Allure’s Beauty Box vs. Play! by Sephora.  Both offer subscription services, Play! by Sephora is $10, while Allure’s Beauty Box is $15.  And I’m a lucky girl that subscribes to both!  But which one is better?  And is the better deal?

Here revealed, is my unboxing of both, reviews, along with links to the full size product!

 

Play! by Sephora Beauty Box

Makeup Forever Artist Eye Shadow in Pink Granite, $21

Makeup Forever charges $21 for 1 eyeshadow?  That’s crazy.  And something that’s named Pink Granite, I would assume would be pink.  But it’s actually a shimmery brown shade.  There are people who are going to disagree with me, but to me all eye shadows are more or less the same.  My Grade: B

 

Lancome Energie De Vie The Smoothing & glow Boosting Liquid Care, 1.7 oz, $55

This is perhaps one of those high end splurges that are worth it!  According to its instructions, you’re supposed to put it on twice a day.  I put it on like a night cream, & woke up the next morning with super soft skin!  This is great stuff!  My Grade: A

 

Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm, 0.5 oz, $68

It really surprises me sometimes the value of some of the products that come in these boxes!  At first glance, most of these samples don’t seem like much because they’re so small.  I do get some bags under my eyes when I don’t sleep well, so I figured why not give it a shot?  I haven’t hit the age yet where I’d be getting crow’s feet, so I can’t give feedback on that.  I did try this on a night when I wasn’t well rested, & I didn’t see any under eye bags in the morning.  Not bad for what it’s worth, but you could also find good eye creams for cheaper.  My Grade: B

 

Sephora Collection’s Contour Eye Pencil 12 HR Wear, $10

This is actually a creamy metallic eyeliner.  After putting it on, I noticed that it’s smudge proof.  I wouldn’t say it’s completely waterproof, but it does stay on pretty well.  In terms of color, I would say it’s not really for me.  On the pro side, I do like the fact that you don’t need to sharpen this pencil!  All in all, it’s an OK eyeliner.  My Grade: B

 

Urban Decay’s Perversion Mascara, Travel size, $10

I was excited to try this because usually I love Urban Decay; and honestly I was not impressed.  This was not waterproof, nor volumizing.  It was sticky, clumpy, & smudged.  I have tried lots of mascaras, both drugstore brands & high end, & this was disappointing.  Would not recommend this to anyone.  My Grade: D

 

Clean Reserve Warm Cotton Eau de Parfum, 0.34 oz, $25

I haven’t tried anything by Clean, so I was curious when I saw this.  And when I review perfume, I usually give it a grade on whether it’s something I like & would buy, instead of quality.  (I think these samples are too small to judge on quality).  This smells like floral scented laundry detergent.  Sorry, I won’t be spending money to smell like my laundry.  Verdict: I’ll pass

 

The Allure’s Beauty Box

 

Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II, 1 oz for $62

I think I may have tried this before; my mom is an avid lover of Estee Lauder, & would give me some of their skincare products when I was younger.  This is basically a thick serum; I put it on before going to bed & my skin was softer in the morning.  It is a bit pricey for how much you get for an ounce, but here’s what I think based strictly on my experience.  My Grade: B

 

Clinique’s Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm, $17

This is interesting.  For whatever reason I haven’t tried Clinique‘s products in ages.  It’s not a lipstick; it’s a tinted lip balm.  I’m also not used to them; but I guess it’s nice to have something with color & moisturizes as well.  It’s ok, I guess.  My Grade: B

 

La Mer’s Moisturizing Soft Cream, 0.5 oz, $85

I got a sample of La Mer?  I knew that La Mer is expensive stuff, & half an ounce is $85!  I was excited & eager to try it & see if it was worth all the hype.  I put it on, & honestly was disappointed.  It feels like a very basic night cream that’s not oily.  I’ve tried night creams that cost only a fraction of the price & far outperform this baby.  My face didn’t feel any tighter in the morning.  A favorite of mine is the Botanics Triple Age Renewal Night Cream which only costs $15!!  Save your money on this, & get that instead.  Here’s my grade based on the quality of the product, not the price.  My Grade: B-, but I’m going to pass.  

 

GlamGlow’s Super Mud Clearing Mask, 1.2 oz, $70

I had heard of GlamGlow, but haven’t tried any of their products.  Apparently this is 1 of their more popular ones.  A clearing mud mask that’s supposed to be left on for 5-20 min, but literally a minute after I put it on, it started a burning sensation on my skin!  I guess I have sensitive skin.  I couldn’t bear to leave it on for the whole time; god forbid I should be left with a red swollen face.  My Verdict:  I’ll pass

 

Smashbox’s Photo Finish Primer, 1 oz, $36

I have tried Smashbox’s Photo Finish Primer before, & it has gotten lots of rave reviews.  For me personally, it feels like a greasy gel on my face.  I don’t know but I constantly get samples of the stuff from Ulta.  My Verdict: I’ll pass

Perfume bonus!  This came separately in a different package; & a nice surprise!  Sometimes Allure will include something extra; last month they included an invitation to get a free cushion foundation by Bobbi Brown at Nordstrom!  This box is so pretty I’m afraid to even open it!

The downside to subscription boxes:  They will send you products that you have never heard of, thought of trying; or sometimes have no flat out interest in.  One time I got bronzer serum from Sephora.  Bronzer serum?  Really?  There are times when I don’t want them & I end up just giving them away.  

So which one is the better deal?  If I had to tell you which one is the better deal for your money, Allure Beauty Box is the better deal.  Allure’s Beauty Box is usually a mix of high end & drugstore samples; & the drugstore ones tend to lean towards full size, vs. Sephora which offers these tiny little things.  One box Allure featured a box of CoverGirl products, & they were all full sized!

In all honesty, I have a personal preference for Play! by Sephora.  I love a lot of the brands sold there, so to receive their beauty box feels like an insider bonus to me!

 

 

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