Play! by SEPHORA (March 2017)

For $10 a month, uncover the most sought-after products around with a monthly subscription box of prestige, trial-size samples curated by Sephora experts. Each month you'll get five deluxe beauty samples, plus a beauty bonus, all in a collectible bag!

Inside every beauty box you'll receive a Play! PASS you can bring in store and redeem for 50 bonus Beauty Insider points, plus a free one-on-one tutorial that is all about you. With PLAY! by Sephora, you'll also be eligible to attend Play! DATES, which are subscriber-only events that give you and a friend the opportunity to come in store and play with products that complement the ones you got in your subscription box. Lastly, up your beauty game with exclusive video how-to's, tutorials and tons of tips on how to use the products you get in new and fun ways.

What It Is:
At Sephora, they love that feeling when you find a new beauty product, give it a try, and wonder how you ever lived without it. That’s why they created PLAY! by SEPHORA, a beauty box filled with five stellar samples, delivered right to your door.

Here’s how it works:
Each month they curate a selection of new and best-selling products they’re most excited about, from makeup to hair care to skincare to fragrance. Then, using the answers in your PLAY! Profile, they determine which version is best for you. Next stop, your place, where you can experiment, play, and find your personal favorites.

Every month Sephora also includes a flyer that offers important details and informative tips and tidbits about the products included.

March 2017's theme is The Gleam Team. Here's what's in this month's box:

LIVING PROOF Full Dry Volume Blast (3oz Deluxe MINI, $15.00) - Weightless spray delivers long-lasting volume and texture for thicker, fuller-looking hair that is silky soft.

THE SHINE IS NOW: This award-winning, innovative spray from the scientists at Living proof uses an advanced formula of volumizing and texturizing molecules that give hair lift and body.

HOW TO USE: Shake first, divide your hair into sections, and then spray while holding about 10 inches away from your head and focusing on the roots. Be sure to tousle and scrunch with your fingers to help evenly distribute the formula.

ALGENIST Reveal Concentrated Luminizing Drops in Pearl (0.23oz, $17.48) - Concentrated, serum-like drops impart a pearlescent sheen and anti-aging benefits with a sheer, lightweight formula.

ABOUT THE INGREDIENTS: This highlighter contains the Algacorrecting Complex, which helps to color correct uneven skin tone. Over time, it also helps to regenerate and protect the skin, thanks to Alguronic Acid, a powerful chemical compound.

GLAMGLOW GlowStarter Mega Illuminating Moisturizer in Nude Glow (0.24oz, ~$6.92) - Two-in-one moisturizer and luminizer hydrates, blurs and enhances any complexion with a lit-from-within finish.

THE SHINE IS NOW: This Hollywood favorite boosts the look of dry, dull skin with a light-reflecting formula that gives skin a red carpet glow, while also helping to visibly plump with nurturing botanicals.

TREND FOCUS: Cutting-edge formulas like this one are known as GLOTIONS, which are luminizing moisturizers that combine skin-saving benefits of moisturizer with the instant glow of a highlighter.

BENEFIT COSMETICS Watt's Up! Cream-to-Powder Highlighter (0.08oz, ~$7.27) - Best-selling highlighter defines facial features with a luminous, soft-focus sheen and an easy-to-apply cream-to-powder formula.

TREND FOCUS: Professional makeup artists love to use this for STROBING, a contouring technique for enhancing your facial features. To do it, just apply and blend this highlighter on the areas you want to emphasize - down the center of your nose, across the apples of your cheeks, or on your cupid's bow.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Shadow in I-544 Pink Granite (0.02oz, $4.25) - Highly saturated, iridescent eye shadow made with unique gel-powder formula and ultra-fine pigments for smooth color.

PRO TIP: Turn Artist Shadow into a subtle, natural-looking eyeliner by wetting a small angled brush with contact lens solution (the saline helps the color to set), dipping it in the shadow, and drawing it across your lash line.

ATELIER COLOGNE Clementine California (~0.05oz, ~$3.82) - Inspired by the California coast, this scent sparkles with ripe citrus and a suggestion of sunny, delicate florals. Top notes are clementine, mandarin and juniper berries. Middle notes are star anise, Sichuan pepper and basilic. Base notes are vetiver, sandalwood and cypress.

ABOUT THE BRAND: The aromas of Atelier Cologne celebrate the traditional concept of a cologne, which means that they're made with genuine citrus scents, classic ingredients and high concentrations of essential oils - and can be worn by both women and men.
                                                                                             
                                                                                             

I really didn't think that last month's PLAY! box could be topped. But, boy, was I wrong.

I love, love, LOVE Living Proof hair care products. I have not tried Full Dry Volume Blast before... and, sorry, but I won't be trying it for this review either. I have a BIG hair care project coming up and Living Proof is one of the brands I'll be testing. I can say that this deluxe sample is HUGE. It's the regular mini size so you'll definitely be able to determine if this something that you want to buy at full size.

From left to right:,Algenist
Luminizing Drops, GlamGlow
Illuminating Moisturizer,
Benefit Cream-to-Powder
Highlighter, Make Up For
Ever Artist Shadow

There is so much diversity in these items, even though all but the eye shadow are luminizers of sorts. Not only that but the colors for the most part pair nicely with my super pale complexion. To the right you can see all of the makeup shades. I wanted you to be able to see the contrast between the colors and consistencies, in two different light settings.


