Play! by Sephora is a monthly beauty and makeup subscription. Each month they send you six samples, a PLAY! BOOK of tips and tricks, and a PLAY! PASS for in-store learning.
I used to work at Sephora so naturally I couldn’t resist this subscription!
This month they included all of the samples in this adorable drawstring bag!
FYI – Play! by Sephora is currently in semi-waitlist mode.
Hopefully everyone who wants a subscription is off the waitlist, but if you are still waiting for an invite, check the comments on this post for lots of tips.
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
The Subscription Box: Play! by Sephora
The Cost: $10
The Products: Five deluxe samples plus a fragrance sample, a PLAY! BOOK of tips and tricks, and a PLAY! PASS for in-store learning.
Ships to: US
Check out all of our Play! by Sephora reviews and all of our reviews of Cheap Subscription Boxes for other similarly priced boxes!
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
Each box comes with a Play! Pass, which is a card you can use at Sephora (in-store) to get 50 extra rewards points, and you can also get one-on-one tutorials and tips of products from a Sephora consultant.
Although I do have to mention, you can walk in and get shown any tips and even a “mini makeover” (which is where a consultant will do a small demo on you like a certain eye look, how to do your brows, how to contour, matching you with a foundation, etc) anytime! So if you don’t have this subscription (or can’t get off the waitlist), you can still go to your local Sephora and try out all the products featured, or any other products you’ve had your eye on.
Oh, and don’t be afraid to ask for samples! They should give you any you ask for (FYI - general guideline is 3 free samples, but if you ask for more they shouldn’t say no).
Sephora has an excellent info card – it feels like reading a magazine! This month’s theme is about products that help you have an effortless summer.
Also – their info sheet is interactive! On the right side there, it says to download the Sephora To Go app for iPhone to scan product images in the info sheet and it’ll teach you more about the products and you can shop the full sizes. Very cool.
They have such thorough information on each product and brand! There’s also lots of great tips and tricks for application and use for everything.
Ouai Haircare Wave Spray – 1.7 fl oz, value: $8.84
I love the packaging of this product but unfortunately the spray itself is not for me. My hair is just naturally very fine, flat, and straight, with no texture or wave to it without styling. I know my hair is just not the type to work with sea salt sprays and wave sprays.
That being said, it smells alright (nothing fantastic) and has mixed reviews regarding functionality on Sephora.com. I know subscription boxes love sending out sea salt sprays and such, but I just think there’s such a small number of people who have hair that it actually works for. What do you think?
Benefit Cosmetics Dew the Hoola Soft Matte Liquid Bronzer - 0.16 fl oz, value: $4.48
Liquid bronzers seem to be trending this summer! There was one by Bare Minerals featured in last month’s box, too. That works for me, especially because I have dry skin! Getting this in my Play! box last month also pushed me to figure out different ways to use it. Contouring is one, of course, but you can also add it to your liquid foundation to make the shade match your summer tan, or mix it into your body lotion for a temporary healthy glow! It can also help make tan lines less obvious.
The formula is matte, so it has no shimmer. I personally prefer matte bronzers (for my face at least), so I’m happy with that. It is a very warm formula, so if you prefer cooler-toned bronzers, this might not be for you.
Here are a few ways I like to use this bronzer:
Beauty Blender Blotterazzi – value: $10
If you’ve ever used oil blotting sheets or papers, this is the same concept – just reusable! It looks like a 2D version of the classic Beauty Blender sponge and is made of the same material. They also included a sample of the blendercleanser formula, too, which is great. The packaging says that one Blotterazzi should last from 30-45 days with regular, gentle cleansing.
One tip they offered in the info sheet that I love is to use this to blend/smooth out any creasing or settling of foundation on your skin, in addition to its oil-absorbing purposes!
Citrine from NEST Fragrances – sample
This perfume has notes of freesia, citrus, and precious woods. It’s described as light and refreshing, and it is! It’s definitely not very sweet, either. I’ll be honest – until it dried down and settled for minute or two, I didn’t care for it and thought it smelled old. I’m happy to try a new NEST fragrance, though.
Smashbox Iconic Photo Finish Foundation Primer – 0.25 fl oz, value: $9
Smashbox has a huge selection of different kinds of primers (color-correcting, pore blurring, illuminating, etc). This is their classic/original primer, but it works very well. I’m happy to have an extra – thanks to subscription boxes it seems I never need to pay for primer! (FYI – I also love their eyeshadow primer and under-eye primer!)
First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser – 1 fl oz, value: $4
First Aid Beauty was the brand I always pointed people towards who had super sensitive skin or needed help with extreme dryness. All of their products are made without any harsh chemicals and are very gentle. I’m a fan of this cleanser – it’s gentle but still leaves my skin feeling clean. Don’t forget to moisturize after you wash your face!
Verdict: FYI – this box is the first one that had some variation between subscribers based on your skin type (See our July spoiler article for the different options for the items you could have received). I received the items targeted for normal/dry skin. All in all, I’m happy with the July Play! by Sephora box! I got to try some cool new products and I also got a couple extras of products I’m already familiar with and like. The value adds up to over $35, so I’m happy with that for $10.
What do you think about the July Play! by Sephora box?
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