Influenster is an online company that seeks out reviews from product users. If you sign up, you can even potentially be sent a free “vox box” to review!
They recently released a one-time purchase beauty box featuring items from their 2018 Influenster Beauty Awards.
FYI - this box is still available for purchase!
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
About The Box
The Box: Influenster Reviewers’ Choice Beauty Box
The Cost: $50 + Free shipping
The Products: 26 products that were voted the best in their category
Influenster Reviewer’s Choice Beauty Box Review
Here is the info sheet with the products and their values listed.
We also received some coupons and product literature
As well as a sample of a beauty oil made with CBD oil.
Coola Full-Sized Sport Face SPF 50 White Tea Organic Sunscreen Lotion, Full-Size! Retail Value $32.00
The Award: Best Luxury Sunscreen
Sunscreen is the best way to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, and it should be used every day. Now that I have made my PSA I like this sunscreen but I don’t love it. It is hydrating and has a pleasant faint white tea scent, but when I wore it under makeup it made my primer and foundation pill on top. This is a good sunscreen to reach for on days you’re not wearing makeup on top.
Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream To Brighten And Depuff, Full-Size! Retail Value $32.00
The Award: Best Luxury Eye Cream
Fear not, friends! I know my photo shows the tiny 0.17 oz sample and not the full-size product, but this box does include the full-size eye cream - mine is out for delivery as I type! I love this eye cream and I am so excited to have a full-size version. I use this every morning to help with my dark circles, and it absorbs well into my skin. A little bit goes a long way (the little tube lasts me a solid week, more if I only apply once a day), and it doesn’t interfere with any makeup I put on top.
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment, 0.17 oz – Estimated Value $17.85 (buy the 1 oz version for $105), Listed Value $26.25
The Award: Best Indie Facial Serum.
I would definitely classify Sunday Riley as a luxury brand rather than an indie brand, but it still deserves its award for best facial serum- it works! It is made with a high-potency lactic acid that works to exfoliate your skin and promote cell turnover, which makes your skin brighter while over time it will reduce hyperpigmentation and other visible signs of aging. I like using this when my skin is feeling congested or texture, and the next morning without fail I will always end up with smoother, clearer skin. For best results, use this as the first step in your skincare routine before your toners, serums, and moisturizers.
Younique Moonstruck Epic Mascara, Full-Size! Retail Value $24.00
The Award: Best Indie Mascara
This is the one product in the box that really irks me, mostly because I do not consider Younique to be an indie brand at all. Ignoring my personal feelings on the company and their practices (why is this one of the only products in this massive box with an info sheet devoted solely to it?), however, I was surprised to find this mascara actually performed really well. It lifts, curls, and volumizes my lashes without clumping, and it doesn't irritate my eyes or smear off and make me look like a raccoon.
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, 0.33 oz Full Size! Retail Value $23
The Award: Best Luxury Powder
This is a holy grail setting powder for many people, and I am one of them. This does a great job of setting my makeup without letting my foundation and concealer get cakey or settle around my eyes. I love that this size came with a poof, though I usually apply it with a damp makeup sponge to set my concealer.
Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita, Full-Size! Retail Value $20.00
The Award: Best Luxury Lipstick
Kat Von D is my favorite liquid lipstick of all time, and while I already had seven full-size tubes when this box arrived I didn’t have Lolita! Lolita is a chestnut rose that will work for almost every skin tone, and I already had the matching lipliner thanks to Allure! To keep this from drying out your lips too much before you apply it I recommend doing a lip scrub and then following with an incredibly hydrating lip mask (I recommend Laneige or bite beauty). Then, right before it's time to apply, wipe off any residue so the lipstick will have maximum staying power.
Becca Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter Mini in Vanilla Quartz, 0.085 oz Full Size! Retail Value $19.00
The Award: Best Luxury Highlight
Becca makes some of my favorite powder highlighters and I love that they can be used for soft subtle shine or amped up for the wow factor. The formula is buttery and my makeup brushes pick up the powder with ease.
NYX Butter Gloss in Crème Brulee, Full-Size! Retail Value $4.99
The Award: Best Mass Lip Gloss
I’m really not a lip gloss person but this is a really good one! It isn’t sticky at all and felt moisturizing on my lips, and I link the tiny hint of color the shade “crème brulee” provided to my lips. I can see why this won best mass lip gloss.
dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub, 0.75 oz – Estimated Value $3.17 (buy the 9 oz version for $38), Listed Value $10
The Award: Best Luxury Scalp Treatment
I love scalp scrubs, and I have noticed an improvement in my hair and scalp since I started using them (I was dealing with some mild dandruff before I implemented them into my routine). This only slightly smells like apple cider vinegar, so you don’t have to worry about smelling like a salad. This felt great to massage into my scalp and rinsed out with ease, and it didn’t dry out my hair a lot- I was able to get by with a regular conditioner after using. Make sure you only apply this to your scalp and roots, as you will dry out your hair if you apply it anywhere else.
Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, 1 oz – Estimated Value $11 (buy the 2 oz version for $22), Listed Value $10
The Award: Best Luxury Styling Product
Texture is never really something that my curls need help with, but I love Oribe and this product regardless. I like to use this when I am going to put my hair up in a bun to add some lift at the roots. I only use a tiny bit, though, because otherwise, it is a headache to comb through my hair after. If you have fine or regular hair this product will probably be a holy grail product for you.
Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo, 1 oz - Retail Value $10.00
The Award: Best Indie Dry Shampoo
I first tried Amika long ago when I still subscribed to Birchbox, and I am happy to see the brand is alive and thriving. I love the scent of this dry shampoo, and since I don’t really get oily roots I like to use this to add some volume before throwing my hair up in a bun.
CoverGirl TruNaked Chocoholic Eyeshadow Palette – Full Size! Retail Value $9.99
The Award: Best Brand Re-Boot
Since E.l.f won the best mass eyeshadow palette I am assuming this eyeshadow palette represents Covergirl’s win as Best Brand Re-Boot—and I can see why! I haven’t used drugstore eyeshadows in a long time, but I was impressed with the pigment and quality of the shadows in this palette. It does smell faintly of chocolate, too, so this is a great option if you lust after the Too Faced Chocolate palettes but cannot afford the hefty price tag.
Love Beauty and Planet Showerless Cleansing Mist, 6.7 oz Full Size! Retail Value $9.15
The Award: Favorite New Brand
It isn’t often that I need a showerless cleansing mist, but I really enjoyed the light fragrance of coconut and flowers. This would be handy to use after a light workout (I’m not talking Soul Cycle) before running other errands to freshen up without taking a full shower.
Philosophy Purity made simple one-step facial cleanser, 1 oz – Estimated Value $3.67 (Buy the 3 oz version for $11), Listed Value $8
The Award: Best Luxury Facial Cleanser
This is a cleanser I have tried many times through both subscription boxes and gift-with-purchases from department stores, and I just don’t like it. It cleans my face well enough, but nothing about it makes me want to use it again or buy it in the full-size. This wouldn’t have been my choice for best luxury facial cleanser, but it has four and a half stars with over 12,000 reviews on Influenster, so I think I am in the minority.
NYX Makeup Setting Spray in Matte, 2.03 oz Full Size! Retail Value $8.49, Listed Value $7.99
The Award: Best Mass Setting Spray
I was impressed by this setting spray. I would say the performance is very comparable to the Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray, and while the Urban Decay one (which was voted best luxury setting spray) is a touch better, the lower price of this has me seriously considering switching.
Batiste Dry Shampoo in Neon, 6.73 oz Full Size! Retail Value $8.49, Listed Value $7.99
The Award: Best Mass Dry Shampoo
I was a little worried when I saw “neon” in the title, but thankfully that just refers to the scent of the dry shampoo rather than the color of the actual product. The scent is a bit artificial, but it faded quickly and didn’t leave a white cast on my dark brown hair.
Alba Botanica Anti-Pollution Volcanic Warming Mud Mask, 0.3 oz – Estimated Value $0.83 (buy the 4 oz version for $11.08) Listed Value $6.18
The Award: Favorite Affordable Natural Brand
This mask was hard to find online and I actually think it was discontinued, which makes me sad because I really liked this mask! You massage it into your skin before adding water, and then it turns warm. I found the warmth to be comfortable without being too hot, and my skin felt less oily after using. Also, I refuse to believe that the listed value is anything other than a typo.
Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge – Retail Value $4.99, Listed Value $6
The Award: Best Mass Sponge
I am a religious beautyblender user, so I was eager to see how this compared to my pricier friend. I would say that this is a bit more firm than my beautyblender, but what I really liked about this sponge is the flat side that was perfect for applying setting powder to set my foundation.
Tresemmé Extra Hold Hairspray, 11 oz Full Size! Retail Value $5.99
The Award: Best Mass Hair Spray
When they say extra hold, they mean it! This hairspray provides some seriously stronghold, and I would caution against using too much less you want a little crunch to your hair. If you’re going for major volume, however, this may be exactly what you need for your blowout.
Colourpop Supershock Eyeshadow in Lightning Bug, Full-Size! Retail Value $5.00
The Award: Best Indie Eyeshadow
This eyeshadow single is buttery and so easy to apply, and I love the vibrancy of the color too. Since this is shimmery it can easily be diffused for a light sparkle, or you can pack on the pigment for a bold look.
