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Ricky’s NYC Cult Crushes Beauty Review – April 2018

Marne Orenich
ByMarne OrenichApr 19, 2018 | 34 comments

Cult Crushes Box upright

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!

looking down into cult rushes box

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

contents of april 2018 cult crushes

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.

Ricky's NYC Cult Crushes April 2018 Review

front of info card festival glam info card list

First, you'll see an info card that lists all of this month's Cult Crushes. This month gets you ready for music festival season with the "Festival Glam" theme.

Pinky Rose Bright Lights Palette back of Pinky Rose Bright Lights Palette open Pinky Rose Bright Lights Palette swatch for Pinky Rose Bright Lights Palette

Pinky Rose Bright Lights Palette - Retail Value $24.99

I'll admit when I first pulled this out of the box I sighed and said to myself "ANOTHER palette?" (stupid thing to say, I know). But then... but THEN... I opened it up and HOLY MOLY my face lit right up. I don't even wear bright colored makeup like this, but it's just SO different and wild! This speaks to the fun person that lies deep inside of me. This eyeshadow palette is pretty big at over 8 inches long and has a whopping 14 super bright colors. Of those, 3 are waterproof glitter, 2 are metallic, and the remaining 9 are ultra pigmented bright hues. It also comes with a built-in mirror so you can apply it in the car on the way to that big music fest. If you look closely at the photo of the open palette, you'll see I was so excited to dig into it that I swatched all of the colors before photographing it. Whoops! I have zero experience with glitter makeup, so it was a little tricky to get the hang of. It's more of a dabbing application than a swiping. I think Pinky, Pop Rocks, and Lit are my favorite of the bunch because they seem so unique.

Nailhur Snap On Manicure in Ghost Stiletto in package directions on back of Nailhur Snap On Manicure in Ghost Stiletto package contents of Nailhur Snap On Manicure in Ghost Stiletto kit Nailhur Snap On Manicure in Ghost Stiletto Nails on model

Nailhur Snap-On Manicure in Ghost Stiletto - Retail Value $24.99 (though similar sets on Ricky's site are only $13.99)

These are a pretty fun item to receive! I am partial to the stiletto nail shape and the white iridescent color is really cool. Unfortunately for me, I have acrylic nails that I try to keep up with. That's not to say that I couldn't pop these over them for a different look for a night, but I'm a little afraid to use the glue on top of the acrylic. I just temporarily popped these on using some sticky tack so y'all can see how they look and I have to say I'm pretty impressed. These are reusable (the length of wear depends on how much glue you use) and the directions say they'll come off just by soaking in warm water for 60-90 seconds to loosen enough to start easing off. Each set like this comes with 24 nails, a file, and glue.

Burts Bees Micellar Cleansing Towlettes open Burts Bees Micellar Cleansing Towlettes with towlette popping up

Burts Bees Micellar Cleansing Towelettes, Pack of 30 - Retail Value $5.99

As much as I love getting wild and unique beauty items, I also love getting practical ones. I'm close to running out of my usual tried and true Neutrogena makeup removal wipes, so these came at a great time. I love Burts Bees products in general and these are 99.5 % natural and made with white cypress oil. I tested one out when removing that huge swatch of palette colors from my arm and it worked like a dream. The sheets are made from repurposed cotton so you can also feel better about using a disposal item like this.

Moonlit Skin Care Midnight Shift sample back of Moonlit Skin Care Midnight Shift sample

Moonlit Skincare Midnight Shift Overnight Facial Oil - Retail Value $0.57 (Buy a full-size 1 oz. bottle for $34.00)

If you've read my past reviews, you know I can be a brat about receiving tiny samples like this as an item, but I'll just gladly accept this since the rest of the box was full-size products and I'm all about "less is more". I also don't currently have any overnight oils, so it's good to tr ya super specific item like this that works while I am dreaming. This oil is really light and smells heavenly due to the lavender scent (which also help me drift off to sleep with it's calming properties). It does leave my skin feeling pretty soft and more hydrated than without. Here's hoping I receive a full-size bottle sometime soon!

Verdict: Cult Crushes was short and sweet this month but the insanely cool palette and super useable makeup wipes alone made it more than worth the $11.00 cost. All said and done, this box has a retail value of over $56.00, so I'm a happy camper. I'm excited to see how I can incorporate the zany eyeshadow colors into my everyday look or when I'll be able to use it for a more costumey night out than my usual. The nails were fun too, but I'll probably end up passing them on to a friend with shorter nails since I keep my acrylic nail game pretty strong.

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Normally you'd have until the 24th to get this month, but April has been sold out for some time. The good news is that their list is open so you can sign up now to receive May! Hurry though, it sells out fast!

