PLAY by Sephora Sept. 2015 Review

I’m excited to share with you the very first Play by Sephora September 2015 box review! So much excitement happened the day I got an email on my phone while sitting in the waiting room of my doctor’s office that read something along the lines of, “Limited quantities of PLAY! by Sephora boxes available in Houston,” and, “you have 10 SECONDS TO FILL OUT THIS FORM OR ELSE NEVER GET ONE FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.” Something like that. Needless to say, I blacked out and completed the subscription to PLAY! by Sephora in a record 120 seconds or less.

Three weeks later, she arrived. Keep reading to find out my thoughts on the financial value and first impressions.

// PRODUCT LIST (Sephora Customer Rating)* + FIRST IMPRESSIONS // 

• Sephora Collection Rouge Infusion in Peony (3.4/5) – a lip stain in a hydrating, non sticky soft rose-hue.
• Marc Jacobs Highliner in Blacquer (4.3/5) – a gel eye pencil in an intense black.
• Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation (4.3/5) – lightweight face creme to brighten/even complexion.
• Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer (4.5/5) – a multitasking hair prep solution that moisturizes and protects from heat and UV damage.
• GLAMGLOW Supercleanse (4.2/5) – deep facial cleanser in a mud-to-foam formula.
• Elizabeth and James Nirvana White (4.3/5) – a light musky floral fragrance.

Overall, I’m happy with the variety Sephora included in the inaugural box. There’s a healthy mix of makeup, haircare, skincare and fragrance. They also selected colors that will work for anyone. I always get quite annoyed when a subscription box sends a red, orange, hot pink or purple lipstick as my first introduction to the product/brand. How is that going to help me form an opinion when I don’t want to rock that shade basically ever?

The booklet that accompanied the box was very helpful in providing fun facts and suggestions on how to use the products outside of the norm. For example, mix Elizabeth and James Nirvana White with an unscented hair oil and run through ends of hair for a lasting fresh scent – I never would have thought of that! It also included a PLAY PASS which the subscriber redeems at Sephora for 50 extra beauty insider points for any purchase through May 2016.

I’m most excited about the Marc Jacobs Highliner and GLAMGLOW cleanser. I’ve read great things about the eyeliner being completely bulletproof and I’ve had pretty good success in the past with GLAMGLOW products (see my review of ThirstyMud here). I’m least impressed by the Sephora lip stain (not great customer reviews) and the Bb hair primer (I’ve had samples before and didn’t notice any significant improvement).

*Customer rating pulled as of Sept. 24, 2015

---

// FINANCIAL BREAKDOWN //

Any chance to use Excel to combine beauty with brains makes me happy, so let’s take a look:

I paid $10.83 for the box (and subsequent boxes), including tax. Take a look at how much ‘sample’ was provided for the Marc Jacobs eyeliner… pretty sweet deal! Overall, this box value falls in line with that of several other subscription boxes and hopefully continues to do so, if not improve.

---

For October, Sephora says the box will focus on Korean skincare and dewy skin favorites. I’m pretty excited about that because I’m all about the healthy skin glow.

I like to give any subscription box a full three month ‘probation’ period before I form any solid opinions about its track record but so far, PLAY! by Sephora has me content. I love the in-depth booklet with extra details, the quality and size of the samples and the reputation of the brands included. The bonus 50-point perk for *any* purchase really seals the deal, too. I hope this helped you if you’re on the fence about signing up. I definitely think it’s worth exploring. Get your name on the waiting list or subscribe now by clicking here.

Have you received PLAY? What are your thoughts? Comment below!

-Steffanie

*Brighter, Darling utilizes some affiliate links which may generate a small commission from clicks that result in a purchase.