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Allure Beauty Thrills Box Review – May 2017

Allure Beauty Thrills May 2017 Box

Allure Beauty Box
3.6 overall rating
721 Ratings | 155 Reviews

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.

Allure Beauty Thrills May 2017 Box

My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)

Allure Beauty Thrills May 2017 Box

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

Allure Beauty Thrills May 2017 Box

The Subscription Box: Allure Beauty Thrills Box

The Cost: $49.95 + $10 shipping

The Products: 23 full-sized products with a value of over $250. These are a mix of high-end and drug store products.

Good to know: the Allure Beauty Thrills Box is separate from Allure’s monthly subscription box – check out our Allure Beauty Box reviews for more info.

Ships to: Continental US

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

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

Allure Beauty Thrills May 2017 Box

Allure Beauty Thrills May 2017 Box

Allure Beauty Thrills May 2017 Box

The box includes a small booklet that goes through each item’s description and a site where you can purchase or get more info. There is also information about the Melanoma Research Alliance and how they donate.

Let’s look at all of the goodies!

Almay Oil-Free Gentle Eye Makeup Remover Pads15 pads - Value $1.06 (buy a 125 count for $8.49)

This set of eye makeup remover pads is perfect for throwing in your travel or gym bag. They are oil and fragrance-free and work well on all kinds of eye makeup.

Allure Beauty Thrills May 2017 Box

Allure Beauty Thrills May 2017 Box

ARM & HAMMER Truly Radiant Clean & Fresh Battery-Operated Spinbrush & Toothpaste - Value $8.99

ARM & HAMMER Truly Radiant Clean Toothpaste, 4.3 oz. - Value $3.49

I know this sounds weird, but I typically do not use toothpaste. I use a powder made for brushing teeth. Mostly it’s because I am allergic to the foaming agents in many products and I feel like they leave a film on my teeth. But, I tried this to see how it goes and I liked it. My teeth feel clean and my mouth doesn’t peel. Great! I’ll likely give the Spinbrush to someone because I already have an electric toothbrush. I have several family members who work in dentistry and they love these as an affordable electric toothbrush option.

Allure Beauty Thrills May 2017 Box

Babo Botanicals Super Shield SPF 50 Sport Stick, 0.6 oz - Value $11.19

Another great item to throw in your bag! This little twist-up sunscreen stick uses mineral-based sunscreen to give you coverage of 50 SPF. It is fragrance-free but has a bit of a nutty smell to me, probably from the cocoa butter. It applies with a white tint but rubs in quickly. It leaves a shiny finish so I probably won’t use it under makeup but it is great for days when you just need some sun protection.

Burt’s Bees Eye Makeup Remover Pads35 pads - Value $6

Another set of eye makeup remover pads is included. These are little-textured pads with no added fragrance. They work for removing waterproof makeup and are also good for lip products that are tough to remove.

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream8.8 oz - Value $5.44 (buy a 16 oz. jar for $9.89)

This is a thick, super moisturizing cream that is fragrance-free and perfect for sensitive skin. It sinks in quickly without a greasy residue and helps to calm any areas that are irritated. My skin feels great hours after applying and feels even better when I use this after a shower. This is one of the brands my dermatologists always recommend.

Allure Beauty Thrills May 2017 Box

Chapstick Total Hydration Conditioning Lip Scrub 0.27 oz. - Value $4.99

Lip scrubs are so great, especially for someone with perpetually chapped lips. I normally make my own, but it is nice to just have one ready sometimes. Chapstick’s version has lots of conditioning oils and a peppermint flavor. It is gritty enough to remove any flakes but not enough to cause irritation.

Allure Beauty Thrills May 2017 Box

Crabtree & Evelyn Caribbean Island Wild Flowers Ultra-Moisturizing Hand Therapy, 0.9 oz - Value $9

Ah, anything that makes me feel like I’m on an island is great! This rich hand cream smells like vacation. The packaging is cute and the size is great for stashing at your desk. My skin soaks it up quickly and it leaves a powdery feeling behind (not greasy).

Allure Beauty Thrills May 2017 Box

DESSANGE Professional Hair Luxury Oleo Miracle Replenishing Oil3.4 oz - Value $11.99

Hair oil is so perfect for this time of year when hair gets dry and stressed. I mix this in with my gel before scrunching it into my damp hair. It smells a lot like other argan oil products out there. Less is more because it can start to weigh your hair down quickly. I find that my hair has a bit more shine and the ends look smoother.

