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PLAY! by Sephora Luxe Vol. 5 Review – September 2019

Jessica Hapak
ByJessica HapakOct 5, 2019 | 23 comments

Sephora Play Luxe box 1

Play! by Sephora
3.8 overall rating
564 Ratings | 55 Reviews

Sephora recently launched a special, limited-edition Volume 5 of the PLAY! Luxe by Sephora Box. This box is a one-time-purchase and is separate from the subscription. There are three options to choose from: A. B, and C.

This review is of the PLAY! Luxe by Sephora Volume 5, Box A for $25.00. All three box options are currently sold out.

Sephora Play Luxe open box

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

Sephora Play Luxe group shot

About this Limited-Edition Sephora Box

The Box: PLAY! Luxe by Sephora Volume 5, Box A

The Cost: $25 and a one-time purchase, not a monthly subscription.

The Products:

- 1 oz/ 30 mL SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
- 0.17 oz/ 5 mL AMOREPACIFIC Treatment Enzyme Peeling Masque
- 0.04 oz/ 1.2 mL Guerlain KissKiss Creamy Satin Finish Lipstick in Sexy Coral
- 0.06 oz/ 2 mL Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils
- 0.12 oz/ 3.6 mL Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
- 0.25 oz/ 7.5 mL Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask

Ships to: The US

Check out all of our Play! by Sephora reviews and all of our reviews of Beauty Subscription Boxes!

PLAY! Luxe by Sephora Volume 5 Review

 

Here is the info sheet for the bag. I'm not going to lie- I was a bit disappointed no 50 point perks pass was included.

Sephora Play Luxe SkII

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, 1 oz - Estimated Value $39.60 (Buy the 2.5 oz version for $99)

Wow, this stuff is stupidly expensive- give me all of it. I have actually been slowly working my way through the AMOREPACIFIC single extract essence, which is at a similar price point to this one. This essence is made with a fermented yeast that contains over 50 micronutrients like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Essences aren’t a must-have item in my skincare routine the way masks or moisturizers are, so while I liked the way this absorbed into my skin quickly and left it feeling nourished, I can’t see myself using this beyond getting samples of it in boxes like these.

 

AMOREPACIFIC Treatment Enzyme Peeling Masque, 0.17 oz - Estimated Value $4.38 (Buy the 2.7 oz version for $70)

The AMOREPACIFIC treatment line is fast becoming a favorite of mine, even though I’m working with tiny samples. This is an exfoliating mask made with AHAs and papaya extract, but it’s paired with green tea to prevent skin redness or irritation. The first ingredient is actually green tea water, which I appreciate in a mask like this. My skin was still a little red when I removed it after five minutes, but that faded quickly and I didn't experience any extra sensitivity.

 

Guerlain KissKiss Creamy Satin Finish Lipstick in Sexy Coral, 0.04 oz - Estimated Value $12.33 (Buy the 0.12 oz full-size version for $37)

I actually own this exact lipstick in another shade that I absolutely love, so I was excited to try out this cute mini. In the tube, it looks pretty shockingly coral, but on my lips, it isn’t nearly as neon. It reminds me of the lipstick version of Benefit’s Cha-cha Tint. This didn’t have insane staying power (I would say about 4 hours), but it was comfortable to wear and faded beautifully- no lipstick ring around my lips.

 

Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils, 0.06 oz - Estimated Value $8.70 (Buy the full-size 0.20 oz version for $29)

This is my first time trying this mascara and I really loved it- I could totally see myself picking up the full size. It gave me great length, curl, and definition without any clumping. I was impressed that I could layer on multiple coats without any clumping or spider-lash effects, and I felt these gave me dramatic lashes that still looked natural. Considering YSL is a luxury brand, I’m pretty happy that the full-size version retails for under $30.

Sephora Play Luxe selfie

Here I am wearing the mascara and lipstick.

 

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, 0.12 oz - Estimated Value $6.48 (Buy the 1 oz version for $54)

I’ve tried this primer before and love it- the only reason I don’t own the full-size version is that it’s pricy! This little jar will go a long way, especially because I use it just on my T-zone to prevent my oily nose from breaking up my foundation. I love the seamless look this gives my foundation, and it really helps when it’s humid out and my makeup doesn’t want to look nice.

 

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask, 0.25 oz - Estimated Value $16.25 (Buy the 1 oz version for $65)

I love a good mask and this is a goooood one. The first ingredient is aloe, which pairs well with the exfoliating BHAs from willow bark extract and fruit enzymes. This always leaves my face glowing, and even though this sample is small I should be able to get at least three uses out of it.

