Urban Decay Spring 2014 Collection - The Naked Collection

Urban Decay was one of the first brands to bring out their spring collection however I haven't gotten a chance to really check it out until I visited Sephora earlier today.  I had seen pictures of it online but it wasn't released to the stores right away and today was one of the first days that the weather co-operated enough for me to head out to the mall.  My goal was to check this collection out today and swatch a couple of the products while I start deciding what types of products I will be picking up for the upcoming spring months.  I am well stocked right now on skincare and am still loving the Bobbi Brown foundation that I tested out last month.

Urban Decay has often brought out more than one new collection each season so there is a good chance that we will be seeing more from this brand in the next few months.  The collection that we are looking today is called the Naked Collection.  The first piece of this collection actually came out several months ago with the release of the Naked 3 eye shadow palette.  I remarked in my review of that product that it was perfect for spring and summer and I put it away after I finished writing up my review of it.  Urban Decay brought out their first Naked Eye Shadow Palette in 2010 and they have been growing the collection ever since.  I have purchased a lot of the items from that line and I am sure that I will picking up more from this collection along with pulling out the Naked 3 palette once spring arrives.

The Urban Decay Naked Collection!

Naked Skin Beauty Balm - A five-in-one beauty balm that minimizes the appearance of pores, lines, wrinkles, and redness instantly for skin that looks firmer in eight weeks.  Blur flaws in seconds and get serious anti-aging benefits in just eight weeks.  This lightweight, velvety, oil-free miracle works instantly and over the long term.  Naked Skin Beauty Balm is invisible on your skin (zero rub-off): the universal shade glides on and dries down to a translucent flawless finish that works on most skintones.  While many beauty balms are tinted to provide coverage, Naked Skin diffuse light with high-tech pigments to give you amazing, natural, naked-looking skin that keeps getting better every week.  Unlike a lot of beauty balms, Naked Skin delivers measurable anti-aging benefits - and the claims prove it.  This product is now available in three shades: Light, Medium, and Dark.

Naked Skin Ultra Definition Loose Powder - Finely milled, this lightweight loose powder is designed to blur away imperfections, setting the foundation and concealer without creasing.  As with the Beauty Balm, it also provides a demi-matte finish so it doesn't look heavy or cakey.  Available in five shades to suit a range of skintones.

Naked Ultra Nourishing Lip Gloss - A nourishing balm and high-shine gloss in the one tube, containing vitamins and Shea Butter, the Naked Glosses provide a subtle color while complementing a range of looks.  With its creamy texture and high-shine finish, Naked Lip Gloss is the perfect gloss to complement a UD smoky eye.  It not only makes your lips dangerously kissable but also feels so luxe that you'll want to keep applying it all day (even when you don't have to).
- Beso - deep mauve pink
- Freestyle - brown-nude with subtle micro-shimmer
- Liar - soft mauve pink
- Lovechild - medium pink
- Naked - nude-pink with a pearly pink shift
- Nooner - light neutral nude
- Rule 34 - medium brown nude
- Streak - coral peach
- Walk of Shame - pale nude pink with subtle micro-shimmer

I am really excited for this new collection and I think this is my favorite collection so far this spring.  I know that I will be buying the Light shade in the BB Cream for summer, I have used the "universal" shade in the past (the new Medium shade" and I always found it to be a touch too dark for my skintone (even with self tanner and bronzer).  I can't wait to try that product out for the summer and I will be ordering this one very soon.  I am putting the loose powder on the backburner for the moment, I don't need a loose powder and it always takes me a long time to finish up a powder so I don't need to order this one anytime soon.  I would be open to this formula once I need a new powder and I will probably try this one out in the next few months.

My favorite item in this new collection are the lip glosses.  I still have some of the two previous formulas of lip glosses from this company in my collection and I am really excited to try this new one out.  My Sephora had the testers out of these glosses however most of the display was sold through and I was only able to grab one of the shades that I really wanted.  Naked was my favorite lip gloss shade in the previous gloss formula and a shade that I also own in their lipstick, this is my perfect nude and I was excited to see that this one was still in stock at my Sephora.  I will be ordering a few other shades online and I already have Beso, Liar, and Lovechild on my shopping.

Urban Decay is often known for creating cutting edge, bold collections and I really like this type of different offering from them.  I think this will be one of their best selling collections as this is a very wearable and universal series of shades and products and I hope all of these products are part of their permanent collection!

photo courtesy of Urban Decay

Urban Decay Primer Potion Eden

I have been trying a newer version of my favorite Urban Decay Primer Potion and I have to say that I think this version is the best one that I have tried so far.  I have used the traditional Primer Potion for years and I have always gone back to it after trying other formulas.  This company has released multiple special versions of the product but I have always found the original to be the best of the group.  I was on the fence about trying yet another version of the Primer Potion as I always end up preferring the original but I was in the mood to branch out and find a new product to review.  I have been playing around the Lorac eye primer since last month but I wanted to try another formula and see which one I prefer.

The Urban Decay Primer Potion Eden is one of the newer versions of the best-selling Primer Potion and was out of stock on the Sephora website when I originally wanted to order it.  It had been out of stock for so long that I had actually forgotten about it when I started using the my new Lorac eye products and then I decided to order the Urban Decay product once it came back in stock.  I have been using it the past few days and comparing it to the Lorac product, I didn't love the Lorac eye primer so I was looking forward to trying something different.  I was attracted to this version of the Primer Potion as Eden is supposed to resemble more of a concealer finish on the skin and leave a smooth canvas for eye shadow application.

The Sephora website provides the following description of this newer version of the Urban Decay Primer Potion, "A creamy, nude matte primer that gives you vibrant, crease-free eye shadow for 24 hours.  Get a primer with multiple benefits.  This 24-hour wear, crease-free shadow provides vibrant color and smoother application.  Eden, a nude matte shade, glides on effortlessly, reduces the look of redness, and delivers full coverage for a gorgeous, subtle look when worn alone.  Its innovative polymer technology fills in any imperfections on the skin's surface, prepping lids for all day shadow."

