Allure Beauty Box Review – October 2016 + $5 Coupon

ByLiz CadmanOct 14, 2016 | 85 comments

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Allure Beauty Box is a monthly beauty subscription from Allure Magazine. Each month they send out a mix of deluxe and full-size samples from mostly high-end brands!

This box was sent to us early for review purposes. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).

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The Subscription Box: Allure Beauty Box

The Cost: $15 a month

The Products: Deluxe and full-size beauty and makeup samples.

Ships to: the US

Check out all of my Allure Beauty Box reviews and the Beauty Subscription Box Directory!

Swap for any item in this box from the Allure Beauty Box Swap page!

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Limited-Edition Freesia Pear Spongellé Shower Sponge - Value $15

If you aren't already familiar Spongelle Sponges, they are pretty amazing.

They are infused with body wash, and the sponge is firmer than your typical bath pouf, so you get exfoliation added in, as well. (And this sponge should last you for about 20 washes!)

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This Freesia Pear scent was designed exclusively with Spongelle and Allure Beauty Editors, and I think it's my favorite Spongelle scent, yet. (This box also includes a coupon for 25% off anything at Spongelle.)

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Tatcha Deluxe Soothing Hand Cream - 10 ml (Travel Size) Value $8

(Subscribers will receive Tatcha Deluxe Indigo Body Butter OR this Tatcha Deluxe Soothing Hand Cream.)

Tatcha is one of my favorite beauty brands of all time! All their skincare products have this incredible unique scent, everything feels so luxe, and of course, the formulas work so well, too!

This hand cream is made with Japanese Indigo, so the cream has a blue tint, but it disappears when you apply it to your skin. It's also made with silk extract and squalane, so it's super hydrating without being greasy.

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Mally Volumizing Mascara - FULL SIZE! Value $20

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This mascara formula was great for lash definition and I was able to apply multiple layers without any clumping issues. I think this is a perfect formula for a more natural look mascara, but not the type of drama I would expect from a volumizing mascara. (And I like all the volume I can get!)

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Doucee Freematic Eyeshadow in Kristi - Value $8.75

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This shade is a highly pigmented, shimmery, copper shade. (And good news - it is paraben free.)

Here it is swatched:

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And this individual eyeshadow has metal backing so you can add it to any Z palette.

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Klorane Dry Shampoo with Nettle - (Travel Size) Value $10

(Subscribers will either receive this Klorane Dry Shampoo with Nettle OR with Oat Milk OR Kevin Murphy Volumizer)

I have a ton of this dry shampoo thanks to subscription boxes, but it works great, so I can't complain about getting more. (I just don't think I'll need to actually buy dry shampoo until 2020.)

Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask - 1 oz - Value $9

This mask is free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates – and it is safe for color treated hair!

There are two ways to use this mask – let it sit on your hair for 5-10 minutes after massaging it into your roots, then rinse out. Or for deeper hydration, cover your hair in a plastic shower cap and sit under a dryer, applying direct heat for 30 minutes, then rinse.

I tried the 5-10 minute version, and I could definitely feel a difference in the softness of my hair after using it. I'm still trying to figure out the right ratio of this mask to my hair. (One time I overdid it and had oily hair, and the other time I didn't use enough and couldn't really feel a difference!)

Verdict: This box has a value of about $71. That's great for a $15 beauty box, and the Spongelle and Tatcha alone make this a great box for me, but I'll use everything in this box!

What do you think of the October Allure Beauty Box?

Starting at $25.00

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Allure Beauty Box

3.6 overall rating

721 Ratings | 155 Reviews

Each month, you'll get 6+ Allure-approved makeup and skincare picks delivered to your door ($100+ value for only $25). 6 or more products (at least 3 FULL-SIZE) valued at $100+ with only expert-approved products, hand-selected by Allure editors. Enjoy a new member gift valued at $15+ free shippin... read more.

