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Allure Beauty Box Review – May 2020

Megan K.
ByMegan K.May 9, 2020 | 87 comments

Allure Beauty Box
3.6 overall rating
721 Ratings | 155 Reviews

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 and one of the best subscription boxes under $15 by MSA readers in the 2020 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: $15 a month + free shipping. Save with a yearly subscription.

The Products: Deluxe and full-size beauty and makeup samples.

Ships to: The US and Puerto Rico for free

Allure Beauty Box May 2020 Review

 

A handy booklet has all the product info inside.

 

 

AHC Essential Real Eye Cream For Face, 1 fl oz – Full Size! Retail Value $28.99

I feel really 'seen' with this product. "Eye cream for face" speaks to me, because I always end up applying eye cream all over my face. Why should my eyes have all the fun? Sure, you can use this just for your eyes, but you can also use it anywhere on your face and you are going to love it! It has a light creamy feel that absorbs with ease and has enough slip to apply gently. The smell is great and I love the finish it leaves on my skin. It is the perfect sort of primer finish, but let's be real, I haven't worn foundation in like a month. BUT when I do, I will be reaching for this. Until then, I am going to try and save it for my eye area only (yeah right).

 

VDL Lumilayer Primer, 0.16 fl oz - Estimated Value $5.07 (Buy a full-size 1.01 fl oz version for $32.00)

FYI: Subscribers will receive either this or a tube of Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel in 'Clear'.

Again, totally not wearing a ton of makeup these days. Why do I still love this primer? Because it has this gorgeous shine inside that totally diffuses light on my face to create a soft blue effect. It reminds me a lot of MAC's Strobe Cream, but somehow more radiant. This is a fresh-faced dream. That is not to say the radiance wouldn't also benefit your full face look! It is the perfect first step for a glassy skin look.

 

Curology Smooth Sailing Moisturizer, 0.5 fl oz

I am a Curology enthusiast, but I find their custom blends more exciting than their cleanser or moisturizer. These are certainly good all-around products, but they are 100% geared towards sensitive skin. That means an effective product, but I find I like a little more going on. You also can't buy them without subscribing to Curology (which I DO recommend like 10000%) but it makes it a little frustrating if you are looking to replace this as a solo item. I love this moisturizer for keeping in my purse because it has a really nice texture and gives me just a little moisture boost whenever I might need one.

 

Acure Resurfacing Glycolic & Unicorn Root Cleanser,  0.67 fl oz - Estimated Value $2.18 (Buy a full-size 4 fl oz for $12.99)

I own loads of cleansers and go through them pretty fast, especially since I have been working from home. Why? I have become a massive fan of the midday shower break, where I like to double or triple cleanse my face because I have been oilier than ever lately. As someone with dry skin, what is happening?? This cleanser is absolutely awesome. It has a very cool pearly look to it and lathers up great! Inside is glycolic acid and unicorn root (it's a thing!), both of which serve to brighten skin. The full size is only $12.99, making this a no-brainer buy for me. I would pay double for it.

 

When Glamour Base Sheet Mask - Retail Value $7.00

Finally, our last item is a bio-cellulose sheet mask. These are the sort that is kind of gooey but also looks like a transparent sheet of skin, so you can wear these without completely looking too crazy to get the mail while it is on. These types never feel like they are really moisturizing until I peel them off and my skin feels like velvet. Inside, there is hyaluronic acid, collagen, and peptides, which is basically the moisture and texture boosting trifecta. Loved this!

Verdict: This Allure box has a total value of at least $108.24 even without the Curology moisturizer value, which I could not calculate. This was a pretty stellar box! I appreciate how everything is kind of vibing with my WFH lifestyle right now too. In addition to everything else, it looks like I now also have a new favorite (and affordable!!) cleanser too!

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 $15 for this box, each of the 6 items has an average cost of $2.50.

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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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.

Megan K.
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.

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87 comments

Sue

Is there going to be a review of the June 2020 box?

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Tat

Ladies:
If you subscribe via Amazon, and you got the mislabeled item, check your email. Curology and Amazon are making this right.
Well done, Curology.

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Tat

I misread the email from Amazon. They won’t replace the box just the moisturizer.
My bad.

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vivian

I am loving the AHC eye cream. I use it on my lips as well.

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Paige

Megan Kirkland, thank you for a great review of what appears to be a such great box. I subscribed about a week ago based on your review and the spoilers for the next two months. I called today to make sure my order was processed. They are delivering my May box in early June but assured me it would be the May box and that they are just on a later billing and delivery cycle. All of these products are right up my alley. I would also love to know what is included in the mega bundle if you do a 1 year sub. If you could get this info for us that would be great!

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Jen Graham

I posted a pic of it on reddit. If you check reddit they have pics and stuff on the mega bundle.

