Unboxing October 2016 Sephora Play!

I was totally surprised by the theme this month and I also didn’t like that Sephora made 4 different boxes ~ as of course, I got the box with another duplicate in it (see my September Unboxing where I got 2 duplicate products from them). Fortunately, I found someone who wanted my box and I wanted the one she had, so we swapped. However, this duplicate product issue is ongoing with Sephora ~ sending me products in my Play box that I have already received from them ~ and I noticed that first time subscribers got the featured box ~ which is the one I am going to unbox for October. I knew that Sephora would probably add one of their new lipsticks in this month’s box as it was recently released. 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

October 2016: The Cool Cut

This month’s Sephora Play! theme is “The Cool Cut“, focusing on products that fit the theme of “The Next Big Things: These are the ones to watch: uncover breakthrough formulas, indie finds and products that truly stand out from the crowd. Before they hit the mainstream, try out routine-changing skincare and hair innovations, a coveted liquid lipstick and other of-the-moment must-haves. “

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) Sephora did 4 different box variations and I have no clue on they selected who got what. Let’s just say that the box they did give wasn’t that great for oily skin. I just changed my profile at Sephora to combo skin variations.

Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask with Rare Prickly Pear Seed Oil Christophe Robin is a brand that I was unfamiliar with until I created my own hair care kit at Sephora a month or so ago. I have also received another deluxe sample in their line, and I feel I should do mini reviews on my IG feed or here ~ would you all be interested? I have this items, plus Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt and Cleansing Mask With Lemon. This item is a hair mask that will strengthen and protect your hair. It is a very creamy formula and has a baby powder scent, which is strange ~ I would have expected it to smell more like fruit ~ I am not a fan of the scent, but so long it doesn’t linger on my hair, I will be okay with it. It is made with pure prickly pear seed oil, which is an antioxidant. I am not sure how it can regenerate dead hair, but I would assume that it would coat the strands and make them shiny and strong. It will help on your scalp, however and your hair roots. You apply this product to your hair after shampooing ~ just a little bit ~ and then massage it in from the roots to the ends of your hair. According to the instructions, this will create a lather (how much, I don’t know) as you slowly add water to your hair ~ then work it into your hair and rinse thoroughly. I am pretty happy to get this item! I also hope I do not fall in love with it, as it is expensive 😦 This is free from parabens, sulfates and phthalates. Deluxe Size 1.7 oz RV $14.50

Description: This regenerative care treatment’s creamy formula penetrates completely into the hair for a profound and long-lasting effect, from roots to tips. It is enriched with pure prickly pear seed oil—a precious natural remedy with antioxidant and regenerative virtues. Its action is reinforced with a 100 percent natural repairing agent that restructures and strengthens hair from the inside, smoothing and enhancing its shine. These active ingredients are combined with inula flower extract to reinvigorate and protect the pigments of natural or dyed hair. The scalp is stimulated, roots are regenerated, and hair is protected from breakage and split ends for a smooth, soft, radiant finish.

Pure Prickly Pear Seed Oil: Regenerates from roots to tips.
Inula Extract: Revives pigments

Ingredients: Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Glycerin, Cetrimonium Chloride, Inula Crithmoide Leaf/Flower Extract, Opuntia Ficus Indica (prickly pear) Seed Oil, Behenyl/Stearyl Aminopropanediol Esters, Opuntia Ficus Indica (prickly pear) Fruit Extract, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Citric Acid, Parfum (Fragrance), Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Hydroxycitronellal, Coumarin, Limonene, Caramel, Tocopherol, Evernia Prunastri (Oakmoss) Extract, Linalool, Geraniol cosDNA analysis

Yves Saint Laurent Mon Paris I love this scent! It is fruity-sweet but spicy-musk at the same time! This has notes of berries ~ strawberry and raspberry, along with pear, bergamot, calone ~ which is supposed to be a watermelon/melon scent and I can smell that for sure. Then there are florals that I don’t really smell ~ orange flower, jasmin sambac, white peony and datura. I do smell the more musk-spicy-wood notes of patchouli ~ it is not heavy ~ white musk, ambrox, cedarwood, and crystal moss (oakmoss) This is a really lovely scent for me and I think it is fun and sexy at the same time. Love it! Sample 1.2 mL RV $2.80

Description: Yves Saint Laurent introduces a new sparkling fragrance inspired by Paris, the city of intense love. Red berries and pear immediately exude sensuality and femininity. The exotic white datura flower, the soul of the fragrance, embodies desire and seduces the senses. Finally, this modern and daring floral scent is balanced by creamy white musks and patchouli. The experience is a passionate and unforgettable whirlwind journey to Paris.

