February 2014 Ipsy Glam Bag

The February Ipsy Glam Bag aimed to create a collection of "beauty goodies so good that you'll fall in love at first sight!"  Inside the hot pink and white makeup bag, I received a wide assort of beauty products and color cosmetics.

I was immediately excited about the selection of products I received as well as the shades.

My February Glam Bag included the following products:

City Color - Be Matte Blush in Fresh Melon ($2.99/8.9 g)
Available in 8 shades, this silky-smooth, highly pigmented matte blush compliments and blends evenly with your skin's natural glow.  Extremely buildable to create a subtle or dramatic look.

Sample size: 8.9 g
Sample value: $2.99

{Swatch of the City Color Be Matte Blush in Fresh Melon}

I've never seen or heard of City Color Cosmetics before receiving this blush.  From what I can tell from their website, the company just launched in 2013, so they're brand new!  I love that this blush is matte and the bright melon shade is gorgeous on my fair skin.  This blush feels incredibly smooth and swatches and blends beautifully.  I'm surprised by how high-end the formula seems considering the incredibly low price point!  I think this will become a spring staple for me.

POP Beauty - Plump Pout Mini in Peony Petal ($16.00/0.3 oz)
This plumping pout perfecter combines the high-shine of a lacquered gloss with the long wear of a stain and is packed with lip-plumping peptides and avocado and jojoba oils.  Lightweight, creamy texture immediately merges with lips & delivers intense glossy color for an extremely long-lasting finish!

Sample size: 0.14 oz
Sample value: $7.47

{Swatch of the POP Beauty Plump Pout in Peony Petal}

This product is a home run for me!  As you may be able to tell from the smudges on the wand, I've already worn this several times and I'm in LOVE.  First of all, the shade is stunning.  It feels really nourishing and comfortable on the lips yet does leave a gorgeous stain and wears for a fairly long time despite it's glossy texture.  I will definitely be purchasing this full-size once I run out of the mini and I'm curious to try some of the other shades (there are four total in the range).

Tini Beauty - Eyetini Eye Cordial Cream Shadow + Base in Ambrosa ($18.00/0.14 oz)
Say goodbye to creasing and fading with Eyetini Eye Cordial Shadow Tint & Base.  Eye Cordial's revoluntionary formula glides on beguiling creamy color and sets to a transfer-resistant finish that doubles as a wear-extending base under powder shadow.

Sample size: 0.14 oz
Sample value: $18.00

{Swatch of the Tini Beauty Eyetini Eye Cordial Cream Shadow + Base in Ambrosia}

Ambrosia is described by Tini Beauty as a "glistening plummy mauve" but I'd definitely say it leans more plummy taupe.  Either way, I think the color is quite lovely and wearable.  The product is nicely pigmented and easy to blend, leaving a wash of shimmering color on the eyes.  I've only worn this product once for about 4 hours, so I can't speak to how well it wears for a full day; however, I have extremely oily eyelids and, while most products begin creasing without a primer within a couple of hours, this Eye Cordial looked perfect after around 4 hours.  I love cream shadows for an all-over-the-lid quick wash of color when I'm in a hurry and this shade is perfect for that application.  It provides depth without being too dark and provides a nice dimension thanks to it's shimmer.

Zoya - Nail Polish in Odette ($9.00/0.5 oz)
This season's Zoya Nail Polish are full of pure pigment, intense color and modern complexity that are a perfect transition into Spring.

Sample size: 0.5 oz
Sampel value: $9.00

{Swatch of the Zoya Nail Polish in Odette}

Odette, a "sultry orchid maroon cream," is a gorgeous shade that I think will be lovely for Spring but would also be appropriate year-round.  Zoya polishes have a great formula and Odette is completely opaque in two coats.  I can't wait to wear this gorgeous shade.

Überliss - RituOil ($19.90/2 oz)
Quench your hair's thirst with the Überliss RituOil!  Engineered with a light blend of Orchid & Argan Oil, RituOil will preserve precious moisture within the hair fiber by sealing the cuticle & will safeguard it from thermal damage.  The end result will be amazingly soft, shiny, and frizz-free hair.

Sample size: 0.34 oz
Sample value: $3.38

I don't believe I've ever seen any products that utilized Orchid oil.  I'm curious to see how this compares to normal Argan Oil.  I haven't tested this out yet (I'm using up the last of a couple oils I already have open), so I can't give any first impression or reviews just yet.

