Allure Beauty Box Review – October 2017 + $5 Coupon

ByLiz CadmanOct 9, 2017 | 117 comments

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).

The Subscription Box: Allure Beauty Box

The Cost: $15 a month

DEAL UPDATE - Use this link to get a free full-sized tarte blush with your first box!

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!

Each box comes with a booklet detailing the items included and why the Allure Beauty Editors selected them.

Many of the products come with exclusive coupon codes for Allure Beauty Box subscribers, too.

Now, on to the items!

Pureology Hydrate Air Dry Cream - 1 oz Value $5.60

This is a color-safe hair cream designed to let your hair air-dry without frizz - no blowdryer required. You can also use a little on dry hair as a general styling cream. This is a pricey haircare line, so I was excited to sample it. And I'm pretty sure it made my hair shinier than any other hair care product I've ever sampled!

(One word of advice, though - try it sparingly at first. I used about a dime sized amount on my hair and loved the results so I went back with the same amount again and it added some weight to my hair.)

Beauty For Real 24/7 Waterproof Eyeliner in Whiskey - FULL SIZE! Value $14

This Whiskey shade is a shimmery brown. The pigment is great, it glides on smoothly, and it was smudgeproof in under a minute.

Here it is swatched:

Eau Thermale Avene A-Ocitive Antioxidant Defense Serum - 5 ml Value $7.30

This is a lightweight gel/cream hybrid serum that absorbs almost instantly. It's designed to help defend your skin against free radicals, and it's safe for sensitive skin. I really love the finish this serum gave my skin, too - so smooth!

Korres Wild Rose + Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial - 20 ml Value $24

(Good to know for swapping - this product has an inner foil seal.)

This is half the size of the full-size version!

If you aren't familiar with the new overnight mask trend, just think of this a next-generation night cream. The formula is designed to brighten the complexion, even out skin tone, and provide intense amounts of hydration. I've tried it for one night now, and I couldn't believe how soft it made my skin feel. I will definitely use every last drop of this sleeping facial!

Kat Von D Saint Perfume - 5 ml Value $6.50

(Subscribers will either receive the Saint or the Sinner perfume mini.)

This is a floral perfume with notes of Vanilla, Musk, and Jasmine. I don't wear perfume regularly, so these mini perfume bottles are actually the perfect size perfume bottle for me. (Plus they are SO cute!)

Pantene Pro-V Sheer Volume Foam Conditioner - 1.4 oz Bonus Item!

This is a brand new item - so new I couldn't find it for sale online! It's foam conditioner designed for fine to medium hair. You use it how you would normally use conditioner, just wait for the foam to absorb, then rinse out. My hair isn't fine, so I don't have the issues of regular conditioners weighing it down, but this still worked as a regular conditioner for me.

Verdict: This box has a value of about $57.40! That's great for a $15 beauty box! It's tough to follow the amazing September box, but this box was a win for me in the skincare department. Both the serum and the sleeping facial are fab and well worth the cost of the box.

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes! If you subscribe in the month of October, this will be your first box.

Value Breakdown: At $15 for this box, here’s what you are paying approximately per item:

Hair Cream: $1.46
Eyeliner $3.66
Serum: $1.91
Sleeping Facial: $6.27
Perfume: $1.70
Conditioner - BONUS!

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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117 comments

Elizabeth

I wanted to post an update. I signed up Oct 24, charged $10. Charged another $10 Nov 3. Received the November box around the 8th or so. Emailed CS who said the October box would “ship by the end of the week”. It shipped on the 15th and sat in Minneapolis for a week. Finally showed up this Friday completely crushed and rubberbanded together – I think clearly a postal service problem. The Avene and Pantene were destroyed. I took photos before I even opened what was left of the plastic wrap, emailed CS immediately. They said they will be sending replacements. I received the Tarte blush in a separate package the same day. It is fine although a challenging color. Thankfully the November box was amazing for me otherwise I would be thinking twice. We’ll see how long it takes for replacements.