Farmacy Skin Dew Hydrating Essence Mist & Setting Spray This will be my third try at Farmacy ~ I have not been that impressed with their products that I have tried ~ the sheet masks and honey wash off mask pack. This product was one of the reasons why I wanted this box ~ to try out another Farmacy item! Skin Dew is a hydrating and setting mist, but I think I will just use it as a hydrating mist, as I am not a fan of makeup setting mists ~ they don’t really set my makeup and make it worse, it seems. This mist will help bring back moisture, while toning and evening out your skin complexion. This has a lot of ingredients in it, lots of herbs and citrus, but when I sprayed this on my skin, I smelled… GINGER! This is a nice spicy scent and I love it. It actually has a slight warm tingling feeling on my skin. The spray pump is AWFUL, however ~ I am not sure if it is the deluxe size or a problem in general, but it doesn’t mist as much as squirt. Since I won’t be using this as a setting spray, that is okay as I can just squirt on my face and then tap into my skin. Deluxe Size .68 oz Value $9.07

Description: This invigorating essence helps replenish radiance and moisture while protecting and soothing the skin. It provides an overall sense of wellbeing and freshens makeup on contact. The vitalizing and energizing mist contains glycerin, which acts as a natural humectant, helping attract moisture to the skin and providing hydrating effects for a moist, supple skin surface. A blend of essential oils, including Rosemary, Bergamot and Peppermint, provides a fresh and energizing aroma. Echinacea GreenEnvy™ is a unique, patent-protected variant of echinacea purpurea that contains the highest known concentration of cichoric acid, which helps protect the skin by inhibiting the enzymes that break down collagen. Cichoric acid also normalizes the skin pigmentation process to promote a more evenly toned complexion. Horsetail juice—a natural extract of the perennial horsetail herb that contains vitamin C, tannins, and mineral salts—helps freshen and tone the skin while providing both antioxidant and skin soothing benefits.

Echinacea GreenEnvy™: A unique, patent-protected variant of echinacea purpurea.
Horsetail Juice: Helps freshen and tone the skin while providing both antioxidant and skin soothing benefits.
Kiwi Fruit Extract (rich in Vitamin C, Potassium, and Magnesium: Protects the skin from the damaging effects of pollution and helps improve the skin’s barrier function.
Natural Polymer: Forms an airy veil that helps to refresh and set makeup by stopping oil migration, resulting in a more radiant appearance throughout the day

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Methoxycinnamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Patented Echinacea Purpurea ‘Greenenvy’ Root Extract, Equisetum Arvense Juice, Phenoxyethanol, Oleth-20, Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf Extract, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dehydroxanthan Gum, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Amino Esters-1, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caramel cosDNA analysis

Erborian Bamboo Crème Frappée Skin Reviving Fresh Gel Such a TINY sample!! This was the second item that I really wanted from this box ~ Erbonian uses Korean herbs with a European twist to create their skincare in Seoul. I believe it is a hybrid of Parisian and Korean technology, but don’t quote me. Bamboo is really a great skin care ingredient ~ it contains over 70% of silica, which is a crucial item when it comes to your skin’s connective tissue, collagen. By stimulating certain cells, silica helps strengthen your collagen and elastin, which in turn will help firm and tone your skin and plump up your skin, so fine lines and wrinkles are not as noticeable. Bamboo also is a very soothing ingredient that is good for sensitive skin, as it is an anti-irritant, retains moisture and helps combat free radicals as it does contain anti-oxidant proprieties as well. It is lightweight and perfect for oily-combo skin types! This is a nice gel-cream that absorbs quickly into my skin and has a fresh scent of cucumbers. I am pretty excited to try this out. BTW ~ Erborian has a USA shop as well, with products that aren’t sold at Sephora. I just purchased some items from that store and will be doing mini reviews on my IG account. Sample Size .17 oz RV $4.30

Description: A moisturizer with a whipped, frosty gel-cream texture that absorbs quickly and has a refreshing effect. This energizing gel-cream moisturizer helps skin feel refreshed and invigorated. The lightweight, whipped frosty texture absorbs quickly, helping skin appear smoother and softer. Erborian’s unique Bamboo Waterlock complex combines bamboo sap and fibers to help hydrate skin and lock in moisture.

