Allure Beauty Thrills Box May 2016 Review

ByEmily CosnottiJun 15, 2016 | 56 comments

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Approximately every 4 months, Allure magazine releases their Allure Beauty Thrills Box. These boxes are a mix of drugstore and higher end brands, and Allure also donated $5 from each purchase to Melanoma Research Alliance.

Usually, these boxes sell out very quickly, but this one is still available for purchase if you are interested.

The Box: Allure Beauty Thrills Box

The Cost: $49.95 plus $10 shipping

The Products: 20 products with a total value of $250 for just $49.95 plus $10 shipping! Allure also donated $5 from each purchase to Melanoma Research Alliance.

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BURT’S BEES® Lipstick in Magenta Rush - .12 oz $8.99 Value

The Burt's Bees lipstick is a bright magenta color with a slightly fruit, mostly bees waxy scent. It applies smoothly and evenly but I recommend using a lip liner for a crisp line around the lip. It came off easily when I ate or drank so I found myself reapplying throughout the day. The finish isn't matte or glossy and made my lips look hydrated.

BURT’S BEES® BB Cream - 1.7 oz Value $14.99

I liked the way the BB Cream applied and blended into my skin. It provided light coverage and left my skin feeling moisturized, I just wish it was the right color for my skin! I'm very fair so the light/med color was just too dark for me but it looks like they do make a light version. This was my first time trying a BB cream and I really liked everything about it. I'm looking for a product just like this that I can put on to even out my skin when I don't have time for the whole foundation + beauty blender + concealer + highlight ritual.

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Here's the BB cream and lipstick swatched on my wrist. I squeezed some of the BB cream on my wrist so you can see what it looks like out of the bottle and then rubbed some into my skin above it. You can see that it's a couple shades darker than my skin.

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Here is the lipstick on with no lipliner. I like the feel and shade of the lipstick, so bright!

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CHAPSTICK® Total Hydration 3 in 1 Lip Care - .12 oz Value $2.99

Mmm. Coconut! I've never been down with the texture of actual coconut but I'm all about coconut milk and coconut scent. This is so hydrating, I'll be keeping it in my bag until it runs out (or I lose it).

AVEENO® Absolutely AgelessTM Intensive Renewal Serum - 1 fl oz Value $19.99

This serum goes on smoothly and makes my skin silky and hydrated. It says you can use it at night or under makeup. I don't like to load my face up with too much product before my makeup, so I have been using it at night. It smells distinctly like Aveeno soap. The packaging is a unique tube with a pump that I'm starting to see more and more in cosmetics.

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Pump shot! I am in need of a manicure.

COMPLETELY BARE® calm down Ingrown Hair, Razor Bump & Redness Eliminator - 1 fl oz Value $10.99

I haven't needed to test this out yet, but it'll be good to have on hand.

HASK Macadamia Moisturizing Shine Oil - .61 oz Value $2.99

I love using a light touch of oil on my dry hair to smooth fly aways, add shine, and make my ends look healthier.

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ARM & HAMMERTM SpinbrushTM Truly RadiantTM Clean & Fresh Battery-Powered Toothbrush - Value $10.99

This is, hands down, my favorite product in the box. Yeah, I'm surprised too. I have to admit I thought that electric toothbrushes were a gimmick and that I was fine cleaning my teeth the old fashioned way. Guyyyys. I love this thing! My teeth feel extra clean and I was really surprised at how inexpensive it is at retail. It looks like the replacement heads might cost as much as the whole tooth brush though, so I guess that's where they get you. I'm not mad about it.

ARM & HAMMERTM Truly RadiantTM Clean & Fresh Toothpaste - 4.3 oz ,Value $8.99/2 Pack

I am sensitive to most toothpaste so I'm not able to try this one out. It's a paste and not a gel and has really nice minty smell. My husband tried this out for me and said he noticed a fresh, clean feeling much longer than he does with his regular toothpaste.

