Cult Beauty is an online UK-based beauty shop that only stocks tried and true products along with the next big things in beauty and innovative products. They periodically offer special one-time purchase boxes. The Up Close on Skin Care box is the newest and includes five must-have items from popular brands that will give you everything you need to take care of your skin (except sunscreen. Always wear sunscreen!!) This box cost roughly $56 USD (including shipping).
This box is no longer available, but Cult Beauty does appear to be releasing sets like these more frequently!
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
About this Curated Beauty Edit
The Box: The Cult Beauty Up Close on Skin Care – The Edit
The Cost: £35 ($49.05) + £4.95 shipping. FYI – UK tax is removed during checkout so my total with shipping was £39.95 ($56). If you were purchasing in the UK, the price is £42 + shipping
ACTIVE DEAL: 20% off. No coupon needed - just use this link.
The Products:
- Fresh Soy Face Cleanser (travel-size, 50ml)
- SUMMER FRIDAYS Soft Reset AHA Exfoliating Solution (full-size, 100ml)
- THE INKEY LIST Hyaluronic Acid Serum (full-size, 30ml)
- Glow Recipe Banana Soufflé Moisture Cream (full-size, 50ml)
- Wishful Yo Glow Enzyme Scrub (travel-size, 40ml)
Ships: Worldwide
Cult Beauty Up Close on Skin Care February 2021 Review
The back of the box packaging included more information about this edit.
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Fresh Soy Face Cleanser, 50 ml - Retail Value $15
This is a classic cleanser from fresh, and I think a lot of people would enjoy it. It has a gentle formula made with rose water, cucumber extract, and soy protein (which is rich in amino acids). The texture is a lightweight gel that didn’t lather a ton (I don’t personally need a cleanser to lather, but I know preferences vary), and it wasn’t irritating to my eyes.
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Summer Fridays Soft Reset AHA Exfoliating Solution, 100 ml - Retail Value $54
I was stoked to see this product in the box – it’s the first time I’ve seen the brand Summer Fridays in any type of curated box or a subscription box, and this liquid exfoliant is a newer product release from the brand. I’m a fan of milder exfoliants that are safe to use more frequently, and this fits the bill perfectly. The formula is made with lactic and glycolic acids (the chemical exfoliants), and it’s paired with ingredients like aloe, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. This does have some citrus extracts, so if your skin is sensitive to those ingredients specifically I would be cautious, but otherwise, this is a great chemical exfoliant I’ve been able to use every morning in my routine without any irritation or sensitivity.
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The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum, 30 ml - Retail Value $7.99
Hyaluronic is such an excellent hydrating ingredient, so while this serum is simple it is a great addition to your routine if you like to layer products. I’ve been using it on damp skin after applying toner and before applying a different serum (lately, I’ve been reaching for this one from Peter Thomas Roth), and the clear, thin gel formula layers really well and keeps my skin hydrated. Since the city where I live just saw snow for the first time in years, hydrated skin is a focus of mine right now – and the price of this really can’t be beat.
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Glow Recipe Banana Soufflé Moisture Cream, 50 ml - Retail Value $39
What do you want to know about this moisturizer? I’ve already gone through a full-size jar before getting it in this box. This has a wonderful lightweight texture that absorbs into my skin quickly while still giving it a boost of hydration, and it works well for my sensitive skin thanks to ingredients like banana, magnesium, Centella, and squalane. I used this as my daytime moisturizer for a few months because it layers really well over other serums and under sunscreen, and I was sad to empty my jar. But now I have a new one thanks to this box!
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Wishful Yo Glow Enzyme Scrub, 40 ml - Retail Value $21
Wishful is the newest skincare brand among the offerings in this kit – it was created in the last few years by Huda of Huda Beauty. Since this has “scrub” in the name I really thought it’d be more, well, scrubby. It’s actually incredibly mild in texture and performs the way a peeling gel would. You apply it to dry skin and rub in gentle circles and the formula will ball up under your fingers. This effect isn't the actual exfoliation – that comes from the chemical exfoliants in the formula, like papaya and pineapple enzymes, alpha hydroxy acids (lactic and glycolic) along with beta hydroxy acids (salicylic). Against what I anticipated because of the softer texture, I really did find this to be a gentle exfoliating experience, but I followed up with a soothing and hydrating mask to ensure my skin stayed happy.
The Verdict: I absolutely loved this curated set from Cult Beauty. This was a skincare-focused box, and they definitely nailed the curation with great skincare products. I’m the most excited about receiving the Summer Fridays exfoliant, but all of these products make me happy and I love that all of the products came from well-known brands. Plus, I really appreciate that everything included is either full- or travel-sized — no small samples here! Everything adds up to $136.99, which is more than double the cost of the box – and I definitely say it was worth it.
To Wrap Up:
Can you get this box if you order today? No, this is sold out.
ACTIVE DEAL: 20% off. No coupon needed - just use this link.
Value Breakdown: This box £39.95/$56 (£35 + £4.95 shipping), and has a total value of $136.99. That means you’re paying approximately the following per item:
- Fresh: $6.11
- Summer Fridays: $22
- The INKEY List: $3.26
- Glow Recipe: $15.88
- Wishful: $8.55
Want more? Check out all the best skincare and beauty subscription boxes of 2019!
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