Play! By Sephora Unboxing February 2017!

Hi readers!

After a few months away, I’m back with a new post and a new look to my blog!

While I was away, I’ve been busy trying to work on my skincare business, working out, getting pelvic floor therapy to help manage my IC, taking a course at UCLA regarding skin, and of course, redesigning my blog. It’s been a bumpy road navigating a self-hosted site but I’ve learned a lot and while there will be a few more tweaks, I’ll roll those out slowly. 🙂

I know I’m late on this but I have a review for the February Play by Sephora box.  In case you haven’t heard, this is a monthly $10 curated subscription box featuring samples of different brands available at Sephora.  The theme for February was The Soft Side, with “muted, mellow shades and skin-perfecting formulas [that] are a never-sail way to show off your natural beauty.”

On to the reviews.

Sephora Collection Lashcraft Length and Volume Mascara 

This mascara has a unique flat paddle-shaped wand to lift lashes while the nylon-infused glossy black pigment creates drama.  Mascaras are always a hit or miss with me as my eyes are a bit sensitive and a great mascara for me means that my eyes won’t burn by the end of the day.  This one is okay but not my favorite as it gives volume (due to the brush) but not much length.  It irritated my eyes a bit as well.  I’ll use this up but I won’t be purchasing a full size.

Nars Velvet Lip Glide in Bound 

I have been wanting to try this product for a while so I was ecstatic to see it included in my box.  It’s a dusty-rose liquid lipstick that is a infused with natural oils and feels weightless.  I absolutely love the color-on me it’s reminiscent of the just bitten look- and it’s a very comfortable formula to wear as it’s not drying.  However, because it’s a semi-matte finish, this entirely wears off with eating and drinking so if you’re looking for something that is long-lasting, this isn’t it.  Still worth a try in my opinion though.

Too Faced Lip Injection Glossy in Milkshake 

If you’ve read my review on the Too Faced Naughty Kisses and Sweet Cheeks, you know the Lip Injections are a favorite of mine.  Milkshake is a nude shade lip that has an intense tingle factor but does in fact, plump my lips.  It contains avocado and jojoba oil that helps soften them too, which I love.

Clinique Prep-Start Hydroblur Moisturizer 

An innovative product, this moisturizer can be used as a primer or as a quick fix throughout the day to control shine or add hydration.  I used this both as a regular moisturizer and primer and I feel that it worked better as a primer.  This product has a thick, almost silicone texture that feels silky when applied. To me, it provided a mattifying effect but my face didn’t feel as tight as it does with most oil-control primers.  Although my skin doesn’t feel dry, it didn’t necessarily feel hydrated either.  My makeup applies smoothly with this and doesn’t cling to dry patches.  Bottom line: this works better as a primer.

Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream

This luminous eye cream contains coffee bean, ginseng, and magnolia extract to visibly brighten and depuff the undereye area.  Ginseng gives a subtle glow to skin while the coffee beans work to energize tired skin.  Although I can’t attest to the depuffing aspects, the eye cream has a pink pearl-like color that helps to brighten my undereye area.  This works well under concealer and is similar to the Caudalie one, which I really love.

Marc Jacobs Divine Decadence 

Effervescent floral and bright, this sparkling champagne doused scent embodies luxury and glamour. Notes in this earthy and woody fragrance include orange blossom, bergamot, gardenia, amber vanilla and saffron. Surprisingly, I actually like this fragrance. It’s more on the sweet side but the woodsy scents balance it out perfectly.

Overall, I’m content with this box, especially with the inclusion of the Nars Velvet Lip Glide and the Too Faced Lip Injection Glossy.

What do you think of this box?  Any products you’d like to try?