Allure Beauty Box May 2018 + Bonus

Hello! My Allure Beauty Box for the month of May is chock full of goodies to help me prep for summer hair and beauty care. I also received bonus Philosophy moisturizing samples to try, compliments of Allure. Since my box arrives about the 3rd week of the month, it takes some time to fully immerse myself in all of these products, but I am delighted to finally share my thoughts. (Click here to get your 1st box for only $10)

So, let's get into all the goodies I received this month:
St. Tropez Instant Tan Finishing Gloss
Hello Fab Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer
CLE Melting Lip Powder
WANDER BEAUTY Baggage Claim Gold Eye Masks
KENRA Dry Oil Control Spray
L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray
Bonus:
Philosophy Purity Made Simple Moisturizer Samples


St. Tropez Instant Tan Finishing Gloss

St. Tropez Instant Tan Finishing Gloss is a liquid bronzer that adds a beautiful shimmer anywhere you apply it. If you are anything like me, and not really into tanning nor self-tanning products, this may be the first-time hearing of the brand. The difference with this finishing gloss is that it doesn’t actually self-tan, but instead the product leaves a slight bronze tint on your skin that you can easily wash off later. There is no fake tan smell to the product nor does it stain your fingers after use.

It has a buildable formula that as you can see initially looks very saturated on my pale skin, however when smoothed out over the skin it leaves a subtle bronze tint. It’s not sticky nor greasy and is completely dry, leaving behind no feeling of product at all.

Inside the tube the tiny copper flecks look very shimmery and prominent, however once on the skin it evens out to a nice glossy finish. This is not 100% transfer proof, especially if you are wearing white, but apply beforehand to let it really settle into the skin. I’ve read that it may take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour, but 30 minutes or so seems like a fair amount of time. It can also be worn on face and eyelids to compliment your look since it's Ophthalmologically tested. This is absolutely a radiant product and my top favorite out of the box.

Price $25
Sample Size
Purchase here 

First Aid Beauty Hello Fab Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer

First Aid Beauty Hello Fab Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer is a two-in-one moisturizer and primer, made with superfood ingredients and coconut water. I really wanted to love this dual primer moisturizer since it promised solutions for blurring out pores, uneven skin tone and texture, as well as alleviating dryness. As a moisturizer it is top notch, but as a primer it did nothing for me.

The formula felt hydrating, nourishing and light on my skin, but the dewy finish just emphasized my oily complexion. Aside from the lack of primer benefits, this is an amazing moisturizer especially on light makeup days, where I want to help replenish my skin. Keep in mind everyone’s skin is different and this would probably work best with for people with dry skin.

Price $28
Sample Size
Purchase here

CLE Melting Lip Powder

CLE Melting Lip Powder is one of the most innovative lip and cheek products I’ve seen to date; a powdered lipstick! It can easily be applied as a cheek tint whether wearing it apart or together as a monochromatic look. If you look closely as you are pulling out the wand from the suctioned tube you will see a little powdered dust fly out (which is nothing to worry about!), but as you swipe on your lip it transforms into a cool liquid feel.

It's extremely pigmented and dries very quickly to a nice matte finish, without the feel of anything on your lips. It almost reminds me of a lip stain, but can be built up by adding another swipe. It’s neither streaky nor clumpy, as the formula melts right into your lips and lasts all day. For the most part, it's transfer proof, except when sipping out of cups I noticed very minimal loss. My lips feel free, unlike other mattes that make them feel cracked and dried. Overall, this powder makes a worthwhile lippie that takes innovation to the next level.

