The Cult Beauty Box Full Reveal

BOX NUMBER FOUR!

The Cleansing and Prep Box will go on sale this week. The sign up for the waitlist is here: www.cultbeauty.co.uk/cult-beauty-box-caroline-hirons 


Some FAQs and T&Cs:

The Box will go on sale within the next 48 hours.

Value of box is £274.00 - the Box retails at £175.00.

There will be no second run of this box. Once it's gone, it's gone.

Worldwide Free Shipping

It opens to the waitlist first and then will go on general sale should there be any left over after that period. 

The waitlist closes at 10am on Thursday.

Emails will be sent fairly quickly together, however, your host may hold them up and also file some as spam - check your spam folders if you haven't received anything by Thursday evening.

Full reveal is below in the video - I hope you like! :) 

More details on how to use everything in the box will be on the blog tomorrow.

The box contains:

MV Organics Cream Cleanser - Full Size

OSKIA Micro Exfoliating Balm - Full Size

Sonya Dakar Eye Wash - Full Size

Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser - Full Size

Pixi Cleansing Balm - Full Size

Dennis Gross MD Ferulic & Retinol Wrinkle Recovery Peel Pads - 1 month's supply

May Lindstrom Jasmine Garden - Full Size

Kat Burki Vitamin C Nourishing Cleansing Balm

*Warning - make a brew.

Describe the brand in five words?
New. Interesting. Green. Bio processing.

What is it?
Repairs, renews and illuminates skin.
It's a stretch calling this a 'balm'. It's a 'bitty' gel consistency that reminds me somewhat of tapioca (that's a first in my descriptions dictionary).

Who is it for?
Everyone - but especially those with pigmentation issues or dull skins. Basically, use this if you're over 30 and are noticing it.

What’s in it?
KB5™ Complex, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe), Bio-Processed Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Mangiflora Indica (Mango Butter), Bio-Processed Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil, Beeswax, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Carrageenan Gum, Bio-Processed Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Bio-Processed Rosa Canina (Rosehip Seed) Oil, Cucumber Hydrosol, Bio-Processed Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Garcinia Indica Seed Butter (Kokum Butter), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Camu Camu, Bio-Processed Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry Seed Oil), Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola), Wildcrafted Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail), Wildcrafted Taraxacum Officinale (Dandelion), Wildcrafted Geranium Maculatum (Wild Geranium), Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol

What's not in it?
Kat Burki has a brilliant visual of her ingredients policy on her site here: katburki.com/the-story

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?
This has shea butter halfway down the inci list, but you'd never know it to feel it - just avoid if you're allergic, not necessarily if you're spot-prone.

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?
Natural

Tested on animals/sold in territories that advocate testing?
No/No

How does it smell?
To me, it smells a little of vanilla and coconut, but not the fake super-sweet vanilla. It's subtle. Lovely.

How does it feel on the skin?/Absorption rate?
It feels soft and light. Not in any way greasy or heavy.

How do you use it?/Where to use in your routine?
There is no way in high heaven that this is being used to remove my makeup. This is a second cleanse/morning cleanse/skin contact cleanser.

How long before you should see results?
Well for the cleansing, immediately, obviously. 

How long did I test it for?
I've only had this for a month or so.

How much is it? /Size/Approximate cost per usage?
£68.00/$65.00 for 60ml. Quite possibly the worst exchange rate I've seen in a long time (more of which later). You see why I'm not using it to remove makeup now?!

What’s good about it?
I love it. My skin loves it. It almost absorbs like a face cream. Washes away clean, no residue. Smells beautiful. It's honestly all good. 
Kat Burki's USP is that everything is bio-processed under 120 degrees, meaning no nutrients are lost in the manufacturing process. A bit like the raw food diet. You know when you've had an oil for only a short while and it seems to go off/rancid? It's probably heat-treated. Common in cheaper products. That does not happen here. I really love this product and am now going to make sure I use the rest of the range. 
I tried to order the Tubereuse perfume from Nordstrom but it won't let me which means the UK retailer has exclusivity even though they don't sell said perfume. *head, desk* Don't think I'm not tempted to rope in my mate Jordan for some cross-Atlantic shipping action again. 

What’s not so good about it?
That exchange rate. But honestly, the price is the only negative.

Works well with?
If this was a kids' school report it would say 'plays well with others'. 

