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Ricky’s NYC Cult Crushes Beauty Review – October 2017

Marne Orenich
ByMarne OrenichNov 22, 2017 | 19 comments

Cult Crushes Box

Cult Crushes
3.4 overall rating
30 Ratings | 6 Reviews

Cult Crushes is a monthly subscription box from Ricky's NYC that gives you the chance to test their hottest brands and products – both classic and new – and learn how to optimize them through exclusive online tutorials lead by influencers they love.

Reviewed by popular demand!

Open Cult Crushes Box

look inside cult crushes box

My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes). 

contents of October 2017 cult crushes

The Box: Ricky’s NYC Cult Crushes

The Cost: $11 per month + free shipping

The Products: Each month, subscribers receive a themed selection of handpicked products in cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fashion.

Ships to: US

Good to Know: As a subscriber, you also get 25% off all online purchases and free shipping on purchases of $50 or more when you shop with Ricky’s NYC.

Check out all of our beauty box reviews and our Beauty Subscription Box Directory!

Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

When we asked you which boxes were underrated, a lot of you mentioned Cult Crushes! I don't know how we missed this one, but I'm here to remedy that and jump into our first review of the beloved beauty box! Thanks for opening our eyes!

October 2017 Cult Crushes info card list of contents on October 2017 Cult Crushes info card

First, you'll see an info card that lists all of this month's Cult Crushes.

Dr. Lip Bang's Lip Freak package back of Dr. Lip Bang's Lip Freak package Dr. Lip Bang's Lip Freak tube Dr. Lip Bang's Lip Freak uncapped

Dr. Lip Bang's Lip Freak in Berry Sinister - Retail Value $4.95

Holy CRAP, you gals. This is the most intense lip balm I have ever tried in my life! If you read the package, you see that it says this is the strongest BUZZING lip balm in the whole world. They are not lying. I put it on and expected a bit of a tingle, but within two minutes your lips are LITERALLY buzzing! It's so crazy! This balm is 100% natural, so the buzzing is mainly caused by the amount of cinnamon oil they put in this baby. They are VIBRATING, I kid you not. On top of that, it tastes wonderful and makes your lips super duper hydrated. I really need to try this before kissing someone. Will report back.

LASplash Wickedly Divine Liquid Lip Gloss package LASplash Wickedly Divine Liquid Lip Gloss gem on top of LASplash Wickedly Divine Liquid Lip Gloss LASplash Wickedly Divine Liquid Lip Gloss wand in Kiss of Death LASplash Wickedly Divine Liquid Lip Gloss laying down swatch of LASplash Wickedly Divine Liquid Lip Gloss in Kiss of Death

LASplash Wickedly Divine Liquid Lip Gloss wand in Kiss of Death on model

LASplash Wickedly Divine Liquid Lip Gloss in Kiss of Death - Retail Value $14.40

This color is super dark and I really like it on! The tube it comes in is pretty goth with its matte black top that is encrusted with a dark red gemstone. The wand delivers the liquid lipstick to your lips easily with its unique needle-hole design. I'll say that this formula is a bit on the thin side compared to other liquid lipsticks I've used. When it goes on, you really have to spread it around and use a good bit. Once it dries, it really dries, so to say that it doesn't feel very moisturizing at all. It reminds me a lot of Doucce liquid lipstick that I've received in other sub boxes. Packaging: cool, color: very cool, the formula: meh. This one might be better with a gloss or balm over top.

House of Lashes in package back of House of Lashes package House of Lashes in tray

House of Lashes False Eye Lashes in Bombshell - Retail Value $9? (linked to similar styles)

If you read my Le Metier De Beaute Beauty Vault VIP Review back in June, you know that I can't take myself seriously in false eyelashes. The package says that these are 100% human hair OR a synthetic blend, so I can't be sure which these are. Either way, I don't keep eyelash glue stocked at my house, so these ladies will be not be getting a test drive from me. They certainly look fun, but I wouldn't be able to keep these on for any amount of time, so I salute those of you out there who do this on the reg! I will be passing these on to a friend to enjoy instead!

The Makeup Bullet with info cards The Makeup Bullet info card The Makeup Bullet info card The Makeup Bullet info card The Makeup Bullet The Makeup Bullet on finger

The Makeup Bullet - Retail Value $14.95

This little bullet-shaped sponge came with a ton of literature on how it came to be (created by a makeup artist), how to use it (dry is preferred), and how to keep it clean (water and cleanser). I myself use my fingertips to smooth my foundation onto my skin but have been slowly experimenting with some options. The first was a silicone applicator that I did not care for at all. I gave the Makeup Bullet a try and was really impressed! It slides onto your finger, so I use it exactly how I use my own digit, but with less mess and more blending ease. I use Milk Makeup's Sunshine Skin Tint that comes in a pump stick, so I rolled it onto my face using the rollerball, then used the Makeup Bullet to spread it evenly across my face with no weird streaking. The tip made it easy to spread into the corners near my eyes, which can be a struggle with my stiletto acrylic nails, so this is really great for me! Very impressed!

