My Subscription Life: Abby

My Subscription Life is a new series designed to help you get to know the MSA team a little bit better. Each profile introduces a different member of the team, showcases their favorite subscriptions, and explores how subscriptions impact their lives. 

Hello! This week on My Subscription Life, we're going to hear from Abby, a writer from Hollidaysburg, PA who has been reviewing for MSA since June 2018. Abby is always on the hunt for new beauty, fun flair, and trendy clothing boxes, and she's been a subscription box addict for over 10 years now! If you're looking to kickstart your holiday shopping, read on. Abby dives into some of her favorite subscription box discoveries and shares some incredible product recommendations, and... it's good stuff. (Seriously. I took notes.)

Without further ado, here's Abby!

My Subscription Life: Abby

Lindsey: Hi, Abby, thanks for taking some time to talk about your subscription life! When and how did you first discover subscriptions?

Abby: I subscribed to Birchbox in 2011 which lead to Ipsy then Glossybox... it is a slippery slope!

L: Which subscriptions do you receive currently? 

A: Aside from what I review, Birchbox, Ipsy, FabFitFun, and All True.

(Note from Lindsey: Abby reviews So Susan, Quirky Crate, Goddess Provisions, Kinder Beauty Box, BarkBox, greenUP Box, Little Feminist Book Club, Dapper Dog, and MoonBox.)

L: Do you have a favorite subscription?

A: FabFitFun -- I love the customization options and add-ons.

L: Which subscription item(s) has been the most memorable? Why did it make such an impact on you?

A: I used to absolutely love POPSUGAR Must Have. I have so many treasures from that subscription.

L: Are there any items from POPSUGAR that you still use regularly or continue to repurchase? Any brands you discovered through POPSUGAR that continue to be favorites?

A: There are so many brands that I loyally follow thanks to Lisa Sugar, a few that come to mind are Belgian Boys, Rifle Paper Co., Quay Australia, Baublebar and Tilo Scarves. A random item that I can’t live without, thanks to POPSUGAR Must Have, is Simpatico’s Ambergris Hand Cream from November 2014’s monthly box. There is something so addictive and sensual about this scent that I just can’t get enough of, plus the shea butter feels amazing on winter-battered hands. I’ve repurchased this item and constantly explore the brands previously mentioned all thanks to this subscription, RIP.

L: What are the top three favorite products you received through POPSUGAR?

A: The items from POPSUGAR that have aged the best are mostly all jewelry finds from their quarterly or limited edition boxes. I counted on PSMH to supply me with fun jewelry pieces for quite a few years, and the few that stick out to me are the Tai Rainbow Arc Necklace from the Winter 2019 box and the DANNIJO Dagny Necklace from the Limited Edition Fall 2017 Winter box. Popsugar had their dainty gold jewelry on lockdown; I have so many pieces from them that I still wear daily, but the Tai necklace is my absolute favorite. It has a little pop of color and can be worn to jazz up any neutral outfit. DANNIJO’s necklace is the polar opposite; it is a little blingy, a little edgy, and I feel like a rockstar when I put it on. Popsugar also sent out The Chesterman Circle Towel by Tofino Towel Co in their Summer 2016 LE Box, which is my absolute favorite towel to lounge on at the beach.

L: POPSUGAR shuttered in 2020. Are there any similar subscriptions still on the market today? Which subs would you recommend for someone looking for a similar subscription?

A: POPSUGAR Must Have started out as a monthly box. It was $39.95 a month for 5 or 6 items that ranged from beauty, home, fitness, food items, etc. Of course, there are so many great subscriptions out there today, but none of them scratch my itch for monthly lifestyle boxes like POPSUGAR Must Have did. I love FabFitFun, which is amazing for its customization options, and Alltrue is also great for more sustainable lifestyle products, but neither of them offer a monthly box. Even though those are two great options, I still long for the premium, versatile curations PSMH came up with every month.

L: It sounds like there's a hole in the market! If you could create a high-end subscription to fill the void, what would you want to see featured each month? 

A: Every month I'd receive a piece of clothing, something funny, one home decor item or accessory and one beauty product. Every month is different and unique for everyone.

L: Let's say you get a call from Subscription Box HQ. They've heard you loud and clear. They're going to launch a brand new monthly box with all those things you mentioned, and they want you to curate the first shipment. What would you send out to your subscribers?

A: With almost 10 years of experience with subscription boxes under my belt, I feel like I could curate one massively impressive box that could suit anybody looking for a little pampering.

Here is my list of contents: 

Mejuri Single Opal U Hoops - everyday staple potential!

Brooklinen Robe Super Plush Robe - insanely comfortable, and I am loving the limited edition colors.

Pat McGrath Celestial Odyssey Quad - Her eyeshadow formula is gloriously pigmented and easy to use, especially in the duo-chrome and shimmer shades.

Society6 Sassquatch Acrylic Print by Sophie Corrigan - I love home goods that put a smile on my face; who could resist this fierce Sassquatch! (Not me.)

See’s Candies Assorted Lollypops - If you don’t know, you should find out. These lollies are incredible! I keep one in my car for a sugar fix at all times.

...am I hired?

I don't know about you all, but I would 100% subscribe to Abby's subscription box. Any services out there looking for a product curator? Hit. Abby. Up.

Thank you so much to Abby for taking the time to sit down and talk about her subscription life.

Questions for Abby? Jump into the comments section below!