Unboxing Beauty

[ blog post contains affiliate links which provide a small commission to me at no cost to you ]

So this almost didn’t make the cut into my blog ~ I had made a decision to be more picky about my blog unboxings with Sephora Play! a few months ago, as I received so many “meh, toss the samples in the gift pile” boxes.  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.  As I stated before, 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.  And now, three months in a row, I have been unboxing at my blog!  This one barely made the cut ~ it wasn’t until after I tried one product that I decided to blog about it.  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

July 2017:  Beauty Staycation

This month’s Sephora Play! theme is “Beauty Staycation”  Your Round-Trip Beauty Ticket: Follow these beauty tips to look and feel your best whether you’re hanging out at home or headed out on an adventure this summer

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.

IT Cosmetics Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing Mascara in Super Black I haven’t had a lot of luck wth IT Cosmetics but I think with this product, I have a winner!  This mascara does help separate and volumize my lashes and it doesn’t flake.  I’ve been wearing it for the last week or so, and my lashes do look longer and it is long lasting.  Very nice and it has biotin in it, so that helps with growth and strengthening of lashes.   . 17 oz RV $12.00

Description: Developed with plastic surgeons, Superhero™ mascara is like skin care for your lashes. The proprietary Elastic Stretch Technology stretches the look of your lashes wider and longer, and wraps each individual lash in a volume-boosting, lengthening, ultra-conditioning coat of support and color for the strongest, thickest, most defined results. Powerful lash-lifting polymers, volumizing collagen, strengthening biotin, proteins, and peptides combined with super black pigment and the Lash-Changing Power Brush work together to coat every lash from base to tips. Lashes are lifted and separated to create a fuller lash line and to ensure that no lash is left behind. The super-buildable formula takes your lashes to new heights. Simply apply more coats for additional volume and length. 

• Collagen: Protein that helps to create the appearance of increased lash volume.
• Biotin: Support’s hair’s natural keratin, which maintains the health of your hair and skin.
• Keratin: Supports hair’s natural strength and elasticity.
• Peptide: Enhances the appearance of lash length, fullness, and volume.

Ingredients: Water, Carnauba Wax, Cyclopentasiloxane, Rice Bran Wax, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Stearyl Esters, Alcohol Denat., Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Triethanolamine, Acacia Senegal Gum, Candelilla Wax, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, VP/VA Copolymer, Aminomethyl Propanediol, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Chlorphenesin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycerin, Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Biotin, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Iron Oxide (Ci 77499).

tarte Rainforest of The Sea  Color Splash Lipstick in Set Sail  This is a great lippie!  I am so happy to see a nice deep nude with a bit of reddish tones that does not make me look like death warmed over.  I love brown lippies and this is just really nice ~ creamy, moisturizing and long lasting.  This is a MLBB color and it really makes the box for me!  I wish I could just buy mini lippies all the time, as I never finish a full size one!  .035 oz   RV $6.13

Description: Discover long-wearing lip color, powered by water, with this full-coverage, hydrating lipstick. The ultra-creamy, vegan formula pairs intense pigments and buttery-smooth conditioners for comfort-swipe color that locks in place—without feathering or bleeding. Each sea-inspired shade is infused with regenerative lip-quenchers and tarte’s antioxidant Rainforest of the Sea™ complex to help smooth the look of lip lines. 

• Rainforest of the Sea™ Complex: Proprietary blend of algae and marine flower extracts; reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while smoothing and softening skin.
• Shea Butter: Supports the skin’s elasticity and protects against degeneration.
• Olive Oil: Rich in antioxidants to help soothe and restore lips.

Ingredients: Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Octyldodecanol, Polyethylene, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Ingredients: Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Microcrystalline Wax/Cera Microcristallina/Cire Microcrystalline, Kaolin, Hydrated Silica, Water, Isohexadecane, Silica, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Algae Extract, Gardenia Taitensis Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Shorea Stenoptera Seed Butter, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil Unsaponifiables, Candelilla Cera/Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Cire De Candelilla, Cera Carnauba/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire De Carnauba, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Tribehenin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Oleate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Tin Oxide, Citric Acid, Fragrance, Benzyl Benzoate, Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Red 7 Lake (15850).

Fresh Rose Face Mask   The next two items are not for me, as I am allergic to both rose and jasmine, so I will put them in a giveaway.  People do love the Fresh Rose Face Mask and it does have little rose petal bits in it.   .5 oz  Value $12.50

Description: A cult-favorite hydrating and toning gel mask infused with real rose petals, soothing rosewater, and a “smart” algae that delivers optimum moisture. Fresh Rose Face Mask is a toning gel mask that drenches dull, tired skin with hydration for a healthy-looking complexion. This unique cooling mask is infused with real rose petals (an average of two-and-a-half roses per jar) to restore radiance and suppleness to all skin types. The refreshing formula targets dry areas with porphyridium cruentum, a “smart” algae that delivers optimum moisture where the skin needs it most. Cucumber extract and aloe vera gel help soothe the skin and have an immediate cooling and calming effect, while antioxidant-rich green tea helps to brighten and protect. Gentle enough to use every day, this powerful mask is perfect for all skin types.

