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Play! by Sephora Subscription Box Review – July 2016

Haley Faye
ByHaley FayeJul 20, 2016 | 115 comments

PLAY BY SEPHORA JULY 2016 - BOX

Play! by Sephora
3.8 overall rating
564 Ratings | 55 Reviews

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!

PLAY BY SEPHORA JULY 2016 - packaging 1

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.)

PLAY BY SEPHORA JULY 2016 - all items

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!

PLAY BY SEPHORA JULY 2016 - info 1

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).

PLAY BY SEPHORA JULY 2016 - info 2

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.

PLAY BY SEPHORA JULY 2016 - info 3

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.

PLAY BY SEPHORA JULY 2016 - items 1

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.

PLAY BY SEPHORA JULY 2016 - items 2

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:

LIQUID BRONZER INFOGRAPHIC

PLAY BY SEPHORA JULY 2016 - items 3

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.

PLAY BY SEPHORA JULY 2016 - items 4

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?

Starting at $10.00
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PLAY! by Sephora is a monthly beauty and makeup subscription box. Each month, Sephora sends you a mix of six samples (including cosmetics, haircare, skincare, fragrances, and other beauty products) personalized to match your preferences and a PLAY! BOOK of tips and tricks.
Haley Faye
Haley Faye
Haley Faye first discovered the wonderful world of subscription boxes in 2012 and began writing for MSA in 2014. Over the years, she has found many subscriptions to love. Now a mom of three, her favorite boxes are ones that dress her kids, help her get organized, feed her family, send her snacks, and offer educational fun for her children.

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115 comments

This looks awesome. I’m so angry, my box has been in a town about 45 minutes away since early on July 19th. I honestly think someone from the post office stole it, I’ve had clothes stolen, with stuff someone apparently didn’t like still in the ripped bag, and a book. I seriously wish that Sephora would cover the box with another plain box, like Allure does. I know this is much more environmentally friendly, but people are trash and taking a Sephora box is def something people who live around me would do. I was really looking forward to this box. 🙁

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Kaitlynn Marie

Weird, I got a chocolate-y smelling, not very pigmented, disappointing powder bronzer from Too Faced, not the Benefit one. Hmmm. I got everything else you got, except my cleanser was the one with red clay or whatever. I’m actually pretty excited to try it. Not a fan of the blotterazzi though. It doesn’t seem to do anything with my oily face….

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Gigi

Allure or sephora? Which one do you guys think I should subscribe to and why? Thanks y’all!!!

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Mikayla

This is my first sub box and this is also my first month of Sephora play! I’m very happy with it so far. I have not tried the blotterazzi yet because I keep forgetting to put it in my purse when I go out on a hot or busy day, but I am excited to try it because it sounds like a product that would really help me. I also love that it came with the bonus sample of cleanser, which I already used (oh well) to make my regular beauty blender look brand new (I have been to cheap to buy their brand of cleanser but I might have to now seeing how well it works). I got the oily box which includes the too faced chocolate bronzer and the FAB red clay cleanser, both products that I already have deluxe samples of, but I am still super excited because I love both of these so much, and was almost out of the cleanser. I plan to buy full sizes of both of these products and now can delay that awhile longer, especially with the bronzer which even tho it looks small has been lasting me awhile now with almost daily use and shows no signs of being close to used up. So I am excited for both of those. Still not over the bronzers smell, (and for those with pale skin like me don’t worry about it saying medium/deep!! Super blendable and not too dark). A primer is a primer, I do like that this one is tinted, and do like it, but it’s nothing phenomenal. I dont buy primers because I get so many samples of primers and moisturizers to use before foundation so I won’t be purchasing after its done but I am happy with it. I actually like the wave spray, my natural hair has casual waves and this helps accentuate them on days I don’t want to do my hair. I also think this sample is a really good size and I’ve seen a lot complain it’s strong scented but I love the smell. The perfume I think is alright, not bad but I don’t love it. I think it’s all a good value for $10, especially with the cute little bag and the card for 50 beauty insider points, and it may just be because I’m new but I don’t understand the complaints (except for those of you who got the wrong box, even tho pretty much all the products besides maybe the red clay cleanser would be fine for either skin type, but it would bother me too if it was wrong), and I’m excited for future play! boxes 🙂

This comment was soo long, whoops! Bye now

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Kaara

Ugh, this box was supremely boring considering how hyped up the Sephora sub has been…I have dry skin so don’t need Any blotters, the Ouai was WAY too greasy and sticky and stiff for my fine hair, and a bronzer? Snooze 🙁 I expected way better from a Sephora sub, like the latest/newest products- they had Drunk Elephant and Farmacy samples with purchases, so don’t tell me they can’t include newer exciting brands like those in a sub. And the waterproof version of Too Faced Better Than Sex came out in June, and they haven’t included it in a summer-themed box yet?? If next month isn’t MUCH better, I’m out. Disappointing.

