If you were like me, you loved Hilary Duff growing up. From Disney Channel to the music she put out with her sister in the early 2000s, there is no doubt that she was my role model. So when the famous Lizzie McGuire movie came out, I watched it over and over until I knew every word.
One of my favorite scenes that is ingrained in my memory is when Lizzie (Hilary Duff) is being fitted for clothes and jewelry in preparation for her concert. At the start of that scene, she has people surrounding her trying to do her hair and makeup as the lyrics “You better work/Work it girl” play in the background. Since I was a little girl I have dreamt of having someone do my hair and makeup everyday. Not that I can afford that on a journalist’s salary, but a girl can dream.
Although I can’t have someone do my hair and makeup, having boxes that come to my door every month with products picked out for me, feels like a close second! When I found out that one of my all-time favorite magazines had a beauty box, I couldn’t help but jump at the opportunity to try it. In 2019, My Subscription Addiction readers named Allure’s Beauty box number 11 on their list of “The 19 Best Subscription Boxes for Women,” so I knew it was worth a try.
If you are new to subscription beauty boxes, you most likely didn’t know that the Magazine Allure came out with their own box. For only $15 a month, you will receive 5+ skincare/makeup products that retail at over $100. This month I received five products including a rose oil blend, highlighter, primer, and more! Out of all the items, my favorite was the Pixi Rose Oil Blend. For only $15 a month, you definitely get your money’s worth with this box. There is nothing better than knowing you are getting what the best in the industry have chosen for you!
What We Like About Allure Beauty Box
My favorite part of Allure’s Beauty Box is that I know the best in the industry are choosing my products. You also get a larger amount of products than most other subscription boxes. Although Allure states you will get 5+ items each month, there is a good chance that you will get at least 7. Also, Allure chooses the most up to date and trendy items. Anything you see influencers using on their Instagrams will most likely show up in your box. So, if you are like me and have major FOMO, this is an awesome option for you.
What We Don’t Like About Allure Beauty Box
Out of all the subscription boxes I have tried (and that’s a lot) Allures box was the smallest. Although some people say “good things come in small packages,” I usually think “the bigger the better.” Although the box came with a few full-size products, I was still underwhelmed by both the packaging and the size.
What’s inside this month’s Allure Beauty Box?
- Mally Evercolor Shadow Stick
- Pixi Rose Oil Blend
- Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum
- Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar
- Floss Brighten Up Highlighter in Sunlit
- H2O+ Hydration Sensitive Gel Cream Moisturizer
- Whish Botanical Primer
- Looks & Meii Brightening Lift Up Perfect Fit Mask
Full Size Items
New Member Gift: Mally Evercolor Shadow Stick
Shadow Stick’s have been my latest obsession. After finding another liquid eyeshadow I loved, I was ecstatic when I opened my box to Mally Beauty’s. I am a sucker for neutrals and golds, especially as a transition from summer to fall, so this bronze-colored shadow being my new member gift was the icing on the cake. The formula of this particular eyeshadow stick is creamy but not gooey, which makes it more likely to stay on your lid for longer periods of time.
The next best part is that it is SO buildable. Unlike other shadows that stay one color, the more layers you add the brighter and more pigmented your eyes will look. Also, the shape of the stick is perfect for someone who may not want to use it on their whole eyelid. I generally cover my eyelid for an easy eye look, but if I want something simpler I will use the color on the outer corner of my eye or right above the lash line. Mally’s Evercolor Shadow Stick is the best for someone who wants the option to have variety in their makeup products.
Pixi Rose Oil Blend
I ADORE anything rose or peony.
As I grew older and my scent palette and love for beauty products evolved, one product I always have in my fridge is rose water. When my skin needs a refresher I grab my rose water and I am good to go. Walking out of Target, I am always tempted to try Pixi, but never made the leap. So, I was stocked to try this product. Although, I generally stay away from anything oil related, as I have combination skin, this particular item absorbs instantly, so you aren’t left with any residue or oily aftermath. My favorite thing about it? It is filled with natural ingredients like sweet almond, pomegranate seed, orange peel and, of course, rose geranium oil.
Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar
I never use anything charcoal related. As midwest winter starts to rear its ugly head, I am preparing myself for what usually means an outbreak of psoriasis and eczema. Using harsh products, such as charcoal, can be detrimental to my skin. But, everyone has heard of Erno Laszlo’s Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar and I knew I had to try it. I was pleasantly surprised by the soft fomainess the bar provides when in use. It was not harsh on my skin and seemed to get all the grime from the day off my face. After using the famous face-wash bars I am a believer in it’s magical powers.
Floss Brighten Up Highlighter in Sunlit
I have said this once and I will say it again— I don’t love highlighter. I have tried to love them, I really have, but I can’t help but feel like I am trying extra hard when I wear them. As a simple makeup girl, I usually stay away. Let me just say, thank you to the makeup gods for making me try this highlighter. Out of all the highlight products I have tried this is my favorite. If you like subtlety, this will be your new go-to. Perfect for a natural look, Floss’ Brighten Up Highlighter makes you look like the sun is caressing you without making you like you used glitter glue on your face. Although it looks champagne colored in the packaging, it turns into a soft gold when you put it on your skin. Perfect for daytime!
Looks & Meii Brightening Lift Up Perfect Fit Mask
I am a long time lover of fresh face masks and a short term liker of sheet masks. Although I love masks in general, I gravitate towards cream masks and generally stay away from sheet masks. There is something more satisfying to me about scoping out a gel mask and applying it to your face. However, the graphic on the cover of this Brightening Lift Up Perfect Fit Mask had me looking forward to trying it.
The mask is soaked in Vitamin C serum which is meant to give your skin a brightening effect. This mask in particular was my least favorite product in the bunch. Upon opening the package the serum spilled all over my desk and I noticed it came with two masks, one of which you were just supposed to throw away. For something that is supposed to be relaxing, I found it to be a little more complicated than necessary.
Sample Sized Items
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum
I’m sure when you think of Korean skincare you think “the best.” As a longtime skincare denier, I couldn’t help but wonder— is Korean skincare really the “fountain of youth?” Most people will agree that Korean products like Sulwhasoo are the cream of the crop, and who am I to tell the internet differently? So, as reluctant as I may have been, I decided to try the First Care Activating Serum.
The product included a few well-known Korean herbs such as peony, lotus, and white lily. What I didn’t love about the product, was the extensive ingredients list. I try to eat mostly whole foods, and use products that have a small number of ingredients. So, when I saw a list of well over 30 ingredients for an item the size of my index finger, I was less than impressed.
In the end, the product worked fine in terms of hydrating and tightening my skin, but it’s not something I would add to my everyday routine given the lengthy list of ingredients.
H2O+ Hydration Sensitive Gel Cream Moisturizer
Although I have received the H2O+ Hydration Sensitive Gel Cream Moisturizer in a different subscription box before, I was happy to see it pop up this month. As an individual who truly does have sensitive skin, I generally roll my eyes when companies claim their products are for delicate skin. But, H2O+ doesn’t lie. I have never had a breakout or psoriasis flare up from one of their products, which is a win in my book. The moisturizer also helps reduce redness and calm skin— perfect for these stressful times.
Whish Botanical Primer
Upon reading the description on the back of the product, I found out that this primer in particular is used to moisturize skin and even skin tone. After spending days in the sun this summer, I knew adding something to my routine that would help even the redness, could be a great addition to my skincare. My favorite part of this primer is that it includes calming and moisturizing ingredients such as: coconut water, organic aloe and lavender leaf extract.
After the first use, I felt like my skin looked so much better and my redness had gone down.
Final Thoughts
When you wear these products I hope you “work it girl.” I found the price of Allure’s Beauty Box to be amazing, especially for the fact that I received more than the five products I thought I would be getting. Although some of the products weren’t my favorite, I would definitely order again.
