Play! by SEPHORA (November 2016)

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-tos, 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.

November 2016's theme is Best In Glow. Here's what's in this month's box:

GLAMGLOW YOUTHMUD Tinglexfoliate Treatment (0.5oz FULL SIZE or MINI*, $24.00) - Exfoliating mud mask that increases skin's vibrancy by gently resurfacing and tightening the appearance of pores.

PRO TIP: This mask gets its polishing power from French sea clay and volcanic pumice rock. For an extra-smooth application, you can customize the mask's texture by blending in a few drops of water.

COVER | FX Illuminating Primer (0.16oz, $6.08) - Glow-inducing, silicone-free primer preps skin with a light-reflecting mineral complex and helps eliminate dullness. This primer gives skin a quick brightness boost thanks to Gatuline Radiance Illuminate and Refine, a natural ingredient that is completely unique to COVER / FX and also helps to improve skin's clarity over time for long-lasting luminosity.

THE WAY IT GLOWS: COVER / FX's complexion-perfecting formulas are a go-to for sensitive skin. The entire collection is not only irritant-free and paraben-free, but also packed with lots of anti-inflammatory, vitamin-rich ingredients to keep skin looking its best.

CAUDALIE Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet (0.33oz, $10.00) - Rejuvenating and lightweight, this luscious gel cream hydrates and softens skin while visibly calming redness and congestion. Feeling a little sensitive? This light-as-air moisturizer is gentle on easily irritated complexions, and can be applied to the face and neck during both your AM and PM skincare routines. This bestseller keeps skin glowing with ingredients that are unique to Caudalie's skincare collection - organic grape water (a moisturizing, mineral-rich elixir) and grape seed polyphenols (potent, powerful antioxidants).

THE WAY IT GLOWS: Hailing from the wine-growing region of Bordeaux, France, Caudalie's luxurious skincare collection is powered by the potent antioxidants that naturally occur in grape vines. It's the perfect ingredient for luminous, healthy-looking skin.

STELLA MCCARTNEY POP EDP (0.05oz, $5.00) - A celebration of self-expression and independence, this bold, contemporary scent layers bright floral notes over a base of sandalwood. Top notes are tomato leaf, violet leaf and green mandarin. Middle notes are violet, frangipani, tuberose and violet. Base notes are sandalwood, musk and cedar.

ABOUT THE BRAND: From fashion to fragrance, Stella McCartney has always been a natural when it comes to designing timeless creations. Her scents are defined by their fusion of soft and edgy traits that capture the complexity of modern femininity.

SEPHORA COL-LECTION Ultra Shine Lip Gel in Pin-Up Pink (0.1oz FULL-SIZE or MINI*, $12.00) - Hydrating, glossy lip gel visibly plumps lips with a lustrous sheen and always-flattering hot pink hue.

THE WAY IT GLOWS: Inspired by the luxe, lacquered finish of gel nail polishes, this formula's head-turning, slick shine does more than just glisten - it also gives lips a fuller appearance.

LAURA MERCIER Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Rose Gold (0.03oz*, $17.40) - Multipurpose, high-pigment eye shadow stick glides on and blends easily for transfer-proof, all-day wear.

THE WAY IT GLOWS: A makeup artist for over 30 years, Laura Mercier is adored for the creativity and authenticity that she brings to the world of beauty. We love her line of luxurious, high-performing products that are just the thing for making women look and feel their best.

                                                                                                                                                 

GlamGlow is definitely growing on me. I didn't actually give them much of a chance when I first received one of their products, but they are quickly becoming one of my favorites. I don't use primers so Ill be passing that along. I'm a big fan of Caudalie. It's not the best smelling moisturizer. However, it goes on smoothly and you can't even feel it seconds after application. POP has a lovely scent, but I found it a little too youthful. I think  young ladies will like it very much. I won't be using the lip gel. Although I find the description enticing, tea and coffee stained teeth just don't go with pink. I am really excited about the eye color stick. As you can see to the left, the rose gold pigment is positively stunning on the skin. And to top it off, I have a much coveted (by me) rose gold eyeliner from Tarte on its way to me that it should go with beautifully.

