2016 Play! by Sephora Subscription Box Contents and Product Reviews

I have been a bit behind on posting my Play! by Sephora subscription box reviews, so in this post I am going to show you a collage of the past few months and a glimpse at some of my favorite products:

DECEMBER

December 2016 Play! by Sephora box and contents

I just got around to opening my December Play! box and I am super excited about the contents.  I loved the black bag with gold trimmings.  The Urban Decay setting spray is definitely headed into my personal bag as is the Makeup Forever foundation primer.  I am anxious to put the Dry Bar Detox Dry Shampoo to the test.  I love the color of the Red Sephora Cream Lip Stain and I might have to take that one for myself too!  Lancome travel mascaras always comes in handy.  I've already shared that I'm not big on fragrances and this rose scented one is a turn off to me, so someone I meet will get a sample to try!

NOVEMBER

November 2016 Play! by Sephora box and contents

I have been using several of these products since November.  I am still using the Cover FX foundation primer - while it is adequate, I'm not rushing out to get a full size version.  I started out liking the Caudalie Vinosource moisturizer, but it is not the solution to really parched skin.  I actually like the Stella McCartney fragrance and am keeping this little vial for myself.

OCTOBER

October 2016 Play! by Sephora box and contents

The contents of this box honestly did not thrill me.  I still have a few items tucked aside to try - the Smashbox gloss is not in my makeup drawer and now I need to go find it - it's just my shade!  I suppose I need to try the Estee Lauder Flash Photo Gloss - but I am not one to take many photos of myself, so I am not sure I need such a product (there are at least 3 products in this line created for the Selfie-taking generation).  The fragrance was pleasant too.  However, the other items went into my give away stash.

SEPTEMBER

September 2016 Play! by Sephora box and contents

I confess the Sephora pink lipstick is such a great color, I've put it in my makeup kit and have used it successfully on several clients and models.  The Kat Von D liner is a perfect travel size, as is the Living Proof Overnight conditioner and mascara.  I haven't tried the moisturizer and the fragrance was once I chose to pass on too.

AUGUST

August 2016 Play! by Sephora box and contents

What's not to love about eye product samplers?!  All of them are the perfect travel sizes.  The CLEAN fragrance is refreshingly pleasant.

JULY

July 2016 Play! by Sephora box and contents

I did use most of the Pure Skin facial cleanser - it's best for normal to combo skin - if you need hydration, this product is not for you.  What's not to love about the classic Smashbox foundation primer?  I ended up gifting the beauty blotter oil absorbing sponge.  The Nest Citrine fragrance was alright, but going into my donation stash.  I love my Hoola bronzer, but this liquid version I did not open yet.

All of the bags are super cute and in addition to containing cosmetic products, I've decided they are also perfect traveling bags for jewelry!

I have enjoyed these subscription boxes - it's a great way to try some of the newest products.

If you have a Play! by Sephora subscription, I'd love to hear about your favorite box(es)!

June 2016 Sephora Play! Unboxing

Last week I received the June 2016 Sephora Play! box.

And here are the unboxing photos:

It's always fun to get something in the mail besides the bulk junk mail fliers!

June 2016 samples have arrived

I am always interested in how the marketing pieces look...

First look inside the June Play! box

I am afraid, I've forgotten to remove the Play! cards a few times before sending brochures to the green recycling bin.  I guess that's why they are on the front of the brochure!

June Play! brochure

Each month the little bags are a bit different…I still wish the presentation was as exciting as my first box.  Click here to see that.

The June 2016 Bag

This month included samples of Bronzer from Bare Minerals, Hair Styling Product from Bumble & Bumble, a fragrance from Tocca, They're Real Mascara from Benefit and Sunscreen from Tarte.

June's Samples

 I have enjoyed trying the Don't Blow It styling cream from Bumble & Bumble.  Not sure I see a huge difference between using it and allowing my hair to cry completely "au natural", but I think I like it.  I have to use it a few more times.

I have tried the Benefit They're Real! mascara previously and it's great, so I'll be adding this one to my give-away stash.

The Tocca Florence perfume is interesting.  It's not too over powering, but very light & feminine.

I have embraced my stark white complexion, so I think I will allow someone else to try the Bare Minerals Bare Skin Sheer Sun bronzer.

I am fully stocked on sun protection at the moment, so I haven't given the Tarteguard a try yet.

I am most intersted in trying the BECCA Backlight Priming Filter, but I keep forgetting to apply it before foundation.  We don't need any more assistance creating "dewy skin" in Houston's heat and humidity, but I'm interested to see what it will do.

June's Tip Sheet