What’s the website like?
You can tell that Kat Burki used to be a designer - her website is quite possibly the best I have ever seen in beauty, if not in general. It's detailed, beautiful, easy to navigate. It draws you in and makes you want to read and purchase more. Others could look and learn. Shop by category/collection/concern. I can even forgive them the 'Influencers' (couldn't hate that word more than I do) tab.  katburki.com

Would I purchase/repurchase?
Rant incoming:
I've been working in cross-Atlantic beauty for nearly 20 years. You can always expect to pay extra get ripped off when you buy a product from a brand outside of their home country, but this is on another level. It hardly ever used to be like for like or higher in the UK.
Today's exchange rate for example, puts this product at £45.12. (Imagine how many she would sell if she was the same price as Emma Hardie?)
It also puts the RRP of £65.00 at $93.63 going back the other way.
So in short, I would definitely purchase - in the US. Out of principle, I wouldn't buy it in the UK unless I was desperate. This is happening more and more lately. It happened with Kypris when they first launched in Selfridges and they altered their pricing because so many of us complained. Score for Kypris. In a lot of cases it's not the brand's fault. Retailers whack up their margins, and make the brands pay for shipping and staffing, meaning the brands have to take less of a cut and meet all the costs, hence the higher costs outside of their own country. In some cases, where the brand is sold in the USA and the UK in the same retailer, the brand only gets paid in US dollars for all purchases, meaning the retailers rake it in selling outside US territories, i.e. buying in dollars and selling in pounds. Kerching. That can leave some (ill-advised) US brands selling in dollars but paying staff in Euros/Pounds. Nightmare.
Oh and you think we've got it bad? Speak to Australian beauty lovers. 
I know that Kat Burki will be a brand that I will use and love, and I will continue to review the brand, but I'm fortunate enough to travel to the US a lot for work, if you have no way of getting it other than through their UK retailer, it's going to cost you.
And being fair to Kat Burki, I'm adding exchange rates to all future reviews, including AUSD (if I can find it). This is the tip of a big rip-off iceberg. At least we're not in Levi's territory. Yet.

Similar products?
It's honestly hard to pick anything a similar texture, and I mean that as a compliment. 

Kat Burki Vitamin C Nourishing Cleansing Balm is absolutely beautiful - but - £68.00/$65.00* for 60ml and available from nordstrom.com and katburki.com 
*Price altered to £52.00 after this review. Nice work.

OM Pure Glow Cleanser

What is it?
'This perfectly balanced cleanser instantly refreshes skin leaving it clean
and glowing.'
It's a gel cleanser.

Who is it for?
'Suitable for all skin types, balancing oily skin whilst re-hydrating dry skin.'
I would disagree with that slightly - I'd say test it before you buy if you're very dry. It left me a little on the 'tight' spectrum.

What’s in it?
Aqua, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coco-Glucoside, Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Xanthan Gum, Panthenol, Sorbitan Sesquicaprylate, Aniba Rosaeodora Wood Oil, Citrus Sinensis Peel Oil Expressed Dicaprylyl Ether, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylates Crosspolymer, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Hydroxide, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol

What's not in it?
parabens
sls

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?
benzyl alcohol
acrylates crosspolymer

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?
natural/man-made

Tested on animals/sold in territories that advocate testing?
No/I'm assuming no, but the brand make no mention of their stance anywhere on packaging or their website (that I can find).

How does it smell?
It's pretty odourless. It smells very lightly of a 'fresh' scent. I know that doesn't explain much - sorry.

How does it feel on the skin?/Absorption rate?
It feels a little 'plastic' to me. It's not a 'wet' gel.

How do you use it?/Where to use in your routine?
'Apply liberally all over the face and neck with either a sponge (EEWW) or pads of your fingers. Blend onto the skin gently stroking in sweeping upward motions.'
I personally hate sponges, but you crack on.
I removed with a flannel, as per usual.

How long before you should see results?
Immediately.

How long did I test it for?
I've had this for a few months - but only used it sporadically.

How much is it? /Size/Approximate cost per usage?
£35.00 for 150ml. A good size that should last a while.

What’s good about it?
I couldn't really get on with this. Sorry. See below.

What’s not so good about it?
As mentioned above, this just didn't suit my skin. I felt a residue after use, no matter how many times I tried it - and it was too drying for me. It may work perfectly for you if you are oilier than me though, so bear that in mind. It might be right up your alley.
When I did use it, it was usually AM. I would not use this to remove my makeup.

Works well with?
In my case a really hydrating spritz to combat dryness after use. 

What’s the website like?
Pretty basic - and a little washed out: omskincare.co.uk/pure-glow-cleanser - but they do list the ingredients and it's easy to navigate.