Elizabeth

Update: replacements appeared 1/19/2018. No shipping notice, unmarked envelope. So they do show up eventually.

I subscribed on 10/17 and was patiently waiting for my October box to get shipped. After a couple of email inquiries, I got a reply that they would refund the cost instead of sending the box, which is not what I asked … So sad and strange, I was looking forward to the October items 😢 I wonder if it’s happening to anyone else?

Bri

I subscribed roughly the same time, and fought tooth and nail asking as to where it is or when it would ship. I was told two weeks ago that okay I’ll get a refund but I’ll still get a box.

I JUST got the box today, and it didn’t even have the Tarte blush in it, literally the only thing I was excited and holding out for.

I don’t understand what is going on with their customer service. Sometimes it’s on point, sometimes you don’t get a reply, and sometimes you get different replies.

Elizabeth

They do ship the blush separately, hopefully it shows up.

Cindy

Yep – I signed up October 27 & received the November box Monday the 13th, but never October, even though I was charged for it. I just emailed them – waiting on a response now. I think I’ll steer clear of this company in the future.

RACHEL

I had 2 charges Oct and November they responded to my emails telling me they’d ship soon I told them to cancel then they offered me 10 a month for 4 months, I said no they charged me anyway so I paid for 3 boxes October and 2 November. I talked to a supervisor there they said they never charged me and to forward my bank information to them, nope I’m not doing that so I called my bank I was charged I am in the process of disputing now. And I blocked them sad I just wanted the box

Beauty Black Friday

I signed up for the october deal. I got a box today but I think it’s for November.

Christine G

Me too! I signed up October 27, was charged for that. Then November 2 I was charged again, which I expected. But I got my first box yesterday and it’s for November. Not sure what to do now.

Taylor

Anyone else still waiting for the October box?

Rebecca

Yes! I contacted them via email didn’t get a response so I called customer service and was told I should expect my October box to arrive right around the time I get my November box. I wasn’t given a specific date. I’m a new member, signed up mid October. She said to just keep a lookout for an email with tracking information once it ships. As of today, I still haven’t got an email. Hopefully I get one soon. I’m excited to try some of the products.

Nina

I received an email with tracking information tonight. I have no idea if they shipped the October or November box.

Liz

I spoke with Allure’s customer service today- they informed me that the October box is getting out really late and I should be recieving shipping info via email within the week. Hope this helps!

Rebecca

Thank you. That’s what I was told as well. Fingers crossed. 😉

Taylor

I ordered on 10/19 and their CS won’t respond to the emails I’ve sent. Anyone else waiting for their October box to ship out?

RACHEL

Emily

They told people they couldn’t cancel until the last box had shipped because then they couldn’t ship the box.
(What?)
So if they’re two boxes behind do people then need to wait for BOTH to ship before they can cancel?
Luckily I managed to cancel the October box before they charged for November. After several emails, most of which went unanswered, I was able to ask for a refund. I was told a week ago I’d be getting a refund, and in that time have changed my mind about movie tickets, and got a refund, and cancelled an order on the Wish App, and got a refund, both by the next day. I emailed Allure yesterday asking when I would be getting my refund and they said the refund was in the process and to give it another week.
I’m beyond frustrating with this company, but still even if they don’t give me the refund I’m super thankful they didn’t try to pull some even worse BS on me like they did with you! I hope the dispute gets resolved!

Emily

I didn’t want to be locked in for novermber and they told me I couldn’t cancel my subscription until the last box shipped. (Ridiculous considering they can send the box whenever they want.)
So I had to ask for a refund. I waited as long as I could. They even told me the boxes would ship well before the next charge. Glad I asked for a refund because considering they charged for November’s box today and many of them still haven’t shipped, I’m guessing that was a lie.
Also as far as them not responding to emails, I would just keep sending them. I sent out like 4 over the span of a few days before they got back with me, and they never did respond to all of them, just a random one. They seem to pick and choose what they respond to rather than keeping an ordered system of replying. Have you been charged for November’s yet?
(Also a word of advice, it seemed to me they responded better to shorter emails. Try and keep it short and simple.)