This box has a total value of $74.48. Okay, that's ridiculous. I do however find some of the sizes questionable*. The 0.5oz mud mask is shown as a smaller full size product on Sephora's website, but $24.00 seems like an awful lot for the diminutive "sample" in the box. Also, the Sephora lip gel sample claims to be 0.1oz, and the full size item on Sephora's website is 0.11oz. That's almost no difference, although they don't look to be similar from the pictures. The eye color's full size is 0.05oz versus the sample's 0.03oz size. That one isn't as suspect as the other two. Que sera, sera. Whatever the case may be, I'm tickled pink with this box. Each new box ups this subscription's game and it very well could be my new favorite. I am anxious to see what December's box will bring!

Mugler Addict by Thierry Mugler (October 2016)

MUGLER Addict is one of my favorite subscription boxes, and the fact that it only comes four times a year, it always pops up when I'm not expecting it. I get very excited to see that pale blue box come in the mail.



MUGLER Addict includes an informative card providing descriptions of each item. In this October 2016 box, I received:

















Angel perfume, the best perfume for women who are angelic, devilish, or a little bit of both. Encapsulated in a luminous gem-shaped star, MUGLER’s Angel cologne is distant yet near, tiny yet immense, and eternal. With an overdose of sensual and sweet notes, this seductive women’s perfume is rich with bergamot, sweet red fruits, vanilla, caramel and patchouli.

ANGEL Eau de Toilette (0.1oz, ~$4.86) - Be transported by the celestial scent of Angel with the same carnal sensuality, yet more subtly provocative, and finely nuanced.

The exquisite Angel Eau de Toilette reveals a new dream. The uniqueness of Angel was reinterpreted with respect to its original and unique oriental-gourmand heart, bringing to life an addictive scent with the same carnal sensuality, yet more subtly provocative, rounded and finely nuanced.

ANGEL Perfuming Body Cream (1oz, ~$13.77) - This deliciously perfumed cream will nourish your skin while enchanting all your senses with the scent of Angel.

ANGEL Perfuming Hair Mist (0.17oz, $6.80) - Infuse your hair with the celestial scent of Angel and leave a delicious trail in your wake.

ANGEL ETOILE DES REVES Eau de Parfum (0.05oz, ~$1.99) - Embrace a new night ritual with Angel Etoile des Reves. This intimate version of Angel will last all night long.

Wrap yourself with a delicate negligee of scent as you unveil a new night ritual with the sensual Angel Etoile des Reves. This new Star is an intimate, intense version of Angel with an intoxicating fragrance that lasts... all night long. Even the stars won't resist you! Fragrance notes of bergamot, praline, vanilla, patchouli and musk.

ANGEL MUSE Eau de Parfum (0.06oz, ~$2.21) - Tantalizing. Delicious. Supremely feminine. Surrender now to the new addictive fragrance you will #HateToLove.

A new star has made a stellar entrance into the Angel galaxy of perfumes and it is creating cosmic pandemonium: Angel Muse perfume. Encapsulated in a perfume bottle that resembles a cosmic pebble, Angel Muse perfume orbits around the Angel Eau de Parfum and will send you spinning with its vibrant, sensual, addictive fragrance. A truly delicious indulgence, a modern women's perfume with its irresistible gourmand notes of hazelnut cream-cocoa. Fragrance notes of grapefruit, pink peppercorn, hazelnut cream, vetiver and patchouli.

LES EXCEPTIONS - WOODISSIME Eau de Parfum (0.05oz, ~$4.17) - Irresistible. Addictive. Fiery. Unveil a luxurious harmony between woody intensity and floral sparkle.

MUGLER Les Exceptions. Disruptive. Unexpected. Bringing a new olfactory experience to fragrance. Woodissime is characterized by its overdose of sensual Oud wood, stirred with the softness of Osmanthus flower. Woodissime's mesmerizing fragrance trail captures an unexpected harmony between woody intensity and floral sparkle. The Art Deco-inspired bottle showcases an architectural elegance that MUGLER has made its own.