I think the first aspect that I love about this product is the newer packaging that it is in, I have always loved the Urban Decay eye primers but have found that the original packaging left a lot of  product left inside the tube.  The newer tube is more a squeeze tube but does not have the doe-foot applicator.  I miss the doe-foot applicator but I love the new tube and I will be able to get all the product out of it, more than making up for the lack of applicator.

The second aspect of this product that I really love is the finish that it leaves on my eyelids, the original formula dries clear but I think that I really prefer the soft matte finish that it leaves on my eye lid skin.  My eye shadows apply very smoothly on top of this product and it fills in any fine lines on my lids before shadow application.  I apply one drop to my finger and this has been enough to apply all over both eyelids, it applies tacky and then dries down to the soft matte finish.  It has a velvet feel while it is drying down and then it fully dries in about 60 seconds.  It does take this formula longer to dry down than the original formula or the Lorac formula that I have just been using.  I find that I like to apply this product once I finish up my foundation and then let it dry while I am applying the rest of my concealer, powder, and brow products.  My first few uses of this product slowed my morning makeup application down and then I found that I needed to change up my routine in order to save time.

I still set my primer with a matte bone shade, I have not yet applied a bright or deep shadow right over this product and I don't plan on trying.  I will continue to set my primer in this fashion no matter what primer I use.  So far, my shadows have been applying very nicely over it.  I have mostly been using the Urban Decay Naked palettes with it, I will be working with the Too Faced Chocolate Bar next week and then I will be finishing my review on that product but I happy to report that the shades that I have used so far have applied nicely and stayed bright all day.  I haven't paired this primer with every shadow and palette that I already own but it is working well with the Naked palettes and I have high hopes that it will work with everything I own.

I never thought I would say this but...Eden is my favorite of the Urban Decay Primer Potions and I will be repurchasing both this one and the original.  This one ranks with my favorite eye shadow primers and I am happy to see that one of the variations on the original product has actually worked for me!

photo courtesy of Urban Decay

Urban Decay Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Foundation

I have been playing around with two new foundations over the past few weeks, we are looking one of them today and then I will be reviewing one later on in the month as part of the Brand of the Month series.  I typically prefer foundations from either MAC or NARS and I decided that I wanted to try formulas from brands that I love but that I have never bought foundation formulas from before.  Today we are looking at the first of the two foundations that I will be reviewing this month, the formula that is my least favorite of the two and one that I would probably not repurchase again.  I reviewed a lighter coverage and a fuller coverage foundation, today's review is of the lighter of the two formulas.

Urban Decay has been a favorite brand of mine for years and I have used their BB Cream and liked that the formula.  They introduced a new foundation formula about a year ago and it quickly became one of the best selling foundations on the Sephora website.  The Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Foundation was sold out when I was looking for a new foundation late last summer and I had been putting my review on hold until I could finally order my correct shade and really try this one out.  I finally found my correct shade in stock while I was at Sephora buying the other formula and I just decided to buy both of them while I could find the shades that I needed in both.  

"An oil-free, lightweight liquid foundation that feels like wearing nothing at all, while leaving a demi-matte finish.  Urban Decay’s Naked Skin Liquid Makeup leaves skin looking natural, illuminated, and bright with a luminous demi-matte finish: like the beautiful skin you were born with. Light-diffusing spheres provide a visible reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, blurring imperfections for beautifully perfected, ultra-definition skin that looks completely real.  It provides truly buildable coverage with a weightless feel and a luminous finish. And it’s loaded with nourishing ingredients, including: Matrixyl 3000 (a powerful anti-wrinkle peptide), protective and brightening Litchiderm™, antioxidant green tea, and sodium hyaluronate for optimal skin hydration and nutrient absorption. The sleek, hygienic pump provides more control, with less waste of product.", states the Sephora website

Sephora states that this is a "medium" coverage and can be built up as needed for fuller coverage.  I do not agree with this classification, I found this formula to be sheer coverage and then it needed to be build up to a light-medium coverage, two coats of this formula were needed to coverage any red areas of my face and I still found patches of redness to be peeking through on my cheeks throughout the day.  I tend to prefer fuller coverage foundations and I knew within a few days of wearing this formula that I was not going to be a fan of it.  One pump covers my whole face and then I use a second pump in targeted areas.  The texture of this formula is very lightweight and runny, it feels like nothing when applied and I am a fan of the lightweight feel.  This product provides a matte finish to the skin however it clung to a few of the dry patches around my nose and I always have to be very careful when I apply the product in this area.  This product just makes my dry patches look even worse and I might be putting it to the side until my skin gets less dry as the spring season approaches.  I found that it does not wear well throughout the day and clings to my dry patches even more as it wears.

I apply this product with a Beauty Blender and I have found that I needed to use it dry in order to get any coverage from this product.  The biggest downside to this method of application is that the sponge absorbed more product than it should have and I have been burning through my tube of this product.  I have not tried the product with a brush as I dislike applying most liquid formulas in this method.  

There are two aspects of this product that I really like.  The first is the bottle, I love the packaging and the pump on it.  The second aspect that I like about this product is the shade range.  There are about twenty shades of this product and the palest shade works perfectly for my winter skin, I am using Shade 0.5 right now and could probably use Shade 1.0 during the summer.  I can't find a shade match in many shade ranges and I love how nicely this shade works for my complexion.  I wish that Urban Decay had a different foundation formula in this shade range...

