Allure special projects editor and self-proclaimed creature of habit, Megan Salerno, challenges herself to snap out of her beauty rut with an Allure Beauty Box subscription. Come back monthly to find out how she uses the items in the box, which earn a permanent place in her cosmetics bag, and the ones that don’t quite make the cut.
From my original post, you could probably tell that I entered this challenge as a skeptic, but with the the November Allure Beauty Box behind me, I have to admit that I am pleasantly surprised. At first glance, you'd notice I’m still puckering up with my three variations of red lipstick and donning my signature cat-eye. But the changes to my routine have actually been drastic. Could it be that I’m not as stubborn as I thought I was? Or are the Allure Beauty Box products just that good? Here’s how the month of November is shaping up for me.
Klorane Shampoo with Essential Olive Extract
Verdict: It’s a keeper.
Bonvivant Botanical Mask
Verdict: I don’t see myself using this product the recommended three times a week; however, I’d like to keep a few packets on reserve for when my skin needs an emergency hydration boost.
Red Flower Icelandic Moonflower Moisturizing Body Lotion
Verdict: This one gets a resounding “yes!” I bought the full-sized bottle, and with the promo code on the sample, I received a free full-sized purifying body wash with my purchase. (As an added bonus, I now smell like a ladylike bouquet, not a newborn infant.)
Bulgari Omnia Crystalline
Verdict: Still out! The scent certainly grew on me over the past few weeks, but I’m still deciding if I want to make the investment for myself. On the other hand, I can think of at least one person on my holiday list who will be receiving this as a gift from me, but I won’t spoil the surprise.
Some other holiday beauty news you might want to know about:
- Here's Every Single Piece in the M.A.C. Nutcracker Holiday Collection
- Count Down to the Holidays With Beauty Advent Calendars
- The Best Holiday Makeup Palettes of 2016
Seche Premier Color in Refined and Goddess
While the November Allure Beauty box may have lacked a vivid eyeshadow or a statement-making lip shade, it supplied two bold nail polishes—a flirtatious red and a pearly metallic. An at-home manicure was simply out of the question after a nail-biting election night and its aftermath. On the other hand, my pastel-painted toes were practically screaming for a pedicure. Since I couldn't decide which shade suited my mood, I ended up using both, painting my first two toes red and the other little piggies burnished bronze. The deep crimson is currently poking through my peep-toe pumps, but when I kick them off, my festive two-toned toes show that I’m ready for the dance floor.
Verdict: My next experiment with these two colors will be a Paintbox-inspired, holiday-themed design. Whether it ends up being Instragram-worthy or a Pinterest Fail, only time will tell.
Eyeko Eye Do Liquid Liner
Verdict: My sworn allegiance to M.A.C. Liquid Liner has been tested, but I am not ready to discard it entirely. I’ll continue to use it to draw the line along my lashes, then switch to the Eyeko version for that perfect tapered wing.
Avene Hydrance Optimale Riche
In my twenties, it never quite sunk in that I’d get old. In my thirties, it’s reality. (Millennials, even you will age!) I’ve been using La Mer Crème de la Mer Moisturizing Cream every evening to soften the fine lines that an overly expressive face leaves behind. Its far too thick and creamy for morning, so I’ve been searching high and low for an a.m. lotion that will layer happily under makeup. When I received this Avene hydrating cream in the November box and read the packaging—hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, apply morning or evening, check, check, check—I was hopeful I’d found the one. Unfortunately, since I have oily skin and a lightweight, watery foundation, it just did not sit right. Although it may absorb quick enough on a dryer complexion, it left mine too slick for immediate makeup.
Verdict: Better luck next time?
So there you have it. The results of my November Allure Beauty Box challenge. Check back next month as I swipe, sample, and swab my way through another thirty days.
Here's how Allure does party makeup:
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