Back in October, I posted a couple of pictures on Instagram highlighting some samples I was determined to test out. It took through November to finish them, but at least I did it - whew! I only liked 1 enough to purchase, but still wanted to give some thoughts on the others. Quick apologies - I meant to post this in December, but the month got away from me and now it's already 2018! BTW, Happy New Year!!

***All samples received as samples with purchase. This is not a sponsored post.***

Sisley Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream - I absolutely love the Sisley Black Rose Mask, and was excited to see this sample. From the name of the product I was expecting a heavier, more robust cream but this actually has more of a lotion or light cream consistency. I was hoping it would cure my dry, Winter skin (the Belif wasn't quite doing the trick) but nope. If you have normal or slightly oily skin this might work, because it does provide some lightweight moisture. But if you are looking for something to cure your dry skin I'd probably look elsewhere. I even tried layering it with the MV Organics Rose Plus Booster as well as the Belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb (tried layering separately and all 3 together) and just something about the Sisley doesn't penetrate deep enough to relieve that deep, dry skin itch. It also took longer to sink into my skin.

Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream - I absolutely loved this and ended up purchasing 2 full sizes (I'm down over 1/2 on the first container). This accomplished what the Sisley could not - it cured my dry, Winter skin!! Even though Fresh describes this as a gel-cream, it really packs a big hydration punch . My skin immediately feels relief and soft to the touch. The full size comes in a heavy, glass jar which is a nice touch at this price point ($40/1.6oz).

Derm Institute Anti-Oxidant Hydration Gel Masque - I had 2 samples of this mask, and though it was indeed moisturizing I don't think it was moisturizing enough. This has a gel texture, and I felt it evaporated/dried too quickly before being all that effective. Of course, this is coming from someone who has an extremely dry forehead, cheeks and neck so take that for what you will.

Rodial Pink Diamond Instant Lifting Serum - This is $310/1oz, so I definitely was expecting near miracles. Besides a little tightening and a hint of brightening, I didn't see or feel much difference...certainly not enough to warrant the high price or purchasing a full size. At this price, I think you'd be better off paying for in-office treatments with a dermatologist or medical aesthetician.

Hourglass Hyaluronic Skin Tint - I didn't care for this at all. It looked heavy on my skin, and clung to my pores and flakey bits. It was definitely better when mixed with the CoverFX Illuminating Primer, but I think a good foundation should be good of its own accord.

Supergoop Everyday Sunscreen SPF50 - I actually quite liked this sunscreen, and it's on my possible purchase list. It wore well under makeup and didn't feel too heavy. I would need more time to see if it worked as an actual sunscreen though, that's why it's on my possible purchase list.

Have you tried any of these products? What did you think?