Allure Beauty Box Review – May 2018 + $5 Coupon

ByLiz CadmanMay 23, 2018 | 61 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 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 save $5 off 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.

Now, on to the items!

Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Eye Masks (2 packs) Value $8.33

(All subscribers will receive these.)

These are one of my favorite discoveries in the box! They are super gentle and soothing, plus they are ingredient-conscious! (Paraben-free, Phthalate-free, Synthetic fragrance-free, and cruelty-free!)

They come in a plastic disc to help keep things as non-messy as possible:

And they are gold! I put them on for 10 minutes, and I was pleasantly surprised by how well they stayed in place. The formula has a faint (natural) lavender scent and is designed to help with hydration and diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The booklet also included a coupon for 20% off your next Wander Beauty purchase - I'll probably buy a full box of these!

St. Tropez Finishing Gloss - 30ml Value $7.50

(Subscribers will either receive this or St. Tropez Purity Mousse 50ml)

I've tried a few different temporary bronzing products (this is not a self-tanner, it will wash off), and this is my favorite. (Another great discovery in this box!) It doesn't actually give you much color at all, but it gives your skin the most natural, and flattering looking sheen. If you're worried about sparkles, glitter - no fear! This is more of a "glow." I just started using the St. Tropez Pro Light, and this is the perfect topper to a self-tan.

One word of caution, though. This product feels a little tacky when first applying (it doesn't dry immediately), so make sure to use small amounts. (Better to layer on more after the first application, then feel like it is never going to dry.)

CLE Melting Lip Powder in Desert Rose – FULL SIZE! Retail Value $20

(All subscribers will receive this item.)

I fell in love with the CLE highlighter Allure sent out in February, so I had high hopes for this lip powder, and they delivered! The color is stunning, it looks like a rich stain on my lips and wears down beautifully. You can also use this as a blush. And amazingly, the powder isn't messy at all. It instantly transformed on my lips to a smooth, matte lip color.

Here it is swatched beneath the St. Tropez Finishing Gloss:

First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer - .34 oz Value $6.35

(All subscribers will receive this item.)

I've sampled this before and I'm a fan. I've seen raves about it from people with dry skin, but I have combination/oily skin, and I'm happy to report that it worked for my skin type, too. It smells lovely (no artificial fragrance), is hydrating, and provides a great base for makeup.

Kenra Dry Oil Control Spray - 1.2oz Value $2.85

This hairspray is designed to give medium hold and add shine, too. The medium hold held true for me, and it didn't leave my hair crunchy. The shine, though? I didn't notice any difference there. Still a good hairspray, but I wouldn't recommend if you are looking for a product that also adds significant shine.

Beauty Bonus! This item is not included in the info booklet, but all subscribers will receive either L’Oreal Elnett Hairspray OR Hair Mask.

L’Oreal Elnett Hairspray Extra Strong Hold - 2.2 oz Retail Value $6.99

More hairspray! This one is a cult classic, and I have sampled it a few times before. It's pretty impressive - the mist is super fine, you can layer it on to get a lot of hold, and still brush it out.

Verdict: This box has a value of about $52.02. I think that's a great value, and I really love the products in this box. I've discovered several new products I love so much I'll buy at retail price (which is rare for me), and I thought the sample sizes were good, too.

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes! As of publication, this box is still available. To make sure you get this as your first box, scroll down this page to make sure you see these products featured.

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

Eye Masks: $2.40
St Tropez: $2.16
Lip Powder: $5.76
Priming Moisturizer: $1.83
Dry Oil Spray: $.82
Hairspray: $2.02

What do you think of the May 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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61 comments

Corinne

Pretty happy with my first (May) box, which only just arrived today, June 12. I got a lip plumper/stain which wasn’t listed anywhere. Is that the welcome gift? Anyway, I hope the June box isn’t too far behind.

Kirsten

@Corinne; for some reason, Allure and Sephora Play! tend to be the last two of my boxes to arrive. I’m on the East Coast, though, so that may have something to do with it, I’m not sure. Hope yours arrives soon & you love it! ☺

Corinne

Thanks, Kirsten! Once Alllure is in the mail, it seems to get here (an hour away from the Baton Rouge postal hub) 4-5 days ahead of the official ETA. My guess is that it’ll be delivered today. Fingers still crossed for Box Version 1.
Play! on the other hand, is taking its sweet-arse time even leaving the original distribution center. Have you noticed that, when you order a fragrance spray from Sephora, even a sample, they send it UPS Ground, taking 5 extra days, and mark it “hazardous chemicals” because of the aerosol rule? Very silly, since atomizers are not even pressurized, much less aerosol, but, merely pump-spray. Ack.

Annie

I’m excited to try the hair mask, but it didn’t come with the “beauty loot” bag. I love the FAB. I’m not really into the eye masks or St. Tropez finishing gloss, so trying to swap or sell them for a few months first.

Melissa B.

I didn’t get the beauty loot bag either & honestly would have rather had it than the hair Masque.

