Glow by Dr. Brandt Revitalizing Reintol Eye Cream

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $55 for 0.5 fluid ounces

THE SKINNY: This creamy eye cream may be expensive, but it works. Glow by Dr. Brandt helped smooth out those fine lines under my eyes while I slept and, no matter how much I tossed and turned I never saw any dark circles or other signs of tiredness in my eyes.

This eye cream is made with retinol and what's called a "ruby crystal complex" to help illuminate skin. I thought the cream just looked a little glittery.

Apply nightly under the eye. This product didn't cause me any irritation or issues. And it worked almost immediately.

Dr. Brandt is a little expensive for me, but as you get older you realize how important a good eye cream is for the appearance of your face. Eye cream may be expensive, but you use so little that it's cost-effective over the long haul.

Ole Henricksen Ultimate Eye Lift Gel is still my favorite, but Dr. Brandt puts out a good product, too.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Expect it to take up to four weeks to see full results, according to the Dr. Brandt website.

-- Tested by Shay

Sephora + Pantone Universe Color Theory Shadow Block (Emerald)

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $26

THE SKINNY: When it comes to beauty and fashion color company Pantone got it right with this year's color of the year, Emerald.

The color is super-flattering and works well in makeup palettes, including the Sephora + Pantone Universe Color Theory Shadow Block (which comes in three different versions). I opted for the most colorful of the trio, spending on a palette that includes emerald, a deep blue and silver shadows. 

The colors were deep and went on super smooth. Sephora eye shadows are a pretty good bargain in general and this palette did not disappoint. Plus, the three colors worked especially well together to form a great blended green to blue eye, with a silver accent.

With a primer the color lasted all day and was not smudgy.

Plus Sephora, changed the compact this season, adding a swivel lid that snaps in place. (Bonus points there for great packaging!)

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. Especially if you love a colorful eye.

CHECK IT OUT: The Pantone Universe Color Theory collection is only available at Sephora. Last year's Pantone collection (featuring oranges) went on sale about mid-year, but because this palette is more versatile the sale might get pushed back this season.

-- Tested by Carrie

Julep Clean Invisible Dry Shampoo

RATING (out of 5 stars):1 star

COST: $22, $17.60 for Mavens

THE SKINNY: Julep has been experimenting with more products in addition to a successful nail polish line and subscription service. But their dry shampoo missed the mark.

Because it is not dry at all.

The dry shampoo went on quite wet and left my hair limp and liftless. It did nothing to perk up my strands after a quick nap.

Thankfully, it was residue-free. A real bonus compared to some other "dry" shampoos that seem to leave a chalky film behind.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss. Too bad too, because the sample container is pretty large.

CHECK IT OUT: The reviews from other users are a little more favorable. You can read them and try Julep for yourself. I am a fan of the subscription service, which is very flexible.

-- Tested by Carrie

Marc Jacobs Dot

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $69 for 1.7 ounces

THE SKINNY: At this point, I am pretty sure I would wear any fragrance Marc Jacobs put on the market. Dot is no exception.

The summery fragrance has a hint of citrus and smells feminine without being flowery. Plus I can catch a hint of honeysuckle -- one of my all-time favorite smells.

The best way to describe the overall fragrance is happy-in-a-bottle. You won't be disappointed with this one.

The only thing I don't like? The packaging is a little silly with the ladybug theme.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: You can find Marc Jacobs fragrances almost anywhere, including Ulta. 

-- Tested by Carrie 
 

Cristalli Liquidi Hair Serum

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3.5 stars

COST: $12 for 0.5 ounces

THE SKINNY: It really took me a while to warm up to the idea of hair oils and serums. But now I am hooked. Just a drop or two and your hair is smooth and flawless all day long.

And it you ware worried about oiliness or greasiness ... stop. They don't make your hair look dirty. 

Cristalli Liquidi Hair Serum works just as well as any other that I have tried. The light oil goes on smooth -- a dab is plenty for all of your hair. Apply from the nape of the neck down for best results. (I am still a little wary of putting the stuff in my scalp due to flatness concerns.)

The little liquid holds against flyaways and static, leaving hair skinny and smooth.

Cristalli Liquidi is made with Vitamin E, which is great for skin and hair, and can be used on color-treated hair.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: This is another one of the products that is somewhat hard to get ahold of. Learn more about the Cristalli Liquidi parent company, Alfaparf Milano, and buy from Amazon.

-- Tested by Carrie