Another highlight of the Sephora experience is of course leaving the checkout armed with free samples to try before you buy. If you're ordering internationally then you'll have to skip over the perfume vials but there are plenty of beauty and skincare goodies on offer as well. Here's what made its way into a couple of my recent Sephora orders. There's mini reviews and purchasing verdicts to cast your eyes over as well..

Make Up For Ever HD Pressed Powder-This powder is designed to soften the appearance of fine lines and pores. I kept it in my bag for the times when things began to look a bit too sheeny. This powder really made such a difference! Shine was kept at bay much longer and it left my skin looking much smoother. Purchase? If you're after a new powder for touch up then you should check this out. I personally prefer my Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder over this one but it is still a great alternative.

Dior Addict Fluid Stick, various shades-My favourite sample. It arrived packaged like the actual fluid sticks themselves and contained four sample shades to try. I tried the shade Wonderland, a gorgeous pink toned red. These are pretty pigmented but it is also easy to build up the colour to the intensity you want it to be. These don't feel overly sticky on the lips and last well. I'm looking forward to trying the other colours. Purchase? If you're feeling particularly spendy, absolutely. They are definitely one of my favourite lipgloss-lipstick hybrids. 

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara-Now this wasn't exactly a free sample as such but this mascara was one I had been wanting to try so it made its way into a recent Sephora order. This won't make your lashes look thicker but it is perfect for lengthening and separating. Like Tarte's other mascaras this one is also super long-wearing. Purchase? I have a few mascaras on the go at the moment but once they bite the dust I know this one will be tempting me.

I've been a member of Mecca's Beauty Loop for a couple of years now and it was after a purchase of one of the Hourglass blushes recently that I came away with this box as well. Beauty Loop is Mecca's alternative to the Sephora Beauty Insider service or Space NK's N.dulge rewards. It works similarly to these but it isn't identical. Some of the perks you'll get as a Beauty Loop member include free product samples, the opportunity to preview+buy products before they officially launch and receive Beauty Loop boxes like the ones pictured above. I do love a good sample box but they can be very hit and miss. I had high hopes for Mecca's box though and decided to do mini reviews of what I tried for you. 

Note: The sample sizes were small so these reviews aren't meant to be in depth. Think of them as my first impressions, and verdicts on whether I'd go out and buy the products.

Bare Minerals Stroke Of Light Eye Brightener-This is what I'd imagine a more luxe version of the Rimmel Wake Me Up concealer to be like. It's lightweight and is easy to blend. I'm not sure whether I received Shade 1 or 2 in my box but it definitely did have a brightening effect. It didn't crease on me either which is a bonus.

Purchase? Probably, I'm just waiting for my Origins Plantscription concealer to run out first.

Eve Lom Cleanser-This sample packet notes that Vogue once declared this the best cleanser in the world. Bold claims but it certainly delivered. One thing I will get out of the way now is I really didn't like the scent. It's not exactly overpowering but it is quite herbal which won't be for everyone.  It has quite a balmy texture and it gets rid of all your makeup. My skin felt so clean after using this and the next day it was incredibly soft. 

Purchase? If you can get past the scent of this cleanser you'll probably really enjoy it. I can understand why Vogue and Lisa Eldridge are fans. Since trying this I've found out this cleanser contains mineral oil, which is an ingredient I tend to steer clear of so I'm not sure I'd buy this. It is also incredibly expensive *sad face*.