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.
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).
About 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.
January 2018 Ricky's NYC Cult Crushes Review
First, you'll see an info card that lists all of this month's Cult Crushes. This month's theme is "Fresh New Finds".
Jean Pierre Activated Charcoal Mask - Estimated Value $2.00 (Buy a box of 4 masks for $7.99)
I never thought I'd be excited about a sheet mask since I got a little sheet-masked out for a while there, but wow. I am. This mask combines two popular beauty trends: sheet maks and charcoal. I've tried a bit of both, and even maybe something similar to this, but this one is really kind of exciting me. I popped the thick cotton mask on my face for about 15 minutes and immediately noticed how snuggly it clung to my face (a must for me to like a sheet mask). I took it off to reveal a little bit of essence left without being overwhelming, so I could easily massage it into my face. What was left was super duper soft skin that felt really bright and hydrated. This is one of the most positive sheet mask experiences I've had! Well done, Jean Pierre!
Korres Pomegranate Lip Butter - Retail Value $12.00
YES! I live for all lip products, especially when they come in a little tub. I don't know why but I just love it. This Greek brand seems vaguely familiar to me, so I may have seen it around in a store though I have never tried it. I was delighted to see that it has a pretty decent yet subtle tint to it, which makes it perfect for lazy days when I don't want to wear full makeup or a heavy lipstick but want a pink pout. In addition to the soft pink hue, this lip butter feels really light and moisturizing on my lips and has a soft pomegranate scent. So happy to have this on hand now and am very tempted to try the other colors/flavors.
Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Tapioca Dry Shampoo in Warm Sugar, 1.6 oz. - Retail Value $2.99 (Buy a full size of the warm sugar scent here for $7.00)
I was JUST frantically looking for dry shampoo around the office last week and couldn't find any (unheard of), so this lil baby came a few days too late but will be cherished for future needs. I have thin hair so I try to not overwash it which means I have really greasy days (which you may have noticed in some of my review photos). That's when dry shampoo comes in to save the day. My bangs can get especially greasy from touching my forehead or my constantly pushing out of my face. I like having a small travel size like this on hand in my bag or at the office for the times I simply don't have time to wash my hair. The "warm sugar" scent is quite nice and probably one of the nicest smelling dry shampoo I've come across. Even though I have fair-hair I recently went a little darker (to my natural color) and didn't notice any white powder that can sometimes be produced by dry shampoo. Phew!
Skindinavia Post-Makeup Recovery Spray, 0.66 oz. - Estimated Value $4.29 (Buy a 4 oz. bottle for $26.00)
First of all, I have to give snaps to the person who thought of this brand name. It sounds like a place where everyone has beautiful skin and free health care. I've never heard of a post-makeup spray before so this product really is a fresh new find for me. I appreciate the mist that comes out when you spray this on your face because it's really fine and has a broad range. The directions say to spritz this onto your face within 5 minutes of removing your makeup when your skin is most receptive to nutrients. Wearing makeup a lot can certainly clog those pores up and this spray delivers a blend of zinc, magnesium and willow bark to keep skin clear. It left my face feeling pretty darn moisturized as well, though I still continued to add my normal moisturizer over top.
RickyCare Dual-Ended Blending Perfector - Retail Value $12.99
If you'll notice in the first photo, you'll see the tool looking a bit wonky. When I took it out, it fell into two pieces and a sadness fell upon me. I tried to glue it myself, but to no avail so I decided to reach out to customer service. I'm pleased to report that I got a reply super quickly (same day) saying they would send out a replacement, then it showed up a mere two days later! Very impressive, especially since this is only an $11 box to subscribe to! Ok, so getting to the tool which is from the in-house brand, RickyCare - this one has a beauty blender on one end and a brush on the other. When I travel, I try to pack as light as possible and this will help with my makeup bag. I prefer to use a foam blender to apply my foundation and of course, always use a powder (with a brush) to set it, so this tool is the perfect one-two punch. The brush isn't as soft as more expensive ones but gets the job done.
Verdict: Last month's Cult Crushes was not for me (as many of you noticed), but they've made my heart soar again this month! Even though last month had a higher value, the $34.27 worth of products I got this month were more suitable for me, so I personally believe the value to be better here. The lip butter and charcoal mask have to be my favorites and I always look forward to receiving a RickyCare tool in the box as well. The recovery spray was a new find and the dry shampoo is a staple. Five products for $11.00 was a great deal for me.
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Not this one. The cutoff date is the 25th, so if you order today your first box will be February.
Value Breakdown: At $11 for this box, here’s what you are paying approximately per item:
- Sheet Mask: $0.64
- Lip Butter: $3.85
- Dry Shampoo: $0.96
- Recovery Spray: $1.38
- Blending Perfector: $4.17
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I loved my Cult Crushes box this month, how about you?
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