BONUS! ANGEL Enchanting False Eyelashes - Catch all the stars from the sky in a blink of an eye and be the light of your night!

                                                                               
                                                                               

Angel EDT goes on a little strong but after mixing with your natural body oil, fades into a softer, Angel parfum scent. I'm slightly disappointed with this though. I received the mini perfume in a previous box. The body lotion is delicious smelling... regular Angel but with a sweetness. If my skin weren't so irritated by perfumed body care products, I would be the best smelling girl ever. I didn't think I'd like the hair mist. And I didn't. I LOVED IT!!! Ohmigosh. I think this is my favorite thing I've ever received in a MUGLER box. Maybe in any subscription box. It has a candied fragrance to it. Not in an immature, prepubescent perfume kind of way; it's Angel with a modern kick.

Veering away from the traditional Angel scent is Etoile des Reves. For being an EDP, it is very strong. It has a... darkness (?) to it. I had to sniff this dozens of times trying to figure out what the rather LARGE deviation was from its mother fragrance, but I could NOT pinpoint it. I didn't like it. Until I put it on my husband on a whim. It almost has a bitter chocolate-y smell that suited him. Angel Muse is a delightful variation. I immediately picked up the grapefruit note. Also, it came in a handy yet tiny rollerball. So glad I got to try this.  I've become accustomed to getting a Les Exceptions EDP in recent boxes. They are a unisex line that I like very much. Woodissime is more on the masculine scale. The Oud wood is the primary scent and is quite strong. There is a slight floral presence underneath. The false lashes are really unique, but I cannot make them stick, AND I have dozens of pairs to practice with, so I'll give these to one of my friends who can apply them correctly.

A MUGLER Addict subscription is $50 per year and you get four boxes a year, which comes out to $12.50 a box. If I cannot find the same product size on the site for sale, I figure the cost of the fragrance samples and minis based on the 1.7oz size, or what's available. Not including the value of Angel enchanting false eyelashes which I am unable to determine, the total value was $33.80. That's fantastic!

So far, I'm really glad that I decided to become a MUGLER Addict. Wish I'd done it sooner. Cannot wait to see what they have in store for me next quarter.

Glossybox (October 2016)

Glossybox is a monthly subscription that delivers beauty products - hair care, skin care, makeup, perfumes, tools, etc. to your door for $21 per month if you buy the monthly plan, but that price goes down if you buy a 3-, 6- or 12-month subscription.

Glossybox carries some of the best brands in beauty. Each box contains five or more items from full-sized to deluxe samples. Following are the contents of my October 2016 box:

DECLEOR Aromes-sence Neroli Hydrating Oil Serum (0.17oz, $24.82) - This 100% natural serum oil is concen-trated in hazelnut botanical oil and enriched with essential oils of neroli, sandalwood and petitgrain. Upon adding this to your morning routine, your skin will be visibly hydrated and smooth.

TIDBIT: Did you know that it takes at least 1,000 pounds of orange blossom flowers just to produce one pound of neroli oil? This is why it's one of the most expensive essential oils around.

MASQUE BAR BY LOOK BEAUTY Face Sheet Mask in Cucumber (FULL-SIZE, ~$3.34) - Bring the spa straight into your living room! Developed in Korea, these sheet masques combine soothing ingredients and deliver a relaxing home experience.

TIP: After thoroughly cleansing and drying your face, apply mask and leave on for 20-30 minutes. When removing it, be sure to rub excess serum into the skin.

UNANI Il-Luminate Milk Cleanser (6.7oz FULL-SIZE, $18.00) - Your daily cleanse shouldn't be a chore. UNANI takes it up a notch with the Il-Luminate Milk Cleanser, featuring nutritious natural oils that purify and protect the skin.

TIDBIT: Throughout the day, the skin on your face is continually covered with bacteria, pollutants and dead skin cells. Washing your face daily removes the grime and renews your skin.

