One of the perks of running this blog is the access I get to new beauty products; be it the best new fragrances, the perfect mascara, and of course… SKINCARE. But even before I had my blog, I was always obsessed with discovery… constantly testing and trying all the best new products and then reporting back to my girlfriends with the best of the best. Today we are going to talk about Sephora’s subscription program, PLAY! by Sephora which is something I wish was around before I had my blog; it’s the perfect way to try all the best new stuff – for only $10.
Here’s how it works.
First of all, subscribe now on sephora.com/play (by May 11th!) to get this month’s box. The box is delivered the third week of every month – a fun treat to look forward to. You’ll get 5 great samples and a bonus item, packaged in a reusable (recyclable!) bag. The Sephora team chooses only the really good stuff, from their hottest brands, so it’s stuff you actually want – no junk.
I know what you may be thinking: Another subscription box? What makes this one different?! I’m going to speak to that below. For me, the best thing about the PLAY! by Sephora beauty box is the THOUGHT that is put into it. A lot of subscription boxes I’ve tried in the past have felt like a bunch of junk thrown together. This box is very thoughtfully curated by the Sephora team to contain only things you will want to use. Along with that; the content they create around the box is really thoughtfully created. You will see it below but the literature that comes with the box is really helpful and useful and Sephora also creates videos every month to show you what’s inside and how to use the products!
Also for my Beauty Insider friends! Each box comes with a card for 50 bonus Beauty Insider points so it will help you get to the next status level (I am soooo close to making Rouge!)
Here’s a sneak peak of what you might get in the upcoming May PLAY! by Sephora box. The contents of your box will vary depending on your PLAY! profile but this is what was in mine. I was excited as everything I received was something I actually wanted to try (and in one case already loved) but in all honesty, my favorite part of the box was the literature that accompanied the samples (pictured above). It tells you everything you need to know about each of the products included; from what it is to how to use it!
Play! By Sephora
for thick, long lashes //
Benefit Bad Gal Bang! Volumizing Mascara. Benefit’s mascaras are ALWAYS epic but this is a new favorite. And it’s all in the wand. This one leaves lashes super long and thick and it stays put – no flaking or feathering from morning til night.
for (even thicker, longer lashes!) //
Lancome CILS Booster Mascara Primer. I don’t always use a primer before mascara but this was a good reminder why I need to! Run this over your lashes before mascara (from root to tip) for your longest, thickest, strongest lashes. It’s amazing what a huge difference this makes.
for bright, glowy skin //
Kora Organics Face Oil // This (clean) face oil is FAB (and I was super excited to try it as I hadn’t ever heard of this brand!) It brightens and smooths skin, while providing an intense shot of moisture. I love how quickly it sinks into my skin.
gets off waterproof makeup! //
Tarte Cleanser. I loved this cleanser – it’s gentle and okay for sensitive types but also got off ALL my makeup in one cleanse; even my waterproof mascara.
something I already knew and loved //
DPHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse. I’ve reviewed this on my blog before because it’s the GREATEST but this rinse is amazing for deep cleaning your scalp AND adding tons of softness and shine. This is perfect for dry shampoo addicts and I love the smaller size – I put it aside to take on my next trip.
bonus item //
Viktor & Rolf Salty Flower Fragrance – oh my gosh I LOVE this scent. I used the sample up in two days and actually ended up buying it during the VIB sale. I really like that Sephora includes fragrance in the box because fragrance is one of those items you really just need to try in person. It’s the perfect mix of masculine/feminine. It’s definitely floral + clean but has these warm, spicy amber notes and a musky base note. LOVE.
Be sure to check out PLAY! by Sephora right this way… and sign up before May 11th to get this month’s box!
This post was created in partnership with Sephora; photography by Lydia Hudgens.
I love Sephora and I love trying new products, so this is a match made in heaven! So many goodies! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
Awesome! Thanks Charmaine – hope you had a great weekend.
Boxes are definitely the best way to discover new products!! My mom gets a bunch of them and actually sends any products she doesn’t want to me haha they’re the best!
Kendal / Life With Kendal
Oooh you are so lucky! My mom loves them too!!
That seems like an amazing subscription box and it’s super cheap. I’m guessing it’s not available in my country but maybe in the future, they’ll do it.
aw yeah! Right now it’s just the US but hopefully down the road.