Comodynes Makeup Remover Towelettes package Comodynes Makeup Remover Towelettes popping out of package

Comodynes Micellar Solution Makeup Remover Towelettes for Normal Skin, Pack of 20 - Retail Value $6.99

I've tried a lot of makeup remover wipes, which are my preferred way to remove makeup (even if my facialist tells me to wash my face instead). When you review a lot of makeup and skincare, these wipes come in handy. These Comodynes brand wipes successfully removed some eyeshadow, but when put to the true test of removing some super-pigmented lipstick, they didn't stand up. They smell pretty fresh, though I can't put a finger on an exact scent. These will be reserved for lighter makeup removing jobs.

Verdict: Ricky’s NYC Cult Crushes is pretty unbelievable! For only $11 (plus FREE SHIPPING) I received a whopping $50 retail value of cool stuff! I am now obsessed with Dr. Lip Bang's Lip Freak, and am happily using the Makeup Bullet on the reg. I can't wait to see what's in store moving forward! Why did y'all wait so long to tell me about this?! 😉

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Not for this one, but you have until the 25th of each month to sign up for that month’s box. Once subscribed, your reoccurring payment will happen on the 5th of each month. You can pause or cancel your subscription at any time.

Value Breakdown: At $11 for this box, here’s what you are paying approximately per item: 50.29

  • Lip Balm: $1.08
  • Liquid Lipstick: $3.15
  • False Lashes: $1.97
  • Makeup Bullet: $3.27
  • Makeup Wipes: $1.53

Do you subscribe to Cult Crushes?! Tell me everything!

Starting at $11.00
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Ricky’s Cult Crushes subscription box gives you the chance to test our hottest brands and products – both classic and new – and learn how to optimize them through exclusive online tutorials lead by influences we love.
Marne Orenich
Marne Orenich
Marne is a lipstick connoisseur, record collector, and twice over cat mom. She loves discovering new clean beauty brands and has quite the collection of beautifully packaged serums and moisturizers.

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19 comments

Dindrane

Has anyone tried the Dr. Lip Bang’s Lip Freak under matte lipstick to see if it makes mattes more comfortable?

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Layla

Waiting for coupon and I’m subbing!!

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Ragan

That lip balm sounds kind of terrifying to me. One time there was an Olfactif perfume with a lot of cinnamon in it and I sprayed it on without really thinking about it and then looked later and my neck was like super red and painful and it lasted for most of the day (I wore a scarf to work to cover it up), so I pretty much stay away from anything with loads of cinnamon oil in it.

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LA

I just got this lip freak in the Lucky Vitamin beauty bag too. Now I want this Cult box. UGH! 🙂 Beautyfix is my fave (can’t cancel that), Nylon Box sub spots are closed (can’t cancel that), Allure gave me a 4 month deal when i tried to cancel (can’t cancel that)… Lord help me, help us all! 😀

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Garfield

Look. If you absolutely need someone to kiss to test the buzzing lips…I will volunteer.
It will probably be worn off by the time I get to Pittsburgh from PEI Canada but at least I can take in a Steelers game.

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Dindrane

HA! This is a romantic comedy film (“Buzzing Kisses”? “From Canada with Cinnamon”?) just waiting to happen.

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Dianne

I get this box it’s so much fun. I really love the makeup wipes and the finger bullet works great. That lip balm is all the buzz. It lasted about 20 minutes and it made my lips fuller. The buzzing is extreme. My husband wouldn’t kiss me until I took off the lip balm. But he liked the lip stick. The lip stick was dark like blood red black very cool. The lashes are amazing. Great box and it’s fun!

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Ks

I really like that lip color and the balm sounds awesome. Putting this on my possibly to-sub list.

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brandi

I have the lip color up for swap if you want it. Profile in link.

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Katy

This box looks amazing for it’s price point. It’s going on my list.

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Annabella

Did you notice that the lip balm not only buzzes but actually bloats the lips visibly – not to fish lips but it is noticable. I am loving Ricky’s, especially how different and edgy the items are.

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Michelle

How come the options to get notified for coupons and such isn’t at the bottom??

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LoriW.

I’ve gotten this sub for a couple months, it’s really fun. I’m amazed what I get for $11. It seems aimed for a younger audience, but I have teenagers with lots of teenage friends, so I share the wealth.

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Denise

Really want to try this one, I’ll get until Friday to see if they release a coupon… This is the October box, I’ve heard they have issues with shipping… That is what has been stopping me from subbing…

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Gillian

I live in New Mexico they ship my box via Air Mail from NY, I LOVE that this box takes only 3 days from creation of label to my door…

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brandi

I had it for three months and never had shipping issues. I just kept getting makeup they was too dark for me – this liquid lip and November’s black Manic Panic lipstick, for instance. September’s box eas awesome though!

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Marion

Haha, I’ve been posting about Cult Crushes in the forum since April. Guess you need to hang out there more often! 😋

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Tat

Quick! Find someone to kiss! I wanna see if this stuff transfers. Best packaging in living memory.

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Felicia

It does. I’ve used it before and tested it out. Ulta carries the line. You have to pile it on though for the other person to get a good jolt. 😀

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