October Sephora Play Review

Hi friends. I feel that before I go back to regular programming I need to discuss in brevity my exasperation. After the election it has been so hard for me to focus. To find equilibrium. To see the glass half full. I believe in a lot of things but I firmly believe that, "Love wins, love always wins." So here's to hoping we can be kind to each other, sincere, and love despite our overwhelming differences.

Nevertheless, I'm finally back on the blog with my October Sephora Play box. This was the most interesting box yet. Interesting for two reasons. One, because I was only familiar with one product in the box, everything else was a new brand or product! Two, there were so many different combinations for this October 2016 box.

When I looked on the Sephora Play hashtag on Instagram so many people had gotten different items than what I had received. I wasn’t sure if this had to do with the customization preferences of your Sephora Play subscription settings (you can customize your preferences fine hair, normal skin, etc).

I started to make a list of every other product I saw that I hadn’t received: Too Cool for School Egg Mellow Cream, Verb Leave in Mist, Derek Lam 10 AM Crosby, Madam CJ Walker Coconut Oil, Drunken Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, Tom Ford Orchid Soleil, Skin Inc Pure Revival Peel, Belief the True Cream Aqua Bomb, Blinc Mascara Amplified, Nudestix Lip and Cheek Pencil.

Personally,  I didn’t feel like I wasn't personally missing out on any of the above although I did want to try Egg Mellow Cream, Drunken Elephant Night Serum, Skin Inc. Peel, and the Nudestix Pencil. I also adore Tom Ford samples since I refuse to pay for a full size bottle of Black Orchid, y so expensive TF?! I had already received Belief the True Cream in a previous box and 10 AM Crosby by Derek Lam. I wasn’t too fond of either of them.

SMASHBOX Always on Matte Liquid Lipstick in Driver’s Seat

I’ve never tried a Smashbox lippie before so this was a cute surprise. I was initially annoyed because this sample was so tiny! Hello I need more lipstick! The color is beautiful. Driver’s Seat is a warm pink more of a warm peach rose nude to me. It looked a bit orange ish, because it has an orange nude undertone. It’s a color that I've never tried before and that's the beauty of Sephora Play. New surprises!

I put on some Grapefruit EOS and put this liquid lipstick on before running to class. This lipstick is a true matte for sure. The formula for this liquid lipstick is pretty drying but if you moisturize (and exfoliate) this lipstick is pretty long lasting. I was able to eat and drink with little movement and about 6 hour wear! 

Erborian Bamboo Creme Frappe Skin Reviving Fresh Gel

I had never heard of Erborian before, but was excited to try a new moisturizer. This moisturizer is whipped, has a frosty gel-cream texture, with a refreshing effect. I will admit I was rather delighted when this cream absorbed quickly into my skin. This cream is super light weight, and definitely helped soothe a couple of tricky and painful pimples. This moisturizer is made out of a unique Bamboo Waterlock complex, bamboo sap, and fibers. $43 for 1.7 oz so I will probably not be purchasing a full size product sadly. 

Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask with Rare Prickly Pear Seed Oil 

Hair masks are almost always a miss for me, I just don't have the time. I'm incredibly impatient waiting for products to soak. After yoga yesterday I decided I would try this product (which was filled to the brim). You spread a small amount into your hair (after shampooing), lather, and leave for 3 minutes. I wasn't sure if you were supposed to condition, but I didn't. This mask has pure prickly pear seed oil which regenerates hair from roots to tips and inula extract which revives pigments.

Much to my dismay I was surprised at how soft and good my hair felt the next morning. It felt soft and looked surprisingly shiny. My hair has always been somewhat lackluster but this hair mask seems like a game changer.

The only two problems I had with this product were the price($71 for 8.33 oz full size only). This sample is a good size though, I'd be willing to buy another on eBay. The second problem I had was the smell. This product smells like expensive baby shampoo, but I guess I can get passed that. This mask reminds me of Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Hair Mask (which smells a million times better and is cheaper), but I don't think the results are as noticeable, unlike this product.

The Estee Edit By Estee Lauder Flash Photo Gloss

I was pretty excited to get this product. I love the Estee Edit branding. I drink so much coffee and tea I feel like this is an essential for me. Unfortunately I didn't notice my teeth look any whiter upon first use. =/

Farmacy Skin Dew Mist

This makeup mist contains glycerin, a blend of rosemary, peppermint, and bergamot essential oils. I tried this skin mist on before I set out for a long day at work and then school. The first couple sprays were forceful, but the third was less harsh. I thought the minty scent of this spray was refreshing. About 6 hours into my day (with 10 hour Sephora Collection foundation on) I did think my makeup looked better than usual. Less worn from the day, more natural, and luminous. I think putting on setting powder after this spray makes your makeup set better. An interesting tip Sephora gave was to spritz this on every step of your makeup routine!

This product is definitely a hydrating mist. I really like this product, however, for 3.3 oz this product is $44 I'm hesitant. However, I really did like this product.

Yves Saint Laurent Mon Paris

 I adore this perfume. I ordered some eyeshadow from Sephora not too long ago and I chose this as one of my samples. It's such a beautiful perfume, fruity and floral. Specifically, a fruity-floral fragrance with notes of bergamot, pear, raspberry, strawberry, jasmine, citrus blossom, musk, and white datura. It's a sophisticated and passionate perfume. However, I don’t feel as if it’s super long lasting. I would love this gift set though, the lotion would be incredible.

Overall I really liked this months box! I was surprised everyone got such unique and different items, but was still pleased with what I got! I was so glad I didn't get mascara this month, it takes me forever to go through a sample anyways. 

What samples did you get if you're subscribed to Sephora Play? Also, what beauty products are you guys trying that you're loving?

Photos by Mallory Taylor♡!

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