Unboxing Beauty

This month’s Sephora Play! theme is “The It Crowd“, focusing on new, trendsetting products that all the cool kids have!  HA!

What is Sephora Play!?  Play! is a monthly subscription box that is $10.00 a month + any taxes and it looks like your subscription will be counted towards your Beauty Insider points as well

What will be in Play!  A monthly box of deluxe samples, along with an exclusive PLAY! BOOK — packed with helpful advice — and a PLAY! PASS to redeem in store for a free one-on-one learning session with a beauty expert. The six product samples in your PLAY! by SEPHORA box are from the same prestige brands we carry in store and online, and they are sized to use multiple times.  For a limited time, show your current PLAY! PASS when purchasing items in store to receive 50 bonus points each month.

Click here to sign up now to be waitlisted  ~ it looks like earlier waitlisted members are getting invited!  yeah!

08 April 2016: The It Crowd

Play! always includes really nice booklet, explaining all of the products plus some beauty hacks too.  It also contained a card that if you purchase something at Sephora’s store (in-store, not online), you will get an additional 50 points on your Sephora Beauty Insider account 🙂

Box Revealed!

 

Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien  The satin lip pencils from Nars are named from parks and gardens around the globe and Rikugien is from the Rikugi-en metropolian park in Tokyo, Japan.  If you are a beauty insider, you probably recognize this from a couple of years ago ~ it was one of the Nars pencils in our birthday gift!  I really like this color ~ it is described as a rose pink, but I find it to be a bit more brownish rose pink than a bright rose pink ~ it is my lips but better shade and is a nice sheer, but buildable shade.  It has a good satin finish to it, applies easily as it is a creamy formula, but it doesn’t have long lasting staying power.  However, nothing lasts long on my lips, so that does not bother me too much.  This is almost full sized ~ full size is .07 oz and this is .05 oz  RV $18.57

Description:   The Satin Lip Pencil dresses up lips in statement shades that seduce with rich, color-bright pigments, while drenching them in decadent moisture. This modern, long-wearing, vitamin-enriched formula for lips looks sumptuously saturated and dramatically defined.

• Pomegranate Fruit Extract and Vitamin E: Make lips feel nourished, pampered, and protected.
• Collagen Prepetides and Hyaluronic Acid Complex: Helps lips look plumper and more hydrated.
  

Ingredients:  Diisostearyl Malate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polyethylene, Bis-Hydroxyethoxypropyl Dimethicone/Ipdi Copolymer Ethylcarbamate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Phospholipids, Isododecane, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Dicalcium Phosphate, Punica Granatum Sterols, Propylene Carbonate, Hyaluronic Acid, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Tocopherol, Lecithin, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tripeptide-29, Citric Acid; May Contain: Mica, Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Ci 77491 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77492 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77499 (Iron Oxides), Ci 19140 (Yellow 5 Lake), Ci 15985 (Yellow 6 Lake), Ci 47005 (Yellow 10 Lake), Ci 42090 (Blue 1 Lake), Ci 15850 (Red 6), Ci 15850 (Red 7 Lake), Ci 45380 (Red 22 Lake), Ci 45410 (Red 28 Lake), Ci 73360 (Red 30), Ci 75470 (Carmine), Ci 77163 (Bismuth Oxychloride), Ci 77742 (Manganese Violet).

Sephora Collection Colorful Cheek Ink Gel  in 01 Peony   This is a light pink gel that is supposed to be buildable in its formula and long wearing.  Let’s get this out of the way ~ the color payoff is horrible.  When I dabbed it on my skin, it looked promising ~ a pinkish-lavender shade but then as I blended it out ~ it disappeared ~ my hand was very moisturized, however.  I added another layer, then another.  What you see in the photo above is 3 layers.  It looks like it is a glossy blush, but it isn’t ~ that was freshly applied ~ it will dry down so there isn’t that sheen.  But this color just failed as a buildable product ~ or maybe my skin tone is too dark for it?  I am pretty pale, so I don’t know.  I wonder if the Dahila, which is a warm berry and looks VERY dark on the website, would have been more pigmented and buildable?  I don’t like this product for several reasons ~ it is too translucent, not buildable and it is a gel blush.  I like powder blushes and if I was to go with a product like this, I prefer e.l.f. HD Blush ~ now those are pigmented and a little goes a long way!   Deluxe Size 10 g RV $7.37

Description:  A translucent, long-wearing, buildable gel stain that gives skin a natural flushed look. This non-sticky gel blush stain gives skin a pop of color that lasts. Infused with hibiscus extract, the formula leaves skin looking fresh for hours. Colors are sheer when first applied to skin, allowing you to build color for more intensity. A little goes a long way so you get maximum uses from a single tube.  This product does not contain parabens and it is not tested on animals.