I know that many ladies absolutely love this foundation formula but it just isn't for me.  I would recommend this to someone with more normal to oily skin and who doesn't suffer from redness in their complexion.  This would be a good formula for someone who dislikes the "feel" of foundation on the face and tend to like a lighter coverage BB Cream.  This formula doesn't provide enough coverage for the redness in my face and doesn't work with my dry patches and therefore would be much better for someone with a different skin type than me.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Urban Decay Naked 3 Eye Shadow Palette

This has certainly been a weekend full of Urban Decay and we are now ready to start looking at the Naked 3 palette in more detail.  We started talking about this new Urban Decay palette yesterday with a brief review of the first two palettes in this series and then looking at where in the series this new palette fits in.  Naked 3 is different than both of the previous two palettes and I do feel that I need to own all three of them, this new palette contains rose gold shades that I will be wearing in the warmer weather.  I find this palette to be less "neutral" than the other two and this one will be used for a very specific type of eye look in the summer months.

The Urban Decay website provides the following product description and descriptions of the shades contained in the palette.  "Experiment with 12 NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN (and insanely beautiful) rose-hued neutrals—from pale, shimmery pink to deep black matte with rosy red micro-glitter. It's finally here: the long-awaited follow-up Naked and Naked2 (two of the industry's all-time bestselling palettes)! And this time around, we're giving you a dozen NEW ways to get Naked. (Yes, we loaded this palette with 12 NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN shades.).  Choose from every finish imaginable: ultra-smooth mattes, gorgeous pearls and glimmering metallics. From the palest, shimmery pink to deep, warm black, these neutrals will make you want to get Naked all over again. Every shade features our Pigment Infusion System™ the proprietary blend of ingredients that gives each shade its velvety texture, rich color, serious staying power and blendability.  Naked3 includes a NEW double-ended shadow/blending brush."

I love that this palette contains all brand new shades that are exclusive to the palette, I have some repeats between the first two Naked palettes and my current collection of single eye shadows from this brand.  The shades contained in the newest Naked palette are: Strange (pale neutral pink matte-satin), Dust (pale metallic pink shimmer w/iridescent micro-glitter), Burnout (light pinky-peach satin), Limit (light dusty rose matte), Buzz (metallic rose shimmer w/silver micro-glitter), Trick (light metallic pinky-copper shimmer w/tonal micro-sparkle), Nooner (medium pinky-brown matte), Liar (medium metallic mauve shimmer), Factory (pinky-brown satin), Mugshot (metallic taupe shimmer w/slight pink shift), Darkside (deep taupe-mauve satin) and Darkheart (smoky black matte w/rosy red micro-sparkle).


I have started to swatch and use this palette over the past two days and I already see that I will be using the shades on the left side of this one much more than I will be using the shades on the right side.  This trend has held true with the two previous palettes and I am sure that it will hold with any other palettes that might come out in this line.  Overall, this palette contains more shimmer and satin shades than some of the other palettes and I also think the formula on these is slightly softer and creamier than the previous two palettes.

I have already created eye looks with Strange, Burnout, Trick, and Factory; any combination of these shades will create a pretty rose gold eye look that would look lovely in the summer months.  I haven't created eye looks with any of the more pink-toned shades yet as I am not quite sure how I plan to combine these shades.  In addition, I have only used Darkside as a liner with the four shades that I had mentioned at the beginning of this paragraph.  I think that my least favorite shade of the palette is Darkheart, I can't see myself using this matte black with red shimmer in it and I doubt that I will get much (or any) use from it. 

I will putting this palette aside for the next few months and then pull it out again in the beginning of the summer, Naked and Naked 2 will continue to be in my constant rotation until I change my makeup around for summer.  I also feel that many of the shades in Naked 3 will look better once I pair them with a bronzer on my face and a pretty nude gloss on my lips.  I have to admit that I might not have bought a palette with these shades in if it wasn't put out by Urban Decay and a part of my favorite collection of eye shadow palettes but I have bought it and I will be using it on the days that I want to recreate a sunset on my eyelids.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Urban Decay Naked 3 Eye Palette - Where Does It Fit In Your Makeup Collection?

One of the most anticipated releases of the month is the newest addition to the Urban Decay family of Naked Eye Shadow Palettes.  Everyone that reads this blog is aware that the original Naked Palette and the Naked 2 Palette are two of my favorite eye shadow palettes and ones that I tend to reach for over and over again.  I have been using the Naked 2 palette at least three times a week since the middle of fall and I got very excited when I heard that Urban Decay was adding another palette to this collection.  Naked 2 was one of my favorite releases of late 2011 and I feel this Naked 3 will be one of my favorite products of late 2013.  It arrived in the mail yesterday after ordering it late last week from Urban Decay's website and I have started to swatch and play around with the shades in it.

I am saving my reviews and thoughts on the actual Naked 3 palette for tomorrow's post, I wanted to start with a post that quickly reviewed the other two palettes and then looked to see where Naked 3 would fall into the mix.  The original Naked palette is full of warm shades and the second Naked palette is full of cool shades, is this palette closer to one of them or is it completely different creation?

We will start at the beginning...  The Urban Decay website provides the following description of the original Naked Eye Palette and then the following shade descriptions, "It’s the palette that revolutionized neutrals forever. Loaded with 12 bronze-hued shadows in an insane range of textures only Wende and our product development team could dream up—including matte, satin, shimmer and sparkle—Naked proves that neutral is anything but boring. From the palest champagne to the grittiest gunmetal, it’s all here. Whether you’re going for a laid-back, beachy vibe or black-tie drama, you’ll definitely look better Naked.". 

The shades contained in the original Naked palette are: Virgin (cool pale beige shimmer), Sin (champagne shimmer), Naked (nude matte), Sidecar (beige shimmer w/silver micro-glitter), Buck (fawn brown matte), Half Baked (golden bronze shimmer), Smog (deep coppery bronze shimmer), Darkhorse (deep mocha shimmer), Toasted (antique copper penny shimmer), Hustle (plum-brown satin), Creep (onyx shimmer w/gold sparkle) and Gunmetal (dark metallic gray shimmer w/silver micro-glitter).

I dip into the shades on the left side of this palette more than I use the deeper tones on the right side of the palette.  Virgin, Sin, and Naked are the shades I use all over and then I use the rest of the shades right on the lid.  All of the shades are the classic Urban Decay eye shadow formula and only Darkhorse and Buck are on the challenging side to fully blend.  Half Baked applies so smoothly that it feels like I am applying a cream shadow, this is one of the few shades that I can apply perfectly by tapping it on with my finger.

