Why I cancelled my Sephora Play??

I subscribed to “Play! By Sephora” in April, last year! But soon thereafter, I started to ponder if it is really worth 10 bucks for me! In December, as soon as I got the shipping email from Sephora, I went ahead and cancelled the box. I was contemplating for months after all; December box just made it easier for me to pull the plug and cancel the subscription.   

In this last year, I had 8 boxes and only 2 or 3 of them has been “TRULY EXCITING” for me! It is 10$ per month and it typically comes with 5 sample sized products and a tiny vial of perfume. They send relatively new chic fragrances and I enjoy that! All the brands in these boxes are some very coveted brands found in Sephora. That is the most satisfactory part for me. However, I often find the samples to be too small! I would have appreciated a generous or full-size products once in a while. When I look at all the items I have got so far, only a VERY FEW stand out. I was also disappointed in the fact that Sephora includes some samples that they always offer as rewards or in Sephora Favorites set or even as Gift with Purchases. If you are beauty hoarder like me, you may already have collected a lot of these samples. I am talking about products like Kat Von D Tattoo Liner, Smashbox Primers, Benefit They’re Real Mascara etc. etc.! Also, I have noticed that they have been including lip-glosses/lipsticks that in very pale, pink shades; not every skin-tone can pull off that kind of color.

The only think I liked about these boxes were the brands. Unlike other subscription boxes that seem to send smaller, unknown brands, I loved that I could be assured that these products would come from reputed brands.

Overall, it was not giving me enough joy to keep pursuing it. I don’t think it’s a good fit for me, personally! Past few weeks, I have been trying hard to bring some sort of order to my collection. It has become quite overwhelming! I have realized that I am not enjoing even 50% of the products, so there is no point hoarding all these products from a subscription box! I already have a huge stash of sample and I need to finish them up rather than hoarding some more samples!

But here is where I think it will be an excellent box for you. If you are just starting out with makeup or you have been just recently introduced to the wonders of Sephora, this is the PERFECT SUBSCRIPTION BOX for you. You would not have as many products as a beauty hoarder like me :-) and you will actually have a chance to enjoy all the products you get! It is just 10$ and you actually get Beauty Insider points along with 50 points additional points that you can redeem at a Sephora Store with a purchase.

It has been 4 months since I cancelled the box and looking at the Instagram pictures I see for these 4 months, not one box has made me regret my decision to cancel the box! All the boxes are so lackluster in content; as an avid beauty fan these are products that I have seen or have had in my collection!

I hope this helped you understand this box a bit better. Here are my boxes and the contents; I have mentioned the size of all the products for which I was able to find. You can see how tiny are these samples! I have also highlighted the products that has been my favorites!

December 2016 (Full review here):

Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Smoothing Primer (0.16 fl oz.)

Lancôme Hypnose Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara
Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in 01 Always Red (0.04 fl oz.)
Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray
Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo (0.8 oz)
Elizabeth and James Nirvana Rose

November 2016 (Full review here):

Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment (0.3 oz.)
Cover FX Illuminating Primer (0.16 oz.)
*FAV*The Estee Edit by ESTEE LAUDER Dissolve the Drama (0.5 oz.)
Sephora Collection Ultra Shiner Lip Gel in “Pin Up Pink” (0.1 oz.)
Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Color in “Rose Gold” (0.03 oz.)
Stella McCartney POP 

October 2016 (Full review here):

Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick in “Driver’s Seat”

*FAV* The Estee Edit Flash Photo Gloss

Erborian Bamboo Crepe Frappe (0.17 oz.)

Farmacy Skin Dew Mist (0.68 fl oz.)

Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask (1.7 fl oz.)

Yves Saint Laurent Mon Paris

September 2016 (Full review here):

*FAV*Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel (0.085 fl oz.)
*FAV*Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper (0.007 fl oz.)
Dr Jart Water Drop Hydrating Moisturizer (1 fl oz.)
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Night Cap Overnight Protector (1 fl oz.)
Sephora Collection Rouge Shine Lipstick in Love Spell (0.035 oz.)
Tory Burch Jolie Fleur Verte

August 2016 (Full review here):

Make Up For Ever Artist Shadow in I-544 (0.02 oz.)