Ingredients: Water, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Styrene/Acrylamide Copolymer , Carbomer , Parfum (Fragrance), Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Polyurethane-58, Limonene, Benzoic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Tropolone , Hydroxycitronellal, Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, Citronellol, Sodium Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Hexylene Glycol, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate. (+/-) : CI 15985 (Yellow 6), CI 16035 (Red 40), CI 17200 (Red 33), CI 19140 (Yellow 5), CI 42090 (Blue 1).

 

Clinique L Pep-Start Eye Cream   I am now obsessed with eye creams and this one seems to have good reviews~ This is an instant brightening and hydrating eye cream and it contains peptides to help with fine lines and wrinkles.  It is very light weight and absorbs quickly into my skin.  I do notice that it helps with some puffiness and helps plump up the line lines and wrinkles.  I think this is more of an essence for me than a deeply moisturizing eye cream, but I am stating to layer my eye creams now (my eye area is getting more line lines and wrinkles than the rest of my face).  First a light weight eye cream or essence and then a more moisturizing eye cream.  Hey, I layer my facial products, why not my eye skincare products? Sample Size .1 oz RV $5.30

Description: This lightweight eye cream provides a rush of hydration and instant brightening so you look and feel refreshed, wide awake, and ready for anything in as little as three seconds. Its cool touch and de-puffing tip help keep eyes looking fresh while smoothing the way for makeup. Plus, its peptides help support natural collagen reserves that can be threatened by stress, fatigue, and lack of sleep—the tell-tale signs of your busy life. This product is ophthalmologist tested and ideal for all skin types. The oil-free formula works under and over makeup.

 

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Squalane, Cetyl Esters, Dimethicone, Methyl Gluceth-20, Polyethylene, Glycereth-26, Polybutene, Sucrose, Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract, Sigesbeckia Orientalis (St. Paul’s Wort) Extract, Algae Extract, Molasses Extract\Saccharum Officinarume, Sapindus Mukurossi Fruit Extract, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Whey Protein\Lactis Protein, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2, Caffeine, Phytosphingosine, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Yeast Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Protein, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Sucrose Stearate, Caprylyl Glycol, PEG-8, Sodium Hyaluronate, Simethicone, Polysorbate 20, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Dextran, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)  cosDNA.com analysis

 

Milk Makeup Sunshine Oil    Milk Makeup is a new up and coming brand ~ I received a sample of their lipstick in one of my recent Birchboxes.  Milk Makeup is an eco-conscious and innovative brand that uses quality ingredients ~ paraben free, sulfate free, phthalate free, vegan and cruelty free, they design multi-use products.   This is a moisturizing oil that can be used not only on your face, but your body, cuticles and as a hair oil.  The scent is delightful ~ bright citrus with grapefruit, lemon and tangerines.  The scent alone makes me wish this was a perfume instead of an oil! It is highly moisturizing and when I sampled it, my skin felt more smooth and supple.  The only downside for me is that on my skin, it had a dewy satin finish to my skin ~ which on my oily skin, is not a look I am going for. However, if you have dry skin or you like the dewy look, this is really nice.  I will use this as a hair oil as it smells so darn good!!  Sample Size .1 oz  RV $7.60

Description: Smooth on essential moisturization and brightness with Sunshine Oil. It’s enriched with a blend of mostly natural fragrance and essential oils, including grapeseed, avocado, grapefruit peel, tangerine peel, mandarin, and lemon peel, for supreme hydration.

