Allure Beauty Box is a $23 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 our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
First Impressions
This is a new member curation. To see all variations, check out our spoiler post here!
FYI: Before we get into this month's review, you might notice this one is mighty late. Our box was rerouted to an incorrect address and just arrived this last week. While this is no longer a box you can receive in your subscription, we thought it was still worth reviewing and publishing for continuity.
As always, the box arrives beautifully packaged in typical white and red Allure fashion!
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There was also a helpful mini-magazine with more info on the products.
Now, on to the items!
Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Age Defying Exfoliator, 2 oz - Retail Value $79 (Full Size!)
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This mask has a thinner texture which surprised me because it is designed for super dry skin. And I think I was expecting more of a cream than a gel! This impression is deceiving though because the ingredient list is straight up loaded with dry skin dreams. Seriously, I was shocked! Niacinamide, squalane, shea, turmeric, hyaluronic acid, a boatload of peptides, and even more come together to create one heck of a mask. These instructions suggest leaving it on for 20 minutes then washing it off, but I am lazy and thought I might like it more as a sleep mask. So I applied a decent amount and then went to bed. I woke up with happy and glowy skin. I am a big fan of this one!
Dermelect Self Esteem Beauty Sleep Serum, 30 mL - Retail Value $42 (Full Size!)
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Ok, instead of calling this a serum, I think I would rename it to a peel! This stuff is potent. You can tell by the smell, which is strong and arguably unplesant. But sometimes stuff stinks, you know? This product is designed to give you a texture overhaul and radiant glow. This is accomplished by the combination of exfoliators salicylic acid and glycolic acid. It is a clever combo of both a BHA and an AHA, which should help with both congestion and anti-aging efforts. Add in vitamin C antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and allantoin and you have a really effective serum. Because this is potent, it might be worth testing it out once a night until you see how your skin responds. Products like this can also make you extra sun-sensitive, so be sure to wear your SPF.
Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask, 1 fl oz – Estimated Value $4.75 (buy a full size 8 oz for $38)
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Briogeo is one of those brands I really want to love because their formulas perform really well, but the scents are just never really there for me. They are a bit too sweet. This is such a great mask for dry and damaged hair, though, so if you love the scent you are in for a treat.
Crabtree & Evelyn Evelyn Rose Velvet Body Melt, 15 mL - Estimated Value $2.10 (buy 250 mL for $35)
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I actually purchased the perfume version of this scent a few months ago for under $15 at T.J. Maxx. I love a spicy rose scent and this is exactly that. Crushed rose petals with sharp citrus, nutmeg, and musky woods in the background. It isn't my favorite scent, but I do reach for it pretty often! The scent of this body melt is the only plus for me. It is weirdly thin and slippery and just not great. When I read the word "melt" I think I just expect something heavier and luxurious. And while it does leave behind a nice soft finish, it wears a lot more like a lotion than a melt.
Heritage Store Rosewater Refreshing Facial Mist, 1 fl oz - Estimated Value $1.40 (buy 8 fl oz for $11.19)
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I don't really get why this item couldn't have been full size. It is such an affordable mist that I already know and love. It would have been such an upgrade to see a bigger bottle! You kind of have to be a rose fan to love this stuff. It is literally rose flower oil and water and it has a distinct and genuine rose scent. It makes a good refresher throughout the day as well as a mist I like to use to thin out masks or use instead of water with powdered masks.
New Member Gifts:
Lilysilk Ideal Silk Sleep Eye Mask - Retail Value $29.99
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This mask is actually 100% real silk which actually surprised me as it's a rarity in the subscription box world. It is also really delicate and beautiful, featuring an adjustable velvet band which makes it incredibly comfortable to wear.
M.A.C MACSTACK Mascara, 2.1 mL - Estimated Value $6.30 (buy 12 mL for $28)
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Maybe an unpopular opinion here, but this mascara was simply too much for me. It is designed so you can apply multiple coats, adding volume and length each time. And as someone who appreciates a natural lash with a focus more on length and tint than volume, this was a miss for me. Volume lovers? You are gonna love this.
Verdict
This month's Allure Beauty Box was filled with some really great products for my dry and dull skin. Both the serum and the mask were big hits and I also have enjoyed that exfoliating scrub a few times before and will put it to good use. I feel like this is one of those boxes that didn't look as great in the spoilers, but with it in my hands, I like it a lot more than anticipated. The sample size items felt a little like random little add-ins, but the value was there long before I even opened those. The total value here (minus the new member gifts) lands around $163.25, which is a nice amount for a $23 box. I did not include the new member gifts in the overall value!
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, sorry. March will be your first box.
Cost Breakdown: At $23 for this box, here is what you are paying approximately per item:
- Dr Brant Microdermabrasion $11.13
- Topicals Mask $4.79
- Dermelect Serum $5.92
- Briogeo Hair Mask $0.67
- Crabtree and Evelyn Melt $0.30
- Heritage Store Rosewater Mist $0.20
Alternatively, each of the 6 products has an average cost of $3.83. I did not include the new subscriber gifts in this breakdown.
What do you think of the February Allure Beauty Box? What was your favorite product in the box?
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