Would I purchase/repurchase?
No. Unless my skin suddenly got oilier.

Similar products?
None really - I don't want to compare it to something I use a lot - because that would be an unfair comparison.

OM Pure Glow Cleanser is £35.00 for 150ml and available exclusively from SpaceNK.com and the OM website.

Sonya Dakar Buriti Purifying Cleanser

What is it?
'Effortlessly dissolves make up, dirt and impurities to leave your face feeling like velvet.'

Who is it for?
All skin types - particularly dry, mature or sensitive.

What’s in it?
Capric/Caprylic Triglyceride (Coconut Oil), Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, PEG-40 Sorbitan Peroleate, Triisostearyl Citrate, Diisostearyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Retinyl Palmitate, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Guaiazulene, Natural Essential Oil Blend

What's not in it?
mineral oil
parabens

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?
essential oils

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?
'synthetic-free' aka natural

Tested on animals/sold in territories that advocate testing?
No/No

How does it smell?
It doesn't really 'have' a smell to me.

How does it feel on the skin?/Absorption rate?
Soft oil, not greasy.

How do you use it?/Where to use in your routine?
This is great for either first or second cleanse - or morning cleanse.
Apply to dry skin with dry fingers, massage into skin and remove with warm flannel. You can emulsify if you wish. The oil is water soluble. I don't.

How long before you should see results?
Immediately.

How long did I test it for?
I've had this for a few months.

How much is it? /Size/Approximate cost per usage?
It's 113ml for £50.00/$67.00.

What’s good about it?
I love this cleanser. This and the Sonya Dakar Eye Wash are my favourite oil-based liquid (as opposed to balm) cleansers at the moment. They're completely gentle, yet destroy makeup in seconds. A joy to use. Neither cause any further irritation and skin is left completely comfortable.
This washes off clean enough to use your prescription retinoids on the clean skin straight afterwards (as you always should) without needing to tone. No residue.

What’s not so good about it?
Actually not so sure if it's a negative but this is fragrance free, yet contains essential oils. Unsure why or which ones, but bear that in mind if they are an issue for you. Otherwise, crack on.

Works well with?
The Eye Wash is great before this, and all acids are obviously good afterwards. 

What’s the website like?
Great with the exception of no full ingredient listing, which lets it down. Otherwise all good.

Would I repurchase?
Yes. And back up. 

Similar products?
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil (only Ultime8)


Sonya Dakar Buriti Purifying Cleanser is £50.00 from CultBeauty.co.uk and $67.00 from sonyadakarskinclinic.com

Juice Beauty Cleansing Milk

It's organic so I put it in my hyacinths.

What is it?
'This creamy formula deeply cleanses and removes makeup...'

Who is it for?
...'while soothing normal, aging, or sensitive skin.'

What’s in it?
Organic juices of vitis vinifera (organic white grape juice)*, rubus idaeus (organic red raspberry juice)*, aloe barbadensis (organic aloe juice)*, vegetable glycerin, caprylic/capric triglyceride, organic plant oils of carthamus tinctorius (organic safflower seed oil)*, helianthus annuus (organic sunflower seed oil)*, sesamum indicum (organic sesame seed oil)*, prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond oil), vitis vinifera (grape seed oil), cetearyl alcohol, gluconolactone, cetearyl glucoside, sorbitan stearate, sodium benzoate, botanical extracts of calendula officinalis (marigold flower extract), chamomilla recutita (chamomile extract), tilia cordata (linden flower extract), boswellia carterii (frankincense extract), tocopherol (Vitamin E), ascorbyl palmitate (Vitamin C), panthenol (Vitamin B5), xanthan gum, tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, allantoin, sodium hydroxide, citrus aurantium dulcis (organic sweet orange & sweet neroli)* , chamomilla recutita (chamomile) and boswellia carterii (organic frankincense) pure essential oils

What's not in it?
parabens, petroleum, propylene or butylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfates, pesticides, phthalates, artificial dyes or synthetic fragrances

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?
essential oils

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?
organic/vegan

Tested on animals/sold in territories that advocate testing?
No/No

How does it smell?
Nice actually, fresh, like citrus milk, if that was a thing.

How does it feel on the skin?/Absorption rate?
It's a runny lotion, gets to work quickly.

How do you use it?/Where to use in your routine?
First or second cleanse in the evening, only cleanse in the morning.
I apply to dry skin, massage, remove with hot facecloth/flannel.

How long before you should see results?
Immediately - 'tis a cleanser after all.

How long did I test it for?
I've had this for 3 months. 

