Ipsy December 2014 Review

The December 2014 Ipsy theme is "Thinking of You." I was hoping this month would be a bit more special because of the holidays and end of the year, but this bag was just okay for me. It was definitely still worth $10, which is why I love Ipsy! 

Ipsy sent me five items in this black, sturdy bag. This would make a nice pencil bag, or bag for travel. I received two full size products - the Pixi Fairy Dust and NYX Butter Lip Balm, a standard size brush, and two sample products.  Let's start with Pixi... 
(p.s. The sun wasn't cooperating when I was taking these photos - sorry about the weird brightness and shadows!)

Pixi by Petra Fairy Dust: This is in the shade Brightening Bare, which is described as a medium nude sheen. Unfortunately, this just didn't work for me. I tried applying the shadow wet and dry, but I still found the color to be sallow and unflattering. The formula was nice though, the texture was soft and easily blend-able. I have some great nude shadows, some even from Wet 'n Wild that are inexpensive, so I won't be using this. 

 Size Received: 0.02 oz
Price: $10 full size 0.02 oz
Value: $10   

NYX Butter Lip Balm: I received the shade Lady Fingers which is described as mauve. I'm very happy with this product! The shade is a pretty medium pink and nicely pigmented. The formula is soft and applies smoothly. There is a subtle sheen. The balm is hydrating, but I felt like it exaggerated the flakiness of my dry lips. I'm not overly concerned with that though because I really need to exfoliate this time of year anyway. :) 

 The wear time on this is great - about two hours, and it fades nicely. I will definitely use this all winter! I applied two coats for the swatch and on my lips, which is a nice wash of color. 

Size Received: 0.14 oz
Price: $4.00 full size 0.14 oz
Value: $4.00

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara: I was definitely excited to see this high-end sample in my Ipsy bag! Tarte claims this mascara lengthens, curls, volumizes, and conditions lashes which results in a 330% increase in lash volume. Okay, I have to admit this mascara did not *wow* me, and I didn't see a 330% increase in volume, but it does separate and lengthen the lashes nicely. I like the volume and length I get, and no dreaded spidery lashes! This mascara couldn't hold a curl well, which is disappointing. I like this best on my lower lashes, the brush seems to catch those little lashes well.

Size Received: 0.10 oz
Price: $20.00 full size 0.24 oz
Value: $8.33

Coolway Boost Repair Mask: This hair mask is supposed to reduce hair breakage by up to 75% and strengthen hair by up to four times. When I was going to try this, it came out like oily, curdled milk and smelt horrible. I immediately washed it off my hands and have not had the courage to put it in my hair haha - it just seems so yucky. I promise when I actually try this, I will let you know how it went. 
Size Received: 1.3 oz
Price: $29.95 full size 8 oz 
Value: $4.87 

 Crown Brush Infinity Shadow/Crease Duet Brush: This is a duel-ended brush created with synthetic fibers. The larger brush on the right is called the shadow brush and is used for applying eyeshadow or contouring the eye. 

The smaller brush on the left is called the crease brush and is used for defining the eye or precision concealing. 

Oh my goodness, I love this brush! The shadow brush works nicely for blending, but the smaller crease brush is the star of the show. This is amazing for smudging out eyeshadow under the eye, and darkening the outer-V. The tip is pointed so it's precise, and the fibers blend beautifully. This shadow brush can blend out a smokey eye in no time. I've used this brush every day since receiving my Ipsy bag! 
Size Received: Full size brush
Value: $6.99


Overall Thoughts: While this was not my favorite Ipsy bag, the NYX butter lip balm and the Crown Brush still make me very happy! I'm glad I was able to try the famous Tarte 4-in-1 mascara, too. I hope next month's bag will include a prettier eyeshadow. The total value for this month's bag was about $34.19.

How did you like December's Ipsy Bag? Did you have a favorite/least favorite product?

Thanks for reading!