I finally got a moment to catch a breath from the endless home renovation projects and the book release madness for my debut novel, The Ice Maiden’s Tale, to take stock of my box reviews. Unsurprisingly I’m hella behind, so today I’ve got my April Play by Sephora box. There was a billing snafu in March, so I ended up missing that box, but I’m picking right back up with my April one. This is one of the best budget beauty boxes at only $10 per month, so if you want to try a sub, but don’t have a lot of spare dinero, consider Sephora.
If you want to see my box reveals as soon as I get them, follow me on Instagram for real time spoilers.
April’s theme was “Step It Up” – “Upgrade your everyday routine with best in class products to set yourself up for beauty success. Try an eyeliner beloved by makeup artists, skincare selected for your specific for your specific concerns, and more must-haves to step up your beauty game.”
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream
(Full Size: $52.00)
Description: “Lightweight moisturizer with airy formula delivers a burst of hydration with three different types of hyaluronic acid.”
Verdict: Like
“Hyaluronic Cloud Cream” sounds like a lab experiment meets an RPG game. It sounds interesting and I’m always up to try a new night time moisturizer so I’ll happy to test it out.
philosophy Purity Made Simple Cleanser
(Full Size: $24.00)
Description: “A gentle, award-winning one-step face wash that cleans, removes makeup, tones and lightly hydrates for a fresh complexion.”
Verdict: Miss
I know some people adore and swear by Philosophy products but they just never work for me. Their “hope in a jar” cream was more like “fish on my face” and this cleanser just feels way too stripping. It gives you that “squeaky” clean that makes your skin feel so dry. It just didn’t work for me.
Smashbox Iconic Photo Finish Foundation Primer
(Full Size: $36.00)
Description: “This iconic primer creates the perfect canvas for make-up application while leaving skin soft and silk-smooth”
Verdict: Repeat Offender
Is there a beauty sub box or freebie bag in existence that hasn’t had a Smashbox primer in it? I swear I think I’ve got a hundred of these over the years. If you’re into beauty you’ve probably gotten this sample before. I’d rather see more new and interesting products.
SEPHORA COLLECTION
Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover
(Full Size: $11.00)
Description: “A gentle, go-to waterproof makeup remover perfect for sensitive eyes and enriched with lash-strengthening vitamins and extracts.”
Verdict: Not for me
I don’t care for these type of eye removers and prefer the oil based cleansers which work better for my skin. This one was much gentler than most eye makeup removers, but still completely great for my sensitive skin.
MAKE UP FOR EVER
Aqua XL Eye Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner
(Full Size: $21.00)
Description: Beloved by makeup professionals, this creamy, budge-proof eyeliner glides an easily and leaves an intense, jet-black color.”
Verdict: Love!
Makeup Forever is one of my favorite brands so even though a black eyeliner is a bit boring I’m still happy to have this. It’s a great size for travel or to keep in your purse’s makeup bag.
This Month’s Perfume Pick:
Miu Miu L’Eau Bleue (1.7 oz $90.00)
Description: “This fresh, floral fragrance consists of lily of the valley and notes of honeysuckle to evoke the beginning of springtime.”
Verdict: Too floral
As usual this perfume doesn’t work for me. The floral is too strong – I think it’s the lily that is off-putting.
OVERALL
Verdict: Not my favorite
I found this box pretty boring. Except for the eyeliner I didn’t really love anything. The choices fit the “beauty routine” but there needed to be a more interesting element here. Maybe a lip balm from a new brand instead of the tired Smashbox primer? I paid $10.70, which is a little much since I only liked two items, but hopefully future boxes will be more interesting.
Do you like more practical items in your beauty boxes or more unique and trendy things?
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 