Unboxing Beauty

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Last month I decided to be very picky about my unboxings with Sephora Play!  After several months of “meh, toss the samples in the gift pile” boxes, I decided that it was too much effect to unbox this sub at my blog ~ I would show the box on my Instagram account with what I got, but unless the box was exceptional, I wasn’t going to even put forth the effort to blog it.  If Sephora cannot be bothered to send me a decent box for my skin type and concerns, then I can’t be bothered to write up a full blog review.  I am happy to say that May’s Box is exceptionally good!!   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

May 2017:  The Rising Stars

This month’s Sephora Play! theme is “The Rising Stars: Beauty on the Rise“, focusing on cult favorites and up-and-comers  ~ “This month we’re taking you on a tour of cult favorites, hard-to-find formulas and one-of-a-kind brands that are making their mark”

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.

I really like this month’s bag ~ it is a square vinyl one with red-orange lettering.  Very fun and ravel & beach friendly

Grande Cosmetics GrandeLIPS Hydrating Lip Plumper in Clear  This is a clear gloss lip plumper that also will hydrate your lips, as it contains hyaluronic acid.  It has something called Volulip™, which will  not only enhance collagen and plump your lips, but soothes it as well.  I did try this and it has a vanilla scent, it is very slick, smooth and very clear.  I didn’t find that it plumped my lips, however.  Too Faced’s lip plumper REALLY plumped up my lips and it also left red welts on my skin, but this one by Grande Cosmetics does neither.  I view this to be a very moisturizing, with a slight tingle gloss.   I suppose if I use it for 30 days in a row, I might see some effects, as that happens to be the claim from Grande Cosmetics.  It is not an instant lip plumper but I am going to do the recommendation and use this as a night time treatment.  Despite it not being an instant lip plumper, I actually quite like this.  Deluxe Sample RV $10.00(? as I do not know the size of this sample.  The full size .05 oz retails for $27.00)

Description: Infused with Volulip™ and hyaluronic acid, GrandeLIPS Hydrating Lip Plumper instantly improves lip volume in three to five minutes, adding a pop of lip-boosting color while hydrating dry areas. GrandeLIPS offers an array of shades, including its original clear color, and its clinically proven formula increases overall lip hydration, volume, softness, and firmness in just 30 days of usage when applied twice daily. Its unique cushion applicator easily wipes clean, and it feels smooth on the lips and layers effortlessly with other lip products. Don’t be alarmed by the tingling sensation you feel after application—that’s how you know GrandeLIPS is working its magic. This product is infused with vanilla flavor, is cruelty-free, and free of gluten. For best results, apply GrandeLIPS twice daily for 30 days. You can use GrandeLIPS in combination with other lip products. The GrandeLIPS color shades offer the same benefits as its original formula.

• Volulip™: Soothes irritated skin while enhancing collagen and plumping effect.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Moisturizes and improves firmness; helps stimulate plumping.
• Niacin: Skin conditioning agent with smoothing properties.
• Atelocollagen Polypeptide: Boosts natural collagen production.

Ingredients: Octyldodecanol, Polybutene, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Vanilla Flavor, Quaternium-90 Bentonite, Menthoxypropanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, 1, 2-Hexanediol, Methyl Nicotinate, Propylene Carbonate, Butylene Glycol, Saccharin,Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Caffeine, Niacin, Atelocollagen, Phenoxyethanol, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Volulip™ (Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Portulaca Pilosa Extract, Sucrose Cocoate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38)  cosDNA analysis

Maison Margiela “Replica” in  Beach Walk  I love Replica scents and this one is becoming a fast favorite.  It smells like coconut and citrus, with ylang ylang and a touch of musk.  Just stunning and I love ylang ylang scents.  1.2 mL  RV $3.36

Description: Beach Walk combines fresh and radiant notes of bergamot, coconut milk, lemon, pink pepper, and musk to evoke a familiar but forgotten moment—a walk along a sandy beach. Close your eyes and let the fragrance transport you to the memory of an afternoon stroll along the ocean. Your feet sink into the wet sand as waves brush against your skin. The sun sinks gently through the crystal sky, its warmth balanced by a soft breeze with the subtle tangy scent of water. Beach Walk evokes hints of ocean spray, and captures the carefree bliss of a summer day.

Notes: Bergamot, Pink Pepper, Lemon, Ylang Ylang, Coconut Milk, Heliotrope, Musk, Cedarwood, Benzoin.  Style:  Pure. Deep. Blissful.

