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: $14.00 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: The price just went up from $11.00 to $14.00 starting in June.
Ricky's NYC Cult Crushes June 2018 Review
First, you'll see an info card that lists all of this month's Cult Crushes. This month's theme is "The Prep Steps".
Gülsha Ultimate Rosewater, 0.67 oz. - Estimated Retail Value $1.98 (buy 6.76 oz for $20.00)
I've gotten really into toners lately even though I've heard conflicting opinions on if it's really needed. It sounds like most modern products contain whatever toner was originally intended for back in the day, but a lot of women enjoy the ritual and feel of it and my facialist says it's a must. I happen to enjoy it so I was pleasantly surprised to find this in Cult Crushes this month. Although they call it a spray on the info card, this is just a bottle that is the kind you'd find essential oils in. I just shake it over a cotton ball to swipe over my face. It smells really nice and leaves a squeakiness begging to then be moisturized. I couldn't find this smaller size anywhere online so I estimated the value based on the larger one.
Murad Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser, 1.5 oz. - Estimated Retail Value $6.75 (buy 2 oz for $9.00)
Even though I'm lucky to not have a problem with acne, I gave this clarifying cleanser a go. The clear gel smelled nice and had a tingling effect as I swirled it around my face. After rinsing my face felt insanely clean and fresh. More about the ingredients:
Encapsulated salicylic acid provides a sustained release of acne medication to allow for hours of acne treatment. Silver citrate provides antibacterial protection to inhibit blemish formation.
Since I don't need a high level of acne fighting ingredients, I'll pass this on to one of my girlfriends who is always looking for a solution to her breakouts.
Iroha Nature Gold and Collagen Foil Tissue Eye Patches, one set - Retail Value $3.42 USD (€2.95)
I was excited when I first saw these because I wanted to put thin foil onto my face, but once I opened them I saw that the gold foil never actually touches my skin. It's on the back of essence soaked black cotton patches that you place under each eye. I left them on for about 15 minutes and they stayed put really well. My eyes did feel refreshed and hydrated and there was no irritation at all. It says that the gold foil technology "enhances the effect" of the collagen and other ingredients but who really knows. It does look luxe though! Haha.
Brock Beauty Hairfinity Supplements, 14 ct. - Estimated Retail Value $5.83 (buy a bottle of $60.00 for $24.99)
I find this to be a pretty unique item to receive in Ricky's since it's usually all makeup, but I don't mind at all because I will do anything to try and make my thin limp hair stronger and fuller. I know there are a lot of hair vitamins out there and am unsure if they really work, but I'm down to give these a go. This trial size bottle come with 14 capsules that is a week supply since you are supposed to take two a day. I'm on day two now and of course, there's no way I'm going to expect any results yet and who knows if I will even within a week. Like most hair vitamins, this one includes biotin but also has "exclusive capilsana complex that provides the hair with it’s naturally occurring building blocks through the strengthening amino acids in Hydrolyzed Collagen, sulfur-containing MSM for vitality, and hair-boosting horsetail with silica". I gasped for a second, but don't worry, horsetail is a plant! Ha. Only time will tell.
Avatara Even Out Face Mask - Retail Value $3.00
I used this first of two masks from Avatara included in hopes of evening out my slightly reddish skin in spots and reducing my pores. This hibiscus mask comes with the backing you have to peel off (which I personally don't find all that helpful) and it's loaded up with essence. I plastered it on my face for 10 minutes and once I took it off, I had a ton of extra product that I massaged in, but ultimately did towel off a bit of. Once left with a more manageable amount, I let it soak in. It felt a little sticky but eventually absorbed. While it didn't give me immediate results on my red patches, it felt nice and left my skin soft.
Avatara Shape Up Face Mask - Retail Value $3.00 (found here for $2.05)
I'm going to save this one for a later date but the second included mask is called Shape Up and is made for more delicate skin. It includes energizing ingredients like orange and lemon extract with gingko, aloe, and licorice root to restore elasticity in your skin.
Suva Beauty Shimmer Eyeshadow in Empire State - Retail Value $11.00
While I'm not crazy about getting pans of shadow, it's only because I don't have a magnetic palette. They seem to be really popular though so I'm sure this is a big win for those who can add it to theirs. This is a really lovely metallic shimmery rose color that is flattering and subtle on my pale skin but I can see it being a really fun pop of contrast on darker skin tones as well. This is a full-size pan that has 0.14 oz of product in it.
Verdict: Cult Crushes sent a collection of items I found to be pretty interesting and fun. I like getting a wide variety of products so the rosewater, hair vitamins, eyeshadow, and masks covered a lot of ground. Though it was a little mask-heavy I do like keeping them around as a light "self-care" or something to do when girlfriends are over just hanging out. Overall, I received 7 items that I estimate to have a value of about $34.98 while the cost of the box is $14.00. Many had to be estimated since the specific sizes weren't easily found online, so keep in mind that it's not exact.
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, but their subscriber list is now open so sign up now to get July!
Value Breakdown: At $14.00 for this box, here's what you're paying for each item:
- Rosewater: $0.79
- Cleanser: $2.70
- Eye Masks: $1.37
- Hair Vitamins: $2.33
- Even Out Face Mask: $1.20
- Shape Up Face Mask: $1.20
- Eyeshadow: $4.40
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