Allure Beauty Box Review + Coupon – May 2021

ByMegan K.May 12, 2021 | 39 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. (It was named one of the best beauty subscription boxes by MSA readers in the 2021 Subscription Box Awards.)

This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)

About this Box

The Subscription Box: Allure Beauty Box

The Cost: $23 per month + free shipping. Save with a yearly subscription.

The Products: Deluxe and full-size beauty and makeup samples. Ordering through Allure also means you receive a newsletter with tips, tricks & exclusive promotions like limited-edition boxes, access to members-only virtual events, promo codes, and more!

Ships to: The U.S. and Puerto Rico for free

Allure Beauty Box May 2021 Review

Heads up! There are variations this month. Find out more here!

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This handy booklet has all the product info inside.

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Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream, 7 mL – Estimated Value $37.10 (buy 50 mL for $265.00)

So this was maybe the more 'hype' brand this month, and with the high price tag and the rarity of it to be seen in boxes, I can see why. This is the richer version of their popular and pricy cream, and though I would never ever fathom spending this much on a cream, the ingredient list is actually really awesome, especially for those of us with drier skin. The combination of fatty oils (avocado, sunflower, argan, and evening primrose) with shea, hyaluronic acid, green tea extract, arginine, and peptides feels like a dream on dry and irritated skin. It also nourishes and protects skin by providing antioxidants, hydration, and supporting the production of collagen and elastin. A little goes a long way, so even though this tube is on the smaller end, it is going to last quite a long time.

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Wander Beauty Sight C-er Vitamin C Concentrate – Full Size! Retail Value $42.00

Vitamin C is one of those things most everyone should add to their routine! It is a skin-loving powerhouse with the ability to brighten, tighten, hydrate, and protect. It may sound like I am obsessed with vitamin C, and that is because I actually am. I actually recently wrote an article about it you can check it out here if you are in the mood for a deeper dive! Most of my current vitamin C faves are gel/serums, but this cream really won me over. First, it uses tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate which is an incredibly stable version of vitamin C. While C is super powerful, she can also be super dramatic/unstable so I always appreciate a stable form in my products because that means it will stay potent longer and without special treatment. In addition, this bottle contains loads of my other faves like niacinamide and SEVEN different types of hyaluronic acid. The cream absorbs in a snap and plays well with the other skincare and makeup formulas I layer on top. All in all, I loved this new launch from Wander and so happy a full-size bottle was inside this month!

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Joséphine Cosmetics Liquid Lipstick in 'Tiphaine', 6 g - Full Size! Retail Value $30.00

Our single makeup item this month is a bold liquid lippie! I love a red lip and I feel like I missed out on wearing brights like this all of last year. With this year feeling slightly more normal, I have been looking forward to bringing out the drama. This brand is newer to me but I liked the formula a lot. It dries down to a velvety matte finish that stays a little flexible and has very minimal transfer. I have actually worn this inside my mask a few times and while there was a little red inside after, it wasn't terrible. This is one of those true vixen reds with a just barely blue undertone that is going to flatter so many people!

Here it is on my arm.

And here it is on my face!

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CosRx Propolis Light Ampoule, 30 mL - Full Size! Retail Value $28.00

This was the item I was most excited about this month because I love the CosRx brand. I also enjoy formulas with propolis because my skin looks so bright and firm after using this ingredient. This bottle has a pretty short ingredient list (only 11 ingredients) featuring delightful things like protecting betaine, moisturizing panthenol, and amino-acid arginine. The propolis inside was harvested without any harm to the bees producing it and is loaded with antioxidants and vitamins. The texture here is a thicker gel that absorbs in a snap and didn't really have a scent. I like to use this before bed, after cleansing, and before my moisturizer.

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Belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb, 5 mL - Estimated Value $9.60 (buy 25 mL for $48.00)

I like this eye gel a lot! As soon as I opened the box I immediately put it in my fridge, knowing I would fall in love with the gel-cream texture chilled on my skin. This was another sample that was certainly on the smaller side, but I really needed very little for the areas under my eye and on my lids. Like so many of my favorite products, this formula contains cica/tiger grass, a botanical extract that I love for calming redness in my own skin. It also has skin-loving panthenol, fortifying ceramides, loads of plant extract, and antioxidants galore.

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Shangpree Gold Black Pearl Eye Mask, 1 pair - Retail Value $6.00

FYI: You will receive either this item OR Rituals The Ritual of Ayurveda Foaming Shower Gel OR Pur-Lisse Green Tea Matcha Sheet Mask in your box depending on your member history.

