Makeup Mystery Boxes!
- Rachel Rosana
- Dec 10, 2018
- 10 min read
Updated: Jan 24, 2019
What I would consider the top two brands of the makeup world, just released limited makeup mystery boxes.
The releases were bound to sell out in minutes! I was lucky enough to get my hands on each of the last months... After opening up both of them I can now say will say they were NOT what I expected!
Both of the boxes contained some items I already had, some I didn't, and some I have heard of. The Jeffree Star box items were better than what people had received and then poorly reviewed. One of the complaints from Jeffree's box happened to be most, if not all the items sent to people were items that weren't selling well on his website...therefore, they were placed in the boxes.
Honestly, I don't mind that. I think rather a smart way to get rid of inventory that did not sell well. I was thrilled with anything I would get because it would allow me to try new items I wouldn't have purchased on my own. Jeffree Star makes wonderful quality of items and I was sure that what would be in my box would be worth keeping!
Boxes purchased included, the same lip glosses, same shades, and same clothing item. I figured not every box would be the same. Most would be the same I mean how many options can you make for these mystery boxes. Especially considering if they were packaged/shipped simultaneously, and at the same storage facility. You are bound to get the SAME products!
Later on, after reading the names of the shades I received in Jeffree Star box I soon realized many WISHED they got... I happened to have gotten in my box.
Mystery Box #1
Brand: Too Faced
Price: $45.00/USD
Value: 5 items worth over $123.00/USD
Too Faced released their 2018 makeup bag around the end of November. It was mentioned by the makeup community prices of the mystery bag went up a bit but the items would be better. I did not order their mystery makeup bag last year because I honestly didn't think it was worth the price. But was I wrong! ... I admit that. I heard good things about the 2017 mystery bag. It included palettes I own now and are big fans of using almost daily! So when I received the email that the 2018 bag was up for grabs I knew I had to buy it!
The packaging is always lovely and girly no matter when you order Too faced. The inside of the box said "YOU'RE SO TOO FACED," and then underneath it said in white color font, "LOVE YOU BOO."
It is lovely packaging only issue is their packaging can be messy when you open the box.
Items I Received:
Chocolate Bon Bon Eyeshadow Palette - Worth $ 49.00/USD
2 Melted Lipsticks - $21.00/USD for each (total of $42.00/USD)
Shade: Chihuahua (Pinkish shade), and Granny Panties (Greyish Purple tone)
Sketch Marker Liquid Eyeliner - $ 20.00/USD each
Shade: Deep Blue (goes on more of a lighter blue shade)
Deluxe Size, Better Than Sex Mascara - $12.00/USD each
Total of all 5 items: $123.00
The Chocolate: Bon Bon Eyeshadow Palette smells like sweet melted chocolate. It is a nice touch and the pigmentation of the colors are good! I actually own this palette already but it is old. It is never good to keep expired makeup! Especially Mascara... it can give you pink eye! Be aware of expiration dates of the makeup you have!! CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO. I do recommend this palette for someone who enjoys the sweet smell of chocolate. It isn't a powerful smell, but it is noticeable when you open the palette. The classic nude shades are great for everyday looks!
The Melted lipsticks are pretty nice, they dry nicely and do not take a forever to take off your lips with makeup remover wipes. The smell isn't great and is the reason I don't ever buy them or use them. However, The colors are nice. The color of one of the lip products is a grayish purple tone is not for me. It makes me look as if I stayed in the swimming pool too long. The other shade is actually a nice rose pink color and is lovely with my skin tone. But again, not loving the smell of the lipsticks which makes me not want to use it often. I also, normally don't wear lipsticks or matte lipsticks because I always have the fear of it getting on my teeth... so i stick to colored chapstick and lip gloss. But these 2 are a nice find and I am happy to have them! I am unsure if I recommend these products. I have to try them more to give more of an opinion.
The Sketch Marker Liquid Eyeliner was a little disappointing! I swatched it and it just didn't do it for me. The color was a little lighter than I expected and it wasn't as pigmented. However, it dried fairly quickly and didn't wipe off.... only when i washed my hands off with soap and warm water. I don't recommend this product. There are better eyeliners out there.
