Sephora Play Box Review

After reading Allie’s (A Gal Named Al) post about her Sephora Play Box, I decided to give it a try. The Play box is a really reasonably priced subscription box. Only $10 a month. I figured it would be a good way to get my feet wet before jumping in the deep end and signing up for FabFitFun which looks like a really great service. I was actually just talking to a friend (Hi Megan) who said she loves the FFF box, so I may have to give it a try.

I don’t know about you, but I love to get a package in the mail. And a package in a fun box, well that’s even better. I couldn’t wait to crack it open and check out what they’d sent me.

I think you get a little carrying bag of some sort every month. This little clear plastic bag would be perfect for carrying things to the pool to keep them dry or bringing home a wet swim suit and keeping it off your dry stuff.

 The “theme” of this box was “Beauty On The Rise”. There were 6 different products in the box and I wasn’t familiar with any of them. I guess that’s part of what’s great about a service like this. Finding new things and giving them a try. These are supposed to some of the cult favorites, hard-to-find formulas, and one-of-a-kind brands that are making their mark.

Let’s start with Nudestix – Matte About You.

Why it made the cut: This color-rich, preservative-free formula is from NUDESTIX, a brand that was created by a beauty industry veteran and her daughters. The collection is perfect for getting an easy-to-apply, fresh-faced look when you’re on the go.

What I thought: Okay, so honestly my first thought was BROWN LIPSTICK???? It comes in 6 other colors, so I’m not quite sure why they sent brown. I gave it a try and topped it with a lighter color that I wear daily. It was okay at best. I tried it a second time and was less impressed than the first time. If you are a person who normally wears a bold lip, then you’d probably be more excited about this than I was. For me though, it was a dud. 

Ceramic Slip Clay Cleanser

Why it made the cut: This exquisite cleanser won over the fashion industry – and us – with a highly effective yet natural formula by founder and chemist Sunday Riley, who combines her scientific expertise with pure botanicals in her luxurious collection.

What I thought: Well of course you know I love my Rodan + Fields products so anything in this realm had better bring its A game. This cleanser brought it’s B game at best. It was just a creamy cleanser. Honestly it felt just like Cetaphil and it had a smell that was familiar but I couldn’t pin point. It reminded me of some kind of food. I didn’t feel like it did anything miraculous for my skin. 

Grande Lips Lip Plumper

Why it made the cut: Founder and beauty industry veteran Alicia Grande began her career with a revolutionary lash formula and has now applied that insider expertise to crafting highly effective products that give lips a full, lush appearance.

What I thought: I had another product like this several years ago that was a lip plumper and I wasn’t too excited to use this one because of the way the other one made my lips feel. This one gave me somewhat of the same tingly sensation that lasts for quite a while and I don’t really like that. I used it a couple of times, but wasn’t wooed so I didn’t continue with it.

Are you seeing a common theme here?

Trestique Highlight + Perfect Multipurpose Stick

Why it made the cut: treStiQue’s up-and-coming line of double-duty multi-taskers are ideal simplifying your beauty routine. Keep this one in your purse and swipe it on for a quick mid-day glow and a boost of vitamins thanks to its coconut oil-enhanced formula.

What I thought: I like a highlighter and so I liked this product. It really is a multi-tasker and can be used in several different ways from a highlighter on your brow bone, to a cheek highlighter or in the corner of your eyes to brighten them. It has a nice creamy feel and is very blendable. I’ve reached for it quite a few times since receiving it.

Cleansing Purifying Scrub With Sea Salt

Why it made the cut: Adored by the stars of French cinema, this eponymous line from Paris’s most in-demand hairstylist is know for the making hair more vibrant and healthy-looking with powerful yet natural formulas.

What I thought: When I read what this was for I wasn’t clear as to why it was included in my box based on my questionairre but I decided to go ahead and give it a try and I’m so glad I did. It’s a thick paste like consistency with sea salt in it. It’s kind of hard to get to your scalp if you have a lot of hair like I do, but it lathers up beautifully and literally leaves your hair squeaky clean. I mean like you can literally hear your hair squeak. I had Kent try it to and he experienced the same thing. I’ve used it a second time as well.  While I don’t see myself paying $53 for a container of it, I did like using it.

Replica Beach Walk

Why it made the cut: Crafted by the Parisian fashion house Maison Margiela, the “Replica” fragrance line uses scent to evoke emotions and memories.

What I thought: I love to try new fragrances and so I was thrilled to try this. It has a pretty, light scent that is not over-powering.

So overall, I was a little underwhelmed with my first box. I was 3 for 3 on the products and would love to be excited about all of them. I will be anxious to see what this months box holds and to see what Allie thought of this box. It will be fun to compare notes and see how she felt about all of these products. 

Do you do any subscriptions and if so, do you like them? Have you done FabFitFun? What are your thoughts on that?

Hope you have a great Tuesday!!!

Lisa

XOXO

❤️

Linking up with:

I Do deClaire