It’s been pretty insane over here at Subscription Therapy, as I’ve been going through the hell, er, the process of trying to buy a new home, so of course I’m behind on reviews. But I’ve got tons of boxes and pictures and fun things for you, so stick with me and I promise you’ll find something fun.
Today, in particular, I’ve got something extra special. A bargain beauty sub to upset Birchbox as the standard: Play by Sephora. That’s right, Sephora has a sub box! Sephora rolled this out in stages, so a lot of us had to languish endlessly on the waiting list until we could finally try it out. But in May, FINALLY, I was able to snag one for myself, so prepare yourself for a new box in the rotation.
Sephora sends 5 deluxe samples, plus a fragrance bonus, and packages it all in a little collectible bag for just $10 a month (plus tax). They also include a bonus card that you can bring to any Sephora location. The expiration is the end of month and it will give you 50 bonus points on any purchase you make. If you’re a regular Sephora shopper, you know that this is part of their VIB beauty program, where you accumulate points from your purchases and can trade those in for featured deluxe samples. The only trick with this box is to get yourself on the waitlist and keep trying if you don’t immediately get signed up. Sephora will periodically send you an email if you’re on the waiting list – but sometimes they won’t, so just keep checking back to their site to see if any spots open up.
Now let’s see what my very first Play by Sephora Box!
A cute well packed box with Sephora’s signature striped packaging:
May’s theme was “The Forces of Nature” – Earth to Beauty. Sephora described it as follows: “This month, discover products that are high performing and good for you, too. Take your beauty back to its roots with hardworking formulas like a brightening facial treatment for petal-soft skin, an antioxidant-rich lipstick made with organic ingredients, and more products that prove that looking beautiful is only natural.”
Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine (1 oz: $70.00)
Description: “A refreshing burst of sweet blood orange and bitter orange peel paired with notes of geranium.”
Did you know: “Orange Sanguine is part of Atelier Cologne’s Collection Originale, which is made using high concentrations of essential oils to create fresh citrus scents.”
Verdict: Love!
This is one of my favorite perfumes ever and it came in such adorable packaging. I love citrus scents and the Atelier line is wonderful and magically doesn’t trigger any of my allergies. I’m adding this sample to my travel stash, so I can bring this along during my next trip.
Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche in Kimchi (Full Size: $26.00)
Description: “Handcrafted, high-pigment lipstick delivers intense hydration using twelve edible oils.”
Did you know: “Bite Beauty creates all its lipstick suing food-grade ingredients that are antioxidant-rich and made in small batches
Verdict: Like
I’ve got some Bite Beauty lipsticks that I made in their lab, so I’m familiar with the brand. This product feels great going on, but the pink is definitely on the bright side. I do like it though, and it definitely gets me out of my comfort zone. It has a fun, almost 80s type vibe that I think fits summer really well, so I’ll be a bit brave and give it a shot during my next girls night out.
Origins Maskimizer + Drink Up & Clear Improvement Masks
(Maskimizer: 3.2 oz $22.00; Drink Up: 3.4 oz $26.00; Clear Improvement: 3.4 oz $26.00)
Description: “Innovative priming mist optimizes skins condition, while the charcoal mask cleanses and the overnight mask deeply moisturizes.”
Did you know: “In partnership with the American Forests’ Global ReLeaf project, Origins has planted over 500,000 trees around the the globe.”
Verdict: Hit!
I love trying out masks, and Origins charcoal mask is one of my old favorites. I’ll use this little set on my next home spa day.
Tarte Tarteist Lip Crayon in Latergram (Full Size $18.00)
Description: “Prime and line this lip crayon that nurtures with vitamin E and antioxidants.”
Did you know: “The mineral pigments in tarte’s products are made by crushing actual earth minerals into fine powders and contain no synthetic counterparts, so they’re perfect for sensitive skin.”
Verdict: Miss
This color is a bit dark for me, but the miss is mostly for the texture. This was oddly crumbly and hard to apply. It just didn’t feel good on my skin and I think I managed to break the entire sample just trying to swatch it. Sorry Tarte, this one wasn’t a winner.
KORRES Wild Rose Sleeping Facial (1.35 oz: $48.00)
Description: “Lightweight overnight facial treatment melts into skin to brighten and moisturize with wild rose oil.”
Did you know: “Based in Athens, Korres works with local farmers to produce botanicals and other natural ingredients that are unique to Greece’s climate.”
Verdict: Hit!
I love sleeping masks, and Korres is a great brand that offers natural products. This cream wasn’t too heavy and absorbed into skin very easily.
BRIOGEO Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask (8 oz Size: $36.00)
Description: “Intensely hydrating hair treatment made with naturally drevied ingredients to restore and replenish.”
Did you know: “Briogeo’s founder was inspired to start a cosmetics company by her grandmother who harvested raw ingredients from her own farm to make hair care products..”
Verdict: Hit!
I love deep conditioners that you apply in the shower and rinse off. Once a week, I like to use a clarifying shampoo and then follow up with a deep conditioner – sort of like a mini spa day for my hair. I’m glad to have this new one to try out.
OVERALL
Verdict: Love!
With tax, I paid $10.70 for this box and I think it had a wonderful variety of products and really great sizes for samples. The natural beauty theme was a great fit for the season, as we leave Spring and head toward summer. I also appreciated the detail included on the card. It included: descriptions of the products, info about the ingredients, fun facts about the brand, and helpful hints on how to use the products. It was very thoughtfully put together and I felt like I actually learned quite a bit from reading it. The extra bonus card for additional points is a nice tough as is the cute little bag included. At only $10 a box, it’s a great way to get a chance to try some spendy products without spending too much.
Have you been one of the lucky folks to nab a Sephora subscription?
If so, what did you think of the box?
If not, are you considering signing up?
THE BACKSTORY
Each month Play by Sephora, will send you 5 deluxe samples handpicked from their shelves (plus a fragrance bonus) – all in a collectible bag.
Cost: $10 per month (plus any applicable tax)
Bonus: Each month you’ll get an included card that you can bring to Sephora for an extra 50 bonus points for any Purchase. These points are part of Sephora’s VIB program and can be traded in for an assortment of samples.
Lisa Preziosi 
2 thoughts on “Play by Sephora: May 2016”