How much is it? /Size/Approximate cost per usage?
200ml - it should last a good few months.

What’s good about it?
As much as I disliked the pads, I like this. It's gentle, soothing, gets the job done with no irritation or dryness. It removes makeup perfectly well, but I would still use it only as a skin-contact cleanser as opposed to a removal cleanse.

What’s not so good about it?
Not much - it's good.
It is very runny, so once it's in your palm you need to get it onto your face stat. But that's about it - on the plus side, it means that if you immediately go red with friction that this would quite possibly suit you better than some cleansers as you don't have to 'work' it in.

Works well with?
Acids after! :)

What’s the website like?
As I mentioned in the first review of Juice Beauty that I did, the website is great.

Would I repurchase?
Yes. It's nice. It's affordable. It does no further harm.

Similar products?
Cleansing milks/lotions of old such as Clarins Alpine/Gentian.


Juice Beauty Cleansing Milk is £20.00 for 200ml from Naturisimo.com  in the UK and
$22.00 directly from JuiceBeauty.com

3107 Heart & Soul Deep Cleansing Makeup Remover

What is it?
A cleansing balm that can also be used as a mask.
3107 is made by the beautiful Dija Ayodele, a facialist and wellbeing therapist based in London, and one of our very own blogging and twitter gang.

Who is it for?
Everyone - although active acne should probably avoid.

What’s in it?
Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Oil, Ricinus communis (Castor) Oil, Prunus armeniaca (Apricot) Oil, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Vitellaria paradoxa (Shea Butter), Cera Alba (Beeswax), alpha-Tocopherol acetate (Vitamin E) oil, Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) oil, Pelargonium graveolens (Geranium) oil, Cymbopogon (Lemongrass) Oil, Citral*, Linalool*, Limonene*, Geraniol*, Citronellol*, Eugenol*

What's not in it?
mineral oil
parabens

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?
Shea butter - and it's a rich balm so you do need to flannel a few times to remove - which may be too hard on active acne. 
Essential oils

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?
natural

Tested on animals/sold in territories that advocate testing?
No/No

How does it smell?
Beautiful. Contains geranium and lavender.

How does it feel on the skin?
It's a lovely luxurious balm that feels nourishing almost immediately upon application. 

How do you use it?/Where to use in your routine?
Cleansing - first or second.

How long before you should see results?
Immediate.

How long did I test it for?
A few months.

How much is it? /Size/Approximate cost per usage?
£34.99 for 60ml. Hard to say, depends on how often you use.

What’s good about it?
This is a beautiful balm for those wanting something that nourishes as well as removing makeup. Clearly made by someone who understands the importance of taking the time to cleanse correctly, there is no rushing this product. I use it as a morning massage cleanse or an evening second cleanse. As always, I don't want to waste it removing makeup.

What’s not so good about it?
I would go easy if you have active acne as you will probably remove the heads and make them bleed.

Works well with?
A good acid to follow.

What’s the website like?
Excellent. Full information on the product, access to Dija and easy to navigate.

Similar products?
Emma Hardie
Jane Scrivner
Elemis Pro-Collagen
Bobbi Brown Extra Rinse

3107 Heart & Soul Deep Cleansing Makeup Remover is £34.99 and available from 3107skincare.com

Currently testing... Votary Super Seed

 

One of my favourite launches of last year was the Votary brand - in particular the cleansing oil, that has been a permanent addition to my cupboard since it launched. I got my hands on some lab samples of the new Super Seed range last week and first signs are that they've hit another home run. This is a slightly more high-end addition - containing 21 super seed oils in the facial oil alone.

And the best part for those of you with 'smell' issues/allergies? It's completely fragrance-free, as per customer request. Nice work Ladies.

Launch details to follow - but watch this space Mid-June: votary.co.uk/cleansing-oil-super-seed

Boots Botanics Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm

What is it?

The blurb: 'This deep-cleansing balm contains a luxurious blend of Shea Butter, Rosehip and Jojoba Oil to leave skin smooth, soft and clean. The gentle polishing action of the muslin cloth helps remove dirt, revealing a beautiful radiant complexion.'

It's your typical cleansing balm, although predominantly organic.

Who is it for?

Everyone.

What’s in it?

