December 2012 Glam Bag

The December Glam Bag was my second bag since resubscribing to Ipsy (formerly MyGlam).  The November bag absolutely thrilled me, so I was really excited to see what the December bag would include.  When it arrived, I certainly wasn't disappointed!

Inside a gunmetal gray makeup bag, my December Glam Bag included five samples and a bonus item for being an "influencer within the Ipsy community."  The samples included:

NYX - Ultra Pearl Mania Loose Eyeshadow in Mink Pearl ($3.00/0.06 oz)
It’s not hard to sparkle with one of NYX’s ultra-shimmering loose shadow powders that can be used on eyes, cheeks, even lips. These finely-milled mineral eye shadows are high-impact, long-lasting and a little addictive! Just the sparkle you need this holiday!

Sample size: 0.06 oz
Sample value: $3.00

Urban Decay - 24/7 Glide on Eye Pencil in Zero ($19.00/1.2 g)
Creamy, forever-lasting, award-winning and waterproof, 24/7 pencils delight you with lush tropical hues, deep metallics, and unusually vibrant neutrals. The best Eye Pencil ever, ever, ever! Never before has a pencil this creamy and brilliant been waterproof, too.

Sample size: 0.8 g
Sample value: $12.67

Mai Couture - Highlighter Papier in St. Barts ($28.00/50 sheets)
Add radiance to desired areas of your face and body. The shimmering highlighter paper from Mai Couture will illuminate any dullness for a glowing complexion. 

Sample size: 25 sheets
Sample value: $14.00

Mirabella - Prime for Face and Eyes ($29.00/12.85 g)
Prime for Face and Eyes weightless, oil-free formula glides onto help promote long-wearing makeup. Vitamin E works as an antioxidant to smooth out lines as it moisturizes and protects skin. Prime provides a silky feel to the skin as it aids in repairing cellular damage.

Sample size: 12.85 g
Sample value: $29.00

Be a Bombshell - Lipgloss in Hot Mess ($14.00/3 g)
The perfect holiday “true red” lip gloss that goes on sheer! Layer for a more opaque look. This formula instantly creates the look of fuller more voluptuous lips with luminous shine. This maximum-shine, moisturizing gloss will be perfect for any haute holiday party.

Sample size: 3 g
Sample value: $14.00

Bonus Item - Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm
Minimize pores, lines, wrinkles and redness instantly. Get significantly firmer, more lifted skin in 8 weeks. 

Not yet released!  Will be available exclusively on UrbanDecay.com on January 8th.

Total bag value: $72.67

I'm thrilled with this bag and thought it had a really great assortment of products.  At first glace I was afraid the red Be a Bombshell lipgloss was a little too orangey to work on my skin tone, but it's absolutely lovely!  It looks gorgeous worn sheer and layers beautifully to reach more opacity.  I'll be reaching for this gloss all winter long.  I already own and enjoy the Urban Decay eye pencil in Zero.  I'll happily keep this as a back up or pass it along to a friend/family member for Christmas.  I haven't tried the NYX loose shadow, the Mai Couture highlighter, or the Mirabella primer yet, but look forward to it!

As for my first impression of the new, not-yet-released Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm...  I think this is a unique idea!  At first I thought the product was another take on BB Cream (Blemish Balm), but after having tried the product and reading the claims and descriptions in more detail, I realize it's purpose is a little different.  (As far as I can tell) The Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm only comes in one shade.  Unfortunately it's a little dark/yellow for super fair girls like myself; however, the product is sheer and can be worn under foundation so the shade shouldn't matter too much.  Unlike traditional BB Creams, the Naked Skin Beauty Balm is very sheer and offers little coverage (though if you have lovely skin, you could probably wear it alone).  What it does offer is a slew of skincare benefits.  The multitasking formula perfects, protects, treats, primes, and hydrates the skin.  In just 8 weeks, it claims to inhibit DNA damage, firm skin, improve elasticity and fight wrinkles.  While after a quick first time use, I certainly can't say how well the product lives up to these claims.  I can say that I found the product to have a pleasant, almost minty scent and thought it felt nice on the skin (undetectably really, even "Naked").

Would I purchase it?  Probably not.  I have very oily, acne-prone skin.  Due to active breakouts and post-acne scars, I need something with quite a bit of coverage which this product does not offer.  Because I have very oily skin, I also tend to try to avoid too many unnecessary steps between my skincare and foundation as I find the extra product tends to work against my makeup lasting.  That said, I would definitely recommend those with fairly nice skin who only need minimal coverage, or those looking for an anti-aging, reparative product to give this a try.  It's a unique concept and it was a definite perk to be able to give this a try before it's release!