Bamboo Waterlock Complex: Helps hydrate and lock in moisture.
Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract: Helps protect skin.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Phyllostachis Bambusoides Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Phyllostachis Bambusoides Juice, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, 1, 2-Hexanediol, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Squalane, Sodium Polyacrylate Starch, Polysorbate 60, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dimethiconol, T-Butyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Betaine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Parfum/Fragrance, Linalool, Geraniol, CI 19140/Yellow 5, CI 42090/Blue 1 cosDNA analysis

Smashbox Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick in Driver’s Seat YEAH! A matte lippie in a shade that is on point for fall. I have been reading chatter about how many people dislike this color, but I love it. It is a warm peach brown shade and it is matte. It goes on creamy smooth, highly pigmented and does dry down matte, without being DRY. It never fully becomes budge proof, as it does smudge after it sets, but it is a lovely color. If your skin leans more to warm tones, like mine does, this is a very nice shade for you. It is a continuation of the marsala shades from last year, only with a more peachy tone. I know that the description is a warm pink, but on me, it leans more peach than pink. There is no markings on this sample on its size, but this looks pretty close to at least 50% of the full size, imho. Sample Size RV $10.00

Description: Perfected on-set in Smashbox’s L.A. photo studio, Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick leaves lips with ultra-lightweight, but bold color. This liquid-matte formula is infused with the lip-smoothing Smashbox Primer Oil complex for suede-soft lip color in an array of gorgeous, highly pigmented shades. The precision tip applicator lines and fills with one swipe of the no-drop reservoir, while Advanced Polymer Technology makes lip color stay put and look fresh and flawless for up to eight hours for smudge-proof, budge-proof, and non-feathering, carefree wear.

Estée Lauder The Estée Edit Flash Photo Gloss This is the only product in the box that I am meh about but that is okay. Trust me, my original box had a mascara instead, so it would have been a wash. This is a thick, sticky lip gloss that has a bit of a blue sheen due to its micro-blue pearls, but it goes on clear with a vanilla scent. It is supposed to make your teeth look whiter. Whatevahs. Not my favorite product, but it is a thick gloss, so it might be good to have this on hand if I just want some shine. Sample Size .1oz RV $7.41

Description: A high-tech, high-shine gloss with cool blue micro-pearls to help bring out the white in your smile. Be selfie-ready with Flash Photo Gloss. An innovative gloss designed to enhance your perfect lip look, it’s infused with cool blue pearls to bring out the bright in your smile so you can stand out in photos—and in person. It’s fragranced with an addictive vanilla scent, and you can wear it alone or pop on top of your favorite lipstick for a high-shine finish that’s eye-catching in any light.

Ingredients: polybutene, diisostearyl malate, tridecyl trimellitate, octyldodecanol, silica dimethyl silylate, ethylhexyl palmitate, caprylyl glycol, tribehenin, synthetic fluorphlogopite, tocopheryl acetate, hexylene glycol, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, sorbitan isostearate, tocopherol, acrylates copolymer, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, flavor, tin oxide, calcium sodium borosilicate, calcium aluminum borosilicate, polyethylene terephthalate, silica, phenoxyethanol [+/- titanium dioxide (CI 77891), mica, blue 1 lack (CI 43090), iron oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), red 7 lake (CI 15850), bismuth oxychloride (CI 77163), red 33 lake (CI 17200), manganese violet (CI 77742), red 30 lake (CI 73360)

Swatches: The Estée Edit Flash Photo Gloss (top), Smashbox Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick in Driver’s Seat (bottom)

Now, the box that I originally got gave me sadz, even though it had 3 of the products that I love in this month’s box. The other 3 products were blah to me, as they included a repeat item, a mascara and some peel stuff in the tiniest tube It is a good thing I found someone who loved my box and I loved their theirs, as we swapped. So, with that in mind, I do love this box a lot! The hair care, skincare and matte lippie are great and the only weird item is that clear lip gloss. It just is too sticky for me. I will say this, Sephora has to stop giving products that their subscribers already got in a previous box. And stop with the variations ~ I loved Sephora Play! because it didn’t have variations and therefore, there was no box envy when you got a crappy box ~ you knew everyone got the same crappy box. Time for an email to Sephora!! I paid $10.00 + sales tax (so it was still under $10.50 or something like that) and I received a RV of over $48.00 which is over 3 times what I paid for it. 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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