Hi everyone! This is Part 2, the continuation of the Unboxing of Sephora Play! and Birchbox March 2018 subscription boxes. Again, both the Sephora Play! and Birchbox cost $10 each month with free shipping. Also, the boxes each contain samples and deluxe samples that include makeup, skincare and hair products. However, If you’ve missed part one, click here. I’ve been unboxing both subscriptions hoping to discover the better of the two boxes. So, here goes….
The Mascaras
Sephora Play! Lancome Hypnose Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara
Clearly, Lancome Mascara is well-known and well-loved formula that separates, lengthens, and darkens without flaking.
Most important, the S shaped curve of this brush gives your eye lashes extra drama.
Birchbox Marcelle Ultimate Volume Nano Mascara
First, Don’t let the nano size of the Marcelle Mascara brush fool you.
First,the brush design allows is able to reach the hard to reach inner corner lashes. Next, the tiny-size of the brush can reach even your stubbiest bottom lashes. Furthermore, you can look forward to is a full feathered eye lash look.
Foundation and Plumping Lip Balm
Matte Perfection Powder Foundation in Shade 26 Neutral Sand
First, this powder is buildable. Next, it has a creamy finish. Also, the matte perfection powder foundation can be layered on without caking. In addition, the foundation gives you a natural, matte finish. Last, the powder is travel-worthy so that you can take it with you for touch ups.
First, to amp it up you can apply the foundation with a sponge. In the second place, if you want to tone down the foundation, use a powder brush for lighter coverage.
Peek Beauty Nom Nom Natural Plumping Balm
First, Nom Nom Natural Lip Plumping Balm is a shimmery, neutral balm. 
Furthermore, the balm is infused with chili pepper for a natural plumping effect.
In addition, the shade is called Miracle. And, it has a subtle shimmer. Moreover, the ingredients include ginger root, sesame oil, and lychee extract.
Makeup Setting Spray and Liquid Shimmer Shadow
Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30
Actually, I was impressed to discover that the Coola Setting Spray was a multi-tasker that does more than just setting your makeup. However, the Coola Organic Setting Spray and sunscreen duo also fights the signs of aging. In addition, it feels refreshing on your face. For example, when you are in the sun all day, you need all the protection you can get. Therefore, the hyaluronic acid-infused formula protects against UV rays. Furthermore, it keeps your skin hydrated. First, shake the bottle to activate the formula. Next, holding the bottle 8-10 inches from your face, spray 7 to 10 times in a circular motion. Last, let the formula dry before you open your eyes.
Love of Color Liquid Shimmer Shadow in Stardust
Again, LOC Liquid Shimmer Shadow is metallic champagne shade.
First, using the doe-footed applicator, swipe the liquid formula across your eyelids. Then, blend the shade into your eyelids. Last, layer the shadow for more intensity.
Burberry Blush Fragrance
In addition to the five samples, each month Sephora gives you a bonus sample of a fragrance.
Hence, this month, the legendary British fashion house, Burberry (known for their trench coat) adds the latest edition to the My Burberry Collection, Burberry Blush.
To illustrate the blend that creates the new Burberry fragrance, First, the top notes are Pomegranate and Lemon. Next, the middle notes are Geranium, Crisp Apple, and Rose Petal. And last, the base notes are Jasmine and Wisteria. Thus, the scent is fruity and feminine. Also, it is a floral fragrance.
The Results of the Unboxing of Sephora Play! and Birchbox
Box or Bag?
So, what did you like more, the Play! bag or the Birch Box? personally, I prefer the actual bag over the actual box.
First, I love that the bag is fun, soft, and pliable. Therefore, it is easy to throw in your cosmetics.
Also, the bag is easier too pack, or carry with you than the box would be.
Information Papers
Furthermore, I love the huge theme-inspired two-sided paper included with the play! bag.
However, the Birchbox card does give us a little message from the CEO and Founder, although it didn’t make a whole lot of sense to me. Also, it really looked kind of boring. Yet, on the other side of the card were the product descriptions.
Product Comparison
Many of the products were similar between the two subscriptions
For example, both subscriptions had a mascara. I prefer the Sephora Play! Lancome over the Marcelle from Birchbox because Lancome is a well-known, well-loved, luxury brand.
In addition, Both subscriptions had cleansers. Sephora had a micellar water and Mac had a cleansing oil. Pretty similar products, I must say. Also, I love micellar water, and oil because both work really well!
Furthermore, both subscriptions had hair products. At first, I was thrilled when I saw the Oribe blow out cream in the Birchbox. Although, when I learned about the Sephora Play! Briogeo Blossom and Bloom, I was really impressed with the ingredients, and all that this dual-action spray could do. Plus, I had never heard of Briogeo before and it made me want to learn more, and try something from the line.
I loved both the new Sephora powder foundation and the Birchbox Peek lip balm. It was so creamy and did not lay in my lines and wrinkles. I also loved the Peek Birchbox plumping balm. First, I really liked the shade, Miracle, which was neutral but had some color. Next, I love that it made my lips look plump. Also, I loved how rich and creamy, even cushiony, the balm felt on my lips.
Last, I also loved the Loc shimmer liquid eye shadow in champagne. It applied easily with the doe footed applicator. I liked that it was a nice, large deluxe sample size. And, the Coola Makeup Setting Mist, has an spf, fights the signs of aging, and keeps skin hydrated. I never new a setting mist could do so much!
One last thing, Sephora always gives that little sample of perfume. Usually, it is a new item, or one I’ve never heard of. One day, you will come across a sample and fall in love. I fell in love with Opium many years ago because of a tiny sample. I have never stopped wearing it! So you never know!
If I had to choose one, I would choose the Sephora Play! However, I do not have to choose, so I’m going to keep getting the Birchbox for a while, because you never know when you will come across a product that you don’t know about, or something you would like to try. So, let me know which box or bag you preferred? And please tell me your reasons for loving it, or not liking it.
xoxo
Here are some other boxes I have reviewed:
https://www.potpourriofwhatever.com/the-better-beauty-and-makeup-subscription-is-it-birchbox/
https://www.potpourriofwhatever.com/birchbox-best-of-k-beauty-kit-a-fun-way-to-try-korean-makeup/
https://www.potpourriofwhatever.com/allure-beauty-box-december-2017/
https://www.potpourriofwhatever.com/ipsy-bag-october-2017-unboxing/
