While I find myself looking forward to the holidays, I can’t say I’m excited for winter itself. Despite growing up in New England, I’ve never liked the cold, and the shorter days certainly have an effect on my mood. But the worst thing about the cold—even worse than being married to my puffer coat for the next five months—is the havoc it wreaks on my skin. Suddenly I’m dealing with dry, flaky patches, irritation, and redness on top of my usual acne. Festive!
Instead of digging through my usual product stash, I’ve been playing with new makeup and skin-care products from IPSY that have soothed my cold-weather complexion and almost has me ready for Arctic temperatures.
IPSY is a customized service that sends you five new products to play with each month. Unlike some other beauty boxes, IPSY’s bags are personalized to you through an in-depth quiz, so you’re only getting products that work for you. In addition to the Glam Bag, which sends you five deluxe sample-size products for $12 a month, and the Glam Bag Plus, which gets you five full-size products for $25, you can also shop all the items from current and past bags online.
This month was all about winterizing my beauty routine: swapping in skin-care products that are better-suited to the season, and—ahead of the holidays—transitioning to makeup that feels a little festive. From the perfect body cream to the most natural-looking highlighter, scroll on to see the products I’ve been loving from this month's bag.
The deluxe sample-size products below are from the IPSY Glam Bag. The full-size products are from the Glam Bag Plus. All prices below are for full-size products.
Sol de Janeiro Coco Cabana Cream
It’s easy to neglect body care, but once it gets cold it’s crucial to treat everything from the neck down with the same TLC your face gets. This yummy cream has a plush, whipped texture and that instantly hydrates and leaves your skin baby soft. Did I mention it smells like fresh coconut cream? Sol de Janeiro Coco Cabana Cream, $45
Gigi Gorgeous Less is More Lip Gloss
I’ve embraced the return of lip gloss with open arms, and I love that this one is made by one of my favorite Youtubers, Gigi Gorgeous. It’s crazy shiny without being sticky, and the subtle shimmer makes my lips look fuller. It’s been a go-to for the office and nights out alike. Gigi Gorgeous Less is More Lipgloss, $16
Belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb
During winter, my eyes get really dry and puffy. Not cute. This cream instantly brings them back to life with a flood of moisture and a cooling texture. The lightweight gel doesn’t pill under makeup, and it keeps my eyes feeling refreshed all day. Belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb, $48
Bareminerals Bounce & Blur Powder Blush in Coral Cloud
Powder blushes can look caky on dry winter skin, but this one has a bouncy cream-powder texture that goes on seamlessly. All the shades are beautiful, but I’m partial to Coral Cloud, which adds a peachy flush to my cheeks without making me look too done up. Bareminerals Bounce & Blur Powder Blush, $29
Color Club Nail Polish in Catwalk
I love cherry red nails every day, but they feel especially right as we get closer to the holidays. This is the perfect classic red in a super-shiny formula that lasts for days without a single chip. Color Club Nail Polish in Catwalk, $8.50
APTO Skincare
This soothing mask has been keeping me sane when I'm dealing with crazy breakouts and dry patches; it manages to tackle both. Azelaic acid gently exfoliates away dead skin and helps unclog pores, while turmeric naturally minimizes inflammation and soothes redness. In 10 minutes, my skin is back to its normal self. Apto Skincare Healing Mask With Turmeric, $16
Ciaté London Dewy Stix
There are times where I want a highlighter you can see from space, but most days I’m looking for more of a lit-from-within glow. This transparent balm is the best product for the second job. It delivers a dewy sheen—no sparkle in sight—that makes my skin glisten like I stepped through an Instagram filter. It makes me look alive in seconds, and I love using it on my eyes for an editorial sheen. Ciaté London Dewy Stix, $26
Belle en Argent Creme Lip Color in Smoking On Screen
I’m usually a nude lipstick girl, but once there’s a chill in the air I start reaching for moody berries. This shade, Smoking on Screen, fulfills my vampy lipstick fantasies, and the formula glides right on with tons of pigment in one swipe. While full-on color is usually dehydrating, this lipstick is moisturizing, thanks to argan and jojoba oils. Belle en Argent Creme Lip Color, $16
Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion
This is perfect for my acne-prone skin. It has panthenol and honey extract to deeply moisturize—without leaving a greasy residue—and aloe to soothe any breakout-related irritation. Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion, $42
Trèstique Good Vibes Mascara
Putting a mascara and lash curler in one tool seems like such a no-brainer, it’s shocking that it took this long to be invented. But if it seems like a gimmick, fear not, this is the real deal. The curler is easy to use and lifts lashes in one go, and the mascara adds dramatic volume and length for the perfect fluttery lashes. Genius. Trèstique Good Vibes Mascara, $25