Caitie

I have a question for any current Allure subscribers – I just signed up so I’m new to this (I mainly wanted that Tarte Blush and the Juice Beauty Crayon next month 😊) — QUESTION: Is there a way to find out your tracking number? Or do you just wait and the box shows up magically at your door? I got an email saying there was a box coming, and my payment was taken out on the 24th (October) – but can I track it any way?? Thanks ahead ❤

Jacki

I got absolutely no shipping notice. I did see an item pop up in my USPS app. Turns out it’s my allure box. The tarte blush isn’t in it ☹️

Taylor

I signed up on 10/19 and it still hasn’t shipped!!! 🙁 I’m nervous

Val

I also just signed up for the Allure box. I received an email that my box had shipped on 10/26. The email includes a tracking number.

Janet

I sure appreciate this website, MSA. I’ve had plenty of issues with orders of sub boxes and have decided to trust the feedback here, and only order when there is great feedback, not just on product, but customer service, shipping, tracking, and billing. So, allure is a ‘no way’ for me. I’m sticking to companies with a record of integrity. There are enough great ones to keep me supplied with plenty of excellent products.

nancy garza

I go back and forth with Allure when they have offers ….this one is awesome!!! It is as simple as as calling their customer service number 1 800 274-1603 to CANCEL why ll the negative comments ?? I have used it numerous times and always get a friendly ” no problem” thank you for your call response. Chillout is just 7.50 ….

RACHEL BROWN

Because when you call I got back answers like they didn’t collect any payment and then they resign you up. I couldn’t get refunded for the boxes they charged and didn’t ship I had to disputing them, since they don’t have records of charges even though my bank does. It looks like a great box and deal but paying for 3 boxes getting none and dealing with all this is too much work

JuJu

I have noticed that in the world of beauty box subscriptions good customer service is more of an exception than the rule. Thankfully, for instance, I haven’t had to deal with the Boxycharm customer service, but I’ve seen people here report that even though it’s a great box, their customer service is horrible.

Emily

I have three big checks that I tick off after subscribing to a box as to whether I stay with them or not.
1.) Whether or not they charge me immediately. Unless it’s a prepaid subscription, (paying for several months up front) the money should be taken when they ship the subscription.
2.) Whether or not I can cancel freely without hassle.
I never sign up to a site that requires you to call them to cancel. They can put you on hold forever in hopes you won’t cancel.
3.) Whether or not they lie to customers.
I don’t think it’s usually that CS actively tries to deceive their customers (usually). I think when you email or call them, it’s easier for them to tell you ‘yes’ (even when they don’t know) until they actually have to deal with it, thus telling you ‘no’ at the last possible minute (and only after you recontacting them.)

Allure charged me immediatly upon subscribing.
Allure says all over the internet that you can cancel by going to their ‘customer care portal’.
I’ve accessed this site both on my phone and my desktop and I couldn’t find a cancel button anywhere. Just a status that my account is ‘active’ and that my renewal is ‘monthly’.
I read another’s review that she purchased a prepaid subscription for a friend in May, and did not receive May, OR EVEN JUNE.
So far the best customer care I’ve receive from any subscription box has been Ipsy.
I’ve written Allure and asked to cancel and for a refund if I will not be receiving this months (October’s) box, and I’ve
asked to cancel without a refund if I will be getting October’s box.
I won’t support a company that doesn’t put its customers first.

JuJu

They did use to have the option to cancel online (as well as the option to suspend temporarily), but disabled it some time ago. I guess they want to make it more difficult for people to leave, plus this makes for a lot fewer transactions for them to process than when customers have free rein over their accounts.

Emily

They should still update their website and take down the information telling people they can cancel through their Customer Care page. Whether or not they used to have it is moot. Still holding out hope for someone to get back with me through email, as I really hate talking to representatives who try and convince me not to cancel.

Christine

i resubbed to get the marc jacobs lippies, but i still haven’t gotten my september box. not even a tracking number. and i have a feeling i’m not getting the marc jacobs stuff anyway.

worst cs ever.