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Posted in Beauty Subscription Boxes, Makeup Subscription Boxes, Subscription Box Reviews, Subscription Boxes for Women

Liz Cadman

Liz is the founder of My Subscription Addiction. She's been hooked on subscription boxes since 2011 thanks to Birchbox, and she now subscribes to over 100 boxes. Her favorites include POPSUGAR Must Have, FabFitFun, and any box that features natural beauty products!

Read More By Liz Cadman >

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85 comments

Nicole M.

Did anyone else get this box in the mail for free? I’m a past subscriber and it’s been a few months since I’ve had a paid subscription and I randomly received this box in the mail yesterday…. There were no charges on my card or anything. It’s really strange!

Alison

I received this box in the mail today, and have never been a subscriber. I wondered if it was sent as a Christmas present before seeing this post. I occasionally do surveys for Allure, and thought maybe I was selected as a prize winner. Either way, it was an awesome surprise!

Sherry

It makes me a little nervous that they will run out of boxes, I subscribe to the Allure box so I hope I get mine😬

Nicole M.

Well I got an email from Allure a couple hours after I posted this comment saying they were sending me a free box. I guess just because lol I’ll take it! I got the Tatcha body butter as well, I’m super excited about it 🙂

Betty

I am a subscriber and I received one today also, mine had the tatcha body butter, it was a nice surprise.

Quinn

I actually just got off the phone with Allure Beauty Box CS– I’m a magazine subscriber, I’ve bought Beauty Thrills boxes, and I’m a Beauty Enthusiast, but I’ve NEVER bought this subscription box before…They said that the Home Office is trying to figure out why these went out to non-subscribers, but confirmed that it was mine to keep for free. I had thought it was maybe a freebie from the Beauty Enthusiasts thing, but she made it sound like it was a random freebie to magazine subscribers…Either way, I’ll take it haha 🙂

Jennifer A

Same here! This box was just in my mail. No idea why.

Juli

My first box— I love it!! I was very impressed with everything that was inside it.

Rakshanda

I loved the box … love allure.. am a happy camper with them … ain’t going anywhere thanks allure 🙂

Alyce

I am loving the Spongella we received!! The fragrance is gentle and soothing, my skin has a definite glow and softness which lasts several days. I am finding myself using Spongella in the shower 2-3 times a week, hoping it lasts for a month. So happy to have received a 25% off coupon.

Thank you ALLURE!

Cassie

I agree, Alyce! And it makes my bathroom smell so lovely, too!

CHanell.

Most disappointing ALLure box ever for me. And so boring, I was shocked.

Cassie

Really??? How come? I was actually pretty impressed after being disappointed the last couple of months due to their incompetent customer service, late boxes, and missing products.

taborrand

I cancelled in August based on their customer service. Since everything changed this summer, it’s just been one issue after another. This used to be one of my favorites.

I finally got a missed products from June today Lol

Stacey

I loved my allure beauty box! Such a great deal for $15. Stupid question, but is this one ongoing or a one time thing? Meaning when I bought this one, am I signed up going forward until I cancel?

Liz Cadman

It is an ongoing subscription, so you will continue to get boxes unless you cancel. hope that helps! 🙂

Cassie

My October box is currently out for delivery. I can’t wait to see what variations I get! I also have a mystery box out for delivery…lol I received a notification from USPS that I had another package, and it does not have the same tracking # as the Allure box. I’ve received all my other sub boxes so I have no idea what it might be. Can’t wait to check the mail this afternoon!

Michelle

I loved this box!! I think Allure knocked it out of the park, comparing it to my , Ipsy, Glossybox, and Sephora Play, this month. The Mally mascara really rocks and I need to just buy it and use exclusively because it’s the best I have found. The sponge is nice but mine has 0 fragrance which is a bummer. The eye shadow is really pigmented and has a great staying power. Haven’t tried the dry shampoo yet or the Tatcha, mine came in a purple pot, but excited for both. I felt the value was huge this month.