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Luna

I’ve seen unboxings of the annual bundle over the past few months, and they seem to not always be the same for everyone. It seems to be a nice random assortment of past items from previous boxes.

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Pink5

Anyone besides me get an email from Allure saying that the Curology moisturizer might have shipped with cleanser in the tube?

The email suggests trying to get the product to foam up after wetting it.

If it foams, you got cleanser and they are very sorry.

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Celia

Yes! and I feel so vindicated bc I THOUGHT something was up with the moisturizer but also kinda silly bc I ignored my reservations and used it twice anyway. I have to say though…nothing bad happened to my face lol.

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Juanita Cedillo

I just resubscribed today will I get this box?

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Sj

Anyone else get a Curology moisturizer that…kind of seems like a face wash?? It foamed up when I rubbed it on my face and hands and left my skin feeling very sticky. Maybe this is just their formula?? Doesn’t seem like a very good moisturizer, though

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Jill

Yes! Mine was marked as a moisturizer, but WAS actually a cleanser! Great cleanser too.

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Coco

Mine didn’t bubble up when I put water on it, but I used it as a moisturizer last night, and it was awful. There was nothing moisturizing about it at all, so I think I got the cleanser. I just got an email from Allure explaining the error, but it seems we have to pay S&H if we want the replacement product. That’s not right. Plus, the tube I received was almost empty. Very unimpressed with Curology.

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Elodie

I almost threw mine away thinking ‘this is the worst moisturizer ever.’

SBR

I filled out the form on my iPhone and the formatting was awful. I couldn’t see what i had typed, but it said it was submitted successfully with no mention of paying s&h.

Luna

I was just coming here to see if anyone else mentioned this! I read that Curology mixed up some of the Moisturizer batches with the cleanser, but still used the Moisturizer packaging. I tested the moisturizer I received in the May box on the back of my hand, and it felt very slick and didn’t soak in whatsoever, so I added a tad of water, and while it didn’t lather/foam it did produce a couple of bubbles, and felt like a cleanser when I rinsed it off. The nice thing is my skin felt very smooth after I rinsed it off. 🙂

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Luna

Lol, me too! 🙂

Kate of Spades

They just send out email that Curology mixed up moisturizer with cleanser^^. Well, I am glad cause I like cleansers more)

Victoria Harris

Omg me too. It doesn’t react well with other serums it seems. I thought the same thing.

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Bonnie

I agree – the moisturizer felt tacky on my skin. I disliked it very much and came on here to see if anyone noticed it too.

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SBR

Mine does say moisturizer. I tried it on my wrist. It did not seem to soak in like a moisturizer would. I then added a little water and it didn’t lather. The formula does remind me of a cleanser though but not foaming.

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SBR

They sent out the face wash a few months back. Does yours say face wash? I wonder if they sent the wrong one. I haven’t tried mine yet, but I think I kind of remember their face wash that was sent not foaming.

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Jess

Anyone else’s primer arrive mostly empty? I mean, it’s like 80% empty. I can maybe get a couple of uses out of it. How is Allure about sending replacements for things like this? On the one hand, I really don’t need anymore skincare, but on the other hand, I was looking forward to trying this. Am trying to decide if it’s worth it.

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Les

Yup, me too! Happens all the time with my stuff but Skinmedica and Skinceuticals are the worst. I put my phone flashlight behind the tube to see like a centimeter of product. I might start weighing the product itself on my kitchen scale and complaining when the bottle doesn’t have the volume of product it says. These box values are based on the weight or volume of the products inside do if my tube says .15 ml and it is mostly empty my box has less value than they advertised.

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Christine

My primer was almost empty. Not even enough to see what it was. Very disappointing.

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J

The primer I received was mostly air too unfortunately

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Nat

Just received my box through Amazon. I am so impressed. Thank God no more tanning products like they did last year for the summer boxes

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Kay

I moved away temporary while working from home, so I ordered second box from Amazon (my Allure sub box is shipped to my primary residence as I don’t want to mess with the account). I am excited to try all the products as I didn’t pack enough skincare for my stay. I got the primer in Amazon box. The eye cream is a huge size considering most of eye cream is 0.5 oz.

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Boxy Fox

That value is insane. If I wasn’t back logged and broke I would definitely get this!

