PopSugar MustHave Holiday 2014

PopSugar MustHave is a monthly lifestyle subscription box. I call it a Christmas stocking in a box and I look forward to it every month. In addition to the monthly box, I couldn't resist the Holiday Edition Limited Edition Box. It's filled with items that I might not purchase for myself, but that I will use and love. Just a bit (more) luxury.

The usual subscription box is $39.99/month, but if you purchase 3 or 6 month subscriptions, there is a little discount. And, they have discounts every month if you find the codes. I was out of town for a few months and had to cancel to skip my October and November boxes. Black Friday they had a special for $75 off a 6-month subscription. So, my $214.70 ($35.78/box) came to 139.70 ($23.28/box). The Holiday Limited Edition box was $100 and I feel like I got a great deal. They also have a Nieman Marcus box for $250, which I did not purchase.

Some folks have been pretty frustrated because there have been some special pricing lately. Shortly after I placed my order, they offered a code for a free December box with LE boxes. Well, I took a shot in the dark and reached out to Customer Service. I had ordered 3 LE boxes (1 for me, 1 for my husband, and 1 as a gift) and I requested consideration for an extra December box. They responded quickly and sent me an extra box to gift a friend. Sure, I suppose if I had waited and placed 3 separate orders for 3 boxes, I could have gotten more free boxes and gifted more, but that's a lot of work. Now, they are running a special for $30 off the LE boxes and people are upset. My take ... it's like any other after holiday (or pre-holiday) sale. Last year, the boxes sold out fast. This year, they had extra at the end of the season (and closer to the holiday) so they discounted to move them. It's like a sweater ... if I pay full price today and it goes on sale after Christmas ... well, most stores won't refund the difference. I have no real gripes about this. Just luck, I suppose.

Now, for the unboxing ... I was planning to save this until Christmas, but my dog had other ideas. She opened the box and tore up the paper. Needless to say, I don't have a good picture. But, it was obvious that each item was wrapped neatly in individual tissue paper. Nice touch for a luxury box. Each item was detailed in a fold-out card.







First and favorite for me was the Turkish-T Diamond Throw. This is a PopSugar exclusive item. It's heavy enough to be a throw blanket and light enough to be soft and comfortable without weighing you down. I love the soft periwinkle and cream stripes with diamond pattern. I wrapped up in it while I unwrapped the rest of the package. Retail $65

Next, Loeffler Randall Envelope Clutch. It is leather in a python embossed print in a beige color. It is very pretty and generous size. However, I am not a clutch kind of girl and I try to avoid animal-based products in my life when I can. I have a friend who is very fashion-forward who will love this gift. Retail $70








I am keeping the Illume Gilded Amberleaf Metallic Knob Tin. The candle smells amazing with lots of infused scent. I like amber, but not when it's really strong. This isn't a strong amber and there are hints of so many other really nice fragrances. I love the tin which adds a touch of elegance to separate it from "just another candle." I've already enjoyed it. Candles and bubble baths are my favorite way to relax. Retail $23.50.

I love skin care and beauty items in subscription boxes. It's funny that I haven't been a big make-up and beauty girl, but I find it really trying new skincare lines and products. I admit it, I didn't know what Luminizer was and had to look it up to figure out how to use the RMS Beauty Living Luminizer & Brightening Brush. At first, I thought it was mispacked because I couldn't find it. Nothing seemed removed from my box from the dog's "unboxing" and it wasn't in there. I contacted Customer Service. Shortly after, I found the wrapped box in the dog's toy box. I suppose she liked it too. I notified Customer Service. They were quick to respond, but there wasn't anything I needed from them. Nice to just have a friendly response, though. Anyway, I watched videos and I think I will really use this. It looks amazing to soften and shimmer eye-shadows and the transformation when brushed across bony parts (forehead, nose, especially cheekbones) is pretty awesome. I probably won't use it to highlight a cupid's bow on the lip line, though. Retail $50

I'm also excited to try Kate Somerville ExfiliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment. Lots of fruit-based enzymes and extracts. It's kind of a gross dark color with an incredible smell and a very fine exfoliating texture. I like exfoliants and peels and I hope they keep me looking younger because I don't plan to age gracefully. I think I will really really like this. I tried a dab on my hand and it was great. Retail $22

And I LOVE the gold shimmer of the Habit Cosmetics 21 Nefertiti nail polish. The color alone has me all atwitter, but it's also supposed to treat cuticles and strengthen nails. I sometimes get brittle nails in winter, so I am excited to try it. I think it will be a great color for a NYE party. And the bottle is really cool and pretty.  Retail $18. 



Last item was Droga Chocolates Money on Honey dark chocolate covered caramels sprinkled in sea salt. I am sure they are amazing and I would love to try them. They sound divine, but alas, I avoid dairy, so they went to a friend. Retail $7.95.

Total value for the box was $256.45. I like to feel like I'm getting a good value and this did it for me. I loved the curation ... something special and unique. I'm a fan. There are still a few boxes left and discounted $30 with the NEWYEAR code, so only $70 if you act fast. Not sure if I get any "credit" if you use my link, but it's worth a try if you're interested.

(This post contains affiliate links. These opinions are my own and are unsolicited. I have not received any compensation for my comments.)