Value Breakdown: At $11 for this box, here's what you're paying per item:

  • Eyeshadow Palette: $4.86
  • Snap-On Manicure: $4.86
  • Cleansing Wipes: $1.17
  • Facil Oil Sample: $0.11

Check out all of our Ricky's NYC Cult Crushes reviews and more beauty reviews via our Beauty Subscription Box Directory!

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

What do you think of the palette from Cult Crushes this month?

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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34 comments

Jeri

I just got an email that starting June 1st they are raising to price to $14 a month!!

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Vicky H

Ugh my comment didn’t post. Shorter version… I hope that since the price is raising that they will continue increasing the quality. Last month they only did three products (foil packets don’t count), one of which was a drugstore brand. Once you go past $10 you start being compared to other subscriptions like Boxycharm. Will they deliver a value ratio of $5-$7 per $1 of subscription price?

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Vicky H

I just got it too! I subscribed during the open period. I do hope if they raise it that the quality of products will rise as well. It looks like last month they really only did three products (foil packets don’t count) and one of them was a drugstore brand. By comparison you get more for your money than say with Sephora and Ipsy but if they raise it then you have to start comparing to other boxes like Boxycharm as well or at least a hybrid (in the middle) of Sephora and Boxycharm. Will it have a similar ratio of $5-$7 in value for every $1 of the subscription price? Time will tell!

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Cindy

I just signed up not knowing what I will receive till now and it’s on it’s way.

In the reviews past I liked most all the items especially for the price but in this I will only use the wipes and the oil packet. My natural nails are in good shape and I don’t want to jeopardize that and even if not I don’t like pointy nails for myself. I am 58 years old and while young at heart those eye shadow colors will not suit my age. I don’t have any young girls or know any to gift items to but I guess I could try to find a women’s shelter nearby to do so.

Oh well I give one more month, at least I won’t lose a lot as the wipes are 6 dollars…so it’s only a 5 dollar loss, still if happens often I will cancel. I understand the concept caters to the youth so I took a chance and that is on me.

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Sue

I will gladly take your unwanted samples, these will definitely be great for my girls…Thank you!

Sue

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Rosemary

If you would like to “take” items, you may want to send a self-addressed, pre-paid shipping envelope. You would be amazed at how many people are too happy to ask for all sorts of items, but they never offer to pay for their shipping.

Randi

Keep In mind that this months theme was “Festival Glam”, hence the bright colors and crazy nails, but they usually send stuff that’s usable for anyone. I’d definitely keep it for a while as I think you’ll love it. And, you can sell the palette. There are Facebook groups like Cult Crush Ladies, Boxy Baddies, and some others where I’ve seen all kinds of people wanting to buy this palette.

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Lisa

If you just signed up you are getting May box!!! Not this one.They sold out of April in February.

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Cindy

okay, thank you.

Rosemary

Hi Cindy! Good luck trying to find a home for the palette. I had put together about thirty great makeup/essentials bags after being inspired by other members, only to be told that the Bozeman Woman’s Shelter only accepts cash. There are now a lot of little girls with very high quality makeup for their dress-up kits around here.

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Annabella

Isn’t it off-putting when charities only accept cash? I’ve read stories where charities spend 99 cents of each dollar on salaries and admin expenses. Only 1 cent out of each dollar goes to the actual cause. Maybe not for all cases but we don’t know, do we?

Cindy

Thank you for sharing your experience with me Rosemary. I just had a thought I could mail it to my ex’s niece out of state come to think of it and she would like it or know someone who would. I hate to waste something that someone else would take and use.

I love color and enjoy eye shadow palettes… not that I use eye shadow as much as I did when I was younger…I want to get the ones with such pretty colors (but not bright shades) but stop myself and say you won’t use that you just want it and do not need it…If it’s in a box and a bargain it’s nice but at the same time I have enough eye shadow palettes to last a couple of life times.

I used to sell skin care and make up 20 years ago and it was almost like pulling teeth to convince others to take care of the skin and how to and put on a little makeup, teach them the basics. And now it’s the market place is overflowing and there is so much out there it astounds me sometimes. And yet I use up the skin care and try things but not as much certain makeup like I used to.

Camil

How many box can i buy??

