Southern Mom Loves: Sephora Play Box Unboxing {November 2018}

Sephora Play Box Unboxing {November 2018}

Friday, November 16, 2018

This post contains affiliate links. 


Hi guys! My Sephora Play subscription boxes just keep coming earlier and earlier in the month, but I'm not complaining. :) This month's box is all about Holiday Survival and included six luxury samples from Dr. Jart+, Lancome, Grande Cosmetics, Juliette Has A Gun, Laura Mercier, & Amika! Keep reading to see what I got and what I thought of each one.



As always, the Sephora Play box includes a card that can be used in-store or online to get an extra 50 Beauty Insider Points with any purchase.

If you're not a Sephora Beauty Insider, it's their 'rewards program' and you earn 1 point for every $1 spent. You can then trade your points in for great trial-sized products and kits (VIB level and up can choose full-sized products) and in-store beauty services. You also get access to seasonal sales, free beauty classes, and get a yearly Birthday Gift!


November's theme is Holiday Survival and includes lots of great tips and tricks using the products inside for your holiday events.


The other side is an in-depth guide to all of the products included in your box. (The box contents are not the same for everyone!)

They all come inside the new plastic zippered Play bag, so pulling these all out feels like I got a little gift. :)


First up is the Lancôme Hydra Zen Anti-Stress Moisturizing Face Cream (1.7 oz. = $48). "An enveloping, rich hydrator that soothes skin while defending against environmental aggressors." I have a little story to tell about this one.


I recently went to the Dermatologist and he cut out 3 little white moles on my forehead (family history of skin cancer), so he prescribed a Retin-A to help minimize scarring. Well, if you've never used it, it can make your skin dry and peel horribly, as it did mine. With my already dry skin, it is currently very painful, especially since I didn't realize I should apply my nightly moisturizer first or it would spread this stuff all over my face. You guys, my eyelids hurt and I look like I have chemical burns on my cheeks. :( So, I've been moisturizing at night with rosehip oil and several times a day with the gentlest moisturizer I have because anything else burns.

Cut to Wednesday. It is sleeting so I have to pick my daughter up early from school. It's taking forever and it's freezing so the car heater is on full-blast. My skin is so dry that I can feel it. I had picked up the Play box and stuck it in my purse on the way out the door, so I opened it in the car to see if there was anything that would help and this is what I pulled out.

My first impression was not great because the tube was half empty. :( 

My second impression was much better. I applied it and it was an instant relief. My skin went from tight and burning to cool and dewy. This stuff is amazing for dry skin!


Next out was HydraPlump Semi-Matte Liquid Lipstick from Grande Cosmetics in Desert Peak (full size $25). I've tried plumping lipsticks and glosses before but they're usually a bit of a letdown. I love the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Lip Shine ($9.99) but I've never come across anything else that worked for me until this one.

My first impression was the packaging. It comes in a luxe brushed gold metal tube with a clear window down the back so you can see how much is left in the tube. Nice.

Second was the scent: Not good for me. It smelled so familiar and it took me a while to place it: Pear tree pollen. It is a smell that I'm very familiar with here in the south and I dislike it intensely. Granted, it was very faint, but I couldn't stop smelling it once I'd identified it.


I applied it to my lips anyway and I could feel it stinging quite a bit. I thought that maybe I was allergic to it, but the stinging wasn't awful and subsided after a bit. The result was much plumper lips; It actually worked! Plus, the color is a gorgeous Terra Cotta Pink, so while I hate the smell, I will definitely be getting over it for the results!


I thought maybe I got two moisturizers by mistake, but this one is the Ceramidin Cream from Dr. Jart+ (1.69 oz. = $48). "A moisturizing cream supercharged with 5-cera complex that helps visibly strengthens skin and shield from water and moisture loss."

This is more like a thick barrier of protection that moisturizes and soothes and I can see why they included this one. It will be amazing hydration and protection in this cold weather. I would def use this as a repairing night cream and during the day if the weather is cold and rough.


I also received a little jar of Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder (1 oz. = $38). This setting powder has a cult following and you can't throw a rock on YouTube without hitting a beauty guru that loves it. It's one of the best that I've used so far and it doesn't give me a ghostly appearance. Pale girls + translucent powder sometimes = powdery white skin. Not cute.


Next up was the Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo (full size $25). I love trying out new dry shampoos and this is a brand that will be included in the Winter Box of Style, so I was intrigued.

I tried it out on a wicked case of mom hair. It did a great job but did leave some white residue that was easily tousled out. It made my hair look more voluminous for sure, but the best part was the scent. Oh my.

It smelled like a complex and expensive and gorgeous perfume and the scent followed me around all day. Every time I got a whiff of it, it gave me a little happy. I don't know if I can go back to drugstore after this. You've ruined me, Amika.


This month's bonus sample was an atomizer of Not a Perfume by Juliette Has a Gun (1.7 oz. = $100). Billed as a perfume for women who don't normally like perfume, it only has one note: Cetalox. Not knowing what that would smell like, and preferring delicately layered perfumes, I wasn't sure if I would like this one.

It's a fresh, clean, woodsy scent and I really liked it. It matches the feel of the season without smelling like a guy's cologne. The site says Cetalox is a synthetic Ambergris, which is used as a musky base note in a lot of perfumes, so it was interesting to smell it on its own. I'd say this would be the perfect non-fussy scent for ladies who don't fuss over perfumes, and even some who do. :)

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That was the November Play box! Do you subscribe to any beauty boxes? What was your favorite item from this box? I love to read your comments!

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