a good place to start

A small Sephora order arrived yesterday, so I'll start my first review with that. I'd originally planned on reviewing my first Birchbox (October's #2, IIRC), but I've just used 3 things (the hair oil, the Spackle and the lip serum) and somewhat liked the oil and the lip serum. So, anywho, on to Sephora, who has never disappointed me.

The main dish: Urban Decay's Rollergirl Palette. Currently $18, you get 4 eye shadows, an eyeliner, and a lip gloss. I love them all, even the hot pink Woodstock color. None of the shadows are matte, so I probably won't wear them all together. Darkhorse is my favorite, and is not as frosty as I'd expected. It is shimmery, but not tacky. The lip gloss tastes like candy canes, and isn't as bright on as the swatch makes it appear. The dark brown eyeliner goes on smoothly, with no tugging. Love the graphics on the palette--the Rollergirl looks like my young, cool, and gorgeous kindergarten teacher. Yes, I was in kindergarten in the disco era. :-)

I decided to try the Pacifica Island Vanilla body butter, because I love anything vanilla. This smells like a bit like L'Aromarine's Vanille, which I always liked. I'll probably give the Pacifica Island Vanilla fragrance a shot.

The third item, Sephora Collection Super Shimmer Lip Gloss in Bronzed Beauty, was on sale for $3, and was kind of a cop out, because I'd originally added the Blue Waters shade to my basket. I waffled, not sure if my lips would be bluish, or if they'd be clear. Not sorry I chose Bronzed Beauty, it is a pretty color. I forgot to swatch it, but it is sheer, with a bit of shimmer.

My freebies for the order:
REN Glyco Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask~~~I used this last night on my t-zone, and my pores actually seem a bit smaller. I was not expecting to see any results this morning, so this is a pleasant surprise. I still have 1/2 a sample left, so I'll try it again & I'll be able to tell if it actually works.

Eshu Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30+~~haven't tried this one yet.

Givenchy Very Irrésistible Givenchy L'Intense Eau de Parfum~~~Smells like perfume. I didn't have to wash it off immediately, which is a rarity.

Dermadoctor Photodynamic Therapy deluxe sample~~This is my favorite lotion. It is one of very few I've been able to use all over my face and not have a major breakout. I think it has improved my skin's tone and texture, but I don't wear it as a sunblock, I use it as a night cream. Dermadoctor Photodynamic Therapy is $85 for 1 ounce, which is a bit expensive, but I can't deny that from the improvement I've seen, it is worth every penny.

The Rollergirl Palette:

The ingredients:

My very pale arm with the swatches:

Pacifica Island Vanilla:

Super Shimmer Lip Gloss - Bronzed Beauty:

Would I repurchase? Yes, to all.