PLAY! by Sephora Subscription Box Review – November 2018

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Play! by Sephora is a monthly subscription box that brings only the best and exclusive Sephora beauty and makeup samples. The subscription costs $10 per month, and you’ll get 5 deluxe beauty products, a beauty bonus, a fragrance bonus, playlists, plus coupons you can use when you visit in-store.

This is the new monthly bag design going forward. It is a reusable zip-top bag that is 100% recyclable. I like that you can get a hint of the products inside.

And don’t forget the quote on the back. It’s like they know me – I do squeal with each shipment!

Don’t forget about your Play! Pass. It gets you 50 extra Beauty Insider points with a purchase from the box (in-store only). Your subscription also entitles you to Play! Date meetups, if your store participates. You can also get a complimentary mini-makeover too.

This month’s theme is Merry and Bright. Products were selected to keep you prepared for all of the parties you’re invited to during the holiday season. Be sure to check out the tips on party-proofing your lips and creating a 5 minute work-to-party look. Plus, don’t forget to check out The Beauty Insider Community. Create a profile and start joining the discussion!

The fold-out poster shows a list of all the items included in this box plus tips on selecting natural ingredients to help with your beauty needs. You can access all of the information and also watch videos right on the Sephora site or use the app for more info!

Here’s my November box reveal. I received variation was 222. Click here to see variant items in other boxes.

Make Up For Ever | Ultra HD Microfinishing Loose Powder ($4.23):  The silica- and silicon-based formula delivers a naturally matte, light-diffusing effect, while minimizing the appearance of pores and fine lines. Formulated to look invisible under Ultra HD 4K technology, this loose power is perfect for every skintone with a non-drying formula that creates a visibly flawless finish in any light.”

This powder arrived at the right time as I had just run out of my regular finishing powder. My only complaint about the sample was the size – I had to tap product out onto my brush and lost a lot in the sink. I did like the formula. This left my skin with a soft, matte finish. I didn’t notice flashback in pictures or white casting, which was nice.

First Aid Beauty | Hello Fab Coconut Micellar Makeup Melter ($4.81):  This is a gel-cream makeup remover with a micellar base designed to remove heavy cosmetics formulas, including waterproof and long-wear products. It is ophthalmology-tested and safe for eyes (yes, that includes you contact wearers!). Ingredients such as coconut water, coconut oil, sodium hyaluronate, and goji berry nourish and replenish skin. Maybe because I have oilier skin… this left me feeling slightly greasy, and I ended up using a facial wipe afterwards.

Christophe Robin | Cleansing Volumizing Paste with Pure Rassoul Clay and Rose Extracts ($8.48):  Despite the fact that this has rose extracts, I was very excited for the sample. I love how Christophe Robin products make both my scalp and hair feel. The clay-to-foam formula contains rassoul clay (densifying and re-mineralizing benefits), rose extracts (protection), and Limnanthes extract (preserve and enhance the hair color). I have fine, curly hair and this is perfect as a weekly detox. The paste left my hair looking great with lots of bounce to my curls.

Here’s a look at the paste straight out the jar (left) and emulsified with a bit of water (right).

Sephora Collection | Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick in Pink Tea ($3.64):  Pink Tea is a nude (slightly) pink shade with a matte finish. The creamy formula glides on smoothly and provides long-lasting coverage. A doe foot applicator ensures that your application goes on exactly where you want. Infused with avocado oil, the color feels comfortable, not sticky, and doesn’t dry out lips.

If you like this formula, be sure to check out the other 89 colors in the Sephora collection.

Here’s a swatch of Pink Tea. The color is very similar to one of my favorite products (ABH’s Kristen), and I like that I now have a shade in matte.

Clinique | Pep-Start Eye Cream ($5.30):  This is a Sephora favorite… I’ve gotten it a few times with my subscription. The lightweight cream provides hydration (thank you, collagen) and brightening to the skin around the eyes, helping you look more awake and refreshed within seconds. Unfortunately, the sample does not have the same cool touch and de-puffing tip as the full sized product.

Viktor & Rolf | Flowerbomb Bloom ($2.85):  I wasn’t a huge fan of the original Flowerbomb (it was OK), but I really like this variation. The musk and patchouli notes help tone down some of the stronger florals, making this more appealing to me. Fragrance Family – Floral / Scent Type – Fresh Florals / Key Notes – Liquid Airy Note, Juicy Pomegranate, Floral Bouquet

A fresh rewriting of Flowerbomb, Bloom’s floral signature becomes aerial with a breath of flowers – led by the delicate essence of sparkling pomegranate. Woody tones of patchouli are enhanced by musky vanilla – giving the beloved fragrance an extra layer of sensuous complexity. 

A seductive alchemy that will leave many captivated hearts in its trail.

November’s Play! by Sephora box definitely delivered on the goods to prep and keep me holiday party ready. My favorite item was the Sephora Collection lip stain, followed closely by the Christophe Robin cleanser. With a total value around $29-$30 dollars, I am getting a good value compared to my subscription cost of $10 per month. Did you have any favorites this month? Leave a comment below to let me know your thoughts.

Are you a Sephora Play subscriber? What did you think of the box this month?

Visit Play! by Sephora to subscribe or find out more!

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  • Amanda
    04.29.19

    I and most subscribers to Sephora Play! read both the upcoming month’s spoilers, and the current month’s review.
    I think you know this. 🙂

  • Amanda
    04.29.19

    Hi, I found your site looking for deets on the Lipstick Junkie $5 offer I got in email.

    I was wondering: Why is a November Sephora Play! box being reviewed in April?
    No way to know if I should bookmark and follow your site unless I ask. Thanks!

    • Hello Subscription
      04.29.19

      Summer is a little teeny tiny bit behind, but her perspective is great, and we think it’s helpful to take a look at multiple boxes when determining whether or not to subscribe!