Another day, another box review I’ve been hoarding.
Today is my budget friendly pick: Play by Sephora. At only $10 a month, they send a fun assortment of beauty items under a monthly theme.
December’s theme was “The Partygoer” – Meet Your Night Out Necessities. Sephora described this as “Small soirées, company festivities, all-out holiday bashes: no matter how you’re celebrating, this is the selection for the party season. We’re wrapping up 2016 with inky-black mascara, a show-stopping red lip shade, and more must-haves for getting ready for fun—and looking fresh all night long.”
This month’s bag is my favorite. I’m definitely keeping this one to re-use.
Lancôme HYPNÔSE DRAMA Instant Full Body Volume Mascara
(Full Size: $27.50)
Description: “Volumizing mascara coats lashes from root to tip for full-drama, flake-free lashes in a single stroke.”
Verdict: A mixed bag
Lancome is a great brand and a super dark volume mascara is a great pick for a party look, but this formula has a couple issues. First, it smells really strong of perfume. I have tried a lot of mascaras in my time and none smelled this strong. I don’t quite understand it. Why would you want something that strongly scented right by your eyes? Second, I felt like it did get a bit clumpy and gave my lashes that spider leg look. It wasn’t extreme, but it was enough that I wouldn’t purchase this product on my own. On the bright side, it stays on well and is a very saturated black.
SEPHORA COLLECTION – Cream Lip Stain in Always Red
(Full Size: $14.00)
Description: “Decadent yet lightweight stain moisturizes while saturating lips with a bold, nonstop shade of crimson red.”
Verdict: Like
A bold red is almost a requirement for a Holiday makeup box. I didn’t swatch this as I’m saving my new makeup for after my move, but the shade does seem to lean a touch warm. I’ll have to wait and see if it works with my skin tone, but it’s size and bold hue make it perfect to slip into your tiny party bag.
Urban Decay – All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
(1 oz: $15.00)
Description: “Weightless setting spray prevents makeup from fading, smudging, and settling into fine lines for a touch-up free finish.”
Verdict: Perfect Pick!
A makeup setting spray is a perfect pick for this box, and Urban Decay’s version is the gold standard in makeup. You spritz it on to keep your makeup in place for the long haul. I already own this product, but didn’t mind getting another. This is the perfect size to throw into a travel kit.
MAKE UP FOR EVER Step 1 Skin Equalizer Smoothing Primer
(Full Size: $37.00)
Description: “This silky primer helps makeup las longer while the targeted formula balances skin’s texture, resulting in a smoother more even look.”
Verdict: Love!
I love MUFE primers and haven’t yet had a chance to try the “smoothing” one, so I was super excited to find this in my box. Primer’s can really make a huge difference in how your makeup goes on and how long it lasts. I’m interested to see how this one differs from the other MUFE ones I’ve tried.
Drybar Bay Breeze Hydrating Shots
(Set of 4: $38.00)
Description: “Salon-quality, single-dose treatments quench dry hair and scalp, then wash away for shiny, silky-soft hair.”
Verdict: Like
I have a dry scalp so a hydrating treatment sounds promising. $38 for 4 shots is more spendy than my budget allows, so it’s nice to be able to try out something I wouldn’t otherwise.
This Month’s Perfume Pick:
Elizabeth and James – Nirvana Bourbon (1.7 oz $85.00)
Description: “An intoxicating bend of vanilla bourbon and spice wood with a delicate floral note.”
Verdict: As usual, No.
For me the description “intoxicating” on a perfume means “go take an aspirin immediately”. As usual, this is too strong for me. I’ll pass it on to a friend.
OVERALL
Verdict: Hit!
I thought this box hit the Holiday party theme perfectly and featured a lot of great brands. With tax, I paid $10.70 for this box and I’ll use nearly everything in it. If you want to try out pricier makeup and don’t really know where to start, I highly recommend trying out a Sephora Play subscription. For $10, you’ll get a chance to try out some expensive brands and products and be able to decide if they are worth your hard-earned Benjamins.
I’ve got so many more box reviews coming so be sure to come back. And if you want a sneak peek of the full boxes, just follow me on Instagram.
What beauty product is your must have for a glamorous night out?
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 