Ulta Beauty Summer of Skin Limited Edition Kit Review

Acure Ultra-Hydrating Green Juice Cleanser, 0.67 oz - Estimated Value $2.17 (buy the 4 oz version for $12.99)

I love these travel pouches of cleansers that Acure makes. I am definitely a fan of hydrating cleansers, so this was designed with me in mind. Sometimes cleansers that foam up can be drying, but I didn't have that issue with this cleanser. This is made with cabbage and spinach extracts along with some citrus oils, and I definitely got the green juice vibes that this cleanser was trying to give off.

b.tan Tanned AF 1 Hour Self Tan Mousse, 3.38 oz - Estimated Value $6.55 (buy the 6.7 oz version for $12.99)

For as much time as I spend on my skincare routine, I really spend zero minutes on trying to look more tan. For those who desire to look like a bronzed god or goddess without help from the sun, this self-tanning mousse has a texture that makes it easy to apply while avoiding streaks. It has some green undertones to the color that can cancel out redness (or look off if that doesn't fit your coloring), and it didn't have a strong or off-putting self-tanner smell.

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion, 1.0 oz - Estimated Value $1 (buy the 16 oz version for $15.99)

This is a classic, no-frills moisturizer that I've seen recommended quite a bit on TikTok for those with sensitive skin. I found this to be gentle on my skin, but this gave my skin a shiny finish like it was absorbed 99%, but that extra 1% remained on the surface hanging on for dear life. The price point is definitely right, though.

COOLA Sun Silk Moisturizer SPF 30, 0.34 oz - Estimated Value $9.52 (buy the 1.5 oz version for $42)

Coola sunscreens have such truly elegant textures- I would own more of them if they weren't on the pricier side. This is a mineral sunscreen made with zinc oxide, aloe, and jasmine extract, and it (like the name implies) did feel silky on my skin when I massaged it in. I didn't have issues with white cast, but I'll admit that most sunscreens won't leave a white cast on my pale skin.

CoTz Face Prime & Protect Tinted SPF 40, 0.35 oz - Estimated Value $6.42 (buy the 1.5 oz version for $27.50)

I don't know if everyone will agree with me, but I love that both sunscreens in this set are mineral sunscreens because it means I can use both of them without having to worry about my allergies being triggered. This is a tinted SPF, and when they say tinted they mean it. On its own, the tint is a bit too deep for me to wear it without looking a little wonky, but since this is designed to also work as a makeup primer, I can make it work because my foundation will be covering it up.

Derma E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum, 0.5 oz - Estimated Value $5.99 (buy the 2 oz version for $23.95)

I appreciate Derma E for the affordable skincare products that they put out, and while I've tried a few products from them I believe this is the first time I've tried their vitamin C serum. Along with Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (the vitamin C), this is formulated with great-for-your-skin ingredients like green tea, hyaluronic acid, aloe, rosehip oil, and probiotics. My skin is really picky with vitamin C serums, but I didn't have any issues with this one when trying it out.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water All-In-1 Cleanser & Waterproof Makeup Remover, 1.0 oz - Estimated Value $1.47 (buy the 3.4 oz version for $4.99)

Micellar waters are something I am always happy to see in subscription boxes or limited edition sets because I use them all the time, and the small bottles are so handy for travel. This one-ounce bottle is especially adorable, and it's perfect to toss into my travel skincare bag to help me remove stubborn mascara that my cleanser left behind. I have used this formula before, and it works great, especially for the price point.

Hempz Your Oil Highness Hydrating Herbal Facial Oil, 2.25 oz - Retail Value $20

The Hempz brand is sold at Ulta, but this particular facial oil isn't. This facial oil is fragrance-free and made with 80 mg of CBD along with grapeseed oil and sweet almond oil. For all of the oils it's formulated with, I actually found this to be lightweight and not heavy on my skin. Three drops of this for my entire face left my skin feeling very soft but not greasy, and I have definitely tried more expensive facial oils I liked less than this one. I love that this is a full-size product that costs the same as the entire Ulta set- if this facial oil is a win for you, it's like getting everything else in the set for free.

Mad Hippie Triple C Night Cream, 0.7 oz - Estimated Value $11 (buy the 2.1 oz version for $32.99)

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This moisturizer has the texture and thickness I would expect from a night cream, but not the texture and thickness I would expect from a vitamin C cream (if that makes any sense). A little bit of this goes a long way and I don't need much to leave my skin hydrated and soft. Along with vitamin C, this is also made with adaptogens and antioxidants, and overall I thought it was really nice.

Peach Slices Snail Rescue Blemish Busting Toner, 1.01 oz - Estimated Value $3.50 (buy the 4 oz version for $13.99)

I've only tried a few products from Peach Slices, but everything I've tried I have been a big fan of. This is a hydrating and juicy toner that takes a few seconds to fully absorb, and it definitely gave my skin a bit of a glow. This is formulated with snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, and cica, so honestly, it came as no surprise to me that my skin loved it- I would absolutely buy the full-size bottle the next time I was in the market for a toner, and I think this is a toner that would work for almost everyone (don't let the "blemish busting" name scare you away from trying it if acne isn't a concern of yours).

TAN-LUXE The Gradual Illuminating Tanning Lotion, 3.38 oz - Estimated Value $13.68 (buy the 8.4 oz version for $34)

If I did want to take some minutes out of my day to try and give myself a self-tan, a gradual tanning lotion like this one is definitely the way I would go about it. This is a great option for beginners or someone looking for a more subtle tan, and it's formulated with skin-loving ingredients to nourish your skin while also gradually building up a radiant, natural-looking tan. I liked how I could use it just like I would my normal body lotion on my legs (no mitt required), and personally I didn't find the smell to be particularly bothersome.

TONYMOLY Moisture Boost Cooling Marine Concentrate Serum, 0.33 oz - Estimated Value $2.95 (buy the 2.8 oz version for $25)

I love TONYMOLY. I have tried quite a few of their products, and along with being fun and cutely packaged I also find the products to be effective. This was my first time trying the marine serum, and I loved how it was lightweight and cooling to my skin (both of which make this perfect for summer). This is formulated with three weights of hyaluronic acid and four different marine extracts, and I bet this would feel even nicer if I stuck it in the fridge before using it.

Urban Skin Rx 3-In-1 Combination Skin Cleansing Bar, 1.0 oz - Estimated Value $7.50 (buy the 2 oz version for $14.99)

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This is a pretty nifty product- it's a cleanser that can also be used as a mask if you leave it on a little longer before washing it off, and it comes with a sponge inside for lathering the cleanser up. This is made with salicylic acid and coconut oil, and even though I have dry skin instead of combination skin I didn't find this too drying. I find it incredibly portable and useful for traveling, so I might tuck it into my skincare bag for my next flight.

Value – Was This Box Worth It?

The Cost: $19.99

Value Breakdown: 

• Acure: $2.17
• b.tan: $6.55
• Cetaphil: $1
• COOLA: $9.52
• CoTz: $6.42
• Derma E: $5.99
• Garnier: $1.47
• Hempz: $20
• Mad Hippie: $11
• Peach Slices: $3.50
• TAN-LUXE: $13.68
• TONYMOLY: $2.95
• Urban Skin RX: $7.50

Ulta didn't promise a value for this set, but my math adds up to $91.75 for everything. That's more than four times the cost of the box!

Key Takeaways