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Play! by Sephora #795 Subscription Box Review – October 2018

Haley Faye
ByHaley FayeOct 22, 2018 | 33 comments

Sephora Play October Box 795 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 I naturally couldn’t resist this subscription! 

FYI - The box variation I received this month is box ending in #795. To find out which box you’re receiving at the beginning of each month, follow these instructions:

If you log in through a browser, not the app, and go to my account > account details > online orders and open the play! Order Details, you can see the “item number” next to the image.

Sephora Play October Box 795 inside box

Every month they include all of the samples in a mini bag with a different design.

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

Sephora Play October Box 795 all items

About Play! by Sephora

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: U.

Play! by Sephora #795 Review October 2018

Sephora Play October Box 795 info theme

Each box comes with a foldable info sheet. The front always has a design related to the theme (this month they just offer ideas for last-minute Halloween looks), and the Play! Pass.

Sephora Play October Box 795 play pass

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.

Sephora Play October Box 795 info items

The opposite side of the info sheet has pictures of each item and details about what they are, how to use them, and why Sephora thinks you’ll love them.

Sephora Play October Box 795 monthly bag

Sephora Play October Box 795 monthly bag back

This month's bag is 100% recyclable and zips shut, which I like more than the typical drawstring bags.

Sephora Play October Box 795 fresh rose cleanser

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser, 0.6 fl oz - Estimated Value $4.40 (Buy 5.1 oz for $38.00 here)

This cleanser is very gentle and doesn't leave my skin feeling stripped or tight afterward. This sample is timely—the cold weather has finally settled into Michigan, and I have really noticed a change, almost overnight, in my skin feeling drier and my hair having more static! Even though I don't have sensitive skin, I need something more gentle and nurturing to my skin in the winter. I like using this with my Clarisonic as well.

Sephora Play October Box 795 Urban Decay All Nighter

Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Setting Spray, .05 oz - Estimated Value $4.00 (Buy 4 oz for $32.00 here)

When I worked at Sephora, I learned that Urban Decay makes the best setting sprays! They're developed in partnership with SKINDINAVIA and have Temperature Control Technology—simply put, the formula actually works to keep the temperature of your face and makeup cooler. The mist comes out very fine, too, which is perfect. We were trained to use a couple sprays, moving your hand in an X over your face (spray once while moving your hand diagonally from top to bottom one way, then the other), and then I always did one final spray while moving my hand straight downwards in front of my face.

Sephora Play October Box 795 Dr Brandt Primer

Dr. Brandt Pore No More Pore Refiner Primer, .25 oz - Estimated Value $11.25 (Buy 1 oz for $45.00—this size is currently on sale for $22.50 here!)

If you've tried this primer and like it or have wanted to try it, now is the time to order it from Sephora! It's actually one of their current "weekly wows" and half price for this week only! This silky primer works to mattify skin and smooth your complexion. When I apply this, I can definitely see a difference.

Sephora Play October Box 795 bare minerals gloss

Sephora Play October Box 795 bare minerals gloss 2

Bare Minerals Gen Nude Patent Lip Lacquer in shade "Everything," 0.06 fl oz - Estimated Value $5.43 (Buy 0.21 oz for $19.00 here)

I don't think I've tried it before, but I like this lip lacquer. The color payoff is good, and the color lasts a nice amount of time as well. I will say that the formula feels a little sticky, but to me, it felt like it was really gripping my lips to stay on, and as the moisture absorbed over time, the color stayed for a while.

Sephora Play October Box 795 MUFE Foundation

Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Full-Coverage Foundation, 0.16 oz - Estimated Value $6.02 (Buy 1.01 oz for $38.00 here)

I can't believe I'm saying this, but this foundation sample was actually too pale for me. The undertone is just the right neutral to match mine. Even though I'm quite pale, this is just light enough to not work for me alone. (Maybe my summer color hasn't washed out yet, and I might be able to wear this in the dead of winter.) What this does do for me now, though, is lift the foundation I've been wearing all summer a shade when mixed with it, and it adds coverage. I really do like the formula—it feels comfortable, and you can always count on Make Up Forever for full-coverage and long-lasting formulation!

Sephora Play October Box 795 Sephora Play October Box 795 gloss and foundation swatches

Here's the lip gloss and the foundation swatched.

Sephora Play October Box 795 perfume

Sephora Play October Box 795 perfume 2

Yves Saint Laurent Mon Paris Eau de Parfum, 0.05 fl oz - Estimated Value $2.94 (Buy 1.6 oz for $94.00 here)

This fragrance is described as sophisticated and romantic and has notes of strawberry, raspberry, bergamot, calone, pear, orange flower, jasmin sambac, white peony, datura, patchouli, white musk, ambrox, cedarwood, and crystal moss.