The Algenist Luminizing Drops have a pretty thin consistency. You don't need much to spread over a large area of skin. The pearlescent glow is very light and I'm sure this could be mixed with almost any foundation without changing the shade much, if any.

The GlamGlow Illuminating Moisturizer is my favorite discovery this month. I'm already a GlamGlow mask junkie, and this just furthers my belief that take great pride in the high quality of their products. This creamy formula blends flawlessly with my tone. And smooth. And even though the name suggested, I didn't believe it would be so moisturizing.

The Benefit Cream-to-Powder Highlighter seemed to be more of a contour item to me. Then again, I am SO PALE! I think it may be a good neutral blusher for me. It tugged a little when I rubbed it over my arm, but I liked it overall.

I'm in love with the Make Up For Ever Artist Shadow! First, the plum shade is perfect for me. I am so happy I received this color because it makes my green eyes just pop! The shadow doesn't budge at all.

The Atelier Cologne is typical Atelier. They all smell wonderful! And like the others, it starts really strong and fades quickly down to a soft citrus-y fragrance that can be enjoyed all day long without reapplying.

This March 2017 box is curated in my opinion, PERFECTLY. Yes, the products are pretty similar, but that's kinda how it should be in terms of testing them out. I could have received three cosmetics that were completely different from one another, and create a nice overall look. However, this lets me see which works best for me before I go buying the full-size version, which is more important to me. I'd love to see more makeup subscription boxes follow this trend. Not every month, but frequently.

I thought the theme was ideal as well. "The Gleam Team" And that's exactly what this box delivers. For me, it's could also be a fitting St. Patrick's Day box. They could have called it "Pale-Skinned, Green-Eyed Irish Girl." March's PLAY! has a total value of $54.74. Not only is that amazing, but I couldn't have asked for a better curation of products. I don't think they could top this month, but I also thought that last month! Needless to say, I cannot wait to see what they have in store for April.

Sephora Fragrance Samplers

Ever so often, Sephora will include these awesome little baggies full of perfume sample cards in your online order. No codes, no minimum purchase... it's just something they do. I love trying out new fragrances so I love to see these arrive in my packages. And since they are typically new products, I like to let my readers know how they smell and whether they're pleasant or just have a high-end name on the bottle. I'll give you my thoughts and rate them with my totally original and super complex A, B, C ratings system. A's mean it the scent is just wonderful. B's are for meh, it's okay - I don't hate it. And C's are... not good. But you might love something I dislike so don't give too much weight to my opinions. Below are my reviews of the most recent perfume cards I was sent.

Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent - Addictive. Floral. Energetic. Black Opium has notes of coffee accord, orange blossom, cedarwood essence, and patchouli essence. "Fascinating and seductively intoxicating, the opening notes of adrenaline-rich coffee and the sweet sensuality of vanilla recline into the softness of white flowers for a modern, young, and vibrant interpretation of addiction." This product is a 2015 Allure Best of Beauty award winner.

MY THOUGHTS: I can definitely pick out the coffee, patchouli, and vanilla. It also has a bit of a creamy smell so it actually ends up smelling like coffee creamer! That being said, it certainly is a perfume so don't go pouring it into your morning java. I'll give this a B (for me), but I think for the right person it could easily be an A. The 1.6 oz EDP spray is available here for $91.00.

Bloom (for her) by Gucci - Confident. Intuitive. Magnetic. Gucci Bloom has key notes of tuberose, rangoon creeper, and jasmine. "Capturing the spirit of the contemporary, diverse, and authentic women of Gucci, envisioned as a thriving garden of flowers, Bloom EDP For Her is created to unfold like its name." This product is an Allure Best of Beauty award winner.

MY THOUGHTS: First off, that description. Holy moly that's good stuff. And what the bejeezus is a rangoon creeper? I looked it up. I'm not telling you. For real. I'm not. I'd been wanting to try this for quite a while and it was worth it. I like this one a lot. It's floral and tart. Sweet but not sugary. It's hard to describe. So if you get the chance, snag a sample from Sephora on your next mall trip. This is an A all day long. The 1.6 oz EDP spray is available here for $94.00.

Bright Crystal by Versace - Sheer. Sensual. Luminous. Bright Crystal has notes of iced accord, yuzu, pomegranate, peony, magnolia, lotus flower, acajou, vegetal amber, and musk. "Inspired by a mixture of Donatella Versace's favorite floral fragrances."

MY THOUGHTS: I've sampled this before and it is glorious. It is quite busy with all of the notes and I can't pick them out. And also, I don't know what 75% of the ingredients are. I do smell freshness though. I imagine myself standing on the balcony of an Italian villa, wind sweeping through my hair, breathing the scent of gorgeous gardens. And now I feel like a dork. But this is a review and I'm telling the truth, so it definitely get an A in my book. The 1.7 oz EDT spray is available here for $75.00.

Daisy by Marc Jacobs - Bright. Flirtatious. Free Spirit. "Charmingly simple with a signature quality, you'll be transported to a place that's optimistic, beautiful, and pure. The top of the fragrance is infused with succulent wild strawberries and soft white violets. At the heart, velvety jasmine warms to a dreamy dry-down of sensual sandalwood, for a romantic, lingering finish." This product is an Allure Best of Beauty award winner.

