As is the usual tradition when it comes to GlossyBox, I received mine near the end of December, and just recently finished playing around with the samples included. After a somewhat anti-climactic year-end Ipsy Bag last month, I was hoping that GlossyBox would make up for it with their holiday-themed box.

What I Received:

ARDENCY INN – “PUNKER” – World’s Baddest Eyeliner (*Full Size!*)

ANATOMICALS “You Need A Blooming Shower” Body Cleanser

NAOBAY Oxygenating Cream Moisturizer

Nails, Inc. “Victoria” Polish (*Full Size!*)

Michael Todd True Organics Pumpkin Nutrient Rich Facial Mask

Product # 1: ARDENCY INN – “PUNKER” – World’s Baddest Eyeliner ($19)

I received a similar marker style eyeliner by Be A Bombshell in an Ipsy bag a couple months ago, and even though I liked the concept, I was concerned about how long the liner would last in terms of not drying out over time since it’s not something that can be sharpened down or easily salvaged.

As far as this product goes- I really did enjoy this liner. The fine point made application incredibly easy, and I was able to go from subtle to dramatic with the flick of my wrist in little to no time at all. It lasts for hours (and hours!) without flaking off or smudging. Case in point: I wore this liner on New Years Eve under my masquerade mask, and even after sweating on the dance floor for hours, and the fabric from my mask rubbing against my face-  including my eye area on more than one occasion- my cat-eye was still flawless when I finally got back to my hotel room.

But again- the question of the marker possibly drying out with daily uncappings/re-cappings comes into question. Although my liner is still fresh, meaning it still has a slightly wet feel to it when I use it- I’m curious how long that will last.

Would I Purchase?: Maybe. This liner really is a fantastic quality, but I’m cautious when it comes to the Sharpie-esque texture of this product. $19 is a lot to spend on a black eye liner, so I’d want to be sure I was getting my money’s worth and not wasting cash on something that may not last me more than a few weeks.

Product # 2: ANATOMICALS “You Need A Blooming Shower” Body Cleanser ($9.50)

I love ANATOMICALS’ products- the results I get when I use them, their more than reasonable pricing, and their cute and clever packaging. I was really excited to try this rose-scented (and pink!) body wash, since it smelled absolutely lovely in the neon colored tube. In the shower, this body cleanser lathered up really, really well- and it made my skin feel squeaky clean without drying it out or causing any kind of reaction.

Initially, the scent wasn’t overpowering the way some florals can be- but my only gripe is that it didn’t last long on my skin at all. No sooner had I dried off when it all but disappeared, which was a little disappointing.

Would I Purchase?: Maybe. Although the fragrance-fading was a bit of a let-down, I still liked the other aspects of this body wash- especially how nice and clean my skin felt after I used it. I figure that feeling alone could possibly be worth purchasing a full-sized bottle- even if I won’t smell like a bouquet of roses for long.

Product # 3: NAOBAY Oxygenating Cream Moisturizer ($45)

The first thing I noticed about this lightweight moisturizer is that it smelled like a greenhouse, if that makes any sense. It’s made from plant extracts, which is awesome, but I really hadn’t expected it to remind me of vegetables. As far as hydrating my skin, I’ve been using it for a few days now, and I haven’t noticed any significant difference in how my skin feels or it’s tone and texture. It looks and feels the same as it did before I started using this product. The only thing I like about this particular moisturizer is that it absorbs quickly into my skin, and can act as a makeup primer- but my current foundation already has primer in it- so that’s not necessarily needed.

Would I Purchase?: No. For $45 a bottle, I wasn’t blown away by this moisturizer at all. It was pretty basic, and I’ve tried other creams (for a fraction of the cost) that have given me much better and more noticeable results than this. I’ll pass.

Product # 4: Nails, Inc. “Victoria” Polish ($9.50)

I have to apologize for how bad my nails look. I’ve decided to take a break from acrylics and gel manicures for a few weeks to give my tips a long overdue and much needed break, and the brittle, damaged ends are in the process of growing out.

I’ve received the “Baker Street” polish from Nails, Inc. in a past GlossyBox, and I loved it. This deep cherry red lacquer was no exception. The formula applies smoothly, dries quickly, and doesn’t chip or smudge easily. The color is beautiful- a perfect dark shade for the Winter- and it lasts a long time.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I received a full-sized bottle in December’s GlossyBox, and it should last me for a very long time, but I really love the color and the formula, so I’d probably re-purchase this one whenever I run out of it.

Product # 5: Michael Todd True Organics Pumpkin Nutrient Rich Facial Mask ($34)

I wish I had known about this product back when I compiled my “Autumn Essentials” post last year, because it’s the first and only face mask that I’ve ever tried that has smelled like a delicious pumpkin spice latte. This all-natural mask does a bit of everything: it unclogs pores, improves skin’s texture, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. I applied a generous amount (and amused myself more than I care to admit with how it turned my skin into the color of an Oompa-Loompa’s,) and waited 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off. Immediately, I saw and felt how much smoother my skin was, and noticed that it had a bit of a glow to it. I can’t say much about whether or not it drastically unclogged my pores with just a couple of uses so far, but I’m hoping to see more definitive results in the coming weeks.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I think this was my favorite product in December’s GlossyBox. I loved this mask, and I would absolutely purchase a full-sized bottle. The results were great, it smells amazing, and it’s loaded with all natural ingredients that are actually good for my skin. I’m sold.

Much like Ipsy’s year-end bag, I wasn’t completely blown away with December’s GlossyBox. It wasn’t horrible by any means, but nothing- with the exception of the pumpkin mask- really impressed me. I’m hoping with a new year, both subscription services come up with some new, innovative ideas to really make their boxes/bags stand out among their competitors.