Sephora Play October Box 795 lip gloss modeled

Here, I am wearing the primer and the gloss, which is comfortable, lasted for a while, and hydrated my lips. I'm going to wear this frequently.

Verdict: This month's Play! by Sephora box has an estimated value of $34.04. I think that’s good for a $10 beauty box. I love my Sephora Play! boxes because they will always feature high-end brands. I love trying new things from brands I love, and I trust Sephora’s curation of brands and products, as well.

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, you will receive next month's samples, curated based on your Play! Profile. Get email alerts for monthly spoilers!

Value Breakdown: At $10 for this box, here’s what you are paying approximately per item:

  • Cleanser: $1.29
  • Setting Spray: $1.18
  • Primer: $3.30
  • Lip Gloss: $1.60
  • Foundation: $1.77
  • Perfume: $.86

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!

What do you think about my Play! by Sephora box? Which variation did you get?

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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33 comments

Sandi

I have been getting them since July. So fa, I am not impressed. It seems to be mostly skin creams. I got a contour, but I never contour anything. Who has the time? I would have liked the Gimme Brow as my left brow likes to stick straight up. But it was too light. I have black brows, naturally. I would have loved the chubby stick or foundation.

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Neally

Sooo I haven’t received my box and I emailed them and they said they ran out of boxes but sent me a email on the 11th saying my box shipped .. thinking about cancelling really …

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J L

Thanks for the tip on techniques for using the setting spray!

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Betty

So glad I didn’t receive the foundation. Really liked this months box. Received the one with benefit brow product (wish we would get more brow products versus eyeliner) & hourglass mascara. Maybe one of the best boxes I’ve received from Sephora in months.

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missann

I don’t complain over a $10 box usually but after getting 2 primers and yet another MUF Foundation, I sent an email over the weekend and they refunded my whole box! I didn’t even ask for one.

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JennR

I am so glad I did not get that MUFE foundation again…it applied really patchy for me, and Sephora also sent me a color (#8, Sand) that was WAY too orange/pink undertone for my olive complexion. I still have to get my color ID, because my Sephora store’s scanner for that program has been broken, and they say they don’t know when they’ll get the equipment replaced. That being said, they sent me a much better color in the Anastasia BH stick foundation this month (banana)…but the formula sucks. I’ve really liked my boxes on the months where I don’t get a foundation, though. Wasn’t thrilled that I got TWO primers (Quench & Dr. Brandt), as it was a bit of primer overkill. I DID get the Caudalie serum this month, which is what I really wanted most! Also, I was really surprised how much I liked the YSL Mon Paris perfume, because I typically don’t favor their scents. This one starts off really sweet, but the dry down is quick and the spicier, muskier layers underneath really come through in a good way. I don’t know if I like it enough to buy it, but I’ll eagerly use up this sample. The Benefit eyebrow gel is fine, but it makes not one bit of difference to my already dark, thick brows! Not the best month for me, but I’ve been pretty happy with previous boxes.

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Kathie

I live in Michigan too in Traverse City. We got SNOW this weekend & it stuck…yikes! After some rain yesterday, it went away. It’s way too early for this LOL 😉

I was ready to cancel Play a few months ago, but the past couple of boxes were good. Now we’re back to awful. The Make up for ever was way too dark. The shade you got would have been perfect for me. I got the Tarte Rainforest Primer…a very, very tiny tube with the safety seal on it. NOTHING was in it but air all the way down. I got a few drops of a clear oil once it reached the nozzle and it’s completely empty.

I have about a week to decide if I’m cancelling this for good before the next billing. *** I’m fed up with Sephora anyway after placing a large order in their online store. It didn’t come & I didn’t get shipping notification. I had a coupon code for free shipping, which it took off. But added shipping back in when it processed my payment. Then they cancelled the entire order without contacting me because something was out of stock. I called PayPal to straighten out the payment issue and haven’t even attempted to order again. Going to stick with Ulta when I need to order online from now on.

Thanks for the bag review Haley. I’m glad you got one of the good bags other than the foundation shade. Have a fabulous day!

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JennR

Kathie, my boyfriend is originally from Traverse City and I got to go back there to visit for the first time last May. It’s really gorgeous up there with the Great Lakes! We live in Oregon where I was born and raised, so it was really fun to get to see some different scenery. I’m not sure if I could live without mountains and the ocean nearby, but you guys definitely have the prettiest spot in Michigan up there and that lake can really feel like the ocean (complete with seagulls). I’m looking forward to going back again.

