So here we are. Let's Play!
This box was really awesome for me for a couple reasons:
1) the theme was Lipstick and Chill
2) I had only tried ONE of all the items, and it was a product a really like in a color i haven't used, so still kind of new
3) I actually received 2 boxes.... literally don't know how that happened. They included some of the same items, but it was half and half, so still cool
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| first box (desk Halloween decor in back :D) |
I learned from going to my second Play Date that there were actually Four (4) whole boxes this month, which is a bit above their usual 2 box count. crazy, but wow.
But this invites comparisons and i'll group the products based on their corresponding things (there's always a hair product, skin, perfume, treatment and 2 makeup items). My rating scale is going to be a little different, i'll just count the whole thing as one box, so this way it makes a little more sense (hopefully).
But let's get to it.
First off, Smashbox Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick:
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| first box info |
1/1
Esteé Edit Flash Photo Gloss:
(Both Boxes) I'm really not a gloss kind of girl in any way, so this isn't really up my alley. I like the concept, the whole making your teeth look whiter in pix, but it's not like i'm having my pic taken that often, so i feel like i don't really reap the benefits. I did try it though, and i don't feel like it necessarily made my teeth particularly whiter, and this is a typical thick gloss feel. it looks really cool in the tube with a bluish iridescent hue, and on it has a nice sheen, so this might be anise lipstick topper, it would just have to be applied with a brush as it's got the typical flocked applicator i'm not a big fan of. But overall, it's not a bad product and i'm glad i got to try it.
2/2
Farmacy Skin Dew Hydrating Essence Mist and Setting Spray:
(Both Boxes) This was another brand i'd been wanting to try and finally got an opportunity to! This spray smells great and really does feel hydrating. I don't feel like it set my makeup as well as like All Nighter setting spray, but the refreshing makeup bit was really nice, and it did feel hydrating. Plus i could see how this would be really good for after flights. The spray is quite strong, more like a stream than a mist, so this is why i feel like it's a good pre-makeup moisturizer or a refresher than a setting spray.
3/3
Madam CJ Walker Beauty Culture Scent & Shine Coconut Oil:
(Original Box) This is definitely a lightweight serum and doesn't separate your hair like a silicone based product would, but the scent is too strong for me. It's not a bad scent, but it is powerful and definitely conflicts with perfume. Also i feel like this is good for flyaways and strays, not all-over frizz. Might be nice for some people but really not for me.
3/4
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| surprise box |
Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask:
(Extra Box) I'm not super down to try new hair things since mine are so awesome, but nevertheless I'll still give them a try. This one is interesting in that it's a super dense cream that actually goes a long way, but i Hate the scent. it's very old lady-esque, like a perfume my grandma would wear, and i just can't get behind it. But as far as actual use goes, it says to lather it, but i didn't really get much of a lather from it, just a slick normal conditioning feel. And upon rinsing it didn't exactly feel particularly soft, but after drying it my hair was frizz-free, felt soft and smooth, and not as damaged as it definitely is. But i doubt I'll use it as it wasn't any better than my normal stuff, and this smells so gross to me that i'm personally not a fan.
3/5
Drunk Elephant TLC Framboos Glycolic Night Serum:
(Original Box) This made my skin feel so nice in the morning, I'm definitely incorporating it into my skincare regimen. It's a type of acid peel, so definitely not intended for every day use, but it works super well and i love that it's designed to work on your neck and backs of hands too. A little definitely goes a long way as well, so even though it's a sizeable pricetag, it's actually a good deal. Also, i should mention i have pretty sensitive skin, and this didn't irritate in the least.
4/6
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| surprise box info |
Erborian Bamboo Crème Frappée Skin Reviving Fresh Gel:
(Extra Box) This is really just a fancy name for a moisturizer that's supposed to be nice and light yet refreshing. I've actually been liking gel moisturizers more lately, and this one with its somewhat whipped texture is a really nice alternative. It could definitely be used in the morning as it's non-greasy, absorbs quickly, and really just makes your skin feel hydrated, not wet or slick, but also does a good job of hitting those dry spots. i've only used it a few times now but i'm definitely into it, and i could see it being great to close pores after a steam or hot face wash, or on a warm day.
5/7
Derek Lam 10 Crosby Silent St.:
(Original Box) This is the first fragrance i've gotten in a box that was actually offensive tome. I hated it so much, i really couldn't even put it on. this really isn't the worst thing ever, as i'm already sad I found two fragrances I can't live without from these boxes, so nbd hating this one. Musk is just so not my jam.
5/8
YSL Mon Paris:
(Extra Box) I loved this so much more than what i was supposed to get, but it still wouldn't be something i could wear. It's a lovely scent, but definitely strong, so i put the tester in my bag to have a nice lingering scent that's pleasant in doses. I'm still chalking this up as a win, since the scent is really lovely, just not for me to wear.
6/9
It's kind of funny that between 2 boxes, i actually liked 6 things (the number of items in one box).
As some more extra things, I went to the Play! Date at my local Sephora, and got to take home a couple more samples from the other boxes from this month. I also got to try a mascara from Blinc that was super neat, even though i didn't get to take one home, so i can talk about those too.
Blinc Mascara:
This is the 'Tube' type of mascara, where it's supposed to form a tube around your lashes, then not budge or smudge, but comes off with warm water- so you get the benefit of a waterproof mascara without the negatives. It also comes in a bunch of colors which is always a plus, and i really liked this actually. it didn't bug my lashes the way so many mascaras do, it really seems to 'dry' whereas i feel like most mascaras tend to feel somewhat gummy on.
Too Cool For School Egg Mellow Cream:
Another moisturizer in the mix, this one is a whipped texture that " works as a serum, priming moisturizer, eye cream, neck cream, and sleeping mask in one." I hadn't tried this brand before either, so it was nice to get a little tester out of it. So far I really enjoy it! It has a really smooth texture, is definitely hydrating, and doubles as a primer super well, filling in pores to create a smooth surface. Definitely more of a matte than dewy finish which really works for me. It's totally thick too, so i've been using this on my neck for sleeping as well.
Skin Inc. Pure Revival Peel:
This works almost exactly like the Cure exfoliator in my usual routine (which i go into more depth HERE), where it's a thin formula that gently rubs off your dead skin. This is an Extremely satisfying means of exfoliating, and also much gentler than a scrub, which can over activate your oil glands and cause more breakouts than the dead skin clogging your pores. I don't necessarily like one more than the other, but it is nice that i can read the language on the bottle so i can see what the ingredients are. but for me i think this comes down to price/accessibility than actually liking one formula over the other.
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