I have a confession: I totally forgot to make my picks this month. So, the BoxyCharm team took the reins, and honestly? It felt like a surprise gift! This month’s theme is, of course, the Olympics – because what better way to wrap up the games than with some beauty MVPs? Let's dive in and see if these picks are podium-worthy. 🏆
BoxyCharm by Ipsy is a $30 monthly beauty and makeup subscription box. It always provides great value compared to the cost of the box and includes 5 beauty items, including nail care, skincare, makeup, haircare, fragrance, and more. (At least 4 of those items will be full-sized.) If you are a makeup or skincare 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
The foam is back! 🎉 Seriously, that foam just makes everything look so much more polished and organized. Despite the box taking a bit of a beating during transit, everything inside was safe and sound.
What’s Inside
Iconic London Treat Yourself Eyeshadow Palette – Retail Value $62
At first, I was super excited to see this in the box. I think this is one of the most popular eyeshadow palettes ever. The shades, though not my usual go-tos, looked beautiful. However, I have to say... these shadows didn’t quite live up to the hype.
They’re very powdery, and you need at least two or three layers for the colors to really pop. But the biggest issue? The fallout. You definitely need to use loose powder or even a protective eye mask to catch the excess. That said, the shades do hold up well throughout the day, though the matte colors tend to crease, likely because they're more powdery than creamy. On the other hand, the shimmery shades feel creamier and stayed on looking flawless all day.
Still, I wasn’t impressed overall.
Too Faced Better Than Sex Volumizing Mascara – Retail Value $29
Do I really have to say it? This mascara has been the ultimate MVP for years for a reason—it is better than sex. The volume it gives my thin eyelashes is out of this world. That said, the brush is quite thick, so mastering the application takes some practice to avoid getting mascara on your eyelids.
Kvoss NYC Lip Potion – Retail Value $28
This was my first time trying Kvoss NYC, so I was excited to give it a go. I’ll admit, I’m a bit skeptical of most lip masks because they often fail to deliver. Unfortunately, this one was no different.
While it’s hydrating and your lips feel moisturized while wearing it, it doesn’t last through the night. Either 1) I’m smushing it onto my pillow, or 2) it’s absorbing too quickly. Also, the packaging is a bit of a nightmare—it’s tough to get just a tiny bit out, which makes it messy. A classic lip gloss applicator would’ve been a game-changer.
Fleur & Bee Eyes Eyes Baby – Retail Value $65
Another pricey eye cream… Honestly, this one was just fine. It’s hydrating, rich, and has a slight fragrance, likely from the seed oils. It’s great for day or night use, but would I purchase it for $65? Probably not.
Vacation Classic Lotion SPF 30 – Retail Value $20
Aha! I nearly jumped with excitement when I saw this. Vacation sunscreen is such an icon in Miami, and this SPF 30 is a chemical sunscreen that has that nostalgic Coppertone scent. It’s lightweight for an American sunscreen (you know I usually prefer Asian sunscreens).
Application was a breeze, and it didn’t leave a white cast. But… and it’s a big BUT... I wouldn’t use this on my face. After applying it to the back of my hands, I had some leftover on my palms. Later, when I applied BB cream with my hands, the eye sting was unbearable. Just for that, I wouldn’t recommend this sunscreen for your face. However, it’s great for the body, and I’ll probably keep it handy for light walks or errands.
Value – Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $30
Value Breakdown:
- Iconic London Eyeshadow Palette: $62
- Too Faced Mascara: $29
- Kvoss Lip Mask: $28
- Fleur & Bee Eye Cream: $65
- Vacation SPF: $20
Total Value: $204
When you look at the value-cost ratio, this box is always such a bargain. Just the eyeshadow palette alone covers the cost.
Takeaways
Was this box filled with MVPs? I’d say 50/50. The Iconic London palette and Too Faced mascara are fan favorites, but the eyeshadow quality just didn’t impress me. Maybe I expected more, or maybe I just prefer creamier formulas.
Still, this was a really fun box, and most of the picks do deserve a spot on the Olympic beauty team. In fact, I think this was better than the last box. It included some really popular products and some brands that aren't as mainstream, which let me discover something new—exactly what this box is all about!
Other Things You Should Know
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, your first box will be from the next curation.
What do you think of the August 2024 BoxyCharm by Ipsy Box? Which variants are you getting?
Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.