This was another item I instantly put in the fridge. I love eye gels, especially in the spring when my (relatively minor) allergies cause me some redness. I would say they worked about the same as most similar eye gels I have tried, but that was honestly enough! I always appreciate the de-puffing, calming, and anti-redness benefits of gels like this.

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Bonus: Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen SPF 50, 10 mL - Estimated Value $2.40 (buy 50 mL for $11.99)

Most of you know I am an SPF freak. It is the #1 anti-aging product on the market! And 50 is a nice powerful SPF rating for anyone serious about protecting their face from the sun. This has a very liquidy texture that felt pretty great on my face but I will say that I did notice a little bit of white-cast. It wasn't something that would keep me from using this, but, admittedly, I am super pale. If you are on the lookout for an SPF superstar, I highly recommend Supergoops's Glow Screen. It is my favorite thing ever right now!!

Verdict: This Allure box has a total value of around $155.10 which is really nice for a $23 box. I was really impressed with the Wander C cream and I also loved the CoxRx ampoule! Those items alone made this box feel more than worth it, at least to me. I also thought the red lipstick was gorgeous and had a great formula, thoroughly enjoyed the eye gel cream, and found the eye gels super soothing. And, of course, I loved trying out that pricy Augustinus Bader cream!

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes! Scroll down this page to see what items you will get when you first sign up.

Value Breakdown: At $23 for this box, here is what you are spending approximately per item:

Augustinus Bader Cream $5.50
Wander Concentrate $6.23
Joséphine Cosmetics Lipstick $4.45
CosRx Ampoule $4.15
Belif Eye Bomb $1.42
Shangpree Eye Mask $0.89
Cetaphil SPF $0.36

Alternatively, each of the 6 products has an average cost of $3.29.

Check out all of our Allure Beauty Box reviews and some more of our other favorite beauty subscriptions.

Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

What do you think of the May Allure Beauty Box? What was your favorite product in the 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

Megan K.

I love natural/vegan beauty products, Korean skincare, unique jewelry, and weird candies from far away places. When I am not waiting for my next exciting box you can find me painting or taking photographs of interesting people. I never leave home without pug hair somewhere on my shirt and a bold lipstick on my smile.

Read More By Megan K. >

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39 comments

Charlotte

I just learned that I forgot to skip my Allure sub on Amazon, so it looks like I’m getting this month’s box! At least everything looks pretty good, though I need more full-size skincare like I need a hole in my head.

Leslie

I feel like this box beat out my Ipsy Glam X which came the same day. I have been super bummed with beauty fix lately but Allure hit it out of the park this month!!!

Brooke

Best box in a while. I think I will get 2!

Jess

So I was swayed by all the positive reviews today and ended up ordering an extra box from Amazon and I’m glad I did. My box from Allure arrived today, and I was so disappointed to discover that the rich cream was only half full. I feel bad complaining about this type of stuff, but i was most excited about trying this and it was such a tiny sample to begin with. Anyway, here’s hoping that the one I get in the Amazon box is full 🤞

Mountaineer95

A question for Megan and/or Allure if they’re reading:

I’m very interested in learning more about some of the products used in the cover photo of the pamphlet we received (as shown above): namely, the brands and shades of eyecolor and the source of those gorgeous rings.

It might be hard to see online, but for those of us who received this box, we can see the stunning photo. Is there a link to a spot on the Allure site where I can get this info? If not, how else can I go about finding it? (I want that light shimmery coral eyecolor, that shade and level of shimmer is the Holy Grail of eye color for me and I cannot find it, and those rings are awesome). Thanks for your help!

Beka

Hey! I just wanted to say, if you have access to Instagram, they would probably be more likely to respond to this question on there. I don’t know if allure actually reads our comments on here, or not. They usually reply when I comment on their Instagram though!

Julie

I love this box so much I might get a second one from Amazon. I got the Matcha Tea mask which would not be my first choice so maybe I’ll get the eye masks from Amazon.

I love these reviews by Megan! I like that she wears the lipstick or whatever cosmetic item is included and she comments on the ingredients of the skincare. The nerd in me loves the breakdown of the actual value of each item and the average cost of each.

Amazon has the Rituals shower foam in place of the mask.

Alice

This box is what make me love Allure. Promising new launch, an expensive fancy sample and really good variety of products. Even if they don’t end up being your favorites, these are all products that fit everyone’s routine. Who does not use Vit C? Serum? Moisturizer? Eye cream? Sunscreen? Shower Gel? I am only missing my cleanser and toner at this point… The only thing that is not for everyone is probably the lipstick. I am not a red lip person at all (have tried many, it is just really not my thing), but I am actually really interested in the formula so I am not mad.