Total bag value: $40.84

This is definitely one of my favorite Glam Bags as of late.  I'm really loving all the products I've tried thus far and, for me, the shades I received this month are a hit!  I have to say, Ipsy definitely delivered on the promise of "beauty goodies so good you'll fall in love at first sight."

Dove Advanced Care Anti-Perspirant Deodorant with NutriumMoisture Technology {Review}

I was recently sent the new Dove Advanced Care Anti-Perspirant Deodorant with NutriumMoisture from Influenster to test out.

The Dove Advanced Care Anti-Perspirant Deodorant claims to deliver "48-hour odor and wetness protection plus NutriumMoisture and an elegant floral scent for the ultimate care after every shave."  I've been testing out the deodorant daily for the past week and a half and I'm loving it!

I can't speak to the 48-hour odor and wetness protection claim as I don't really suffer from underarm odor or excessive sweating (unless I've been exercising or in extreme heat, which which case I certainly wouldn't wait 48 hours before a shower).  However, I've really enjoyed the "NutriumMoisture technology," which basically equates to this deodorant providing a subtle moisturization to the underarms.  I haven't experienced any discomfort or itching when using this product, even directly after shaving, which is something I had experienced in the past with previous deodorant brands.  (Prior to receiving this product for review, I was using the Dove Clear Tone Skin Renew Deodorant and really enjoyed it as well--no itching or irritation).  The Advanced Care Deodorant is an invisible solid, it glides on like butter to provide a completely invisible barrier against odor and wetness while leaving the skin soft and moisturized.  The scent is absolutely lovely as well: fresh and feminine, but not overwhelming.  I've oddly looked forward to applying this deodorant each morning and I plan to repurchase it once I run out as it's definitely my favorite deodorant I've tried to date.  The reviews on Dove's website for this product are fairly glowing, so it seems that I'm not the only one loving it.

*I received this product complementary of Influenster for review; however, all opinions stated are my own and honest.

February 2014 Birchbox

"Step. Pose. Repeat. It's award season, and we're prepping by watching all the Best Picture nominees and dusting off our sartorial scorecards. (After all, the red-carpet posing is a show in itself.) This year, we've got some serious experts in our corner--the editors at US Weekly, who have celebrity makeup artists on speed-dial and know the secret behind every red-carpet look."

For the February 2014 box, Birchbox teamed up with US Weekly to present a collection of products worthy of the stars and the red carpet.

My February Birchbox included the following samples:

Beauty Protector - Protect & Oil ($25.95/4 oz)
Exclusive launch!  This just-for-you hair oil defends against UV rays, heat, and breakage.

Sample size: unknown (about 0.20 oz)
Sample value: unknown (about $1.30)

I really enjoyed the Protect & Detangle spray from Beauty Protector, so I'm looking forward to trying their new Protect & Oil.  With oils like these, you don't need much (especially on fine hair), so this adorable little vial should last a while.

COOLA - Tinted Matte SPF 30 for Face ($36.00/1.7 oz)
Mineral-based tinted moisturizer with lasting sun protection and a shine-free finish.

Sample size: 0.17
Sample value: $3.60

I've sample a few products now from COOLA and have enjoyed them all.  I appreciate that they're mineral-based and they tend to be fairly lightweight and comfortable on the skin.  I'm thrilled that this provides a matte finish as I have oily skin.  As for the tinted claim: while the product does have a slight tint, it is practically transparent and really provides no color whatsoever when blended out.  Honestly not something I'm too concerned with, but I feel like it's a bit misleading to call this product a "BB Cream" as the sample is labeled.  I'm going to be setting this one aside for spring and summer.

Ruby Wing - Color Changing Nail Polish in Kitten Heels ($10.00/15 ml)
This color-changing polish morphs from a hot fuchsia to a deep magenta in the sun.

Sample size: 7 ml
Sample value: $4.67

I've seen these Ruby Wing Color Changing Nail Polishes around for some time and had thought they were a cute concept but had yet to try one.  I received the shade Kitten Heels which changes from a hot pink (indoors) to a warm red (outdoors).  While I never wear polishes this bright on my nails, I could definitely see this as a fun shade to wear on my toes in the summer!

Smashbox Cosmetics - Full Exposure Mascara ($19.50/0.38 oz)
Hybrid fiber formula that expertly lengthens, volumizes, and curls sans clumps or flakes.