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TANGLE TEEZER® The Original Detangling Hairbrush - Value $15

I was really excited to see this in the Beauty Thrills box, knowing how much Liz loves this product! I wish this had been around when I was little with the longest, thinnest, most tangled hair. It works really well and I like the ergonomic design. It's easy to clean and perfect for combing conditioner and product through hair in the shower.

NOT YOUR MOTHER’S® In A Heart Beat Blow Dry Accelerator - 6.0 oz, Value $5.99

I only noticed a very slight difference in dry time using this product. It also acts as a heat protecting spray so I will be using it for that. It feels slick in wet hair but doesn't add any noticeable texture when dry.

REDKEN Beach Envy Volume Wave Aid - 4.2 oz, Value $20

All I want is perfect beach waves. This product didn't add waves to my hair but did add texture without weighing my hair down.

PUREOLOGY Pure Volume Style + Care Infusion - 5 fl oz, Value $24

I like the unique packaging on this - it's a tube inside a tube. The product promises style + care infusion + fullness + body, which are all the things I want for my hair, all while being color safe and vegan. I tried this out and it definitely gave my hair weightless volume. I can see this becoming part of my daily routine!

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VERSASPA® Gradual Tanning Face Moisturizer - 2.0 fl oz, Value $35

I'm down with being the color of porcelain so I'm not the right target for the Veraspa face tanner. The product says it hydrates, blurs fine lines, and creates a beautiful tan.

COPPERTONE ClearlySheer® Faces SPF 30 - 2.0 fl oz, Value $8.99

Yes! I don't go out in the sun much but when I do, I want to be spritzed with high SPF. I prefer something above 30 but this is still great to have on hand.

CARESS® Mystique ForeverTM Body Wash 13.5 oz, Value $3.99

This body wash comes out purple and the scent was strong, sweet, and floral. It promises "a long lasting captivating fragrance released on touch"and it left a very strong fragrance on my skin after my shower. I checked my skin for fragrance throughout the day and found it was gone a few hours later.

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TIGI® Bed Head JoyrideTM Texturizing Powder Balm - 1.96 fl oz, Value $8.99

The label on this product was peeling off when I received it so I photographed it that way. I used about a dime sized amount in my shoulder-length hair but if I try it again, I'll use a lot less. It weighed my hair down and made it feel greasy. Not cute.

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DEGREE Women Dry Spray in Daisy Fresh - 3.8 oz, Value $4.99

This spray-on deodorant was cooling and had a fresh scent. I wore this on a busy, stressful day and after a couple of hours, I felt the need to apply my regular clinical strength stick deodorant.

SIMPLE® SKINCARE Micellar Make-Up Remover Wipes - Value $6.70

I was really excited to receive these as I am a big fan of SIMPLE make-up remover wipes. SIMPLE treats sensitive skin really well, I find that other brand wipes, especially those with extra fragrance, sting my skin and leave my face red. I had to google "micellar" to find out what made these wipes special. I learned that micellar water is filled with micelles which find dirt and oil on your skin and draw them out without drying your skin.

COMPEED® Blister Cushions - Value $15

I'm glad to have these blister cushions on hand for travel this summer. The small plastic pack is perfect for tucking into a carry-on or first aid kit.

SCÜNCI® Everyday & Active® 3x Stronger Braided Elastics - Value $2?

I like this new twist (yes) on the traditional elastic band. My hair is a little too short to pull back right now but I'll keep these around for the future.

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RITUALS Magic Touch Body Cream - 2.3 fl oz, Value $10?

I've been carrying this around in my bag since I received it. It has a very traditional lotion scent with a hint of cherry blossom. It absorbs quickly into the skin and doesn't feel greasy.

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SONIA KASHUK® Double-Zip Clutch - Value $14.99

The bag in my Beauty Thrills box is a different colorway/pattern than the version in the spoiler and the printed booklet that came with the box. I like the one I got better! I like the jewel tones and the pattern reminds me of the rainbow effect of oil on water.