I would definitely sign up for this if it was available in Mexico!
oh man, hope they expand shipping soon! Fingers crossed!!!
Absolutely my favorite box!! I got rid of most of mine, but this one is consistently so good that I can’t.
Yeah, I was really impressed by the contents of mine!!!
Ok this sounds so cool! Need to sign up and get myself one of these ASAP!
Dana | The Champagne Edit
Do it!!! xx
I love the idea of sample size items to try out expensive brands to improve my skincare routine (currently working through Sunday Riley’s box!). I’ve started to worry though about the environmental impact of these items. I love that Sephora’s bag is recyclable, but I live in a large-ish progressive city (Austin) and I know we are not able to put plastic bags like that in the recycling.
I know this is not what this post is about, but I’m curious if you have thoughts on this or know how to dispose of sample containers in a more environmentally friendly way? (Not trying to be a downer! Just curious about ways I can improve). Thanks!
I take plastic bags and such to Whole Foods! They have bins up front at my store :).
Hi Katie,
That’s a great question! I passed your question along to Sephora with hopes that they might have some thoughts. I love the comment about going to Whole Foods… I did a little bit of research and that seems to be the best bet; seems like other retailers offer this service too!) https://www.plasticsmakeitpossible.com/plastics-recycling/how-to-recycle/at-home/can-i-recycle-plastic-bags-in-the-recycling-bin/
Congrats again on the Sephora partnership!! Now more people get to hear your great advice 🙂
I like to hear that the packaging for the PLAY boxes is recyclable. I was just lamenting (again) over the weekend that it’s a shame Sephora doesn’t have a recycling program for empty beauty/skin/hair packaging. I feel sick to my stomach when I have to throw away fancy cream jars or bottles with a pump. I feel like Sephora has such a huge reach that they could do a lot in terms of keeping that packaging out of landfills (or worse). I was also told by a Sephora employee that all the returns they get have to be thrown away, so that packaging is tossed too. All the more reason to take advantage of their sampling program!! If you have an pull to start a recycling program with Sephora or know of any resources, I would love to hear!
Hi Ellie,
If you live near an Origins store you can drop off any empty makeup containers to be recycled. They accept all brands.
Thanks for the recommendation! I had no idea that existed and they sure don’t advertise it on their website. I also only thought you could recycle plastic grocery bags at the store – so excited for all these tips!
Thanks Lauren! I didn’t realize Origins accepted all packaging.
Thanks Ellie.
I passed this info on the brand. It would be so amazing if they can make improvements here! I’ll be sure to come back here and post their response.
In the meantime this article has some great tips and tricks for recycling your beauty empties. https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-recycle-beauty-products
Hey Ellie!
Sephora sent me this page and wanted to pass it along to you. xx https://www.sephorastands.com/sustainability/
Thanks Grace!!! I appreciate you listening and I know you’re conscious of waste and recycling too. 🙂
Oh this is such an amazing concept!
x Lisa | lisaautumn.com
Thanks Lisa!
This looks awesome! What a great price too!
http://expeditiontoeuphoria.com
I cancelled my Play! By Sephora subscription last month. Here’s why:
As we all know, Sephora gives out a lot of trial sizes. Whether it’s a promo code online or you’re cashing in those points you earned while shopping for makeup at 3am. I’m always going to the website to check out what free trials they’re offering and often use that to decide if I’m buying tonight or later.
I felt, after having a Play! subscription for 6 months, that is is just a way for them to unload unused trial sized things. Almost EVERYTHING I got in my boxes were things I already had. Because I got them for free… From Sephora. Now I’m paying for them…
I’m not going to pretend like the products they include aren’t good. Because they’re great. Because Sephora doesn’t sell garbage. But I’m not going to spend $10 a month to get things I get for free everytime I order makeup. Which is a lot. But if you don’t, you’ll enjoy this sub.
Last thing I got in my Play! bag that I loved was a full sized brow pencil by It Cosmetics. That alone is worth around $15.
There are better subscription beauty boxes out there. But not many, if you don’t obsessively shop at Sephora.
Such a great concept!!
Also, I love your top! Do you mind linking it or letting me know where it’s from?
Sure! It’s sold out in a lot of sizes so linking a few places:
https://shopstyle.it/l/3bSx
https://shopstyle.it/l/3bT9
https://shopstyle.it/l/3bSw
xx