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Play! by Sephora Review – March 2016

Liz Cadman
ByLiz CadmanMar 25, 2016 | 126 comments

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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.

FYI - Play! by Sephora is currently in waitlist mode. Make sure to sign up, and check back on their site to see if you've been accepted. (I know a few readers mentioned not getting an email that they were off the waitlist, but when they entered their email address again on the site, they were accepted.)

I really wish Sephora would be transparent about how their waitlist system works. It clearly isn't first in first out. And I believe some current members were able to share invites with friends a month ago, and those people got ahead in line.

In conclusion - the Play! by Sephora waitlist is VERY frustrating/confusing, but when you finally get in, if you are anything like me, your reaction will be something like:

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Now onto the beautiful box!

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I absolutely love the packaging of this subscription!

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My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out our review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)

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The Subscription Box: Play! by Sephora

The Cost: $10

The Products: Six samples, a PLAY! BOOK of tips and tricks, and a PLAY! PASS for in-store learning.

Ships to: US

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The info booklet for this subscription is one of the best I've seen, and I love that it has useful tips and illustrations for applying makeup/using your produts.

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And subscribers get a Play! card to take into their local Sephora store:

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With the card, you get in store tutorials on how to use the products in the box, and 50 extra beauty insider points with any in-store purchase.

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SEPHORA COLLECTION The Perfectionist: Airbrush Sponge - Value $12

(Sponge pictured below.)

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser - 20 ml Value $6

This cleanser is super gentle and fragrance-free. It has a natural cucumber scent, though, which I love!

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I normally use the Beauty Blender, but I might actually like this sponge more! It doesn't absorb as much product as Beauty Blender does, and I like the two different sizes - the smaller end is great for application under eyes and around the nose.

If you aren't familiar with this type of makeup sponge, you wet it, squeeze out any excess water, then "bounce" the sponge - not rub - to apply foundation. It's the most flawless way I've found to apply liquid foundation - I love it!

Sephora also included a mini container to get a foundation sample in your Sephora store:

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Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper - .007 oz Value $6.65

I've always wanted to try the Kat Von D makeup line, and I'm pretty impressed! The eyeliner is super easy and smooth to apply. And it doesn't budge after it sets! I had to apply it twice to get a super pigmented black line, though. (Swatched with just one application below.)

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil - 4 ml Value $5.50

I've sampled this before thanks to Ipsy and I like it! I believe the trick is to let it fully absorb before applying makeup. I've followed that instruction and I've had no issues!

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Murad Invisiblur™ Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 - .17 oz Value $11

This product is designed to be part sunscreen, part primer and moisturizer. I like it as a primer, and it smells great, but I didn't notice any "blurring" effects. It's pricey too, ($65 for 1 oz), so I'll use this sample up, but I won't be buying the full-size version.

MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA ‘REPLICA’ Beach Walk - 1.2 Value $2.50

This is a new fragrance to me, and I think I like it? (I'm super picky when it comes to perfumes - I usually don't wear any.)

Verdict: This box has a value of about $44. I think that's great for a $10 box, and I'm so happy with the brands included, and the presentation of the box! I haven't tried the in-store experiences that go along with this subscription yet, though. If you have - let us know if you felt they added value to the subscription!

What do you think of Play! by Sephora?

Starting at $10.00
Subscribe Now
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.
Liz Cadman
Liz Cadman
Liz is the founder of My Subscription Addiction. She's been hooked on subscription boxes since 2011 thanks to Birchbox, and she now subscribes to over 100 boxes. Her favorites include POPSUGAR Must Have, FabFitFun, and any box that features natural beauty products!

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126 comments

Danielle

I joined the wait list 2 weeks ago and was invited today. I live in Nebraska and am a VIB

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H

How long do you typically wait on the Sephora wait list for Play?
Thanks-

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Acevedo

Do you only receive samples? No full size? Like blending sponges. My daughter is on ipsy & she receives full size at times. Like lippys & nail polishes.