Daisy Eau So Fresh by Marc Jacobs - Exhilarating. Bubbly. Playful. "A spirited incarnation of the original Daisy, this fragrance excites the senses with a bright elegance and whimsical charm. The scent's enticing top notes of raspberry and grapefruit sparkle on the skin like sunshine, deepening into a sensuous heart of wild rose and a musky, sophisticated finish of warm plum and cedarwood."

MY THOUGHTS: Daisy is exactly as it's described. I didn't pick up sandalwood but did everything else. I'm giving it a B, only because the fruitiness has a bit of a sophomoric feel. Eau So Fresh gets an A though. It was slightly more mature and I could pick out the citrus and woodsy notes, which pushed it into a different category than the original (for me at least). The Daisy 1.7 oz EDT spray is available here for $84.00, and the Daisy Eau So Fresh 2.5 oz EDT spray is available here for $96.00.

L'eau Bleue by Miu Miu - Forthright and coy. Playful and rebellious. Delicate yet daring. Miuccia Prada shared her inspiration with perfumer Daniela Andrier, to create this study of contradictions. L'eau Bleue evokes the essence of early Spring and new beginnings. It captures the essence of lily of the valley at its most seductive, with a transparent tint of honeysuckle to lend a touch of fragile femininity, revealing the richness of exclusive Akigalawood® accord.

MY THOUGHTS: I was so excited to try this once I read the description. Honeysuckle and lily of the valley are my two favorite smells, consecutively. Apparently Akigalawood is "a fractioned note of patchouli oil which contributes to the pepperish and woody character of the fragrance." Welp... my first though upon smelling this was... PEPPER! No florals whatsoever. It had a bit of sweetness and woodiness to it, but mostly ground pepper. Here's the thing... Miu Miu absolutely achieved its goal. I don't even know how to explain it. I hated it. I loved it. It was unpleasant. It was amazing. Wow! I can't even grade this fragrance. Every single whiff evoked a different response from me. I highly suggest trying this out. Definitely get a sample of this ASAP, but heed my advice... DO NOT buy the full-size bottle until you've tested it. The 1.7 oz EDP spray is available here for $94.00.

L'eau Rosée by Miu Miu - Radiant. Witty. Playful. The key notes are blackcurrant lily of the valley, cassis buds, and musk.

MY THOUGHTS: For the life of me, I could not find an official description anywhere. Gotta say... I wanted to smell this pretty badly after trying L'eau Bleue. What on earth do they have in store for us now? Ohmigosh! They did it again! I could totally pick up all of the key notes much easier than its predecessor, but it was so strange!!! I think I have to buy both of these, probably roller balls because it won't be a daily use thing. I'm amazed. Again, no rating. Just impossible. The 1.7 oz EDT spray is available here for $81.00.

Nomade by Chloé - Inspired. Poetic. Free-Spirited. Nomade's intense mineral character of oakmoss is enveloped in the voluptuous softness of mirabelle plum. From this freshness emanates a bright floral note carried by freesia. Natural ingredients brought into focus by the perfumer Quentin Bisch, revealing accords as exhilarating as the feeling of escape they inspire.

MY THOUGHTS: This is one potent perfume. It fades though. Honestly it reminded me of the fragrances I wore in my teens. I don't hate it, but I don't like it, so it's getting a C for me. Again though, like Black Opium before it, I can see someone else, maybe older, maybe younger, finding it very pleasant. The 1.7 oz EDP spray is available here for $105.00.

Saint by Kat Von D - Soft. Alluring. Dreamy. "This gourmand fragrance sweetens a bouquet of jasmine and tiaré flower with notes of mandarin, caramel, and sparkling mirabelle plum. Vanilla, sandalwood, and creamy musk build to the romance of the perfume, imparting a warmth that reminds Kat of falling in love for the very first time." Saint shares the same floral soul as Sinner, with a sweet and gourmand twist. "Different experiences, shared heart - these sister scents can be worn alone or layered together."

Sinner by Kat Von D - Dark. Sultry. Empowering. "This enticing fragrance sweetens a bouquet of jasmine and orange blossom with notes of vanilla, mandarin, and mirabelle plum. Spicy cinnamon envelops white florals at the heart of the fragrance, while base notes of vetiver, patchouli, and wood form the deeper, darker nuances. Sinner is the fragrant embodiment of the edgy, unapologetic, and outspoken Kat Von D we know and love."

MY THOUGHTS: Saint is way too powdery- and musky-smelling for me. I can't pick out any of the other scents and that may be because the ingredients are too busy. Unfortunately Sinner was so similar, I got the same impression as I did Saint. The only real difference I could find is that after smelling Sinner I had to sniff Saint again and noticed a bit more sweetness than Sinner.  The Saint 1.7 oz EDP spray is available here for $65.00, and the Sinner 1.7 oz EDP spray is available here for $65.00.

Tory Burch by Tory Burch - Elegant. Engaging. Effortless. The key notes are neroli, grapefruit, cassis, bergamot, peony, turberose, jasmine sambac, vetiver, and sandalwood. The first fragrance from Tory Burch captures classic elements in unexpected ways - feminine and tomboy, easy and polished. Florals blend with citrus notes, anchored by earthy vetiver - a bright and complex mix.