Alyce

This box was fantastic! I am going to totally forgive them for the Estée Lauder mix up – although I’m thrilled so many were sent replacements. I will use every item and although I have received plenty of mascara and Briogeo, these samples will eventually be used! I’m off to the shower with my new Spongella…aaah.

Sherry

Even though most of these products are not new for me allure does do a good job putting their boxes together. For $15 this is a great box. It blows Birthbox and Sephora play right out of the water. Allure beauty box is one of my favorite boxes.

Cassie

I got a shipping email from Allure the other day so I naturally thought it was for my October box. But then I got another shipping email from them this week. I received a box Wednesday from them, but I had no idea what to expect. It was another August box! I already received my August box although I was one of the customers who received it late. I filed a complaint on the BBB website so Allure refunded my money for the August box. A couple weeks ago I received another box from Allure that contained a Canyon Ranch shampoo and conditioner and a Foreo night cleanser. What in the world, Allure?!?! I’m not complaining at all, but I am so confused! I have no idea why I am getting all these boxes…lol Anyone else have this happen?

Betty

Same thing happened except I got the Sept box which I skipped. So I got this month and last months today, even after I’ve skipped Aug and Sept. Skipped because they had left products out of my other month boxes and never sent replacements. Decided on taking this month because really wanted to try Spongelle. Now I have an extra box from Sept, which still isn’t a box I wanted. They just confuse the heck out of me. I want to like them but they are confusing as heck.

Alyce

A similar experience happened to me when I filed with BBB. I have filed twice, once for Allure and once for Glossybox. I had made several contacts; all straight to the point, cordial and stating my concerns/missing items. Both subs sent me items. Allure sent me my missing items and a couple of samples, GB sent me an additional box.

I walked away feeling empowered and valued as a customer. Everyone handles their frustrations differently and I’m not judging. I enjoy reading the columns and blogs on MSA to “hear” women excited about their discoveries. I think MSA serves a great purpose to allow others to compare and discover company concerns, but I also feel that some folks consistently use the columns as a therapy for their anger. I would rather be an advocate for myself than to have MSA readers “listen” to me complaining.

JenJ

Got my Allure today. I was disappointed to get that Klorane again from them. This was subbed into another Allure box over the summer. Also my third tube of Briogeo. That does nothing for my hair. Was so excited to not get the Briogeo in the Popsugar mystery box ?! I also got a Beautified You box for $15 today.

Luna

Those BY bags are amazing! You’d have to spend well over $200 to get all those samples as a GWP. Earlier this year, before I knew what they were all about, I purchased one of each bag, and my sample junkie tendencie were fulfilled that day. 🙂 I’ve seen unboxing posts of the more recent bags, and (I think) there’s some variation to what I received, so I’m tempted to get another bag, but I’ll be good and just get them all again early next year. Gotta start the year on a high note!

Cassie

LOL! I already have a couple of these hair masks from past sub boxes AND I got two full size jars from the two Pop Sugar mystery boxes I ordered! I don’t think I will need any hair masks for a while!

DMidd

So, I signed up for this beauty box on Oct. 7 their website said that people signing up would get the next box, which I assumed was going to be November’s box. I was charged on Oct. 7 and again on Oct. 17. I received the September bag, which before opening I thought would be the October bag. I got Sept. and emailed Allure, 2 day turn around for response, I received the second tracking notice which is for October’s bag.
The reply from them is posted below:
A)why would you charge someone 7 days apart without telling them?
B) Why does your site say I’ll get the next box (Nov) but you send me two in one week?
C) Why is your response that I can return the September bag UNOPENED (how am I supposed to know it was Sept. when I got the package, thinking that I got the October bag? )

I am Pretty happy with the box but the customer service response is quite irking. Also a company that is so unclear on sign up. I thought I would get the November bag since all of the “sneak peaks” were released for the October bag, but instead I got charged twice in ten days and two boxes within a week of each other.

