For TGIFriday, I’ve got a great budget pick: Play by Sephora. At only $10 a month, they send a fun assortment of beauty items under a monthly theme.
October’s theme was “The Cool Cut” – The Next Big Things. Sephora described this as “These are the ones to watch: uncover breakthrough formulas, indie fins, and products that truly stand out from the corwod. Before they hit the mainstream, try out routine-changing skincare and hair innovations, a coveted liquid lipstick , and other of-the-moment must haves.”
Smashbox Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick in Driver’s Seat
(Full Size: $24.00)
Description: “Matte liquid lipstick keeps going for eight hours with a water-resistant, non-feathering formula.”
Verdict: Hit!
This shade is a touch warm for my taste, but not so much that it’s unwearable. It did have staying power and wasn’t as drying as most matte lip products I’ve tried. It’s also a generous size for a $10 box. We’re off to a great start!
Erborian Bamboo Crème Frappée Skin Reviving Fresh Gel
(Full Size: $43.00)
Description: “Deeply moisturizing gel-cream with a unique frosty, whipped texture sinks effortlessly into skin to revive and refresh.”
Verdict: Hit!
I’m not sure it’s possible for Erborian to add any more buzz words to the name of this product, but the description makes it sound super intriguing. A gel with a frosty whipped texture? A combination of Korean skincare and “luxurious French scents”? Sign me up.
Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask with Rare Prickly Pear Seed Oil
(Full Size: $71.00)
Description: “Sumptuous and full of antioxidants, this conditioning hair mask strengthens strands while enhancing color and shine.”
Verdict: Love!
This is one hell of an expensive hair mask. I mean, I thought my giant tub of $29 hair mask that lasted 2 years was a huge splurge, but $71 on my nonprofit salary just ain’t happening. Getting a pretty generous sample in a $10 box is wonderful. I’m going to save this for when my hair needs a pick me up.
The Estée Edit Flash Photo Gloss
(Full Size: $20.00)
Description: “Innovative, high-shine gloss with cool blue undertones that makes teeth appear brighter—t’s the ultimate must-have for selfies!”
Verdict: Like
You can wear this alone or layered over another lipstick. I really like that this came with a matte liquid lipstick so that you could pair them together to change the effect. The reason this is only a “like” is that I think the gloss is stickier than I prefer. However, I’m intrigued with the “blue undertone” aspect and I’m going to experiment and see if it can help make some of my warmer lip shades a bit better for my skin tone.
Farmacy Skin Dew Hydrating Essence Mist & Setting Spray
(Full Size: $44.00)
Description: “Invigorating facial mist is just the thing to freshen or set makeup, add moisture, and soothe skin.”
Verdict: Like
Farmacy is one of those brands that has been popping up a lot in sub boxes. This isn’t a product I would seek out on my own, but it will be fun to try out. I’m particularly interested in how it will function as a makeup setting spray.
This Month’s Perfume Pick:
Yves Saint Laurent Mon Paris (1.6 oz $92.00)
Description: “Inspired by a love for the sophistication and allure of Paris, this scent layers fruity and floral notes over a musky base.”
Verdict: Sometimes Paris isn’t a good idea
Too strong for me. I’m going to have to pass this along to a friend.
OVERALL
Verdict: Love!
With tax, I paid $10.70 for this box and I feel like the hair mask and Smashbox lipstick would have been worth that much on their own. What I really liked about this month was that there were so many brands and products that I’ve never tried before. If you’ve been wanting to try a beauty sub and are on a budget, consider Sephora Play. The samples are generous, they feature a nice variety of categories and you get a card for extra points when you purchase something from the Sephora store.
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 