December 2023 Allure Beauty Box

There’s a lot to love about this time of year, but the way winter can dry out my skin and hair is not on the list. It’s time to call in the reinforcements: Beloved moisturizers, trusty hair and face masks, and a favorite little tube of highlighter that always helps me fake a glow when my complexion just isn’t having it. Inside your December Beauty Box, you’ll find formulas our editors use to boost hydration and radiance all winter long, and Allure Best of Beauty Award winners. Whether you squeeze these into a busy routine or spend some extra time at home luxuriating with them, we hope you’ll find everything you need to shine bright this month. — Elizabeth Siegel, Allure Deputy Beauty Director

New Member Gift: Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Cream Blush (full size)

Why you’ll love it: Fenty’s cream blush creates natural-looking dewy finish, and it’s super easy to apply and blend out with your fingers.

How you’ll use it: The cream is light but buildable, so you can tap a little onto your cheeks with your fingers and blend it out for a sheer flush, or add a little more if you’d like more color. Since the blush is meant to be a multitasking product, you can also dab a dot on your eyelids for an easy multichromatic look.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (full size)

Why you’ll love it: Elemis’s moisturizer takes a Hippocratic approach to skin care: Do no harm. It delivers smoother, softer skin without irritation or (our beauty pet peeve) pilling. It works so well because of its low-key but highly effective blend of moisturizers and emollients, like glycerin and dimethicone. And it’s got just a trace of a soft floral scent — rose and mimosa.

How you’ll use it: Slather a thick layer over a treatment product before bed and apply a thin layer under sunscreen and makeup in the morning. You won’t see a single pesky pill.

Pixi +Rose Radiance Perfector (full size)

Why you’ll love it: If you’re after an illuminator that doesn’t scream, “I’m wearing highlighter!” look no further. Inside this pink-and-green tube is an Allure Best of Beauty winner: The sheer, easy-to-blend liquid has a soft rose tint that brightens the high points of the face and a pearlescent finish that catches the light to make skin glow without looking made-up.

How you’ll use it: This liquid is more versatile than a traditional highlighter: You can blend a little over your cheeks for a pretty, dewy flush; use it as a primer and top it with foundation for a super-subtle glow; or tap it onto the high points of your face (cheekbones, bridge of the nose, chin) for a soft take on highlighter.

Billie Razor Starter Kit In Cool Blue (full size)

Why you’ll love it: One editor with ultrasensitive skin says this Allure Best of Beauty winner is the rare razor that gives her a smooth shave without bumps or irritation — something we can all appreciate as winter zaps skin of moisture. The unusually cute handle, with a minimalist aesthetic, is easy to grip on its rubber back.

How you’ll use it: Stick the magnetic holder onto a clean, dry shower wall so you can hang up the razor between uses — a great way to store it to help keep the blades sharp and clean. It also comes with an extra blade.

Maria Nila Head & Hair Heal Booster Mask (full size)

Why you’ll love it: Winter isn’t exactly kind to hair: It can make strands duller and staticky, and cute sweaters can cause knots. But this rich, floral-scented hair mask with shea butter smooths frizz, gives a boost in the shine department, and makes detangling easier. It even soothes itchy scalps with aloe.

How you’ll use it: After rinsing out your shampoo, spread a generous dollop over your hair, and let it sit for about three minutes before rinsing.

Bl’eau Clay Mask

Why you’ll love it: Cozying up inside on a cold night with a good book or show and a face mask turns an average evening into a relaxing one. You will receive one of four clay face masks — Nourishing Spirulina, Illuminating Seaweed, Glacial Oceanic, or Revitalizing Algae — and each helps make skin smoother and softer.

How you’ll use it: Apply a thin layer, avoiding the eye area, for 5 to 10 minutes. The mask isn’t gunky or drying, so it’s comfortable to wear, and rinses off easily.

Heritage Store Rosewater & Glycerin Hydrating Facial Mist (full size)

Why you’ll love it: Like mascara and coffee, this unassuming pink bottle is a staple at makeup artists’ stations during fashion week and on shoots. The three-ingredient facial mist preps skin and sets makeup for the natural-looking dewiness we’re all chasing come December.

How you’ll use it: Mist it over your usual skin care or on top of makeup, or spray a little onto a makeup sponge for blending in your base.

Rael Miracle Patch Invisible Spot Cover

Why you’ll love it: Hydrocolloid patches like Rael’s are the closest thing you can get to a vacuum for pimples. These clear, matte patches won’t slip or slide as they grab oil from blemishes, shrinking them throughout the afternoon or overnight.

How you’ll use it: Stick one onto a burgeoning pimple and peel it off four to eight hours later, or leave it on overnight.