Play! by Sephora Subscription Box - February 2017

Hello Beauties <3

PLAY! by SEPHORA is a subscription box program. Each month you will receive five deluxe samples (plus a fragrance bonus) from the same prestige brands that you can find in Sephora stores, a PLAY! BOOK packed with tips, tricks, and helpful advice, a PLAY! PASS to redeem in-store for a free one-on-one tutorial and 50 bonus Beauty Insider points with any product purchase during the same store visit (each ticket may only be used once and expires after 30 days), a collectible makeup bag and an invitation by email to attend PLAY! DATE, a subscriber meetup held at select Sephora locations across the country. All this for $10 a month!

This month's theme is The Soft Side, Make A Radiant Understatement. 

Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream - $10 for 0.17 oz (full size $30 for 0.50 oz) 

Clinique Pep Start HydroBlur Moisturizer - $5 for 0.24 oz (full size $29.50 for 1.7 oz)

Nars Velvet Lip Glide in Bound - $8 for 0.07 oz (full size $26 for 0.20 oz)

Too Faced Lip Injection Glossy in Milkshake - $4 for 0.03 oz (full size $22 for 0.14 oz)

Sephora Collection LashCraft Length & Volume Mascara - $3 for 0.094 oz (full size $12 for 0.33 oz)

Marc Jacobs Divine Decadence eau de parfum - $2 for 0.04 oz

Approximate value $32

Stacey <3

Play! by Sephora Subscription Box - May 2016

Hello Beauties <3

PLAY! by SEPHORA is a subscription box program. Each month you will receive five deluxe samples (plus a fragrance bonus) from the same prestige brands that you can find in Sephora stores, a PLAY! BOOK packed with tips, tricks, and helpful advice, a PLAY! PASS to redeem in-store for a free one-on-one tutorial and 50 bonus Beauty Insider points with any product purchase during the same store visit (each ticket may only be used once and expires after 30 days), a collectible makeup bag and an invitation by email to attend PLAY! DATE, a subscriber meetup held at select Sephora locations across the country. All this for $10 a month!

This month's theme is The Forces of Nature - Earth to Beauty. Discover products that are high performing and good for you, too. Take your beauty back to it's roots with hardworking formulas like a brightening facial treatment for petal soft skin, an antioxidant rich lipstick made with organic ingredients and more products that prove that looking beautiful is only natural. 

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Kimchi - Value $8.65 for 0.05 oz
   Full Size $26 for 0.15 oz

Kimchi is described as a shocking pink. The color may not be for everyone so I'd suggest if it's too bright for you, try pairing it with Bite's Opal or OCC's Feathered to tone it down. These highly pigmented lipsticks are handcrafted to deliver extreme moisture and intense hydration using twelve edible oils and are very long wearing.

Tarteist Lip Crayon in Latergram - Value $2 for 0.001 oz  Full Size $18 for 0.01 oz

Latergram is described as a mauve two in one lip liner that primes and lines lips. It has an automatic twist up tool but it seems a bit dainty, maybe because it's a deluxe sample and much smaller than the full size version.

Korres Wild Rose + Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial - Value $12 for 0.34 oz
   Full Size $48 for 1.35 oz

A lightweight anti aging overnight facial in a jar that brightens, hydrates, evens skin tone and improves texture with wild rose oil. This is good for all skin types including normal, oily, combination, dry and sensitive. 

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair Deep Conditioning Mask - Value $9 for 1.0 oz
   Also available in an 8 oz jar for $36

An intensive weekly treatment to restore essential hydration and enhance hair’s resilience to protect against future damage. This Deep Conditioning Mask works in minutes to restore essential hydration and natural vibrancy to dry, brittle, over-processed, and otherwise lackluster hair.

Origins Maskimizer Skin Optimizing Mask Primer - included was a 0.05 oz vial sample
   Full Size $22 for 3.2 oz

A skin-optimizing pre-treatment for masking that preps, primes, and optimizes skin. It improves spread-ability and rinse-ability of masks while hydrating, soothing, and boosting skin's radiance immediately. Great for use with every type of mask except peel-off, it softens skin and boosts hydration levels. 

