Unboxing Beauty

This month’s Sephora Play! theme is “The Minimalists“, focusing on products that fit the theme of “Effortless is More”:  Next-level nudes and no maintenance naturals this month, we’re paring it down for understated style that proves sometimes less really is more. Get a low-key look for summer with a game-changing hair cream, refreshingly lightweight sunscreen and more must-haves fr creating an easygoing appeal”

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

10 June 2016: The Minimalists

I am happy to report that the packaging changes that began last month are continuing on ~ products are in a pouch instead of a box, outer box is sturdier and flyer instead of a huge brochure.

Box Revealed!

Informational Card

You still get a card for 50 extra points the next time you shop at a Sephora store (not online ~ I wish they would change that)

 

tarte Tarteguard SPF 30   This is a broad spectrum sunscreen lotion and the packaging is very luxe ~ it comes in a glass bottle, so be careful not to drop it!  I love the vivid purple and orange design.  The lotion is very lightweight but moisturizing, with a classic sunscreen scent.   I found it to be too much for my already oily face, so I use this on my hands.  It is a non-chemical sunscreen that is vegan, contains no parabens and phthalates, along with being dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic. I did initially have issues pumping this out ~ it took 20 pumps before the product came out ~ so if you are not seeing any lotion initially, keep trying ~ it will eventually appear!  Sample Size .23 oz RV $4.33

Description:Protect skin from harmful rays—even on-the-go—with tarte’s first multi-tasking, antioxidant-infused daily sunscreen. The lightweight, non-sticky liquid lotion contains all-mineral, non-chemical and broad spectrum SPF 30 ingredients that help protect against the sun’s damaging UVA/UVB rays that can cause dryness, redness, dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. Recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation for daily use, the skinvigorating™ formula is also infused with maracuja, red algae, soybean, apple, and honeysuckle extracts to nourish, tone, and retain moisture while helping to combat signs of aging for a firmer, brighter, smoother appearance. The fresh, ocean’s lily scent allows for luxurious, spa-like daily applications, while the high-performance liquid emulsion seamlessly melts into skin, leaving it supremely soft and silky.

• Maracuja: An oil rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin C for firmer, brighter, and smoother skin.
• Red Algae: A natural moisturizer and emollient that revitalizes and renews for smoother, younger-looking skin.
• Soybean Extract: An antioxidant that minimizes the signs of aging.
• Apple Extract: Provides vitamins and nutrients, acting as an antioxidant and toning agent.
• Honeysuckle Extract: Provides soothing and calming benefits to the skin.
• Sodium Hyaluronate: Retains and delivers moisture for optimal hydration and a refreshed appearance.
• Vitamin E: A natural preservative that also acts as an emollient and antioxidant.

Ingredients: Water, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Diheptyl Succinate, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Propanediol, Jojoba Esters, Glycerin, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Polysorbate 20, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Alumina, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Citric Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Chlorphenesin, Fragrance, Stearic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Lonicera Japonica (HoneySuckle) Flower Extract, Algae Extract, Pseudoalteromonas Exopolysaccharides, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Salicylate, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Dehydroacetate  cosDNA.com analysis

 

Bumble and bumble Don’t Blow It  Soo…this is a hair creme for those days that I don’t want to blow dry my hair ~ which is never unless I am sick or something.  I cannot NOT blow dry my hair as it is fine, oily and straight.  With cowlicks.  I may just use this on the ends of my hair after I blow dry to see if conditions my hair or something.  I don’t know.  I love B&B products ~ their thickening spray is fantastic, but I am confused how I will incorporate this into my routine.   The instructions say to add this into my hair after I towel dry it, scrunch my hair and go.  I don’t think so ~ haha.   Maybe if I go to the beach or something and my hair is wet ~ yeah, that is how I will use it.    Sample Size .5 oz RV $3.75

Description:   A first-of-its-kind hair cream that enhances texture and body for the perfect air-dried style.  Air-dried hair is having a moment. The not-so-great thing about an air style is texture can be unpredictable and flyaways have a mind of their own. This innovative hair cream creates a more refined take on this relaxed style for great hair days—without the heat or hassle. A texture-enhancing blend of lightweight polymers boosts hair’s natural texture and adds bounce while a plant-based conditioning blend keeps hair soft and hydrated. Polymers and plant-based conditioners enhance texture and body. The blend provides a lightweight, touchable finish. UVA and UVB filters protect against the damaging effects of the sun.  For any air-drier who wants to enhance their texture. Ideal for fine to medium hair.