This mascara, Better Than Sex, is one of the top mascaras on the market!! It lifts your eyelashes to the point where there is NO need for false lashes. I am not one for false lashes anyways so I don't use them. This is my GO-TO mascara every time I do my makeup. It gives them a full black rich look! It is well priced and worth every penny! There is another one they have is waterproof. I don't like that one because they are clumpy and hard to take off for me. Personally not something I would recommend buying. Otherwise, the original mascara is MUST HAVE for any makeup lover or someone who wants to give their eyes more of an impact without having to wear false lashes.
Finally, I give this mystery bag (box) 2.5 out 4 stars.
I either have the items, or had no pigment or the colors weren't what I would have chosen. I understand the mystery bag was a risk but it allowed me as a customer of Too Faced to look at other items besides eyeshadows. Therefore, I would do the mystery bag again!
Mystery Box #2:
Brand: Jeffree Star
Price: $80.00/USD
Value: 10 items worth over $120.00/USD
There were three different price points offered for the different mystery boxes. Each contained different items from Jeffree Star Cosmetics. Selected few included mirrors, shirts, sweaters, lip glosses, lip sticks, lip scrubs, highlighters and more!
{The $30.00 box was worth about $80.00/USD for 6 items. The $80.00/USD box worth about $120.00/USD for 10 items, and finally, the $175.00/USD box worth about $140.00/USD for 13 items.}
The following photo was the advertisement used for the different mystery boxes that were being sold exclusively on his official website:
The boxes are no longer being sold. These boxes probably won't come back until next Black Friday. He has YET to announce anything further on these boxes.
Most fans have received their boxes, and those who have been quick to post videos of the unboxing of these mystery boxes. Most of the reviews posted on YouTube made me a little concerned as to what I would get. Everyone who got the $30.00 box, $80.00 and $175.00 all got the same items and same shades for their box size. Many were disappointed by the colors because yes, Jeffree does sell bright, vibrant colors that aren't for everyone... but that was the RISK in ordering these boxes. You don't know what you will get. Honestly, that is the fun of ordering them. I personally have never ordered anything mystery before because I don't like the anxious feeling of the not knowing what you will get.
But after buying SEVERAL items from Jeffree over the past year or so, I can say that I truly love the items I have tried! Some colors were not for me BUT one of the reasons that makes his line so great the products can be used on your eyelids. They are eye safe, which means you can use them as eyeshadow, eyeliner, face paint...or anything. They are high quality that they last for a long time. His makeup is also Vegan and animal cruelty free! I love companies that do that!! I wish there were more companies that would create products like that.
Items I Received:
2 Lip Ammunitions - $18.00/USD each (total of $36.00)
Shades: Jeffree's Girl (Smells like Creamsicle Ice Cream, Bright pink shade), and Fudge Pop *NO LONGER SOLD* (Goldish, Bronze Metallic shade)
4 Velour Liquid Lipsticks - $18.00/USD each (total of $72.00)
Shades: Allegedly (brown terra-cotta nude shade), Baby Daddy (warm, soft taupey nude shade), Delicious (deep, grey mauve based shade), and Watermelon Soda (Vibrant Orangey Pink Shade)
2 Skin Frost- $28.00/USD each (total of $56.00)
Shades: Dark Horse (Bronze color- check photo of fingertip swatch) & Regina George (pink color - check photo of fingertip swatch)
1 Jeffree Star logo Holographic T-shirt *NO LONGER SOLD* - $25.00/USD
1 Jeffree Star Cell phone Popsocket *NOT SOLD ONLINE* Price unknown.
Total of all 9 items: $189.00 (Price based only the 9 items. The price does not include Pop Socket because the price is unknown as it is not sold on his official website.)
The colors sent to me are just so beautiful!!! I did very well with this box. I was so happy with what was given to me. Yes, some colors were not what I would pick or wear BUT they will look GREAT on the eyes or as eyeliner! I cannot wait to wear more of his lip products. Mentioned earlier in this blog... I don't wear lip items because I don't like worrying it will get onto my teeth.