Olea europaea (Olive) fruit oil*, Simmondsia chinesis (Jojoba) seed oil*, Cera alba (Beeswax)*, Butyrospermum parkii (Shea) butter*, Prunus amgdalus dulcis (Sweet almond) oil*, Cetearyl alcohol, Rosa canina seed oil*, Limonene, Citronellol, Pelargonium graveolens flower oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel extract*, Linalool, Citrus aurantium bergamia (Bergamot) fruit oil, Citrus medica limonum (Lemon) peel oil, Geraniol, Parfum (Fragrance), Citral *Organic Certified Ingredient

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

Shea butter and beeswax, but I would point out that the formulation is more 'oil' than 'thick balm' as soon as it touches the skin and therefore you should only avoid if actually allergic/intolerant, I think combination skins would be ok with this formula, as long as you removed it correctly.

Fragrance - no good if you're super-sensitised to any type of fragrance as this one would appear to have a little of both - which is odd as it doesn't smell strong at all.

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?

Organic - not vegan

Tested on animals/sold in territories that advocate testing?

No/Unsure - I've asked them directly and will update when I hear back.

What's not in it?

mineral oil

parabens

How do you use it?/Where to use in your routine?

As with any balm, use on dry skin either to remove makeup or as a second cleanse or morning cleanse. 

The description on the Boots website says this: 'Finish by soaking the cloth in cold water and press gently over face to close pores.' - obviously the less said about that statement the better.

LOOK AT THOSE PORES CLOSE!

What’s good about it?

I really liked this balm. It's gentle, yet removes everything, (I didn't try on waterproof, but as an oil it should work). This removed my makeup really well, and is nice enough to use it as a second cleanse or a quick morning cleanse, depending on your mood, your skin and the amount of time you have.

What’s not so good about it?

Not much. It's a lovely, organic, plant-based balm, at a great price for a decent size. The equivalent size in the Eve Lom cleanser would come in around £47.00. Nice one Boots.

Boots Botanics Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm is a bargainous £8.99 for 70ml and available here: www.boots.com/Botanics-Organic-Hot-Cloth-Cleansing-Balm

Similar products?

Emma Hardie

Sanctuary Spa

OSKIA

Omorovicza

Clinique

Pixi

Lush

All make great cleansing balms - none at this price though. If you're on a budget, start here.

Bobbi Brown Extra Balm Rinse

Keeping with the cleanser theme, I am also enjoying this surprisingly thick balm from the Brown that is Bobbi. I have the tube version and am already convinced that it will be a permanent fixture in my travel bag. I'm investing in the tub purely because we all know how enamoured I am with a big fat pot of cleanser.

What is it?

'This conditioning cleanser with a uniquely rich feel removes all traces of makeup and impurities quickly and completely. Leaves skin with a smooth, cushiony finish, and feeling instantly refreshed (thanks to its bright citrus scent).'

A thick, luxurious balm cleanser for the rest of us. :)

Who is it for?

All skin types but particularly suited to those with a drier or dehydrated skin.

What’s in it?

Glycerin, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Limonene, Polyglyceryl-10 Behenate/Eicosadioate, Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate, Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax, PEG-10 Sunflower Glycerides, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Polydecene, Beta Carotene, Potassium Stearate, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Anise Alcohol, Citronellol, Aminomethyl Propanediol

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

limonene

essential oil

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?

Bit of both. And contains beeswax, so not vegan.

Tested on animals/sold in China?

No/Yes*

What's not in it?

mineral oil

synthetic fragrance

How do you use it?

A number of ways. As a mask on particularly dry skin or as a cleanser. Whether you use it as a first or second cleanse in the evening, or a morning cleanse, this absolutely needs a face cloth to remove. There's no splashing here.

What’s good about it?

I like the consistency. It cleanses very well, removes makeup well and is a great massage cleanser. It gives good grip and very little slip. :) The glycerin and olive oil are a good, softening, removal team.

What’s not so good about it?

It's possibly too thick for really oily/acne skins, but the lack of shea butter and mineral oil means I wouldn't rule it out entirely.

Where to use in your routine?

As above, AM or PM and first or second cleanse.

Similar products?

Emma Hardie, Alpha-H, Elemis, Suti, Balance Me, OSKIA and REN all make similar products.

Sizes available?

50ml - £20.00

200ml - £45.00

Available from www.bobbibrown.co.uk/Extra-Balm-Rinse

*I am asked after nearly every post why I mention China and the answer is thus: in its simplest form, animal testing is banned in the EU and has been for years, but the Chinese authorities 'reserve the right' to test any product sold in China on animals to ensure safety for the Chinese people. It's outdated and unnecessary and a lot of brands are working behind the scenes to change their minds. So whilst a brand may be against testing, the wider thinking is that if they sell in China, they are endorsing testing 'where required by law'. That's why I mention China.