I have been really interested in these little special edition “Play Smarts” boxes that Sephora has been releasing outside of a subscription for $20. I enjoy buying them and testing them for the blog, and just for… me, because I like skincare/makeup. (Understatement of the year.) However, is this particular box worth $20? I’m not so sure this time, but I still really enjoy the box itself!
Price: $20/box but not a recurring subscription
Box Type: This is a special edition version of the regular Play! by Sephora boxes, which includes 6 trial-sized eye products from prestige brands. This box also includes access to an exclusive live-streamed CRASH COURSE called “Superfoods: Feed Your Face.”
Why you’ll love it: Ummmm, did you see it’s all high-end products that come from Sephora? Plus, you get to watch a special live-stream, as mentioned above.
How to Subscribe: Click here to buy this box. Click here to subscribe to the regular monthly box! And click here to view all of our Play! by Sephora box reviews.
The little “booklet” was substituted with these little cards for each product in the box. On the back of each card, there was information about different ingredients in the products. I’ll go into more detail below! Like the last Play Smarts box, there is an invitation to another streaming “crash course,” but this time the subject is “Superfoods: Feed Your Face” on Aug. 7, at 7pm Central. I really think anyone could watch the course if you are interested. Just go to Youtube.com/Sephora on the Aug. 7 to watch live!
And here’s everything we got in the box! I’m really excited about all of these skincare items, and I look forward to incorporating them into my routine going forward! Unfortunately, I haven’t had time to use them pre-blog, but keep an eye out for my Summer 2018 empties blog, and you’ll get to see my full thoughts once I use all of these samples! That blog will be coming in a few weeks, because my little container I use to collect my trash is getting a little out of control. Matt also thinks I am nuts.
Tarte Mermaid Skin Hyaluronic H2O Serum ($42): I won’t go into why I’m not buying Tarte right now. Y’all know already. But if they do make some changes, I really would consider buying some of their skincare products, as I’ve heard pretty good things. I don’t always think makeup lines make great skincare lines and vice versa, but I do think Tarte has managed to pull it off. This serum feels like an extremely lightweight formula that would wear really nicely under makeup. The main hydrating ingredients in this serum are hyaluronic acid (which we naturally have in our skin) and sea algae, which according to the card, it produces massive amounts of oxygen. Some people have said they don’t need a moisturizer after using this, but I think if you have normal to dry skin, you will probably still need to use a moisturizer. However, if you are super oily, this might be really nice for you!
Dr. Roebuck’s No Worries Hydrating Face Moisturizer ($45): First of all, I have never heard of this brand before, so I’m excited to try a product from this line! Unlike the Tarte serum, this is more of an actual moisturizer than a serum. It actually just seems very much like a no-nonsense moisturizer. Not overly thick, absorbs quickly, but still feel very moisturizing. I’m excited to use this more, as it seems like a nice moisturizer for the spring/summer months, when you typically don’t need something too heavy. The ingredients the card calls out are the rosehip oil, which helps to repair skin, and macadamia nut oil, which softens.
ILIA Soft Focus Finishing Powder ($34): This is another brand that I haven’t ever used before, so I am interested in trying this as well. What’s important to note is that this is a finishing powder, NOT a setting powder. So this is essentially used as the last step in the makeup routine, prior to setting spray, to just sort of apply all over, to get more of a blended, blurred effect. It says it will leave your complexion looking radiant with a soft-focus finish that blocks the shine, not your healthy glow. This powder is unique in that it’s talc-free, which is typically an ingredient found in powders like this. The ingredients the card calls out are bamboo stem, which helps skin revive, rosemary leaf, which has anti-bacterial and skin-healing properties, along with aloe vera leaf, which helps soothe skin.
First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Coconut Water Cream ($34): I have definitely tried a few products from First Aid Beauty over the years but nothing really consistent – I have tried what I have received in boxes but not much else. But one of my best gals, Loren, who is a major skincare junkie, always speaks so highly of the brand, so I am excited to try more. As you know if you’ve read my favorite moisturizer blog, you know I love water creams, so I am very excited about this one! Like other water creams, it’s very lightweight, so it’s great for combo/oily people, like me! The card mentions the main ingredient in this moisturizer is the coconut water, which contains electrolytes, potassium and sodium, so it helps plump your skin and keep it hydrated.
Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate and Glow Oil ($44): This facial oil contains Acai Berry, Goji Berry and Maqui Berry, which are all antioxidants! They help with defending your skin from free radicals from pollution and UV rays which can speed up the aging process. I typically don’t use facial oils during the day- I prefer to use them at night after moisturizing. However, this one is supposed to be lightweight, so it might absorb quickly without leaving skin oily or greasy. You can also mix this in with a heavier/matte foundation to help sheer it out and give it more of a glow.
Origins Dr. Andrew Well For Origins Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Treatment ($34): I am really interested in this treatment, as I think this product is kind of like an essence. It goes on like a toner but moisturizes like a lotion with its mushroom and hyaluronic acid-rich formula. According to the card, the reishi mushroom helps to renew skin, while the chaga mushroom strengthens your skins defenses. I am currently finishing up a little essence sample, so I’m excited to work this into my routine and see if I like it!
Final Grade: B
So that’s it for this Sephora Play Smarts box. There isn’t anything in the box that I don’t think I will use but I’m also not sure it’s worth the $20. If this was the regular $10 monthly box, I think I would be really impressed, however, I just really don’t think the value is there for a $20. I do like reviewing this kind of box on the blog, considering I did pull back many of my subscriptions. This is a box I do enjoy. If you are looking to try these different skincare products, it might be worth it to you, but otherwise, might be worth skipping out on this time.
I’m not sure if I’m going to attend the live-stream. I didn’t attend the last one, but maybe I will try to watch this one to see if it adds to the value of the box. I’m still not really sure this is a true benefit for me, but I should probably watch before I judge too harshly. TBD on that!
Click here if you are interested in trying out this Sephora Play Smarts Box!
xo,
L
Purchased; All opinions are my own
Post contains affiliate links
laurenelectro
A self-proclaimed beauty junkie/hoarder with a serious Sephora problem. This blog is a total rationalization of that problem. Everything is TOTALLY fine. Her free time is a mixed combination of making fun of reality TV with her husband, hanging out with cats and finally trying to figure out how to do her hair.