Sample size: 0.14 oz
Sample value: $7.18

First impressions of this product are pretty good but not outstanding.  I like that the fiber formula is more subtle and doesn't leave you with fuzzy, spidery lashes.  It doesn't seem to add that much dramatic volume as the formula seems fairly dry from my experience with the sample.  As for the brush, it is pretty much identical to the wand on Benefit's Bad Gal (which, if you're familiar with that mascara, you will know is rather large).  I haven't worn this for a full day yet, so I can't speak to how well it wears, but I'm curious to continue to try it out for a bit and see what I think.

Smashbox Cosmetics - Full Explosure Palette ($49.00/0.14 oz)
A range of versatile hues, complete with tips on creating the best look for your eye shape.

Sample size: unknown
Sample value: unknown

When I first opened my box this month, I was kind of bummed to see these tiny samples; however, this sample was actually my "Beauty Extra" for the month (not counting towards my 4+ deluxe samples that are guaranteed).  Additionally, when I actually swatched a couple of the shadows, I was pleasantly surprised at how easily the pigments transferred from the paper, to my fingers, and from there to my hand.  This is something you could legitimately use at least once or twice to test out the shadows to see if splurging on the full palette is something you're interested in.  The full palette features a row of 7 shimmer shadows and 7 matte shades.

{Swatches of the third matte shade and seventh shimmer shade from the palette.}

Total box value: approximately $16.75

Overall, not a bad month!  All the samples I received are ones that I'm happy to try out, so that makes this a pretty good box for me even though the value isn't as high as other months.


What did you get in your February Birchbox?

January 2014 Ipsy Glam Bag

The January 2014 Ipsy Glam Bag was named "19 Reasons" in honor of the various brands included in the month's bags encouraging "19 reasons to make it an amazing new year, a million reasons to be a beautiful new you!"

My January Glam Bag included the following samples:

Sexy Hair - Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Tri-Wheat Leave in Conditioner ($17.95/8.5 oz)
The Sexy Hair Healthy Sexy Hair Tri-Wheat Leave in Conditioner is a powerful combination of Soy and Cocoa work synergistically to perfectly care for your hair!  A conditioner that is both a nourishing moisturizer and mild protein reconstructor and safe to use on color-treated hair.

Sample size: 1.7 oz
Sample value: $3.59

This is actually a product that has been in my rotation for about a year now.  I have fairly fine, straight, hair; I use this Leave in Conditioner on wet hair after showering.  I mainly utilize it as a detangler, though I do notice it does in part some subtle moisture as well.  While I do enjoy this product, I don't notice that it's any more effective than other products of this type.  I'll probably set aside this sample for use while traveling.

Épicé - Purifying Exfoliant ($32.00/3.3 oz)
A unique exfoliant which removes excess dirt and dead skin cells all while activating collage production and hydrating your skin.  This moisture rich formula utilizes mild, non-irritating and anti-bacterial cleansers which microfine polyspheres which enhances skin texture and clarity for a clean, fresh appearance.

Sample size: 1 oz
Sample value: $9.70

I haven't used physical exfoliants regularly on my face in about a year.  I prefer a chemical exfoliant like the Paula's Choice RESIST Weekly Resurfacing Treatment with 10% AHA that does a fantastic job of exfoliating while being gentle on the skin.  I've tested this product on my hand and it seems like it will be fairly effective while still gentle; the exfoliating particles are extremely fine yet plentiful and remind me of the rice bran particles in the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant suspended in a cleanser.  This is a pretty generous sample and I'll keep it on hand in the shower for mornings when my skin looks a little dull, but it won't be replacing my favorite exfoliant anytime soon.

Proactiv+ - Mark Fading Pads (individual price unknown; only sold as a kit)
The Proactiv+ Mark Fading Pads are a convenient, single-use, no-rinse peel pad that can instantly boost your skin's glow and radiance.  The pads help remove dead skin cells to unclog pores and remove dull layers to reveal new, smoother, more even toned skin.

Sample size: 4 pads
Sample value: unknown, approximately $2 (estimating about $0.50/each)

Like many Proactiv products, these Mark Fading Pads can only be purchased as part of a full kit which immediately disappointed me a little seeing these sampled in my bag this month.  That aside, I'm curious to try these.  I really like that they're individually wrapped which makes them convenient to use (and great for traveling).  The details of this product remind me a lot of the Paula's Choice RESIST Weekly Resurfacing Treatment with 10% AHA, which makes me optimistic that I'll love these.  While my favorite Paula's Choice product contains 10% glycolic acid, these Proactiv+ Mark Fading Pads have 5% glycolic acid and the added benefit of 2% salicylic acid to clear pores.