Sephora Collection Contour Eye Pencil 12hr Wear Waterproof in Love Affair (0.017 oz.) 
*FAV*Urban Decay Perversion Mascara (0.1 fl oz.)
Algenist Eye Renewal Balm (0.23 fl oz.)
Lancome Energie De Vie Smoothing & Glowing Liquid Care Moisturizer
Clean Reserve Warm Cotton

July 2016 (Full review here):

BeautyBlender Blotterazzi

Ouai Wave Spray (1.7 fl oz.)
Benefit Cosmetics “Dew the Hoola” Soft Matte Liquid Bronzer (0.16 fl oz.)
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer (0.25 fl oz.)
First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser
Nest Fragrances “Citrine”

June 2016 (Full review here):

*FAV* Tarte Tarteguard 30 Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30
*FAV* Becca Backlight Priming Filter (0.20 fl oz.)
Bare Minerals bareSkin Sheer Sun Bronzer (0.10 fl oz.)
Bumble and Bumble Don’t blow it
Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real!  Mascara
Tocca Beauty Beauty Florence

May 2016 (Full review here):

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche in Kimchi
Tarte Tarteist Lip Crayon in Latergram
Origins Maskimizer + Drink Up & Clear Improvement Masks
Korres Wild Rose Sleeping Facial (0.34 fl oz.)
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
Atelier Cologne orange sanguine

Play! by Sephora ::: November 2016!!!

Alright, time for the November “Play! By Sephora” Bag! I typically get these boxes around 18-20^th of the month. This is the only subscription box that I have but I have been expressing my interest in cancelling the subscription for last few months. This month’s bag also was unable to provide me much joy!

I have already tried a few of the products and here are my thoughts!

Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment (0.3 oz.): I have gone through this in the same size a few months ago. I have tried a few different Glamglow masks and honestly nothing has impressed me. I like using this one and I felt that sometimes it does help clearing up some of my acnes but the performance was also not consistent. In short, it was nothing magical.

Cover FX Illuminating Primer (0.16 oz.): Aah! Another primer. Trust me, there is not a whole lot of product here. That irritates me. But anyway, I love a lot of COVER FX product. This one, I am still deciding. I applied this on the right side of my face and ELF Mineral Infused Face Primer on my left face and honestly I did not see any difference on illumination level.

The Estee Edit by ESTEE LAUDER Dissolve the Drama (0.5 oz.): This is a makeup remover oil! I got this exact size as GWP a few months back but I did not try it then. I used it last Saturday to remove a full-face of makeup and it actually worked pretty decently. It removed majority of the makeup and I was careful about not letting it go in my eyes. However, it is not a product I look forward to receiving in my subscription bag. 

Sephora Collection Ultra Shiner Lip Gel in “Pin Up Pink” (0.1 oz.): I have not opened it yet; it is very nicely sealed and I want to keep it that way for emergency gifting purchase :-) I also don’t feel any kind of interest in these lighter fluorescent pinks!

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Color in “Rose Gold”: I already have this in two different shades in full-size and I love them! They work great; glides on the eyes super easily, easy to blend. You get about a minute to blend it and then it sets and will not budge throughout the day. This is a pretty rose gold shade in mate finish. On my skin tone it shows up much lighter than how I expected, so I need to be mindful when I wear it. Nonetheless, I love it! This is probably the best thing in the bag, at least for me!

Stella McCartney POP: I typically don’t like woody fragrances but this is I am growing fond off. It is a bit florally and maybe that’s why I like it :-)

This month they had quite a few different variations of these bag. I would have liked the Caudalie moisturizer but oh, well! Also, this month’s theme was glow getters! Like a lot of people, I automatically assumed it is going to include some type of highlighters. But, anyway. Not impressed :-)

Did you subscribe to Sephora? Share your thoughts!