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Here's the back of the bag. AllureBT-054

The bag has two compartments that open with metal zippers and large vinyl Sonia Kashuk branded zipper pulls. It is fully lined in a satin-y burgundy nylon fabric that matches the exterior top stitching.

Verdict: I definitely think the value is there for this box. I got a good mix of beauty products and discovered some new favorites. Allure included some thoughtful summer essentials like the SPF face spray, blister cushions, face tanning spray, and beach wave spray so I feel pretty summer ready! My favorite item is the electric toothbrush, I think I'm officially converted. Plus, I'm pretty excited to finally own a tangle teaser!

If you are interested in Allure's separate monthly subscription box, check out our Allure Beauty Box reviews, too!

Posted in Allure Beauty Thrills Boxes, Subscription Box News

Emily Cosnotti

Emily is a design enthusiast who loves beautiful objects. She's really into vegan snacks, corgis, home goods, and minimalist makeup. She is currently fostering a healthy subscription addiction.

Read More By Emily Cosnotti >

Emily is a design enthusiast who loves beautiful objects. She's really into vegan snacks, corgis, home goods, and minimalist makeup. She is currently fostering a healthy subscription addiction.

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56 comments

LaurenH.

I literally was totally satisfied with this box as soon as I saw that Sonia Kashuk bag. I’m addicted to collecting small cosmetic bags. My Ipsy stint greatly aided in that. Plus Sephora sale for Voyager, Escapader, old collections etc. I use them in my purse to separate out makeup/lip liner, balm, stains, sticks, glosses and disposable applicators/ medicine/kitchen sink. I’m that person that you can ask me if I have (pretty much anything) in my purse; and my answer will be yes.
Double sided, with gold zip closures, watercolor-looking, and zero flaking when I open /close it. (You know, those ones that are “coated” to look gold but then flake off every.single.time. You touch it.) It’s like, nah, I didn’t want to actually *use* the zippers on the bag or anything. This bag is probably one of my favorites. Haven’t tested for the stain resistant interior, but seems easy to clean.
And the toothbrushes they include (got 1/2 price May box too which had one also) , helped me stock my Mom and Dad on a “electric spinny” toothbrush. Unfortunately I’m compulsive about oral hygiene and a bit of a snob when it comes to standards of clean. And long ago switched to Sonicare. My parents both say the Spinbrushes are fantastic. I internally giggle at the ludricousness because Sonicare is practically life-changing. But they’re happy, so thanks ABT! Supplying parents with newfangled toothbrush contraptions since ’12 😆

Cindi

Has anyone received any information on the August Allure beauty thrills box? An email with shipping information or have received their August box? After I made my payment on July 28th, it said I should receive an email in 7-10 days with shipping information. I still have not received anything. I emailed them 2 days ago and have not received a response. Thank you for any information in advance. HAVE A GREAT DAY 🙂

Cassandra Grussi

I emailed them also. I ordered mine on the 26th. And their response was
“We do not have any shipping information or a shipping date yet planned for the August box.”
So I was a little aggrivated

Rosa

I actually got mine today. No shipping info. Just showed up on my door step.

glory

I would rather get less products as long as they are of better quality. For example they could have excluded the deodorant, hair ties, blister cushions, toothbrush, toothpaste, and chapstick instead of those given us a product that is worth trying out. This was not an exiting box it was a box with savings for the everyday stuff but personally I don;t look for that in boxes I look to try out stuff that I don’t normally find in the nearby store or that I rather try to see if it’s worth a repurchase….that was a pretty boring box toothpaste and toothbrush>>>>come on

Rosa

I was charged tax. Was anyone else? 62 dollars and change.

Cassandra Grussi

Has anyone heard or seen any spoilers for the August Box? And has anyone heard of a date? Tia

jen

Your bag is so much cuter than the one i got. I love your review!

