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Allure Beauty Box Review + Coupon – December 2020

Megan K.
ByMegan K.Dec 15, 2020 | 62 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 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: $23 a 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 December 2020 Review

 

This handy booklet has all the product info inside.

 

 

Mudmasky Leave-Me-On Winter Mask, 40 mL – Full Size! Retail Value $44.00

I love the idea of this winter mask, especially since my already dry skin suffers even more in the winter! I just wish this ingredient list features less alcohol. Sure, many people don't mind a little bit in their products, and, sure, not all are terrible for your skin. But I try to avoid them because I do find they dry me out if I use a product over a longer length of time. This formula has both Cetearyl and cetyl alcohol (two fatty and mostly non-drying alcohols) and these are included to give it that nice smooth, thick feel. I do think the other ingredients inside are great for dry skin! There is a great blend of sunflower, argan, jojoba, and macadamia seed oil as well as glycerin and hyaluronic acid. It does have a fragrance but I quite like it and the texture feels great on my skin and absorbs quickly! This mask is meant to be applied and left on (which in my mind makes it a moisturizer..?) and I liked the smoothness that it left behind and the weightless and non-pilling finish.

 

Caudalié Vinosource S.O.S Thirst-Quenching Serum, 1o mL - Estimated Value $16.33 (buy a full size 30 mL for $49.00)

My skin loves the Caudalié brand, so I am always thrilled to see some in any box. This stuff has an incredibly lightweight texture that absorbs in a snap. A few callouts on this ingredient list for my acne-prone friends: this formula has Ethylhexyl Palmitate which is a common alternative to mineral oil, but it is a wee bit comedogenic. Just a heads up! A constant reminder, I don't know your skin, so try this out and see how it works for you. I just am some nerd behind a computer who enjoys reading skincare ingredient lists! There are better serums out there, IMO, but I was happy to see some of my faves on the list: hyaluronic acid and squalane. It has that classic Caudalié scent that I love, but this does mean that it also has fragrance. I am less strict about fragrances than I probably should be, and I can't get enough of this one.

 

ByMe x My Beauty Brand Black Liquid Eyeliner- Listed Value $22.00

I have a hard time getting excited about black eyeliner, but at least this is from a brand I haven't tried yet! And I will say that I thought the bold and flexible brush tip was great, the pigment level here was excellent, and it dried pretty fast and stayed put. Now if only it had been a shade other than black!

Rich black pigment.

 

La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum, 5 mL - Estimated Value $6.67 (Buy a full-size 20 mL for $39.99)

I feel like I am the alcohol police this month, and I apologize, but these are things I look for in my own skincare. I was bummed to see alcohol denat as the third ingredient on the list for this serum and I just find that stuff super drying, especially so far up on an ingredient list. If you have oilier skin, you might care a lot less about this than I do. The good news? This stuff does have healthy doses of niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, retinol, and adenosine. All of these ingredients together are totally incredible for anti-aging and improved texture. It is lightweight and very slippy and absorbs in a snap. This one just isn't for me because my skin is basically a desert.

 

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Healthy Glow Daily Cream, 0.34 oz - Estimated Value $4.60 (Buy 1.7 oz for $22.99)

Our last item is from a brand that has consistently been great for my inflamed winter skin. I kind of expected this to have a shimmer to it from the name, but the "healthy glow" part must come from the deep hydration from this cream rather than from anything sparkling or shiny. Lots of good stuff in here: hyaluronic acid, panthenol, vitamin E, glycerine, and more. It does have a scent but, again, I like it! It feels really great on my skin and gives me a moisture surge that lasts for hours. It is also wildly affordable, so if you have sensitive skin (or skin that just becomes sensitive in the winter!) this would be a really great product for you to try.

Verdict: This Allure box has a total value of around $117.60 (with me relying on the listed value for the eyeliner). While this wasn't my absolute favorite curation from this box, it was still well rounded and had a nice value. I really do like the palette and I think the shades inside are super pretty on my face. So that's always good! Some of the skincare was a little hit or miss for me, but not everyone out there has dryness issues like me. I found myself liking the eyeliner more than I thought because it was super pigmented and smooth, and a newer brand is always exciting. This was a fun box to open and test, though I am looking forward to a little more excitement next month.

