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Hey, y'all! I just got my Sephora Play box for December. It included products from Too Faced, Clinique, Moroccanoil, Fresh Sugar, Tarte, and Wander. Besides just doing the usual unboxing, I'm going to give you my thoughts after getting a full year of boxes as to whether it has been worth it or if its been a total waste.


As always, the Play box starts with a large, fold-out insert. The front tells you about the theme (Play List 2018) and usually has tips and tricks, but this month seems to be a look back at the last year. The monthly Play Pass card for 50 extra Beauty Insider Points is here.


The other side tells you what samples came in your Play box, with instructions on best uses and some tips, too.


I saw that the 6th sample wasn't listed on the sheet and got a little sense of foreboding. The whole "theme" for this month was looking back on the last year, so inside the bag, I saw that my 6th sample was one they had already sent me this year. -_-


The rest of the samples were more welcome, including one that I really wanted to try.



I'm also a fan of hair oils, so this sample of Moroccanoil Treatment was a welcome addition to my travel bag.


Also included was a tube of Glowtion in Celestial (similar) by Wander Beauty. These are great on their own for a glowy, no makeup look, but I think these kinds of illuminators are meant to go under foundation? The only other one that I've tried was from Burberry and once I put my foundation on, I couldn't see it. Meh.


Last was a small jar of Fresh Sugar Lip Caramel Hydrating Balm and the smell when I opened it up was delicious! I can never get enough balms in winter!

So, this was my 12th Sephora Play box, and I have to admit that as much as I liked some of these samples, I was expecting much more from a holiday box.

I actually subscribed because I saw last year's December box. It was a gorgeous themed glam-night-out kind of box. I subscribed trying to get that one, but they didn't send my first box until January. Suffice it to say that I've been looking forward to getting a glam holiday box all year long.

Instead, I got the same old, same old type of products, including a situation that looks like they had a ton of extra samples left over, threw them in a grab bag, and used them for everyone's 6th box sample. If these were free samples, that would be one thing, but I'm actually paying to try out new products every month. I want to try out the newest and hottest in beauty. C'mon, Sephora!

Also, I thought there would be more products to "play" with and get me out of my comfort zone. There was a whole lot of skincare and some makeup, but what has been noticeably missing all year are eyeshadows.

I have seen so many drool-worthy eyeshadow palettes come out this year and I've been hoping to get some samples to try, but no. Not one. Another item that has been missing from the box is a highlighter. Arguably two of the most popular makeup items, and no samples.

So, after 12 months, at around $10 a month, I have enough samples squirreled away to keep me traveling light for a while, but it feels like a bit of a waste at this point, so I've made the decision to cancel my subscription.

If you liked these unboxing posts, sorry. This will be the last Sephora Play unboxing I'll be doing, but I've got plenty of fun posts coming up to satisfy your beauty cravings. :)


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Have you tried any of these products yet? Which is your favorite? I love to read your comments!