Martina Osley

Hello Emily I love your reviews any buzz about the next Allure Thrills box?

Amy S.

#TeamSpinbrush!

Venefica

Why would u put up on here that the tigi hair product was greasy because you used to much???
That’s your fault, nothing to do with the products actual quality or results.
Go and write a proper review for it!
Ridiculous and pointless…..

nelliebelle1197

Wow. Not nice, necessary, nor grammatically correct.

Traci Rhein

What’s going on today? I’m getting all kind of notices for new comments but their old comments. This one in particular….I chewed her button for this when she originally posted it and MSA removed them all and now it’s popping back up from June 16th?
My email is packed full of notifications for old posts….I’m so confused lol

Cindi

Agreed @nelliebelle1197!!!!!

jaime

Thanks Emily – I had been hesitating on getting this box, but after your excellent review and thinking about the cost per items, and that I will use most everything, I decided to get one. Good thing others passed on it! 😉
I think I let others negative opinions shape my views too much. The holiday Allure box was an AMAZING deal but this still feels like a good value to me.
Thanks!

Noyb

Can someone please let me know the weight of this box?

I live abroad and would have to pay 5us per pound.

Thank you!!

Karisha

I loved this box. I used that Caress at 6am. I came home at 11pm, and could smell it as soon as I stepped in my house. It smells divine.

Bets

I got the same bag. Love it!

Your photos are amazing! Emily, you are my new favorite MSA reviewer!

Luna

I agree! Something about Emily’s photos make all of the products reviewed (even these drugstore items) somehow look high-end, and makes me want to subscribe to (or purchase) her reviewed boxes(!)…. however, I’m pretty sure that I’m already subscribed to, or have purchased, most (if not all) of her reviewed boxes already. 😀

I know this is a little late, but welcome to MSA Emily! You’re a wonderful addition to MSA. 🙂

Emily Cosnotti

Hi Luna and thank you so much! It’s great to be part of the MSA team! <3

Emily Cosnotti

That’s so sweet, thank you so much! <3

Andrea

I was not super impressed with this box, I have been using some of the items, but many I gifted. It was not a very memorable box as many people have been saying, I thought a lot of the items were pretty boring. 🙁 I was super disappointed by the degree spray deodorant, I love the one I got from dove in one box or another (can’t remember now) So I was excited to get an additional one. Every time I use the degree one so much comes out and I have learned to hold my breath when putting it on because if you inhale it it’s not super fun. While I don’t use clinical strength deodorant and in some cases I use a natural one, I found that I was kind of stinky after a few hours of normal activity with the Degree spray, who want’s that with a non natural deodorant? So I’ve stopped using it and have just gone back to my Dove and my natural that actually hold up. I hope they step it up for the next box, the last two have been boring as heck.

AmySoup777

Which natural one do you use that works?? I use dove and it works for me, but have been trying natural ones and they either don’t work or give me a chemical burn! Help!

Flubs

The natural ones from Lush work pretty well but they aren’t in a tube (they’re in blocks).

Victoria

Was I the only one who couldn’t figure out how to work the TIGI Bed Head item? From the review, it looks like that was a good thing LOL.

I did the preorder thing and I know some are disappointed, but I like the mix of items from this box and getting to try all new things. I won’t use every single thing, but I use most.

I’ll have to make myself try the toothbrush. I’ve tried powered toothbrushes in the past and had issues with the feeling on them on my teeth.

Carrie N

I can figure out how to turn it and use it but i just can’t figure out how to use it in my hair. I’ve tried using it on wet and i’ve tried putting it on dry hair. Nothing. It smells great, like a 1980s Blueberry Muffin doll. I think that’s the only redeeming quality.

