Play! by Sephora December 2016 Unboxing & First Impressions

Happy New Year, loves!!! I hope you are having a fabulous start to the new year so far! I am so excited to welcome 2017 and can’t wait to see what adventure lie ahead 🙂 Today, I will be sharing with you the contents of my December Play! by Sephora sample box. Play! is Sephora’s subscription service that provides 5 beauty samples plus 1 fragrance sample for $10/month (plus local taxes). Now, let’s dive right in and get started!

December’s theme is The Partygoers and the Play! Bag comes with 6 products in a chic, black pouch instead of the standard white.As usual, it includes an insert with product descriptions/ directions and a Play! Pass, redeemable in Sephora stores for 50 extra Beauty Insider points with any purchase.

Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in Always Red – Sample Sized (0.04 fl oz)

Decadent yet lightweight stain moisturizes while saturating lips with a bold, nonstop shade of crimson red (insert). I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this product. The lip stain has a very creamy, mousse-y texture that glides like a dream over the lips, coating it with pigmented, opaque color. This bright red shade is so classic and flattering. LOVE this.

Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo – Deluxe Sample Sized (0.8 oz)

Lightweight dry shampoo extends the life of the blowouts by absorbing oils, adding body, and leaving hair fresh and clean (insert). The nozzle dispenses a nice, even spray of product to the roots of the hair. The initial application leaves a strong white cast on my darker hair, but it does disappear after rubbing the product in vigorously. I don’t love the floral scent, but I don’t mind it either as it is strong enough to freshen up unwashed hair.

Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Smoothing Primer – Deluxe Sample Sized (0.16 fl oz)

This silky primer helps makeup last longer while the targeted formula balances skin’s texture, resulting in a smoother, more even look (insert). I was so excited to test this out after hearing all the hype. This initially looks like a beige cream, but upon rubbing it out, it disappears completely on the skin. This smoothing primer means business! I can’t stop touching my hand where I tested the product. This completely smoothed the surface and seriously feels like butter. I can totally see foundation gliding like a dream over this primer. I LOVE this!

Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara – Deluxe Sample Sized (0.1 oz)

Jet-black, kohl-pigmented mascara delivers high-impact volume with a smudge-free formula (insert). I like the simple, average-sized brush for grabbing most of my lashes. This did a decent job of adding volume to the lashes without getting clumpy or irritating my eyes. This was a nice mascara, but nothing revolutionary for myself personally.

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray – Deluxe Sample Sized (0.5 fl oz)

Weightless Setting Spray prevents makeup from fading, smudging, and settling into fine lines for a touch up free finish (insert). I’ve heard others raving about this UD Setting Spray so I was stoked to try it out. The nozzle spray dispenses an ultra fine mist that helps smooth out powdered skin, which I enjoy. However, the product feels sticky on my face, as if I had misted hairspray on my face. For the price point, I still prefer my ELF Makeup Mist & Set Spray for $3.

Elizabeth and James Nirvana Bourbon Eau de Parfum – Sample Sized (0.07 fl oz)

An intoxicating blend of vanilla bourbon and spice wood with a delicate floral note (insert). I own the Nirvana Black and White fragrances and love how unique they are. This Bourbon scent smells sooo good, very spicy and musky with hints of bourbon. This would be perfect for a date night or a night on the town.

Overall Rating: I thoroughly enjoyed the December’s Sephora Play! Bag so I award it a rating of 9/10 stars based on my first impressions. I was pleased by the fantastic selection of makeup and skincare from some of my favorite brands. The deluxe sample sizes of the Setting Spray and Dry Shampoo are going to be perfect for traveling. My favorite picks of the batch are the Sephora Cream Lip Stain and Make Up For Ever Primer 😉

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

XO,

Mary Dee

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