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, each of the 6 products has an average cost of $3.83.

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 December Allure Beauty Box? What was your favorite product in the box?

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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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62 comments

zo

I just received this box today. I guess I never realized I didn’t get a box last month and when I opened the eyeshadow I thought “ugh, too many glitters for January”. Dang post office. I’m not too keen on any of the items in this box. Did not know skipping a month was an option for Allure.

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Denise Atkinson

anyone want to trade the brick red lip, or the eye cream for the bright red lip let me know !

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rosh

I am so glad I skipped December, I do not like a single item in the Dec box. due to covid i got like 9 boxes delivered this month.

my sister is getting married in India (I am not going) so, i ordered everything she would need from ulta, target, boxycharm and signed up for 3 months with allure to get the holiday bundle.. ALL the orders got delivered AFTER my brother, who was going to take them for my sister in India, left. I also ordered perfume box deal from allure and purchased pop-us on boxy too. now I have overwhelming amount of products, I will still get jan & feb boxes from allure.

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Blue

There is a really great group on Facebook called Boxycharm/Ipsy/Sub, Buy, Sell, Trade & Chat. People buy and sell in there and the mods are very strict with the rules so that people don’t get cheated. You could easily sell the stuff you don’t want and you’d probably come out ahead since it’s mostly subs and add-ons/pop-ups you bought from. You bought at a discount and you can sell below retail but for more than you paid. It’s helps with the cost of subs. You sell what you don’t want and if there is an item you want but didn’t get someone is bound to have it for sale at a good price.

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Jamie

I love this month box. I just received it and there’s one more bonus sample ( belif serum 10ml)
The ciate eyeshadow color story is better than I expected and especially Mudmasky item, I was very skeptical for this but this is really awesome!!
It’s totally worth $23 for me even though I paid less than that (annual subscription)😍

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Cat

I will be giving away the Ciate palette. I didn’t swatch it or anything so it will be great as a gift for someone. Giving the liquid eyeliner to my niece since I don’t use liquid eyeliner.
Like the other products though!

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Leslie

I was excited for the eyeshadow palette until I got it. Made In China it says right on the box and I am also suspicious of the cruelty free claim as China requires animal testing on most beauty products. Ugh! Allure was my favorite box of all and with the price increase all I’m seeing is lame tiny samples and no- name brands with suspiciously high retail values. I feel like Allure is turning into Ipsy and I don’t like it at all.

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Lana

Only products sold in China require animal testing, not products made there.

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Boonie

Do not want Made In China products and noticed so many including Ulta made there! Will not subscribe!

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Carla

I totally agree Leslie!! Disappointing box to say the least! How is the value $117? All these small and deluxe samples. Do NOT like the price increase/supposed value of this box. I did pay the $165 for the year and to me it has more of the old peice value. I will NOT be renewing. Im looking to downsize as I have to much stuff anyway. I want high quality items! This box is definitely lacking with all the alcohol based ingredients.

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SBR

It’s evidently a loop hole – they can make beauty products and not test on animals but not sale those products in China.

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Sarah

While it’s nice annual subscribers got a bonus item, that was not the deal when they said there were supposed to be six items to justify the price increase. I am glad I unsubscribed, re-subscribed non-annual through Amazon, and was able to skip this box. Nothing in here excites me. I put them money toward the SkinStore advent calendar instead.

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Halli

This box wasn’t terrible but not justifying the price increase. I did however have an extra item in my box which was nice. There was a cute little black draw string bag that says “beauty loot” and inside it was mini Giorgio Armani lippy.

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Sharon

I received a 10ml belif Hungarian water essence in my “beauty loot” bag (I’m not an annual subscriber). HonestIy, I wasn’t a huge fan of this box, even with the extra product. January is looking a bit better, but I am waiting for another spoiler or two, before I decide if I will cancel.

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Sam

I think annual subscribers received an additional product. I did.

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Marisa

I am not an annual subscriber but I did receive a tiny bottle of “Arizona” perfume.

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Lynda

I did not!

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Jessica

I got the Armani lipstick and tried it and laughed and laughed. So not my color.

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Steph

I received a mini red Georgio Armani lipstick

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Carla

I also received this bonus sample that I will pass on. Red lipstick doesnt work on my thin lips.

