Sephora Play August 2017: The Innovators

First I just want to say how much I love Sephora Play. Sure there are plenty of duds but for $10 a month it's totally worth the bad stuff to get all the good stuff and the enjoyment I get out of trying new stuff. There's a waiting list but I feel like I was only on it for a few months so if you're interested sign up here. This month had some gems and some not so impressive items. Take a look.

beautyblender micro.mini $18
This usually comes in a pack of two so just one of these is worth $9 seriously a good deal. beautyblender is generally considered to be the best sponge on the market but the full size one is $20 so I've never used one. Instead I use Real Techniques Sponge for $6, and they make a mini sponge I use too. I really like the shape of the Real Techniques sponge because it has a flat edge. Ok that being said this beautyblender is AMAZING. It's definitely a better sponge. It's softer and it blends better. I'm going to buy a full size one and I am so happy I got this one in the play box.

Clinique HIM Dual-Ended High Impact Mascara & Primer Duo $35

So you can't buy this duo it must have been made specially for Play. The mascara is $18 and the primer is $17. I was totally unimpressed with these products. This mascara had no major impact. I didn't feel like my lashes were longer or fuller. 

Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick in Beige $46

I was excited to get this because it just made InStyle's best beauty list. Unfortunately it did not live up to my expectations. I loved the color, it was perfect on my tanned skin and it glided on with it's creamy finish and blended beautifully. However, within a few hours I was shiny and unpolished looking. I gave it two goes, I tried different primers and different finishing powders but the reality is this didn't hold up to the humidity and I'm just not interested in reapplying foundation in the middle of the day. I certainly wouldn't pay $46 for it. My favorite stick foundation is Clinique Chubby in the Nude Stick for $25.

Lancer The Method: Polish $75

Well this sample is worth more then $10. It's a great polish with minerals and enzymes and creates a great scrub. It says use daily but you should definitely not scrub your face with this more then twice a week. I do feel like it was a great exfoliator but I wouldn't spend $75 on it. An alternative is Vasanti Brighten Up for $35.

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo $12-22

I love this dry shampoo! I did a whole post on dry shampoos awhile ago and I wish I had tried this first. It's a strong contender. It sprays very evenly and doesn't have to be shaken with all your might to get it to come out and isn't ever wet. The white powder completely brushes out and leaves your hair clean and dry. More recently I had been using the Drybar for brunettes but it leaves a brown residue that can get on your face and clothes. This is definitely my new go to. 

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue $29-98

I already owned this perfume. It's a great light scent with a fresh aroma and notes of florals and fruits but it's not too sweet smelling.