Email Response from ALLURE

Thank you for contacting Allure Beauty Box.
Please accept our sincere apologies for the inconvenience you have experienced.

Due to the delay with the October Allure Beauty Box shipment, all orders placed before October 11, 2016, started with the September Allure Beauty Box. The second charge you received was for your October Allure Beauty Box shipment. You should receive both of the boxes in the same week. We anticipate that the November Allure Beauty Box will be charged at the beginning of November.

If you would prefer not to receive the September Allure Beauty Box, please write return on the unopened box and return it to us for a full refund of the September Allure Beauty Box.

Your order for the October box has been shipped and your tracking number is: .
Deleted this as it’s my tracking number.

If we can be of further assistance, please let us know. To ensure your future concerns are handled in a timely fashion, please include all previous e-mail correspondence.

Thank you,
Carrie
Allure Beauty Box Customer Service
[email protected]
Customer’s email address:
Case id: 31081720

Original Message Follows: ————————
Hi,
I was charged for the beauty box on 10/7 and again on 10/17. I did just receive the September box today, so I was wondering if I was also going to get the October bag soon as people are posting about receiving that one already. I have only received one shipping notification email and it does show that it was delivered today, which would be the September bag. I just want to know how long to expect to wait for the October bag.

Kate

They did the same thing to me, charging me twice, but when I emailed them and said I had wanted the October box not the september one, they emailed me back that they had reactivated my account, so I could receive the october box. I never told them to do that, I just want the october box that I paid for, or I want my money back. They are acting like they are going to charge me again and send another october, when I want a replacement for the September. No where on their website did it say that there was any chance in hell of being sent the september box when I reactivated on 10/6.

Kay

I received the same variation as Liz. I would have been happy with either box, but hand cream will last a little longer for me and I have never tried dry shampoo with Nettle. I only use a wash of light color for eye shadows, so except eye shadow, I can use everything.
I just commented on September box review, but yesterday I receive an envelope containing Estee Lauder eye serum and Grande mascara. It didn’t say Allure on the envelope (says RR Donnelly), but I am happy that Allure kept their word. FYI, I called the customer service within a few days of receiving a box. The CS rep was nice and put my order in, but it has been over a month, so I kind of forgot about it.
It seems that Allure is listening to us. I watched FB unboxing video of October box. They showed 2 boxes with the variations and mentioned that there will be 2 variations explaining the difference. I hope they continue this way, but would love to see more new brands featured.

Becca Mari

I still have not received my replacement items. I contacted them again about it 4 days ago and they still haven’t bothered to reply. Last I heard they were shipped on September 23rd and should have arrived by October 3rd. I guess I should call them and speak to someone.

Kelly H

This is my fourth or fifth month with Allure and I have been pleased with all of them.

I am excited to try the Spongelle and the Mally mascara. I will put the hand lotion in my purse and I am sure I will use that too. The other stuff I will give to friends.

You can easily spend $15 on lunch so the Allure Beauty box is a surprise treat for me – even if I don’t love every product.

Betty

Good box this month and Spongelle is one of my favorites products. Like that we got the 25% coupon as well in the spongelle box.

Rakshanda

I LOVE ALLURE .. I mean I seriously love them … imagine a 28 year old wearing a school dress and jumping on a sight of a new crush .. that’s how I feel .. they rock they seriously do .. got the same box as Liz + the Estée Lauder serum and the grande mascara in another pack as promised .. *? I mean could I love them more!!! I don’t think so
Thanks allure best box ever… Way ahead of Sephora which I didn’t even bother to open

Sherry

I got my box today. It’s a nice box just not exciting. I like the sponge but not my first so it’s not a new item for me not is the hair mask. I have gotten that same hair mask two other times in different boxes. The mascara is just ok, great if you like a natural look but I like more drama with my lashes. The eye shadow is a fabulous quality. Love it! Haven’t tried the hand lotion or dry shampoo yet but those are products I’m happy to receive so all in all really nice box just wish there was a wow product for me. I’m not disappointed though.

