Anyone here into astrology? I'm a Leo, and for the longest time, I absolutely swore by Susan Miller's Astrology Zone horoscopes. Got mugged on the NYC subway platform? Susan Miller called it. Tripped over a step in a pair of impossible platforms and chipped my tooth? Yeah, when the moon takes a ride up Uranus, sh!t happens.
Month after month, I'd check in with Susan Miller to find out what the stars had aligned for me, and which dates to dread or celebrate. So I was intrigued when InStyle joined forces with astrology expert, author, columnist, and entrepreneur, Susan Miller, to curate beauty boxes for each of the elements — Earth, Air, Water, and Fire. Presenting the InStyle Magazine X Astrology Zone Cosmic Collection, a cosmically aligned beauty box that delivers skincare, haircare, cosmetics, and anti-aging essentials based on your astrological sign.
I received the Cosmic Collection's Fire Box, which is a limited-edition beauty box designed for the passionate, creative, and independent spirits of the zodiac's Fire signs: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.
SIDE NOTE: Before we dive into this review, just wanted you to know that my first full-time job was as an Editorial Assistant in the Beauty Department at First for Women Magazine where I tested EVERYTHING under the sun. Then, I switched into fashion and beauty public relations where I represented Bobbi Brown, a plastic surgeon who specialized in facial and eyelid rejuvenation, and also names you know like John Frieda, Smashbox, Sally Hershberger, and Victoria's Secret Beauty; therefore, I have strong opinions about beauty products and find many to be a gimmick.
This review is for the Fire Box, $35.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes).
First Impressions
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I love the coloring and design of the InStyle x Astrology Zone Box, and of course, Mr. Hoppy GoLightly just had to take a bite out of it.
1) Wow, quite a few full-sized items!
2) Ahh, the 2022 Year Ahead Horoscopes? Here's goes my evening!
3) A FREE one-year subscription to InStyle? Signing up right now!
But wait, there's so much more. Let's dig in and find out what the year ahead holds for you, me, and our beauty routines.
What's Inside the Box
Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment with Glycolic Acid – $20 for 1.01 oz
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I've got oily skin and rosacea, so I'm always a little skeptical of whatever I put on my face. I mean, it's got the word ACID in the name. What do I do? Well, I followed the instructions and started smoothing it over my cheeks, forehead, and chin, and after a few days, I still don't look like Jennifer Lopez. Maybe that's because I like wine a bit too much.
Honestly, it's just too soon to tell if this works and the product's long-term benefits. Stay tuned!
Davines SU Hair & Body Wash – $12 for 2.5 oz
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Have you ever used your body wash as shampoo and vice versa? Well, I have, and Davines SU Hair & Body Wash confused me at first. I thought it was a powder because of the lid and the clean, mild scent that's kind of like Johnson's Baby Powder. Then, I washed my hair, and OMG it froths and foams and smells delicious. I decided to keep it for my travels since it's the holiday season, and I'll be on the road a bit. Watch out, grandma!
EVA NYC Just Glisten Hair + Body Shine Mist – $12 for 4.3 oz
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Since I got two spray items in the box, I confused them and sprayed this one on my face. It tastes a little like candy — but nothing like Jessica Simpson's Dessert Line — and the packaging is whimsical too. But anyway, this is for the hair and body, not the face, so the next day I sprayed it on my hair and since I have oily hair, it completely weighed it down and made it look like I dumped a bottle of olive oil on it. One day I'll learn how to read instructions. This is best for someone with dry hair.
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel – $9 for a 3-pack
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Confession: I've never tried a peel. The thought of peeling a layer of skin off my face just makes me feel like I'm watching a horror movie. Now, I know Dr. Dennis Gross is an amazing dermatologist and people love, love, love this cult-fave product, but I still haven't peeled away. Maybe I'll change my mind tomorrow. Maybe not. Probably not.
Humphrey's Nourish: Witch Hazel + Aloe Toner – $12 for 8 oz
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Since I received the Humprey's Witch Hazel, I've been using it every day. It's refreshing, cleansing, and you can feel a little bit of a tingle. The only drawback? It smells a little like the plastic bottle of vodka I bought and chugged in college. Oh, memories of the times I can't remember, and when I had much better skin.