Melissa

I received the same, Steph.

Mellissa

I received a thank you product as well. Mine was the Amore Pacific Time Release eye cream. It’s already amazing and I’ve used it once. I went to purchase the full size and found out it’s $240 🤣
Yikes.

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Beth Ellen

I liked October and November when so many didn’t, but I’m very glad I skipped December. I wouldn’t have minded trying the Mudmasky, but I’m not interested in the other things. And really, that Cetaphil is a pretty tiny little sample given its just drugstore lotion. I’m still excited for January though.

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Lana

Same. October and November were fine, but I’m glad I skipped December as well

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Kate N.

Did anyone else get a small perfume in their box? It’s a really pretty pink bottle of Arizona parfum.

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Lori

I did, I like it!

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Kim

Hi Megan,

Thanks so much for your in-depth review, about the ingredients in the skincare. My dry skin thanks you, and I am so glad I skipped this month. I used to love each and every box before the price increase.

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mrsames2001

This is so bad, I am so disappointed in Allure almost 25.00 for this no way no how, I just cancelled.

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Lauren

Hi Megan, thanks for your detailed review. I always appreciate them because you talk about ingredients and the performance of the products. I have sensitive skin due to rosacea and denat alcohol wreaks havoc so I always like getting a heads up from reading your reviews. Those products I will use on my body or gift to family or friends.

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Svetlana7e

I used to defend Allure since price increase, however, I am disappointed in this box. Out of six items, three is them is samples, not even deluxe samples. I thought they said it will be 5-6 full size items after price increase. Also, disappointed in brands, nothing new. I like caudail, but this is pretty much it for the box. Again, super disappointed.
And I dont even want to start with next month, this gift certificate for nails, wtf?

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Victoria Powers

Allure never promised 5-6 full sized items. With the price increase, the promise was 3 full sized items (previously it was 2).

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Melissa

Margie, Well of course they count the eyeliner as a full size item. Why wouldn’t they?!?

Margie

I’m only counting 2 full sized items. Unless they’re counting the black eyeliner as a full size item.

Steph

I’m looking forward to trying the nail stickers. They’re like the Dashing Divas nail stickers we received months ago but these you customize to fit your nails. So you take pics of your nails and then they send you the stick ons in your perfect size.

I’m so excited for these cause I did like the Dashing Divas but the rude Customer Service got me to never buy from them again.

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Sharalyn Maughan

I totally agree. Look at IPSY Plus. For the same money, you pick 3 items and they really do give you full size.

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Pink5

Much as I love LaRoche Posay as a line, the serum is disappointing. My skin has never liked niacinamides regardless of manufacturer. I’m also wary of retinols.

Still waiting for my box to show up.

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Snow

I did skip this month, thank heavens. I don’t do eyeshadow anymore and while the eyeliner looks nice, there just wasn’t enough to make me bite.

I definitely appreciate the ingredient call-out! I always thought my skin was resilient, but recently I received some extremely unpleasant burn or hive marks on just one side of my face. Maybe I overdid it with the acids or actives, but it is truly important to know what exactly we are putting on our faces.

Your reviews are fantastic and I truly appreciate reading them ☺️👍

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Sarah

While alcohol denatured is drying yes, the other two fatty alcohols are NOT at all during, the opposite and they’re great for dry skin so calling them out as alcohols seems unnecessary when they are in no way, shape or from the drying kind.

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Megan K.

Hey Sarah! I find that they do indeed dry -me- out (and cetyl actually has a decently high irritancy rating on INCI, either way). I try to write these up from my perspective and my skin concerns, with specific call-outs that everyone’s skin is different. I know we have a lot of readers who also try to avoid all alcohols. If these work great for you, I would encourage you to use them!

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Dana

Thank you for the excellent review! I found the ingredient info to be incredibly helpful and informative, even if it didn’t involve a particular concern of mine. I feel more knowledgeable and better able discern why my skin loves certain products so much and doesn’t do will with some others!

Po

Just so you know, Megan, cetaryl and cetyl alcohol aren’t typically considered drying alcohols in skincare. The Mudmasky mask strictly qualifies as alcohol-free.