Leah

I just tried the Spongelle. It smelled nice, but it was so rough. How does it compare in roughness to the Spongology buffer? I’m going to put that one back up on swaps if it’s comparable.

(As an aside, spending $15 every few weeks for a bath sponge is so high-maintenance!)

Laura

I absolutely love these sponges!!! So happy!

Leah

I got my box today and am happy I haven’t cancelled! The version reviewed here is version 2. You can see the sticker on the outside of the box telling you which version you have (never seen that before on an Allure box). Maybe it just seems nicer because the box is actually full 🙂 The eyeshadow is in a nice box, not just thrown in. The booklet seems more accurate. The products are a bit different. Overall, I’m happy with this.

Alyce

Leah,
Thanks for posting, that is wonderful news and concerning the positive changes in Allure’s box. I was notified today that mine was shipped. Is the variant of the box the Tatcha (body butter/hand cream) product?

[email protected]

Meh I have never been too “in love” with this box. It’s $5 more a month than Ipsy and I’ve only been happy with a couple of the products. Only tried for like 2-3 months. Was glad I cancelled this box cuz the only intriguing thing in here for me would be the bath sponge.

Also, if you try to sell the products on ebay, I highly doubt you would get the full value of the products listed. I do that sometimes if I’m just really not jiving with or don’t need what I get in my box.

Tanya

Just noticed that I still haven’t been charged, and I usually have my shipping e-mail by now! I’m nervous I’m not going to run into some sort of issue with this month’s box. I hope I at least get the Spongelle and Tatcha!

Nan

I just got my shipping notification yesterday, so they are still working on them. Hopefully you’ll get yours soon, too.

Sherry

I’m not sure what’s going on with them. I did get charged early in the month like normal so no issues but I never know when the box is coming. Last month I got it the first week of Sept. I just got it yesterday this month but they never send me tracking information until after I receive the box. It’s so odd

peekinboo

same here. i hvnt received any notification saying my box has shipped.

Becca

I was charged on the 15 for october. They said they would be shipping boxes between the third and fourth week of the month. You might just be one of the people being charged during the fourth week.

Jenna

Me too, Tara! I haven’t been charged or received a shipping email. I read somewhere that the boxes were shipping later than usual this month because of the Spongelle (the one thing I’d really like to try, along with that gorgeous copper eyeshadow), but how late is late? I’m nervous too, you’re not the only one!

Tara

Thanks Allure, I got charged the normal datell at the end of September when I resubbed, got the September box, and now just got charged again and caused a bank fee! $46 for this box and I won’t even use the dry shampoo!! ?

Virginia

That has happened to me also. I think they charge shortly after the initial order so if you cancel, they have at least gotten one more fee. I have found this true with other boxes also.

Amber Whitney

I am very disappointed. I subscribed because last month’s box was awesome. Perfume, makeup, wrinkle cream, primer. the works.
THIS? No, thank you. Very disappointed.
You can get stuff like this at CVS. A loofah? Body butter? Dry Shampoo? No, thank you. I think I am going to cancel it. I just feel personally these products and product types are not for me. At all.

Betty

I thought last month was one of my least favorite boxes ever from Allure and relaly liked this months box a lot. Shows how tastes do vary

Mel

I think the coupon may no longer be valid. I signed up for my first box using the link and I still got charged the full price. I contacted allure but I’ve heard nothing in the past four days.

Beverly

I just used a coupon, no problem. Got it mainly for a $10 Spongelle with a nice scent! Got one in the FFF Fall box that was really nice, but just not crazy about the rose scented one we received. Can’t wait to try out Allure’s box!

Ann

This will be my first Allure box and I like everything but the dry shampoo. I have at least 4 already and I shampoo almost daily so no real need for dry shampooing.

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Allure Beauty Box Review – October 2016 + $5 Coupon

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