Two Origin masks were also included in the box - Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask (clears pores) and Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask (quenches skin's thirst). Each sample was 0.10 oz

Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine - sample vial 

Orange Sanguine, a zesty and energizing burst of crushed ripe fruit, plays off sweet blood orange juice against bitter orange peel and sensual notes of geranium
Notes:
Blood Orange, Bitter Orange, Jasmine, Geranium, Amber Woods, Tonka Beans, Sandalwood. 
Style:
Zesty. Energizing. Playful.



Stacey <3

April Empties

Hello Beauties <3

Another month is gone and that means more beauty products have been used up.

Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Water - Retail Price $32 for 8.4 oz

A pure and natural all-in-one cleansing water that removes makeup and impurities while toning and brightening skin. Dermaclear Micro Water is made with 85 percent active hydrogen mineral water instead of refined water and is formulated with 90 percent natural ingredients. This unique formula allows it to remove all impurities, makeup, and even mascara without irritation while it provides nutrients and superior moisturizing. Suitable for hypersensitive skins, the Derma Toning Complex leaves a fresh, clean feeling while toning and brightening.

Kat Von D Unlock It Makeup Remover Wipes - Retail Price $10 for 30 wipes

A pack of powerful yet gentle, oil-free makeup remover wipes that effectively eliminate long-wear, high-pigment makeup. Bold formulas begone - this pack of 30 wipes effortlessly unlocks makeup for a clean, refreshed complexion so skin is left ready for your next artistic adventure. The gentle texture is safe for use on face, eyes, and lips, and the smooth fibers promise not to irritate even the most sensitive skin. The antibacterial formula absorbs all moisture, eliminating potential for build-up. Fragrance-free and bio-degradable, this pack makes for a great travel companion.

Ole Henriksen The Clean Truth Cleansing Brightening Cloths - Retail Price $15 for 30 wipes

A package of luxe quilted cloths to cleanse and hydrate with radiance-boosting vitamin C and reparative Coq10, sweeping away dirt, oil, and makeup. Cleanse, brighten, and hydrate in one easy step. Vitamin C and Coq10 boost radiance and repair while black currant oil replenishes moisture for fresh, lustrous, youthful-looking skin. Easy to use and great for travel, each quilted cloth effortlessly sweeps away dirt, oil, and makeup, leaving behind a rejuvenated complexion. 

Equate Exfoliating Cleansing Towelettes - Retail Price $6.97 for 120 wipes

Get a quick pick-me-up wherever you go with these refreshing Equate Towelettes, 120 Count. Suitable for all skin types, they instantly deep clean and gently exfoliate your skin while on the go. They contain cucumber, aloe and green tea extracts. These dual-textured Equate facial cleansing towelettes are safe to use every day. You may also use them as a wet towel for humid days.

• Exfoliating towelettes with cucumber, aloe and green tea. 
• The deep-cleaning action with cucumber extract will leave your face feeling clean, smooth and refreshed.
• Use daily to deep clean and exfoliate skin while removing dirt and impurities.
• Each dual-textured towelette has one side with textured leads for gentle exfoliating and a smooth side for make-up removal

Swisspers Exfoliating Cotton Rounds - Retail Price $5 for 80 count

Swisspers premium exfoliating cotton rounds is one round with two surfaces. Use to cleanse and exfoliate. Applies toners, lotions and astringents. Removes foundation, nail polish, eye make-up and lipstick. The micro-bead exfoliating surface gently exfoliates skin - feel the difference immediately. Use every other day or as often as you need for a deep healthy clean. Use the super soft surface is gently cleanse skin and the embossed surface for great skin care. 