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TC

Nice. I just got an email saying I’m off the waitlist. They even had the nerve to say “Great News, You’re Off the Waitlist! Third times the charm!” This whole waitlist thing made me lose interest. I’ve discovered so many other beauty boxes during my “wait.” Must say, I am no longer anxious to subscribe for this box at all. No, I have not been standing by to give them my money. I get the whole exclusivity thing but unfortunately it did nothing but annoy me. I don’t see how to pass on the subscription (i would if i could). I tried to enter a person that shared their email here and it said no spots are available but would be put on waitlist.

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Jen

I am really disappointed with the wait list. I received an email last month stating I was off the wait list. I went online, and was put back on the list again!? I emailed sephora, and was told that only limited spots are open each month, so I need to get online faster next time to get in. I just got another email yesterday, and went online after work…. And I didn’t make it this time either…back on the list! Sorry… But if we get a message saying we are off the list, then they should give a set amount if time to keep slots open so that we can get in!

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Colleen

I got my email that I was off the wait list but when went to sign up just put me on the wait list again. Tried their Customer Service but got the same canned message seems everyone else got. Theirs 3 more times and each time some canned message and no answer! Very frustrating! But from some review I don’t seem to be missing much!

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Lisa

Those of you on the waitlist, if I were you, I wouldn’t get all excited. I got my first Sephora Play box today and I was really disappointed – wouldn’t recommend it AT ALL. Teeny tiny samples, one was even labeled “free sample, not for resale,” one was that same Nars lip pencil that they’re constantly giving out and I have a million of. Seems more like something that would be a free add-on for VIBs, not something I’d pay money for. Now I’ve been on hold for 10 minutes trying to cancel it, as you can’t do so on the website. I’d skip it, knowing what I know now.

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Jaclyn

Completely Agree! I have l have 3 of those Nars lippies already. And would never use it at that. Extremely disappointed.

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Marilyn

Signed up with 2 different emails shortly after the program began. Got a notice from one email that I was in – nothing on the other. When I went to their site, the email that had not received a notice was accepted, as was the one which received the notice. Subscribed to both – one for myself in New Jersey, the other for my daughter in Virginia. I used to also subscribe to ipsy for both of us but we agreed several months ago that we were tired of getting the low quality products (and black eyeliner) and both cancelled. Seems that the Play box is random as far as address – how would they know where I live from my email?

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Maria

I got my invite today. Spent many months on the waitlist. I am in KY.

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Tierney

I’m in Pittsburgh and just got my invitation on Friday (I’m a VIB, but not Rouge).

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ShellsBells

I just got my invite on Friday, and live in Albuquerque, NM. This invite came a few weeks after I was bumped up to VIB status- however, it appeared the Sephora site was open to all Friday- so this morning out of curiosity, I put in another email address I have, and I got a message saying I would be put on a waitlist- so I’m wondering if it has to do more with your rewards status, and not geographical location???

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Arlean

No, I doubt it. I bought 3 things from Sephora last year. It totaled under $100 dollars. Me and my cousin just signed up a little before this year started and we got in this time around. Who knows what their method to their madness is. All I know is I’m in and I’m very grateful to not have to worry about it anymore.

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Chris

No I got my invite the other day and I live in ny. No vib status. I usually shop at ULTA but I was on wait list four months for a long time. Also I have extra invite if anyone wants it… Expires in six days!

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leslie

I’ll take the invite if still available?!! how do I get info to you?

Namah

Can I have your invite please?! I had a subscription but Sephora screwed up and got rid of it somehow, even after I paid for it!

Candie

I’m vib rouge and I just got an invite and I put myself on the list when it first launched. I don’t think status has anything to do with it. Probably geographical? I’m just glad I’m finally in! 🙂

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Toni

I’m in Texas and I’ve been on the list for a few months ,just bought something from Sephora last week and when I saw people were getting in I went and checked to see if I would.I got in on the first try so I kind of think I got in because I just ordered something from them and I live in Texas

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Anna

Finally!!! I just got the invite and I’m in New Jersey. Can’t wait ???

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Shanelle

Thank goodness my cousin sent me a text to tell me Sephora’s beauty box was now open for new subscriptions. Otherwise I would still be on that wait list that seemed to go on and on. That day is finally here and I’m so excited! Now, time to get rid of ipsy, Birchbox and Lip monthly. I’m good with beauty fix, allure, glossy box, Julep and now Sephora.