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Jeniginger

Megan ,I like how u made a Unicorn horn as the sample swatch for the Unicorn cleanser! Cleaver

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Jeniginger

I meant clever

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Ami

Testing a lot of products not meant for your skintype can lead to acne, disrupted intercellular skin barrier, e.g unusual oiliness. Serious skincare is gonna have packaging that blocks out sunlight. So the jap. Brand hyaluronic acid is real interesting but at the end of the day, i am combination skin, and am really just looking at another moisturizer. I do not need more moisture for my already mositure confused skin. Dry skin types are really the only ones that may benefit from this box. I like the fact that there is no fragrance in most of these products as fragrance tends to overwork any soothing properties in a skincare before it can even begin to work on your skin. And im skeptical of any unnecessary natural ingredients as they just call for an increase in preservatives and usually dont deliver any effect unlike other ingredients. Very moisture rich box. Oily types, be swayed at your own risk. I would like to see other anti-aging products, e.g the one and only sunscreen. There are so many brands to choose from. And in the world of skincare, it is the critical ingredient. I know target has a box, and i ordered dermstore but there is still so much more sampling that could be done. Sorry, i get carried away. I love skincare. But its a dual bladed world. A lady has got to be informed

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Errmmm

Just need to put this out there:

Combination skin, dry skin and oily skin types all need moisture; I don’t want anyone to read your comment and believe they don’t need or shouldn’t want this type of box.

The point of these sub boxes is to try out/sample various products and possibly find your OG skincare. The variety is the point (for me) but it’s also fun when you get one of your HG products in a sub box, that’s a double score.

We get to try different things at a much lower cost compared to purchasing the items for retail individually.

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Ami

Of course all skin types need moisture. No contestation there. However, we have glands wiithin our skin that are meant to serve as natural moisturizers. The percentages of people that actially need a moisturizer are incredibly low. As for those with oily skin, If your skin is producing excess moisture, the causes are intrinsic within your body. E.g hormones. Yet sometimes they can be extrinsic, ex. An impressive but irritating skin care product can penetrate and stimulate nerve endings to signal your skin to produce more oil.
Slathering on a cream on top of your hyper-moistured skin does not benefit the skin and can lead to clogged pored, which prevents skin flakes from shedding like they naturally would. The only exception to where a moisturizer is of benefit to a non dry skin type is when tretinoid, retinoid and its derivative, and benzoyl peroxide and other drying ingredients are concerned. My only credentials are my status as a medical student. But you can take it or leave it cause democracy and whatnot and anyone can do or think as they please. I’m not saying don’t buy this box. I say it’s interesting but for reasons i presented, I have fallen out of love with subscription boxes. The search for the holy grail item can be fun, and sometimes its a cruel game cosmetic companies want you to play so you’ll waste more of your hard earned money. I work in the medical field and don’t earn too much in my entry job and would rather find results then fun these days.

Charlotte

The Skin Inc. serum contains a retinoid, hence the “brightening” claims. It’s not your average hyaluronic acid serum. I actually wish Megan had mentioned that in her review, since retinoids can be sensitizing and if you’re new to them you don’t want to start off using them every day.

I also have combination skin, but I personally find that I greatly benefit from hydrating serums. Hydrating =/= oily. Water or aloe based serums (as opposed to oil based serums) with non-comedogenic ingredients aren’t going to add to your oiliness.

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Megan K.

Hey Charlotte! The brand uses the term ‘Vitamin A’ on their packaging instead of the term retinoid, but they are essentially the same thing. I just chose to go with the verbiage the company uses for clarity. 🙂

I was actually surprised there are no sun exposure warnings on the box as well.

mandi

Has everyone who subs through Allure and not Amazon got shipping notifications yet? I cancelled Amazon and subbed through Allure on the 1st and I’m worried since it hasn’t been shipped and my account page say there’s no payment option selected-I used Paypal and it charged. How long does it usually take now for people to get their shipping?

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Pink5

I got a ship notice yesterday and ignored it because I figured it would say waiting for package or some such.
I looked at it this morning and was astonished that it said out for delivery!
This one rocketed through the postal system, wow,

I got the same items as the review box. Wow, the eye cream is huge!

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Nat

When I subbed through Allure it took forever to get my box usually 15th or so. That’s why I switched to Amazon. Like getting my boxes early in the month

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green_redhead

Not shipped yet. Mine usually ships around the 10th.

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Michelle

Great review Megan! Do you happen to know what is included in the free gift Mega Bundle when an annual subscription is purchased? Thanks!

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Jen

It varies with whatever they have on hand I heard. They have reviews with pics on reddit . I just ordered this box for a year subscription with the mega bundle can’t wait to see what I get.

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Megan K.

Hi Michelle! I sadly don’t have that info. Let me pass the query along to the team and see if we know anything!

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Melanie

I am really happy with this month’s box. I will use everything. I am really looking forward to trying the serum it looks great. I have a curology cleanser sample in my shower I am about to start on will be nice trying it in conjunction with their moisturizer. Might be a little neurotic, but I try to use all a company’s samples together if I have different products they make to see how well they work.

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Pink5

I do that too, if I can, for the entertainment value.