MY THOUGHTS: I love this. It is so pretty. The grapefruit/peony/sandalwood combination is a  delightful mishmash that I would not have expected to work so well together. First sniff I felt it was another immature scent but after a couple more times, it quickly grew on me. I give it an A. The 1.7 oz EDP spray is available here for $96.00.

IN CONCLUSION: I think Sephora did a great job curating these perfume sample cards. Besides the obvious (Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu, Kat Von D), no others are too similar. I thoroughly enjoyed preparing this post and trying all of the lovely fragrances. My favorites are Bright Crystal and surprisingly, L'eau Bleue and L'eau Rosée. The Miu Miu perfumes were just so unlike ANYTHING I've tried before. You just cannot say that about fragrances anymore. Everything has been done. I truly find it disarming.

I have a few other packs that are duplicates. I'm going to give them to some of my friends and see how they feel about these scents, and maybe they can contribute to the conversation in the comments below. If you're interested in getting a pack, comment below with your name and Twitter handle, then follow me on Twitter (@tazcaz_whocares), and I'll DM you to get your address. No charge! No shipping! I'll just send it cause you're nice and I like you. But I only have a few, so let me know as soon as possible to ensure you get one.

PLAY! by Sephora (February 2017)

The Lowdown:
"For $10 a month, uncover the most sought-after products around with a monthly subscription box of prestige, trial-size samples curated by Sephora experts. Each month you'll get five deluxe beauty samples, plus a beauty bonus, all in a collectible bag! Inside every beauty box you'll receive a Play! PASS you can bring in store and redeem for 50 bonus Beauty Insider points, plus a free one-on-one tutorial that is all about you. With PLAY! by Sephora, you'll also be eligible to attend Play! DATES, which are subscriber-only events that give you and a friend the opportunity to come in store and play with products that complement the ones you got in your subscription box. Lastly, up your beauty game with exclusive video how-to's, tutorials and tons of tips on how to use the products you get in new and fun ways."

What It Is:
At Sephora, they love that feeling when you find a new beauty product, give it a try, and wonder how you ever lived without it. That’s why they created PLAY! by SEPHORA, a beauty box filled with five stellar samples, delivered right to your door.

Here’s how it works:
Each month they curate a selection of new and best-selling products they’re most excited about, from makeup to hair care to skincare to fragrance. Then, using the answers in your PLAY! Profile, they determine which version is best for you. Next stop, your place, where you can experiment, play, and find your personal favorites.

Every month Sephora also includes a flyer that offers important details and informative tips and tidbits about the products included.

February 2017's theme is The Soft Side. Here's what's in this month's box:

CLINIQUE Pep-Start Hydroblur Moisturizer (0.24oz, ~$4.16) - A lightweight, oil-free moisturizer-meets-primer instantly blurs imperfections while providing all-day hydration for a silky, soft-focus finish.

THRILLING ME SOFTLY: Wear it alone for a natural yet picture-perfect look or make it the first step in your makeup routine. This innovative moisturizer and primer combo is all you need to get a super soft, hydrated, and shine-free complexion.

ORIGINS GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream (0.17oz, $10.54) - A luminous eye cream infused with coffee beans, ginseng and magnolia extract to visibly brighten and depuff the undereye area.

ABOUT THE INGREDIENTS: Coffee beans energize tired skin with antioxidants and caffeine. Ginseng root contains anti-aging and skin healing benefits. Magnolia extract corrects redness and reduces inflammation.

TOO FACED Lip Injection Glossy in Milkshake (0.03oz, ~$4.71) - Sheer-tinted gloss uses a botanical-infused formula to visibly plump lips instantly while also hydrating and softening over time. For voluminous lips that still look natural and soft, Too Faced Injection Glossy is an effective plumper that is infused with avocado and jojoba oil for super soft, silky lips and just a hint of pink-nude hue.

PRO TIP: The effects of this lip gloss are known to build over time, so try using it consistently for 30 days and see if you notice an improvement in the softness of your lips.

BITE BEAUTY Multistick in Cashew (0.07oz, ~$9.88) - Creamy, all-natural and multipurpose blending stick can be used on eyes, cheeks and lips for a buildable look that feels weightless.

THRILLING ME SOFTLY: This is the ultimate do-it-all formula for a sweet, stop-it-I'm-blushing effect. The Bite Beauty Multistick is made with natural ingredients (they're actually food-grade). It blends like a cream but wears like a weightless powder for an understated, romantic look.

SEPHORA COLLECTION LashCraft Length & Volume Mascara (0.094oz, ~$2.78) - A jet-black volumizing mascara with an innovative flat paddle-shaped wand to lengthen and lift lashes. When taking off, no need to scrub or tug. Just splash water and the pigment dissolves.

THRILLING ME SOFTLY: This mascara is truly one-of-a-kind. Its flat wand lifts lashes, while its glossy black pigment creates drama. Plus, the nylon-infused formula keeps lashes soft and clump-free with no smudging in sight.

TOM FORD Neroli Portofino (0.05oz, $7.25) - Vibrant and evocative, this scent channels the Italian Riviera with its sparkling citrus oils and floral notes. Top note is Italian bergamot. Middle notes are lemon and lavender. Base note is neroli.