HASK Charcoal Purifying Shampoo, 12 oz. - Value $5.99

HASK Charcoal Purifying Conditioner,12 oz. - Value $5.99

How nice to get a matching, full-size set of shampoo and conditioner. And, these smell so good. They are fresh and fruity without being overbearing. I, unfortunately, can’t use this shampoo but my fiancé says it cleans all of the hair product and sweat out of his hair after a workout. The conditioner helps to keep his unruly hair smoothed out without weighing it down.

Allure Beauty Thrills May 2017 Box

ImPRESS Gel Manicure - Value $7.99

Are press-on nails coming back? I remember failing miserably at applying them in middle school. As an adult, I think I appreciate the idea of these a bit more. I beat my nails up and it is nice to be able to pop these on for a night out or photos. Though, I haven’t mastered keeping them on for more than a day or two. Any suggestions? 

Allure Beauty Thrills May 2017 Box

KISS Salon Acrylic Nude French Nails - Value $7.99

Another set of nails! These are the kind you need to glue on and they are a nude french manicure style. So, at least they are a different style. These don't look real to me because they are really long. Has anyone ever filed these types of nails down? Maybe they will be my nail wrap practice nails.

Invisibobble3 coils - Value $8

I’m going to be honest, I wanted these to work but my hair needs serious wrangling to keep it in a ponytail. These will likely be given to some of my more tame-haired friends. They will appreciate that these don’t give you a mark where you wrap them around your hair.

Allure Beauty Thrills May 2017 Box

Kleenex Facial Cleansing Wipes25 wipes + dispenser - Value $9.99

I love that the reloadable container is included with these face wipes. I use face wipes every day to take off my makeup and sunscreen and to just freshen up after work so I will definitely be reloading. These are soft and effective even on tough-to-remove makeup. They have a light perfumy smell (which is typically a no-go for me) but I haven’t had any irritation. Yay!

Allure Beauty Thrills May 2017 Box

NIVEA Moisture Lip Care, 0.17 oz. - Value $2.65

This is a good basic lip balm for anyone who doesn’t have sensitivities to added fragrances. For some reason, my lips cannot handle lip balms with fragrance. Luckily, I have a few balm addicts for friends so this will be gifted.

Allure Beauty Thrills May 2017 Box

Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Dry Shampoo7 oz. - Value $7

When I straighten my hair, I can normally get up to 5 days out of it. I use dry shampoo on the last few days to give a little lift to my roots, not really for texturizing. This one works well and I think it brightens my roots a bit too. And, it smells like coconut.

Redken Triple Take 32 Hairspray, 9.0 oz. - Value $22

If you want some serious hold hairspray, this one is for you. I only use a little after diffusing my hair and it stays in place. Or, I use it on my updos to keep baby hairs in place and it works like a charm. The smell is nice and the mist is super fine.

Allure Beauty Thrills May 2017 Box

Allure Beauty Thrills May 2017 Box

Revlon Super Lustrous Love Is On Lipstick, 0.15 oz. - Value $4.97 (black tube shown above)

This is a dark, deep red that just screams date night. It is very different for me since I don’t typically wear colors this dark, but it is flattering. Paired with the clear liner also included with this box, I got a surprising amount of wear time out of this before I needed to reapply.

Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipstick in Crystal Mauve, 0.14 oz. - Value $5.47 (blue tube shown above)

They included a second lipstick that was not on the spoilers list. This is a moisturizing medium shade mauve. This one is more wearable for me because it has a softer look and I worry less about smudging it. I find that it fades well and doesn’t dry out my lips.

Allure Beauty Thrills May 2017 Box

Rimmel London Moisture Renew Clear Lip Liner - Value $4.76

This may solve my lip liner conundrum. I needed something to keep my lip color in place but don’t particularly love the look or how drying liners are. This is a clear liner that is made to work with any lip color. I have tried it with liquid lip colors and lipsticks and I think it helps not only with feathering but also as a sort of primer to help things apply more smoothly.

RITUALS Happy Buddha Shower Foam1.6 oz - Value $15

How fun is a shower foam? It doesn’t seem like a lot of product for $15, but the website says it will last up to 50 showers. I can’t test it because of ingredients but my fiancé is, again, my tester. I like that it smells spicy and the scent subtly lingers around. He likes that it foams and washes off clean.

Allure Beauty Thrills May 2017 Box

Simple Hydrating Cleansing Oil (4.2 oz) - Value $9.83

Yay! I have been thinking about purchasing this cleansing oil for a while and here it is! I have been having a war with cleansers since I found out I am allergic to Cocamidopropyl Betaine (a foaming agent used in many products). This cleansing oil is great because it has no soaps or harsh chemicals and is fragrance-free. Actually, the ingredient list is only 7 ingredients long. My skin feels clean without being stripped and my makeup comes off easily. Win!

