Allure Beauty Box is a monthly subscription box by Allure Magazine, a beauty-focused publication, that offers six or more products, with at least 3 full-sized products, each month. Subscriptions cost $25 per month, although right now, Allure is offering a flash sale where you can take up to $25 off a subscription with the code “WELCOME”. It’s also one of MSA’s top beauty subscription boxes for 2024.
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
It’s like Allure somehow knew everything I was in need of for the month. From an exfoliating shower gel and hand cream, perfect for banishing dry skin after a long season of cool (for LA) weather, to more of my favorite sunscreen ahead of days spent soaking up the sun, this box seemed to have items that were hand-selected just for me. In addition to spying some things I was in the market for, I was also excited to try the perfume sample (Poets of Berlin from Vilhelm Perfumerie) and a coral-toned balm for lips and cheeks. Read on for how these products lived up to (or didn’t live up to) my initial expectations.
What's Inside the May 2024 Allure Beauty Box
Elemis Peptide4 Eye Recovery Cream, 15 ml (full size), Retail Value: $50 for 15 ml
This eye cream was really the only item in the box that I was initially indifferent to, mostly because I don’t use eye cream very often. It had a very light, creamy texture that quickly soaked into the skin surrounding my eyes. It doesn’t have a fragrance and didn’t feel sticky once it absorbed into my skin. I’ll need to keep using it to see if it makes a difference over time, but so far it’s one of the more pleasant eye creams I’ve tried, mostly because of the light texture and lack of scent.
Chris Appleton + Color Wow Money Masque, 1.7 ounces (full size), Retail Value: $15 for 1.7 oz or $45 for 7.5 oz
First, I’d like to note that while this is considered a full-sized product for the box, the Color Wow website offers this size and a much fuller size (7.5 ounces). Sizing aside, I recently went from a caramel-toned balayage to my natural, dark brown hair, and a gloss-boosting hair mask was just what I needed to revive my hair between salon appointments.
This product was easy to use in the shower, and I really loved the scent. It had a beachy, sea salt smell to it that lasted in my hair all day. I don’t know that it boosted the gloss or shine of my hair, but it did make it feel much softer than usual.
BloomEffects Tulip Tint Lip & Cheek Balm, 13 ml (full size), Retail Value: $29 for 13 ml
This balm came in the “Crispa Coral” shade, which I liked more than I expected. Orange tones don’t always complement my cool-toned skin, but this was subtle enough to let me enjoy the summery coral trend in a way that worked for me. I liked that it was easy to apply and buildable for both lips and cheeks, and the size is perfect for throwing in my purse or even my smaller belt bag. The texture dried down on my cheeks and didn’t leave any sticky feeling. I might purchase this product in one of the other shades — the mauve stroopwafel tone is really speaking to me.
MUDMASKY Midnight Hand Mask, 40 ml (full size), Retail Value: $55 for 40 ml
I’m not sure whether anyone can notice from the photos, but this hand cream worked some magic on my very dry hands. It has a very lightweight, non-greasy texture that absorbed into my skin almost instantly. The smell isn’t the best, but it’s not bad either … it smells very strongly like baby powder or baby lotion. This is advertised as an overnight hand mask, but I did need to reapply only about an hour after first applying. For me, this is better as a regular hand cream, and I might need to seek out something with a thicker consistency for overnight use. But this is great for keeping on my desk and reapplying throughout the day for soft, silky hands.
Elta MD UV Daily Tinted SPF 40, 1.7 oz (full-size), Retail Value: $41
This product is available in the May box as a free gift for new subscribers. I actually received this product back in January with my first Allure Beauty Box, and it’s since become my go-to facial sunscreen. You can read more about my thoughts on this sunscreen in my January box review, or continue on for a quick recap on what I love about it.
The tinted sunscreen blends in well, leaving more of a glowy look than any color deposit. There isn’t much of a scent, a big plus for me when it comes to a product I need to wear all day. This sunscreen feels light and even moisturizing on my face, and even after all-day wear, it doesn’t cause any stinging around my eyes.
The drawback of the tinted sunscreen is that it only comes in one shade that may not be suitable for everyone. I wish the Allure Beauty Box would include the non-tinted alternatives from Elta MD in the subscription boxes instead.
Natura Ekos Tukumā Exfoliating Shower Gel, 30 ml, Retail Value: $18 for 185 ml
The smell of this shower gel was bright and clean, reminding me of the scent of orange antibacterial soap. The exfoliating beads are on the bigger side, and while I prefer more of a sand-like texture for my exfoliants, this product got the job done in terms of scrubbing away dead skin cells. I used it on my legs before shaving, and it seemed like my legs felt smoother afterward.
Vilhelm Parfumerie Poets of Berlin, 5 ml, Retail Value: $175 for 50 ml
With notes of “blueberry, lemon, bamboo, green wild orris and Haitian vetiver,” this perfume sounded right up my alley, as I love gourmand and fresh scents. This fragrance comes across similar to vanilla but with more depth and intrigue. I think this perfume is perfect for fall or winter, but that won’t stop me from wearing it all summer.
For me, the smell of this perfume also evoked strong memories of the scent my mom wore when I was a kid: Sensual Amber from Bath & Body Works.
Value – Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $25 (save more with a longer subscription. Three months prepaid is $64 for first-time customers, or $75 otherwise, and an annual subscription is $225 for first-timers or $300).
Total Value: $210.50
Value Breakdown:
- Elemis Peptide4 Eye Recovery Cream: $50 for 15 ml
- Chris Appleton + Color Wow Money Masque: $15 for 1.7 oz
- BloomEffects Tulip Tint Lip & Cheek Balm: $29 for 13 ml
- MUDMASKY Midnight Hand Mask: $55 for 40 ml
- Elta MD UV Daily Tinted SPF 40: $41 for 1.7 oz
- Natura Ekos Tukumā Exfoliating Shower Gel: $18 for 185 ml (my sample was 30 ml amount, bringing the sample value to around $3)
- Vilhelm Parfumerie Poets of Berlin: $175 for 50 ml (my sample was 5 ml amount, bringing the sample value to around $17.50)
Key Takeaways
This box had many high notes for me, and it would be hard to pick a favorite product. The sunscreen is a repeat item that was my favorite from the January box, and the perfume was an instant hit for me. I was most surprised by the lip and cheek balm; the color isn’t something I’d normally spring for, but it gave me such an effortless makeup look in the prettiest, peachy tones for summer. I also was pretty impressed with the Chris Appleton + Color Wow Money Masque, which made my hair so lush and soft. All in all, this may be my favorite box so far this year, and it has me looking forward to what other summery products are coming in the next box.
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? Allure’s website is currently advertising the May 2024 box, so if you’re interested in these products, sign up ASAP before June subscriptions kick in.
What do you think of the May 2024 Allure Beauty Box? What was your favorite product in the box?
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