BoxyCharm is a $27.99 monthly beauty and makeup subscription box. They always provide a great value compared to the cost of the box and include 5-6 beauty items that include nail care, skincare, makeup, haircare, fragrance, and more. (At least 4 of those items will be full-sized). If you are a makeup addict – we recommend this box!
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
First Impressions
Boxycharm always arrives with a cute card detailing all of the products inside and listed retail values.
Now, on to the items!
Ciaté London Spice Palette – Retail Value $35
I have such a love-hate relationship with this brand. Admittedly, I generally don't love their products. And, despite the adorable packaging and pretty color story inside this eyeshadow palette, the performance of the shadows is just poor. I didn't even think the shimmers were all that smooth or pigmented. And the mattes? Splotchy and dry.
Earth Harbor Naturals CELESTINE Hydra-Plumping Peptide Serum, 30 mL - Retail Value $45
I liked this serum the first time I tried it and I still like it now. I could do without the lemongrass scent, but the ingredient list is solid. That pretty blue goo contains a blend of hyaluronic acid, aloe, niacinamide, and calling blue yarrow, which is where the pretty color comes from. Earth Harbor makes some very elegant formulas and this serum would be a nice addition to any routine craving moisturizing and brightening elements without feeling heavy or greasy.
Somme Institute Transport Exfoliating Glycolic Acid Pads, 60 pads – Retail Value $65
This is another repeat for me from a previous box, but, luckily, I love glycolic pads. Glycolic acid is an AHA chemical exfoliator that can help remedy many issues: fine lines, wrinkles, skin congestion, and dullness. I have also found that it helps with acne in a similar way to a BHA like salicylic acid. These pads are specially designed to be safe for sensitive skin and cause less irritation than similar glycolic treatments. I don't notice any tingling sensations when I use them but if you are new to products like this, you might. You also need to be extra sure to wear sunscreen during the day as well, as any sort of chemical exfoliator can make you sensitive to the sun. I like to use these every other night and I love how much better adding glycolic acid to my routine has made my skin look and feel over time.
Toy Factory SUPERSET Hyaluronic Acid Setting Spray, 3.38 fl oz – Retail Value $24
Eh, I am not crazy about this brand's, well, branding. I honestly thought with a name like Toy Factory I was receiving an adult sort of product. But it is actually just a setting spray that boasts the benefits of a serum. And I guess this is accurate as this formula contains beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe. But I don't really ever use primers and I already have those beneficial ingredients covered in my day serum and sunscreen. You can also use this as just a toner mist throughout the day, which is likely how I would use it if I found the ingredient list more compelling.
Dew of the Gods Tahitian Breakfast Face Primer, 30 mL - $32
My last item was a primer (and sadly, this is another sort of product I rarely use). Dew of the Gods is one of those brands that I don't really know how I feel about. Their most unique feature is that all of their formulas were quite literally blessed by monks. Well, at least that sort of verbiage was previously all over their website. It seems to be gone now. So not sure about the monk thing anymore I guess. Blessings aside, this brand does know how to have fun and you can tell by their engaging website and super-pretty packaging. This pink primer aims to give you dewy skin bolstered by good ingredients like shea, cicapair, collagen, and a long, long list of plant extracts. It has a gel-like texture that tends to travel across your skin really fast as you apply it. It isn't a product I will use daily, but I think a lot of people will enjoy this one.
Verdict
This month's BoxyCharm had a value of $201 which is high for a $27.99 box. And though I did like and appreciate the glycolic acid pads and the serum (both repeats for me), the rest of the box just wasn't a great fit for my routine. I think this one could easily classify as one of the more lackluster I have received this year, despite the overall value. There just wasn't anything that I was super excited about. Usually, my Boxycharm boxes have at least one brand or product I am itching to try. But not this October 2022 box.
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Value – Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $27.99
Value Breakdown:
Each of these 5 items had an average cost of $5.60 each. Alternatively, here is how each item breaks down:
- Eyeshadow Palette $4.87
- Serum $6.27
- Pads $9.05
- Setting Spray $3.34
- Primer $4.46
Other Things You Should Know
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes, your first box should be the October box.
What do you think of the October 2022 BoxyCharm Box? Which variants are you getting?
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