Ingredients: Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Opuntia Tuna Extract, Cereus Grandiflorus (Cactus) Flower Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Polyquaternium-72, Glyceryl Stearate, Amodimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Quaternium-95, Cetrimonium Chloride, Trideceth-10, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Polyester-11, Fragrance (Parfum), Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclo-hexene Carboxaldehyde, Limonene, Geraniol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Phenoxyethanol.

 

Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara I’ve used this mascara before and it is okay. I know that a lot of people rave about it, but in my  humble opinion, it is just a normal mascara.   I don’t find it to be as good as Clinique’s High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara and it does not wear well ~ it does flake off after several hours.  But it is a nice sample size and I keep these in my desk at my job, so if I need a quick touch up.  It adds some lengthening, but it doesn’t curl or volumize my lashes.  YMMV.  Sample Size .1 oz RV $8.57

Description: A lengthening mascara that curls, volumizes, lifts, and separates lashes for an “out-of-here” look.  This breakthrough bestseller reveals lashes you never knew you had! The specially designed brush features staggered bristles that grab close to the root, boosting length and volume beyond belief. The custom-domed tip uses precision bristles to lift, define, and curl even your tiniest lashes. With a glossy, jet-black, long-wearing formula, you’ll flaunt luxurious, silky lashes that won’t smudge, clump, or dry out. Go horizontal: the staggered bristles grab close to the root, boosting length and volume. Then go vertical: the custom-domed tip with precision bristles lift, define, and curl even your tiniest lashes.

Ingredients: Water, Paraffin, Polybutene, Styrene/Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Beeswax (Cera Alba), Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, C18-36 Acid Triglyceride, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Triethanolamine, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Acacia Senegal Gum, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phenoxyethanol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Laureth-12 Sulfate, Glycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Sericin, Calcium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tilia Tomentosa Bud Extract, Citric Acid, BHT, Sorbic Acid. May Contain: Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Ultramarines (CI 77007), Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288), Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI 77289), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)

Tocca Florence Perfume  I do like Tocca scents ~ they create some unusual pairings that smell really nice.  This is their floral Florence, which I cannot use due to the Jasmine.  It does sound lovely but Jasmine makes me sneeze ~ sometimes I can use the perfume if the jasmine scent is not too overpowering, but I can smell it in this one.   Oh, and I thought Florence was in Italy, not France.  It is nowhere NEAR Paris.  I am confused ~ haha   Sample Size .05 oz  RV $2.00

Description: A Parisian beauty and sophisticate, Florence conjures memories of old-world Paris. It is an alluring combination of Italian bergamot and crushed violet petals. Ivory gardenia combined with blonde wood evokes a sophisticated and feminine scent that conjures the elegance of a Parisian sophisticate

image source

Notes: Italian Bergamot, Grapefruit Leaves, Green Pear, Apple, Ivory Gardenia, Crushed Violet Petals, Jasmine, Tuberose, Blue Iris, Blonde Wood, White Musk.  Style: Sophisticated. Romantic. Feminine.

Notes: Blood Orange, Bitter Orange, Jasmine, Geranium, Amber Woods, Tonka Beans, Sandalwood.   Style: Zesty. Energizing. Playful.