The second palette contains shades that are much more on the cool toned side and features a range of lovely taupe hues.  "You demanded “MORE NAKED!”—and Naked2 delivers. From luminous shades with shimmer and sparkle to the smoothest mattes imaginable, Naked2 is packed with 12 never-boring taupe-hued neutrals (including a gorgeous grayish brown, a glittery copper and our lewdest, blackest black). Expand your Naked range to create even more sultry neutral looks, smoky dramatic looks and everything in between.", states the company's website.

The shades contains in the Naked 2 palette are: Foxy (cream bisque matte), Half Baked (golden bronze shimmer), Bootycall (cork shimmer), Chopper (copper shimmer w/silver micro-glitter), Tease (creamy pale brown matte), Snakebite (dark bronze shimmer), Suspect (pale golden beige shimmer), Pistol (light grayish brown shimmer), Verve (oyster shimmer), YDK (cool bronze shimmer), Busted (deep brown shimmer) and Blackout (blackest black matte).

I find that I also tend to use the shades more on the left of the Naked 2 palette more than I do the shades on the right.  I use Blackout mostly as a liner and use Busted and YDK only in very dramatic smoky eye looks.  Foxy is the only shade that I use all over the eye and I have nearly hit pan on it already.  Chopper is my staple from this palette, it has a beautiful shimmer finish and is another shade that I prefer to tap on with my finger.

I have found that I use the original Naked palette in the fall and then tend to pick up Naked 2 more in the winter months.  Naked 3 is really not like either of the two palettes, I could call this palette "Naked: Summer Edition" and this would be a fitting title for the shades found in it.  It leans more on the warm side so I find it the least like the shades in Naked 2.  I am sure that any makeup collector will be adding this to his or her collection without a second thought and we will look more in depth at the actual palette tomorrow.

photo courtesy of Google
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Urban Decay Holiday 2013 Collection

Too Faced started my early look at the upcoming holiday season and today we will be following it up with the new gift releases from Urban Decay.  Urban Decay and Too Faced are two of my favorite brands to give gifts from and to order items for myself.  I guess this means that I can start my gift shopping early...for both myself and the ladies on my gift list.  I am taking my time with holiday shopping since we haven't hit Halloween yet and I am still in full fall mode.  I think I will be looking mostly for some new eye makeup from this company's holiday collection.

I am most excited to see the introduction of the Vice 2 Eye Shadow palette, I never got my hands on the original Vice palette and am excited to see if this version will be just as good for me.  I also saw pictures of the cult-favorite Heavy Metal liner that was discontinued a few years ago.  I am really thinking about a bright gold shade in this product to create beautiful nighttime holiday eye looks.

Urban Decay holiday gifts!

Vice 2 Eye Shadow Palette - Judging by the all-too-frequent requests on our Facebook page to “bring back Vice!,” we’re not the only ones with an insatiable shadow addiction. For fans that missed out the first time (and beauty junkies jonesing for their next fix), Urban Decay launches Vice 2—a luxe, sophisticated palette loaded with 20 ALL-NEW (and unbelievably gorgeous) Eyeshadow shades. Experiment with insanely cool brights, not-your-average neutrals, and sexy hits of smoke, all in our decadent, revamped formula. But here’s the part we can’t stress enough: YES, it’s limited edition and it WILL sell out. (And trust us, you don’t want to know about the extreme measures you’d have to resort to in order to land one when that happens.)
- Smokeout - dark taupey-black satin

- Lovesick - black matte with iridescent micro-glitter

- Shellshock - bright metallic silver

- Coax - medium metallic pink with golden iridescent micro-sparkle

- X-Rated - baby pink satin

- Prank - deep navy matte with turquoise floating pearl

- Madness - bright metallic blue shimmer with blue micro-glitter

- Strike - antique gold shimmer with silver micro-glitter

- Stash - deep olive green shimmer with iridescent micro-sparkle

- Poison - charcoal satin with iridescent micro-sparkle

- Radar - metallic brown shimmer with iridescent micro-glitter

- Damaged - bright metallic emerald shimmer

- Voodoo - metallic purple shimmer with iridescent purple micro-glitter

- Betrayal - bright purple satin with blue shift

- Derailed - medium metallic taupey-brown shimmer

- Dope - warm champagne satin

- Toxic - metallic copper-pink shimmer with tonal micro-glitter

- Habit - light nude matte

- Ambush - metallic brown satin

- Rewind - medium brown matte

Ocho Loco 2 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil Set - When our Ocho Loco Eye Pencil Set launched last year, we knew it would be popular—but we had no idea just how popular. The frenzy was so out of control that we’re still getting a ton of requests for it (nearly a year later!). With that kind of demand, we’d be crazy not to do a follow-up. Urban Decay launches Ocho Loco 2. This LIMITED-edition set features a dark, edgy rainbow of eight FULL-SIZE 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils—including FIVE EXCLUSIVE new shades.
- Roach - deep copper brown shimmer

- Twice Baked - rich brown satin with gold micro-sparkle (New and Exclusive)

- Crave - deepest, darkest brown-black matte (New and Exclusive)

- Perversion - blackest black matte

- Deep End - bright metallic peacock shimmer

- Mars - bright metallic green shimmer (New and Exclusive)

- Ultraviolet - bright blue-violet shimmer (New and Exclusive)

- Tornado - dark eggplant pearl (New and Exclusive)

Black Market 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil Set - Like the most addictive of illicit substances, our 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil sets have been known to provoke some pretty insane behavior in fans eager for more of our creamy, forever-lasting liner. (Remember Ocho Loco? Of course you do. Enough said.) Urban Decay launches Black Market 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil Set. The perfect travel-size stash, this LIMITED-edition set includes six darkly gorgeous hues of our award-winning liner—including FIVE EXCLUSIVE new shades.