Sephora Collection Nourishing Body Butter in Coconut - Retail Price $15 for 6.76 oz

An ultra-rich body butter that deeply nourishes and leaves skin kissed with a delicious fragrance. Be beautiful and buttery smooth with this superior moisturizer that promises soft, supple skin. The non-greasy texture contains shea butter extract and Hydrosenn+ for an added boost of deep hydration. The delicate scent contains a unique extract to de-stress your senses and promises an instant inner lift.

Dr. Brandt Do Not Age Time Reversing Cream - Retail Price $132 for 1.7 oz

A nourishing, age-defying cream infused with an energetic blend of essential oils cream that helps reduce the look of aging skin. This product helps promote smooth, supple, youthful-looking skin.

In a consumer study lasting 30 days: 
- 100% of subjects reported that their skin felt replenished and hydrated after 1 day 
- 100% of subjects reported that their skin had become firmer and tighter after 2 weeks 
- 96% of subjects reported that their skin looked plumper and smoother after 1 month 
- 96% of subjects reported that the contour of their face looked redefined

Dr. Brandt Do Not Age Dream Night Cream - Retail Price $135 for 1.7 oz

An intense moisturizing cream that helps you wake up with a plumped, renewed, and replenished-looking complexion. It revives tired looking skin, while reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. 

Research results: 
In a self-assessment survey of 30 women who used the product every evening for 4 weeks: 
After 1 night: 
- 97% reported that skin looks smooth and supple 
- 97% reported that skin feels hydrated, moisturized, and nourished 

After 2 weeks: 
- 100% reported that skin looks rested and fresher 
- 97% reported that it provides intense hydration 
- 93% reported that their skin looks plumper 

After 4 weeks: 
- 100% reported that product counteracts dryness and recharges tired skin 
- 93% reported that the appearance of lines and wrinkles has diminished

Origins Plantscription Anti Aging Power Serum - Retail Price $77 for 1.7 oz

An anti aging serum that improves visible signs of aging in as little as two weeks. This powerful, age-fighting serums visibly improves fine lines and wrinkles. The cocktail of ingredients helps give skin the look of resilient bounce while creating the appearance of firmer, more lifted skin. 

Korres Black Pine Firming, Lifting & Anti Wrinkle Night Cream - Retail Price $68 for 1.35 oz

A rich firming, contouring, and lifting night cream that works overnight. An intense treatment that delivers a continuous dose of black pine actives while you sleep for advanced firming, contouring, and lifting action to boost skin firmness, resist deep wrinkles, and prevent sagging. This clinically proven firming solution features the soft scent of warm wood and sensuous vanilla which gently dissipates as the product penetrates deeply into skin.

In a consumer use study after 2 weeks: 
- 100% saw improved skin elasticity 
- 100% felt their skin looked healthier 
- 100% reported softer skin 
- 95% saw visibly firmer skin 
- 95% felt their skin was smoother 

After 8 weeks: 
- 100% saw visibly lifted skin 
- 100% saw visibly firmer, smoother skin

Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate - Retail Price $67 for 1 oz  
                                                                             $97 for 1.6 oz $125 for 1.25 oz

A one-of-a-kind, boosting, power-infusing face concentrate for youthful-looking skin. Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate is the ultimate treatment for enhancing skin's essential multi defensive power against visible signs of aging, environmental factors, and daily stress. It restores skin’s powers to resist, protect, regenerate, and strengthen, leaving skin smooth and deeply nourished. 

Research results:
In a self-evaluation on over 200 women: 
- Immediately, skin feels full and supple with a silky smooth surface 
- In 1 week, skin appears to glow more than ever 
- In 4 weeks, firmness and resilience are improved and wrinkles are less visible

Lancome Visionnaire Nuit Beauty Sleep Perfector - Retail Price $88 for 1.7 oz

A gel-to-oil nighttime moisturizer that visibly nourishes skin while refining texture and pores for skin that is smoother, softer, and bouncy. Indulge in an antiaging gel-to-oil formula that has a gentle-calming effect on skin, transforming from a gel into an oil during application. Feel instant fresh hydration followed by the nourishing comfort your skin craves—without the heaviness or greasiness of a typical night product. This non-greasy and non-sticky formula includes a high concentration of glycerin, ceramides, and four plant-based oils (including rosa canina fruit oil) to work at an optimal level during skin's nightly repair cycle. 