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Julie Eads

I just got signed up for this, yay! On the welcome email it says that you should expect 5 samples plus a purfume sample & a collectable bag each month. I do not see a bag in your review so I’m wondering what that’s about?

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Shanelle

They have an ad or notice that showed a cute canvas bag with a ladies face on it and she was wearing sunglasses. From what I saw it looked like it had a drawstring. It looked real cute and sassy. I think it popped up when I completed my subscription or when I was on Sephora’s site to make sure I was accepted.

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Julie Eads

Oooo I hope that’s it! Adding a bag to this sub monthly would be amazing!

Amy Byers

California- got my acceptance today!

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Teresa

I contact Sephora and this was the response I got back today:

Thank you for contacting Sephora.com regarding PLAY! dates within your area.
While we are in the testing phase of the PLAY! by Sephora program, the PLAY! dates are only available at select stores in the Boston, Cincinnati and Texas areas. We appreciate your excitement!
Please check back with us next year when the full PLAY! by Sephora program launches nationally for availability in your area.
If we can assist you further, please contact us again by replying to this email or via phone at 1-877-SEPHORA (1-877-737-4672).
Regards,
Saba
Sephora Client Services

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Kimberley Mierzwa

This isn’t entirely true. I’ve been on the waiting list since December of 2015. In March 2016 I got the invite to try Play! I’m in Virginia. I can’t wait to get my first box.

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RWR

I’m in Virginia too and I finally got off the waitlist for Play! I’m so excited to get my first box 🙂

Kelly

Next year?! That must be an old canned response. We know from several posts that they are sending to areas outside of the three listed. This is very frustrating. : (

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HarlowJBD

I asked the same question in January when they launched last year and said next year a full launch. It seams to be next year every year. I truly think they should at least give vib rouge boxes for the amounts we spend at Sephora and to hit rough within a few months is almost imbarrising so it would be nice to have the play box as an excuse. Lol.

Kelly

I signed up for the wait list at the beginning and since I keep reading that some ladies have lucked into getting spots I feel obligated to “sign up” again every day. Just hoping that one day it will be my lucky day. I must be on the wait list at least 40 times. Sigh. If someone has an invitation and would take pity on me my email is [email protected]. If not, I will continue with my obsession of registering each day.

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Chrissy Florian

Did you ever get in??

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Mcclure House

I just got in. Just went to site and got in. Yay. I keep putting in like 10 times then got it. Sign up now

MzBev

If that invite thing really works, I’d love one!! I’ve been on their wait list since it first opened up. I’m getting close to cancelling Boxy and need a replacement sub. 🙂 mz_bev@yahoo,com

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Lauren

Could someone please be so kind as to send me an invite? I’ve been on the waiting list since day 1. 🙁

[email protected]

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Mcclure House

Just got in no link from no one. Took like 10 tries

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Kenya

Yes, yes if anyone is so kind as to send us outsiders invites please consider me as well lol [email protected]

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Melinda Halloway

I have been on the wait list for months and months. I just put my email address in again and got the same message as the first time. Still no openings and I’m on their wait list and will be notified when there is an opening. I have even tried with another email address and still, the same thing.

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Jeanine Haseleu

I emailed them asking for an invition…they told me it won’t be next year until they are ready for open enrollment!!

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Maggie

The wait list is based on location. They only opened up specific markets. It doesn’t matter how long you are on the list, once your market opens up you are in.

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Christina

Again, they only know an email address!!!! How is it based on anything like location??? Someone please explain this!!!! You don’t sign up with your physical address, just an email address!!!!!!!

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ElizabethJ

My guess is that they are only sending out invites to people that have a Beauty Insider account with them (which is free, so most people who shop at sephora have one.) Since everyone’s BI account lists where you live, or at least which Sephoras you have shopped at, they can tell where you live based on your email address.

Kim

This was my first month and I have to say I like everything so far besides the perfume. I do wish the sample sizes were deluxe sample or some full sizes like Ipsy…that would be nice. I hope everyone gets off the wait list soon. I know it sucks when you can’t have something you want.

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Lauren Joseph

I’m so sad I’ve been on the wait list since day 1 and it keeps saying when I try again that I have been added to the wait list. I really want this subscription box and at this point don’t even know if I will e er cone off of this wait list.

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