- West - dark brown pearl (New and Exclusive)

- Desperation - deep taupe-gray matte

- Black Market - charcoal black satin (New and Exclusive)

- Riot - smoky gray matte with violet and fuchsia micro-sparkle (New and Exclusive)

- Apathy - metallic olive green shimmer (New and Exclusive)

- Ink - deep navy blue satin (New and Exclusive)

Anarchy Face Case - Urban Decay launches Anarchy Face Case and Shattered Face Case—all-in-one palettes for the most discriminating beauty junkies. Each LIMITED-edition Face Case includes colors for your eyes, lips and cheeks (many of them NEW and EXCLUSIVE), giving you all the essentials for a range of looks. Perfect for quick getaways, rushed mornings and last-minute invites to stay the night, these travel-size palettes fit stealthily into your bag—making it easy to create a hot look no matter where you are.

- Redemption - deep gunmetal satin (New and Exclusive)

- Fray - warm mauve matte (New and Exclusive)

- Vaporize - deep metallic gray-taupe shimmer (New and Exclusive)

- Provocateur  - light metallic mauve shimmer with multidimensional micro-glitter

- Revolt - bright metallic silver shimmer with silver micro-glitter (New and Exclusive)

- Fetish - mauve-pink

- Quickie - bright pink

- Craze - pale gold shimmer (New and Exclusive)

- Scandal - bright metallic raspberry shimmer

- Perversion - blackest black matte

Shattered Face Case - Urban Decay launches Anarchy Face Case and Shattered Face Case—all-in-one palettes for the most discriminating beauty junkies. Each LIMITED-edition Face Case includes colors for your eyes, lips and cheeks (many of them NEW and EXCLUSIVE), giving you all the essentials for a range of looks. Perfect for quick getaways, rushed mornings and last-minute invites to stay the night, these travel-size palettes fit stealthily into your bag—making it easy to create a hot look no matter where you are.

- Nameless - medium gray-brown satin (New and Exclusive)

- Remix - rich purple shimmer with tonal micro-glitter (New and Exclusive)

- Shakedown - rich brown-gunmetal satin (New and Exclusive)

- Minor Sin - champagne-pink satin (New and Exclusive)

- Bleach - yellow-beige matte (New and Exclusive)

- Overexposed - dusty rose (New and Exclusive)

- Temper - soft baby pink (New and Exclusive)

- Glint - soft pink-champagne shimmer (New and Exclusive)

- Lovechild - cool pink cream

- Zero - zealous black cream

Naked Illuminated Shimmering Powder - Ever wanted to get that gorgeous Naked flush all over (even when you haven’t actually done the deed)? Urban Decay launches Naked Illuminated Shimmering Powder for Face and Body. This soft, glowing beige powder contains a sophisticated, micro-fine shimmer worthy of the Naked name. You really have to see it to appreciate how insanely beautiful it is. Simply dust on Naked Illuminated Shimmering Powder wherever you want to create an instant Naked glow. This smooth, silky powder contains light-reflecting particles that create a luminous, radiant look. Like the perfect quickie, it gives you a sexy, just-finished flush that will have people asking what (or whom) you’ve been doing.

- Naked - soft glowing beige powder

Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner - Like a gateway drug to hardcore sparkle, Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner provides a heavy dose of glam-rock—minus the frequent stints in rehab. But lest these glittery liners fade away into obscurity like far too many once-hot rock stars (Axl Rose, anyone?), we decided it was time to give them a makeover. Urban Decay relaunches Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner. It’s the same fan-favorite formula as before, just with a hot new look and two new shades. This water-based, buildable liner contains super-fine glitter in a clear base that dries down quickly and REALLY stays put (for long wear without any fallout). Wear Heavy Metal alone, apply it over our Eyeshadow or layer two shades together for a more intense glam-rock effect.

- Midnight - cowboy beige glitter

- Glamrock - silver glitter

- Distortion - iridescent glitter

- ACDC - bright purple glitter

- Spandex - deep blue-black with iridescent glitter

- Amp - light blue with iridescent glitter (new)

- Junkshow - bright pink with iridescent glitter (new)

I am obsessed with this collection and I need to start my shopping now!  My biggest priority is getting the Vice 2 Eye Palette before it sells out.  If I can only order one item from this new collection, that would be my top choice.  I collect Urban Decay palettes and need to add another one to my collection, I have found that palettes from this company are among the best in the whole industry.  I need to add this to my eye shadow range, this is one company that I don't care if I own multiples of the same shade from since I will use them all.

The rest of my shopping list is pretty much this whole collection.  I really want to try the Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner this time around.  My top choices are Midnight and Glamrock.  I'm also really excited about the Illuminating Shimmer Powder and I cannot wait to use this to dress my look up this holiday season.  I really like both Face Cases and will be adding both to my collection very soon along with both of the 24/7 Eyeliner sets. 

This is going to be a huge collection for me and I will be picking most of the new products up in the next few weeks.  We will see if any other holiday collection can top it!

photo courtesy of Urban Decay

Urban Decay Naked Flushed Palette

Urban Decay has been rivaling MAC for my favorite makeup line the past few weeks and I have been heading right to their counter each time that I enter Sephora.  My recent favorites from this line have all been lip products so I decided to try a new type of product from this line and learn more about how their face products stack up against those of MAC.  MAC Pro Longwear Blushes have been my recent favorites and I want to see how the blush formula in the Urban Decay Naked Flushed Palette compares to that formula.  I am in the process of deciding how many more shades of Pro Longwear I want to order and the results of my use of this Urban Decay palette has the potential to change all my orders.

The Naked Flushed Palette is the face makeup piece of the super popular Naked collection of products.  I now own both Naked Palettes, the Naked lipstick shade, and the face palette.  I was slightly hesitant to purchase this product now as it contains a bronzer that I would not use until next summer.  I thought about it for a few moments and remembered that even I am in full "fall" mode, the weather has not caught up to me and I can test this product out for a least one or two weeks.  I now also know that I have a brand new bronzer to use next summer and may not have to spend time searching for new bronzer formulas.