WEN Hair and Body Care by Chaz Dean SIXTHIRTEEN Ultra Nourishing Intensive Body Treatment8 oz - Value $80

This is some expensive body cream, but it feels so good. It smells perfumey, like hair product, but that doesn’t surprise me considering Chaz Dean (creator of Wen) makes it. It has a rich, creamy consistency that soaks in and isn’t greasy and it is supposed to be calming for dry, irritated skin. I think this will be part of my after-bath routine, which is rare, but always a treat.

Plus, these products that were not listed:

Allure Beauty Thrills May 2017 Box

GLOV Makeup Remover Glove - Value $12.99

Since the Makeup Eraser, these types of products have been popping up everywhere. This one is a small glove, perfect for travel. For me, it is actually great because I can skip the pesky ingredient-avoiding all together and just cleanse with water. Ultimately, this glove doesn’t remove the really waterproof makeup but is great for my everyday look.

Unwash Bio-cleansing Conditioner13.5 oz - Value $29

Thumbs up for including a cleansing conditioner! I like to alternate this with my more stripping shampoo to keep my hair from drying out too much. I like the light scent and thick, rich texture. It has some slip and I can even detangle my hair with just this with a bit of work. It is pricey, so I am glad I got it in this box, but I’m not sure I would buy it full price on its own.

Allure Beauty Thrills May 2017 Box

Chapstick Total Hydration Moisture + Tint - Value $4.99

Another nice lip balm, this time with a hint of color. This smells so good and leaves a little bit of a wine tint that I can imagine would be universally flattering. Another gift balm for those previously mentioned friends.

Not Your Mother’s Plump For Joy Thickening Hair Lifter8 oz - Value $7

I typically stretch my curly style out for as many days as possible (are you seeing my pattern here:) ). Sometimes that is 4 days. This works well to refresh my curls and give them some oomph on days 3-4. It smells like candy and can become too much so a light hand is best.

Verdict: Wow! Allure Beauty Thrills included so many products. The total value of this box is about $313. I am thrilled with this value and the products I received. They definitely delivered on their promise of at least a $250 value and even included items that they didn’t have listed. This box was hair product heavy, but I love discovering new hair care that I wouldn’t have bought for myself. There are also a few items that I did not know were making their way back into the trendy zone, like clear liner and press on nails. I really am surprised at how many products they included that are suitable for sensitive skin! This box is worth the gamble if you like to try a variety of beauty and haircare items.

What do you think of the Allure Beauty Thrills Box? Which products are you hoping to see next time?

 

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Tiffany Waldorf
Tiffany Waldorf
Tiffany found out about subscription boxes from a friend who followed MSA. The curiosity started with mystery beauty boxes and grew into an addiction from there. Beauty, clothes, home...she loves the sight of a subscription box in the mail.

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57 comments

Jen Burt

Great review, Tiffany.

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justmissjamey

Not sure if this is one, and I must admit I’ve never tried wen, but there is a huge amount of people and even kids out there that their products are causing major bald spots after using for a bit…Google about it, just in case.just wanted to throw that info out there because some of the pictures look scary

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wordsone

did anyone who ordered all of the boxes in May receive the July box yet?

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justmissjamey

Whoops, this is body lotion so I doubt less hair would matter hahaha

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nelliebelle1197

In that case, it could be a good thing if it causes hair loss!

FTR, the Wen products causing the issue are manufactured for Gunter-Renky, the horrible telemarketing peoples, not the QVC or direct from Wen stuff!

KarenG

I happen to find this review very helpful. Thank you Tiffany for going through so many products and sharing your thoughts.

It just so happens that my friend was asking me if I have any extra beauty products to donate to her church group who will be visiting a women’s shelter next month. They will be doing fun activities, mini facials, mani/pedi, cupcake making classes, etc. with the residents and volunteers. I gave her a bunch of the stash I have at home but I thought I’d get a few of these for raffle prizes. I bet this would be useful for all.

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Siren

This box doesn’t really look that special for $50 and I’m glad I haven’t ordered it. I don’t think I’d get $50 worth of thrills out of it! lol I guess, for me, I like unusual brands and/or prestige, or at least something I can’t easily find in my area to make it special, not something I can get at Walmart for the same price. It seems like the box value is inflated, too. I could be wrong, of course, but it just seems like a lot of money.