Wendy Holt

I haven’t gotten mine yet either, but my account was charged in the first week of October. No tracking numbers anywhere that I can find. 🙁

Michelle

This was my absolute favorite Allure box ever! I loved every single item and that Pureology is excellent. I only air dry my hair and it brought my curls out and made my hair soft.

The Pantene I’m not sure about but it seems to be a gimmee product so it doesn’t matter.

The Korres sleeping facial is a lovely light scent that absorbed almost immediately.

This month was the best!!

Nicole

Pretty disappointed in Allure. I resubbed to get Marc Jacobs items as they sent me an email. I clicked said email to resub and items didn’t come in my box. Emailed them and 2 days later they responded but answered only part of my question and ignored the other. Guess I’ll have to wait 2 days for another half answer. Their customer service is crap!

Karen

I have to cancel my credit card. Their customer service isn’t just crap…I don’t think it exists. 😒

bmcd3713

Karen don’t cancel your card…just CALL them. I know, I know, it’s a pain, but I always get the issue resolved when I give them a call.

Here’s their number: 1-800-274-1603

SBR

Follow up by responding to the last email they sent you. I resubbed like 2 days prior to marc Jacobs email. I emailed them to see if I could still get the gift. They sent my request to at least two others and then nothing. In the meantime, I got my box, 2nd box, and another one of the eye shadow pallets😬. I decided to still follow up – they responded with thanks to the follow up, we have resent the marc jacobs (honestly believe that is there default answer when they forget to mail something), and to keep the eye shadow pallet. I still have not got the marc Jacobs but that was only last Thursday when I emailed.

Karen

October? I didn’t like it and it was my first box. I keep seeing that eyeliner was in it and I was supposed to get a bonus blush. Got neither OR what’re devil perfume their taking about.

😑

Victoria

Has anyone gotten there box? Mine is showing that it departed the shipping facility to be transferred to USPS on the 6th. Then nothing else. This has never happened so I’m worried my box is lost.

Wendy Holt

I still don’t have mine. This will be my 3rd box, and probably my last. I’m just not that impressed. Is there a place on their website where they have tracking numbers? I can’t find one.

Sharon in SE TX

I received my box on October 13. But, before it arrived it took a detour to another city for almost a week. I’ve never had that happen with an Allure box before.

I hope you get your box soon!

Dawn

I wasn’t too sure about the Pureology product or the Pantene. My hair is color treated & highlighted. Plus, it’s fine & thinning. Hair length, about 3-4 inches below shoulders. Kinda thought the Pureology was more of a Summer hair product. It’s getting too cool in the mornings to not blow dry plus, I can’t stand to not at least partially blow dry my hair. So, I’ve played w/ it every day for 4 days. This IS a multifunctional product. Use it per the instructions if you can. I did one day but my hair is just so thin… Next day, I only dried my roots & left the rest to dry naturally. Nice! Still had my natural waves & zero friz in 96% humidity! I also have used this as a finishing cream after blow drying & it works just fine. I’ve only used about a dime size each time. Onto the Pantene- It’s a brand I usually stay away from, not recommended by my stylist & color expert but I had to give this new stuff a try. With chemically treated hair, keeping it soft & hydrated can weigh it down. This left my hair soft and airy, not weighed down at all! I was able to run a brush right thru it after towel drying. Won’t be using it every day but definately once a week.

justmissjamey

Why is Pantene not recommend by a color expert or stylist?! Just curious what their thoughts on it are and why..thanks 🙂

On a side note, the “following up” to comments don’t work and has not in months, I know I’ve seen others type about it as well….is it being worked on, or did something go wrong during some updates?! I’m not too tech savy anyway, but just curious.

Elena

Oh, I thought I’m the only one with this problem. “Folowing up” subscription emails stopped coming to me a couple of weeks ago or so.

Karen

Love the October box !!
I know I will be able to use each & every product FINALLY !!!

AlleyCat

How do I cancel? Do I have to call them? There is nowhere in my account that says cancel, deactivate, pause or anything at all like that.