Lynn

My box was a mess when I got it. The bronzing mousse had leaked out into the box, the lip powder may have leaked as well. Everything was covered in this overly fragrant, somewhat oily mess. The bottom of the box was soggy. Spending a few days tumbling around the box with plastic wrap made most of the items to messy to deal with. Just wrote to Allure to let them know.
I expected to see a bunch of reports of leaking products. Glad to see most of you got your items intact.

April

@Liz
I am wondering if you can help me understand if the melting powder lipstick we received is actually full-size or not. What I received is .07oz and on their website it is .14 oz for $20. Is our bottle marked incorrectly??

Hannah

If you look at the pictures of the container of the lip powder on the Cle website, they look full. Other sites, like Anthropologie, are selling it as a 0.14 oz full size. The ones we received in the box look like they’re half full and clearly labeled 0.07 oz so I am assuming that you are correct in surmising that the ones we received are not full size. If this is true, we didn’t receive any full size items in this box.

April

Thanks!!
I was mostly wondering because of the swap site, everyone is posting them at $20. I really like it but not willing to swap for twice its worth. Oh well!

Melissa B.

I got my bonus item, but did not receive the beauty loot bad, which I would have rather had over the hair mask I got. Kind of disappointing, would have been nice for my go to makeup pieces for travel.

Diana Navarro

I like this box and love the powder lipstick.

Danielle

I still haven’t even received a shipping notification. Usually I have my box by this late in the month. Anyone else without a box and shipping notice?

kathy distefano

I have not received mine and it is June 6 called 2x not very happy with either girls answers.

Kara

I haven’t received my box or shipping notice yet – and it’s the last day of the month!

Tracy

Me either! What is going on with Allure?

Melissa B.

I didn’t get one either, so I emailed them on May 21 or 22 & they gave me my shipping number.

Doublesteff

I’ve emailed about mine too and hope to get a response of some sort.

tammy g.

so far, allure has never given me a shipping e-mail, date or anything…it just comes in the mail. not to good to keep up with….

Wendy

I ordered my first box on 5.19.18. I received my welcome email. And, I get the daily newsletter. I was just charged again on 6.2.18 for June’s box. I haven’t received either box nor an email that it is coming. I emailed them twice have yet to receive any form of communication besides the thank you for contacting us please allow 3 to 5 business days to respond

Kim

Do I still haven’t received my May box. It was an hour away from me on the 22nd and now has been shipped to Des Moines, IA. Allure put their return address ( which is Des Moines IA.) so large and almost right above the shipping address do the machines at the USPS thought the return address was the shipping address.

I’m afraid my items may be ruined for traveling do long in the heat by the time I receive them. So frustrating!

tammy g.

i’m not getting the items i want, as big as Allure is you would think they could get better name brand items, and makeup, i want makeup, get better brand items…..

Kelly

I got the variation with bronzing gloss and hairspray. I like my box! The melting powder is a fun new product to try. I’m not a fan of the color, however, so I probably won’t use this much. This isn’t the best month they have had, but I’m happy with it. I’m looking forward to next month, as well!

Jill

I got the same box! I love everything in it. Awesome 🙂

Dawn

I am actually pretty pleased with the May Allure box variation I received. My variation has the self tanner and hairspray. I’m quite pleased with getting different hairsprays do to the ever changing weather environment I live in. Plus the sizes are great for travel.
Love the eye masks and primer. Primers like this will replace foundation on hot summer days. I absolutely love the melting powder! Awesome product! Simply not a good color for me, passing it on along with the self tanner. My skin tone is not light enough for this product. I’ve tested it and see no change. Pretty good month for Allure. However, I don’t like getting the shipping email at 1:30am!!! The day after it showed up…???

Justme

Ugh…horrid box. This box has been bad for me since January. And I have been with allure since it started. Since they got the new beauty editor there, it’s like she’s not making good contacts or something. It makes me sad. For me, this box is 17 something with tax, and fees….and since January I’ve only kept 1 thing and had trouble giving the other stuff away.

If next month isn’t amazing I’m done.

Kirsten

I’m excited to try the bronzing gloss and happy it is reportedly not too dark as I’m quite fair. Does anyone know if it tends to stay put once it dries or if I need to be worried about it rubbing off on my clothes if I put it on my neck/collarbones/shoulders??

Jill

It stays put…and is very moisturizing. I have fair skin too but with a slight base tan and this gloss makes my skin glow and has a beautiful slight sheen. It does look much darker in the tube, but is lighter and softer rubbed into the skin. I applied it on top of my usual body lotion…it blends easier on moisturized skin. I used it on my legs, arms, shoulders, and chest. It has a lovely fragrance and didn’t transfer to my clothes (but I haven’t tried it with white clothing yet). I love the ability to wash it off. And I had no adverse reactions either. All in all, its an awesome product! Its the best temporary tan product I’ve used so far.

SBR

I tried it today instead of body lotion…. I do think it would have when on easier after lotion. I will try that next time.

