I am a self-declared product junkie and I LOVE Sephora Favorites. These boxes are a great way to try new cosmetics without spending dollars on full-sized products. Oh, but I would pay full-price for some of these mini's (major 'mini' product junkie)!

Honestly, I don't have time to try every product in these boxes and if I did my skin and hair would most likely get super angry and lash out in flakes and frizz. There's only so much you can put on your face and a multitude of products doesn't promote healthy skin. I choose boxes that have a few products I intend to try and then share the others. An excellent gift idea for the holidays - buy three to four boxes, split up the products amongst your friends, arrange in small Sephora bags, tie a ribbon and everyone will love you.

Back to my mini product addiction. I prefer little products, cause I can pack tons of shit in my cosmetic bag without compromising and they fit in my Cosmocube nicely. And.. you're getting great value for your dollar. The Glow For It box has six products for $30 ($6 each). Not bad considering the full-sized Benefit Watts Up! Cream-to-Powder highlighter retails for $30. Multiple mini's for the cost of one full-sized. I never finish full-sized products before they expire anyway - there's always something new to try.

Size and shape of a mascara brush, and density and flexibility of the bristles are important when choosing a mascara. The formula is relevant, but they're all similar and the brush is what really defines a great mascara. Depending on your needs, eye shape and lash length, the right wand is necessary. 

Buxom Lash mascara is my favorite. The hourglass-shaped brush has long, closely packed plastic bristles that evenly coat your lashes without clumping. Want length and drama? You will love Buxom Lash. For a more natural look, start at the lash line and work your way up (or down), applying layers until you've reached your desired thickness. This will create a curled lash with more definition at the lash line. I focus on my outer lash line and apply less as I move towards the inner corner of my eye. For thick, dramatic lashes, apply one or two coats on the ends first and then apply to the lash line. Love to layer coats of mascara - this is the brush for you. 

The larger your mascara brush, the more difficult it is to reach the outer lash line and coat your bottom lashes. The micro wand is perfect for coating 'every' lash. Before applying my volumizing Buxom Lash mascara, I apply Intensifying Long-Wear Mascara by Bobbi Brown at the outer corner of my eyes. Heavier mascara at the lash line and outer corner creates drama and intensifies your look. 

Want thicker, plumped lashes? Try a large, dense brush. Oversized wands pick up a lot of product and thus allow you to apply more product with every sweep. Wiggle the brush at the roots, so the fibre bristles can wrap around your lashes for 360° coating. This method will seriously plump your lashes and create major volume.

Tapered wands are a two-in-one brush shape. The densely packed fibre bristles and thick base will plump your lashes. The skinny tip allows for more precision and coating those hard to reach lashes.

The curved brush is shaped similar to your lash line and allows for even coverage. This brush is great for curling your lashes. 

A Spiral brush or curved bristles grab onto your lashes, coating every little hair evenly. You can create serious volume with the style wand.

I had never seen a Round brush until Givenchy's Phenomen'Eyes mascara. I love this mascara and the brush is excellent for precise application. You can focus on each section individually, rather than the 'all-over sweep' you get with tradition brushes. The round brush is also great for coating the outer corner giving you a more dramatic look.

Intense Pulsed Light Therapy is a non-laser treatment that uses broad spectrum light programed at specific wavelengths to treat "angry" skin. IPL is used to improve photoaged skin, erase age spots, treat rosacea, reduce redness caused by broken capillaries, treat acne, remove unwanted hair and enhance your skins overall appearance, resulting in an even and radiant complexion.

I had my first IPL treatment ten days ago and am impressed with the results. The procedure was quick and the pain level, bearable. It felt like a hot light against my face and an elastic snapping on my skin (not pleasant). Thankfully my dermatologist treated my entire face in less than twenty minutes. There were minimal side effects: slight burning sensation and itchy skin (lasted one day). The brown spots on my face became dark and slowly faded over the following week. The age spots on my face are 30% of what they were prior to the treatment and my skin is luminous! I also have rosacea and since my treatment the redness on my cheeks, nose or forehead has dissipated. I will have a second treatment in seven weeks - Hopefully the IPL will remove the remaining pigmentation and my complexion will be "near perfect".

I highly recommend the IPL treatment for age spots. The cost is $300 to $600 per session. I know it seems like a lot, but think of the money you will save on foundation, cover-up and the plethora of skin enhancing facial creams and serums you use regularly! Great skin = less makeup and less product.