Verdict: This box has a value of approximately $87.74 not counting the makeup bag. I really appreciate that none of the samples were single-use, and most should last me for a decent amount of time! My favorites of the box are the lipstick and mascara, but I am enjoying using all of them.

To Wrap Up:

Can I still get this box if I sign up today? No, all three box options have sold out.

Value Breakdown: This box cost $25, which means you're paying approximately the following per item:

  • SK-II: $11.28
  • AMOREPACIFIC: $1.25
  • Guerlain: $3.51
  • YSL: $2.48
  • Hourglass: $1.85
  • Tata Harper: $4.63

Interested in learning more about PLAY! by Sephora, the monthly subscription? Check out our reviews, and if you link what you see, add it to your subscription list or wishlist!

What do you think of the PLAY! Luxe by Sephora Vol. 5 box? Did you grab one? 

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.
Jessica Hapak
Jessica Hapak
I am a staunch believer that pineapple doesn’t belong on pizza and when I’m not working as a family law attorney I enjoy hiking the Louisiana trails (alligator sightings are a favorite!) or relaxing with Duchess, my cat. I’m a sucker for anything labeled a mystery box and I’ve never met a bath bomb I didn’t like.

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23 comments

tanya

Is this sold out?

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Jennie

Not gunna lie the quality of the bag is a let down. Looks a lot nicer on their website. Got this only for the Essence. the other products are decent. I wanted Box C but of course it sold out.

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DawnS

I got box c and I am so glad I did. I have used the bag as a little clutch for multiple evenings out already, its super cute. And the products are great. The eye cream is small but I have used i9t every night since my box arrived on 9/28 and I am sure I can get several more weeks out of the sample. Very happy!

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KatKat

i am so on the fence about this. if I still have my free flash shipping, i would have totally gone for it. not worth it if i have to pay for shipping. for future reviews, can you please put the item next to a common household object for size. I know you list the sizes but hard for me to comprehend what 7 oz is without looking though my samples to find something similar size. maybe have a bottle of nail polish or battery or something next to it .

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Cyndi

That lipstick is a pretty color and looks great on you, Jessica!

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Kyuu

I had high hopes for the makeup bag in the previews and was considering getting this because the bag seemed like a bonus. I’m glad I held off… it’s an okay bag, but certainly doesn’t seem as nice as in Sephora’s previews.

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Robin

That lipstick is a great color on you, thanks for the great review Jessica!

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Ronda

I absolutely adore your eyes and brows! The lipstick looks perfect for you.
Great review, thanks.

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Charlotte

I got box c too! I love the lipstick, I’m fair to medium and it’s a light pink on me. It really looks great on you! I love everything else but that concerns me as I can’t afford the Luxe Prices! The Makeup Bag is so classy and cute. Does anyone know if it’s leather?

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Emilia

No, it’s not leather.

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Charlotte

Thank you Emilia!

Brittney

I wonder why I didn’t see this being offered ? How did everyone else find out about this ?
Thanks

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Kristina

I’m wondering the same thing! Like how do we know or get notified when these go on sale?

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Nat

It was actually posted here twice. First just before they went life and second time to remind people to go purchase them.

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Emilia

It was posted here on September 26.

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Kc

Oh good, I must’ve missed it

Kc

My friend happened to give me this for my bday and I love it! I went to see if I could get another and they were sold out. Was it advertised here?

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Tamara Dungan

I got bag C and I’m pretty pleased with it for the price. Honestly, just the essence made it worth it to me. I also started with a sample of the AmorePacific and I’ve been dying to try the SK II but I would NEVER pay the high price for the full size versions of these two. I’ve discovered the CosRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence and I enjoy it just as much as these high end ones but at a much more reasonable price.

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mandi

Missha, the K beauty brand, makes a yeast fermented essence that’s supposed to be really good. I can’t use it because of my temperamental skin but it has great reviews and people compare it to SKII all the time.

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Jamey

Thank you for this info!! I’ll have to try this. I’m still trying to figure out what works and dont with my skin, and have issue with sun damage from tanning bed on my cheecks and the skii helps but I never use it long enough to see if it will take it away..so something a bit cheaper might work.
Appreciate the info

CoffeeBeforeMascara

No points perk card? And this was a pricier bag!

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Cara

Skii is worth every cent!

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