Keys Soulcare Reviving Aura Mist with Rose of Jericho – $22 for 3.72 oz
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Oh, ok so this is what I was supposed to spray on my face. Whoops. This toner and facial mist smells delightful and feels refreshing. Naturally rose-scented and formulated with Rose of Jericho and witch hazel, it'll moisturize, revive, and renew your skin's appearance, and help set your makeup a little too. Just don't spray it in your eyes...
Lemyn Organic Hand Sanitizer Gel – $8 for 2 oz
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Unpopular opinion, but I am sooo over hand sanitizers. I'm sick of carrying them, I'm sick of drying out my hands, I'm sick of smelling like chemicals, and I'm sick of COVID. I'm ready for all of this to be over. But anyway, the Lemyn Organics Hand Sanitizer is the perfect little grab-and-go size that packs a very powerful punch. It's vegan and cruelty-free, made in the USA, smells incredibly citrusy, and apparently, it kills 99.9999% of all germs in 15 seconds. Well, the jury is still out there on that stat.
Liquid IV Hydration Sticks – $6 for a 3-pack
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While I used to drink a good amount of Gatorade and have been known to chug Pedialyte after a long day at a vineyard or brewery, I've never been a big electrolyte drink mix person. Nonetheless, I was curious to try these – especially since they claim to multiply hydration and deliver it faster than water alone, they're non-GMO, and we planned a trip to the Starr Hill Brewery. Since I'm not a fan of watermelon (watermelon Jolly Ranchers are THE WORST), I gave that one to my bf and added the lemon-lime and strawberry flavorings to two different bottles of water. So, you're probably wondering if it cured what ailed me (IPAs and sour beers) and if it tastes good. Drinking IPAs on an empty stomach is never a good idea, and these drinks taste chemically, and not at all like the flavor listed on the package. The hangover wasn't bad though, so maybe there's some truth to it.
Mented Liquid Lipstick in Blood Orange – $20
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While I get where they're going with the blood orange hue of the Mented Liquid Lipstick (warm, fire-inspired colors) the truth is, the color just doesn't work well on someone who has such cool Irish undertones. I like the lipstick, and the brand, but another color would've worked way better on me! You tell me...does it work on my skin tone or not? It definitely matches the RTR dress that I'm about to review.
SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Mask – $8 for one mask
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The past two years of my life have been quite difficult, and I've cried a lot which means I've also tried a lot of undereye masks. While I normally turn to sliced cucumbers and chilled teabags as a way to extract the swelling, puffiness, and to reduce the dark circles (these cheap, old-school remedies are still the best), I've also tried many eye masks. Whether they're gold, or silver, or a way to block out the light so I can sleep better at night, they're all pretty impressive. As soon as I received these eye masks, I put them in the fridge to chill. Luckily, I haven't needed them yet, but I know an imperfect event is just around the corner.
Vita Liberta Heavenly Elixir in Medium– $12
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Honestly, I haven't used it yet because I'm pale, it's winter, and I'm afraid to have streaks on my face, but I am curious! I'm always searching for a great sunless tanner in the warmer months, and if this creates a natural-looking glow without streaks and stripes, I'm sold.
The Verdict
I'm not the best person to consult when it comes to beauty and anti-aging products. My grandmother was a Noxzema Cold Cream and Oil of Olay lady who looked amazing and lived until she was 93 years young. And of course, I'm all about my Oil of Olay (apparently now it's just Olay) Complete SPF 15 Moisturizer and Dove Bar Soap.
Now, there are tens of thousands of options when it comes to lotions and potions we should smooth on and massage into our face, but I just like to keep it simple. Despite being 44, I still haven't caved into the poking, prodding, and peeling that society tells me to embrace. I mean, how are we supposed to keep up, what are the long-term benefits – more importantly, the permanent damage – and just where is that fountain of youth we've been promised for the past century?
Well, I did microblade/powder ombre my brows and that was 110% worth it!
If you're all about the beauty products, this is an amazing deal that'll hopefully help you achieve eternal, and electric youth (anyone get that reference?). I'm more excited about the horoscopes and the year-long subscription to InStyle. I hope Susan Miller tells me 2022 will be my best year ever because 2021 was worse than 2020. Seriously Susan, let's do this.
Happy New Year, y'all! Eat, drink, and be Mary! 😉
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes, but it is a limited-edition box so get it now!
Value Breakdown: This box is $35 with 11 items and a free subscription to InStyle Magazine, which means it's worth well over $150.
What do you think of The Cosmic Collection? Is it written in your stars?
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