OGX BEAUTY Fight Fallout Niacin3 & Caffeine Root Stimulation Spray (4oz FULL-SIZE, $8.00) - Working with hair that snaps way too often? Get to the root of the issue with this innovative spray that encourages a healthy scalp and prevents fallout caused by breakage.


TIP: After towel-drying hair, spray on scalp one section at a time, massaging in the ensure even distribution. Then style your hair normally.

EMITE MAKE UP Lip & Cheek Tint (0.2oz FULL-SIZE, $19.00) - The simplest way to get a natural pop of color on your cheeks and lips is here. Versatile and complimentary for any skin tone, the fall will welcome your new flush.

TIP: After application, use your fingertips to face the tone of the color. Dab roughly three dots to the cheeks and then blend it out quickly with your fingertips.
                                                                                                                   

This is a fantabulous box. I mean, there's not much diversity in the products, but wow. The skincare oil, although it's sample size, is worth a fortune. Made from natural essential oils, I'm excited to use it. I'll be honest... it smells like lemon-pepper and... marijuana (🙈🙉🙊). I covet sheet masks. I'm glad I received cucumber. I LURVE the milk cleanser. It has a pale perfume scent and has the texture of lotion. It actually reminds me of a k-beauty donkey milk body moisturizer I have. Good stuff. The root stimulator has a nice eucalyptus fragrance. I've always found that menthol scented products are more effective with problem areas. I will not be using the lip and cheek tint. It's just not my color. Someone else will love it.

This October 2016 box has an approximate value of $73.16. That's quite an improvement from the last few boxes. As I mentioned, not much diversity, but the quality makes up for it.

So... I kinda canceled my Glossybox membership shortly before this one arrived in the mail. I may have kept it otherwise. They've upped their game. I'm going to Play(!) for a little while. But I'll be back. I love me some Glossybox!

Play! by SEPHORA (October 2016)

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-tos, 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.

October 2016's theme is The Cool Cut. Here's what's in this month's box:

SMASH-BOX Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick in Driver's Seat (0.03oz, ~$5.54) - Matte liquid lipstick keeps going for eight hours with a water-resistant, non-feathering formula. This budge-proof lipstick is formulated with a complex of jojoba, apricot and sunflower oils for decadent color and a non-drying finish.

THE COOL FACTOR: Smashbox is one of LA's most legendary photography studios. All of their products are tested under bright lights and during long photo shoots to be sure that each one provides a camera ready look that lasts.

BLINC Mascara Amplified in Black Noir (0.1oz, ~$8.67) - Innovative "tube technology" mascara coats lashes with easy to remove, tiny water-resistant tubes that won't run, smudge, or flake. Amplified Mascara's unique, non-irritating formula makes it ideal for sensitive eyes, athletes, and contact lens wearers, and for layering over fake lashes or lash extensions.

HOW TO USE: Apply as you would any mascara, swiping on multiple coats as needed. When you're ready to remove it, gently press on your lashes with a cotton ball or wash cloth soaked in warm water. The tubes formed by the mascara will slide off of your lashes - no makeup remover needed.

SKIN INC. Pure Revival Peel (0.17oz, $4.25) - Advanced, non-abrasive peel gently sloughs away dead skin cells to reveal a bright, renewed complexion. Once of the active ingredients is AC-11, which is derived from cat's claw, a tropical vine that grows in the Amazon, When applied to the skin, AC-11 is known to help gently exfoliate and care for environmental and sun damage.

HOW TO USE: Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin. Let soak in for just a few seconds, massage in using circular motions to exfoliate, and rinse with warm water. Make it a part of your regular routine. It's gentle enough to use 2-3 times per week.

THE COOL FACTOR: This fuss-free Japanese brand is beloved by beauty fanatics across Europe and Asia for its targeted, highly concentrated skincare formulas that are completely pure and fragrance-free. The line is a go-to for solving specific skin concerns - and also features customizable products for creating a skincare routine that is unique to you.

BELIF The True Cream Aqua Bomb (0.33oz, ~$8.64) - Bypass dryness with this lightweight gel-cream, made to tighten the look of skin and sink in for a smooth, supple feel.

