Play! by Sephora ::: December 2016!!!

My December Sephora Play has arrived and this is potentially my last Sephora play! The theme of this month’s bag is “The Partygoers” and I was so eagerly hoping to get a glitter product of some sort. But alas, there was none!

First of all, the cloth bag this month is super cute and the page where they list all the products is nicely designed as well. Now for the products – I would say this is a nice assortment of some very well-loved, great performing products. Most of them are cult favorites. That is really nice but not for someone deeply invested in the “beauty world”. I already have tried or have got all of these before! Basically, this is not an exciting bag for me at all.

Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Smoothing Primer: A lot of people love these primers from Make Up For Ever. I have their hydrating one from the same line and I don’t really have anything to rave about it. I tried this smoothing one on my hand and it really feels smooth. I will try it out and you will definitely hear about it if I end up LOVING it. Also, can we talk about how tiny this sample is? It is really tiny!

Lancôme Hypnose Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara: Good to have another mascara because as a beauty lover, I don’t hoard enough mascaras! :-\ This is another mascara that always end up in sample bags. This or some other variations from Lancôme! Honestly, I don’t remember! But because I don’t expect a lot from my mascaras, I don’t think I will “not” enjoy it!

Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in 01 Always Red: This is such an industry favorite. After hearing about it for years, I finally grabbed it when it was offered as a gift with purchase just a month or two ago. So, I am not personally very excited about getting it in this box. I mean if you are a true Sephora lover, I am 80% sure you already have this lipstick. But aside that complaint, it is a gorgeous red. Very neutral and very eye-catching. Its stays on unless you eat very oily food. It is also a universal red and designed for every skin tone.

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray: Another cult favorite product! I feel like this is one of those products that you will end up trying at one point of your life, if you have any kind of beauty interest. It’s a good setting spray and really does help to hold on to your makeup. I have super dry skin so I don’t really struggle with makeup sliding off my face. But it is definitely a good product to have.

Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo: This is the only product from here that I have not tried. Drybar is a coveted brand and I do use dry shampoo quite regularly so I am really excited to try it out. I am pretty sure I will use it up easily.

Elizabeth and James Nirvana Rose: I am not a big fan of the Nirvana perfumes. They are too heavy for my taste and I often end up having headaches if I use them. If you like woodsy heavy spicy scents you will enjoy it. It is described as floral but I don’t agree with that. But it is nice to get a bonus perfume spray every month.   

Although, the products in this bag were good, I can’t still find any justification for me to keep subscribing. Who else subscribes to Sephora Play? Are you happy with this subscription?

Love,

~Arrru

Play! by Sephora ::: November 2016!!!

Alright, time for the November “Play! By Sephora” Bag! I typically get these boxes around 18-20^th of the month. This is the only subscription box that I have but I have been expressing my interest in cancelling the subscription for last few months. This month’s bag also was unable to provide me much joy!

I have already tried a few of the products and here are my thoughts!

Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment (0.3 oz.): I have gone through this in the same size a few months ago. I have tried a few different Glamglow masks and honestly nothing has impressed me. I like using this one and I felt that sometimes it does help clearing up some of my acnes but the performance was also not consistent. In short, it was nothing magical.

Cover FX Illuminating Primer (0.16 oz.): Aah! Another primer. Trust me, there is not a whole lot of product here. That irritates me. But anyway, I love a lot of COVER FX product. This one, I am still deciding. I applied this on the right side of my face and ELF Mineral Infused Face Primer on my left face and honestly I did not see any difference on illumination level.

The Estee Edit by ESTEE LAUDER Dissolve the Drama (0.5 oz.): This is a makeup remover oil! I got this exact size as GWP a few months back but I did not try it then. I used it last Saturday to remove a full-face of makeup and it actually worked pretty decently. It removed majority of the makeup and I was careful about not letting it go in my eyes. However, it is not a product I look forward to receiving in my subscription bag. 

Sephora Collection Ultra Shiner Lip Gel in “Pin Up Pink” (0.1 oz.): I have not opened it yet; it is very nicely sealed and I want to keep it that way for emergency gifting purchase :-) I also don’t feel any kind of interest in these lighter fluorescent pinks!

