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Play! by Sephora #109 Subscription Box Review – April 2019

Haley Faye
ByHaley FayeApr 26, 2019 | 17 comments

Sephora Play March 2019 box 109 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 #109. 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 box 109 April 2019 play pass

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

Sephora Play box 109 April 2019 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.

April 2019 Play! by Sephora #109 "Beauty In Bloom" Review

Sephora Play box 109 April 2019 info sheet theme

Each box comes with a foldable info sheet. The front always has a design related to the theme. This month it's "Beauty in Bloom," perfect for Spring.

Sephora Play box 109 April 2019 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 Play box 109 April 2019 info sheet item details

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 box 109 April 2019 bag front

Sephora Play box 109 April 2019 bag back

Every month they include all of the samples in a mini bag with a different design. This bag is 100% recyclable and zips shut which is great for storage or traveling. This month's was pink - normally they're red, and I'm happy with a mix-up!

Sephora Play box 109 April 2019 face and body polish

Volition Beauty Tumeric Brightening Polish, .33 fl oz - Estimated Value $3.14 (Buy a 4 oz full-size for $38)

My first impression of this exfoliator was positive. It's really gritty and you need hardly any pressure at all to still feel like you're getting a good scrub. The physical exfoliant is walnut, which is one I love. The instructions say to exfoliate, let sit for 2 minutes, and then rinse off. My skin felt baby smooth afterward. However, this morning I woke up to warm, red, itchy patches on my face! And I do not have sensitive skin. In fact, I tried to think back if I've ever had a reaction like this before, and I remembered an organic/natural turmeric mask I tried from a subscription box a couple of years ago. When I washed it off, I had redness in the exact shape of where I had applied the mask. So, maybe I'm allergic to turmeric? Or perhaps it's something else, but it was definitely a weird reaction for me, especially considering my skin isn't generally sensitive and turmeric is supposed to be anti-inflammatory. Also a note for sensitive skin - as I said previously, this scrub can be intensely gritty so it may be a little strong for some.

(Note: Turmeric is actually pretty far down on the ingredients list on this product. Maybe enough to put the oh so trendy turmeric on the label? Long story short - I'm really not sure what ingredient I actually reacted to in this product.)

Sephora Play box 109 April 2019 shampoo and conditioner

Sachajuan Moisturizing Shampoo, 10 ml - Estimated Value: $1.12 (Buy an 8.4 oz full-size for $28)

Sachajuan Moisturizing Conditioner, 10 ml - Estimated Value: $1.24 (Buy an 8.4 oz full-size for $31)

The reviews for this shampoo and conditioner are quite mixed on Sephora's website, but I personally liked them. They left my hair feeling moisturized but not weighed down. I could actually detangle with my fingers pretty well.

Sephora Play box 109 April 2019 makeup remover

Sephora Triple Action Cleansing Water, .84 fl oz - Estimated Value: $1.49 (Buy a 6.76 full size for $12)

This works great to take off eye makeup, even waterproof (and also stubborn liquid lipsticks). I also like using it after my cleanser, but part of me gets grossed out seeing how much dirt and makeup it can still take off my skin at that point. It has matcha green tea extract which actually felt really soothing on my irritated, inflamed skin the morning after using the turmeric scrub. It's gentle and effective - win!

Sephora Play box 109 April 2019 clinique moisturizer

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+, .5 oz, - Estimated Value: $3.33 (Buy a 4.2 oz full-size for $28)

This moisturizer is one that I've loved for a long time. I have dry skin, and this lotion makes my skin feel really hydrated. and fresh. I also like that it's fragrance-free, but I still wish the ingredients were more natural. But, it works for me and my skin has no negative reactions to it, so I'll probably keep coming back to it.

Sephora Play box 109 April 2019 perversion mascara

Sephora Play box 109 April 2019 perversion mascara

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara, .1 fl oz - Estimated Value: $6 (buy a .4 oz full-size for $24)

Urban Decay's Perversion eyeliner has always been their darkest, blackest, most intense eyeliner they make, and they released this mascara under the same intention. I quite like this formula - I don't think I could make it clumpy on my lashes if I tried. It's a nicely pigmented mascara, too. I did experience a small amount of smudging by the end of the day, though. All in all, I like it and this sample will definitely get used up.

Sephora Play box 109 April 2019 it eyebrow pencil

Sephora Play box 109 April 2019 it eyebrow pencil open

Sephora Play box 109 April 2019 eyebrow pencil swatch

IT Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Brown Pencil, .0018 oz - Estimated Value: $7.71 (Buy a .0056 oz full-size for $24)

I like the IT Cosmetics brand a lot, but I almost totally dismissed this brow pencil because anything that's labeled "universal" rarely actually works for me. I am SO glad I tried it! You can adjust the color intensity to match most hair colors by applying with more or less pressure. To match my dirty blonde, I didn't need to apply much pressure at all, and was surprised at how well the color worked for me! I've been on the hunt for a good go-to brow pencil. I used to religiously use Anastasia but their pencils hold about half the product as It Cosmetics, the formula feels softer, and they just run out too quickly for me to keep buying. This pencil feels pretty solid in order to withstand some extra pressure during application and the fact that I use so little myself means this should last me a really long time. I'm really happy with this!