 

BECCA Backlight Priming Filter  This is pretty cool and a big sample too!  I have used Becca’s powders before, but never their creams.  This is a primer, but it is luminescent and will create a soft backlit look to your face.  It will also help smooth and fill in fine lines and fine wrinkles as well.  It has a very subtle sheen to it and I will mix it with my other skin care products to help enhance those products ~ I can see myself using this under my eyes and mixing it in with eye creams.   This is not a glittery or strobe cream, but a very soft focus shimmer and you don’t look like a dew goddess either.  I am really excited about this product!  This comes in an easy pump applicator and you do not need a lot of product ~ the swatch below is one pump and it is way too much!!  Sample Size .20 oz RV $7.60

Description: A makeup primer to help blur imperfections and impart a radiant glow. Backlight Priming Filter creates a canvas for your makeup, extending its wear from day to night. Infused with three unique Filtering Luminescent Pearls, each one adds a different drop of diffused light. Blended together, they impart a one-of-a-kind, lightweight, whipped fluid that creates a smooth canvas and acts as an instant filter, while the vitamin E-enriched formula minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Backlighting acts as an instant filter, creating a diffused, soft-focused radiance that allows your complexion to catch light for a glowing look. Infused with Becca’s proprietary blend of crushed pearls, this primer achieves a lit-from-within, healthy-looking effect. Made without Parabens, Sulfates or Phthalates

• Three Unique Pearls: Create a luminescent finish while extending the wear of foundation.
• Vitamin E: Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Licorice Extract: Brightens, tones, and tightens skin.

Ingredients: Water, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Extract, Panthenol, Silica, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Iron Oxides (CI 77491)  cosDNA.com analysis

 

BareMinerals BareSkin Sheer Sun Serum Bronzer  in Bare Glow.  I normally do not like fake tan products, but in the summer time, I do like mixing my cream/liquid blushes with a bit of bronzer to add some nice color to my face ~ I like using elf HD blusher and then a liquid bronzer ~ it adds some pink-bronze color, very subtle and I use a stippling brush to apply.   This is a very light weight, watery sheer bronzer, so it is perfect for me to add to my blushes or even by itself, as it is so light.  I actually darkened the blended out swatch photo so you could see it and even then, you can barely tell I have anything on my hand.    Sample Size  .1 oz   RV $2.80

Description: With a unique, innovative bronzing formula, bareSkin Sheer Sun Serum Bronzer’s silky, sheer tint of liquid spotlights your skin with a warm glow. The ultra-thin, lightweight formula blends beautifully, adding a sunkissed veil to a universal range of skintones. Contour and define to flatter your best features, or layer it on top of your favorite foundation to give your skin natural-looking, bronzed radiance all year long.

Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coconut Alkanes, Silica, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Lecithin, Glycerin, Maltodextrin, Propylene Carbonate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Soil Minerals/Syringa Vulgaris (Lilac) Leaf Cell Culture Extract, Jojoba Esters, Water, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol. May Contain (+/-): Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499)  

Swatches

Top of the photo is the Becca primer and lower part is BareSkin Bronzer.  The photo on the right is blended out and I had to darkened the photo a bit so you could see the product ~ both are very sheer and translucent ~ so it is very natural looking.

I didn’t care for most of the products in this month’s box ~ the tarte sunscreen will be used, but not on my face, the B&B product is confusing to me and my hair type, not a fan of the Benefit mascara and I cannot use the perfume, even though I love Tocca.  Now, I love tarte and bumble & bumble products, so this was just a miss for me these selections.  However, due to the Becca primer and BareMinerals liquid bronzer, I am very happy with this month’s box!  Those two products alone make the box for me and they are good sizes as well ~ I should get many uses out of the primer and the bronzer, as I will be mixing them with other products. I am also glad that Sephora decided to try some different products this month, instead of a lippie, eyeliner and face cream ~ they really mixed it up and I appreciate that, even if I don’t like the products themselves.   You never know in the future when I find a HG product!  I paid $10.00 + sales tax (so it was still under $10.50 or something like that) and I received a RV of $29.05.  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.

Did you get this month’s Sephora Play! Box?  What did you think of it and what was your favorite item?

 [ descriptions in italics from sephora’s product page ]

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