Hey Scarlet’s
Sometimes being a working mom and blogger can become a bit overwhelming, so once again I apologize for not being consistent. Either way, I thought instead of doing the usual unboxings I will instead “unbox” the subscriptions on Instagram or Instagram stories, then once I’ve had a chance to actually use the products I can do a review of the box on my blog instead. If this is not something that interests you let me know what you prefer by leaving a comment. But let’s get into the Allure Box for July 2018.
Allure Beauty Box July 2018
Ok so I keep meaning to cancel this box then every month they get me with something. This month I checked the sneak peek and saw that the Sunday Riley Luna oil was in the box, I had to have it. I genuinely thought the Kat von D box would be my last but clearly not. I ask myself every day why I have to be such a sucker. So let’s start there
Sunday Riley Luna oil – Retail $70 for 15ml
First off after the C.E.O serum, I received in the January box, I wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity to try another Sunday Riley product. Plus the Luna oil has been all over youtube and being the sceptic that I am, I had to try it. According to Sephora
Luna works throughout the night to deliver more visibly youthful, luminous, even-toned skin in the morning. Trans-retinoic acid ester (retinol) complex reduces the appearance of pores and wrinkles, while visibly improving the signs of premature ageing, including fine lines, uneven texture, age spots, dryness, and dullness.
I haven’t been using it long enough to have my “wrinkles” (apparently I don’t have any and it’s all in my head) erased, but what I can tell you is the moisture levels in my skin has definitely improved. Refined pores etc.
I believe it will take at least a month before I can see any kind of difference. Just be warned it smells like oil, like castor oil to be exact. If you’re coloured (South African mixed race) you know when your tummy was upset as a kid, you were told about how you have “Vuilmag” aka “dirty stomach” and then you were fed castor oil and orange. It still gives me chills thinking about it. So if you have those memories and don’t want to relive them, don’t use this oil lol.
Ouai Leave In Conditioner – Retail $26 for 140ml
If you haven’t yet heard of Ouai and call yourself a beauty fanatic or makeup lover, just stop it. This brand has been hyped up on the internet for so long. I was supposed to have received the texturing spray from Ipsy and Aramex advised me that they couldn’t ship the package.
I simply asked them to remove that 1 item and ship the rest so I haven’t tried that out. This is officially my first product from the brand. Wow, this smells so beautiful! I would definitely pay the $26 for the scent alone. I personally don’t feel like it weighs my hair down when I use it, but it does do that to my daughter’s hair. Her hair is much thinner than mine, but we both have curly dry hair.
This leave in makes your hair instantly soft and smooth. From the very first use, I felt it. I will have to keep an eye out for improvement over time though.
Derma E Sun Protection Mineral Powder SPF 30 – Retail $21 for 40g
New DERMA E Sun Protection Mineral Powder SPF 30 (collaboration with Makeup Guru & Instagram Influencer Ash Deleon @iheartmakeupart!). This translucent non-nano mineral powder can be worn on its own or over makeup for a natural, flawless look. Reapply every 2 hours for all day sun protection.
I honestly didn’t know it was a collaboration until I went searching for the link lol. Translucent natural finish, nope. If you have dry skin I don’t believe it is natural. Also if you are going to use this to set your foundation, choose a different powder. This caked up so badly on me. I used skindinavia as well as Mac Fix+ to set it. It’s just too much. I think I have to try it with a powder kabuki and really buff it in, but otherwise, I don’t like this powder at all. Sorry.
Doucce Ultra Precision Eyeliner in Blue – Retail $22
This pencil is so smooth and very pigmented. I think I am actually going to be using it a lot this Summer. The price, however, is way up there but I can understand why. I Don’t think this picture does the creaminess any justice. My thing though is it is not long lasting but I have no problem setting it with a matching eyeshadow. On me it only lasted about 3 hours then it faded but that could just be me.
Feel Harmony Rose Petal Facial Mask – Retail $55 for 100ml
Ok, I am going to be a little unfair here. I despise the smell of this mask and for that reason, I couldn’t use it a second time. Yes, I did try it and it’s so cool that it comes with the little screw top so you can use it I guesstimate about 3-4 times at least. So super points for that but this fragrance is just ewwww.
I didn’t even take note of the effect on my skin I was so distracted. What I do know is that it did leave my skin feeling softer, but I am gifting it to a friend of mine hopefully she can give us the full run down.
Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil– Retail $23 full size
It is always awesome to receive the higher end products. Even though this is just a sample I don’t mind it because I know I very rarely use up a lip liner or even eyeliner for that matter. I have way too many options to not finish it. My only gripe is that I received a red line, and I prefer either very vibrant lips or very nude/ natural type shades. I will, however, say that I do like this shade of red.
This formula like the Doucce is very creamy. It glides on with no skipping or grabbing on the skin. Longevity is not too bad but I eat a lot of crap so for me to say it doesn’t last is a very unfair statement.
Because in the morning I have coffee and a muffin. Unfortunately the one day I did wear this to the office I ended up putting a lip balm on over it by mistake, so it obviously didn’t last at all. To me, it’s genuinely is a lip liner like any other.
The Organic Pharmacy Antioxidant Lip Balm – Retail $22 full size
Firstly $22 for a lip balm, I expected this balm to detect the dryness on my lips and then jump out of the tube and apply itself. It didn’t do that. What’s more is it’s kinda grainy feeling when you first apply it. My things are, that it definitely doesn’t leave your lips tacky or sticky feeling, but the moisture doesn’t last long. Once this is absorbed that’s it, you have to re-apply.
I have had better performance from the new Vaseline aloe scent. Does it keep your lips soft and smooth yes, but only while you can feel it on there. If that makes any sense.
Olay Regenerist Whip Facial Moisturizer – Retail $28.99 full size
I can’t seem to find this product in South Africa, sorry. The only Regenerist product I can find at clicks is the Regenerist Super Anti-Ageing Cream Moisturiser. But this moisturizer is a sample and since I don’t have deep wrinkles I don’t know if I will actually see a difference in my skin. However, it is so lightweight I am actually enjoying it and very disappointed that it’s not readily available here.
It leaves my skin so soft and supple and smells just like the olay my mom used to use which is such a nostalgic fragrance to me. If I could find it here I would certainly purchase the full size.
So that’s all folks. Let me know if you would get this box? Do you think it’s worth the $15 and R200 shipping from Aramex?
Sometimes we get such awesome items and other month’s it’s like why do I even waste my time.
If you’re currently working on or are planning on working on your summer body, check out this post for a little help, you’re welcome!
*PS* I am so unsure but I have paused it for the August box. I will probably resume my subscription again in Septemeber because from the spoilers I saw there will be a drunk elephant product.
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