What's In My May 2018 Sephora Play Box?

My May Play Box arrived this past weekend and it was full of goodies! I think April's Play Box was a little underwhelming for me (which may explain why I forgot to share it here) but May is definitely looking pretty good. I like the little Then v.s. Now sheet, it really makes me think of what my beauty routine was like 10 years ago versus now... it's a huge change! Both in terms of skincare and makeup, it's definitely a radical difference.

So, to get to the goodies! My May box contained:

- Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in the shade "Champagne Pop"

- Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in the shade "Trooper"

- Benefit POREfessional Face Primer

- Sephora Collection Purifying and Mattifying Mud Mask

- Bumble & Bumble Thickening Volume Hairspray

- perfume sample of Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb

I've never tried Becca's pressed powder highlighter before, but I do have some experience with their other highlighting/glow products that I remember as being pretty good. Also, I think this particular shade was/is really popular and a lot of makeup channels on Youtube regularly used it, so I have high hopes. Granted, at this point my makeup bag does contain many highlighter options (I've got cream, powder, and liquid!) but still, I'm excited to try this one out! I already swatched it and the color is a very pretty golden champagne color, not too yellow or glittery. I'll have to see how it translates to the cheeks, but I'm pretty pleased with this generous mini.

Now this liquid eyeliner I'm really pleased to see- not because I like it (I'm forever a gel liner girl) but rather because my sister does. Anytime I receive one of these as a free gift or Sephora has it as 100 pt beauty perk, I give it to her. So K, if you're reading, get ready for a new eyeliner! ;) I personally don't like liquid eyeliners (not even in pen form) because I find the application too tricky, but this particular one is practically the only eyeliner my sister uses so I'd say it's probably a good one if you like liquid eyeliner.

Benefit POREfessional is another one of those items that I often see used and mentioned on Youtube. I'm not usually a primer wearing girl, but for the hot/humid days that might be heading my way soon I may very well change my mind and give it a try! The tube isn't humongous so if it doesn't work out for me I won't feel too badly.

I think I recall saying in a previous blog post that I'm not too crazy about Sephora collection products, and I think in general terms that rule still stands. However, this Sephora collections mud mask I really like! I used it on Sunday night and I'm not sure about the purifying claim but it definitely had a mattifying effect that I could swear carried through to the next day. All day Monday I wore my makeup in the usual way using my usual products and I didn't have to blot or re-powder the whole day! I'm talking 8am to 10pm. Shocking, I know. I'll need to test this a few more time to see if it was a freak coincidence or a fluke, but if the result is repeatable this may be a product I end up adding to my general beauty and skincare routine. And best of all, it's reasonably priced! This jar is pretty generous so I think I'll be able to at least 3-4 more masking sessions before it runs out, which will hopefully help me decide whether to purchase or not. For now, with just one application, my impression is very favorable.

Let's be honest, what I really need is a proper haircut. No amount of fancy shampoo, conditioner, or hair products will repair my 2+ years' worth of split ends. However, I'm still happy to see this in my Play Box. From the instructions of Sephora's website it sounds like this spray can be used in various ways for various purposes, and I love a good multitasking product. I'm not sure if it would be fair to judge its quality on my hair in its current state, so I might set it aside for after I get my hair cut and give it a proper trial then.

Lastly of course was the perfume bonus, which was a vial of Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb. I've smelled this one before and it's honestly not one of my favorite scents. However I do seem to get it a lot as a free sample and I'm pretty sure I've seen it in a Play Box before, so it must be popular! It's floral which I usually like, but somehow a little too strong for me? Almost too sweet perhaps? I'm not very good with the perfume scent descriptors, however looking at the information on Sephora's website I may not be too far off base. The key notes are Jasmine, Orange Blossom and Patchouli... I usually like things with those notes, but perhaps not all three at the same time. The scent type (whatever that means) is listed as "Warm and Sweet Gourmands" and the scent family is "Warm and Spicy", so again perhaps my impression that it's too heavy and sweet for my taste is spot on! If anybody knows more about perfume than I do, feel free to chime in the comments and let me know what you think!

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