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vanessa

That’s how I felt, even though the RV is over $300!

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JuJu

Don’t forget the $10 shipping charge – this is really a $60 box.
Yet it’s so unexciting, I am not I’d want to spend even half that.

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JuJu

I am not sure I’d want to, I meant to say.

Jayne

I totally forgot I got this box….LOL. It was mostly repeats for me since I had gotten the previous box. I must have put it on a shelf to deal with sorting later and forgot about it (probably somewhere near where I have an old Popsugar box hiding). (Hangs head in shame)

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Kendra

I have the same problem with toothpaste allergies. I have switched to Tom’s of Maine toothpaste which is made with all natural ingredients!

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JA

It took me forever to figure out a toothpaste ingredient was causing the painful cracks in the corners of my lips! I switched brands (it was Crest that caused the issue) and it never happened again.

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Ragan

I was having trouble with sodium lauryl sulfate — like constant canker sores. I am using a Sensodyne whitening toothpaste now because it works pretty well and lacks SLS (some Sensodyne toothpastes have it, but this one doesn’t).

Bird

Oh man, the Invisibobble…. ha ha. I have very fine hair (a lot of it, but it is very very fine). I bought a set of these once, and tried to do a topknot. What a disaster! I thought I would have to actually cut my hair to get them out of the horrific tangles the product produced! My hair would not unwind! It was insane. It took me over three hours (not an exaggeration) to remove the thingies from my hair.

If you have very fine hair, DO NOT USE! LOL!!!!!

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ErynPS

OH MY!! THANK YOU for the **WARNING**…I too have a lot of Fine hair, and thought the Invisi-bobble idea looked Great!! I’d love to find a hair tie that wouldn’t leave a line near the base/scalp. Don’t think I’ll be buying these after reading this, I’d like to keep what hair I have left…. *FLASHBACK to 7 years old when my older sister tried to “curl” my waist length hair with my Mom’s curling BRUSH!!! Needless to say it didn’t end well, actually it ended with my Dad disassembling the curling brush to remove it from my hair, about a ½” from my scalp!! OUCH! SO, NO Invisi-bobble for me!! TY! TY!
(I’m always envious of reviews where people say they can go 2-4+ days without washing their hair, if I go more than a day without washing my hair, I look like a stick of butter melted on my head!! LoL!)

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Kathleen

OMG, thanks for the warning. I need to hold on to the hair I’ve still got! 😀

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Bird

I know, right?! Us fine-haired ladies need all the help we can get!!!!

vanessa

If you didn’t get last year’s box, then this could be a great box to order! It’s cool that they included loads of items NOT on the spoilers.

Although I wouldn’t spend $60 on it.

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KM

What Items were not on the spoilers that they included?

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Michelle

Is this box still available to buy?

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Michelle

Jk I just re read the article, silly me 😂

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Laura R

I tried the invisibobble coil pony holders for holding my hair up when i blow dry in sections, starting with the underneath layer of hair. They are supposed to not create dents in your hair. I love the Wen cream. I alternate that and the Cetaphyl body cream. Hairspray is great and I was so happy when I saw the Charcoal Shampoo was sulfate free, so it was good to use for colored hair! Overall, great box if you didn’t get the boxes before or you did want more product.

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Luna

I really enjoyed this box. The extra items (albeit repeats) were a really cool surprise. I’ve either used, or are currently using, some of the repeated items from the last box, and really liked them, so I was happy to get more. 🙂 I think my box was missing the clear lip liner though, but it could also be that I missed it in all of that tissue paper. Oh well… I would have gifted that anyways. I can’t wait to see what’s in the next box!

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Allison

Not Thrilling at all really… 19 repeats from the last box.

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JuJu

Yeah, I don’t get it. It’s basically the same assortment every box.

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Margaret

Great review!
I also have sensitive skin, so it’s nice to have different types of skin types reviewing these boxes.
It sounds like most of the items would be ok for me.
Thanks

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Tiffany

I’m glad it was helpful! I was happy with how many items were suited for sensitive skin. I hope you find some items you love.

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Lindsey

I was totally on the fence about this one, but then I saw that it included the Unwash Bio-cleansing Conditioner and couldn’t resist. Red lipsticks do not look great on me, but will make great stocking stuffers! What an amazing value!!!

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Bonnie

This is not in any way meant to be disparaging to you – I think you’re a terrific reviewer and writer, and very positive and generally lovely. But why if your skin and hair are unable to tolerate so many ingredients are you doing beauty box reviews? It seems a shame that you are getting subscriptions you can’t fully enjoy. I would think lifestyle or clothing might be more fun for you.