Price $20
Sample Size
Color Desert Rose
Purchase here

Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Gold Eye Masks 

WANDER BEAUTY Baggage Claim are individually packaged gold foiled eye masks that amp up hydration and brightness while lessening problematic dark circles. I haven’t yet tried these ones, since I am waiting for a rainy day to cozy up with a book or my tablet and apply these before bedtime. As soon as I do, I will update my review for you all! For now, let's get into the benefits! The unique gold foil helps retain heat between the mask and skin allowing for maximum absorption of the serum. The long list of beneficial ingredients include the following:

Hyaluronic acid for the dramatic reduction of fine lines & wrinkles.
Jojoba Seed Oil for intense hydration.
Aloe Leaf Juice provides a cooling sensation that calms and soothes skin.
Camu Camu Fruit Extract is rich in vitamin C that brightens dull & tired eyes.
Calendula Flower Extract & Lavender Oil both soothes & moisturizes the sensitive skin around your eyes.

This is an extremely promising product and I really can’t wait to try these and see if it truly makes a difference in my dark circles and tired eyes!

Price $25 (6 sets)
Full Size 2 Sets
Purchase here

KENRA Dry Oil Control Spray

KENRA Dry Oil Control Spray helps to tame frizz and flyaways while providing nourishment with its breakthrough oil formula. It provides a medium hold, but I wouldn’t consider this a hairspray. Instead, it’s more of a revival conditioning spray and really helps bring down those unwanted frizzies. It’s almost similar to the Living Proof Instant De-Frizzer (my review here) but made with nutrient rich oils. I was hesitant after hearing “dry oil” because of my very oil-prone scalp, as anything with oils just instantly makes my hair look greasy. However, after trying it out post-workout, it seemed to take the mess out of my messy bun and manage the flyaways once I combed it through with my fingers. The spray smells amazing and adds just the right amount of shine and manageability for softer locks.

Price $19
Sample Size
Purchase here

L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray

L’Oreal Paris Elnett Extra Strong Hairspray is a traditional hairspray that is known to be used for red carpet events and photoshoots. It delivers a fine, even mist for every strand that you spray with its micro-diffusion technology. I can attest to it spraying easily and evenly over my hair, but the Extra Hold was only decent for me since I am working with is pin straight hair. Unfortunately, it just refuses to stay curled no matter the humidity or other conditions. However, I also used this to tame flyaways and it did a great job.

I am typically not one to point out a problem with a product having a strong scent, but this spray is extremely potent, and smells like a musky grandma perfume. Unlike a lot of products that require you to push through the scent, this one does not disappear. Once it’s there, it stays, almost like wearing an awful perfume on your hair. I do not recommend wearing this around anyone with asthma or if you have asthma yourself. Thankfully they make an Unscented version which you can find here. Overall, I liked the hairspray for its excellent function, but it didn't really have a wow factor and I'm very turned off by the smell.

Price $14.99
Sample Size
Purchase Scented here
Purchase Unscented here

Bonus:

Philosophy Purity Made Simple Moisturizer

Philosophy Purity Made Simple is an ultra-lightweight moisturizer that includes a blend of vitamins C and E, chia seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and green tea antioxidant complex, all of which work to nourish, smooth and restore skin to it’s ideal state. I felt an instant cooling sensation from the formula that left my skin soft and supple to touch. The samples may be small, but the product seems to cover a lot of space without using much.

I’ve been using this both morning and night for about three days, and the most noticeable result is softer, more hydrated skin, without any irritation or adverse reactions or breakouts. There is a very soft clean scent and the consistency is balanced between being watery and milky. As for the minimization of pores and other benefits, it's hard to tell now, so I'll have to report back after more continued use.

Price $25
Sample Size
Purchase Scented here

Sign up here to get your 1st box for only $10! What you'll get is the only editor-curated beauty box from Allure and every month. Inside will be 5 or more deluxe-size samples to try from the most luxurious brands—along with how-tos, in-depth reviews, and expert beauty tips from Allure. I often get at least one full sized product per a box which more than covers the cost of the box. The emails are in-depth and offer relatable reviews and tips with each product you get. 

As always you can find individual links to the products by clicking the headings! 

This post is not sponsored by Allure. All products were given as part of a paid subscription to Allure Beauty Box. Just wanted to share my experience.

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Allure Beauty Box May 2018 + Bonus