Elizabeth Mott - Smooth Shadow ($14.99/1.5 g)
The ultimate gel pencil that's smooth like butter and packed with deliciously creamy colors.  These velvety pencils glide on with ease, and contain just enough shimmer.  They're also waterproof and perfect to wear all day and night, a must have for all color lovers!

Sample size: 0.7 g
Sample value: $7.00

This Smooth Shadow pencil in Pearl was the product that excited me the most initially when I opened my Glam Bag this month.  I've been on the hunt for a light flesh-toned pencil for brightening my waterline.  I've tried out the Rimmel Scandaleyes in Nude, which has a great formula but was just too dark and yellow for my skintone.  This shade is light and bright, with a subtle glimmer to open the eye.  I haven't worn this for a full day yet, so I can't speak to how long wearing it is, but the initial effect is pretty though very subtle.  I'm not sure if it's the color or the formula, but this product doesn't show up dramatically on my waterline and the difference before and after of using the product on me is barely noticeable.  This could easily just be me though, as I find eyeliners in general don't transfer that well to my waterline.

MicaBeauty - Tinted Lip Balm ($30.00/4 g)
MicaBeauty's 24 hour Tinted Lip Balm conditions your lips without smudging while delivering sophisticated finish.  For a sheer wash of color, one swipe is all you need.  For a bolder pout, simply apply another swipe and this lip balm will create lips every woman covets.  Kiss-proof and smudge-proof!

Sample size: 2.5 g
Sample value: $18.75

While I find the color of this MicaBeauty Tinted Lip Balm (Natural) to be very pretty, the formula disappoints me.  It claims to be kiss-proof and smudge-proof, but I don't find it to be even remotely long-wearing.  It never sets on my lips and easily smudges and wears off.  For a "Lip Balm" it's not moisturizing either, so it really just functions as very slippery, slightly sheer lipstick.  If I layer the product on thick, it ends up looking rather odd: uneven and caky.  I'm just not loving the formula though the shade is beautiful.

{Swatches of the Elizabeth Mott Smooth Shadow in Pearl and MicaBeauty Tinted Lip Balm in Natural}

Total bag value: approximately $41.04

I'm not overly fond of my January Ipsy Glam Bag contents.  This month's bag itself smelled rather cheap and plastic and unfortunately the products I received didn't impress me much either.

January 2014 Birchbox

The Birchbox philosophy for January 2014 is Go Time.  "This year, we're flipping resolutions on their head.  Forget giving things up--in 2014, we're taking on more: more things to try, to conquer, to integrate into our lives.  New products--in the form of this month's samples--are just the beginning."

I was really excited to see some fresh, new-to-Birchbox brands in this month's box!  Having been subscribed to Birchbox for nearly three years and a few other beauty subscriptions along the way, I've gotten a little exhausted seeing the same brands repeated time and again, month after month.  Seeing a fresh new selection of products for the start of 2014 is exciting!

My January 2014 Birchbox included the following samples:

100% Pure - Fruit Pigmented Mascara ($18.00/0.24 oz)
All-natural lash-conditioning wonder that thickens and lengthens with real fruit pigments.

Sample size: 0.1 oz
Sample value: $7.50

I've heard great things about this mascara recently from a couple of beauty YouTubers.  I was excited to see it included in my box this month!  I haven't tried this out yet, but the formula looks incredibly black and it smells delicious (like blackberries).

Fekkai - Brilliant Glossing Créme ($19.99/4 oz)
Rich in olive oil, this creamy frizz-tamer gives strands all-day shimmer.

Sample size: 1.6 oz
Sample value: $8.00

I've wanted to try a few products from the Fekkai range for some time.  I always use some sort of leave in conditioner/oil/etc. for adding softness and preventing frizz.  I'm looking forward to trying this out; it has great reviews, so I'm sure I'll love it!

Nail Rock - Nail Sequin ($7.00/0.34 oz)
The UK brand's two-step system for the world's brightest disco-ball mani.

Sample size: 0.34 oz
Sample value: $7.00

I think this product is a really fun concept.  I'm not the biggest fan of wearing a full glitter mani (I tend to prefer cream polishes with the occasional subtle glitter accent nail), so I'm not sure I'll get much use out of this.  However, I am intrigued by the Nail Velvet offered by the same line.  At only $7.00 for the polish/velvet set, I'm considering adding that to my next Birchbox shop purchase.

Paula's Choice - RESIST Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum ($26.95/1 oz)
Water-based antiaging serum that normalizes skin and tightens pores.

