Sephora Play! February 2018

Sephora Play! February 2018
Box Variant #136

You'd think after all these years (and we've been doing these sample services for nearly a decade now), that beauty retailers would eventually try thinking outside the subscription box for a change. But February's Sephora Play revealed that they still think we need red lipstick for Valentine's Day! Or pink lipstick! Or BOTH.

Sephora Collection
Rouge Matte Lipstick in Rebel Chic | $12.50

Without fail or surprise, here's a classic red lipstick sample to add my sprawling collection of classic red lipstick samples. This lipstick is billed as "ultra matte" and it was drier than the Sahara desert. It was also a pain in the ass to apply. It went on super patchy, tugged at my lips, and even after multiple layers still looked like utter shit. Which is why I'm guessing it's currently on sale for $7.00 at Sephora. If this box becomes a way for Sephora to unload their cosmetic failures I might consider cancelling. Anyway, the berry shade was quite flattering to my skintone and would have been an instant yes had it been of higher quality. So that sucks.

NARS
Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Let's Go Crazy | $27.00

And here's the second lipstick sample, a bright pink lip crayon. Also matte. I like NARS, they do a great job with their lip products and I think I have a number of these crayons lying around because of that. Probably from Sephora Play boxes. In fact, if there is a Sephora shopper who doesn't have a freebie of Cruella or Dolce Vita in their collection I'd be surprised. Anyway, I didn't have this color so that's a win.

By contrast, NARS mattes wear very comfortably. They feel silky and glide on with ease. Pigmentation is wonderful. One layer is all you need for full lip coverage. They also wear surprisingly long, which is great considering the $27 price tag. This bright berry shade is quite vibrant and maybe not the most versatile color for every day, but since it's matte it's easier to get away with.

Laura Mercier
Caviar Stick Eye Color in Rose Gold | $29.00

Since we're on the subject of repeat products, here's another Laura Mercier Caviar stick. I just got one in December (Au Natural), and I've also received this EXACT SAME SHADE in a previous box. So now I have TWO Rose Gold shadow sticks. I haven't even finished the first one yet and I probably got it over a year ago. But here's another one in the same color because it's "rose" and roses are for Valentine's Day because obviously.

Complaints aside, these are truly great shadows. They are silky smooth. They blend effortlessly. They have incredible pigmentation you can build up or sheer out to your preference. They never crease and they wear all day. Plus you can toss them in a bag and not worry about them shattering. Perfect for travel. I hope to own all of them one day, I've been buying them up one by one over time. If only Sephora would send me a different shade...

Belief
Moisturizing Eye Bomb | $48.00

Kudos to anyone bold enough to name a product "eye bomb." Seems like a pretty risky move but what do I know. Anyway, as with previous Belief products, this one is fragranced like a citrus furniture polish and contains silicones which don't play well with my skin. I tested it on my hands for this review. It's a medium weight gel-cream, that feels very thick despite a very fluffy texture. The lemon scent is strong, but fades after about half an hour. And it absorbs in less than half that, so that's a plus. My hands were wonderfully moisturized and soft after applying. Assuming you don't have sensitive skin, and are a fan of the Belief line, this might be something to look into.

Peter Thomas Roth
FIRMx™ Peeling Gel | $48

Tired of exfoliant scrubs and liquids? Well how about an exfoliant gel? This is that. Chemical exfoliants are pretty great in that they are a much more gentle way of sloughing off dead, dirty skin from your face, so it doesn't work its way down into your pores and clog them up. Or make your skin look dull from dead skin buildup.

Most liquid exfoliants are absorbed or washed off. This gel is designed to be left on for five minutes and then sort of rubbed away. Which feels weird. Really weird. I gave up half way through rubbing and just washed it off. I'm not sure it's as effective that way, since I think the rubbing is part of the dead-skin-removing-action, but who knows. Anyway, my skin did appear less dull and more fresh, so it's at least somewhat effective at getting the job done.

The rubbing gel method was a little too odd for me and I like my current chemical exfoliant better (no rubbing required), so I'm not a convert to this stuff. But if you like the PTR line (which is quite good), then this is a nice option to add to your routine.

Atelier Cologne
Vanille Insensée Cologne Absolue Pure Perfume | $26.00-$235.00

I'm a huge fan of Atelier and own many of their perfumes (including a sample of this from a previous Sephora Play box). This one is not my jam but it's a lovely fragrance if you're a vanilla fan. This is a soft, warm vanilla with woody touches. Not sticky or sugary, but more of a soft sweetness. The citrus notes lend it a fresh vibe and help pull it away from being a total bakery shop. The jasmine gives it a full bodied quality that vanilla fragrances often lack and the vetiver that appears on the dry down balance the floral notes out so it's not too feminine or masculine (like most Atelier fragrances). The oak and amber at the bottom wrap you up in a warm cozy blanket. Overall, a perfectly solid scent. Wearable by anyone, in any weather, for any occasion. Safe for the office and equally so for date night. Probably the most mass-appealing scent to send out to folks for use on Valentine's Day. Which is maybe why I dislike it. Too boring and safe.

Notes: Lime, Cedrat, Coriander, Jasmine, Vetiver, Oak Moss, Vanilla, Oak Wood, Amber.

Overall thoughts: Two exact sample dupes from previous boxes and one product dupe (same item, different color). This does not bode well for my continuing subscription.