I bought this palette at Sephora so I am using the information that this company provides on the product.  "A silky bronzer, highlighter, and blush in a sleek, travel-ready compact.  Use these pressed powders individually or blend them together to create just the right effect. Urban Decay’s micronized, jet-milled formula has a luxe, featherlight texture that feels amazing on your skin and provides a flawless finish. Light-diffusing particles enhance and perfect to for a fresh, glowy look, even after a late night. The color is intensely pigmented yet blends beautifully, and the universal shades are versatile enough for any skintone.  All shades are full size and come in a sleek case with an easy-open magnetic closure and a mirror that is compact enough for travel or mid-date touchups."

The bronzer is a medium tan shade, the highlighter is a pale pink shimmer, and the blush is a bright pink hue.  I have used the bronzer and the blush the most and am struggling to find the best way to make use of the highlighter. 

The bronzer is a traditional matte bronzer formula, I notice little to no difference between this formula and the one that I tried earlier this summer from Bare Minerals.  It goes on nicely and lasts a full eight hours when I am at work.  It doesn't make it very well through a workout or yoga class at night but I wasn't anticipating that it would so I am not that disappointed.  This shade is a true "Medium" and I have to apply it with a very light hand or my face will not match my neck (even with still using up my last bottle of sunless tanner).  The best mode of application for me is to tap the top of my bronzer brush directly onto the product and then lightly brush it all over my face.  I follow with a second round only on my forehead, cheek bones, and chin.  I don't know if this is the greatest bronzer formula ever but it works well and I will use it for a few more days and then bring it back out next May.

The blush is a bright pink hue that apply smoothly and has a nice amount of pigmentation.  This one is the quality of the MAC Pro Longwear or NARS.  It lasts all day without streaking during a workout and the pigment remains true throughout normal wear.  My biggest issue with this product is that I can only get it in this palette and Urban Decay does not sell single powder blushes (at least as of right now...I am sure that could change in the future).  I would love to see more of these blushes sold alone and in a range of shades.  I will be crossing my fingers that Urban Decay can deliver on this in the coming seasons.

I tend to mostly use the highlighter around my eyes even though many people get the best results with use on the top of the cheek bones.  I dip my finger into the highlighter and then apply a small amount on the inner and outer corner of my eyes.  It makes me look more awake without having to add more eye makeup.  I have used it this way in the morning and then again in the late afternoon to freshen my makeup up after leaving work.  I am afraid to work with it too much on my cheekbones or on the side of my nose since it is quite shimmery and I do not normally apply shimmer products in either of these areas.  This will take some trial and error and a very light hand during application.

Overall, this is a nice palette and I am happy that I could try out more Urban Decay Naked products.  The bronzer will be a staple for me next summer and I am getting my hopes up about this company bringing more blush shades out.  I would love to see this palette in different shades and I am sure that my wish will be answered over the coming seasons!

photo courtesy of Sephora

Current Favorites!

August is almost half over and I am in in between soaking up the last long days of the summer and thinking ahead to the fall months.  I am enjoying my last weeks of using self tanner and doing yoga outside while starting to collect the candles that I will want to burn this fall.  I have been using my favorite shades of summer makeup and beginning to transition some of the early fall shades that I have purchased into the mix.  I haven't switched any of my fragrances or body product over yet and don't think that I will for about a month yet.  I have been loving the tubes of Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick and one shade is topping my Favorites list.

My Current Favorites of the late summer...

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Naked - "A luxury lipstick that delivers intense color payoff plus creamy shine.  Revolution Lipstick is rich, buttery lipstick at its best—with the signature Urban Decay pigment-rich color you crave. Addictive to apply (and even more addictive to wear), Revolution Lipstick glides on without dragging or skipping and hugs every curve. Just one swipe gives you a big, gorgeous lay down of color. And with shades that range from gorgeous nudes to bold brights, there’s something for everyone.  Urban Decay’s Pigment Dispersion System™ gives Revolution Lipstick its super creamy texture, intense pigmentation, superior color dispersion, and extended wear. Maxi-Lip™ defines and hydrates lips while making them look plumper and fuller. And a nourishing blend of jojoba oil, avocado oil, cocoa butter and shea butter keeps lips super moisturized and cushiony soft. The luxe, custom-designed gunmetal tube (lined in Urban Decay’s signature dark purple) looks so gorgeous, you’ll want to keep pulling it out of your bag.  Naked is a 'nude pink' with a cream finish."  This creamy lipstick lasts all day and keeps my lips hydrated and healthy-looking.  I love this nude-pink shade and I use it for all kinds of makeup looks and I find myself reaching for this product more and more.  I barely need to retouch this product and just add a bit more when my lips are feeling a bit dry.

Alterna Bamboo Smooth Kendi Oil Dry Oil Mist - "A weightless, nutrient-rich oil mist that protects hair from heat styling tools, enhances shine, and boosts hair's health.  This double-duty formula can be used as both a deeply nourishing treatment that helps to repair split ends and environmental damage, and as a color protecting style primer. Made with strengthening organic bamboo and smoothing organic kendi oil, it banishes frizz and imparts intense shine while providing vital nutrients.  Bamboo extract and kendi oil contained in this product are eco-certified, fair-trade compliant, and certified organic. Their production and sale aid in supporting the development of local communities while remaining environmentally friendly. Free of gluten, TEA, and phthalates."  I use this on wet dry before blow drying and styling and it helps to soften and reduce the amount of frizz that comes up this time of the year.  It helps to protect my hair from the sun and keeps it looking shiny all day long.  I love that it hydrates while I style and helps to protect my color from the high amount of heat styling that I do all the time.  I have been burning through my bottle of this and will need to re-order very soon.

