Play! by Sephora January 2017 Unboxing & First Impressions

Hiii loves!!! I’m finally back! I apologize for my long absence. I just got back from a week-long family reunion/ Caribbean cruise and when coupled with the hectic move, I haven’t been able to post as much as I would like to. Please bear with me as I play catch up 🙂 Today, I will be sharing with you the contents of the first Sephora Play! sample box of 2017. Play! is Sephora’s subscription service that provides 5 beauty samples plus 1 fragrance sample for $10/month (plus local taxes).

January’s theme is Beauty, Set, Go and the Play! Bag comes with 6 products in a white and neon orange mesh pouch.As usual, it includes an insert with product descriptions/ directions and a Play! Pass, redeemable in Sephora stores for 50 extra Beauty Insider points with any purchase.

Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey – Deluxe Sample Sized

Sheer lip color with a glossy finish in the bestselling, cult classic Black Honey shade (insert). Black Honey is described as a deep, blacked raisin hue so I was expecting it to be quite darker. On me, it looks like a berry nude. I prefer more pigmentation in my lipstick and don’t really gravitate towards glossy dark colors as it tends to shift around during the day. However, this does glide on easily and feels comfortable on the lips for those looking for an easy, sheer look.

Ouai Treatment Mask – Deluxe Sample Sized (0.5 fl oz)

Restorative mask helps to care for damaged hair and leaves strands feeling smooth and touchably soft (insert). I have been thoroughly impressed with every Ouai product I have tested thus far so I have high hopes for this hair masque. After a week of sun and surf, my hair needs all the moisture it can get! Stay tuned for an update 😉

Farmacy Honey Potion Renewing Antioxidant Hydration Mask – Deluxe Sample Sized (0.32 oz)

Honey-based warming gel mask transform into a decadent cream while evening skin tone, hydrating, and brightening (insert). What a neat concept! This mask initially has the color and texture of honey, but upon massaging into the skin, it melts into a white cream. It left my skin feeling ultra moisturized and soft, perfect in this dry winter climate. I dig it.

AmorePacific Color Control Cushion Compact – Sample Sized (0.1 oz)

Cushion format CC cream hydrates, protects skin, and delivers buildable, weightless coverage in two blendable shades (insert). Sadly, we were off to a bad start as I was given the shades Tan Blush and Almond Blush, both of which have pink tones. The shades were too light and clashed with my yellow undertones. As for the formula, it provided light to medium coverage depending on how many layers you apply. As a matter of preference, I want full coverage from my foundation if I am choosing to wear any. Additionally, I favor a matte finish so this ultra dewy finish was not my cup of tea. Unfortunately, this was a dud for me.

Tarte FRXXXTION Stick – Deluxe Sample Sized (0.22 oz)

Exfoliating gel cleanser in a unique twist-up stick format transforms from a solid gel to a cleansing lather that gently sloughs away impurities (insert). I love the convenience of this stick cleanser for traveling, particularly to meet the liquids rule on planes. I’ll be packing this for my upcoming flight to put to the test.

Tory Burch Love Relentlessly Eau de Parfum – Sample Sized (0.05 fl oz)

Unabashedly feminine and tender, this delicate scent features notes of pink pepper, orris, and patchouli (insert). This a pretty floral that has fruity undertones to me. It is very light and appropriate for the office or daytime.

Overall Rating: I am fairly satisfied with January’s Sephora Play! Bag so I award it a rating of 7/10 stars based on my first impressions. I was disappointed in the shade mismatch of the Cushion Compact, but that was to be expected as it is difficult to color-match everyone’s skintones in mass beauty boxes. My favorite picks of the batch are the Clinique Lipstick and Farmacy Hydration Mask.

What are your thoughts on the Sephora Play! Bag? Which products are you most excited to test out?

XO,

Mary Dee

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