Ingredients: Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lecithin, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance cosDNA.com analysis

 

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment   I have a sample size of Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream and once I am in-between product reviews (which will be at the beginning of May), I am going to try both of these together.  I have heard a lot of great things about Sunday Riley but in a way I hope I do not fall in love with this item.  The full size of this product is 105.00!! Why are Sunday Riley’s products SO expensive??   I want to try the Luna Sleeping Night Oil as well (Sephora, make a discovery kit, please!)  This is a multi-tasking lactic acid (5%) treatment and will help reduce the appearance of hyper-pigmentation, uneven skin tone and texture, wrinkles and dull skin. 

• Purified Grade, Unneutralized Lactic Acid 5%: Brightens hyperpigmentation, plumps the look of lines, and supports healthy, natural collagen; exfoliates dead skin cells, which encourages clear skin, and may help to prevent future breakouts.
• Licorice (Glycyrrhiza Glabra): Naturally brightens the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
• Lemongrass: Helps boost radiance.
• Aloe: Helps soothe the skin.

This product is cruelty free and free of parabens, sulfates and phthalates.  I will do a mini review of the two Sunday Riley products in May.  Sample Size 10 mL  RV $35.00

Description: This high potency, purified grade lactic acid instantly corrects dullness, plumps the look of lines, and exfoliates the skin. With continued use, the appearance of stubborn hyperpigmentation, imperfections, and the visible signs of aging are reduced for a healthy-looking complexion. Enhanced with licorice for brightening, Good Genes helps to clarify for immediate, smooth radiance. It can be applied under foundation for even application and a non-oily finish.

Ingredients: Opuntia Tuna Fruit (Prickly Pear) Extract, Agave Tequilana Leaf (Blue Agave) Extract, Cypripedium Pubescens (Lady’s Slipper Orchid) Extract, Opuntia Vulgaris (Cactus) Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract & Saccharomyses Cerevisiae (Yeast) Extract, Lactic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone, PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer, Stearic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol And Ceteareth20, Glyceryl Stearate And PEG-100 Stearate, Arnica Montana (Flower) Extract, PEG-75 Meadowfoam Oil, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Oil, Triethanolamine, Xantham Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Steareth-20, DMDM Hydantoin cosDNA.com analysis

 

Derek Lam 10 Crosby 2am Kiss  Yeah!  Not to jinx it, but it looks like Sephora is learning to mix it up with their perfumes ~ there was a long strength of rose, floral scents and the last few months have been great.  This is an amazing scent ~ warm  sweet caramel with the deep musky tones of amber.  Sexy as hell. Love it!  And this perfume is very long lasting ~ I put it on in the morning and it is still going strong in the evening.  This is going in my LOVES at my Sephora account for sure!   Sample Size  .04 oz (?)  RV $2.25

Description: Crosby Street, late night. Empty street. A beautiful, passionate, all-encompassing kiss. Salty caramel wrapped in a rich crystalized amber—irresistible and slightly intoxicating and absolutely addictive. “There are so many great moments when I see a girl walking down the street and she’s super stylish and very inspiring. Crosby Street is so unique—it’s one of my favorite in New York City.”—Derek Lam

Notes: Salty Caramel, Crystalized Amber.  Style: Rich. Passionate. Irresistible.

 

 

I really liked this month’s box from Sephora Play!  Lots of new items ~ Milk’s oil is heaven for citrus fans, Sunday Riley lactic acid treatment is going to be fun to use and omg ~ the Derek Lam 10 Crosby perfume is FANASTIC!!  I wish they had picked a different shade in the Nars lip pencil, as many of us received it in the birthday gift, but at least it is a nice neutral shade and very wearable.  The cheek gel is the only epic fail in this box for me ~ no color payoff at all.  I paid $10.00 + sales tax (so it was still under $10.50 or something like that) and I received a RV of over $76.00.  WOW.  I think this is the highest value on a box yet ~ thanks Sunday Riley!! ahaha   And these boxes do contribute to Sephora’s points system, so every month, an additional 10 points, plus there is always a 50 point card in each box ~ just go down to a Sephora store and redeem.  Sometimes, I just get a small item, and that + the card = over 50 points!

Did you get this month’s Sephora Play! Box?  What did you think of it and what was your favorite item?   Waitlisted folks are coming off the waitlist!!  I have heard from several people that Sephora has invited them, so good news ~ it looks like after 8 months, they are finally opening it up.

 [ descriptions in italics from linked product page ]

[ this blog post contains affiliate links ]