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Marion

Cute bronzer tutorial!

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EC

Ok, now I’m highly irritated seeing the products I was supposed to have received. I got a cheap brand hair spray and a tiny Tarte powder bronzer instead of the spoiler Benefit liquid version. I’m calling a foul on that since that product was the ONLY reason I stayed subbed after 3 lackluster, overpriced boxes.

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Gigi

Allure or sephora? Which one do you guys think I should subscribe to and why? Thanks y’all!!!

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EC

I did not select the oily skin box FWIW; they just gave me the wrong bronzer if the powder was for that box variation. I’m approaching 40 and have zero use for many powder products as they tend to settle into fine lines. Which is why I didn’t choose the oily skin version even though I am more oily than dry.

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Dianne

The Ouai works well for texture. Didn’t make my hair stuff like other texture sprays. It is brushable. Love it

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Cynthia

What a crappy bag ! I hated it ! The bags are so cheap the string always pulls too far and I can’t get it to be used again. I canceled and after September I will have no more subscriptions boxes !

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Connie

I just canceled so hopefully they can get some more people off the wait list. This was my third month and they just did not seem as interesting as the earlier bags. I use very limited makeup so ended up giving away most of the items. I signed up for the Sisley and that seems to be a better fit for me.

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Kelsey

I I did the exact same…gave it 3 months and was never really thrilled with it. I like target for low end and allure for a little higher end. With that said…since we are all cancelling, I’m sure next month will be great!

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Kay

This is my third month and I have been going spoiler-free and I am pleasantry surprised about the variation. I received the set for dry skin and I am happy. Strangely my skin is drier for the last few days despite this humid weather, so I have to remind myself to add only one new skincare item at a time to see if anything is changing my skin! I happen to like sea salt spray, but only tried one brand (Not Your Mamas from Target, I think), so I am happy to try higher end brand and it is a decent size. I haven’t really used bronzer in the past and finally tried the Kardashian one from Allure. Since it had shimmer in it and I tanned from my vacay and chasing my son in the park (despite wearing SPF daily), so I tried it on my cheeks and gave me a nice sun-kissed look. I also tried it on my cheeks lightly and topped it with my blush color and I liked the result as well. I know I need to size down my subs, but I am keeping Sephora for now.

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Gigi

Allure or sephora? Which one do you guys think I should subscribe to and why? Thanks y’all!!!

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Amanda

Does anyone have ideas for what to do with the bags? I feel bad tossing them but they’re not as versatile as the boxes other companies send and they don’t have a zipper like a standard makeup pouch. They have Sephora branding on them so I don’t want to use them for gift bags. How have all of you been using the bags? Mine are just sitting in a stack on my desk.

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Bella

I use them when traveling for anything from jewelry to scarves to socks to intimates… the possibilities are endless! They help me stay organized. Or if you don’t travel a lot you can use it as a pencil/pen case, a hairclip organizer, nail polish storage, memories- like photos or movie stubs- storage, … I could go on haha

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jenn

every 2-3 boxes I post a few items that aren’t for me on eBay and include the bag… that keeps my supply down and helps me make back a tiny bit of $$.

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marianne stein

I give away a lot of stuff, and these bags are festive. It’s fun to see theyr ecipient pull something out og the bag. They are a nice size for a paperback, art supplies… lots of things.

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Monique Eckert

My kids love putting toys in them lol

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Kara

Mine too!!! ?

Jackie

You can always fill them with samples and donate to a women’s shelter? Imo the Sephora branding isn’t a big deal either if you gift makeup. ?

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everydayasian

Every once in a while when my sample stash gets too big, I make little baggies to give to friends, so I’m saving them for that.

Beth L

Such a really really nice way to fill them and I know everyone has tons and tons of new not used sweet samples that any girl would go nuts over. Great idea.

