Emmie Reviews – Cult Beauty The Female Founders Edit: USA Edition

Last year, to celebrate International Women’s Day, UK beauty retailer Cult Beauty released a limited edition edit collection that celebrated women owned beauty brands from all over the world. This was a massive success for them and it sold out super quickly (yes, I did pick it up). And I was hoping that they would do something similar this year. Imagine my delight then when they announced the Female Founder Edit, USA Edition. This edit contained 7 products that all came from US based, women owned brands. Naturally, I had to have it. And seeing as it’s still available at Cult Beauty at the time of writing, I wanted to share my thoughts on what’s in the box!

So, first things first, The Female Founders Edit: USA Edition costs $148.50AUD (£75.00). And contains a $330 value (£190). The shipping was free (nice) and it took around two weeks to get to me from the UK. The box contains six full sized items and one deluxe mini. All of which are made by women owned brands. Let’s not wait any longer and get into the fun thing!

*Em’s note* All pricing for this will be taken directly from Cult Beauty.

THEN I MET YOU LIVING CLEANSING BALM – Deluxe Sample
FOUNDED BY – Charlotte Cho
The Then I Met You Cleansing Balm is the only mini in the box. And you know what? I’m not mad at all. I have come to discover that I am super picky when it comes to cleansing balms. Lots of them leave my face feeling like it has a film on it. Which is super unpleasant for me. So, this is the kind of product that I’m glad I get the opportunity to test out first before committing. Having said that, as far as cleansing balms go, this one is definitely one of the more beloved ones online. It was rated as Caroline Hirons Product of the Year back in 2020. Which as about a glowing endorsement as I’ve ever seen! Stay tuned for a future empties for my thoughts.

TOWER 28 BEAUTY SHINE ON LIP JELLY in CHILL – $29.70
FOUNDED BY – Amy Liu
If this is your first introduction to Tower 28, I humbly welcome you to the beauty world! This is a brand that has been on my to try list ever since they burst onto to make scene. And while I wish it was one of the blushes or even their iconic Milky Lip Jelly’s (those look stunning). I am glad that they product featured is something that is not only universal, but practical too. Also, this smells incredible! Like, OMG!

SUPERGOOP UNSEEN SUNSCREEN SPF 30 – $52.82
FOUNDED BY – Holly Thaggard
I won’t lie, this is the product that I am the most apprehensive about trying. I know that as far as sunscreens go, this is one of the more iconic ones. And the fact that it’s a chemical SPF that goes on clear is not only super cool, but inclusive as hell! Having said that, I probably won’t use this as a standalone SPF. I do have a preference towards Australian and Asian made sunscreens because the range of filters available is much wider than the US. I have heard that this works well underneath makeup. So it might make a good primer.

GLOW RECIPE WATERMELON GLOW NIACINAMIDE DEW DROPS – $61.38
FOUNDED BY – Sarah Lee and Christine Chang
When I heard that this was going to be a US edit, I had hoped that Glow Recipe would make an appearance. They being easily one of my favourite skincare brands of the moment. And not only did they feature in this edit, it was with the product that is on everyone’s lips right now. The Niacinamide Dew Drops are at icon status in the beauty world. Not only do they have amazing skin healing benefits, they provide the most luxurious and dewy glow to the skin. I actually do have a mini of this already and I use it primarily in addition to my face primer to boost the glow. But I’ll never turn down a back up!

BRIOGEO DON’T DESPAIR, REPAIR DEEP CONDITIONING MASK – $63.36
FOUNDED BY – Nancy Twine
Good golly gosh, it’s been too long since I last used this. The Don’t Despair, Repair hair mask was my go to for my winter hair for many years. And even though I have discovered hair masks that I like slightly better, I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for this one. Like, if you have dry, frizzy, or curly hair, you have to try this.

OUAI BODY CREME in MELROSE PLACE – $63.36
FOUNDED BY – Jen Atkin
I have always maintained that I’m not that picky when it comes to my hair. And it’s for that reason why Ouai isn’t really on my radar, release wise. Having said that, they have really begun to expand on their fragrance and bodycare range. Both of which I am very much into. I have already sung the praises of their Dean Street Eau De Parfum, and if the scent of this body creme is anything to go by, Melrose Place will soon follow. Not only does it smell utterly delectable (think spring on steroids), this body creme is thick, luscious and ready for my body to absorb. And seeing as the temps here are already beginning to hit below 20 degrees, it’s not a minute too soon!

SUMMER FRIDAYS JET LAG MASK – $89.10
FOUNDED BY – Marianna Hewitt and Lauren Gores
For all of the love and affection that I have for Summer Fridays (and don’t get it twisted, they are in my top three for skincare brands), I still have no idea how this is the first time that I’ve ever owned their iconic Jet Lag mask! So many people have raved about it’s skin healing qualities over the years. And now that it’s in my possession, I cannot wait to slather my face in all of it’s skin loving goodness.

And that is everything that I got in my Female Founder Edit! All up, my box came to a grand total of $359.72 (I didn’t include a price for the cleansing balm as I couldn’t find one). So, I’m feeling really chuffed. As I mentioned before, this edit is still available at the time of writing. If you are interested in grabbing it, I say go ahead! This is a hell of a deal. And I cannot wait to see what they come up with in 2023.

Cheers and love
Emily xo