Nudestix Magnetic Matte Lip Color Greystone   OHHH, this item is really controversial in this month’s box ~ you either love it or hate it.  Since I am stuck in the 1990’s for my makeup (seriously, I loved Scully’s look on X-Files),  I love this beautiful brown ~ Nudestix calls it greige, but it is not a grey-beige, that is for sure.  I am so thrilled not to have another red or bright pink lippie and I love the darker shades.  This is a matte lipstick, so it can be drying and I do recommend prepping your lips first by applying a good lip balm before using this.  This formula does not move once it sets, and it does set quickly.  I have found that if I top this with the GrandeLIPS Lip Plumper, it turns into a lovely lighter brown lip gloss.  You can also use this as a lip liner, if you feel it is too much as an all over lip color. Did you love or hate this color?  This sample is almost full size ~ the full size is .1 oz!  Swatches after the next item.  Deluxe Sample .088 oz  RV $21.12

Description: A multitasking, three-in-one, lip stain, lip color, and lip liner that glides on high performance, intense color in must-have, rich nude shades.  These long-lasting, touch n’go makeup sticks create bold nude lip looks with kiss-proof color. Let Magnetic Matte Lip Color take your lip look from day to night with nine-hour wear so you can go matte all day long. This non-drying, waterproof matte lipstick applies smoothly and will not budge. Its innovative formula means that it’s non-feathering, and its intense pigment load provides maximum, smooth coverage to easily take any lip look from the office to the runway.  This product is cruelty-free and dermatologist tested for the most sensitive skin. It is free of volatile cyclomethicones, gluten, preservatives, fragrance, and animal-derived ingredients.

Ingredients: Isododecane, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Synthetic Wax, Hydrogenated Polydicyclopentadiene, Hydrogenated Poly (C6-14 Olefin), Hydrogenated Polydecene, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polybutene, Silica, Nylon-12, Glyceryl Caprylate, Polyethylene, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Synthetic Beeswax, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl, Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax. May Contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492), Carmine (CI 75470), Ferric Ferrocyanide, Blue 1 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Manganese Violet.

trèStiQue Highlight & Perfect Multipurpose Stick in Maldives Luminescent  This is a shimmering champagne pink highlighting stick.  It isn’t a glitter bomb, but has a nice delicate shimmer and I actually like this color a lot.  I think this will be good in the summer time as as eye lid color and its coconut water formula provides a smooth application.  This cream turns to powder fairly quickly, which is why I like it.  My only complaint is when I removed the cap (love the design packaging BTW!!), the product flipped out.  It was easy enough to put back in, but be careful if you get this and open it.  It is made without parabens and phthalates. It is also  free of synthetic fragrances, D5, petrochemicals, and talc, never tested on animals and is cruelty free.  Sample Size  RV $10.00 (?  I do not know the size of this, as it is not marked ~ the full size is .21 oz with a RV of $34.00)

Description: This Highlight Stick contains fine, delicate pearl pigments that leave skin with a subtle yet sexy luminescent glow. It’s the perfect tool for allover highlighting and brightening: along cheeks, eyes, Cupid’s bow, or down the bridge of nose. It features an ultra-smooth glide and a light-as-air feel thanks to its silky soft, unique cream-gel texture, which is infused with coconut oil. The custom magnetic sealing cap makes it travel-friendly and spill-proof, while the built-in trèSwitch Refill Perfecting Sponge allows for easy, hands-free, on-the-go application.

Ingredients: Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Diethylhexyl Adipate, Dimethicone, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Polyethylene, Candelilla Cera/Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Cire De Candelilla, Talc, Silica, Cera Carnauba/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire De Carnauba, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Octyldodecanol, Nylon-12, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Hydrogenated Coconut Oil, Tin Oxide, Tocopherol, Lecithin, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Oleate, Gardenia Tahitensis Flower, Citric Acid. May Contain(+/-): Ci 77491/Iron Oxides

Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Clay Cleanser I have tried a lot of Sunday Riley products ~ Good Genes, Tidel Brightening Enzyme Water Cream, Luna Sleeping Oil, Martian Mattifying Melting Water-Gel Toner and Artemis Hydroactive Cellular Face Oil ~ and only the Artemis oil was fantastic for me. Which is now discontinued… sigh.  I even tried to test and review Good Genes, but was so meh about the product that I gave up.  I think Sunday Riley is nothing but a over-hyped frou-frou brand with questionable results, but that is just me! lol  However, I am always happy to try another item from them, because their Artemis oil was so.damn.effing.good for my oily skin. I am always hoping that this *might* be the next product from them that is worth the wait.  I haven’t tried this yet, as I want to give it the attention it deserves ~ this is a clay cleanser, which I am familiar with this type of product from my K-Beauty addiction.  This is best for oily, blemish prone, pore-y skin, so I am the target audience here.  Deluxe Size 1 oz  RV $10.71