ABOUT THE BRAND: Tom Ford is an American designer and the founder of the eponymous fashion label best known for its sophisticated, glamorous designs. The brand is famous for its alluring, seductive fragrances, and Neroli Portofino captures the essence of the Italian Riviera, from its cool breezes to its lush foliage.
                                                                                                                                                 

I first tried out the Clinique Pep-Start Hydroblur Moisturizer. The ingredients are promising - shea butter, St. Paul's Wort and algae extracts, and caffeine (which a lot of people don't like, but nothing stimulates, brightens, and provides long-term results for my face than caffeine) - and has no scent. However, I am not fond of it at all. In my opinion, it's too thick, takes forever to absorb, is sticky, and has not shown any real signs of helping my skin, unlike my go-to moisturizers.

Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream... What can I say? Except that it is one of those go-to moisturizers I just mentioned using regularly. Like, every day unless I'm testing something out. And as I said before, I attribute that directly to the caffeine from the coffee beans, although it also has a lot of other beneficial ingredients like ginseng and one of my all-time favorite skincare product components... jojoba! The 0.5oz full-size container of this eye cream is $31 and worth every penny. I also adore the GinZeng moisturizer so check that out.

The Too Faced Lip Injection Glossy (shown to the left ⇐ over a nude lip color) is AH-mazing! I have wanted to try one of the lip injection products forever, especially because Too Faced is one of my favorite cosmetics brands. It's very moisturizing. The glossiness is out-of-this world. But while it does provide a plumping effect, the tingling is a bit too strong.

The Bite Beauty Multistick is so versatile. I do not care for it on my lips (as seen to the right ➔). The formula tugs, is not flattering without a gloss or balm coating, and was very drying. Having said that, I somewhat liked it for my eyes when I used my finger to put it on. But I LOVED IT as a blush. The pigmentation was perfect and it blended beautifully. Below ⇲ (the very bottom photo) I created an entire look using only the items in this box, and this multistick on my eyes, cheeks, and under the lip plumper.

I can't say that I'm a fan of the Sephora Collection Lashcraft Mascara. It provides some length, and doesn't so much clump, but rather made my lashes stick together instead of separating them.

Ohmigosh!!! Tom Ford's Neroli Portofino is ridiculously awesome in every way! They could have sent this to me on its lonesome and I would have been totally fine. It's a wonder to me... the combination of bergamot, lemon, lavender, and neroli smells just like honeysuckle, which is my favorite scent in the whole wide world! I will be saving up to buy the 1.7oz full-size bottle of this perfume spray. And it costs $230. I've never paid more than $80 for a fragrance. This is even worth the $595 8.4oz decanter but I will never have that much money to spend at once for perfume. My husband would pull a Henry the VIII'th on me. It's fabulous, just a bouquet of pure delight.

It was super nice that I could create a whole look with just the products in this month's box. I love how the colors work so well together, and I can certainly appreciate the hues being on the neutral side and not pinky, because rose-colored cosmetics do not go with teeth that have suffered years of abuse by coffee, tea, and cigarettes (I quit smoking in 2013 so stop judging me! 😜) You can see how the multistick works so lovely as a blush and can probably be used as a highlighter for those who know how to use makeup. I have no talent. These items come together so effortlessly that even a beauty-challenged person like me can't mess up. In fact, this may be my new regular makeup routine.

This February 2017 PLAY! by Sephora box has a total value of $39.32. Even without a hair care product, this is one of my favorite months of the all of the more affordable beauty box subscriptions. I cannot wait to see what I get in March!

My 2017 Beauty Booty, aka Sephora Stash

People read these! They really do. I get an unprecedented number of views whenever I post a haul. Why??? I don't know. But this is a super fun thing for me to post about, so if some of you enjoy it as well, yay!

#7666552082*20171027

- Make Up For Ever Artist Plexi-Gloss in Pearly Plum (0.23oz, $20.00)

- Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Cosmic Gloss Lip Glitter in Gal On The Moon (0.34oz, $19.00)

- Urban Decay Vice Special Effects Long-Lasting Water-Resistant Lip Topcoat in Monarchy (0.16oz, $18.00)

- Caudalie Birthday Set - Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet (GIFT: 0.33oz, ~$10.00) and Vinoperfect Radiance Serum (GIFT: 0.33oz, ~$26.07)

- Decorate with Lights Sample Bag (PROMO: Clinique Pep-Start Pout Perfecting Balm & Pep-Start Pout Restoring Night Mask, Kate Somerville Wrinkle Warrior 2-in-1 Plumping Moisturizer + Serum, Kiehl's Since 1851 Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, Korres Greek Yoghurt Smoothie Priming Moisturizer, Living Proof Perfect Hair Day 5-in-1 Styling Treatment, NARS Liquid Blush, Stella by Stella McCartney EDP, Too Faced Hangover 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer & Setting Spray, Urban Decay Vice Special Effects Liquid Lipstick, Bright Crystal by Versace EDT)

- Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent EDP sample

- Sauvage by Dior EDT sample

- Wildfox by Wildfox EDP sample

They say it's my birthday... nenner nenner nenner! That was supposed to be The Beatles. Anyhoo, in addition to needing to order my birthday present, there was a great sample bag as the promo and perfume for my regular samples. I rounded it out with a few new lippies from my favorite brands that I'd been eyeing. That birthday gift was amazing! Worth over $35!