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wackyjgal

Hey I have a question, I finally got off the waitlist on Wednesday. After I filled out all of my information, I got a welcome/
confirmation email and I was told my order is being processed and that it would take three to five Business days to receive my box. I honestly didn’t expect that it would be that fast but if I do get this months box that would be awesome. So my question is, how long did it take for other people to receive their first box, did anyone order in the middle of the month and actually receive it within 5 days? Or did you have to wait for the following months box? Thanks for listening guys

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Cindy

I ordered around same time as you but I purchased a few things other than the box so to get free shipping on items I was interested in and I received a email today is on it’s way. I figure that will be I get this box which I am not hyped over but it is what it is. I figure I will receive this box but I would not want to assume so for you though.

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Lisa

Ahhhh that explains it. You are receiving the items you ordered not April box. Lightbulb comes on lol

Lisa

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Normally you’d have until the 24th to get this month, but April has been sold out for some time. The good news is that their list is open so you can sign up now to receive May! Hurry though, it sells out fast! So no you are definitely getting May. I signed up Feb 20th and got March.

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Lisa

Oh and my box shipped on the 5th and I got it on12th so it takes 3-5 business days after it ships. But it processes for awhile before it actually ships. It is not like they take your payment then you get it 3-5 days later.

Lisa

I got the Chi Chi palette so it is kind of painful to see everyone enjoy bright lights palette . But I have been enjoying my palette none the less and I guess that is what matters. I also am afraid of getting more samples in future. Rickys is like we did not have enough products for April orders and told those people they were lucky not to be waitlisted I know what we will do!! We will let a whole butt load more people join!!! Ya great idea! Its ok if we dont have products for them we will just go to backroom and blow dust off old stock they will love it. Lol.

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MzBev

This wasn’t the first month they’ve sent a small sample. The box is only $11; getting a whole pack of face wipes and a full size palette and the nails, a foil packet isn’t so bad. If you look at previous months, they’ve sent them before they even implemented a waitlist.

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Cindy

Is the Chi Chi palette you received bright colors also? I am new and it will be my first so if they ran out and I just joined I wonder if I will get another after what you just shared. If I do for myself I hope it’s not the bright colors.

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Beccah

Only the OMFG is bright colors. The other chi chi are neutrals. I have the OMFG U p for swap

Lisa

If you just joined you are getting May box not this one. They sold out of April box in Feb. But yes Chi Chi is bright colors similar to palette shown but no glitter.

Annabella

That palette though! I have always been skeptical about bright eye shadow (just brain washed I guess about bright and shimmer shadows) but once I tried them, complete game changer. Now I sport a different (sheer) bright shadow every day and matte neutrals look boring to me. Thank you Ricky’s and the commenters who encourage us to try different things. It’s so fun when something unexpectedly works out very well indeed.

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Dea

I love Ricky’s because it’s so out of my comfort zone. I consider it a toy box for playing. For $11, I don’t mind if I play with something and then trash it if it doesn’t work for me. “Insanely cool”, like Marne said.

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steph

i was one of the few not to get the bright lights palette i got the omfg pallet from chi chi other then that box was good hopefully no foil packets next month

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Michelle

My nails are up for swap and the palette, well, while dazzling, it is pretty powdery and patchy to me. I’m not mad though because it is workable, I am wearing a few of the colors today and I have to add they have lasted since 6 this morning. The best part is the $11. I don’t expect top of the line, this is my really fun who knows whats next sub and I don’t think I will be giving it up for a while.

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KimberlyB

I got oval nails rather than stiletto, so I’m hoping to get some stilettos via swap, tho I will wear both. I don’t get acrylic nails for several reasons, one being price, so these are a great alternative for me. I am so jazzed about the palette, especially since last month I got the neutral Chi Chi palette rather than one of the bright ones. Overall, I’m really happy with this box. Since it’s so inexpensive yet high value, I can justify still getting it while I’m on a tight budget.

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Beccah

I’m concerned they have over extended themselves and now we will be receiving some foil samples instead of full size items each month. There was only 3 items this month instead of 4-5. They will probably raise the price of the sub sometime soon.

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LA

It goes on and off. December was sort of the same. We got a huge full size container of body butter, a full size gloss, a small single eye shadow, and a sample packet. The next month or two had a grouping of medium sized items. Each month seems to vary… for $11 you can’t really beat it!

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Juliya

With the way the nail industry has developed in the last decade, to receive the snap-on nails seem to be a thing of the past. I don’t know anyone who uses those nowadays, they look so fake and unattractive.
You can get similar design at the nail salon and it will actually look good.
The only time I can justify using something like this is for a Halloween costume. IMHO.
The rest of the box is great. The colors of the shadows are fun and perfect for spring/summer.

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Rosemary

I’ll be donating the nails to my friends granddaughters! They have THE best dress up collections because of all of my subscriptions! I’m just about to donate my “Frog Price” lipstick to them (I have sterilized it since swatching it). Too much fun!

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