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Color in “Rose Gold”: I already have this in two different shades in full-size and I love them! They work great; glides on the eyes super easily, easy to blend. You get about a minute to blend it and then it sets and will not budge throughout the day. This is a pretty rose gold shade in mate finish. On my skin tone it shows up much lighter than how I expected, so I need to be mindful when I wear it. Nonetheless, I love it! This is probably the best thing in the bag, at least for me!

Stella McCartney POP: I typically don’t like woody fragrances but this is I am growing fond off. It is a bit florally and maybe that’s why I like it :-)

This month they had quite a few different variations of these bag. I would have liked the Caudalie moisturizer but oh, well! Also, this month’s theme was glow getters! Like a lot of people, I automatically assumed it is going to include some type of highlighters. But, anyway. Not impressed :-)

Did you subscribe to Sephora? Share your thoughts!

Love,

~Arrru

Play! by Sephora ::: October 2016!!!

For a welcome change, this month’s play was actually good. All of the items were relatively new and has been getting positive hype :-) I am quite excited about all 5 items in this box actually. Lets start with a product that I already have and love :-)

Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick in “Driver’s Seat”: I bought this formula a while ago in the limited edition shade “Bawse” (check review here). This is a deluxe size tube which is actually a very good size for lipstick hoarders like me. I absolutely loved that they kept the applicator is same as the regular size one. The sharp edges of the diamond shape applicator makes it super easy to line my lips and fill it in! The shade is a beautiful peachy-mauve shade. It has more of warm orange type of undertone than a mauvy pink one! I can definitely wear it but personally I prefer shades a little bit deeper on my skin-tone.  

The Estee Edit Flash Photo Gloss: Another product that I really liked. It is quite glossy but in a very good way! I have applied it over the Smashbox lipstick and I kid you not, the combo stayed the whole day. It survived breakfast, lunch, a few snacks and of course multiple cups of water. It did not feather or bleed or loose pigmentation and the gloss stayed the entire time. It is not sticky at all. I am really loving it. I did try it over a bite lip pencil but it disappeared about middle of the day.

All these 3 products below I have not tried yet. My skin took a major hit with the 3 week vacation in India. It was very hot, I think that agitated my skin and now there are pimples all over my face. So, I am giving my skin a much-needed break. But I, absolutely am excited about all 3 of these.

Erborian Bamboo Crepe Frappe: What a name! :-) It’s a Korean brand so I have high hopes. It’s a tiny sample though!

Farmacy Skin Dew Mist: This is probably the most exciting product for me. It is a skin mist that can be used to freshen or set makeup. I am really looking forward to using it. 

Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask: In my mind, you can never have enough hair mask. However, I got my hair chemically smoothened recently so I am a little hesitant to use it right now! But I will definitely use it in a few months. Depending on the size, this will last me 3 to 4 times.

Yves Saint Laurent Mon Paris: it described as a scent with fruity and floral notes over a musky base. I am not a fan! It feels a bit dated for my preference.

Overall, I was really happy to find all these products in my box! What do you think?

Love,

~Arrru

Play! by Sephora ::: September 2016!!!

Yep, third week of the month and it is time to share my thoughts on September’s Play by Sephora box! Right off the bet I can say that it is a better box than last month’s (reviewed here)! Typically, I try/wear as many products I can from the box and then post my views. However, I will be out of town for the rest of the month and I sincerely don’t have time to test all these before I leave. I have two of these products that I already use in my routine!

Let’s start with the products that I have previously enjoyed!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel: well, Anastasia is the original Brow Queen, there is just no denying that! Her browwiz is my Holy Grail brow product. This clear gel is the only other product I have tried from her range and I am equally amazed. I have average somewhat of a fuller, unruly brow but on a day-to-day basis I am very low key regarding my brow routine. If need be, I have no hesitation stepping out of the house without doing my brows. However, when I put of full face on and when I know I am going to be outside for most of the day, I top my eyebrows with this after shaping them with the browwiz. It feels a bit cooling and is easy to apply! the brush is very decently petit and it is easier to control! It gives your brows on proper hold that is not uncomfortably stiff for the entire the day. I am almost running out of the one that I have so I am glad I got this.

