci

I loved this box but have way too many portable speakers. Willing to sell to someone instead of swapping. Don’t need more items from a swap right now.

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HeatherG

Marci will you be putting it on eBay?

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Marci

Yes I already have actually. It’s linked through the swaps here.

Kathleen

Wow, I wish I hadn’t missed this one. What a great holiday box! The only change I would make would be to take out the PS palette and sub in a luxe lipstick!

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Tracy

Yes! I’m not a fan of PS putting their palette in this box, even though it’s obviously their right. I feel like it belongs in a quarterly box and not the once-a-year, big-deal (not mention, v. expensive) NM box. I would have loved a real luxury makeup brand…even if it was a smaller palette.

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Helen

I am super excited about this box! However, the Tata Harper pictured is 1 oz worth $85 not the 1.7 oz that is $110. Unless I’m missing something? And popsugar did advertise the value to be $110 so shouldn’t we be getting the 1.7 oz? Thanks for any clarification.

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Natalieee

You’re right. On the email I received it also said $110 RV. What’s going on here?! That’s false advertising!

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Liz Cadman

Oops – thank you for pointing that out. I’ve updated the post to reflect the $85 price point. That’s my fault. Thank you!

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Helen

Actually, when popsugar spoiled the item they gave it a $110 value. So shouldn’t we be getting the larger size as promised? Anyway you could reach out to them Liz? Thanks so much!

Lauren

I managed to swap for the perfume and would like to snag the nail polish and Tata Harper if possible but still no fomo on the box as a whole. For 275$ I’d expect a purse with a proper chain. For 50$ I snagged the BTBF deal was practically writing around on the floor squealing like a little piggy when it arrived today – this 275$ box by comparison feels like it’s missing something. No luxe food item this year – maybe that’s it?

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Elizabeth

I’ll sell you my nail polish and Tata Harper if you’re interested! Per the box cost breakdown, those 2 items cost about $34.21 – I’ll sell it to you for that + shipping to you!

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Elizabeth

Actually, nevermind – I think I’ll give them away as gifts instead. Sorry about that.