Sample size: 0.17 oz
Sample value: $4.58

I'm thrilled that Birchbox is now carrying some of the Paula's Choice line!  As I've shared before on the blog, I cannot live without the RESIST Weekly Resurfacing Treatment with 10% AHA.  I have not tried the RESIST Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum before and am thrilled to have the chance.  It's water-based and light enough for those with combination and/or oily skin, which is perfect for me.

Ahmad Tea London - Assorted Teas ($7.00/40 bags)
Beat the winter chill with tasty blends from a Buckingham Palace-approved British Brand.

Sample size: 3 bags
Sample value: $0.53

I'm not the biggest tea drinker.  I do love chai and fruity herbal teas, but I'm always curious to try other teas to see what else I may enjoy.  I love that Birchbox included three different flavors to try as this month's Lifestyle Extra.  Looking forward to brewing a cup later today!

Total box value: $27.61

Overall, I'm really happy with my box this month!  I'll probably end up passing the Nail Rock on to a friend, but all the other products are fantastic and products I'm genuinely thrilled to try!  Good job, Birchbox, starting 2014 off with a bang!

December 2013 Birchbox

December's Sparkle and Shine Birchbox came with an extra festive flare this month, perfect for the holiday season.  "The holidays are finally here!  ...It's time to celebrate, whether that means corralling your family for a midnight screening of It's a Wonderful Life or dusting off your flounciest frock and taking a spot underneath the mistletoe."  The packaging and the product selection/value of my December Birchbox really had me feeling the festive theme!

My December 2013 Birchbox included the following products:

Camille Beckman - Body Butter in Morelia Monarch Scent ($15.00/5.25 oz)
A handcrafted formula that softens skin with shea butter, sweet almond oil, and glycerin.

Sample size: 0.25 oz
Sample value: $0.71

The Morelia Monarch scent is described as featuring "green tea and amber over a base of vanilla orchid."  I would describe it as fresh and warm, floral with a hint of sweetness.  The butter feels rich, but not unpleasantly greasy and very moisturizing.

Mally Beauty - Lip Magnifier in Soft Nude ($20.00/0.10 oz)
This creamy lip crayon delivers high shine and rich pigment as it plumps and softens.

Sample size: 0.10 oz
Sample value: $20.00

{Swatch of the Mally Lip Magnifier in Soft Nude}

While I'm not a big fan of nude lip products on myself (I have fairly pigmented lips and I always feel like they look a little strange on me), this one has a hint of peachy pinkness that makes it a little more wearable.  It applies beautifully and feels great on the lips.  I prefer to wear a bit of creamy pink gloss (the NYX Butter Gloss in Tiramisu) on top to add a bit more color and shine so it's more flattering, but overall I'm enjoying the formula of this Mally Lip Magnifier and would be curious to try out the product in other shades.

Nelson j Beverly Hills - Argan Oil 7 Moisture Healing Mask in Pomegranate ($20.00/4 oz)
100% argan oil-derived deep treatment made to nourish dry, color-treated, or damaged hair.

Sample size: (2) 0.5 oz packets
Sample value: $5.00

I love using deep conditioning products to keep my hair healthy and extra shiny and soft.  I appreciate that these packets are generously filled for a decent application.  I haven't tried these out yet, but I look forward to!

Skin&Co Roma - Truffle Therapy Serum Boosting Anti-Aging Serum ($75.00/30 ml)
Antioxidant-rich truffle extract helps smooth wrinkles and replenish parched skin.

Sample size: 10ml
Sample value: $25.00

First of all, I'm thrilled to have received such a generous deluxe sample of this product, especially considering the price.  I've received quite a few high-end anti-aging serums and the like in past subscriptions and they are almost always tiny--only enough for one or two uses--and not enough product to even properly test out the benefits of the product.  This serum has a light texture and is fast absorbing, which I really love.  I'm looking forward to working it into my routine to see how my skin reacts.

Greenleaf Candle Co. - Starlight Votive Candle ($17.00/9.5 oz)
Cozy flame that emits a citrus-infused scent with a hint of white musk.  Sweet dreams.

Sample size: 2 oz
Sample value: $3.58

This Greenleaf Candle Co. votive was my "Lifestyle Extra" this month.  This is definitely the kind of thing I love seeing included as a thoughtful extra in my box.  The scent is lovely.  I'm not sure if I'll keep this candle for myself or pass it on to a friend though.  As much as I find the fragrance nice as a casual sniff, I tend to get a headache anytime I wear or burn any musk scent.