THE COOL FACTOR: This belif cream hails from South Korea, but what makes it - and many of the company's products - truly unique is that they are made with Scottish botanicals and based on the research of Duncan Napier, a Victorian botanist from Edinburgh.

YVES SAINT LAURENT Mon Paris EDP (~0.05oz, $3.50) - Inspired by a love for the sophistication and allure of Paris, this scent layers fruity and floral notes over a musky base. Top notes are Bergamot, pear, raspberry and strawberry. Middle notes are white datura, jasmine and citrus blossom. Base notes are musk, patchouli and ambroxan.

THE COOL FACTOR: The iconic French couture house of Yves Saint Laurent has drawn inspiration from the romance and fashion of Paris for decades, making the Mon Paris and instant classic.

CHRISTOPHE ROBIN Regenerating Mask with Rare Prickly Pear Seed Oil (1.7oz, ~$14.49) - Sumptuous and full of antioxidants, this conditioning hair mask strengthens strands while enhancing color and shine. After shampooing, apply a small amount to hair and work from scalp to ends. Let soak in for just a couple minutes, then lather and rinse completely.

THE COOL FACTOR: Christophe Robin is one of Paris' most in-demand hairstylists and a favorite of French cinema stars. His coveted, eponymous line is known for potent, plant extract-rich formulas that keep hair looking its best.

ABOUT THE INGREDIENTS: It's a challenge to extract oil from tiny prickly pear seeds, but the beauty benefits are worth it. The oil contains over 80% fatty acids. An unparalleled amount that is deeply nurturing for hair and skin.

                                                                                                                                                 

I won't be using the lipstick. Smashbox is a lovely brand but this color is not for me. I have tons of mascaras. However, nothing with this technology. I'm thrilled to try it. I've only ever used one other peel - Real Chemistry - and I loved it, so I'm hanging on to it. I will pass on the aqua bomb but that's only because I lean towards k-beauty for my facial needs. belif is a wonderful line of products and this one has such a fresh scent. I have been wanting to try Mon Paris by YSL for quite some time and it did not disappoint. Every note hit and I think it just broke into my top five favorites. I have also been following the hair mask on Sephora because it's a beauty offer for purchases over $25. I just hadn't decided what I wanted to buy... SO MANY CHOICES! And then POW! Here it is! And it smells unbelievable!

This box has a total value of $45.09. Besides the incredible high value, this box defines quality. Quality now belongs to Play! by Sephora. They should trademark the word 'quality.' Not only that, there is a lot of diversity in the product selection. I am SO looking forward to my November box!

Glossybox (September 2016)

Glossybox is a monthly subscription that delivers beauty products - hair care, skin care, makeup, perfumes, tools, etc. to your door for $21 per month if you buy the monthly plan, but that price goes down if you buy a 3-, 6- or 12-month subscription.

They really outdid themselves with this month's keepsake box. It is stunning. The theme is Secret Garden, and is illustrated by Antonio Soares of Porto, Portugal, an internationally acclaimed illustrator.

Glossybox carries some of the best brands in beauty. Each box contains five or more items from full-sized to deluxe samples. Following are the contents of my September 2016 box:

EB5 SKINCARE Daily Repair Eye Treatment (0.5oz FULL-SIZE, $20.00) - Say goodbye to dark circles and puffy eyes! eb5 Skincare Daily Repair Eye Treatment increases collagen and stimulates circulation with Stevioside, derived from the Stevia plant, in combination with peptides and vitamin E.

TIP: When applying products to the delicate skin of the eye contour, always use the tip of your ring finger as it is the weakest of the five fingers on your hand.

MONUSPA Rosewood Reviving Mist (1.5oz, $6.75) - Revitalize your skin on-the-go with an invigorating combination of lemon, rosewood and sandalwood essential oils. This handbag must-have refreshes dull complexions and awakens the senses with just a few spritzes.

TIP: Set or fix makeup as well as lightly perfume your body with this all-in-one.