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper: Another product that I already have and use. I took a bit of time to get accustomed to the brush tip. I am felt-tip eyeliner type of a girl and at first I had hard time gaining control of the tip. It seems much more stiff than my beloved Stila Stay All Day Waterproof liner. But I have started to like this liner. I typically wear it when I don’t want to draw a wing eyeliner & just want a little something on my lash-line.

Allow me to vent a little bit here – I am getting a little annoyed with some of the repeat offender products! I am pretty sure I have three or four Kat Von D Trooper lying around somewhere in my vanity and I have not bought a single one myself other than the ones I got in value sets. Sephora seems to put the same few products in all their value kits, or reward perks or Gift with Purchases. I hoped they will spare Sephora Play boxes from this. Products like They’re Real Mascara from Benefit Cosmetics, Kat Von D Trooper - I can see in at least 60% value sets! The new Extravagant Eyes has Full Size NARS Himalia eyeshadow that also included in last years “Sephora Favorites Superstars” set (reviewed here). If you love these products, its great but its gets really inconvenient for frequent shoppers or VIB Rouges like me!

Alright, onto the next products-

Dr Jart Water Drop Hydrating Moisturizer: I am actually very excited about this. I always browse the products from this brand but has not tried any. It comes in a beautiful package that definitely helps me find enthusiasm to try out the product and be sincere about my skin’s moisturizer needs. I am definitely trying this as soon as the weather becomes chillier.

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Night Cap Overnight Protector: Last month there were no hair product and I actually liked that. I don’t really enjoy trying out hair products. BUT, for some reason I feel a little bit interest in this brand. I hoped this will be a great product, I used it last night before going to sleep and it DID nothing!

Sephora Collection Rouge Shine Lipstick in Love Spell: It is very sheer, kind of a-milky-pink type of shade. I wore it today on its own, it was not unwearable but I am not sure if I am going to wear it again! Very beautiful packaging though!

Tory Burch Jolie Fleur Verte: Fresh, not fruity not florally fragrance. I like it very much, I actually got compliments from my colleagues which is not very common J But I know that she also likes fresh type of smell. I am not sure if this will be popular among everyone!

So there's this month’s Sephora Play Box! Nothing to rave about really! I am getting a little unimpressed with this boxes, 2 more months and then I will probably cancel.

Do you subscribe to Sephora Play?

Love

~Arrru

Play! by Sephora ::: August 2016

When I opened my blog today, I realized my last post was published on Monday, Aug 8th. I have not posted anything in two weeks and for some reason my subconscious mind chose to completely ignore this fact! I really apologize for that :-(

Today, I have the Play by Sephora Subscription Box for August to discuss. This is my fourth month getting this box and honestly, it has not been as great I had hoped for. I was not at all thrilled by this month's box and hence I did not even have the enthusiasm to take better picture in better light. This months theme was "Eyes" and I like that I did not get another hair product. But I am a little disappointed as I was really waiting in anticipation for some great playful products for the eyes :-)

MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Shadow in I-544: I love this brand. It is a very professional and very artistic brand. I have a palette from them (reviewed here). Although, I don't reach for that palette often, I know that they are some great shadows. This is a nice cool pewter shade and I think every skin-tone will be able to pull it off. I like to apply this with my finger tips. These are very costly individually and this will surely last you for quite some time.

SEPHORA COLLECTION Contour Eye Pencil 12hr Wear Waterproof in Love Affair: It is a very deep plum shade; very nice alternative for black eyeliner shade. It is an average eyeliner, nothing that makes me super happy. It is waterproof but I have not really tested thatt out.

URBAN DECAY Perversion Mascara: This comes with a nice fluffy wand and it gave me a natural fluttery look. It is supposed to be lengthening and volumizing but quite honestly I don't really see much of either. I do like natural eyelashes so I am not really disappointed. However it is not something that I would go out and buy in full size.

ALGENIST Eye Renewal Balm: I have tried a very few of Algenist products in sample sizes and in general, I never had great luck. I have not tried this balm yet, but it is a very decent size jar so that is good! I will update my experience here when I use it.

LANCOME Energie De Vie Smoothing & Glowing Liquid Care Moisturizer: Now, this sounds promising. It's from Lancome so definitely a costly product. Plus, it is a lightweight moisturizer. The consistency of it is described to be thinner than moisturizer but thicker than an essence. That sounds really good especially for summer. But it is such a tiny size. That kind of irritates me a little bit.