Description: A balancing, deep-clean cleanser, powered with pore-perfecting French green clay and Morrocan rhassoul clay. This skin-balancing cleanser purifies the complexion while visibly tightening the appearance of pores for clear, healthy-looking skin. Deep-cleaning French green clay and Moroccan rhassoul clay remove pore-clogging, excess oil, and impurities, without stripping the skin. Neroli essential oil balances, calms, and soothes, while antioxidant-rich vitamin C ester helps to brighten the appearance of the skin. The result is skin and pores that look and feel visibly toned and purified for a clean, balanced complexion. Does not contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates

Fun Stuff ~ if you have Good Genes hanging around (I still do!!), try this out

This pore perfecting, balancing cleanser is a backstage staple at New York Fashion Week, where Sunday Riley uses it to cleanse the model’s skin before giving her their signature Flash Facial. The Flash Facial is one part Ceramic Slip to one part Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment. Blended together and applied on the skin for 10 minutes, this quick treatment facial quickly and visibly improves the appearance of all skin types, giving instant radiance and clarity to clean, exfoliated skin. This product is cruelty-free.

• French Green Clay: Helps to remove impurities and tighten the appearance of pores.
• Morrocan Rhassoul Clay: Helps to deep clean and purify the skin.
• Neroil: Provides soothing and balancing properties.
• Vitamin C: Provides antioxidant properties, while helping to brighten the appearance of the skin.

Ingredients: Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocopolyglucoside Tartrate, Sodium Cocopolyglucoside Citrate, Montmorillonite (French Green) Clay, Moroccan (Rhassoul) Lava Clay, Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C Ester), Citrus Aurantium (Neroli) Oil, Piper Nigrum (Black Pepper) Fruit Oil, Botswellia Carterii (Frankincense) Oil, Jasmine Officinale Oil, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol cosDNA analysis

Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt  I have actually used this detox shampoo and it really is a treat for itchy and oily scalps! It is very grainy inside with all of the purifying salt, but you just scoop out a bit of this nicely menthol-lemon scented product ~ it actually is like scooping out a very nice scrub product and apply to wet hair, starting at your scalp and then massaging it in.  It will lather up and then you work down to the ends of your hair.  Rinse well and apply a good moisturizing conditioner, especially at the ends of your hair.  When I used it in the past, my scalp was very clean and tingly ~ it really did remove product buildup, helped with itchy scalp and soothed. This is a really good detox hair care product.  Deluxe Size 1.35 oz RV $9.50

As an aside, every time I read or hear the name Robin, this funny bit pops into my head

Description: This purifying, moisturizing, and soothing scrub is the ideal detox treatment to remove product buildup and rebalance sensitive or oily scalps. It can also be used as a post-coloring treatment to relieve itchiness and remove chemical residues left on the scalp. Its original formula contains sea salt—a natural exfoliant—which eliminates impurities and supports natural blood circulation. The paste is enriched with a 100 percent plant-derived agent, which offers deep and long-lasting hydration to the scalp even after rinsing, leaving it soothed, rebalanced, and healthy. Cleansing Purifying Scrub does not contain silicone or colorants and is not tested on animals. The scalp reaches an ideal level of hydration within 24 hours and all irritating sensations are significantly reduced. These measured effects are felt immediately and can last for up to four days. It is not recommended for extensions or keratin treated-hair, but is ideal for all hair types, especially an oily and sensitive scalp. This product is a 2015 Allure Best of Beauty award winner and won the 2016 Glamour Beauty Award. 

Ingredients: Sodium Chloride, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Water, Butylene Glycol, Cocamide Mea, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Saccharide Isomerate, Hydrated Silica, Bisabolol, Menthyl Lactate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, Limonene, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Evernia Furfuracea (Tree Moss) Extract, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate.

This month was absolutely fantastic for me! What I have tried, I do love and I am looking forward to giving Sunday Riley another chance with the clay cleanser.  I feel that Sephora finally got it right with my skin and hair type and I liked that there was a bit of glow with the highlighter, a bit o’ matte with the lippie and some extreme shine with the lip plumping gloss.  Beach Walk just wraps it up nicely for me ~ a lovely unusual scent without rose or jasmine.  I even love the cute vinyl bag ~ so much better than the Pippi Longstocking version we got last month.  I paid $10.00 + sales tax (so it was still under $10.50 or something like that) and I received a retail value of  almost $65.00 which is over 6 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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