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Shel

Megan, I think that maybe your skin actually needs moisture and it’s over-compensating by producing oil. I’m guessing it’s a combination of too much cleansing and all of the different acids and what-nots that are in the various skin care items that you use/test. For years I thought my skin felt awesome when it had that squeaky clean feel when I washed it and so annoyed when it became greasy within a few hours. So I used oily skin toner thru out the day and a foundation for oily skin. I finally went to a dermatologist and he explained my problem. Obviously, this might not be the case for you but if you historically have dry skin it might be the case.

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Megan K.

Hey Shel! I am legit blown away with all the suggestions. You are all awesome. I think mine is more from sleeping with my hands clutched under my chin and extra stress in general. All of my spots are on my jawline! I also find myself resting my hands on my chin during Zoom calls since the angle isn’t flattering hahaha!

I probably am over cleaning a little too. 😉

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Pink5

In 2018 I broke out horribly with eczema, and for the first month the dermatologist’s PA had me washing with just water.

It did help, but I also wasn’t wearing much makeup because my skin was so tender.

Colleen

Yea Megan. If you are not going anywhere, just try washing with water or micellar water for a couple days. I know it sounds terrible, but it will balance your skin out.

J

Yeah that squeaky clean feeling is actually a compromised moisture barrier from what you said. Exfoliating too much, using products that are too harsh, etc.

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Tara W

I’ve been subbed to Allure since November (one month I actually bought two boxes) and I’ve been pleased with the curation every time. It always seems to be such a good value for what you receive.

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Anna

I recently tried the Acure brightening scrub and was surprised how much I like it. Just ordered this box from amazon so I can try the cleanser along with the other items. Thanks for the review!

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Mel

Acure brightening scrub is probably my favorite facial scrub! It is so affordable too 🙂

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Carol

I absolutely love that primer and I have no idea why I haven’t purchased it yet lol.

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Megan K.

Its just too good! On my to-buy list too.

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h

Received an email about stress causing people to have oilier skin due to more cortisol released in their bodies due to their everyday lives being thrown off kilter. I don’t know your age, (and I’m NOT asking!), but hormones can just decide to start misbehaving one day. Who knows?

Well, I love this box, as one would know by seeing two VDL primers and 20 When bio-cellulose sheet masks that I recently bought for my stash. I love those When masks. I have all variations and all are great, in case anyone wants to try another variation.

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Megan K.

I 100% think stress has a lot to do with it. I also have been sleeping extra curled up, with my hands under my chin (which is where the most offensive spots are). I am also 33 now which I feel like is the Wild West of skin since you are between your 20s and 40s. Yeehaw!

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h

The article that I was referring to regarding people suddenly having trouble with oily skin and its possible relation to cortisol being released into the body during stressful times, was in an email blog of Sunday Riley’s. I’m sure that the writer did some research into the subject matter prior to reporting on it. It was an interesting article.

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T.Marie

Where do you buy your sheet masks? I buy mine from Facetory, but I too like the When ones but they tend to be pricy. Wondering if you have a place.

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Marcey Low

Costco currently has a package of 8 When masks on sale for about $16 CDN & it’s probably also available in the US. I believe the sale is over today.

h

Costco! They had boxes of twoX5-pk of Glamour Base, 10:00 pm, Travelmate, Snow Magic (my favorite), The Last Choice. So, I received a box of one in each box, with two boxes covered in plastic. I’ve never seen those online. I only saw those for a short time. I haven’t seen since. It was about a month ago? I immediately grabbed two boxes. My husband was hilarious, asking, “Wow, did you know these were around $20 when (haha) you bought these?” I felt like telling him to just zip it.

J

I really hope I get the primer.. I’m holding off on buying more primer currently. Iiterally JUST bought retinol so I’m kind of kicking myself.. is this vitamin a serum similar or the same as retinol? Overall super excited about this box. Can’t wait to try the glycolic cleanser.

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Jamie

I’m really excited about the AHC eye cream I hope I get it!! I received 3 AHC products from Influenster the eye cream and the serum from that launch were the only 2 things I didn’t get, and this is the same eye cream. I loved the 3 things I got so much I’ve been wantin to get the other 2! I got the Aqualuronic Toner, Aqualuronic Emulsion, and Aqualuronic Face Wash these products blew my mind I could see clearer brighter skin immediately supple even. So I hope I get the eye cream I’ll be buyin the serum from this line and they will all be repurchased!

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Megan K.

I loved this eye cream! Hope you do too. Glad to hear the other items from the line are good. Guess my shopping bag just expanded! 🙂

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DoxyMama

A whole box of skincare??? Some of us still like makeup. If Allure turns into a mini Beauty Fix subscription, I am out.

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Melissa

This is ONE month. Allure is very much both a makeup and skincare box, and has had some months of all-makeup. Like, yo

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Tanya M

Thank you Megan for the review. Really looking forward to the serum, eye cream and primer. That masks seems interesting too.

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Megan K.

Yw! Hope you enjoy it all <3

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