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 plus a bonus item.
All products arrive packed in a see-through reusable and recyclable bag. For me, they really come in handy when traveling. Since they’re zip top, I can add small bottles and not have to worry about them leaking in my suitcase.
This month’s bag is a soft green – perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or to kick off spring. And, yes, my excitement level is absolutely ?. I can’t wait to get started!
The theme for March is Beauty in the Wild. This month’s items were chosen to help you create looks no matter what setting you find yourself in.
The fold-out poster shows a list of all the items included in this box plus tips on using the item or more information on the brand. You can also access this on the Sephora site or use the app for more info. Plus, don’t forget to check out The Beauty Insider Community. Create a profile and start joining the discussion!
Here’s a full reveal of my March Play! box. Remember, items are chosen based on your personal profile. So, you may have some differences. Click here to see variant items in other boxes.
Laura Mercier | Caviar Stick Eyeshadow in Metallic Taupe ($17.68): Thank you, Sephora, for this deluxe sized sample. Metallic Taupe is described as a chrome taupe color. When applied, this looked more like a nude shimmer on my lids. However, I didn’t use primer or build up the coverage. This creamy eyeshadow stick has a long-lasting formula that can also be used to line, highlight, and create smoky looks. After hours of wear, I can say that this kept its promise of being transfer-proof and crease-resistant, which is HUGE for me. I have oily lids and most colors crease after a few hours even when I use primer.
NARS | Powermatte Lip Pigment in Starwoman ($9.45): Starwoman is described as a vivid blue red, meaning it is a bright red with blue undertones (instead of orange). This is a full coverage liquefied pigment that delivers intense matte color saturation with lasting, smudge-resistant, and weightless wear. The custom doe-foot applicator allows for precise application and complete coverage in one swipe. The slender design makes getting a clean lip line easier. The staying power is real with this – it lasted through dinner without any issues or need to reapply. My only complaint is the size of the wand. The lid for the sample overwhelms the wand and makes applying the color a little awkward. I felt like I was going to hit my lips with the edge of the lid.
Here’s a look at the Laura Mercier eyeshadow (top) and NARS lip pigment (bottom) on me. I built up the coverage for both in the swatches.
GLAMGLOW | GLOWSTARTER Mega Illuminating Moisturizer in Nude Glow ($14.70): I’m going to start by saying that this is a pricey little tube. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, green tea, and highlighting pearl particles, this is a daily illuminating moisturizer that gives skin an instant hydrated glow. It also contains Jojoba oil, Shea Butter, and Ceramides. This can also be used over makeup as a highlighter.
It’s a little hard to see, but this gives a sheer illuminating effect on bare skin. That said, this will have more of a sun-kissed highlight appearance when worn over makeup.
Drunk Elephant | Lala Retro Whipped Moisturizer with Ceramides ($6.00): I was happy to see this in my bag. My hands have been so dry lately due to excessive washing. I know some of you are going to call me out for using a face cream on my hands. However, my hands needed the rich formula more than my face. Infused with six African oils and a ceramide complex, this rescue cream provides intense moisture and replenishing barrier support. It also contains sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer (for hydration) and fermented green tea (antioxidant). My hands have not looked or felt as good as they do with this in a long time.
amika | un.done Volume and Matte Texture Spray ($3.54): If you’re looking to create beachy waves in your hair but don’t want to use salt, then this is your texturizing spray. The salt-free spray uses an invisible and dry formulation to deliver sexy, tousled, undone hair with a matte finish. I’ll have to try this when I straighten my hair. My hair gets really flat when ironed, and this should give me a boost of volume at the roots.
Here’s a look at the ingredients. BUT, what caught my eye was the first line – “Sexy in a bottle.” (Ignore the lack of a manicure. Between cleaning and washing my hands, I gave up.)
**BONUS** DOLCE & GABBANA | The Only One Eau de Parfum ($2.82): According to D&G, The Only One is “the new floral fragrance that captures the essence of sophisticated and hypnotizing femininity. This Eau de Parfum introduces a new facet of the Dolce&Gabbana woman: her radiant allure and her innate joy of life. She is the centre of attention in any occasion, she is The Only One. British actress Emilia Clarke perfectly embodies this woman.”
There’s even meaning in the color of the fragrance. The peach hue reflects The Only One woman’s warm glow.
Top Notes – Violet and Bergamot / Heart Notes – Coffee and Iris / Bottom Notes – Vanilla and Patchoulli
I was not a fan of this scent. Initially, it was too floral for me. It did dissipate over time into a sweeter and softer scent, but I don’t tend to like fragrances with vanilla or patchoulli accords.
Like many of you, I’ve been working from home as part of a stay at home order. Being at home has meant that my new “work wardrobe” is mostly athleisure accompanied by a natural face topped with a messy bun. Opening up my Play! box reminded me that I hadn’t worn makeup in a couple of weeks, so I decided to do a full face just because I missed it so much. I could have done my hair too, but that required much more effort. ?
I was really happy with the assortment of products I received – there was a little bit of everything. Plus, this month’s box had a whopping value of $54! What?!? Both the Laura Mercier shadow stick and GLAMGLOW moisturizer more than covered the cost of a single box. Talk about a good return on my investment. Play! by Sephora always makes me feel like a savvy bargain hunter!
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?
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