LIERAC Gentle Cleanser Micellar Water (1.7oz, $6.00) - "Up and at 'em" carries a whole new meaning when you wake up with leftover makeup and unhappy skin. Enriched with mallow and linseed flower extracts, this micellar water quickly removes makeup without drying or causing irritation.

TIP: Apply liquid to a cotton pad and wipe face entirely, no face wash necessary!

MODEL-LAUNCH-ER Brow Duo Pencil in Taupe (FULL-SIZE, $12.00) - While we weren't all blessed with thick brows, the unique formulation allows you to define with the precision of a pencil but also the smoothness of a powder for natural arches.

TIP: To create the perfect brow, use small, feathery strokes to fill in sparse areas. After that, utilize the brush to blend and smooth hairs.

KORRES MODERN CREEK APOTHECARY Volcanic Minerals Twist Eyeshadow in Gray Brown (0.05oz FULL-SIZE, $18.00) - Providing vibrant color and smudge-free wear without all of the harmful additives, KORRES Modern Greek Apothecary replaces synthetics with natural ingredients that are beneficial to the skin.

TIDBIT: Featuring volcanic minerals and rice wax, this pencil-style eyeshadow conditions the skin while adding shine.

                                                                               
                                                                               

I'm pretty dedicated to my Origins GinZing eye cream, along with a few other here and theres, so I'll be passing the eye cream along. I'm not much of a day-to-day makeup person but I do appreciate a product that may brighten my complexion throughout the day so I'm gonna try the reviving mist. It smells like a light floral. I dig it. The makeup remover has a scent that I enjoy but cannot place. I probably won't use it though so I'll give it away. I definitely don't care about the brow set. People are all about thick eyebrows since Cara Delevingne came out of the woodwork, but I'll stick with my waxed, shaped eyebrows. Maybe I'm just an old lady that way. I would've sworn the eyeshadow pencil was a light purple, and despite the description, I'm not totally sure it isn't. I guess I'll find out when I apply it.

This September 2016 box has an approximate value of $62.75. That's certainly an improvement over the two previous boxes, but still a bit low. Who can complain about a box with at minimum twice the value, and often three times the value, of the cost of the box? Apparently me sometimes. I guess I'm getting spoiled. I am extremely tickled with the illustrated box. I've had other keepsake Glossyboxes, all beautiful, but nothing comparing to this one.

I'm excited to see what my October box will bring!

Play! by SEPHORA (September 2016)

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-tos, 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.

September 2016's theme is The UnBasic Basics. Here's what's in this month's box:

SEPHORA COLLECTION Rouge Shine Lipstick in Love Spell (0.035oz, ~$3.37) - Deep glossy shine meets a go-to shade of pink in this creamy, moisturizing lipstick. Rouge Shine is formulated to nurture lips with shea butter, which is rich in vitamins and minerals, and castor seed oil, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.

HOW-TO TIP: Before swiping on your lipstick, use a brush to apply a light dusting of translucent powder to your lips. This will help lock the color in place and give it extra staying power.

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Clear Brow Gel (0.085oz, ~$6.68) - Lightweight, flexible hold gel sets, defines, and keeps brows in place for a polished look that stays all day.

HOW TO APPLY: Fill in any sparse spots with a brow pencil or a powder and small angled brush, and then apply gel to brows using short, upward strokes in the direction of your hair growth.

KAT VON D Tattoo Liner in Trooper (0.007oz, ~$0.74) - Waterproof brush-tip liquid liner glides on to reveal precise, bold strokes of highly pigmented color. The folks at Sephora love liquid liner for its statement-making color, stunning precision, and staying power. And because it's perfect for creating must-try looks.

DID YOU KNOW... Founder Kat Von D isn't only a tattoo artist. She also has an incredible talent for drawing and painting. When creating Tattoo Liner, she was inspired by the controlled lines of Japanese calligraphy. So instead of a felt tip, she designed a brush with 325 long, tapered bristles, which make smooth, crisp lines in a cinch.