I really loved this box too. It was all very useful. The powder lip is cool and different. Not the smoothest application, but you can even it out with some gloss on top. Also glad that I got the hairspray! I didn’t get a tracking email until after it already arrived last week.

Pink5

Neither did I. Thought that was amusing and also slightly irritating.

Barbie

Hoping I got this variation of box sans the hairspray free gift – I rather have the hair mask! But either way, this box looks great, which is funny because I didn’t think the spoilers looked so good. Really hoping for the finishing gloss – I don’t tan (self or otherwise) but a little color on my legs sometimes would be nice!

Michelle

I didn’t care for the lip powder at all. It was very cold going on and the color wasn’t for me. I am swapping the bronzing but the rest was a big win. Very happy with this box. I got my shipping email yesterday and box was in my mail when I got home. Pulling the old Sephora trick on me.

Alex A.

The applicator is not wet. The power has an extremely low melting point, so once it comes in contact with your warm skin – it melts. If you take the applicator out and tap it from the “handle”, you will see it just dusts off.

Jodi

That lip powder is amazing. Literally feels like nothing is on and the color is a great berry shade. I’m up for trying more shades!

Beccah

I love the cle lipstick! I have several different colors. But this one came only half full and somewhat melted to the sides. They are sending me a replacement.

Natasha

Mine was the same. The powder was all over the inside of my box. How do you get a replacement item?

Pam

I loved this box too! This is only the 2nd Allure box I’ve received tho. So far-so good! I received the other St Tropez item. However, it really doesn’t matter at this point bc I would’ve been fine with either one. I’m currently using st tropez original bronzing mousse right now. I received the hair mask-I’m excited to try it out. I LOVED the Kenra spray so much that I bought a full size the day after receiving my box! It did an amazing job of cutting down on the frizziness of my hair! Humidity +my hair =very bad hair day! It works exactly as described!

Beccah

If you want the st. Tropez gloss mines up for swap. It works great with the mousse.

Dana

I’m glad to hear your positive review of the spray! The St. Louis humidity makes my hair look like frizzy yuckiness. I wasn’t enthused about getting the spray, but now I’m looking forward to trying it.

MzBev

I’m in the St Louis area too! ugh summer (with the humidity) has hit us quickly! What happened to spring??

Pam

I think you’ll love it! I hope you get it in your box! I know about stl humidity! I’m only about 3 hours south of you-same state!! Small world…😊😂

Jody

I still haven’t gotten my box. Insert sad face. Can’t wait to see what variations I get. I like the other way better of making the boxes all the same.

Drminniecooper

How longlasting is the lip powder? I know the review says it isnt messy, but that tube sure looks messy.

Pink5

It doesn’t survive a meal with olive oil, but what does?

It does feel cool going on, and my lips didn’t feel dry after it wore off.

Beccah

I have never had a problem with it being messy. Let sit for awhile after you get it. The problem is from shipping, it seems to have melted some but it isn’t usually messy. It’s my fav lipstick!

Dana

I would disagree with people who say it’s not messy. When I pulled the applicator out of the tube to test it out, a poof of berry-colored powder dropped into my sink. (Thank goodness I was leaning over it.) It’s a cool product, but just like any powder, it can go everywhere. It does, however, melt as soon as it touches your lips, just like they say.

Drminniecooper

Thank you for the explanation! I will receive my box soon and get to try it out for myself.

Angie

I got the other st. Tropez mousse and it’s great! It isn’t as tan as the original but it goes on perfect. And I received the L’Oréal hair sheet mask steam treatment so I’ve never tried this so it’ll definitely be a new product I’ve never even heard of so I’m excited 🤩

Dea

I don’t think the lip powder actually melts *on* the lips. The applicator is wet. The powder melts on the applicator before it gets to the lips. But I love the color and the “not there” feel of the formula.

The eye masks didn’t feel hydrating, but I was very happy with the rest of the box. Right now, I consider Allure the best of the beauty boxes under $20.

Ximena

Nope nope nope the applicator is *not*’ et. The silica silyate (a hydrogel) encapsulates the pigment in little spheres that causes it to appear as dry powder, but when it comes into contact with your body heat and natural skin oils it melts. Science! And Makeup! Happy camper here. I loved this box, (I may or may not already own three of those lip powder…..) and have enjoyed this years curations so far! Looking forward to June’s KvD box!

JessicaG

You beat me to it! I was trying to figure out how to be informative about it not being wet without sounding snarky but was having no luck. You nailed it though 😺

Liz Cadman

Ohhh – that makes sense! I didn’t realize the applicator was wet – assumed that was just from touching my lips.

Glad to hear you were happy with the box!

Cyndi

This is one of the most useful Allure boxes ever for me. I really loved that CLE highlighter, too! I bought a full size a while back on Ipsy’s daily deal.

Liz Cadman

Glad to hear you loved the box, too! 🙂

April

Could you please help me understand wether or not the cle lip powder is full-size or half. What I received in allure is marked .07 oz and the website is selling them as .14 oz for $20. Are they half size or marked incorrectly?

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Allure Beauty Box Review – May 2018 + $5 Coupon

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