I was not disappointed in a single item this month… And honestly, just the vit C alone is well worth the $23 for me, I can’t believe some of you guys only paid $13 for this!!! I am seriously consider buying another May box just because… Maybe some of you will want to sell me yours?

This is hands down one of the best Allure boxes in a very long time that is well worth the price increase.

Can’t say the same for June though…

Tetiana

Could somebody please advise in which step of skincare routine to use the vitamin C concentrate and the ampoule. When would I use it if I’m also using a serum. Also when would you use the propolis ampoule?
So far I’m first using a cleanser, then toner, serum, and the moisturizer or face cream, sometimes followed by a night oil.
Thank you for the input ☺️

Errmmm

You’re doing it totally right! The Cosrx product is basically a serum despite being called an ampule. It goes: cleanser, toner, essences, serums (these can be mixed together or put on layer-by-layer), emulsions, then moisturizer/cream (mixed with facial oil if you’ve got dry skin). Think of it as going from the thinner products and formulas (toner, essences) up to thickest products and formulas (moisturizer/oils).

Amy

Per the booklet and leaflet that came with the box, all three of the hydrating products (Augustine, Propolis, Wander) can be used alone, or combined after cleansing. They are all serum-cream, so it doesn’t matter the sequence. The propolis plus Cetaphil was enough for me this morning.

Carol

That lipstick is so good!

I was thinking about signing up because I ran out of my Vit. C. serum, but I just signed up for FabFitFun and was going to get one of those serums. Maybe I’ll get this instead though (and I really want that lipstick lol)?

Mountaineer95

If I may add a thought about the lipstick: at first I was very, very afraid of this lipstick because I don’t do bold reds, and I can’t do mattes (drying issues)…but I tried it and I LOVE it! I didn’t go full-red like Megan; I put just the tiniest amount on my lips as a stain, and it came out as a vibrant, pretty, cool blue-toned pink. It’s a fantastic stain…just a swipe of gloss over it and it’s lovely. So for anyone who’s not so bold, like myself, please try it as a gently layered stain. You’ll be glad you did! (Plus, the quality is great, the packaging is chic, and it’s not made in PRC).

Nan

Thanks for sharing those tips.

Jennifer

The lipstick did not look good on me at all, even as a light stain. But I was able to layer it under a slightly too brown dark color I have, and ended up with a warm burgundy that’s actually really pretty. So I might keep it after all, even though the custom shade is a lot bolder than my usual.

Jess

Thank you for this! I saw that color and was going to toss it in the drawer with the other bold reds Allure likes to send, and then gift it to a friend next time I see her. But I did what you suggested and you’re totally right! It’s a really lovely, subtle pink color. So thrilled with this!

Thank you for the information on the lipstick, I’m even more excited!

For what it’s worth, I just signed up mainly for the AB cream, the Wander vitamin C, and the CosRX because they all recieved great reviews! I am also very excited for the lipstick!

Pink5

Got my box today. Was disappointed to receive the Purlisse mask. I know I got it before, but it’s possible I got it from Ipsy.

Amazon has singles of the Shangpree eye mask for $8.99, so I just ordered one. A pack of 60 is $42.00, if anyone who got one really likes it.

Snow

I just received my allure from Amazon. I received the shower foam.

I’m wearing the lipstick now and it definitely transfers. Ladies, check your teeth (and then once again) before you go out.

JoJoB

Snow this is a tick I learned a long time ago that works PERFECTLY! After applying your lipstick take your index finger and put it in your mouth all the way (like your lips should touch your hand) and then close your mouth around your finger and pull your finger out. It will bring all of the lipstick with it that would have transferred to your teeth during the day. It works like a charm! I know it sounds gross but I promise it works!

Aarjullor

Amazon always puts their version of the curation on their site the day it goes live, so there’s no guessing. I really like that, not wondering if I’ll be disappointed with what I get.

Donna

.2 oz for that Augustinus Bader cleanser?? Wow. I know the product is expensive, but such a small sample is rather insulting to subscribers. What’s going on, Allure? You are losing subscribers right and left with your increasingly poor curation! Expect I’m leaving you as well.

Aarjullor

It’s .2 or 7ml of a very expensive moisturizer. A brand that is newer to sub boxes. I’m thrilled it’s making an appearance in this box, I don’t understand the hate. I think this a great box, an awesome curation.

Mountaineer95

I agree, I love this box! So totally worth my $23 (yep, I’m on the newest “pay plan” and I’m happy with my value this box). The AB product, while given to us in a very small amount, definitely is hyped, but hasn’t made many if any sub box appearances to date (I type this as I reflect on all of the 111Skin products I’ve received and have barely used). Random note, Megan’s AB box looks tattered as did mine. I don’t know what those little boxes went through before getting to us, but mine and Megan’s seemingly went through the same trauma.