Lip items I highly recommend. The shades he offers can be for anyone and any occasion. I love this formula he uses on both the ammunition lipstick and liquid lipstick. Those new to his products should purchase at least one shade and see how it works for you. They glide on so easily and come off well. I used a makeup wipe remover and after one to two wipes it came off. It MAY leave a stain but that will go away if you use OIL wipes. Same goes for the eye area, some shades may leave stains. That is not only a Jeffree Star product, but a EVERY other company out there today.
*Tip: If you have sensitive skin ALWAYS read the ingredients FIRST before buying OR wearing!!! This can lead to redness, pink eye, and sometimes hives!*
The highlighters... my gosh! HOW STUNNING ARE THEY! I definitely recommend ALL of his highlighters. I own most of them, not these specific pans, but I own his highlighter palettes which are fantastic. The size of the these highlighter pans are as big as the palm of your hand. They are ginormous for highlighters ad they even come with a mirror! They have a good weight to them, but nothing crazy. NO smell. I really love these items... I was hoping I would get Regina George (pink shade) because many people kept hoping to get that... many did NOT. I feel extremely lucky I got the shade, it is so stunning, and buildable. At first swipe it wasn't as pink as I would have liked it to be but after two to four swipes I can only imagine wearing this on my eyes as an eyeshadow!! The colors he has created for his lines can be considered extreme for the average dark and light brown highlighters. Swatches are great to look at before buying, but sometimes the way there are swatched can be misleading because they can show up DIFFERENTLY on your face. Some may look blue, green or purple but on your face show up as a peach metallic color. So never judge his wild highlighters!! If you don't want to buy the highlighter palettes he has, try one shade. It is worth the money.
*Tip: They are great for not only the cheek bone area but also as an eyeshadow and sometimes the brown highlighters are good as bronzers!*
The Jeffree Star T-shirt is so SOFT and comfortable. His size range is wonderful, ranges from XS to 3XL. I always go up a size because I enjoy a baggy fit. However, if you choose your normal size that will fit nicely. His tee-shirts are unisex. I've never seen him say this shirt is ONLY for women, or only for men. He is inclusive with his fans. By that I mean he makes sure everyone skin color, and size are included in what he sells. I appreciate companies who include plus size, lighter skin tones, darker skin tones, etc. Keep in mind, Jeffree Star is considered an indie brand. He owns his entire company... not some other big brand name company controls what he creates etc. I do recommend his clothing items. He sells much more than T-shirts, coats, hats, crop hoodies, and much more!
Popsocket may not be sold on his website... But I think it is nice addition to the box. I have never used them cause I am always worried it may fall off and my phone could crash on the floor in pieces. I'm always that person who drops their phone and it cracks... so I try to be careful with my phone. I can't say if I recommend this item or not, because I have never personally tried any type of "Pop Sockets" But if they work for you I'm sure this item is good. Jeffree doesn't put out items if they are not well made. He takes years in creating items that are worth buying. He understands fans are not made of money and he takes his creativity and company seriously.
Finally, I give this mystery box 3.5 out 4 stars.
The reason for the half a star off is I would not have chosen that shirt. I would have liked a tie dye shirt he has in his stores. Also, I don't use Popsockets... I wish he gave another item instead. All the mystery boxes came with Popsockets from what I am seeing online. Otherwise, those two issues for me are so major. I am so happy with what I received I would DEFINITELY do this again. It was a wonderful surprise and I am thrilled with my picks!
Both boxes were great purchases. It is always a risk purchasing any type of makeup. We all have different types of skin tones and allergies. Any mystery box best part is the unboxing of items you received. I recommend those who are not familiar or consider themselves to be makeup artists to give these boxes a chance. They send you items you wouldn't normally try or items that are top sellers!
To purchase Too Faced items, click HERE.
To purchase Jeffree Star Cosmetics items, click HERE.
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