Shea

Thank you for the great review! I love how you always explain the ingredients in a product! I have acne prone skin & try to avoid products that could break me out! I love that you let us know about ingredients for both dry & oily skin!! Thank you very much!!

Charlotte

Sarah, agreed. Simple alcohols like denatured alcohol (along with benzyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, and just straight alcohol) are drying and can cause sensitivities. Fatty alcohols like cetyl, cetearyl and stearyl alcohol do not cause irritation. They act as emollients and help keep moisture in, and are actually recommended for use by people with dry skin. Lots of skincare made specifically for sensitive skin (like FAB) includes fatty alcohols. I have super sensitive skin and can’t use any products that contain simple alcohols (even testing on the back of my hand will burn), but I have never had an issue with fatty alcohols.

That being said, fatty alcohols can sometimes cause pore clogging and blemishes, especially when they are derived from palm and coconut oil. If a product is breaking you out and you don’t know why, it’s worth checking to see if there’s a fatty alcohol high up in the ingredients list.

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Tanya

I love the Allure box this month!! The only Mudmasky I’ve used was a hair product and I liked it, so I look forward to this one. My 15yo has started wearing makeup, but all she wears is black liquid liner and mascara, so she’s gone through my whole stash. I actually just purchased 2 from boxy, but I can use a back up! 🙂 I love ciate makeup and la-roche-posay products, the sample sized caudalie products I’ve tried seem nice, and my youngest with super-sensitive skin only uses cetaphil products, so this box is really a win for me… this month. Don’t get me started on last month. 🙂

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Catherine

I didn’t skip this box solely for the palette. I’ve been needing a pink palette that’s not too natural but also not too over the top for a while. Other than that, this box did not deliver for what it’s charging.

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Blue

It’s the same for me. They said instead of two full sized items we’d getting three with the price increase and that the boxes would have better items. Instead it’s worse. They are giving out tiny samples not even deluxe ones. I would have called or emailed and skipped this month but I want the Ciate palette. I know some people don’t care for their makeup but I love how well it works on my skin. Same with most Ciate products. Nothing else in the box is remotely exciting. My Ipsy gbp was amazing this month and if I was paying full price for Allure and put them side by side it would be cringe worthy. My box is due to be delivered on Friday and I’m not even excited. I’m on the annual so my price is locked in at the old rate but I was ready to cancel if Decembers was bad. Ciate saved it but I may still cancel in January.

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Lynn

I guess those who said another item would be included were wrong. It is sad that they promised six items not including freebie bonuses and have already broken that.

Thank you for a great review Megan. I love it when you call out ingredients as I too have dry skin which is made worse by the dry winter climate in Minnesota.

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Molly

I received an extra item! It was the amorepacific eye cream in a little black bag!

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Lynn

Thanks Molly. I hadn’t received my box yet when I wrote the above, but it came yesterday. I, too, received a small gift of a bright red matte lip from Giorgio Armani. It was nice to receive a little gift, but I would have been over the moon to receive the eye cream. I looove skin care and don’t do red lips. Oh well, you can’t win them all. I am more excited about trying the Mudmasky and the serums in the box though after reading Megan’s review.

Megan K.

You are welcome Lynn! I appreciate you reading. 🙂

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Sarah S.

I have loved every Allure box I’ve ever received, but this month has been a disaster from start to finish. First, with the price raise, there are supposed to be 6 items, not 5 items and a sponsored item. People were annoyed about that and there was backlash (understandably), so they promised in follow-up emails with subscribers (including myself) that they are adding a 6th item and that the spoilers were merely a “teaser” when clearly they were just responding to backlash. Second, if they send one more serum I will scream. July, September, October, November, and now December each had at least one serum, if not two. Throw in the black eyeliner and this box is a complete fail.

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Cassandra

The eye shadows look really good on you! Thanks for the two looks!

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Amy

I don’t see any difference in this box since the price change… I just don’t think it is cool to count the black liner as full size when they are only a few dollars away from boxes that give 5-6 full sized items. Also, often some products are truly samples that seem like you could get them for free…as I have gotten the same product samples for free. I get The Box for $20 and BC for $25 and this is just not stacking up…not at all. I like Allure and we occasionally get something great…but it isn’t worth the price change yet…hopefully they figure this out.

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