Emily

call 1-800-274-1603 or email [email protected] and I usually put subject of Cancel Beauty Box and include my name and email (maybe include zip as well).

When you go to https:// beautybox. allure. com (without spaces) and click on my account it says email or call us at the top right.

P.S. I emailed them at [email protected] and they emailed me back from
[email protected]
so both may work.

Bridget

Anyone interested in swapping Sinner for my Saint?

Mary K

Same here. Saint is nice, but I have SO many others just like it. Sinner’s notes sounded more intriguing.

ReneeH

So happy to get a brown eyeliner!! I’m so sick of getting black, hopefully they finally got the message! I’m also really excited about the Korres wild rose brightening facial and the Avene serum. I love Purology, so excited to try this new product! Not as excited about the Pantene product, but I will definitely give it a fair shot!

Beans

The fact that this box sent out an eyeliner that wasn’t black is seriously the primary reason I’ve decided to give this box a try! Give me some color any day!

Lavi

Did anyone else get a UPS tag on their box that said it had “Biological Substances Catagory ‘B’ Only”…. this really worries me!!! It says Hazmat on it!!!

SBR

Mine had a sticker ORM-D consumer commodity. I don’t remember a sticker in previous months…

Teresa

ORM-D is a marking for mail or shipping in the United States that identifies other regulated materials for domestic transport only. Packages bearing this mark contain hazardous material in a limited quantity that presents a limited hazard during transportation, due to its form, quantity, and packaging.

Consumer commodity is a hazardous material that is packaged and distributed in a quantity and form intended or suitable for retail sale and designed for consumption by individuals for their personal care or household use purposes. This term can also include certain drugs or medicines.

Examples of items classed ORM-D include:

Aerosol cans
Charcoal
Drain openers[citation needed]
Lighters
Nitromethane fuel[citation needed]
Perfumes
Small arms ammunition[1] (not shipped as Consumer Commodity)[2]
Soldering flux
Some photographic chemicals

Probably because of the can of Pantene conditioner.

Dawn

You got my attention w/ this! I got mine last night. After seeing your comment, I decided to check the plastic wrap that was on mine. Nothing unusual on mine. I wonder why that’s on yours…

Monica Nicholas

Does anyone know if you get the tarte blush when you re-activate? I subscribed previously but it’s been a few months.

Renee

I got mine today and immediately ordered another one for the Pureology and the Tarte. Love it!

Jessica

The eyeliner is gorgeous. Such a welcome change from black. A word of warning though: I can’t get mine to retract. I’d suggest not twisting up more than you need 😬

Jill

Got my box today…and its fabulous. I love EVERYTHING! I got the Sinner fragrance and the bronze liner is gorgeous. Can’t wait to try the new foam conditioner. I’m totally thrilled this month. 🙂

chris

Just got my Allure box in the mail. It is terrific and I love EVERYTHING!!! I received the sinner perfume. It is big for a sample. Love it all. I gotta say, I thoroughly love this box subscription. November looks great too. I’m really wondering what will be in the December box as well. I received this box, and the next 3 for $10 each- it is some of the best money I have ever spent. LOL. Worth every single penny. And, wasn’t it great to receive a copper bronze full size eye pencil?

Marie

How did you get the 3 months for $10

Pasany

Hey if you don’t mind me asking how did you get the next three for $10 each?

Noelle L

How did you get 3 months for $10 ea? If you don’t mind me asking?

Julie B.

I hope the blush offer will still be on for November. This October box is not for me at all, but I was so happy to not see that eyeshadow palette anymore that I was still tempted.

Karen

It was my first box. GISNT disappointment. I’m already cancelling.

The box just had some cheap sample sizes of drugstore hair product. NO makeup. Box was actually missing two items.

The bonus blush never came either.

Huge disappointment and honestly I’m thinking this company is a rip off.

The company doesn’t respond back to me nor provide a way to cancel I now have to cancel my credit card and have a new one issued. I

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Allure Beauty Box Review – October 2017 + $5 Coupon

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