Butter London Nail Lacquer in Slapper - "A heavily pigmented, high-fashion nail lacquer.  Created backstage at fashion week for the world’s top fashion designers, Butter LONDON’s lacquers are rich in color, giving your nails a look that is more vibrant. The vitamin-enriched formula promotes nail strength and provides beautifully consistent coverage.  Butter LONDON is a new-era design house, creating extraordinary moments in color by living on the inside edge of fashion. Butter LONDON does not add formaldehyde, toluene, or DBP to any of its nail formulas. It's color without compromise. For brilliant results, use butter LONDON lacquers with the corresponding butter LONDON base and topcoats. When used together, the products last significantly longer than a typical manicure.  Slapper is "truly teal'."  This bright teal cream has been a favorite of mine since I ordered it last spring.  I have been using it at least once a week for almost four months and intend to keep it up until I bring my fall colors out.  This teal is highly pigmented and the formula lasts for about four days with only minor tip wear.  I get more compliments on this than any other shade and this might be one of my favorite shades that I have ever bought!

Stila Lip Glaze in Vanilla - "An ultra high-shine lip gloss in a nifty click pen.  Stila's ever-popular lip glaze is back in action with larger pens (twice the size of the original) guaranteed to keep your lips glossier, longer. The gloss gives lips a punch of color and adds a delicious scent. Whatever sweet flavor you are in the mood for, it is sure to be found in this collection of classic shades.  Vanilla is a 'pearly nude gloss'."  I use this shade at least three times a week and it works with any makeup look that I have come up with so far.  This gives my lips shine and a bit of a pearl finish, it will work well with my tan now and then with my pale skin in the coming seasons.  I will be ordering another tube of this shade before I run out and then a few other shades of Lip Glaze.

Stila Convertible Color in Peony - "A lipstick that doubles as a blush.  Stila's ingenious lipstick and blush-in-one proves irresistible. Non-greasy, this creamy, sheer tint adds an natural glow to the cheeks while lips bloom with fresh, radiant color. A mini mirrored-compact makes touch ups on the go a snap.  Peony is a 'neutral medium pink'."  I have been using this color for a long time now and it continues to be a favorite Stila product of mine.  This shade is easy to wear and the formula lasts all day in the summer months, it lasts through running outside and also hitting the gym after work.  I have no idea when I got this product the first time but I have been using it for a long time and I have not hit the bottom of the pan yet and I should have at least another yet of my pot.

This is my last post about any kind of summer beauty and my big focus in the upcoming weeks is working many of these great shades into my fall beauty looks and then buying new products to work with them.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick

I have been playing around with the new lipstick formula from Urban Decay and this is fast becoming one of my favorite lipstick formulas that I have ever used.  In fact, I am actually reaching for tubes of this product almost as much as I reach for some of my favorite MAC shades, I have found that Urban Decay might be fabulous with their eye makeup creations but haven't always satisfied me in the lip product area.  I think most of the issues that I have with this company and their lip items is that they don't offer enough to keep my interest up.  I have used two of their lip gloss formulas and loved both but I haven't used many of their lipsticks before and I am excited that I found a formula from this company that I love and will look forward to collecting shades from each season. 

I reported several weeks ago that this is a new product that was released with the fall 2013 collection from Urban Decay and then purchased tubes very soon after.  This is a full pigment lipstick formula. there is nothing sheer or shy about these shades and will satisfy any lady that loves lipstick and to wear saturated hues.  I will get even more use from these shades this fall and winter when I traditionally wear more dramatic lip looks.

This product is available at any Urban Decay counter (none near me), the Urban Decay website, and both the Sephora website and stores.  I bought one tube at the Sephora and then ordered the other one from their website.  "A luxury lipstick that delivers intense color payoff plus creamy shine.  Revolution Lipstick is rich, buttery lipstick at its best—with the signature Urban Decay pigment-rich color you crave. Addictive to apply (and even more addictive to wear), Revolution Lipstick glides on without dragging or skipping and hugs every curve. Just one swipe gives you a big, gorgeous lay down of color. And with shades that range from gorgeous nudes to bold brights, there’s something for everyone.  Urban Decay’s Pigment Dispersion System™ gives Revolution Lipstick its super creamy texture, intense pigmentation, superior color dispersion, and extended wear. Maxi-Lip™ defines and hydrates lips while making them look plumper and fuller. And a nourishing blend of jojoba oil, avocado oil, cocoa butter and shea butter keeps lips super moisturized and cushiony soft. The luxe, custom-designed gunmetal tube (lined in Urban Decay’s signature dark purple) looks so gorgeous, you’ll want to keep pulling it out of your bag. ", states the Sephora website.

The formula on these lipsticks is wonderful.  It is creamy and hydrating yet manages to stay put all day long and doesn't give me any problems with feathering or smearing.  This formula only leaves a bit of trace on my coffee cup and I only touch up once or twice a day (usually when my lips are dry and need more hydration instead of more pigment).  I have found that the red shade that I own will stay on all the way through my nightly shower and I will have to take off with makeup remover or a bit of lip scrub.  I highly recommend the formula of this lipstick and I think that it is most similar in wear and pigment to a NARS formula but is more hydrating and does not require me to carry a separate lip balm in my bag.  I'm all about not carrying two separate products in my tote bag/purse.

The shades that Urban Decay offers in this formula are:

- Venom - rich plum
- Jilted - deep fuchsia pink
- Anarchy - bright fuchsia
- Turn On - rose pink with soft pearl
- 69 - classic red
- Bang - bright orange red
- Streak - coral pink with soft pearl
- Deep - warm brown nude
- Manic - rosy wine
- Rush - pink mauve with soft pearl
- Native - pale pink
- Obsessed - baby pink
- Liar - mauve nude
- Naked - nude pink
- Naked 2 - medium beige nude
- Ozone - clear
The first shade that I bought was Naked and then I ordered 69 within days of that purchase.  I chose Naked because I wanted a neutral shade that I could wear with any eye makeup look and for any occasion and this shade has more pink in it than the Naked 2 shade.  I had the Naked shade in one of the lip gloss formulas from this company and loved the shade so this was a logical one to start with.  I then ordered 69 because I love red lipsticks and am always on the look out for quality formulas with this hue.  Naked is the perfect "My Lips But Better" shade and will work with cool toned skin undertones and Naked 2 is better for warm undertones.  69 is a full coverage red with blue undertones and garners me compliments every time that I wear it. 