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- Bumble and Bumble Thickening Hairspray Mini (2oz, $11.00)
- Bumble and Bumble Thickening Full Form Mousse Mini (1.4oz, $17.00)
- Bumble and Bumble Spray de Mode Flexible Hold Hairspray Mini (2.7oz, $16.00)
- Living Proof Restore Trio (a $21.00 value for $12.00)
- PROMO: $15 off an order over $50
- eaudemoiselle de Givenchy Romantic by Givenchy EDP sample*
- Polo Red Extreme by Ralph Lauren EDP sample*
- Sì Intense by Georgio Armani Beauty EDP sample*

*DID NOT RECEIVE

I'm *almost* embarrassed to say that I mainly placed this order for the fragrance samples (which I didn't even receive!)... BUT... I also found a promo code for $15 off any purchase of $50 or more. And since I'm also collecting haircare minis for several upcoming blog posts, in particular Ouidad, Bumble and Bumble, and Living Proof, I figured this was a good enough deal not to pass up.

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- Living Proof Style Lab Trial Kit (a $35 value for $29)
- Dylan Blue by Versace EDT mini (REWARD: 0.17oz, ~$14.00)
- Saint by Kat Von D EDP mini (REWARD: 0.15oz, ~$9.71)
- Moisturize and Be Merry Sample Bag (PROMO: Biossance 100% Squalane Oil mini, Reserve Warm Cotton by CLEAN EDP, Clinique Moisture Surge Hydrating Supercharged Concentrate mini, fresh Rose Face Mask mini, L'Occitane Cleansing & Softening Shower Oil with Almond Oil mini, 'Replica' Lazy Sunday Morning by Maison Margiela EDT, Smashbox Be Legendary Liquid Lip mini in Mauve Squad)
- Bel Azur by Tory Burch EDP sample
- eaudemoiselle de Givenchy Romantic by Givenchy EDP sample
- Peonia Nobile by Acqua Di Parma EDP sample

I had to have this promo. And the perfume samples. And the mini perfumes. And hell... might as well throw in some more Living Proof hair care. Seriously though, that "sample" bag is not even a sample bag. The only samples in the bunch are the perfumes. The rest are all deluxe and I estimate that the products and bag are worth over $50 combined. And that's conservative.

I finally had to spring for flash shipping. Only $10 per year and I buy a lot from Sephora. Totally worth it.

#8360467665*20171220

- Sephora Collection Show Curl XL Lash Curler ($16.00 on sale for $9.00)
- Sephora Collection #Lipstories Lipstick in Festival Lights (0.14oz, $8.00)
- Sephora Collection #Lipstories Lipstick in Ice Breaker (0.14oz, $8.00)
- Yves Saint Laurent Tatouage Couture Liquid Matte Lip Stain trial size in Rouge Tatouage (PROMO: 0.1oz, ~$18.00)
- Bloom For Her by Gucci EDP sample*
- Decadence by Marc Jacobs Fragrances EDP sample
- Reserve Rain by CLEAN EDP sample

*DID NOT RECEIVE

I don't even no why I placed this order. I was probably just bored. People should take away my credit cards when I'm bored. I wouldn't have cared for the lipstick. That is not a color I would have ever picked for myself. Could I really have placed an order just for three perfume samples? Well, yes, I suppose we all know I could. But they're not special enough for such a lame order. I have tons more stuff on my loves list.

However, I would like to note that this order was pretty much the beginning of the end for my packages arriving with all of the items I purchased. From here out, I don't believe I ever got the samples I chose, which may not seem that important, but I have a blog! I want to review the stuff I pick out. If I place an order like the dud this one was, it's probably so I can review the products. All I've been able to deduce since then is that I paid for the free shipping, so now nothing is ever going to be right again???

#8407212989*20171225

- Urban Decay O.N.S. Afterglow Highlighter Palette ($34.00 on sale for $19.00)
- Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Earthling (0.11oz, $17.00 on sale for $8.50)
- Miu Miu by Miu Miu EDP trial size (PROMO: 0.1oz, ~$6.80)
- Grande Cosmetics GrandeLIPS Hydrating Lip Plumper sample*
- Laura Mercier Velour Extreme Matte Lipstick 8-count sampler*
- Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser sample

*DID NOT RECEIVE

This is my first real foray into the world of highlighters. I know, right!? I'm about a year late to the party. I super fell in love with this Urban Decay palette and I was pretty psyched about the very earthy lipstick as well. I also was happy to get the trial sized perfume. I only wish I could have gotten three samples but if I was only getting one, I'm glad it was the cleanser because I am falling in love with Tata Harper products.

