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.

#makeup #beauty #skincare #makeup #cosmetics #allurebeautybox #thebeautybox #allure #subscriptionbox #unboxing #cream #moisturizer #Philosophy #Sttropez #instanttanfinishinggloss, #instanttan #finishinggloss #tan #HelloFab #CoconutSkinSmoothie #primer #WanderBeauty #Baggageclaim #goldeyemasks #eyemasks #masking #goldfoil #Kenra #kenradryoilcontrolspray #dryoil #Lorealparis #Lorealpariselnett #elnett #hairspray #extrastronghairspray #puritymadesimple #philosophypuritymadesimple

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Allure Beauty Box May 2018 + Bonus

Allure Beauty Box April 2018 + Bonus

Hello! I am a little late posting my Allure Beauty Box Subscription not only because I have been busy, but my box also always arrives the 3rd week of the month. I've been a subscriber for almost a year now, so I was surprised and delighted when I received an email that I would be receiving a "special gift" for being a loyal Beauty Box member.

They chose to send me two of their (Allure) favorite products from Paula's Choice Skincare; completely separate items from what I would be receiving in my normal box. I never knew they treated their subscribers to extra goodies! This is surprising, since by comparison I have been with Birchbox for 6 years and never received anything like this from them.

So let's get into all the goodies I received this month:
Nudestix Gel Color Lip & Cheek Balm
The Original Makeup Eraser
RAHUA Classic Shampoo
RAHUA Classic Conditioner 
Stellar Brilliant Primer
Korres Pomegranate Balancing Cream-Gel Moisturizer

Extras
Paula's Choice Skincare Resist Vitamin C Treatment
Paula's Choice Skincare Self-Tanning Concentrate



Nudestix Gel Color Lip & Cheek Balm

Nudestix Gel lippie in the shade J Mama is a warm-toned blush nude that glides easily, and with it's glossy sheen, provides hydration without the stickiness. It also contains lip-protecting plant oils taken from sunflower, rapeseed, cottenseed and soybean. Since it's rich in antioxidants from Vitamin E, the balm feels great on both your lips or your cheeks. I was hesitant putting wet, glossy balm on my cheeks in fear it would make my skin look oily, but once lightly blended on the cheeks the sheen is gone and leaves a light matte shade. Overall, it gives wonderful coverage and barely-there feel.

Price $24
Full Size Product
Find J Mama shade here
 

The Original Makeup Eraser

This is a finely fibered wash cloth that gently removes any and all makeup. In the box I received a 4" x 4" sample size of the original that can fray because it's not lined, but I found it's great for throwing in your travel bag. This super fuzzy and soft cloth feels great on your skin. Just add warm water and wipe! Care instructions are simple in that it's machine washable and will last (3-5 years) for the original full sized cloth, which measures at 8" x 16". Think clean, think green. Replace throw-away makeup wipes or liquid makeup removers with this reusable cloth.

Price $20
Sample Size
Purchase here

RAHUA Classic Shampoo

Rahua Classic Shampoo contains sustainably sourced Amazonian ingredients that help to restore and revitalize your hair. It works great with all hair types, even colored like mine, to leave hair feeling soft, luminous and repaired. Earthy aromas fill up the shower as you gently lather it into the hair that are derived from the Palo Santo Oil. I think it's perfect for sensitive skin with it's beneficial ingredients like vitamin E and aloe to help maintain a healthy scalp. It's also sulfate free.

Price $34
Sample Size 22ml 
Purchase here

RAHUA Classic Conditioner

Rahua Classic Conditioner works great when paired with Rahua Classic Shampoo to hydrate and lock-in moisture. The conditioner smells amazing with it's earthy notes and just a hint of mint. I am fussy when it comes to conditioners because there seems to be a hard line that they either do or don't work. With this, my hair instantly soaked up the creamy formula leaving it soft and manageable. This conditioner passed my biggest test by detangling my frustrating, pin-straight hair. Furthermore, it contains amazing ingredients like jojoba oil, quinoa, and aloe. 

Price $36
Sample Size 22ml 
Purchase here


Stellar Brilliant Primer

It's in my nature to dive right into trying a product out before doing complete research, so to my surprise the white tube fooled me into thinking this would be a classic white-to-clear primer. Think again! Stellar Brilliant Primer is a shimmery, light pink hue that has tiny luminescent glitter. Just a little bit goes a long way, and it glides easy over face to blur imperfections and fine lines whether you wear makeup or not. It's got a silky finish with beneficial ingredients that include grape seed oil, aloe, safflower seed oil and ginseng root extract.

Price $42
Sample Size 7ml
Purchase here

Korres Pomegranate Balancing Cream-Gel Moisturizer 

Korres Pomegranate Moisturizer is perfect for oily to combination skin, which in my case makes it a perfect moisturizer to turn to. I immediately fell in love with the soft pomegranate scent and how it instantly soaked in, leaving my skin soft and moisturized. This is a stark contrast to other moisturizers that claim to tackle oily skin, but ultimately leave my face feeling dry. It also combats acne with hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid to leave skin hydrated and without irritation. This has be one of my new favorite skin care finds! 

Price $34
Sample Size 20ml
Purchase here


EXTRAS

Paula's Choice Skincare Resist Vitamin C Treatment

Paula's Choice RESIST is a spot treatment that targets problem areas such as hyperpigmentation, dullness, wrinkles and fine lines. It claims to visibly reduce brown spots and I would suggest continued use to see that over time. I have some minor spots and fine lines that I will target with this product as I use it for my nightly routine. It's fragrance free, cruelty free and has no dyes added. If you are going to use this in the morning, always follow it up with a sunscreen (SPF 25 or greater) to boost the effectiveness.

Price $55
Full Size Product
Purchase here
New Packaging Purchase here

Paula's Choice Skincare Self-Tanning Concentrate

Paula's Choice Self-Tanning Concentrate is a unique product since it can turn any facial or body moisturizer into a self-tanner. Easily control how much how much color you want by adjusting the amount you mix in. Inside contains a good amount of  dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a common ingredient used in self-tanners. I love this idea since I don't tan and have no interest, but I do occasionally like to dabble in self-tanning products to boost my skins color during the warmer months. The color develops over several hours and provides a long lasting natural tone without sun exposure. This product has been discontinued, but you can still find it and purchase it before it's all gone! 

Price $18
Full Size Product
Purchase here

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

Sign up here for the only editor-curated beauty box from Allure and every month, you'll get 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. 

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.

#makeup #beauty #skincare #makeup #cosmetics #allurebeautybox #thebeautybox #allure #subscriptionbox #unboxing #paulaschoiceskincare #nudestix #stellar #originalmakeuperaser #makeuperaser #Rahua #shampoo #conditioner #Korres #KorresPomegranate #cream #moisturizer

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Allure Beauty Box April 2018 + Bonus