Play! by Sephora September 2017 Unboxing and First Impressions

Happy Saturday, everyone! I hope you’re all enjoying your weekend so far. Today, we are catching up on my Sephora Play! sample box for September 2017. Unfortunately, October’s box was shipped to my old address in California after I had moved, so I won’t be able to review it this month 🙁 However, I just updated all my beauty subscription accounts so starting this month, I should be receiving them at my new address ? Play! is Sephora’s subscription service that provides 5 beauty samples plus 1 fragrance sample for $10/month (plus local taxes).

September’s theme was Fall Into Beauty and the Play! Bag came with 6 products in this pretty satin pink pouch. It is totally giving me Victoria Secret vibes.As usual, it included an insert with product descriptions/ directions and a Play! Pass, redeemable in Sephora stores for 50 extra Beauty Insider points with any purchase.

Algenist Power Recharging Night Pressed Serum – Deluxe Sized (0.23 fl oz)

Highly concerted solid serum melts into skin to smooth and visually refine dull, uneven complexions (insert). The formula and texture of this serum reminds me of coconut oil. At room temperature it is solid, but it melts to a liquid between the heat of your hands. I haven’t seen a huge difference in my skin since adding it to my nightly routine, but it feels lightweight and provides additional moisture overall.

Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel in Deep – Deluxe Sample Sized (0.03 oz)

Volumizing, water-resistant fiber gel mimics the look of real hair to create thick lush-looking brows (insert). First off, the packaging is adorable. I like the teeny tiny brush which is wonderful for grabbing all the little hairs. The gel adds a light tint of color and tames unruly hairs. If you have naturally thick or defined brows, this is great on its own for those quick, no makeup- makeup days. However, if you have sparse brows, I would recommend this as an additional step after you’ve shaped them with a pencil or pomade.

Urban Decay Vice Liquid Lipstick in Amulet – Deluxe Sized (0.02 fl oz)

Waterproof, intensely pigmented liquid lipstick in a satin-matte brick rose shade (insert). Amulet is flattering, everyday shade. However, the formula was not my favorite. Despite being long-lasting, I found it applied rather patchy and felt very dry and uncomfortable. With all the great liquid lipstick formulas on the market, I was disappointed in Urban Decay’s formula.

Sephora Collection Contour Eye Pencil 12hr Wear Waterproof in Black Lace – Deluxe Sized (0.017 oz)

Creamy, easy-to-apply pencil with a long-lasting waterproof formula that glides on smoothly (insert). Good grief, I think this is the second or third time I’ve received this Sephora Eyeliner Pencil ? The formula is creamy and pigmented, but doesn’t last long on my bottom lash line. I hope this is the last time it is included as I would much rather try some different eye products.

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb – Deluxe Sized (0.33 fl oz)

Refreshing gel-cream formula drenches skin in a burst of cooling, light-as-a-feather moisure (insert). This blue gel has a refreshing scent and feels lightweight, while providing a lot of moisture to the skin. The texture reminds me of Korean sleeping masks/ packs, if you’re familiar with that. I packed this on my trip to Jamaica and loved the hydration it added to my nightly routine.

IGK Hot Girls Shampoo and Conditioner – Sample Sized (0.23 fl oz x 2)

Perfect for heat tool addicts and damaged and colored hair, this shampoo and conditioner combo takes stressed-out strands to touchably soft and silky (insert). This is the first time since I begun my Play! subscription that the perfume sample has been replaced and I’m disappointed 🙁 I dislike using these type of packets for shampoo and conditioner so I’ll be passing this along.

Overall Rating: I was rather let down by September’s Sephora Play! Bag so I award it a rating of 5/10 stars based on my first impressions. I wasn’t thrilled with the product selection or performances, plus the lack of perfume samples was another disappointment for me. I’m crossing my fingers Sephora comes through next month! The only product I was impressed with was the Belif Moisturizing Gel.

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

XO,

Mary Dee

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