So Susan Color Curate is a monthly makeup subscription service that sends 4 full-size beauty items in a makeup bag. All products are 100% cruelty-free, vegan, and paraben-free!
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
About this Box
The Subscription Box: So Susan Color Curate
The Cost: $20.95 per month + free shipping
The Products: 4 full-sized beauty items + a makeup bag. 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free.
Ships to: The US only; you can purchase older bags and have them shipped worldwide here.
January 2021 So Susan Color Curate Review
Limited-Edition Makeup Bag, January 2021 - Retail Value $12.00
I am loving this month's bag! It says, 'Here's to a new start and to second chances.' The perfect mantra to see daily as we enter a new year. I am a pink person so I am loving the shade!
So Susan Cosmetics Eyeshadow, Blush, & Highlighter Palette in Nocturne - Retail Value $48.00
This is an amazing palette! The case is super heavy with the giant mirror inside, it honestly feels so chic to me. I even sent a picture to my mom when I opened it, and she immediately asked if she could have it hahaha! Sorry Mom, this one is for me. Inside are a mix of blush and highlighter colors along with eyeshadows. I can't say that the shadows are ones I would use every day, but they are really bold and fun! I could see myself using them on a special occasion or add a little extra pop to a more neutral look. The blush tones are great to add a little highlight or even a full blush look. The shadows are crease-free with a satin finish, and all are made with Hexapeptide-11, which is a conditioning peptide, Primrose Oil, and Water Lily Root Extract.
Jelly Pong Pong Cosmetics Lip Butter in Balloons - Listed Value $18.95
This lip butter goes on so smooth! It is rich and creamy like butter (if you will), and adds deep hydration. It left my lips feeling super hydrated while adding really amazing coverage. The site notes that each of their lip butters are made with a toffee and coral-rose base, so no matter what color you use it won't drain your base. I have to say that this color really washed me out. It blended into my fair skin, but it brought out the red undertones in my skin. I think it might be a bit too orange for me. While I didn't love this color, I have a fellow mommy friend that loves lipsticks in this shade so I am going to pass it along to her to enjoy!
So Susan Cosmetics Luminous Primer Gel in Primordial, 0.51 fl oz. - Retail Value $42.00
I was really excited to try this gel primer because I've never used a gel-based primer before, and it noted that this creates a natural incandescent glow. This primer is a water-based gel that is made with chamomile, carrot seed, and guarana extracts. It is meant to create an oil-free, smoothing effect on your skin to allow your makeup to go on flawlessly, reduce fine lines, and give your makeup staying power. Sometimes I feel as though I am the only person that doesn't really love primers, they usually leave me feeling super dry and it exaggerates my dry spots. Any other dry skin people that have found most primers don't work with their skin? I have a primer and finishing spray that I really love because they leave me with a hydrated glow that I can't really get on my own. However, I am always looking for a primer that will make me fall in love! Unfortunately, this left me feeling super tight, a feeling that I could feel throughout the day, and my makeup seemed to clump more in some dry spots that I had. I am trying to decide if I want to keep this to try again in the summer when my skin isn't as dry and when I wear less makeup, or if I want to pass along to a friend that I know swears by primer to get her smooth makeup look.
Trifle Cosmetics Truffle Intensely Black Volumizing Mascara - Retail Value $12.00
Let me start by saying that I am super picky about my mascara. My eyes are super sensitive so I rarely try a new mascara that I actually like. I've been using the same brand since I was a teenager because it doesn't bother my eyes and it works. However, this is now my new favorite mascara! The wand is super big but not in a bad way, and the bristles are stiff, so they really work through your lashes. This works to add that clump-free application, and gives me so much volume without having to use an eyelash curler. It goes on without clumps and lasts all day. The mascara is made with jojoba wax, agave, and vanilla extracts, which coat your lashes to give them a silky shine. I don't know if you can tell in the photo, but I really thought this mascara helped to make my eyes look so wide and awake. Obsessed- that is all I can say!
Verdict: This month's So Susan Color Curate was another winner! Honestly, finding this amazing new mascara alone would make the box worth it for me. It is such a great mascara that gives my lashes length, smoothness, and a deep black that really opens my eyes. Another favorite this month was the chic palette that brought some bold shadows, an amazing highlighter, and a smooth blush. While I don't think I will use the shadows on a regular day, I know I will use them for a smoky special occasion look, or to add a little pop to a more neutral look. I wasn't in love with the lip shade which I was so bummed about because I truly loved the way this lip butter glided on my lips. It added such a deep color while also hydrating. The primer was another miss for me this month, but I think I might just be that way when it comes to primers. Both of these products will find a great new home with a friend though for them to enjoy! This month has a value of $132.95 which is an incredible deal for a $20.95 bag. I really enjoy trying new beauty products, even if that means that not every product is going to work for me. Sometimes shades are all wrong or a product just doesn't work with my skin type. That is the beauty in trying new products, you get to test and learn. In that, you might just find your new favorite mascara like me!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, your first box will be the February box.
Value Breakdown: At $20.95 for this box (with free shipping), here’s what you are paying approximately per item:
- Makeup Bag: $1.89
- Palette: $7.56
- Lip Butter: $2.98
- Gel Primer: $6.61
- Mascara: $1.89
Alternatively, each of the 5 featured items in the box has an average cost of $4.19.
Check out all of our Color Curate reviews and our other favorite makeup subscriptions!
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
What do you think of this month’s So Susan Color Curate subscription?
Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.