Beauties; I have for you, my 3rd installment of the Play! by Sephora subscription box! I think of the 3 I’ve received, this is the closest to being along the lines of what I had expected to receive each month from this sub; some classics as well as some hot new products, with some bigger sizes. I did discover a great new item for every day use in June’s box, which I purchased, and a travel sized non-breakable back-up of my favorite Becca primer; but aside from that I’d been a bit underwhelmed with the sub. I do love that they switched to the draw ‘ribbon’ fabric bags; they’re really nice, will be great for gifts and this month’s, with the summery themed Popsicle print is way cute!
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 most out of your products.
Free one-on-one tutorials and subscriber meet ups in your local Sephora.
July Theme:
Effortless Summer
July ‘Bag’:
The Bits:
Ouai Wave Spray: Travel Size. Full Size $26.00
I just recently received a bottle of this in my Rachel Zoe, Box of Style; so I will provide a link to that review. I’m not typically a fan of wave creating sprays. While I do like the initial look they give, my hair begins to frizz soon after, worsening as the day progresses. Of the many, many I have tried this was the first that my hair reacted pretty well to. Here is a link to my original review.
First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser with Red Clay: Deluxe Sample/Travel Size. Full Size $24.00
I totally expected this to be a thick, dense clay like substance; due to the name/description. I was surprised when I gave the bottle a squeeze and a poppy hued, gel-like substance ran down my finger! I really loved this cleanser. It’s a repurchase for sure. It gives you the feel of deeply cleansed, ultra refreshed skin without the dry feeling you sometimes get after using traditional deep cleansing, clay based cleansers. It has a eucalyptus/licorice like scent when first dispensed which dissipates rather quickly. I love how my skin felt after using this cleanser in the morning…and it’s safe for sensitive skin. I love First Aid Beauty products!
[different than I expected]
BeautyBlender Blotterazzi: 1 blotting sponge + cleanser sample. Full sized set is $20.00
I love my Beauty Blender; I’ve been using it for years now, so of course, I was at least a little bit intrigued by this product when it launched..just not quite enough to spend $20.00 on it. After all; the little blotting papers are inexpensive, work perfectly and are disposable. This being said; this product has some pros, it works good if you are not really oily and obviously feels much nicer on your skin. It’s soft flexible nature allows for easier blotting around the nose and other areas, doesn’t require grabbing a second on particularly oily days; and of course, is re-usable and washable, just like the beauty blender. You also will not need to find somewhere to toss your used paper if you are out and about. One thing is for certain though, it doesn’t soak up oil nearly as well as a quick blot to the forehead, as with most papers I’ve used do. I think it works best for smoothing your makeup; under eye creases or settling around the laugh lines. The other clear issue I have is that I feel as though I would need to wash it daily to keep from spreading my yesterday’s bacteria and such on my today’s face; and well, I don’t want to do that! LOL
[a closer look]
Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer: Sample Size. Full size $16- $39.00
My have I grown tired of Smashbox primer minis. The good news; I actually received a different formula this time, one that I’ve not yet tried. This is the pore minimizing formula. I thought it would be similar to the porefessional, by Benefit, and it is somewhat, with less moisture. After smoothing over your face it has a light powdery feel and finish, making it a good option for oilier skin, but likely not for drier skin. Other than that, the appearance of my skin and pores looked about the same as with the original version after application. I do like the feel and texture of this version though.
[peachy tint, similar to porefessional]
Too Faced Soleil Matte Bronzer in Chocolate: Deluxe Sample/Travel Size. Full size $30.00
I have used this bronzer on and off over a span of many, many years. It is one of the best matte bronzers out there and definitely the first one I remember; and you can’t deny the delight that is its scrumptious chocolate aroma. This is a medium to deep bronzer and while it is the perfect shade for my summer skin; if you have light or fair skin, I’d start with a fan brush or a very light dusting with an ultra fluffy brush, being mindful of the amount of product you pick up, and then build slowly. If too much of this product is used at the beginning, especially being a matte formula you can end up with splotches that are hard to blend out, giving your face a dirty appearance. If it’s still too dark they do make a milk chocolate version for lighter complexions and a dark chocolate for deeper complexions! Rejoice!
[Some swatches]
The Perfume Sample:
Nest Fragrances Citrine: Sample spray vial. Full Size is $25-$68.00
Fresh Lotus flower and freesia mingle with bright citrus and a base of precious woods. More floral than I’d banked on. Freesia can be a bit off-putting to me, if it’s a prominent note in a fragrance that stands out apart from the rest and lingers. The citrus helps and the dry down of the fragrance is much nicer; still, not a fragrance I plan to purchase.
The Play book:
The Play Pass:
(redeem this is any store and receive 50 extra beauty insider points with purchase)
This was my favorite Play! by Sephora of the 3 that I’ve received. Any other ‘newbies’? What do you think of Play!(?)
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Thanks for reading!
-Kelli xoxo
Kelifornia79 
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