This image includes the new subscriber bonus from Akar.
Allure Beauty Box is a $23 monthly beauty subscription from Allure Magazine. Each month they send out a mix of deluxe and full-size samples from mostly high-end brands. (It was named one of the best beauty subscription boxes by MSA readers in the 2021 Subscription Box Awards.)
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
First Impressions
As always, the box arrives beautifully packaged in typical white and red Allure fashion!
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There was also a helpful mini-magazine with more info on the products.
Now, on to the items!
Tarte Quickstick Shadow & Liner in 'Rose Gold Luster/Black' - Retail Value $25.00 (Full Size!)
With holiday boxes come holiday eye looks! This little duo pencil from tarte is a very easy way to get a cute rose gold eye with a soft black liner/wing. The shimmering end is soft and blends very easily and the liner tip is smaller and better for a precision line. This is the ideal sort of pencil for that work to holiday party transition since it makes amping up a shadow look so easy. Pair with red lips and you have the whole look. The black liner stays in place for hours and hours (in fact, the swatch is still on my arm the next day, though it come off of my face with an oil cleanser).
Wander Beauty Upgraded Lashes Treatment Mascara, 9 g - Retail Value $26.00 (Full Size!)
What is it about squishy mascara tubes that sparks joy? Sure, I have enough black mascara to last me a few lifetimes (darn expiration dates) but Wander makes an especially delightful formula this time around. In addition to adding length, definition, and a glossy black tint, this mascara is also formulated to lengthen and improve your lashes over a 2-week span. It does this with the help of copper peptides which boost collagen promotion and extends the lash life cycle, resulting in thicker, longer lashes. So if you are someone looking for a 2-in-1 lash product, this is worth a try for sure.
EYEKO Eyelash Curler - Retail Value $15.00
In continuing with the "eye" theme of this box so far, my next item is a cobalt blue lash curler. I mean, I really don't use lash curlers, but I guess if I have one show up in a box, it better be extra cute like this one. I found that it works as expected, and did add curl to my lashes with a quick squeeze.
Whamisa Organic Flowers Toner Deep Rich, 22 mL - Estimated Value $6.10 (buy a full size 155 mL oz for $43.00)
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I so wish this product has been full-sized because I absolutely love these squishy bouncy toners that add hydration to my skin without weight and also serve as a great between step for a skincare routine. This one is full of goodies like moisturizing aloe, soothing oats, and gentle exfoliator gluconolactone. It also had a lovely clean floral scent and feels absolutely lovely on my face. My favorite use for this so far is adding a few drops of a facial oil and applying the two products together for lightweight hydration that is a daytime skincare dream.
Neogen Probiotics Youth Repair Cream, 15 g - Estimated Value $14.40 (buy a full size 50 g jar for $48.00)
My only issue with this cream was the fragrance. It was too sweet and artificial for my nose and strong enough to where I couldn't ignore it. This is absolutely going to be a personal preference sort of thing and I hope I am in the minority because really does have so many good ingredients for dry and/or aging skin. The first to jump out at me include niacinamide, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, lactic acid, ceramides, peptides, and so much more. Seriously, check out the INCI breakdown here! This cream is STACKED. I might just have to hold my nose for this one because aside from the scent, it feels so incredible and would be an ideal cream for targeting a whole host of skin issues that I happen to struggle with.
SYMPLY BY HELENA Simple Cleanser, 2 oz - Retail Value $22.95
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On the flip side, I was less enthused with this ingredient list because the number 2 ingredient is coconut oil. While I don't have skin that tends to break out that often, my jawline does flare up because I sleep like a weird little bug with my hands tucked under it often. So for that reason, I tend to avoid coconut oil as it is pretty pore-clogging. If you are someone who uses coconut oil and you like it, this should still be a viable option, especially if you tend to like simple formulas. It did feel really nice on my face during and after a cleanse and it truly smells great, but I don't see this one being a regular in my rotation.
Pili Ani Self-Care Night Oil, 3 mL - Estimated Value $5.40 (buy 40 mL for $72.00)
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Though this little vial is tiny, it should last quite some time because a little goes a long way. It still would have been nice to see something a little larger for sure. This blend has a host of soothing oils and botanicals that moisturize as well as calm the skin. I am a big facial oil fan and thought this was quite a nice blend. It has a floral scent of lavender and jasmine that I thought was very pleasing and thought it was a little heavier, it did absorb well given a little time. You can apply a few drops between your palms and apply to your face or even mix a few drops with your favorite cream for a lighter application.
SPONSORED ITEM: Neutrogena Stubborn Blackheads Daily Serum - Buy it for $12.99
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I don't think I would have ever reached for this product as I am not especially acne-prone, but, as I mentioned before, my jawline is a hot mess depending on the time of the month or if I have been sleeping funny or picking at it during stressful traffic situations. I was really pleasantly surprised by the ingredient list here. Sure, the heavy hitter is a 5% salicylic acid content that does wonders for clogged pores in general (not just blackheads!) but it also has powerhouse AHA glycolic acid (which can help fade acne scars among other things) and mandelic acid, another AHA that can help fade inflammation and help with exfoliation. While I wouldn't use this as an all-over treatment on myself (and I wouldn't recommend that for really anyone else probably either) it makes for an excellent and totally affordable spot treatment. Which, in my case right now, is a jawline treatment.
NEW SUBSCRIBER ITEM: Akar Restore Eye Serum, 10 mL - Retail Value $85.00
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This eye serum arrives in the boxes of new subscribers. I have tried it before and think it is a great option for gently moisturizing the delicate area around the eyes. In addition to being moisturizing, it is filled with loads, and I mean loads, of antioxidants that fight the signs of aging, an action that is especially important around the eyes. Not into eye products? No worries. Everything in this cute bottle would benefit the rest of your face as well!
Verdict
I was left wanting more from this month's Allure box. Sure, the overall value of around $114.85 (not including the new subscriber item value) is a great haul for a $23 box, but nothing in here really knocked my socks off this month. That is not to say that the majority of the items weren't enjoyable and useful. Heck, I loved the eyeshadow stick, mascara, and the toner, but I just think this box was missing a WOW moment. I think larger sizes in the items would have helped, or maybe sending something along that had over-the-top holiday vibes. I am curious to see what December brings and think maybe that will deliver the holiday feelings I am looking for this time of year.
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes! Scroll down this page to see what items you will get when you first sign up.
Cost Breakdown: At $23 for this box, here is what you are paying approximately per item:
- tarte Eye Stick $5.01
- Wander Beauty Mascara $5.21
- Eyeko Eyelash Curler $3.00
- Whamisa Toner $1.22
- Neogen Cream $2.88
- SYMPLY BY HELENA Simple Cleanser $4.60
- Pili Ani Oil $1.08
Alternatively, each of the 7 products has an average cost of $3.29. I did not include the bonus sample or the new subscriber item in this breakdown.
What do you think of the November Allure Beauty Box? What was your favorite product in the box?
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