Love,

~Arrru

Play! by Sephora ::: October 2016!!!

For a welcome change, this month’s play was actually good. All of the items were relatively new and has been getting positive hype :-) I am quite excited about all 5 items in this box actually. Lets start with a product that I already have and love :-)

Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick in “Driver’s Seat”: I bought this formula a while ago in the limited edition shade “Bawse” (check review here). This is a deluxe size tube which is actually a very good size for lipstick hoarders like me. I absolutely loved that they kept the applicator is same as the regular size one. The sharp edges of the diamond shape applicator makes it super easy to line my lips and fill it in! The shade is a beautiful peachy-mauve shade. It has more of warm orange type of undertone than a mauvy pink one! I can definitely wear it but personally I prefer shades a little bit deeper on my skin-tone.  

The Estee Edit Flash Photo Gloss: Another product that I really liked. It is quite glossy but in a very good way! I have applied it over the Smashbox lipstick and I kid you not, the combo stayed the whole day. It survived breakfast, lunch, a few snacks and of course multiple cups of water. It did not feather or bleed or loose pigmentation and the gloss stayed the entire time. It is not sticky at all. I am really loving it. I did try it over a bite lip pencil but it disappeared about middle of the day.

All these 3 products below I have not tried yet. My skin took a major hit with the 3 week vacation in India. It was very hot, I think that agitated my skin and now there are pimples all over my face. So, I am giving my skin a much-needed break. But I, absolutely am excited about all 3 of these.

Erborian Bamboo Crepe Frappe: What a name! :-) It’s a Korean brand so I have high hopes. It’s a tiny sample though!

Farmacy Skin Dew Mist: This is probably the most exciting product for me. It is a skin mist that can be used to freshen or set makeup. I am really looking forward to using it. 

Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask: In my mind, you can never have enough hair mask. However, I got my hair chemically smoothened recently so I am a little hesitant to use it right now! But I will definitely use it in a few months. Depending on the size, this will last me 3 to 4 times.

Yves Saint Laurent Mon Paris: it described as a scent with fruity and floral notes over a musky base. I am not a fan! It feels a bit dated for my preference.

Overall, I was really happy to find all these products in my box! What do you think?

Love,

~Arrru

Influenster ::: YSL Black Opium Voxbox

Today I am sharing my thoughts on YSL "Black Opium" Eau de Perfum. First of all, I love the name - its sultry and seductive-just like the fragrance itself. I received the product free from Influenster for testing purpose. I am not a big fan of subscription boxes. But if someone is sending me free stuff I will thoroughly enjoy the opportunity :-)

I know this is a free item but for some reason I was hoping it would be a bit bigger. But this is 0.25 fl.oz. is size which is typically same as the deluxe bottle that Sephora some time offers as their 250 point reward perk. I have to admit- if not for Influenster I would not have picked this to try for myself. YSL is still an expensive brand for me :-)

As found in Sephora this is described as an addictive, floral scent with Coffee Accord, Orange Blossom, Cedar Wood Essence and Patchouli Essence notes. I am not very proficient is describing fragrances :-) ,  forgive me for that! It is quite a heavy, deep and rich fragrance. I can definitely detect a floral and yet kind of heavy sweetness in it. Staying power is very impressive; I can still find its presence on me at the end of the day. I have never been interested in fragrances before so I have not tried many! But thanks to little tiny samples with purchases from Sephora and Ulta, I have tested enough to realize that I am not the biggest fan of very rich heavy spicy notes. Light, clean and floral is what I prefer! I do like sexy spicy noted once in a while but they tend to give me headache when used rather regularly. I don't see myself buying a full-size but I do enjoy this bottle. I know very well that a lot of you out there will really enjoy this fragrance. 

