It feels so good to finally say this: Today I will be reviewing the May, Play! by Sephora subscription box!  That was seriously the longest I’ve ever been waitlisted.  Whether you are new to this beauty sub, are still blacklisted..I mean waitlisted 😉 or have sworn Sephora off altogether while trying to figure out the methods to their madness in regards to ‘Play!’; you likely still enjoy stalking reviews and photos of other people’s box so you can then feel even more sad about it.  Maybe that was just me.  Either way; here’s the lowdown:

Play! by Sephora

The beauty subscription box that brings you the best of it.

Each month, you’ll look forward to:

A curation of five deluxe samples handpicked from Sephora shelves (plus a fragrance bonus) all in a collectible bag – for just $10.00 (ships free) US only

Tips, Tricks, how-tos and beauty advice to get the mot out of your products.

Free one-on-one tutorials and subscriber meet ups in your local Sephora.

The Forces of Nature

May ‘bag’:

The Goods:

Korres Wild Rose Sleeping Facial: Deluxe Sample. Full size $48.00

I’m a huge fan of Sisley Paris’ Black Rose Mask, which I use as a sleeping mask, so I was excited to try this Korres version, which is actually designed for such.  Because it claimed to be a fit for all skin types, I hoped it wouldn’t break me out like many heavy night creams and sleeping masks tend to do.  Aside from heading to bed smelling like my grandma (seriously potent rose scent) I’ve used it two nights in a row and have not broke out [yet].  I definitely feel my skin is a bit more plumped and nourished come morning and plan to continue using the product until it is empty, maybe skipping a night here and there… Product is a lightweight overnight facial designed to brighten and moisturize with wild rose oil.

Tarte Tarteist Lip Crayon in Latergram: Mini.  Full size $20.00

This little mini version is too cute for words but the formula itself is definitely not my favorite.  The shade, Latergram, described as a mauve, looks pretty mauve when I swatch it but seems to have more terra-cotta in it, or something, when it’s on my lips. The formula really stays and lines the lips precisely but it’s a really dry formula, too much for my parched lips.  I prefer a waterproof gel type pencil for my lips.  I’m glad I know though, as I am a big Tarte fan, that this is a product I’ll steer clear of in the future.

Swatch

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche in Kimchi:  Lip mini.  Full size product is $26.00

I love Bite Beauty and have since their very beginning.  Their glosses and lipsticks are made in small batches from food grade ingredients; so, nothing smells or tastes weird nor is it harmful in any way.  This particular Bite line, Amuse Bouche, is designed to be hydrating with 12 edible oils!  When I first opened this pretty little tube, I thought to myself; wow, that’s a shocking pink.  It came as no surprise to me when I found it on the site described as: ‘a shocking pink’.  It’s definitely not an every day shade for me but I am more apt to wear a shocking pink than a bright/dark red.  I love the formula.  It is so smooth and creamy with excellent pigment and stays on really well.  Bite never disappoints and I definitely have my sights set on: cotton candy, lavender jam & souffle!

Swatch

Origins Masking Sample Set:

Origins Maskimizer: Sample Spray vial.  Full size $22.00

This is a priming mist designed to use just prior to masking products in order to optimize the skin’s condition.  Those of you familiar with the extensive K-beauty routine and/or those who already incorporate a similar routine as their own regimen are likely privy to the inclusion of steps prior to masking.  Before learning much about K-beauty I just tossed on a mask when ever the moment would arise and called it a day.  After trying it the K-beauty way, I’ve never looked back.  I typically double cleanse, scrub or glow tonic exfoliate and then apply an aloe based bha toner prior to masking.  I assume this spray incorporates the same basic idea of prepping your skin to better absorb the nutrients and other properties of the mask you are applying.  I’ve felt like my masks worked better when used within a regimen of numerous steps before and after…(not for use prior to peel off masks)

Origins Drink up overnight mask: one time use $4.00 Full size $17-$26.00

This is an intense moisture replacement mask designed to be worn overnight.  I will definitely get to this one eventually but right now I am sticking with the Rose mask above.

Origins Clear Improvement Mask: one time use $4.00 Full size $17-$26.00

This mask is designed to clear your pores and draw out impurities with active charcoal.  I’ve yet to try this mask either as I am currently working to give my skin some much needed hydration.

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask:  1 oz size $9.00.  Full size $36.00

I have used this hydrating hair mask many times; in fact. I currently own it.  I really like using this as a weekly hair treatment to soften and hydrate my parched hair and help tame my frizz prone mane a bit.  I do not think it weighs the hair down at all but my hair is also very thick so it is not really an issue for me.  This mask contains both avocado and argan oils, 2 of my very favorite hair ingredients.

May’s Perfume Pick:

Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine: $25.00 – $120.00

I have received this fragrance sample many times.  It is described as a refreshing burst of blood orange and bitter orange peel paired with notes of geranium.  I definitely get the immediate burst of blood orange which to me smells as though it’s laced with ivory soap.  The vibrant orange dissipates rather quickly though and it then smells of spiced ivory soap (likely the bitter orange peel)  It’s not a bad fragrance but not one I’ve ever wanted to purchase in full.

The Play Book

The Play Pass

(redeem this is any store and receive 50 extra beauty insider points with purchase)

And there you have it, my very first Play!  It is definitely not one of the best I have seen during my Play! stalking days but it’s not bad..and certainly worth the $10.00!  It is also the first that came in a cute drawstring bag as opposed to a box.  (I did notice that currently on Sephora’s Play! Site they do state the goods will come in a collectible bag..so I am hoping that ‘the bag is the new box’!

Any other 1st monthers out there?  What did you think of your first Play!?

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Thanks for reading!

-Kelli xoxo