Christina

If you don’t want them, you could give them to someone via your local freecycle or buy nothing group. Maybe a teacher at your local elementary school may have use for them.

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Sheree

I use bags like this for jewelry when I travel. The ribbons don’t last long before they break, so I go through them pretty quickly.

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Dena

I have oily skin which is in my profile on Sephora but somehow I got the dry skin box. That doesn’t thrill me but I should be able to use everything. I just don’t see the point of the profile if they aren’t going to follow it. But I love the boxes. They are so fun.

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Heather

Me too- I just checked up in my profile to make sure that my details were accurate (they are) so I was wondering why I would receive this box. I’m glad to try the liquid bronzer though, so nbd.

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Samantha Matkins

I received the dry skin box too but am oily around my nose. When I reviewed my profile dry skin was selected. I have no idea how that happened. I won’t use the Hoola bronzer; it’s just way too warm for me.

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Marcy

Haley, the most important question is “what lipstick are you wearing?” It’s so beautiful!!!

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Sheree

I have really short hair, but think wave spray will work great as a hair freshener on days that I don’t shampoo. I did not care for the NEST fragrance. To me, it smells just like the old Elizabeth Arden Sunflowers. Ugh.

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Rebecca

YES! I couldn’t put my finger on it, but that’s what it was! Definitely not a good thing. I couldn’t wait to wash it off, even after I let it settle.

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liz

UUUGGGGHHH!! I am so bummed! I have been on the waiting list For.Ev.Er! With 10 different email addresses…I’ve followed the advice I’ve read here and gone in and periodically checked all of them with no luck. Wouldn’t be so bad but I have multiple friends who got on the waiting list then an email within 5 days.

Anyone else still in waitlist purgatory?!?!??

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Danielle

I haven’t gotten mine yet due to a forwarding address issue, but I’m pretty meh about it anyway. The Ouai spray contains proteins that make my hair really dry, which I discovered when I used the brand’s smoothing shampoo & conditioner – it took weeks to make my hair feel right again. I definitely wouldn’t recommend it for anyone with protein-sensitive hair.

I’m supposed to be getting the Too Faced bronzer, which would be great, except it’s medium to dark and probably too dark for my skin tone. I’ve heard bad things about the cleanser they’re sending in the combo/oily skin box – that it really dries skin out. My face skin is already really dry due to Retin-A, but I am also very acne-prone, so I have on my profile that my skin is combination.

I’ve already gotten several of the Smashbox primer samples. The only item I’m really looking forward to trying is the Blotterazzi, even though it gets mixed reviews on Sephora’s website.

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Julie E

Love this box! Best one yet. The Too Faced bronzer smells amazing and it’s the first brownish not orangey bronzer I have received so I’m excited about that. The Nest Citrine perfume smells absolutely delightful & fresh. Exactly my type of perfume. I love perfume and am glad they send this as a “bonus” item each month! I may even start back up with Scentbird so I can get more of these great perfumes for cheap! 🙂 The wave spray smells great too! It reminds me of a perfume I have smelled before but can’t think of which one. While it most definitely does not work in my hair to give beach waves I do plan to use it for some texture in dried hair & basically as hair perfume! Mmmm I’m going to smell amazing when I go out for dinner with friends tonight!

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Blythe A.

I’m so glad I cancelled my subscription. I don’t want a perfume sample every month. And a bronzer two months in a row? Not thanks. The OUAI spray is overly perfumey and doesn’t work very well. I’ve already tried and love the primer and face wash. Not worth the $10 to me.

Maybe if the products become more interesting I might resubscribe.

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Rebecca

Same here about resubscribing if it looks interesting again. This was my third box, and I’m just not wowed. It’s good for a $10 box, and I appreciate that the perfume sample is not part of the five that come in each box. In other words, I don’t have any real complaints (except that the boxes before I signed up looked way better – but whatever). However I’m on sample overload, so I’m cutting back, having dropped Birchbox and waiting for Glossybox to run out this fall. I see it as money I can spend on products I want at Sephora ?

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Luna

I agree on the Ouai spray. I tried it last night, and it stung my sinuses because the scent was so strong! However, once it wore off a little it did smell good. Also, I noticed no difference in my hair this morning…..but then again, I already have thick, frizzy hair to begin with. I recently bought the Ouai hair oil, so next time I wash my hair I’m going to use these together to see how they work.