By the way, the packaging is beyond gorgeous! It is a beautiful bottle in black with diamond like textured design. There is a clear window which I think is a nice touch! I am totally enjoying the luxe feeling I get while using this :-) So thank you again, Influenster. I look forward to more surprises :-)

Check out Influenster if you wanna try it out...it's totally free :-)

Love,
~Arrru

Influenster: BellaVoxBox

I am not the biggest fan of subscription boxes. Not that I have tried many, but I like to have utmost control over a very few things in life. Choosing what beauty products to try is definitely one of those things! I love watching subscription unwrapping videos on YouTube, but I already collect so many samples from my beauty purchases that there is not much sense for me to get any subscription boxes. Also, I don't like how you can get completely ransom stuff even though you have edited your profile meticulously. To keep it short, "Subscription Box" isn't for me!

I will have to admit that I do not recollect when and how I decided to try out Influenster. It must be a very boring day in between my on-site projects :-) ! Also, the fact that Influenster sends these free of cost to be reviewed by the consumer peaked my interest. So I filled out my profile and just a few weeks thereafter got picked up for "BellaVoxBox". I was absolutely thrilled after I watched the YouTube sneak peak! There is chocolate and a red lipstick; what more a girl wants!!

The chocolate did not last long as expected, but I have had the chance to use the other products for last few weeks...Here are my thoughts!

RIMMEL LONDON Lasting Finish Lipstick-Kate Moss Collection in 01: I love Red Lipstick; that's no secret. This is an extremely loved red shade from RimmelLondon. I always wanted to try it; but did not buy it myself as I have way too many reds! It made me extremely happy when I learn that could get my hands on it free of cost! This is very very easy on the lips; it's creamy and yet does not bleed. Some bold shade of lipsticks get heavy and drying with time but this remained pretty comfortable for at least 5-6 hrs. And it wears down beautifully and quite evenly! The shade is very bright warm red. Its perfect for summer! :-) I love it and would happily repurchase if I ever can finish this tube.

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Mascara by Kate in 004 Eye Rock Jet Black: I ma not sure if this is a new product from Rimmel London! I have been using this quite a lot; and I have mixed feelings. It gives me nice, flattering, very natural looking lashes which I really enjoy. But it does flake during some days and transfers to my under-eye area from time to time. Otherwise, I do enjoy the natural look it gives to me. Overall, I do not think I am going to repurchase it.

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs in Medium: This is a product that I would have never tried on my own. I have medium skin tone and I just use a bit of illuminating cream if I am feeling extra fancy. That with my natural body color makes my legs firm and decently toned. I have tried it and its a very useful product for those of you who wants to look tan during the summer months. It sets within a few minutes and does not transfer to the clothes, and it gives a very even toned out look to the legs. And its affordable too!

Not Your Mother's Deja Vu 'Do Style Extender: This is a new product and its main idea is to lock the oil in your scalp and keep your hair oil free so that you can elongate the time between you washing your hair. This definitely helps in restraining my hair from getting super oily between washes. It also has a strong fruity smell which does not linger a lot and it does not bother me much, but I am not a fan either. Also, I don't get my hair to shine if I use this. I currently use 'Its a 10' product and I love that. So while I will still happily finish this tube, I don't think I will repurchase.

Ecotools Complexion Collection Mattifying Finish Brush: It's a VERY soft brush ! I have used it with Rimmel Stay Matte powder and it is a decent brush. I don't know what exactly they mean about being "matte finish" :-), I don't find any difference with other powder brushes. I have used it for Tarte blushes too! I wish it is a tad bit denser though, so I am not sure if I would pay full price for this one. But I am always willing to try new brushes and I am glad that I got this for free! It is an OK brush; overall! And I love the beautiful packet it came in. 

Dove Chocolate covered Blueberries: Chocolate and blueberries; there is nothing more to say. I finished it within a few hrs of receiving the parcel.

Let me repeat that I got this box for free to review from Influenster. Check their website at if you are interested. My first experience with their VoxBox has been nice. I love the box and I would definitely use the products... Looking forward to more surprises :-)

Love,

~Arrru

P.S: I am pretty excited about sharing two blogposts in two days :-) Make Up For Ever Artist Palette 2 to follow :-)