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Rugby

I don’t know why I keep subbing. I keep waiting for it to improve 😌

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Michelle

I am normally not a complainer about subscription boxes because you can always unsubscribe if you’re unhappy…. but I now have FIVE different shades of the Make Up Forever HD foundation. I don’t even like it and none of the colors work for me! I wish they would just skip the foundation as it never seems to work. Maybe I’ll just mix all the colors together and see if a franken-color could work?

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Courtney

wow I’m really sad people didn’t like their boxes my last few boxes have been killing it after a year of never getting the right shade or any of the samples I really wanted. Do you guys have your color match shade in your profile ? Ever since I had that done in the store I always get shades that match or I don’t get products that come in a particular shade .

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Bran

I do have it and when they sent me the MUFE stuff last month, it was four shades too dark.

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Haley Faye

Courtney – I do, but it’s from like 2 years ago when I was much paler for some reason so it explains why my shade was too pale. I totally agree that it’s important to have the right Color IQ number in your profile!

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Toni Marie

I still havent received my play box or my allure box…. the deliver this month is running very slow… hopefully sometime this week inshould be getting a surprise or 2

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Sarah

Quick questions, isn’t the bare minerals a liquid lip not a gloss? It says lip lacquer which generally means a liquid lip, not a gloss but you said gloss? And also what shade is the foundation? You said it was too light for you but I don’t see where you said what shade it actually was in?

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Haley Faye

Sarah, it’s a thick, high shine gloss. A lacquer to me means more towards a gloss texture than a liquid lipstick like a matte lingwear one.

Also sorry about leaving out the shade color! They sent my Y205.

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Sarah

Ah okay thank you! I don’t like liquid lipsticks and on the Sephora site it lists this as a liquid lipstick but if it’s more of a gloss than I’m definitely interested! And my skin tone is similar to yours so if the sample you got is too pale it’s prob too pale for me too, thank you for answering!♥️

Cady

It’s a high shine opaque gloss. It’s really pretty!

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Paula

I have a similar box, but got the Caudalie serum, which I’m happy about!

I like everything except make up forever. Their products are horrible. What is with their skin shades, too? Either too orange or yellow or pale or dark??? Nothing matches!

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Jennifer

Would the foundation work as a concealer/highlighter? I always try to get concealer a shade lighter than my skin/foundation but it’s hard to find a match. This box looks good! The variations make me a little wary of signing up for Play, but I almost did this month and would have really liked this box.

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Haley Faye

Jennifer that’s a great idea! It would definitely work for contouring!

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Courtney

I’ve always had the same problem until the too faced matte peaches collection came out. Their shades are spot on !

With make up forever I always go Wednesday lighter because it oxidizes. You might want to try it and then walk out in the sun and then see 10 minutes later it may match your skin tone perfectly

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courtney

Oops one shade lighter not Wednesday lighter… Seriously voice texting should have grammar check

Jen

Play pass is in-store OR online. FYI

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Emma

Just as a heads up, the app says that the play pass can be used with a purchase of $20 or more (even though I think the pass itself still says any purchase). I tried to use it online but it wouldn’t take the code without $20 in my cart.

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Haley Faye

Yesss! 🙌🙌🙌

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Marilyn

I got #967 – and everything matches yours. (I compared my e-mail set to your review) We usually are box twins so I love your reviews. Do you think I got different shades on make up for ever (mine is Y205) ?

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Haley Faye

Marilyn, we got the same shade, too! 2 years ago that shade would have worked for me, and that’s when I got my color ID done so they DID match what shade I have in my profile, to their credit. I need to go get it updated!

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Dawn

I received the cleanser which I have before. It’s ok for me, I like the FAB one better.
The foundation I received was too tan and too yellow. It was terrible.
Thanks for the advice on the makeup setting spray. I’ll have to try it.
I also received the Dr Brandt primer. It works but I can’t get past the lemon pledge scent.
I also got the Clinique chubby stick in watermelon. Not my favorite as I’m pale and the color is as well. This box was mostly a bust for me

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Corinne Garrison

I got the same box. I’m really upset about it because I can’t use anything in it. Every single time I get stuck w a foundation, it’s about 6 shades too dark. I’ve got a whole collection just shoved in a box.

I wish they’d stop sending it.

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Lee

I received this exact box. That foundation was way too pale for me. I tried it one morning and my husband thought I was sick. I liked the matte look it gave me though.

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