#8448793185 201712284

- Sephora Collection Lip Powder in Gold Reserve (0.035oz, $12.00 on sale for $5.00)
- Bonbon by Viktor & Rolf EDP sample*
- Miu Miu L'eau Bleue by Miu Miu EDP sample
- Mon Guerlain by Guerlain EDP sample*

*DID NOT RECEIVE

I was a little surly from my last order, being the third time in a row not receiving some of my samples, when I decided to make this purchase. I was feeling like the customer care was declining since I signed up for free flash shipping. Since it was free, and I had a 20% off promo, I made a minimum purchase. And guess what!? I only got one of my samples... again. Talk about irritation on top of irritation. They got me back good, didn't they?
                                                                                                                    

Sephora Beauty Insiders:

By signing up to become a Beauty Insider, you open up a whole new world of Sephora awesomeness. Becoming a member is easy and free. You can do it in-store or online. When you sign up, you'll be assigned a card number that will automatically be applied to your purchases online, and can be scanned from your smart phone in-store. Pre-tax and pre-shipping, you'll receive one point for every dollar spent, excluding gift cards. However, if you use a gift card to pay, you will still receive points.

There's also a great app you can use to shop. Some of the perks of using the app are instant notifications that you will receive to notify you of exciting new opportunities. You'll also get app-only previews and promotions, be able to use the virtual artist program to try on various cosmetics, and be able to save all of your LOVES for future purchases.

Some of the other benefits of being a Beauty Insider are:

• Birthday Gifts each year that you are a member. Usually you can select from several options of minis worth $10-$20. There is no purchase necessary in-store and only a small minimum purchase required online. These can be redeemed anytime during your birthday month in-store, and two weeks before and after your birthday AND during your birthday month online.
• Rewards! Use your points in the Rewards Bazaar to get really cool deluxe samples of some of Sephora's favorite products. Use any amount from 100 points and up to access these great bonuses. Obviously, the more points, the more incredible the items. New rewards are constantly being added and some are even for trips, like to New York Fashion Week or to visit various spas and boutiques belonging to brands like Caudalie, Make Up For Ever, benefit Cosmetics, and more. Some even including travel!
• Access the Beauty Insider Community. You can join groups, participate in the forum discussions, and chat with other insiders to get info and recommendations. Complete your beauty profile to receive personalized makeup color matches.
• Free Beauty Classes where you can learn from an instructor the basics like skin care routines, all the way up to creating new makeup looks based on today's trends.

Once you've spent $350 in one calendar year you'll become a VIB (Very Important Beauty Insider), and if you spend $1,000 you'll attain Rouge status. Both of these add to the special privileges you can receive as a Beauty Insider. For example, as a VIB you'll also get to have one Free Makeover a year in Sephora stores and a Monthly Gift, which turns out to be basically another promo code especially for VIB's. A VIP Rouge member gets unlimited free makeovers, Free 2-day Shipping, and invitations to Private Events.

What's great about shopping online is you'll get to choose three Free Samples of sweet products from a list of 12, free shipping when you spend over $50 (or for any amount if you purchase Flash Shipping for $10 per year), AND PROMOS! Do not forget to enter a promo code for orders $25 and up. Some require a higher minimum purchase, but all of the free goodies are fabulous - deluxe samples, fantastic extras with select fragrance purchases, and occasionally makeup baggies full of perfume, skincare and makeup samples. There are even coupon codes for $10 off from time-to-time. You can find these promos on the site under Beauty Offers, by the promo entry space, or at coupon code sites such as Groupon or RetailMeNot. You supposedly cannot enter codes once they've been taken off the site, but I've found I can sometimes still enter a code in the first couple of days afterwards. Don't take my word for it! If you want something badly enough, place that order as soon as possible. Usually items are only added or removed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

All samples, promotions, and rewards are first-come, first-serve, so if you see something you really want, make sure to grab it while you can. But don't worry. Even if you miss one, there are new items being added all of the time.

I've found that purchases in-store can be hit-or-miss when it comes to getting samples and other freebies. Some times they have nothing in the original packaging. Other times you might get something unbelievable like a deluxe sample of a really expensive face cream, etc. One thing is true for almost all stores is that a beauty expert will pack you up a sample of almost anything you want from their product selection.

One last thing... Sephora has a beauty subscription service call PLAY! PLAY is $10 per month (with free shipping) and you will be sent five to six samples and/or minis, in an adorable pouch, straight to your door. Included is a PLAY Pass that you can redeem in-store for 50 Beauty Insider points with a full-size purchase, AND a one-on-one consultation to learn how to use your products for that month. Look through some of my PLAY reviews to get an idea of what kind of goodies you can expect to receive with your subscription.

Play! by SEPHORA (January 2017)

For $10 a month, uncover the most sought-after products around with a monthly subscription box of prestige, trial-size samples curated by Sephora experts. Each month you'll get five deluxe beauty samples, plus a beauty bonus, all in a collectible bag! Inside every beauty box you'll receive a Play! PASS you can bring in store and redeem for 50 bonus Beauty Insider points, plus a free one-on-one tutorial that is all about you. With PLAY! by Sephora, you'll also be eligible to attend Play! DATES, which are subscriber-only events that give you and a friend the opportunity to come in store and play with products that complement the ones you got in your subscription box. Lastly, up your beauty game with exclusive video how-to's, tutorials and tons of tips on how to use the products you get in new and fun ways.

What It Is:
At Sephora, they love that feeling when you find a new beauty product, give it a try, and wonder how you ever lived without it. That’s why they created PLAY! by SEPHORA, a beauty box filled with five stellar samples, delivered right to your door.

