Last month’s box was a bit of a ringer ~ I was glad I got to try out some new products, but wow, they were not worth the hype! So I am hoping that this month, I will have some items that I might like to purchase as a full size. 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
February 2017: The Soft Side
This month’s Sephora Play! theme is “The Soft Side“, focusing on neutral make-up and blurring skincare ~ “Make A Radiant Understatement: Muted, mellow shades and skin-perfecting formulas are a never-fail way to show of your natural beauty. From a romantic lip color to a radiance-boosting eye cream, add definition and just a hint of drama with this month’s subtle-yet-stunning lineup of makeup and skincare”
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 other different box variations and it looks like the lippie items and perfume were the variations.
After last month’s crappy bag, this month is a stunner! It is a satin bag in a mauve-pink color with the word “Smitten”. I took the above photo with the flash on, so you can see how SHINY it is. It is also very soft and silky too.
Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream I actually have owned this cream and do have another little tub of it from last’s Black Friday sale. This eye cream is one that I love to use in the summertime, as it actually has a bit of illumination and glow to it. It isn’t a shimmery strobe bomb or anything, just a light glow to brighten up your eye area. In fact, if you do have it, you will notice that the cream is a light peachy color with some shimmer in it ~ both the color and shimmer melt into your skin, and just leaves a bit of the brightening illumination behind. I do not think it is that great of an eye cream for those of us who want to diminish and soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but as an illuminator, it is great. It also helps to depuff as well and I normally apply my normal eye cream first and then tap a little bit of this over it. A little goes a long way with this cream! Sample Size .17 oz RV $10.20
Description: This morning-after eye cream with coffee beans, panax ginseng, magnolia extract, and natural optic brighteners rapidly wakes up tired eyes. It helps reduce dark circles and unsightly bags, refreshing to restore a radiant look. Legend has it that coffee beans were discovered by an Ethiopian shepherd who found his goats dancing joyously around a leafy shrub with bright red cherries. When he tried the beans himself, he quickly experienced their powerful euphoric effect. Blended into Origins GinZing™ energizers, coffee bean actually helps wake up, refresh, and restore radiance to dreary skin. Free from parabens, sulfates and phthalates
- Coffee Beans: Has impressive health benefits from antioxidant age-fighting to memory boosting.
- Ginseng: Strengthens the soul, brightens the eyes, opens the heart, and when taken regularly enhances vitality and prolongs life; stimulates physical and mental activity without the side effects of other stimulants.
Ingredients: Water, Methyl Trimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Peg-100 Stearate, Dimethicone, Cetyl Ricinoleate, Silica, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Glycerin, Behenyl Alcohol, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Panax Ginseng (Ginseng) Root Extract, Castanea Sativa (Chestnut) Seed Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Cordyceps Sinensis Extract, Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Pantethine, Panthenol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Caffeine, Coleus Barbatus Extract, Yeast Extract, Folic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Jojoba Wax Peg-120 Esters, Biotin, Tribehenin, Myristyl Alcohol, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Trehalose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ascorbyl Tocopheryl Maleate, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Sodium Sulfite, Sodium Metabisulfite, Steareth-20, Dipeptide-2, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Sorbic Acid, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499) cosDNA analysis
Clinique Pep-Start Hydroblur Moisturizer This lightweight moisturizer is for oily/combo skin and it is supposed to be a matte moisturizer and blurs imperfections, as well as a primer! I am pretty excited to try this one out and I will this week. I love Clinique makeup and I am glad to see a skincare product like this in their lineup. This is also supposed to reduce shine and provide oil control for 8 hours. Sample Size .24 oz RV $4.56
Description: This lightweight, oil-free moisturizer instantly blurs imperfections and provides all-day hydration, while immediately reducing surface shine and providing lasting oil control for up to eight hours. Great for use alone, under foundation, or for touch-ups throughout the day, skin looks naturally perfected with a matte finish. It’s the ideal way to give your skin the moisture it needs, and the forgiving retouch that blurs the look of pores and fine, dry lines.
Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Sodium Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-1, Acetylated Glycol Stearate, Myristyl Myristate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Hypnea Musciformis (Algae) Extract, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Gillidiela Acerosa (Algae) Extract, Sigesbeckia Orientalis (St. Paul’s Wort) Extract, Alcaligenes Polysaccharides, Algae Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Squalane, Ceramide NP, Beeswax, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Caffeine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Trehalose, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Polyacrylate Starch, Pentylene Glycol, Laureth-9, Laureth-23, Silica, Silica Silylate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Red 4 (CI 14700), Yellow 5 (CI 19140) cosDNA analysis
Marc Jacobs Divine Decadence Okay, the packaging on the full sized item is adorable ~ it is a teal purse! However, I am not so sure about this scent ~ it has champagne, citrus scents, vanilla and some nice florals that I am not allergic to, but …hmmm. it doesn’t smell like its description. In fact, it reminds me of some perfume from the 1980’s that you could get in drugstores. I don’t know ~ I am not impressed by this scent, which is a shame because the notes sounded amazing. Some people are complaining it smells too “mature” ~ yeah, something from 30 years ago!! lol One reviewer said this smells like those scented tampons and I have to say, I can smell that! Sample Size .04 oz RV $2.28
Description: A sparkling expression of glamour and luxury, Divine gives the indulgent woody sensuality of Decadence a touch of brightness. A new, sparkling, champagne-doused interpretation of the original—just as decadent but expressed in a more effervescent, floral way.
Notes: Champagne Extract, Orange Blossom, Creamy Bergamot, Gardenia, Hydrangea, Honeysuckle, Saffron, Vanilla, Liquid Amber :: Style: Sensual. Luxurious. Radiant
Sephora Lashcraft Length & Volume Mascara Ahhh another mascara and by Sephora, no less. Meh, right? WRONG. This is really good ~ This mascara is made in Italy and the formula is amazing ~ it isn’t a wet mascara, so it drys quickly and I do notice a lot of lengthening, plus lifting and volume! This also separates my lashes nicely without clumping. This mascara is supposed to be smear and budge proof and you just need water to remove it at the end of the day. If this mascara lives up to its claims, I will purchase the full size one at Sephora, which is a steal at $12.00. My only complaint about this sample size is that the brush and wand is a bit hard to use as it is so stubby. Sample Size .094 oz RV $3.42
Description: A jet-black mascara with a unique two-sided, flat paddle wand. Sephora LashCraft Length & Volume Mascara lengthens, defines, and volumizes lashes with a unique paddle brush. The flat shape and flexible bristles expertly lift lashes up from the root for smooth length and definition to the max. The jet-black, high performance formula is infused with nylon for a sleek, clump-free and stay-all-day look. This mascara does not require chemical makeup removers. Simply splash with warm water for an easy return to au naturale lashes!
Ingredients: Water, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), Hydrogenated Olive Oil Stearyl Esters, Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate Copolymer, Copernicia Cerifera Cera (Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax), Cyclopentasiloxane, Acrylates Copolymer, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Triethanolamine, Acacia Senegal Gum, Polybutene, Nylon-12, Phenoxyethanol, Aminomethyl Propanediol, Panthenol, Polyvinyl Alcohol, VP/VA Copolymer, Polyquaternium-10, Laureth-21, Ethylhexylglycerin.
NARS Velvet Lip Glide in Bound This is a beautiful rose mauve color, despite Nars stating it is rose pink! This has more purple in it than pink. This color is perfect for me as it is a “my lips, but better” shade and I would say this is more of a satin finish than a semi-matte, as it does have a gloss to it. It applies smoothly and evenly and it is just a beautiful color. Very wearable and I think anyone who got this sample in their Play! box will be happy with it. My only complaint is the doe foot applicator wand ~ just like the mascara, it is too short and stubby, which makes it a pain to apply. Sample Size .07 oz RV $9.10
Description: An innovative, long-lasting lip color with a smooth, semi-matte finish that provides ultimate hydration. This highly-saturated lip color combines covetable comfort and confident shades in one smooth move. Its wand coats like a lipstick, yet glides on like a gloss. The finish is semi-matte, long-lasting, and non-drying for luscious, vibrant lips. Water lily flowers and white tea extract are infused into this hybrid lip glide for antioxidant protection and ultimate hydration.
