Review: Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Gel

$45, Sephora

You guys, Sephora already has Christmas Secular Sparkly Holiday gift sets out. Already! It's not even Halloween yet! But anyway, you should get on it, because Sephora offers some really awesome gift sets--they're perfect for keeping and using, and not so much for gifting (because really, who wants to receive a dozen tubes of mascara for Christmas?)

The Daily Gimme: Urban Decay Naked Palette

$50, Sephora

Review: Fresh Lotus Eye Gel

$48, Sephora

I've been using this stuff for a few months now (five-ish) and I'm not sure it does anything. Sure it feels a bit cool and tingly when you put it on, but I've noticed no real difference or improvement. To be fair, my almost-daily naps take care of most dark circles and I'm not yet at an age where I have to worry abut crow's feet. However, I do get occasional puffiness and some bagginess under my eyes, especially on Monday mornings.  Unfortunately, I don't see any changes when it comes to these problem areas.

I plan on trying out some new eye creams, because this one just isn't cutting it. On the plus side, it doesn't smell weird and absorbs relatively quickly. You also get a lot of product for your money; I have used maybe a third of it. If you only use it during the am or pm, it could easily last someone a year. Unfortunately, this pro is more of a con for me, since I feel bad about shoving this into the bottom of my "I'll use it eventually cosmetic/lotion/hair product bin" otherwise known as "the place where things go to get lost and for Scot to curse loudly." Seriously, I found *three* full floss containers in there the other day.

I love pretty much all fresh products and I will keep buying them, especially their lip stuff. However, I think I am going to give some other brands a try in the eye cream department. Next up on the list is Dr. Brandt's dark circles away. 

Review: Tocca Stella Eau de Parfum + The Daily Gimme

$68, Sephora

Sephora had an amazing Black Friday deal, where they were selling ten products for only $10 each. I picked up three things: a three-piece Tocca rollerball set (similar here), a three-piece TokyoMilk rollerball set (which contains minis of this, this and this), and a three-piece Ole Henriksen (similar here). I tried some of the Tocca perfume in Stella yesterday, and I am in love. The website describes it as having an orange-y scent, but I didn't really think of that when I put it on. It was very sweet and opulent, and definitely very feminine. It reminded me of the Old World and lush, expensive courtesans (weird). Also, the name is awesome.

Review: Tarte Carried Away Collector's Set + Friday Date Night

$54.00, Sephora

Of all of my recent purchases from Sephora (updates coming soon), this set is my absolute favorite. First of all, it's the best value. Everything added together would have been $500+! Obviously, this is a scam/gimmick for the holidays, but it really is a good value. There are 24 eye shadows included in this set, and they are full size. Also, the colors seem pretty unique, not a palette of just beige/cream/tan/boring. Also included are 8 mini lip glosses. I really only like the color of about three or four, but they are good quality and not too small. There is also a blush in a peachy-browny-mauve color, a finishing/mattefying powder, a large powder brush and a mascara. Just a warning that this is more of a meta-review, and that I will give more detailed reviews of each color/product as I try it in the next few weeks.