Traci

Cosmetologist to the rescue…lol
Hair powders are great products.
Style your hair as usual and then sprinkle small amounts of powder onto the scalp where you want volume (most common place is the crown of the head) Once the powder is on the scalp use your fingertips and rub it vigorously in short back and forth motions. This causes the root of the hair to lift up and adds texture.
Throughout the day as it falls just give it another good rubbing to lift it back up!
I love hair powders but they will leave a sticky, coarse feeling on your scalp so be prepared to wash your hair with focus on the scalp.

Hope that helps, let me know if you have further questions.

Emily Cosnotti

The TIGI Bed Head balm was hard to figure out! Not the most intuitive packaging, for sure. If you wanna give it a try: take off the orange plastic cap on top, remove the sticker seal, and then twist the orange plastic base to raise the product.

Victoria

The vibration of them on my teeth I mean 🙂

Lauren

I received a Dove deodorant coupon from Kroger and nabbed it. I hated using it for my underarms because of the fumes. BUT! I do use it as an anti-chaffing spray and it works great.

Meri

Thanks for pointing out that the Tangle Teaser is great to us to distribute conditioner in hair in the shower. I have two now, so that’s my plan…put one in the shower! Great review. Thanks

Jayne

When I saw this review I first thought, “Oh yeah, that box should be coming soon” and then I realized I had already received it! So, yeah, not a super memorable box, but I now realize that I’ve used more of the items from this box than some of the previous ones (and my other subscriptions).

I got the same bag as you, and really like it. I think the pattern is pretty and will definitely be using it.

P.S. The label on my Tigi was hanging off the same way.

Jeein

wow i’m super impressed with your photo skills.

Emily Cosnotti

Aw, thank you! 🙂

mfrances

Micelles are a way to encase a hydrophobic (something that does not mix with water) substance in water and make it not separate out. It’s self emulsifying in that way. They surround the lipophylic (lipid/oil loving) substance with a hydrophylic (water loving) one and it forms kind of a bubble typed creation encasing the desired product. It’s a way to make water based makeup removers and things of the sort (also used extensively in making medications-I’m in pharmacy school, lol)

Emily Cosnotti

Thank you! That’s a much better explanation than google found for me.

Emily

Awesome explanation!

Buttercup

Has anyone received their normal Allure Beauty Box for June yet?

Victoria

I received mine 2 or 3 days ago. I was pretty happy with it.

Amber P

No – I did chat with CS yesterday though because I would have normally gotten my box by now and they said that the boxes are “shipping late” but didn’t provide me a time frame.

I figure if I haven’t seen the review up on here then no one on here has gotten it yet either, haha

Tamara D.

I haven’t received and email confirmation or anything yet. I have contacted CS On Friday they said It’s shipping late b/c of a product from France, Monday they said you will get your email today with the tracking info… And still nothing… So I contacted them via Chat Session on the website and I finally got a tracking #. I thought for sure after everything that happened last month that they were going to tell me “Your first month will be the July Box” But thankfully it was not! I should have it by the end of the week. Fingers crossed. Not sure if I will stick with Allure for much longer. The hassle doesn’t seem worth it!

I got mine yesterday. Only six items.

Shawn

Nice review Emily!

Emily Cosnotti

Thanks!

Beth

Love these boxes! This was only my second one to purchase but I feel in love with so many new products from the last box I can’t resist getting all of them. I agree – the spinbrush was my favorite item too! My dentist even suggested one at my check-up and I had just received the box. Now I can’t go back to my traditional brush. Loved the Burt’s Bee BB foundation. It matched perfect & I’ve been using it since. I have yet to try all the items in the box so enjoyed reading the review. Can’t wait for the next box!

This was the worst box I’ve ever received from this “subscription” and since it never sold out I think a lot of people had a difficult time with the content & value. I signed up for the 3 boxes the minute it was announced which was without previews. Had I waited I would have definitely skipped it – there were some good items but a lot of repeats from last year and nothing really special. I can only hope that the next box is better.

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Allure Beauty Thrills Box May 2016 Review

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