I also want to hype this box in general: the Wander Vit C is a nice size and a nice product; the Ampoule of French-made bee based product is large and lovely; the Rituals shower foam gel, while not the most unique item here, IMO is a great product and makes for a wonderful shave gel (I got the rituals advent calendar last year and the foaming shower gels were the items I used up completely, all of them); the lipstick, while not a color I’m brave enough to wear, actually worked wonderfully as a lighty-applied stain followed with gloss…while it looks full red on Megan here, as a lightly wiped stain it is a pretty blue-based pink…and followed with a gloss of choice is really pretty.

This box was a home run for me and worth every last bit of my $23! I agree Aarjullor, awesome curation!

Errmmm

Agreed – I’m so excited for it I actually ordered 2 May boxes this month! I also love the Cosrx ampule and wanted to stock up. For me this is one of the best boxes since I started Allure a couple years ago.

Heather

Megan — I loved reading this review! I am excited about this box, but even after reading some of the leaflets inside, I wasn’t sure how (or why) to use some of the products. I appreciate your expertise and insight!

Also — I, too, am super-pale. It’s nice to see that the red lip works so nicely! I’m going to have to try it after all.

Liz

I just finished my Bluh Alchemy vit C from the December Boxwalla so this is perfect timing. The Bluh Alchemy is the best vit c I’ve ever used, so I’m hoping the Wander is even half as good!

Penny

I signed up through Amazon and mine shipped May 1st or so. Its so much better than the actual Allure site unless you’re a new subscriber and want the free gift with your first box.

Snow

I’m calling right now to see when my May box is shipping. These always seem to take forever to receive (especially considering I’ve been skipping a lot.)

***SKIPPERS***Your account may still be paused! I skipped April but told them to resume me for May. WRONG! They indefinitely paused my pre-paid account. If you haven’t gotten a shipping notification and you skipped April, I would give them a call and double check!

Back to the box:

This was my dream box. I know some people are vitamin C fatigued, but if you use it on your neck as well, I find I go through it more rapidly (obviously.) Also, being a new launch, it is exciting to try a different vitamin C product.

I can honestly say this site is the reason I branched out into red lip territory. I always thought it made me look like a tomato or worse a clown, but I am seriously over my dark vamp lips. That red lipstick however, is quite RED lol. I’m still looking forward to wearing it.

That propolis product looks nice too. My issue is I don’t know where to fit it into my routine. It’s jammed full already and I am definitely not one of those who strive for 10+ steps lol.

I don’t have much of an opinion of the ultra fancy moisturizer. The only way I would ever pay that much is if I was guaranteed a new face.

Thanks for the awesome review, Megan. I am looking forward to my May boxes once shipped and delivered 😊

Ingermaria

Thanks for the great review, Megan. I sub through Amazon and originally skipped this box due to product overload, but I decided I need everything so I canceled and resubbed so I can get this box. It’s my birthday month so I’m in a treat yoself kinda mood.

Izzie

Thanks for your review!
I read that the AB cream was formulated with the idea to be used by itself, and I’m left wondering if it’s best at night or during the day…

Carrie

I just signed up! This box looks awesome– not at all interested in June though. But that lipstick and propolis are worth the $23 hands down.

Jody

I think my box is out for delivery. I hope the face cream and eye cream don’t have lavender in them. I have an oily t-zone but figured I could try the fancy face cream on my neck. So many of Belief products I can’t use.

Jennifer

I doubt the belief eye cream would have lavender oil in it as that’s a heavier ingredient. The Augustinus Vader cream doesn’t look to list lavender as an ingredient, either, though the box is hard to read.

I’m allergic to lavender, so have to watch out for it as well.

Carrie

The eye cream does have a lot of fragrance — including linalool (which is more or less lavender). The face cream does not. I’ll be gifting the eye cream. I’m way too sensitive to even give it a try

Jody

Carrie, Thank you so much for telling me about this ingredient. I had no idea. I am just now searching and this is why I have been puzzled when I get a product that doesn’t say lavender and I think I am safe. Turns out this linalool makes me just as sick!
I just got that new ILIA lip mask and wondered why it was not for me. Linalool is way down the list but it really smells strong like lavender!

Shannon

I haven’t checked the ingredients but smell wise I get no hint of lavender in either.

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Allure Beauty Box Review + Coupon – May 2021

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Allure Beauty Box May 2021 Review

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