Total box value: $54.29

I'm thrilled with items I received in my Birchbox this month!  I thought the selection was great, the products themselves felt high-end, and the samples sizes were generous.  This was a knock out box for me!

December 2013 Glam Bag

The December 2013 Ipsy Glam Bag was all about Celebration, "There's always a reason to celebrate!  Whether it's buying your first car or welcoming your 2nd grandchild, there's always a reason to get gorgeous and feel glamorous!"

This month I received:

Andrea - Strip Lashes in #33 ($3.99/set)
Be your most beautiful everyday.  Andrea lashes are the perfect compliment to your natural beauty.  Strip Lashes are lightweight, easy to apply, and comfortable to wear.

Sample size: 1 set
Sample value: $3.99

I don't wear false lashes a ton, mainly because I have naturally fairly long and full lashes and I don't have too many glamorous occasions that call for more than a generous coat of mascara.  That said, these look like a very pretty, full, and flirty pair that I would really like.  I may rock these a red lip for an upcoming holiday party (long lashes and bold lips are my favorite holiday look).

POP Beauty - Bright Up Your Life Eye Shadow Trio in Naturally Bare ($24.00/10 shadows)
This palette of hues adds definition and intensity to lids, creating a broad range of looks that compliment all eye colours.  From brightening bare to sultry smoke, these hues blend smoothly onto the lid, adding a veil of silky luster that will outlive the day or night!

Sample size: 0.15 oz
Sample value: approximately $7.20

{Swatch of the POP Beauty Eye Shadow Trio in Naturally Bare}

These shadows are smooth and fairly pigmented.  The colors are really pretty neutral shades, great for everyday.  This would be a really great, compact palette for traveling.  The colors applied evenly and, worn with primer, lasted all day.

Nicka K New York - Nail Color in Classic Taupe ($4.99/0.5 oz)
The Nicka K New York is specially designed to glide across fingernails with minimal effort for vibrancy that is dazzling and long lasting.  Formula is free of DBP, Toublene, and formaldehyde.

Sample size: 0.5 oz
Sample value $4.99

{Swatch of the Nicka K New York Nail Color in Classic Taupe}

While I own (and love) a ton of taupe polishes, I was pleasantly surprised to see that, in sunlight, this one leans a little more on the warm/beige, rather than gray, spectrum.  It's certainly a pretty shade, though not entirely unique.

Be a Bombshell - The One Stick in Girl Crush ($16.00/0.26 oz)
An all-in-one multiple stick with a smooth texture.  Apply to eyelids, cheeks or lips for the perfect pop of color anywhere!

Sample size: 0.26 oz
Sample value: $16.00

{Swatch of the Be a Bombshell The One Stick in Girl Crush}

The One Stick in Girl Crush has quite a bit of golden shimmer (the color reminds me of a lighter, pinker NARS Orgasm), which initially completely turned me off.  I normally shy away from such noticeable glitter in my cheek products and usually prefer creme formulas on my lips as well.  However, out of curiosity, I popped this on my cheeks and was pleasantly pleased with the pretty, subtle flush it gave me (to be fair, I haven't looked at it in daylight yet--that may be a deal breaker).  The formula feels very creamy and is incredibly easy to blend.  I'm still a bit hesitant about this product, due to the shimmer, but I'm curious to experiment with it a bit more.

NYX - Extra Creamy Round Lipstick in Miracle ($4.00/0.14 oz)
A classic lipstick for all occasions that has a mineral-based emollient formula, beautiful velvet texture, saturated color, and resists wear and smudging.

Sample size: 0.14 oz
Sample value: $4.00

{Swatch of the NYX Extra Creamy Round Lipstick in Miracle}

My collection really didn't need yet another red lipstick, but I'm a big fan of NYX Cosmetics and this was my first time trying out one of their Creamy Round Lipsticks.  I honestly haven't gotten a chance to try this out on my lips yet, but it swatches beautifully (creamy, even, with a pretty shine).  I like that it doesn't appear overly saturated in color, which I often like in a red lipstick as I find them easier to wear day-to-day if they have a little sheerness to them.

Total bag value: approximately $36.18

Overall, I thought my December Ipsy Glam Bag offered a nice selection of classic products that would be great for holiday party looks.  For someone who has a fairly modest makeup collection, this month could have been a real winner, offering some great staples like quality neutral eye shadows, lashes, taupe polish and red lipstick.  However, if you're like me and have a wealth of makeup, this month didn't provide anything extremely fresh or innovative.