I was completely surprised to see my box here today! Mine never arrive this fast. That means it was spoiler free for me. My thoughts:
The first product I saw was the Model Co lipgloss. First impression "Oh yay, another peachy lipgloss I won't use! Toss!" But then I opened the Pop Sugar info card and realized it's a lipstick and lipgloss in one. Now I was intrigued. I applied the lipstick and love the smell and neutral color boost it seems to give. The lipgloss is a little tacky, but not more or less than other brands. I have never tried or heard of this brand before, but if it wears well, I will definitely look them up and maybe order a second color. Then I went to their site and saw that this is apparently a sample size and the full size is $49. At that price point, I would want beyond normal wear. Doubtful that I will order again.
The next item I saw was the candle sample. It is a very tiny candle. I will maybe keep this in my bathroom. It says it's a travel candle, but I don't ever bring candles with me when I travel and I travel somewhat regularly. I have a friend who travels for work. She is on the road more than she is home. I think this would make a good gift for her. I checked out their site and their prices seem reasonable and so if this one burns nicely, I may buy some stuff from them for my friends Birthday this year. This candle retails for $11.
NCLA nail polish - I have no need for this product personally, but it is a beautiful color and one I would consider neutral in this day and age. I imagine one of my kids or a friend will love it. I've heard great things from the brand, so that's good. It retails for $18
Nourish Organic Argan Face Serum. Based on looks alone, if I saw this in the store, I'd pass over it. It just looks cheap to me. I know, I'm a marketers best friend! But since I got it, I will try it when I run out of my serum. If I like it I may buy it since it's only $24, but I am rarely loyal to a face serum.
Gorjana Brooks Jewelry Roll - Looks like a free with purchase gift, personally. I wouldn't buy it, but I have seen similar items at Charming Charlie's. I already have a jewelry roll that I can hang, but this is nice for shorter trips. This is one of those items that I would never buy myself, but it is a nice gift to receive and I will use it. I am probably in the minority, but I love Gorjana Griffin jewelry and have a few of their pieces that I have purchased as well as received in Popsugar boxes. But I count the $25
gift card as a coupon, not an item that adds value to the box. These retail on their site for $45. That is shocking to me! I would say $10 maybe $15.
Sugarwish candy. When I saw the box, my heart skipped a beat. I again am probably in the minority here, but I love that there is a small treat in every box! I have found some of my favorite snacks through this box. On the downside, I just started a cleanse today. Boo! I opened the box and saw the little cinnamon hearts. I used to love these candies when I was in middle school. I haven't had them in forever! I am super excited. Again, I will say I'm a sucker for marketing, so I loved the packaging. I wouldn't buy this from this site for myself, but the site looks as if these are definitely geared as gifts. I would absolutely send these in place of flowers as a gift to someone. I added them to my favorite sites for future use. They send a box with the receivers choice of 4 candies for $25. Not too shabby for a unique gift, and that means it places the value of the candy we received at $6.25. OK so that's pricey, but for a gift, not too bad.
Dial Vitamin Boost Soap - OK they lost me here. Are they serious with this? I always related Popsugar as sending me items that A. I wouldn't normally buy myself, B. A bit more high end than what you can find at Target or Walmart. C. Items that make nice and unique gifts. This goes against all those things for me.
Overall I like the box. I don't love it though. I feel the value for the money really isn't there for me though. I don't know why, because clearly it is WORTH the $40, but it just felt cheap. Nothing impressed me so much to make me go crazy over the box. I feel like overall I wasted money for someone to market to me. Like I paid for the gimmicky ads. I am glad I learned about 2 new companies, but overall I am indifferent on the box. I don't love it, and I don't hate it.
/emoticons/