Global Beauty Care Collagen Spa Treatment Masks - Retail Price $9.99 for 5 masks

Global Beauty Care Collagen Spa Treatment Mask is an effective facial skincare therapy, designed to improve the health and appearance of your skin. Our moisture-rich formula contains Collagen proteins and essential fatty acids. These ingredients help revive skin elasticity and minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet. They help to lift, firm and tone your skin. Just one treatment will leave your face feeling smoother & softer, looking younger & more radiant!

Wen by Chaz Dean Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner - Retail Price $32 for 16 oz

A cleansing conditioner designed to provide beautiful, shiny, and healthy-looking hair. WEN® Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner is a five-in-one formula that takes the place of your shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner, detangler, and leave-in conditioner. It cleanses hair without lather or harsh sulfates. Your hair is left with strength, moisture, shine, and manageability. Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner is the perfect intro to cleansing conditioners, and it's the first step to smoother, shinier, healthy-looking hair. If you're looking to simplify your hair care routine, try this incredible formula.


Stacey <3

November Empties - Yay or Nay

Hello Beauties <3

Another month is behind us and that means more beauty products have been used and it's time to talk about the yays and nays of my November empties.

I can't believe we are in the last month of the year and with all the holiday beauty sales, I MUST use up more products to make room for those hauls!

Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser - Retail Price $30 for 7.0 oz

This creamy, foaming, antioxidant-rich cleanser gently cleanses, nourishes, and hydrates. It deeply purifies and pampers skin, infusing delicate nourishment with African red tea, a youth-restoring antioxidant to strengthen skin, vitamin C to brighten and firm, and borage seed oil to soothe and nourish. Bright and energizing citrus extracts of grapefruit, orange, and tangerine purify and intoxicate the skin senses.

When it comes to face cleansers, I prefer a foaming one for sure. I think it's all in my head, but when I see the "foam" all over my face, I feel my skin is getting the best cleanse. It has a wonderful citrus smell and makes my skin feel so refreshed.

Kate Somerville RetAsphere 2 in 1 Retinol Night Cream - Retail Price $85 for 1.0 oz

This was included in my October Empties Blog Post and because I loved it, I finished another deluxe sample of it. I always look forward to trying products that say "retinol" or "anti-aging" so I was excited to receive this night cream. This two-in-one night cream is designed to gently infuse the skin with pure Retinol and helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and evens out skin texture and tone. It increases your skin's elasticity and firmness making it look and feel smooth and firm. A definite YAY for me but I only have one more deluxe samples left.

Kate Somerville Age Arrest Anti Wrinkle Cream - Retail Price $90 for 1.7 oz

Like most skin care products, you have to use them over a period of time to see results. I don't always get that opportunity because I have so many different products in my stash waiting patiently to get used. With that said, I have one more deluxe sample to use but I'm not running to Sephora to buy the full size.

According to information found on their official website, here are the clinical results I found:

After 4 weeks:

• 90% of women showed highly significant improvement in skin firmness and elasticity
• 93% of women showed highly significant improvement in skin discoloration and skin tone evenness

After 6 weeks:

• 93% of women said their skin felt hydrated and moisturized
• Crow’s feet and fine lines are significantly improved

Clinically tested to be safe for sensitive skin. Clinical results based on an independent Clinical Study

Too Faced Primed & Poreless Skin Perfecting Face Primer - Retail Price $30 for 1.0 oz

This primer was also mentioned in my October Empties Blog Post and Sephora Haul Blog Post. It helps create a flawless canvas alone or under your foundation for a bright and fresh look that lasts all day. Vitamins A & C, Mulberry Extract and a powerful dose of Retinol virtually banish pores while tired skin is left hydrated, firmer, and detoxified.This is my HG face primer and I love it so much, I bought 2 more at the recent Sephora sale. A tremendous YAY for me!

Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Pure Retinol Express Smoothing Eye Mask
Retail Price $63 for a box of 12 packs (each pack contains 2 eye masks)

I love these eye masks, they are so concentrated and practically show visible results instantly. If you are looking for an eye treatment that reduces the appearance of fine lines, brightens your skin, minimizes the look of dark circle, plumps and hydrates the skin, then try these eye masks. Your skin will feel softer and look smoother and healthier. Of course it's a YAY for me. Here is the description:

Pure Retinol Micro-Infusion technology penetrates skin instantly to smooth away the look of wrinkles. The mask conforms to skin to seal in essence and refine texture for 24-hour hydration. It also features Benefiance’s powerful WrinkleResist technology to prevent new wrinkle formation and help treat existing wrinkles. This product addresses three types of eye area wrinkles: corner crinkling, under eye wrinkles, and crow’s feet. Pure Retinol Micro-Infusion Technology delivers ultra small particles of retinol in an essence, providing an easily-absorbed formula with a higher concentration of the active ingredient. Wrinkle-Retouching Sheet is thicker, more adherent, and more flexible. It stays in place on the skin while physically stretching wrinkles and smoothing them out. It holds 20 percent more essence than the previous version. Smoothness-holding polymers in the essence stay on the skin surface for hours after mask removal, maintaining skin’s smoothness. 

Origins Plantscription Anti Aging Power Serum - Retail Price $58 for 1 oz or $77 for 1.7 oz

I am a fan of anything that says "anti aging" and a serum that does not have a liquid-y formula. My one exception to that rule is the Ole Henriksen Truth Serum. I love how this serum melts into my skin and only takes a minute or so before drying so I can apply moisturizer. YAY I would continue using it.

Here is the description:
This power serum helps unlock a new path to visible wrinkle reduction. In just 2 weeks, this powerful age-fighting serum helps visibly improve lines and wrinkles. With continued use, it helps lift and firm to reveal a more youthful appearance. It’s clinically proven to help visibly reduce lines and wrinkles in just 2 weeks. Origins went around the world to power up our most potent anti-ager. It’s now formulated with a total of 20 targeted anti-aging plant extracts including Anogeissus from Ghana, Bamboo and Pea Extract from Australia, Crithmum from France and Commiphora from India to name a few. And we used them to create our newest anti-aging cocktail. Line-reducing cocktail helps rebuild a supportive network. Give skin resilient bounce to act like the box springs of a mattress. New plumping cocktails helps plump upper skin layers. Create a less wrinkled appearance at skin surface. Boost skin density to act like the pillow top of a mattress.

Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash - Retail Price $22 for 5 oz

This is my HG cleanser that I use with my Clarisonic. Frothy and foaming -YES, smells fantastic - YES, makes my skin feel awesome - YES. As the name implies, it is great for both dry and oily skin. It does a great job of balancing the two while never cancelling each other out. A definite YAY for me and you will see it in my next haul post.

This cleanser balances faces with dry and oily places. This gentle, frothy face wash with Broad Leaf Kelp Extract, Wheat Protein and Tourmaline discourages excess oil production while protecting dry prone zones. Plus the aroma of Bergamot, Spearmint and Lavender refreshes. Skin feels comfortably clean. Never tight, pulled or parched. 

First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Purifying Mask with Red Clay - Retail Price $30 for 3 oz

My skin really enjoys this mask. It is a peel off mask that is meant to stay on your face for 20 minutes but I leave it on for closer to 30 minutes. I can see an instant difference in my skin when I remove it. 
This mask treatment delivers immediately visible results akin to a professional treatment. In just 20 minutes the mask detoxifies and deeply purifies the complexion by drawing out skin impurities with a potent concentration of red clay. It regulates excess sebum, and eliminates clogged pores. In addition, mineral rich red clay reduces congestive pigmentation in problem areas where pimples previously formed and improves the skin’s texture. As the mask is peeled away, skin looks smoother, softer, and refreshed while pores appear visibly reduced. I would definitely buy the full size of this mask. YAY!

Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask - Retail Price $92 for 3.3 oz

This is another product that I like but will not be buying the full size (I have plenty of samples to hold me over for awhile). When I applied this mask, I noticed it had a slight hint of a tea smell, so if you like tea no worries. I did not particularly like the smell but it wasn't unbearable. My skin felt quite hydrated after I rinsed it off so that was a plus. For me, this mask is good for when I'm short on time because it's easy to apply and removes quickly. Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask with advanced antioxidants is a hydrating treatment that immediately reveals softer, firmer, healthier-looking skin. The innovative formula’s velvety whipped texture has an immediate cooling effect to refresh the skin and the senses.

Here's some results from their site:

• Proven to have a significant moisturizing effect for 6 hours
• 94% reported softer skin
• 84% noticed more supple skin
• 81% felt it smoothed and improved skin texture

Algenist Genius Ultimate Anti Aging Eye Cream - Retail Price $72 for .50 oz

A rich eye cream that reduces fine lines and wrinkles and can be applied all over the eye. A little goes a long way and it definitely hydrated my under eye area.

Key Benefits and Results according to the Algenist site:

Nourishes, smoothes and visibly reinforces skin resilience

Appearance of expression lines and wrinkles is reduced

Skin tone appears evened out for brighter-looking eyes

Skin texture is visibly improved

Under-eye sagging is visibly minimized

90% said skin looked more supple in 10 days

94% said it nourished their under eye area in 10 days

87% said eye contours were visibly smoother in 10 days

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb - Retail Price $38 for 1.68 oz

Aqua Bomb is an ultra-lightweight, mineral oil-free gel-cream that instantly cools and refreshes skin while providing intensive hydration. This formula contains a blend of apothecary herbs, including antioxidant-rich lady's mantle, which helps neutralize skin-damaging free radicals, improves skin elasticity, and minimizes the appearances of pores. This refreshing cream is formulated to 'burst' when applied, releasing a flood of weightless moisture onto skin, and then absorb completely for a healthy, smooth, supple appearance. This is a great summer time moisturizer.

Belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb - Retail Price $38 for 1.68 oz

The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb is a comforting moisture cream that provides the skin with intense, soothing hydration. Clinically tested to provide up to 26 hours of moisture, this uniquely indulgent formula leaves skin soft, supple, and deeply moisturized. This formula contains a blend of apothecary herbs, including comfrey leaf, a powerful hydrating agent. The cushiony cream format is designed to 'burst' when applied, releasing a flood of moisture onto skin, and then absorb completely without stickiness for a healthy, smooth, supple appearance. This is a great winter time moisturizer.

Dermablend Professional Setting Powder - Retail Price $26 for 1.0 oz

This loose powder was just ok for me. I received it in one of my subscription boxes so of course I was going to use. It set my foundation with no issues and I did not notice any transfer of product throughout the day.

Kirkland Signature Daily Facial Towelettes - Retail price $11.99 for 150 count

Included in this box are 4 - 30 count flip top recloseable lid packs and 2 - 15 count resealable travel packs. I absolutely love these makeup wipes from Costco. I use them every night to remove my makeup although I still pour a little makeup remover on them just to help remove my waterproof mascara with ease. I do not like tugging on my eyes and lashes if I don't have to.

Pamper yourself with an effective and complete skin care solution that offers a deep clean and will not irritate your skin. This mild formula has cucumber, chamomile flower extract and aloe and will remove all traces of makeup, dirt and oil leaving your skin glowing and refreshed, No need to rinse your face afterwards. A definite YAY for me. If you couldn't tell from my previous blog posts, I use these daily so they usually show up in my empties.

Stacey <3