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Play! by Sephora #599 Subscription Box Review – December 2018

Haley Faye
ByHaley FayeFeb 5, 2019 | 19 comments

Sephora December 2018 Box 599 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 #599. 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 December 2018 Box 599 inside box

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

Sephora December 2018 Box 599 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: the U.S.

Play! by Sephora #599 Review

Sephora December 2018 Box 599 info theme

Each box comes with a foldable info sheet. The front always has a design related to the theme. This month they have a "Play! List" that shows a bunch of stats about their subscription this year. I love reading stuff like this!

Sephora December 2018 Box 599 play pass

Each box comes with a Play! Pass, which is a card you can use at Sephora (in-store AND newly online as well! Woo!) to get 50 extra rewards points, and you can also get one-on-one tutorials and tips of products from a Sephora consultant.

Sephora December 2018 Box 599 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 November 2018 bag

Sephora Play October Box 795 monthly bag back

Every month they include all of the samples in a mini bag with a different design. This month's bag is 100% recyclable and zips shut, which I like more than the typical drawstring bags. They've had these recyclable bags for a couple months now. They seem to be the new normal, which I'm happy about!

Sephora December 2018 Box 599 acv wash

DPHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse, 1 fl oz - Estimated Value $5 (Buy a 3 oz bottle for $15)

I'm happy to get this in my box because I have heard a lot about using apple cider vinegar to replace shampoo and conditioner. It's interesting, and it may take a little getting used to. I massaged this into my hair really well in lieu of normal washing. It smells like apple cider vinegar but once you rinse it there's no lingering scent. It's a thin liquid so you use a lot of it. I'm interested in seeing how further washes affect my hair.

Sephora December 2018 Box 599 clinique

Clinique Moisture Surge Hydrator, .24 fl oz - Estimated Value $5.76 (Buy a .5 oz full size for $12)

This moisturizer sounds like it should be super hydrating, and I suppose it is, but it's still light. I have dry skin, and in Michigan winter I need heavy-duty hydration help. This is a gel hydrator and goes on feeling pretty light. This would be great for normal to oily skin, I feel.

Sephora December 2018 Box 599 tarte mascara

Sephora December 2018 Box 599 tarte mascara

TARTE Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara, .1 oz - Estimated Value $7.50 (Buy a .16 oz mini size for $12)

I've used this mascara plenty over the years and I love it. Tarte is a great brand, and this mascara performs well for me: It doesn't clump, it adds good length and volume, and I haven't had any issues with it smearing or smudging. (The "4-in-1" is describing that this mascara is supposed to lengthen, curl, volumize, and condition.)

Sephora December 2018 Box 599 lip pencil

Sephora December 2018 Box 599 lip pencil

TRÈSTIQUE Mini Lip Glaze in Perfect Pink, .025 oz - Estimated Value $9.19 (Buy a .068 full-size for $25)

It looks like the full size Lip Glaze from Trestique comes with a little primer balm on the bottom, too, but this sample is only the glaze. This Perfect Pink color is a great shade for everyone, and the formula is sheer and buildable. This is a great go-to lip color and very versatile.

Sephora December 2018 Box 599 eyeshadow 1

eyeshadow 2

Sephora December 2018 Box 599 eyeshadow 3

Touch in SOL Metallist Liquid Foil & Glitter Eye Shadow Duo in Titania - Estimated Value $7.50? (Buy a .193 full size for $25 - currently on sale for $12.50!)

(There's no weight listed for this so I'm guesstimating the value, FYI) This liquid eyeshadow is a new discovery for me! One part has a very shimmery liquid shadow and the other part has glitter. You apply the liquid shimmer with a doefoot applicator first, and then add the glitter on top with a plastic spatula-type applicator. I really like the liquid shadow, but I don't think I personally love the glitter. The applicator is just a flat, plastic piece and it doesn't seem to re-pick up the glitter well, and when I apply it I feel like it just splats the glitter onto my lid instead of being able to evenly distribute it.

Sephora December 2018 Box 599 swatches

Here's swatches of the lipstick, the liquid part of the eyeshadow, and then a swatch of the liquid shadow with glitter on top. Admittedly, I kind of piled the glitter on because I couldn't really see a difference when I was playing with it until there was a lot on there. The glitter is quite fine and isn't in-your-face glitter.