Ingredients: Dimethicone, Kaolin, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Diisostearyl Malate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenyl Trimethicone, Isostearyl Isostearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Microcrystalline Wax/Cera Microcristallina/Cire Microcristalline, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone SilsesquioxaneCrosspolymer, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Nylon-12, Dicalcium Phosphate, StearalkoniumBentonite, Propylene Carbonate, Ethyl Vanillin, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Lecithin, Silica, ArganiaSpinosa Kernel Oil, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Tocopherol, Orchis Mascula Flower Extract, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Citric Acid, Tin Oxide, Tocopheryl Acetate, [+/- (May Contain): Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Red 6 (Ci 15850), Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)].
Too Faced Lip Injections Glossy in Milkshake (nude) I groaned when I saw the color in my box ~ it is so pale and shimmery, that I was wondering why they couldn’t have just added the clear one instead. And it looks gold when swatched, doesn’t it? Well, on my lips, it is very sheer with just a hint of shimmer. There is no color with this gloss and I will say this ~ IT IS A LIP PLUMPER. If you are really sensitive to cayenne pepper, don’t try this one as it will make your lips burn and tingle ~ even Too Faced states that your lips will tingle between 5 and 10 minutes. You need to apply this within the perimeter of your lips ~ don’t go outside of your lip area. For me, there was some tingling heat, but nothing uncomfortable ~ all that spicy hot food I eat (lol) ~ and within a few minutes, my lips were really a red color. That is because this plumper brought out color out on my lips, due to its “heat”. I do know this has plumping action because of my hand. After I removed the swatch from my hand, I noticed two things ~ where the product was, my skin was slightly raised and it was also reddened. You can see it below in the swatch photo with the white circle around the reddened skin. So, please, if you have sensitive skin, don’t try this product. For me, I loved it ~ I just won’t swatch it on my hand anymore! I think I would like to try Spice Girl, which is a pink nude shade. Sample Size .03 oz RV $4.71
Description: A lip gloss for high volume and tinted, juicy color. This moisture-rich gloss is infused with Too Faced’s bestselling Lip Injection formula to create the long-term, plumped lip look. Infused with botanicals like jojoba and avocado oil, it helps soften and smooth your lips. Free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, gluten and is cruelty-free
Ingredients: Polybutene, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil/Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Copernicia Cerifera Cera/Cire de candelilla, Polyethylene, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil/Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Mica, Flavor, Water, Atelocollagen, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Nicotinate, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Capsicum Frutescens Fruit Extract, Capsicum Frutescens Resin, Citral, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Geraniol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil/Glycine Soja Oil, Hexylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Polydicyclopentadiene, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Limonene, Linalool, Methyl Nicotinate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Pentylene Glycol, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil/Persea Gratissima Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Carbonate, Silica, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tin Oxide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tribehenin, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Oil/Zingiber Officinale Root Oil, Carmine (CI 75470). Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Red 30 Lake (CI 73360), Iron Oxides, (CI 77491, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
This month is a winner in my book ~ I disliked the perfume, but everything else was fun and I will use them! Two great lip products from Nars and Too Faced, an old favorite with Origin’s GinZing eye cream and a new moisturizer for me to try from Clinque that actually looks like it is formulated for my oily skin! The big surprise was the mascara ~ this is amazing and I really love it so far. I paid $10.00 + sales tax (so it was still under $10.50 or something like that) and I received a retail value of $34.27 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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Unboxing Beauty 