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Amber P

Do people genuinely come to MSA for product reviews? I mean it’s for subscription box unboxings and reviews of boxes as a whole, right? MSA provides a broad overview of boxes each month, their value, curation, customer service, shipping etc.

I only say this because when do we EVER see a negative product review on this site? Everything is sunshine and roses and if it’s not, it’s still “ok” (but there might be better options out there). Also as stated, many times the reviewer can’t or doesn’t test the product at all.

While it’s definitely nice to see products in use and it adds a little extra to the site (especially for make up and clothing items) if I want a good product review, I go to Amazon.

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Ragan

The reviews I write here are different from the reviews I write on Amazon. I have never really felt like MSA was the place to go super in depth (i.e., multiple paragraphs) about each and every product (sure, I will share a few comments). I always thought the point here was to give people an idea of what was in each box so they could decide whether or not to purchase for themselves (or as a gift or whatever).

I do sometimes say I don’t like things (e.g., that awful Soylent drink from Vegan Cuts, or any tea with licorice, or every once in awhile a fragrance from Olfactif that doesn’t work for me, or a dog toy that is too small or unsafe, or a cat treat my cats won’t touch, or a fitness supplement that makes totally bogus claims, etc.).

SarahFrances

I feel like I’m missing something. There are twenty-eight products in this box, and out of those twenty-eight, she is giving away two lip balms and a spin-brush. Additionally, a body wash, shampoo, and conditioner were tested by someone else and the results reported here. How did she not test the majority of the products? How is this all that different from a lot of other reviews in which one or two items out of five to seven total end up being gifted? This is a general beauty box with close to thirty items – I can’t imagine *anyone* would use every single thing it included.

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Lee

Agree. Great review- She gave a clear picture of what is in the box.

Marissa

Out of this huge box she only didn’t try 3 products?? And her husband gave his review instead. Not sure how that would really make a difference for us reading the reviews. Liz almost never is able to sample the food items in lifestyle boxes but Eric will give his opinion on them and that always works for me! I say keep the reviews coming from everyone! Helps me to know where I can save money and when I need to open my wallet and cry lol

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Ragan

This specific box always has a few things that won’t be useful for any given person. I only bought one once, but it had a couple of products specifically for blondes.

Debbie

I have to agree as well, no offense intended. I think it would really help to know that a product has been tested and know what the feedback is. I get the feeling less than half of the box is relevant to you with the hair needs and other allergies/reactions. It’s one thing if you get a bad box and that’s the end review but in this instance I think this box review would have been better suited to another reviewer as most of the items inside were disclosed ahead of time and you can’t or don’t use them. Sorry. 🙁

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nelliebelle1197

These are BOX reviews, not product reviews. Different things entirely. You can check elsewhere for in depth product reviews.

TK

I have to agree with y’all. I don’t want to be negative because I really don’t like the “hater” comments but it’s hard to review a beauty box if you aren’t able to test several of the products. Haley has definitely set the bar high. I believe she previously worked at Sephora so she has immense knowledge of beauty products. I still enjoyed reading this review though. Thank you MSA!!!

JuJu

And it’s not helpful to me personally what a man thinks about some of the products, either.

Ks

I think the same thing when vegans/vegetarians review boxes with animal products.

Give the girl a chance…

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katie

To be fair, a lot of the reviewers don’t even display the make up on their face anymore. I feel like Haley (sp?)(the one with the red hair) set the bar very high in her makeup reviews.

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Tjhanna

Tiffany did a review of tarte’s build your box and included pictures of the make up. I thought it was stunning and immediately ordered homeslice lip paint because of it. I love make up reviews where you can see the make up on.

Luna

I really like it when the reviewers do a look with the products they’ve received in their boxes. I noticed more & more, the newer reviewers have been modeling the looks they’ve created with products from the boxes, which I think is a nice change.

Iking

I agree with you Bonnie. Pointless actually.

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nelliebelle1197

Really? So you are going to tell Liz Cadman her reviews are pointless because she has food allergies and does not usually taste the sweets in boxes? Interesting.

JuJu

I also think that someone who can test at least the majority of the products should do beauty box reviews. Sorry if this sounds harsh.

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_uff_da

At first I thought you all had somehow gotten a early box of the Beauty Choice Awards box that goes on sale in two days and I was like, “This doesn’t look like what they possible spoilers said…” and then I realized which box it actually was.

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