Here’s how it works:
Each month they curate a selection of new and best-selling products they’re most excited about, from makeup to hair care to skincare to fragrance. Then, using the answers in your PLAY! Profile, they determine which version is best for you. Next stop, your place, where you can experiment, play, and find your personal favorites.

Every month Sephora also includes a flyer that offers important details and informative tips and tidbits about the products included.

January 2017's theme is Beauty, Set, Go. Here's what's in this month's box:

OUAI Treatment Masque (0.5oz, ~$6.67) - Restorative mask helps to care for damaged hair and leaves strands feeling smooth and touchably soft. Depending on how dry your hair is, the entire bottle may be used for one treatment. Smooth evenly through hair before showering, leave in for five to ten minutes, and rinse off. Use as often as needed.

WHY WE GO FOR IT: Created by celebrity stylist Jen Atkin, Ouai makes effortless, cool-girl hair a snap. The soft, healthy-looking shine that the Treatment Masque gives to hair is just one of its charms. The formula also helps to strengthen hair against future damage.

JEN'S PRO TIP: Hitting the gym or unwinding at the spa? Use the time to get your hair in shape too. Just work in the treatment prior to your class or appointment and then shampoo it out afterwards. The heat from your activity helps the formula to soak in!

AMOREPACIFIC Color Control Cushion Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ (0.1oz each, ~$17.65) - Cushion format CC cream hydrates, protects skin, and delivers buildable, weightless coverage in two blendable, shades. If your skin tone is on the darker side, the 104 Tan Blush shade can be used to brighten up undereye circles. Or if you have a lighter skin tone, you can use the 106 Almond Blush shade to subtly contour your cheekbones.

WHY WE GO FOR IT: AmorePacific is one of Seoul's most popular luxury beauty brands. Their innovative, skin-soothing complexion formulas are just the thing for keeping skin moisturized and looking great.

YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE Kale + Spinach + Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid Age Prevention Cream (0.25oz, $6.00) - Whipped, lightweight cream restores and rejuvenates skin and delivers antioxidants with potent plant extracts. Kale elements free radicals with vitamins A, C, E, and K. Spinach slows signs of aging using potent antioxidants. Green tea protects against sun damage with polyphenols.

WHY WE GO FOR IT: Superfoods meet science with Youth To The People, a 100% vegan skincare line for today's health-conscious beauty lovers. The ultra-hydrating moisturizer, like all of their products, is formulated in small batches in the company's California lab.

TORY BURCH Love Relentlessly EDP (0.05oz, $3.40) - Unabashedly feminine and tender, this delicate scent features notes of pink pepper, orris, and patchouli. Top note is pink pepper. Middle note is orris root. Base note is patchouli.

A STORY IN SCENT: Love Relentlessly's soft, elegant aroma is inspired by the most romantic couple Tory Burch knows... her parents. The perfume's name actually comes from a love note that her father wrote to her mother.

CLINIQUE Almost Lipstick in Black Honey (~.035oz, ~$8.75) - Sheer lip color with a glossy finish in the bestselling, cult-classic Black Honey shade. This wearable, goes-with-anything lip product blends the format and color of a lipstick with the formula and hydration of a gloss. Swipe it on - no mirror necessary - to give your lips a fresh, healthy look that works for both day and night.

TREND FOCUS: Created by Clinique in 1971 as a color that would look good on any skin tone, the shade known as Black Honey is a mainstay on must-have and best-of lists. The deep, blackened raisin hue instantly caught on, and remained a success. Today, someone in the U.S. buys a Black Honey lipstick every three minutes!

TARTE FRXXXTION Stick (0.22oz, $4.84) - Exfoliating gel cleanser in a unique twist-up stick format transforms from a solid gel to a cleansing lather that gently sloughs away impurities. This innovative stick turns cleanser into a grab-and-go essential for traveling, post-gym showers, and time-crunched days.

HOW TO USE: Swipe directly onto damp skin in circular motions. With your fingertips, massage into a lather all over your face and rinse thoroughly. Use two to three times per week. Skin looking a little dull? Purify and revitalize it by leaving this cleanser on as a 10-minute mask.

                                                                                                                                                 

I'm really looking forward to trying the Ouai hair treatment mask. It has the delicate scent of lavender. The only thing in thing I considered not keeping was the AmorePacific cushion compact, but I'm too intrigued not to. It has pink undertones. Now I'm pale... ghostly pale. And definitely on the pinkish scale. I'm going to play with this and see what's up. The YTTP face cream goes on so smoothly, and a little goes a long way. It smells just like dandelions, so fresh and natural. Love Relentlessly is a fragrance that I think can span generations. I could see this being coveted by teens, women, and older ladies. It's one of the most diverse that I have ever smelled. I don't know what pink pepper, orris root, and to some degree even patchouli, are, but they go GOOD together. The Clinique lipstick is a lovely color. It looks much darker in the mirror than the picture conveys. However, it was on the sticky side. I don't really like the scent of the Tarte exfoliating cleansing stick, but Tarte is one of my favorite cosmetics brands so I want to try it out. It has to be great quality... it's Tarte!

I believe this may be the first time that I am keeping everything I've gotten in a subscription. This January 2017 box has a total value of $47.31. I like it all. I'm super excited to see what I get in February!