Sephora Play! August 2016 Unboxing

Hi loves!  Today, I will be sharing with you the contents of my Play! by Sephora sample box for August 2016.  Play! is Sephora’s subscription service that provides 5 beauty samples plus 1 fragrance sample for $10/month (plus local taxes).  I am totally addicted to beauty subscriptions, notably Ipsy and Boxycharm, so when I saw Sephora was joining the game, I signed right up!  I was very impressed with my first Play! Box from last month so I am excited to see how this one stacks up.  Now, let’s dive right in and get started!

August’s theme is The Eye Openers and the Play! Bag comes with 6 products in a simple, winking eyes- design pouch.

It also includes an insert with product descriptions/ directions and a Play! Pass, redeemable in Sephora stores for 50 extra Beauty Insider points with any purchase.

1. Make Up For Ever Artist Shadow in I-544 – Sample Sized (0.7g)

Highly saturated, iridescent pink granite eyeshadow made with unique gel-powder formula and ultrafine pigments for smooth color (insert).  I own one of the Artist Palettes and quite enjoy the formula and pigmentation of Make Up For Ever eyeshadows.

  2. Urban Decay Perversion Mascara  – Sample Sized (0.1 fl oz)

Lengthening and volumizing mascara coats eyelashes with triple-black pigment and a buildable, creamy formula (insert).  This pitch black mascara has a nice sized brush, not too big and not too small, perfect for my smaller eyes.

3. Lancome Energie de Vie Smoothing & Glowing Liquid Care Moisturizer – Sample Sized (0.16 fl oz)

Concentrated energizing liquid lotion visually relieves dullness, diminishes signs of fatigue, and promotes a healthy looking glow (insert).  This lotion is thicker than an essence, but thinner in consistency than the standard cream moisturizer.  It’s perfect for hot days when you want a more lightweight formula on the skin.  I will be putting this to the test during my next tropical vacay to see how it performs.

4. Algenist Eye Renewal Balm – Deluxe Sample Sized (0.23 fl oz)

Soothing and moisturizing eye cream visibly reduces dark circles, puffiness, and wrinkles with anti-again Alguronic Acid (insert).  A full-size of this product is 0.5 oz and retails for $68 at Sephora.  Yowza!  I expect miracles from this Algenist eye cream!  This is a very generous sample at 0.23 oz, almost half a full sized.

5. Sephora Collection Contour Eye Pencil 12hr Wear Waterproof in Love Affair – Sample Sized (0.48g)

Creamy, easy-to-apply pencil with long-lasting, 12-hour waterproof formula in a shimmery plum shade that was handpicked for you (insert).  I love a smooth, creamy eyeliner pencil for my waterline, but they always have a tendency to run.  I have yet to find an eyeliner that will stay on ALL day.  Stay tuned to see if this lives up to its claim of being waterproof!

6. Clean Reserve Warm Cotton Eau de Parfum – Sample Sized (0.05 fl oz)

Bright and pure blend of understated floral and musk, reminiscent of the soft scent of fresh linens (insert).  I am a perfume junkie so I love fragrance samples to test out before I choose to invest in full-sized bottles.  This Warm Cotton scent is so clean, and legit smells just like fresh laundry.  LOVE this.

Overall Rating:  I would give this August’s Sephora Play! Bag a rating of 6/10 stars based on my first impressions.  The Algenist Eye Renewal Balm alone has an approximate retail value of $34, which makes this box a good value overall.  However, I was not as impressed with this month’s product selection compared to July’s, but that is a matter of personal preference.  I will be holding out to see what next month has in store 😉

What are your thoughts on the Sephora Play! Bag?  Which products are you most excited to test out?

XO,

Mary Dee

 

Sephora Play! July 2016 Unboxing

Hi loves!  Today, I am super stoked to share with you the contents of my very first Play! by Sephora sample box for July 2016.  Play! is Sephora’s subscription service that provides 5 beauty samples plus 1 fragrance sample for $10/month (plus local taxes).  I am totally addicted to beauty subscriptions, notably Ipsy and Boxycharm, so when I saw Sephora was joining the game, I signed right up!  Now, let’s dive right in and get started!

July’s theme is Effortless Summer and the Play! Bag comes with 6 products in a simple, popsicle- design pouch.

It also includes an insert with product descriptions/ directions and a Play! Pass, redeemable in Sephora stores for 50 extra Beauty Insider points with any purchase.  Sweet!

1.  BeautyBlender Blotterazzi + Liquid Blendercleanser – Sample Sized (3ml)

Washable and reusable, this revolutionary cushion blotter is designed to fit into facial contours to remove shine and absorb oil without disturbing makeup (insert).  This portable, reusable blotter came just in time for summer when my skin tends to produce more oil.  I look forward to testing this out to see how the BeautyBlender material compares to traditional blotting sheets.

2.  Benefit Dew the Hoola Soft Matte Liquid Bronzer  – Deluxe Sample Sized (0.16 fl oz)

Lightweight and shimmer-free, this soft matte liquid bronzer creates a warm, radiant look that is sheer and seamless (insert).  I enjoy the Benefit Hoola Powder Bronzer for contouring as it looks ashy on my skin tone, resembling natural shadows.  This liquid bronzer has more warm tones, which is better for bronzing all over the face.  Additionally, the formula is very sheer, blending easily into the skin without harsh lines.

3.  Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer – Deluxe Sample Sized (0.25 fl oz)

Silky and lightweight, this iconic primer for normal to dry skin keeps makeup in place while helping to create a flawless finish (insert).  This cult classic happens to be my favorite foundation primer at the moment so I was happy to add more to my makeup arsenal.  The deluxe size is perfect for packing along on my travels.

4.  First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser – Deluxe Sample Sized (1 fl oz)

Rich in botanicals and antioxidants, this gentle cleanser transforms from a light, whipped texture to a lush, creamy lather (insert).  I’ve never tried any products from First Aid Beauty, but have heard good things about the brand.  This cleanser seem like it would be very gentle as it contains aloe vera and is completely free of harsh chemicals or known allergens.

5.  Ouai Wave Spray – Travel Sized (1.7 fl oz) – Retail Price $12

Weightless texture mist gives hair an effortless, undone look while adding volume and shine (insert).  Ouai Haircare was created by celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin, who counts the Kardashians among her clientele.  Add that resume with promises of easy, shiny beach waves and I’m sold!

6.  Nest Citrine Eau de Parfum – Sample Sized (0.04 fl oz)

Layers of fresh lotus and freesia mingle with bright citrus and a base of precious woods (insert).  I am a perfume junkie so I love fragrance samples to test out before I choose to invest in full-sized bottles.  This Nest scent is very fresh and citrusy, perfect for the daytime and hot summer months.

Overall Rating:  I am very satisfied with my first Sephora Play! Bag so I award it a rating of 10/10 stars based on my first impressions.  I ADORE the fantastic selection of high-end products ranging from makeup, beauty tools, skincare, haircare, to fragrance.  The travel-sized Ouai Wave Spray has a retail price of $12, which pays for the subscription itself, making the box a good value overall.  If future boxes contain the same high quality and variety of products as July’s, I will be one happy permanent subscriber!  I can’t wait to see what next month has in store 😉

What are your thoughts on the Sephora Play! Bag?  Which products are you most excited to test out?

XO,

Mary Dee