CLEAN Reserve Warm Cotton: I typically love Clean perfumes. I try to buy the smaller gift set for emergency gifting purpose. :-) This one is not really great for my taste, It has a typical "Clean" scent however it is very powdery and it does not really last as long as my other perfumes from Clean.

As you can see, it is a decent box. But in my mind it is not up to Sephora standard. When I browse Social Media and come across other 10$ boxes like Ipsy and Birchbox, I don't see anything superb about the Sephora Box. I will keep continue getting this till the end of this year but if I still am not happy I will stop my subscription.

Are you liking your Play boxes?

By the way, I am not really for another Monday :-(

Love,

~Arrru

Play! by Sephora ::: July 2016

Another month, another Play by Sephora! I really loved the June box and (read my review here). I was very eagerly waiting for this month’s box as well! However, I am not too happy about this month’s!

This box is actually very good in terms of value; Blotterazi is almost a full-size product [the one in Sephora is with 2 sponges, a mirrored case is $20]. Ouai hair spray sample and the cleanser is also of pretty decent size! However, personally  I am not 100% happy with the products themselves. I have a fear that I am going to sound like a “Negative Nancy” today! By the way, this box came with two versions – for oily and dry skin! I got the one for dry skin!

BeautyBlender Blotterazzi: Not going to lie, this was the product that I was most excited for. It sounds like a gimmicky product and I could not think about spending $20 on it. I used it and I am not yet sure if I like it or not. I like my blotting papers enough and I don’t have any desire to change it :-) My main concern with this is the storage. They sent it a plastic-flimsy packaging which is not all ideal especially as these products live inside purses for a long time. Secondly, the shape is so different that I don’t know if I will be able to find a DIY storage system for it. That means, if I like the product, I have to buy the whole $20 set just for the container;  I don’t want to have to do that! I guess, I don’t like that “marketing” aspect attached with it.

Ouai Wave Spray: Aha! Another relatively new product! This is a brand by Celebrity Hair Stylist Jen Atkins! This stuff smells amazing. I have shared before that I am not someone who enjoys trying out different hair products! I have thick, almost coarse Asian hair and a lot of the time most of the hair products does not perform as they claim! This was nice! I already have enough waves to my hair so I don’t know if it did anything to my hair for achieving that “undone” look but I definitely like the finished look. 

Benefit Cosmetics “Dew the Hoola” Soft Matte Liquid Bronzer: This is a new-er product and I was very excited to try it. With the overwhelming amount of beauty products launching every day along with my limited budget, I have to pick and choose which products to buy and review! But I am glad that I got to try this and not spend my hard earned money on the full-size product.Unfortunately this did not impress me! It smells incredible, has a thick but creamy consistency and blends very well. However, very sadly I have to say that this is a TERRIBLE SHADE for a bronzer! Color is such an important aspect in any makeup product, especially for bronzer shades; there is not much of a margin for error. It should not be too red or too orange or too grey. It has to have that exact warmth to the shade that gives that sun-kissed look. However, this bronzer actually looked like a foundation for medium skin-tone with a STRONG YELLOW undertone! I am not able to use it alone as a bronzer. I have worn it 2-3 times and every time I have mixed it with Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drop in Candlelight (reviewed here) to make it wearable!

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer: This is a product that has been on the market for a long time now, I may have a few sample packets lying here and there in my house; obviously it does not make dance with thrill! This time I finally tried and I like it. It is a silicone-y primer and decent one at that. Even though it could not completely minimize and smooth the pore-“heavy” areas of my face - it gave me a smooth base and my makeup did last for the whole day! It is a tiny-size tube but will be more than enough for a week’s use.  

 First Aid Face Cleanser: Another product I may already have but did not get the chance to try it yet! I heard so much about this brand especially about how good this brand is for dry skin. But I did not like their moisturizers; it was not hydrating enough! I am not really thrilled about it, but who knows I may end up LOVING it!

Nest Fragrances “Citrine”:  Very summery citrus fresh smell. I like it!

Over all, it is a very decent box! The products are definitely worth more than 10$; I personally did not like half of the product so there’s that! Let’s see what month has in store!

Love,

~Arrru