Sephora December 2018 Box 599 setting spray

Urban Decay Quick Fix HydraCharged Complexion Prep Priming Spray, .5 fl oz - Estimated Value $7.50 (Buy a 1 oz mini size for $15)

The name for this product is a doozy but the product works well! Urban Decay rules the market when it comes to setting sprays. This one works as a priming spray and also as a pick-me-up during the day. It feels great on my skin when I apply!

Sephora December 2018 Box 599 modeled1

Sephora December 2018 Box 599 modeled 2

Here, I'm wearing the mascara, liptsick, and eyeshadow. I really love this lipstick color!

Verdict: This month's Play! by Sephora box has an estimated value of $42.45, which is a great value from a $10 box. I enjoy my Sephora Play! boxes because they will always feature high-end brands. I love trying new things or getting extras of things I already love!

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:

  • ACV Hair Wash: $1.18
  • Moisturizer: $1.36
  • Mascara: $1.77
  • Lipstick: $2.16
  • Liquid Shadow: $1.77
  • Primer Spray: $1.77

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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19 comments

Tat

I canceled my subscription. I got my first box and I was not impressed.

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Susan Morrison

Haven’t ordered yet was wondering if there is a waiting list or anything and how the bonus stuff works?

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Christyle

That ACV rinse is AMAZING… I didn’t get it in my box but I did get the Cicapair and was pleased… I have rosacea and have read many good things about it… I have gotten 4 diff Trestique lip pies this month from diff subs, luckily all diff colors, I like them for minimal makeup days, but the Sisley Paris lillies are heavenly, so I’ve been using that one over Trestique

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Alix

This is my first month subscribed and I don’t even have an estimated delivery date yet and it’s the 29th. So at least you guys got yours haha

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marilyn

I was also pleased to receive the vinegar hair rinse. My mother often complains of an itchy scalp, particularly after washing her hair. (Most shampoo treatments must irritate her scalp). I used this and she didn’t complain all week! I used in in combination with another shampoo (my hair was really oily/dirty) and liked it. Definitely considering buying more of this product.

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Nikkim

I know it’s a safe and easy color, but that lip color does look really pretty on you!

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Haley Faye

Thank you!

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Lee Ann

I got the same box. I know we fill out a profile. Why is it people with different skincare needs and different hair types get the same box? It tells me that this isn’t necessarily relevant to profile needs. It’s as random as ipsy profiles.

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Haley Faye

Lee Ann, the Clinique moisturizer sells itself as for all skin types, including dry skin. So, I think the issue is that I don’t think it’s quite as universal as Clinique thinks it is?

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Ks

I tried a lot of Tarte mascaras and they all end up giving me panda eyes. 😥

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LA

I HAVE to have waterproof mascara. The only non-waterproof mascara that didn’t run on me was Dior Show Mascara…

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Luna

I’m currently using a Tarte mascara in the gold packaging (just like the packaging for the full-size version of the one in this box, but gold), and it also smudges on me. 🙁 On the bright side, it washes off pretty easily!

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bkwrm17

I stopped buying Clinique years ago, after a recommendation from my esthetician. The treatment products contain unwanted and ineffective ingredients, and there are so many other skincare lines that do a much better job. I’m surprised to see Clinique showing up in more than one subscription box lately, and I hope that won’t continue.

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Jenn

I got that Trestique lip glaze, too. It’s alright, but nothing special. Looks like you got one of the really nice bonus samples that were listed on the MSA spoilers. Sephora must hate me, because I got a sample of their own Sephora lip gloss in a nude shade. I was really excited about the bonus spoilers when MSA posted them, but of course I should have known it would be a bait and switch by them.

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LB

I got the same bonus…and already got it in my box the month before…and the color doesn’t work for me! And it’s the tiniest sample ever…of their own brand! Ugh. I lost big time. Lol.

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Bran

Had this same box. Two items were totally dried out. Made me cancel this box after months of contemplating.

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Vicki

My Eyeshadow was dried out too, but when I emailed customer service about it they sent out a replacement right away. Sephora has great customer service.

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Bran

They didn’t send a replacement but did give me points.

Emilia

I was given 150 points instead, which I prefer much more.