ATELIER COLOGNE Cologne Absolue Pure Perfume Spray, Sud Magnolia (~0.05oz, $4.25) - A refreshing floral blend that balances delicate notes of magnolia with layers of wood and citrus.

MEET THE BLEND: Top notes of bitter orange, pomelo, and black current. Middle notes of magnolia, Bulgarian rose, and saffron. Base notes of cedarwood, sandalwood, and musk.

FUN FACT!: The creamy, sweet scent of magnolia blossoms is more than a classic. It's one of the most ancient in the world. Magnolia trees have been growing on Earth since the Tertiary period, which was over 100 million years ago!

DID YOU KNOW... Cologne is a unique type of citrus-based fragrance that was invented in Cologne, Germany during the 1700's by an Italian perfumer. The fresh scent reminded him of spring mornings in Italy, and was an instant hit among all the royal houses of Europe.

LIVING PROOF Perfect Hair Day Night Cap Overnight Perfector (1oz, $7.00) - Get a full week of softness and shine with this long-lasting, weightless perfecting solution that keeps your hair looking its best. Before bed, work into damp or dry. Distribute from root to tip, focusing on ends. Leave on overnight, and then shampoo your hair or skip showering in the morning. The results will be the same either way.

FAQ'S FOR FABULOUS HAIR:

- Night Cap's benefits will last through one week or five washes, even if you use a clarifying shampoo.

- Night Cap is fast-absorbing, so it's completely pillow-safe. No towels needed.

- Night Cap is actually great to use the evening after coloring your hair. It's also safe to use with keratin or other straightening treatments.

OLEHENRIKSEN Sheer Transformation Facial Creme (0.25oz, $9.50) - Light, silky, and oil-free, this moisturizer melts into skin to help soften, brighten, and even skin tone. This moisturizer can double as a makeup primer. Founder Ole Henriksen recommends applying it after toners and serums, and smoothing it onto your neck and face with long, upward strokes.

ABOUT THE INGREDIENTS: OleHenriksen skincare is known for high-performing formulas that include natural botanicals - these are just some of the ones that are used in Sheer Transformation. Licorice root brightens while visibly correcting discoloration. Chamomile calms and soothes. Vitamin C encourages the production of collagen.

                                                                                                                                                 

I won't be using the lipstick. I can't do pinks. The teeth are too coffee and tea strained. Pinks make them look extra yellow. I'll also be passing on the brow gel because I'm never gonna be a bushy, thick eyebrow girl. I know that's the trend, but I'll stick to my salon waxings. I'm super excited to try the Kat Von D eyeliner. I've been pleasantly surprised with her makeup line, so I imagine this will be high quality as well. I love Atelier fragrances. Of course, you can never go wrong giving me a perfume/cologne sample. I can definitely pick out the citrus, cedarwood, and sandalwood scents But most of all, the saffron sticks around. Not so much a feminine smell, but I would love it on my husband. I am a big fan of Living Proof products. This is a new one to me and I'm looking forward to trying it. And anyone who reads any of my blog posts knows I'm a k-beauty freak so I'll be giving the facial creme away.

This box has a total value of $31.54. Lots of variety and quality products, so even though it may not be the $60+ box I'm used to from subscriptions like Glossybox, this $10 September 2016 Sephora box left me very pleased. I am SO looking forward to my October box!

Glossybox (August 2016)

Glossybox is a monthly subscription that delivers beauty products - hair care, skin care, makeup, perfumes, tools, etc. to your door for $21 per month if you buy the monthly plan, but that price goes down if you buy a 3-, 6- or 12-month subscription.

Glossybox carries some of the best brands in beauty. Each box contains five or more items from full-sized to deluxe samples. Following are the contents of my August 2016 box:

WELLA PROFESSIONALS Oil Reflections Smoothing Oil (1oz FULL-SIZE, ($20.00) - This multi-sensorial hair oil spray, with macadamia seed and avocado oils, and vitamin E (natural antioxidant), instantly reveals the beautiful reflections of natural or colored hair with a lightweight technology that makes hair feel incredible.