• Pure Rosewater: Soothes and tones
• Cucumber Extract and Aloe Vera Gel: Help soothe the skin and have an immediate cooling and calming effect.
• Porphyridium Cruentum: Delivers optimum moisture.
• Antioxidant-rich Green Tea: Helps to brighten and protect.

Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Rosa Centifolia Flower, Maris Aqua (Sea Water), Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Porphyridium Cruentum Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract, Faex (Yeast Extract), Sodium Hyaluronate, Carbomer, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Caramel, Maltodextrin, Parfum (Fragrance), BHT, Citronellol, Phenoxyethanol cosDNA analysis

Guerlain Mon Guerlain This has some nice scents like sandalwood, lavender and vanilla but then they added jasmine.. So, nope..   .7 mL RV $1.35

Description: Mon Guerlain, the House’s new fragrance, is a tribute to today’s femininity—a strong, free and sensual femininity, inspired by Angelina Jolie. My invisible tattoo, my fragrance, Mon Guerlain. This fresh oriental fragrance enhances exceptional raw materials: carla lavender from Provence, sambac jasmine from India, album sandalwood from Australia, and vanilla tahitensis from Papua New Guinea. It expresses the quintessence of a history replete with experiences and nourished by success, expertise, and generosity, all infused with the same passion since 1828.

• Fragrance Family:  Warm & Spicy
• Scent Type:  Warm & Sweet Gourmands
• Key Notes:  Jasmine, Lavender, Vanilla

Clinique Pep-Start 2-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser I do like Clinique products so I was really interested in this ~ this is a bright orange cleansing gel with exfoliating beads in it and it is a nice little scrubber. I think if you have sensitive skin, you might not want to use this, as it DOES scrub.  It turns into a lather as you massage this into your skin and my skin is very clean and smooth, and not tight or dry.  It is fragrance free, so any scent coming from this product is naturally derived from the ingredients.  This is for oily skin and helps deal with pores, so I think Sephora really paid attention to my profile this month!!   1 oz RV $4.64

Description: A daily cleanser and scrub for clear, soft skin. By combining gentle cleansing with exfoliating power, this two-in-one formula takes away dirt, dulling dead skin cells, excess oil, and impurities to give skin a smooth finish and a radiant glow. Gentle enough to use twice a day, it preps skin for flawless makeup application.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Silica, Acrylates Copolymer, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Butylene Glycol, Sucrose, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Bambusa Arundinacea (Bamboo) Stem Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Salicylic Acid, Palmitoyl, Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Caffeine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Acetyl Glucosamine, Sodium Coco PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Polysorbate 20, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Citric Acid, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Laureth-2, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Sulfate, Carbomer, Monosodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, EDTA, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Orange 4 (CI 15510), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Red 4 (CI 14700) cosDNA analysis

Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Dream Come True Wonderful Deep Conditioning Masque  So this is the product that made me decide to unbox my Sephora Play! this month.  I was like, yeah, another deep conditioning hair treatment.  I tossed it in my shower to use.  I opened it up and WOW ~ LILACS!!  They describe the scent as “white flower and vanilla”, but I smell lilacs and it is AMAZING.  I love it.  This is a nice conditioning treatment too ~ lol.  I have very fine, straight and oily hair, but I do color treat it monthly and also blow dry my hair daily, so my hair can use some TLC now and then.  I will be purchasing this as I love the scent and it does leave my hair very silky and shiny.  You do need to leave it on your hair for 15 minutes, otherwise you won’t reap the full benefits.  1.25 oz RV $6.66

Description: Hair is impacted by your daily routine and can behave differently as the seasons change. Masks help condition and moisturize dry, distressed hair, while improving overall hair health and manageability with every use. Deep condition and rehydrate with this nourishing treatment mask that delivers a boost to dry, damaged, or color-treated hair. What it is formulated WITHOUT: Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates.  Standout styles start with healthy hair. This universal collection, Dream Come True, is for all hair types and includes intensive reparative treatments to repair, rebuild, and hydrate your scalp and strands. Each product features notes of white flower and warm vanilla for a subtle scent.

• Shea Butter: Deeply moisturizes while conditioning hair and scalp.
• Willow: Conditions scalp to restore hair health.
• Coconut Oil: Adds luster, shine, and softness to the hair; helps prevent hair breakage and split ends.
• Panthenol (Provitamin B5): Blocks moisture and keeps hair shiny.

Ingredients: Water, Capric/Caprylic Triglycerides (Coconut Oil), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*+, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Glycerin (Vegetable), Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Behentrimonium Chloride, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Panthenol, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Fragrance (Essential Oil Blend). *Certified Organic. +Fair Trade.

Despite 2 products I couldn’t use, the other items in this box are steller.  Initially, I wasn’t sure, but then I decided to use a few of the products ~ and I need to rave about that hair mask by Madam C.J. Walker!  The lippie and mascara are really nice and I do like the exfoliating cleanser ~ just be gentle when you use it, because it is pretty strong.   I paid $10.00 + sales tax (so it was still under $10.50 or something like that) and I received a retail value of  over $43.00 which is over 4 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 ]

[ this blog post contains affiliate links ]

Save