Wet n Wild MegaGLO Highlighting Powder in Precious Petals, Full-Size! Retail Value $4.99
The Award: Best Mass Highlight
This is a rose-gold highlighter with a pearly finish and I found it to be smooth and easy to blend. This is also a shade that would look very pretty as an eyeshadow!
Pond’s Dry Skin Cream, 3.9 oz Full Size! Retail Value $5.29, Listed Value $4.97
The Award: Best Mass Facial Cream
This is a heavy moisturizer that will be great for dry skin in these colder months. I have been using a dab on my cheeks, which are the most sensitive to temperature change, and I am happy with the hydration this gives. This would definitely be too much for my mostly oily skin, however!
Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer, 2 oz – Estimated Value $2.66 (buy the full-size version for $9.99), Listed Value $4.29
The Award: Best Mass Self-Tanner
This is a daily body moisturizer designed to gradually deepen your skin tone for a damage-free, streak-free tan. I washed my hands off after using per the recommendations, and I am happy that there was no tanning residue that made my hands a weird color. I haven’t been using it long enough to see if I have a ~glow~ yet, but I liked the hydration this provided.
Tree Hut Coconut Lime Shea Sugar Scrub, 2.5 oz – Estimated Value $1.11 (buy the 18 oz version for $7.99), Listed Value $4.29
The Award: Best Overall Body Scrub
I am used to some pretty luxurious body scrubs thanks to all of the bath boxes I review, but this still managed to impress me—I can see why it was voted best overall scrub! It has a delightful tropical scent thanks to the coconut and lime, and it exfoliates without being too harsh or drying.
Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray, 2 oz Full Size! Retail Value $2.99
The Award: Best Mass Styling Product
Sea Salt spray is something I will never willingly put into my hair, but I know I am in the minority with these thick curls. This product is designed to add texture to your hair to give you beachy vibes, and I loved the fresh tropical scent.
EOS Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream in Pomegranate Raspberry, 2.5 oz – Estimated Value $1.43 (buy the 7 oz version for $3.99), Listed Value $1.99
The Award: Best Overall Shaving Cream
This shaving cream is incredibly moisturizing, and it is designed to reduce your risk of nicks and cuts. I found the pomegranate raspberry scent to be quite pleasant, too!
Garnier Fructis Color Vibrancy Treat 1 Minute Hair Mask, 0.4 oz – Estimated Value $0.53 (buy the 3.4 oz version for $4.49)
Award: None, but this was listed as a bonus!
You had me at one-minute mask, as I hate hair masks that need 20 minutes or more to work- I have things to do! I don’t use drugstore hair products but I was impressed with the hydration this mask provided- I would definitely seek it out again if I needed a drugstore option. I am not sure why this was in the box, though, because I couldn’t find a corresponding reward.
Here are the swatches. From top to bottom we have the lipstick and lipgloss, the highlighter, the colourpop shadow, and the CoverGirl palette.
Here I am trying to fit as many products on my face as possible. Basically, I only supplied my own foundation and primer. Here I am wearing the lipstick, the mascara, both the Covergirl and Colourpop eyeshadow, the setting powder, the setting spray, and the Wet N Wild highlighter.
The Verdict: Wow. Any way you look at it, this box was amazing. It has 16 full-sized items (counting the Laura Mercier and Becca, because those sizes retail at Sephora) and it also has a great array of mainstream and luxury brands. I think the terms on what an "Indie" brand is could be redefined, but overall I am stoked by this box and I have been recommending it to a lot of my friends. If the sunscreen and eye cream are winners for you then you're already over the cost of the box. Value-wise, Influenster promised a value of over $300, and they didn’t quite meet that—my math shows a total of $272.08. That being said, I still think this box is a great deal—you’re essentially paying $1.92 per item.
To Wrap Up:
Can you get this box if you sign up today? Yes, as of publication, this box is still available (and would make a great holiday gift!)
Value Breakdown: This box cost $50 with free shipping, and I calculated a total value of $272.08. That means you are paying approximately the following per item:
- Coola: $5.87
- Origins: $5.87
- Sunday Riley: $3.27
- Younique: $4.40
- Laura Mercier: $4.22
- Kat Von D: $3.67
- Becca: $3.48
- NYX Butter Gloss: $0.92
- dpHUE: $0.58
- Oribe: $2.02
- Amika: $1.83
- Covergirl: $1.83
- Love, Beauty, Planet: $1.68
- Philosophy: $0.67
- NYX Setting Spray: $1.56
- Batiste: $1.56
- Alba Botanica: $0.15
- Real Techniques: $0.92
- Tresemme: $1.10
- Colourpop: $0.92
- Wet N’ Wild: $0.92
- Pond’s: $0.97
- Jergens: $0.49
- Tree Hut: $0.20
- Not Your Mother’s: $0.55
- EOS: $0.26
What do you think of the Influenster Beauty Awards box? Are you grabbing one?
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