Sephora Play box 109 April 2019 mascara and brow pencil modeled

Here, I'm wearing the Urban Decay Perversion mascara and the It Cosmetics brow pencil.

Verdict: This month's Play! by Sephora box has an estimated value of $24.03 which is a good value from a $10 box. I'm really happy with this month, with the exception of the scrub. 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:

  • Tumeric Face & Body Polish: $1.31
  • Shampoo: $0.47
  • Conditioner: $0.52
  • Sephora Cleansing Water: $0.62
  • Clinique Moisturizer: $1.39
  • Mascara: $2.50
  • Brow Pencil: $3.21

Check out all of our Play! by Sephora reviews, our best beauty boxes, 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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17 comments

dee

I got the Sephora Micellar water, and at first i was not grrrrrrr, but then after i used it and saw what was on the pad, i cant bleieve i never use this stuff ever before! definitely (atleast for me) my sample box was worth it for what i got! i got the laura mercier primer, the UD mascara, sephora cleansing water, clinique lotion (not impressed) and the farmacy honeymoon glow. im glad i got that bc i know everyone wanted it, however, i wasnt super impressed, the smell and consistency was good, but i didnt notice much skin improvement! def. love my retinol skincare products the best!

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Dawn

Cancelled long ago and don’t miss it at all. They have a huge problem with repeat items. And Clinique moisturizer… really? Clinique puts that in EVERY gwp I ever bought. Sure never needed it from Sephora. How about some k beauty samples or prestige skincare? Drunk Elephant, Fresh, Laneige, Tatcha, Farmacy, Dr Jart…. these and so many other brands all have great products. How about a Pat McGrath mini lipstick? C’mon Sephora. And the box envy they cause with so many variations. My profile was never met even a little. SO many primers and liners….

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Allison

Agree about the repeats. In 6 months I received the IT eyebrow pencil 4 different times. I also have 2 of the Clinique from the past year. I think Sephora Play just cycles through the same products.

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Leslie Castaneda

Box twins besides the clinique, I got an eye cream instead. I didnt like that the scrub said it was for face and body, I wouldnt use the same scrub for both

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Allison

I have gotten that brow pencil in 4 of my Play boxes. No joke. Lately I just get repeats so I cancelled this month.

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Allison

Just to clarify. I only have one account and since October I have gotten the IT eyebrow pencil 4 different times. I like it so I didn’t complain but that’s not the only repeat I’ve gotten from Sephora Play lately. It seems they just cycle with the same products.

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Allison

On a positive note I absolutely love it so I don’t mind having so many but putting it in 4 of my boxes in a 6 month period is a bit much.

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Marilyn

box twins so I love the reviews. I particularly like the comment on the turmeric brightning polish. Some times using the sample boxes we aren’t sure what’s affecting us positively or negatively. I will be sure to watch this one.

I was excited about the brow pencil.
And the mascara looks great (although somewhat dark with that brow pencil.

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Julie B

Perfect brow shade for you. And your lashes look fantastic!

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Haley Faye

Thank you, Julie! Thanks for reading!

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Jen

HOW is $24 a good value from a $10 box? It doesn’t even compare to other $10 boxes on this site.. These have got to be the cheapest oldest products of all the boxes. I was incredibly disappointed with my Play box having OLD Clinique, OLD Urban Decay, OLD Laura Mercier primer and cheap Sephora brand water.. SO LAME from such a prestigious company with such innovate amazing products. IDK why they scrap the bottom of the barrel when putting these boxes together as if were buying this old crap when so much new awesome stuff is out.

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Kathy

I was surprised to see the Sephora cleansing water! My friend used it once and he ended up needing to use my drugstore micellar water afterwards!
This month’s box really isn’t that great.

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Lara

Sephora’s cleansing water stung my skin so badly with all that fragrance

bunnygirlbrem

I accidentally clicked on an image in this review and got taken to the Sephora page to purchase Play. It says a guaranteed $65 for each bag…

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bunnygirlbrem

Oh, I guess it actually says “UP TO.” So $24 is technically up to $65… 🙁

Lisa Holt

Wow!! Your lashes are fantabulous!!! And the brow color is perfect !!! Looks like a win/win for you!!

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TK

Wow! Your lashes are gorgeous. I might have to try that mascara. I usually like a smaller brush but with those results I can venture out. I never liked that Clinique lotion but I have combination skin and it breaks me out.

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