Sephora released some new Favorites Kits recently, including this Eye Candy Set!
FYI – this Sephora Kit is still available for purchase!
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
About Sephora
The Box: Sephora Favorites: Eye Candy
The Cost: $39 ($110 value)
The Products: 9 best-sellers to create your go-to eye look
Ships to: US for $5.95 (VIB Rouge get free shipping, and this may be available at your local Sephora, too!)
Sephora Favorites: Eye Candy Review
Benefit Cosmetics BADgal BANG! Volumizing Mascara in Black, 0.1 oz – Estimated Value $7.85 (buy the travel-size version for $11)
I love this mascara- I currently use it in the full-size and already have a full-size backup waiting in the wings. If you’re not careful you can get clumps at the end by applying too many coats too quickly, but I love that this lengthens and defines each and every lash while adding some volume.
Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara in Black, 0.13 oz – Estimated Value $9.17 (buy the travel-size version for $12)
I don’t really keep waterproof mascara on hand, so this came at the perfect time because I plan on going to see Dumbo in theatres. The hourglass shape on this mascara wand allows me to really amp up the volume of my lashes, but if I am not careful I know it will clump on me.
SEPHORA COLLECTION Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner in Black, Full-Size! - Retail Value $12
This eyeliner didn’t impress me. If I am using a pencil eyeliner I want it to be smooth and glide along easily, and this didn’t do that for me. I also prefer my black eyeliners to be jet-black, and this almost seemed dark grey. I do appreciate that the other end has a smudging brush and a sharpener, though.
Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner in Blacquer, 0.013 oz – Estimated Value $18.50 (buy the full-size version for $25)
This eyeliner has the texture that I prefer in a pencil- it’s creamy and it glides along easily when you apply it. Since this is a gel pencil, it has great staying power too.
Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper, 0.006 oz – Estimated Value $6.31 (buy the full-size version for $20)
This eyeliner was a major disappointment, and I don’t know where it went wrong because I usually love Kat Von D’s formulas. Trooper is described as a "satin black," except this is more of a mix of grey and brown. I am not sure if I got a bad sample or if this is the shade for all eyeliners, but this is a big no for me. It's a shame, too, because the fine brush tip allows for really precise lines.
MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Color Pencil in Whatever Black, 0.02 oz – Estimated Value $9 (buy the full-size version for $18)
This is another no for me- the pencil was too firm to comfortably glide along my skin, and I couldn’t get a super precise line using it. The Artist Color Pencil line from Make Up For Ever is designed to be multipurpose for eyes, lips, and brows, but this formula didn’t work for me as an eyeliner.
FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner in Cuz I’m Black, 0.006 oz – Estimated Value $6.31 (buy the full-size version for $20)
I am obsessed with this eyeliner! It takes a lot for me to be impressed in a world with black eyeliners in every subscription box, but this formula is jet black and I am able to get a super precise line close to my lash line. Since getting this sample I find myself doing my eyeliner a lot more often, when before I would skip it unless I was really going all out. I can’t believe I am saying this, but I really may buy the full-size version!
Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Shadow in Amethyst, 0.03 oz – Estimated Value $17.40 (buy the full-size version for $29)
I love a good shimmery eyeshadow, especially purple ones! I think the formula on this eyeshadow stick is great- it is creamy, and it can be blended out or packed on depending on the pigment you’re looking for. I just wish the purple was more vibrant- this is definitely more like a brown with purple accents rather than what I picture an amethyst eyeshadow should look like.
Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Half Baked, Full-Size! - Retail Value $20
Half Baked is a gorgeous golden bronze shimmer eyeshadow that should work for almost any skin tone. The formula is buttery smooth and applies effortlessly. It is a beautiful color- but I already own it, and I am pretty sure I own it from a different Sephora Favorites kit. Considering the wide array of color options, I wish Sephora had been a little more creative in choosing the shadow to include.
Here are the swatches! From top to bottom we have the Sephora Collection eyeliner, the Make Up For Ever eyeliner, the Marc Jacobs, the Urban Decay, the Laura Mercier, Kat Von D, and finally, Fenty.
Here is the look I did using some of the products in the box. I took the Laura Mercier caviar stick and applied it to my outer corners before grabbing a clean fluffy blending brush and blending it towards the center of my lid. I then took the Urban Decay eyeshadow and applied it to the inner corners and middle of my lid, and I blended it into the Laura Mercier. I then used the Fenty eyeliner to line my entire lid and applied two coats of the Benefit mascara. I am also wearing the Legendary Brow gel and the Matte Revolution lipstick in Kidman’s Kiss from Charlotte Tilbury, and I would like to thank MSA reader DL for pointing out on this post that Net A Porter was having a sale on some of her products! Also, if you like my hair in this photo, look for my upcoming Sephora Favorite Faves review!
The Verdict: I don’t think it fair to attack Sephora for curating a set of black eyeliners- considering this is a one-off box, you already know what is inside before you buy it. I will say that I think more creativity could have been used in the shades sent, but I am happy with the value ($106.54 by my math). I think this kit would be a good gift for a makeup lover in your life (or someone who is still learning about makeup), but if you subscribe to Sephora Play! I would probably skip this kit.
The Wrap Up:
Can you get this box if you sign up today? Yes, this is still available!
Value Breakdown: This box cost $44.95 ($39 + $5.95 shipping) and I calculated a total value of $106.54. That means you are paying approximately the following per item:
- Benefit: $3.31
- Too Faced: $3.87
- Sephora Collection: $5.06
- Make Up For Ever: $3.79
- Marc Jacobs: $7.80
- Kat Von D: $2.66
- Fenty: $2.66
- Laura Mercier: $7.34
- Urban Decay: $8.44
Check out all of our Sephora reviews and the Beauty Subscription Box List!
What do you think about the Sephora Favorites Eye Candy Set? Have you snagged one?
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