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Sue

Hayley,

You made the comment about moisturizing after washing you face. I am a bit older (in my 50’s) but have always had oily skin, and am still prone to blemishes, so I am hesitant to put moisturizers or oils on my face – it seems a no-brainer to me. I often end up with blemishes when I try a new one. BUT, it do worry about my skin long-term, that all of a sudden I’ll have dry, crinkly skin. What would you suggest?

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Jennifer

I have read that even if you have oily skin, washing your face can still dry it out, which causes the skin to overproduce oils to make up for the loss of moisture. So using moisturizer after washing your face may be worth a try.

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Sarah V

You’re totally correct Jennifer. Even if you have oily skin you still have to moisterize after washing. Even if it’s a lightweight moisturizer you have to use something or your skin will keep over producing oil. It seems counter productive at first but really works.

Sue

I think maybe I just need to find the right moisturizer that won’t break my face out.

LaVikinga

Your skin sounds similar to mine. I have rosacea, use prescription retinoids & take a daily lose dose antibiotic to keep the breakouts under control. The retinoids are skin peeling (and do a fantastic job of keeping the crow’s feet MUCH less noticable, BTW) so they can be drying on my non-T zones. I use moisturizers on those areas including my upper lip, under my eyes, but avoid the more oily, break out prone T-zone. Seems to work for me, but YMMV.

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Ari

I have skin like yours…from the drugstore I use the CeraVe line and I’ve had no problems.

After your skin calms down, most of the products will be fine. I sample most things with happy results.

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KC

July was my first box and I am very pleased with this sub. I received the normal/dry bag and can use everything in it, aside from the perfume as I found it a little too strong and ‘alcohol-y’ for my preference.

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steph

I thought salt sprays or in this case “wave” spray was a waste but the other day I let my stick straight slick hair dry naturally, sprayed some in and poof! some waves. It was amazing to me. I’ll be using it on an upcoming vacation instead of blow drying my hair.

I didn’t get the bronzer. I don’t know what I received instead since I mixed up boxes but I HATE bronzer, it’s of no use to me, especially in that liquid form.

I’m new to Play, this is my third box. I look at it as receiving 100 point rewards for a much less price.

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Kim Gem

I think Sephora made a mistake by showing the Box A/B variations because, honestly, I think most products can be used whether you have dry or oily skin besides maybe the Blotterazzi, which was in both the “oily” and “dry” box. As someone with dry skin, that’s probably the only thing in either box that isn’t useful for it’s purpose, but I can see maybe using it for other things. And this was never a problem with previous months when people didn’t make a big deal if each product was not specifically for their skin/hair type. They’ll probably rethink putting out “customized” boxes at all if people are calling all upset that they received a product that really can be used no matter what your skin type is.

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Sarah V

I received the oily skin box and I loved it! I filled out my profile so it was awesome they sent products for use on oily skin. The smashbox oil free pore minimizing primer was great, so much better than the original. And the too faced chocolate soleil bronzer was spot on.

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Ks

I was NOT excited about this box but when I received it?

LOVE!!!

I got the oily skin version.

Wave spray worked well for me. I spritzed it on dry hair and then scrunched it. It gave me a lot of volume.

Too Faced bronzer smells like chocolate! Omg!!! And it’s so pretty on my skin.

Blotterazi is going to be used like a basic sponge. I don’t think it absorbs oil that well but I’ll have it as a backup for my MAC sponge.

Love the perfume.

Haven’t tried the primer yet (blah item) or cleanser but both will be used.

So far, I’ve been enjoying everything I have received from Play.

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Sarah V

I totally agree! I got the oily skin box too which is perfect as that’s what I filled out in my profile. I don’t know why so many people are complaining, I thought this was a great month.

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Amy M

This was my first box from Sephora Play (I got the oily/combo box) and I’m really happy with it. I love the wave spray. The beauty blender and perfume were interesting to try, and the bag is really cute. Next month’s theme is about eyes, and that is very exciting.

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Amanda

I loved my box too. The wave spray is awesome! Sephora really nails hair products for me. The fragrance and the Too Faced bronzer I binned immediately because I didn’t like their sample packaging but I’m cool with that. I already know they’re good products and the other stuff more than made up for it.

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Betty

I really liked this months box, especially the wave spray. Much better than the Allure one this month and it is more expensive.

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