TIP: To condition or style, apply a few drops into damp hair for smoothing and heat protection. For finishing, apply after styling for extra shine.

INVISIBOBBLE Traceless Hair Ring (1, ~$2.67) - There's nothing worse than ripping out your hair with an elastic or getting a headache from a tight hair band! This knight in spiral armor allows the hair to be held tightly without leaving a kink or a head full of knots.

TIDBIT: Rommy H. Revson obtained the first patent for the now scrunchie in 1986, which was originally named after her sick toy poodle, Scunci. Over time, the name evolved due to its scrunched material.

DE BRUYERE PARIS After Sun Lotion in Parfum Monoi (1.76oz FULL-SIZE, $12.00) - Post-sun skin needs a healthy dose of hydration. Enriched in Monoi, which are Tiare flower petals that have been soaked in coconut oil, this after-sun milk calms, nourishes and protects skin that's been weakened after sun exposure.

TIDBIT: Historically carrying a variety of uses, ancient Polynesians used Monoi to protect their bodies from cold, harsh winds, to anoint sacred objects, and to purify offerings to their deities.

BORGHESE FANGO Body Refining Polish (0.5oz, ~$3.06) - Rid impurities and even skin tone with Borghese's luxurious body product. Enriched with Acqua di Vita Complex, a formula brimming with Tuscany's healing waters, your skin will quickly feel smooth and refreshed.

TIDBIT: The Italian Borghese family name dates back centuries to Princess Marcella Borghese herself. She famously created her own skincare products, using natural ingredients found in the Villa Borghese in Rome.

TRIFLE 
COMETICS Lip Parfait Buttery Lip Cream in... Guilty Pug (0.12oz FULL-SIZE, ~$19.00) - Wrapped in adorable packaging and infused with cocoa butter, this 100% cruelty-free lipstick keeps lips plumped and glowing with its intense color pigments.

TIDBIT: For a bolder lip, pair with your favorite lip liner and blend. 

TOO FACED Mascara Melt Off Cleansing Oil Waterproof Mascara Dissolver (0.04oz, ~$2.96) - No more rubbing, tugging, or raccoon eyes! Easily remove every trace of both waterproof and regular mascara with this extremely effective, yet gentle remover that features both rice lipid and green tea extracts.

TIP: Never used this kind of product before? Neither have we! Follow the steps below to get the best results.

HELLO FRESH Meal Delivery Kit Coupon ($50 off your first 2 boxes) - A special offer for Glossybox customers. To redeem, go to HelloFresh.com within 30 days and enter your gift code. Only one order per household for new customers only. Upon redemption, you will be enrolled in an auto-renewal subscription, and can stop deliveries at any time.
                                                                                          

I already have the hair oil from an earlier Allure Beauty Box, and I have an invisibobble, so I'll be giving these away. The after-sun lotion has a strange fragrance that is quite delightful. I'm thrilled to try the body refining lotion. I could have received one of four other Borghese products than this - Ferma Firming Mud Mask, Brilliante Brightening Mud Mask, Delicato Active Mud Mask, or an unspecified Active Mud Mask - but this would be my choice had I one. It smells great and I love the gritty texture for exfoliating. I may even use it one my face. Although the lipstick case is ADORE-able, it's not my color... at all. I'll be passing it and the mascara dissolver along.

I wouldn't ordinarily include the discount card to Hello Fresh, but $50 is quite a savings... for someone who has never used the service and is therefore a "new" customer. Also, it is pretty easy to get free or discounted boxes for meal delivery kits online. Still, worth mentioning.

This August 2016 box has an approximate value of $59.69. There is a decent variety of products but the value is on the low scale for Glossybox. That's probably why the Hello Fresh card was included, and I need to point out that it's the second month in a row that they included it. Also, like I said, 1) you have to be a new customer; and 2) coupon codes for Hello Fresh are all over the web. I cannot include the savings in the value of the box.

I'm excited to see what my September box will bring, primarily because "Glossybox has collaborated with an extremely talented illustrator to bring (us) a keepsake, specially-designed box."