Ipsy Icon Winter Box

 Ipsy Icon Winter Box

I didn't get to choose anything in this box, so everything was a big surprise. In some ways, that's actually more fun because nothing is expected. However, I think getting to choose a few of the products would have been better. I really didn't need another mascara or lip pencil or face mask. If I had options, I would have skipped those items. This somewhat puts them at a lower ranking just because I really didn't need them. Anyway, this is what I got.

I only got two skincare items. The first of these is the Dr. Brandt Skincare Glycolic SkinRenewal Mask. It's supposed to help with signs of aging and uneven skin textures. The cream is very thick and lux feeling. It smells vaguely of mint. You are supposed to put this on clean, dry skin and leave for 5-10 minutes to let it do its thing, then wash off with lukewarm water. My skin is pretty sensitive so this stung. It stung a lot. I didn't enjoy the sensation of having it on at all. After about the first five minutes, either the stinging settled down or I got used to it or my face was numb. My skin did feel nice and smooth afterward. It's a fine mask. We'll see if it helps with anti-aging over time.

My next skincare item was new to me as well. It was 8 Faces Brilliance Serum. I was completely drawn to this from the beginning. For one thing, the packaging is beautiful. The bottle is glass and so beautifully decorated. It also has a glass pipette with a rounded tip. It has rosehip and pomegranate oils, with lotus plant cells, Vitamin C, cica exosomes, and collagen peptides. It smells richly and warmly of citrus. I am discovering that I really love beauty oils. This one glides on gently and absorbs into the skin really well. I've been using it as part of my skin routine, and even after I use the bottle up, I'm keeping it because it's just so lovely.

My first makeup item was the Rodial Glass Powder in translucent. I love Rodial. I use some of their eye creams and they seem to be doing a good job. Even though it's translucent, it has some soft peach undertones that are supposed to help make your skin look poreless and flawless. I was pretty pleased with the results. The first time I used this, I'd made the mistake of using an older, thicker, matte foundation. My skin looked patchy and messy, but the powder made it work. I applied it with a large brush and it went on like a dream. The only issue I had with this powder at all was that the protective plastic cover over the holes inside was very difficult to remove.

Next, I received the Persona CosmeticsVolumizing Tubing Mascara in black. This is a pretty standard mascara. The wand is really nice. It has short bristles and a curve to it. Everything applies well. Is it the best mascara I own? No, but for day-to-day use, it's fine.

The next box actually had two items in it. Bisha Essential Eye Designer Duo Set in Downtown Black and UptownBrown. I was pretty excited about this to begin with because yay two items. I also really loved the packaging. Both were in sleek gold tubes. The black was very black and the brown was a darker chocolate brown. I find that they don't have much lasting power on my skin though. Not too long after application, both had faded and started to migrate. I'm still looking for eyeliner that won't do this to me.

I also received a double set with the Lithe Beauty Soft FillLip Pencils in Scarlet and Dusk. I have some questions. First of all, neither of these seem to be lip pencils. They're really thick. They're more like lip crayons. Second of all, neither color really seems to represent what they say it is. Maybe Dusk does, but the Scarlet one is really not scarlet colored. They glide on well though. I enjoy them.

The last two items were from the featured beauty icon for the season, Natasha Denona. First we got the RetroPalette 15 Eyeshadow Palette. The palette itself is a solid metal and a good size. It has a beautiful mirror. It contains one duo-chrome shade, one with a multi-color sparks topper, 4 metallic shades, and the rest are mattes. Five are cream powders. The colors are in the burgundy and mauve ranges, and are very passionate. Now, admittedly, these are not usually shades I wear. I tend to lean toward nudes or warm autumnal shades. However, I am giving this a chance. Everything is very pigmented and glides on well. I wore them for several hours and they seemed to hold up on my eyes very well.

The other Natasha Denona item that I received was the I Need a Nude lipstick in the shade 36NP Amorosa. It contains Gotu Kola and Orchid extracts that are supposed to heal and nourish your lips. It's described as one of those 'your lips but better' shades and I would say that's true. It looks really good on me. It's also supposed to be universally flattering and work with all skin types. Besides the shade (which I do love) there are two other things I adore about this lipstick. First of all is the packaging. As you can see from the pic above, it's a decadent, bright red metal container. It also has a magnet in it that snaps it back into place when you're done with it, which makes it feel so lux. The other thing I like about it is the feel on the lips. So often lipstick feels waxy and thick. This one feels so light and easy. It's something you could wear all day and not feel like you have something on your lips.

ORDER OF FAVORITES FROM MOST TO LEAST

1. Natasha Denona I Need a Nudelipstick 36NP Amorosa

2. 8 Faces Brilliance Serum

3. Rodial Glass Powder
4. NatashaDenona Retro Palette 15 Eyeshadow Palette
5. Dr. Brandt Skincare Glycolic SkinRenewal Mask
6. Persona Cosmetics Volumizing Tubing Mascara
7. Lithe Beauty Soft Fill Lip Pencils
8. Bisha Essential Eye Designer Duo Set in Downtown Black and Uptown Brown