The temperatures in New York over the past two weeks have been ridiculous. Christmas Eve felt like springtime and now I feel like it's the polar vortex all over again.

I said in my winter skincare essentials post that my skin has been acting out but I've gotten it pretty under control. 

What I haven't gotten under control? My lips.

They are ridiculously dry and chapped and I'm pretty sure my eczema is camping out around my mouth. 

It makes applying lipstick a lot more difficult and I've been really into lipsticks lately...thank you Kylie Jenner.

I've been trying out a bunch of different lip balms and found a few that work really well. When I apply the right lip balm, it makes my lipstick apply so much easier.

BeneBalm: This was on my wish list for the longest time but I could not justify spending $18 on a tinted lip balm. I still felt like I needed it because I love red lips but on some days a red lip seems a bit much so I thought a tinted balm would moisturize and give me color. After watching so many reviews on youtube, I decided to take the plunge...and I had a $15 Sephora gift card. It's amazing, I'm obsessed, and it's pretty much my favorite lip balm ever. It's super moisturizing, pigmented, smells amazing, and leaves my lips smooth, the perfect canvas for a real red lipstick.

Nivea Olive Oil and Lemon: I think this is my favorite lip balm of all time. It's the one I keep going back too because it smells pretty awesome and it leaves my lips incredibly moisturized and smooth. I rarely ever have to reapply this because the moisture lasts forever. 

First Aid Beauty Ultra Lip Therapy: This is a really thick, vaseline type consistency. I apply it at night to let it moisturize, almost like a lip mask, and in the morning, my lips feel like brand new. I got it on sale at Sephora and it was well worth every penny. First Aid Beauty is my new favorite brand and I'm sure you'll see more of it here.

Maybelline Baby Lips Dr. Rescue: This is the jugular of all lip balms. It's has that medicated feeling, leaves a slight sheen on your lips, and moisturizes through and through. I apply it every single day, multiple times a day, and I've noticed a huge difference in my lips.

Now for the lipsticks...

Too Faced La Creme Lipsticks: I found these bad boys at Nordstrom Rack for $8 each. They originally retail for $22 (EXCUSE ME) so I obviously bought two. I bought "'Cinnamon Kiss" and "LoganBerry." They're super pigmented but also have that balm, moisturizing feeling (HOW MANY TIMES CAN I SAY MOISTURIZING IN ONE BLOG POST). The color transfers but they are easy to apply.. you don't really need a mirror. I am hooked on these and I definitely need more soon.

Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayon in Gavi: I had a mini sample of a Bite lipstick last year and it was incredible. I've been meaning to get my hands on another one of their lip products but it's pretty expensive and the amount of colors overwhelm me. This mini size pencil was $12 and it's the perfect pinkish nude. Bite uses natural ingredients so it feels and looks amazing on the lips. 

Okay, I'm really sorry for the amount of times I said moisturizing in this post. Someone get me a thesauruses! 

These are my recipes for smooth, luscious, and gorgeous lips during the winter! 

What lip products are your favorite?

The packages coming to my house have been insane. Between my shopping addiction that has flared up again, products to review for the blog, subscription services, and Christmas gifts...it's gotten a little insane. Stay tuned in the upcoming weeks for lots of reviews on a variety of different things, it'll be good.

Anyways, no more rambling, lets dive right into the Birchbox.

I chose not to receive the curated box like last month—even though some of the items were the same. I really wanted to be surprised and didn't care for all the products in the curated box (it was put together by one of my favorite celebrities, Lo Bosworth). 

Here's what I received in my box this month:

Vasanti Kajal Extreme Rose Gold eyeliner: This was the sample choice I got to pick in my box. I knew I was going to love it because I've been really into rose gold and eye brightening products lately. This is perfect for the inner corner of your eyes and your water line, perfectly brightening and widening your eyes to make you look more awake. I've been using it everyday and it's so creamy and smooth—I'll probably purchase the full size eventually.

Sample size: 4/5

Full price: $18

Davines Replumping Superactive: This is a hair serum that claims it makes your hair look thicker and shiner. I definitely don't need my hair to look thicker because we all know I have a lions mane. I just used it this morning and after I blow dried and straightened my hair, I could definitely say that my hair is thicker and shiner. It's actually kind of mind-blowing how a product can change how your hair looks but it feels healthier as well. This was also an awesome sample size.

Sample size: 5/5

Full size price: $39.50 (YIKES)

Manna Kada Lip Locked: This lipgloss claims it's a primer, stain, and gloss that is also nourishing. Once again, I'd have to agree. It's a cute little sample that has a lot of thick product inside. The pale pink color is perfect for the fall and winter seasons and I love it. I usually don't use the lip products that come in my Birchbox because they're super glossy and sticky and the sample is too small but this one is different. It's definitely a stain but not that sticky and it's a decent size. A definite plus!

Sample size: 3/5

Full size price: $24

Ruffian Nail Lacquer in Ruffian Red: I spoke about this on Manicure Monday yesterday but I think this was my favorite product in the entire box. I love a good nail polish and having a simple red is essential, especially around the holidays. Ruffian is a really great Birchbox brand and I'm so happy I finally got one in my box. It's a really great formula, just opaque enough that you could get away with one coat. I'm obsessed. 

Sample size: 5/5

Full size price: $10

SeaRX Anti Wrinkle Facial Lift Treatment Serum: I don't think I really need anti wrinkle serums but I may use this any way. I may also just give it to my mom. It's a very think serum and feels good on your skin so who knows, I may use this. The sample is a nice size as well.

Sample Size: 3/4

Full size price: $34

I also received two nice sized foil packets from Davines of their Replumping Shampoo and Conditioner. I haven't tried these out yet because I've been using Head and Shoulders shampoo for my dry scalp. I may try them out next time I wash my hair. These weren't part of my samples but just a nice little extra.

Sample Size: (2/5)

Full size price: Both retail for $25 each

I'd have to say I was really happy with this box. I could use pretty much all these products and I think they're perfect for winter.

What subscription services do you subscribe too? If you get Birchbox, what did you receive in your box this month?