Allure Beauty Thrills Box (formerly Allure Beauty Box) Review, Spring 2015

This post is a testament to the power of stalking.  I was starting to think the Allure Beauty Box (as it was formerly called) was pretty much a hoax.  Allure typically made a big social media splash about the upcoming box with an announcement telling buyers where to go and exactly what time the boxes would go on sale. Judging from the chatter on their Facebook page, I could visualize thousands of people with fingers poised above their keyboards as Allure's countdown clock ticked its way down to zero.

For the past two years, I was one of that obsessed horde.  The results never varied....I would click through to make the purchase the INSTANT it was available, only to have the site crash or receive the inevitable message that the box was sold out. One could spend several hours waiting for the site to come back up or more product to be added. The howls of complaint resonated loud and long. Everyone was angry and frustrated that the Allure boxes were apparently selling out in a matter of seconds...or worse, were never available to begin with. There were lots of apologies from Allure about limited product and the maddening site mess. Rampant speculation centered on how one could actually score a box outside conventional means and annoyance that some, particularly certain privileged vloggers and bloggers (definitely not me!) always seemed to get a box.

Why all the fuss?  The Allure Beauty Thrills Box (as it is now known) is crammed with full size products covering almost every personal care category; hair, makeup, nails, skin, etc.  For just $44.95 plus $10 shipping, the boxes contain an enormous quantity of full size products. Photos of past box contents were astonishing and whipped up the buying frenzy to fever pitch by the time the boxes were supposedly available. 

When the Spring 2015 box was announced, I decided I'd give it one brief shot at the announced time.  If that didn't work, well, I DO have a life! After all (I told myself), how important really is a new shampoo? I don't know if the stars were aligned or if Allure saw the error of their ways but my order went through on the very first try. No drama at all!  Now here I am with the most incredible haul that has arrived on my doorstep since I began this subscription adventure several years ago.

There are TWENTY FIVE full size products in this box...not one tiny sample, miserly foil pack or skimpy trial size among them!  These are all drug store items, mostly personal care, but with a couple of cosmetics included.  A little booklet was included that gives a color photo of each item plus a brief description and manufacturer URL.

To keep this post from turning into a book, I will just show the contents and leave out the commentary.  I'm also going to make a stab at providing retail prices so we can see what this box is really worth.  (Keep in mind that retail prices will vary.)

Suave Professionals Visible Glow Self-Tanning Body Lotion, 7.5 oz. - $7.49
Suave Professionals Purifying Body Wash, Sea Mineral Infusion, 12 oz. - $4.59

Clear Scalp & Hair Active Damage Resist Conditioner, 12.7 oz. - $5.89
Clear Scalp & Hair Active Damage Resist Shampoo, 12.9 oz. - $7.36

Secret Outlast Completely Clean Clear Gel Antiperspirant/Deodorant, 1.7 oz. - $5.99
Dove Advanced Care Original Clean Anti-Perspirant, 2.6 oz. - $6.29

Colgate Optic White Toothbrush + Built-In Whitening Pen - $15.79
Colgate Optic White Platinum Express White Toothpaste, 3 oz. - $5.79

Revlon Ultra HD Lipstick, Gladiolus (875) - $8.99
Revlon Photo Ready Eye Art Lid + Line + Lash, Desert Dazzle - $8.99

derma e Anti-Wrinkle Vitamin A Glycolic Cleanser, 6 oz. - $13.75
derma e Anti-Wrinkle Vitamin A Retinyl Palmitate Creme, 4 oz. - $14.95

Pond's Rejuveness Anti-Wrinkle Cream, 7 oz. - $10.99
MD Complete Anti-Aging Even Tone & Texture Accelerator, 1.7 oz. - $34.99

Bic Soleil Glow Comfort Shield Razor - $7.99
Dickinson's Refreshingly Clean Cleansing Cloths (25 count) - $6.99

Aloxxi Lightweight Sculpting Wax, 6 oz. - $20.00
Suave Professionals Weightless Blow Dry Spray, 5 oz. - $7.24

Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Cleansing Conditioner, 8 oz. - $6.99
John Frieda Frizz Ease Nourishing Oil Elixir, 3 oz. - $11.99

Cetaphil Intensive Moisturizing Cream with Shea Butter, 3 oz. - $8.99
Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Mousse, 6 oz. - $11.99

Physician's Formula Eye Booster Instant Lash Extension Kit - $14.95

Biore Charcoal Pore Minimizer, 3.11 oz. - $9.99

Dove Go Fresh Revitalize Body Wash, Mandarin & Tiare Flower, 22 oz. - $9.09

I feel like I should be handing out prizes to anyone who is still reading at this point!  I guess your prize is seeing the incredible value of this box which, according to my calculations, is just about $268.06. Now you know why so many people turn into keyboard maniacs when Allure's Beauty Thrills box is announced!

Another nice thing about these items is that, although most of the brands are familiar, many of the products are new to the market. So it's a great opportunity to try some things you might not otherwise buy. I am hoping that the fact I finally snagged one means that Allure has worked out the technical problems and perhaps increased the number available. Guess we'll find out when the next box is announced!

Allure's site says they generally make these boxes available three times a year, in May, August and December.  Since the demand is extremely high, my best advice is to get on their mailing list and like their Facebook page (then stalk it).   I will also make an announcement on the Lone Star Shopper Facebook page when the boxes become available.

Like it or not, getting an Allure Beauty Thrills Box has become a competitive sport; you must be persistent and aggressive to score one.  I hope you've been inspired to do just that!

Cheryl

Disclosure:  Views and opinions expressed in this blog are strictly my own.  Product discussed in this post was purchased by Lone Star Shopper. Post may contain referral or affiliate links.