Allure Summer 2014 Must-Haves Beauty Box

The Box: Allure Beauty Box

The Cost: $44.95 + shipping and tax

The Goods: A selection of must-have beauty products.  This one is no longer available, but Allure has them 2-3 times a year.

I was surprised how light the box was compared to last summer's.  When I opened it, I realized that it was probably because they used a LOT less packing in this one.

Aloxxi Flexible Hairspray: ($15.99)  My grandmother was in the hospital for 16 days a couple weeks ago.  My aunt came down to sit with her but she forgot all her hair fix'n supplies, so I gave her this.  The woman probably goes through a can of hairspray a week.

Big Sexy Hair Get Layered Hairspray: ($17.95)  When my box came I had no layers and no need for this.  Now I have layers, so I'll have to try this out!

Burt's Bees Even-Tone Moisturizing Cream: ($19.99)  I don't really have an uneven skin tone, but I love pretty much all things Burt's Bees.

Cargo Cosmetics Essential Lip Gloss: ($16)  I don't really find anything that special about this gloss.  The color isn't very noticeable but at least the gloss isn't sticky.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths: ($7.49)  I use cleansing cloths regularly, so I'm always happy to have more.  These aren't drying at all but do a decent job removing makeup.

Developlus Anti-Aging Hair Treatment System:  Hmm...I don't think I've yet hit the point where I feel like my hair needs to look more youthful.

Dove Purely Pampering Body Wash: ($7.79)  Pistachio and Magnolia is not a scent I would have expected to like, but I do.  We have an abundance of body wash so I'm hoping that this will lather enough to make a bubble bath.

Flower Nail'd It Nail Lacquer - I Lavendare You!: ($4.98)  The only reason I haven't tried anything from the Flower brand is that I loathe Walmart.  I'm glad to finally get to try it and I love this pale purple color.

GK Hair ThermalStyleHer: ($19)  I've had a hard time finding a heat protecting product that works without making my hair look greasy or heavy.  Hopefully this one will fit the bill.

It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream - Medium: ($38) Sadly, this is much too dark for my skin tone.  Oh, the woes of having vampire-skin.

Neutrogena Moisture Smooth Color Stick - Bright Berry: ($8.49)  The color lives up to its name - it's definitely bright but it doesn't make me feel like a clown.  It also feels nice on the lips and smells delicious.

Neutrogena UltraSheer Face & Body Stick Sunscreen: ($9.99) J totally thought this was deodorant.  I go through a tremendous amount of sunscreen every summer, so this was actually one of the items I was most excited about.

Not Your Mother's Intensive Hair Unit Renewal Treatment: ($7.99)  J recently discovered how awesome hair masks and deep conditioners are.  Needless to say, this will definitely be used.

One 'N Only Argan Oil Cream-to-Serum Styler: ($9.99)  Okay, so I get products that are cream-to-powder and things like that, but are creams and serums so completely different that you can tell when one changes into the other?

Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Heat Protect Spray: ($23)  I don't know if I have been using this wrong or what, but I am not a fan.  It seems like the sections I use this on wind up feeling drier, rougher and more damaged.

Pureology Fresh Approach Dry Conditioner: ($24)  I'm not sure if it's really helped or not, but I used this the last time I used dry shampoo and it seemed to make my hair softer.

Redken Mess Around 10 Disrupting Cream-Paste: ($16)  My hair is too long for this to really be helpful.  Maybe J can use it?

Rembrandt Deeply White Toothpaste: ($6.99)  This exploded everywhere when I first opened it.  I haven't used it long enough to notice any whitening effects, but I have to say...you can certainly taste the peroxide in this.

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara: ($5.99)  I've already got about four tubes of mascara open so I haven't opened this yet.

Rusk Freezing Spray: ($19)  I really need to amp up my hairspray usage.  I'm pretty sure I still have a bottle left from the last Allure box I got. 

Sally Hansen Triple Shine Nail Color and Top Coat - Statemint: ($4.99 ea)  I can easily say this color is unlike anything I have.  It's not a color I would have chosen for myself but I can probably come up with some nail art using it.

Softsoap Sea Kissed Exfoliating Body Wash: ($5.49)  I feel like I've smelled a hundred body washes with this same scent.  It's not terrible, but it's not unique.

TanTowel Classic Self-Tan Towelettes: ($12)  I don't do self tanners but I know several people who do, so I can easily find someone to hand these off to.

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara: ($20)  Here again, too many mascaras, too little time.

Total Value:  Over $326

 I know, I know - I'm super late with this review.  I'm already anxiously awaiting the Fall box now!  Last year it went on sale in late July, so maybe the time will fly by.  (Hopefully the launch will go more smoothly than this one did.)

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