I will be buying more of these lipsticks and I think my next purchases will Jilted and Rush to wear during the cool weather months and then will pick more up as new shades come out for the spring and summer months.

Another lipstick formula to love was the last thing that I needed but I give this formula from Urban Decay full marks and will be adding more of these to my makeup collection in the coming months.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Urban Decay Lush Lash Mascara

After looking at the fall collection from Urban Decay earlier this week, I headed over to Sephora to rekindle my love of this company.   I wasn't able to get all the products that I wanted yet, some hadn't come in every shade and some were already sold out.  My first attempted shopping trip of the new fall collection was a bust but I did pick up a new item from this company.  Last month, I wrote about the 100% Pure Fruit Pigment Mascara that I was using and how it just wasn't doing it for me in both appearance and performance.  I can now add to that review...it also seemed to try dry up in the tube much faster than most brands of mascaras (maybe a difference in the natural ingredients that are not found in other formulas) and I needed a new tube faster than I thought I would.  My tubes last about two and a half to three months for me and that formula gave up very soon after two months.

I have used a formula from Urban Decay before (the original Big Fatty) and I hated it...even before the tube broke after only having it for several weeks.  Urban Decay has now done away with that formula and has introduced a new series of mascara formulas and I was drawn to this counter after getting excited over the fall collection.  One of the formulas that was available is the Lush Lash formula and this is the one that I decided to purchase and try out.  I wanted a solid volumizing and lengthening formula and this one's description sounds like it will be one that will do the trick.

I bought this product at Sephora and it is also available on their website, I searched for it on the Urban Decay website but I didn't see it on there.  So Sephora it is for this product...  "A thickening and lengthening mascara formulated to help lashes actually grow longer.  This nourishing, thickening, and lengthening mascara is infused with peptides and moisturizing panthenol that allows your lashes to grow for a longer period of time. Its formula builds and beautifies so your lashes will grow longer and fuller over time. Used in conjunction with Urban Decay's Lush Lash System (Growth Accelerating Serum and Conditioning Mask), it provides additional lash nourishment. This very enduring formula is not technically waterproof, but there was zero smudging or running after road-testing it in a hot yoga class. The outer component features a lush swirl motif, and the large hourglass-shaped brush provides generous mascara distribution. It's the ideal mascara for anyone who suffers from brittle, fragile lashes, as well as those with great lashes who want to build and strengthen them even more."

I have been using this formula for four days now and I can already state that this is a much better formula that the previous one that I used from Urban Decay and better than the one from 100% Pure that I just threw away.  I like how this formula has nourishing and hydrating ingredients along with ingredients that will deliver the lengthen and volume that I require in a good mascara.  This formula is best for lengthening, it is one o the best formulas that I have used in that aspect.  The volumizing aspect is good but not the best that I have used , the formula is passable and works well enough for me to like this formula. 

The formula lengthens my lashes very nicely without clumping and this formula is never sticky or tacky.  Lush Lash enhances the volume of my lashes about double (against when I am not wearing anything at all) while still enhancing the definition of each individual lash.  It stated in the description that the formula is not considered to be "waterproof" but does perform in extreme conditions.  This formula has worn through many work outs for me (even the one when the air conditioning died the one morning) and I have not seen any running or smearing from this product.  This is a great formula for the summer months, it wears well in extreme weather and would be great for outdoor activities.  The wear on this product is above my expectations and I would recommend for anyone who is active when the weather is warm.

I wear one coat of this product for day and two for night.  One coat is enough to see a difference in the length and volume of my lashes. two really builds them up and this look is best reserved for going out at night.  Two coats would be too much for most professional environments or classes.

The mascara removes relatively well, a cotton ball with eye makeup remover gets about 80% of the product off and then the washcloth in the shower will clean the rest of it up.  This is one of the better formulas for clean removal and it performs much better in this aspect than the original Big Fatty formula from this company. 

Overall, this is a good quality mascara that works well for both lengthening and volumizing.  I have not seen any of the long term benefits and I personally believe that they will come more with the use of the full Lush Lash system and not just the mascara.  I doubt that I will see much of a difference in my bare lashes in the next four weeks but I will report back if I do.  This formula is the best in the warm weather months, it stays put in extreme workouts and temperatures and this aspect would be wasted in the winter months.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Urban Decay Fall 2013 Collection

Urban Decay has just released its fall collection at the very beginning of this week and this is usually one of the collections that I wait for and start lusting after products right after I start looking at the collection.  I have not bought as much Urban Decay over the past few months as I normally do and I think that fall is the time to change all of that, I have been using their Beauty Balm and Naked Palettes religiously for the past few months and they still occupy some of the top stops in my train case.  This is one of the few product lines that I own very few lip products from, I have one lip gloss formula from this company and normally the exact opposite is true when I find beauty brands that I love.  I own so many eye shadow palettes from this company and always want to order more as soon as they come out on the market.

The previews that I have been seeing from this collection are mostly around a new lipstick formula, making this one of the most anticipated collections for me this fall.  I have mostly been using MAC Lipglass formulas this summer and their Lipsticks earlier in the spring.  I think that it is time that I try a new formula and see how all the formulas that I have compare.  I also heard hints of some newness in the nail polish category and the face makeup category.  I am loving my Beauty Balm for the summer and want to see what formulas they bring out to use when the weather cools down.

Urban Decay collections rarely have a title or any type of theme and this one is exactly like those from the previous seasons.  This collection has no real theme to it but it is a great line up of new products for every feature!

Here is the fall line up from Urban Decay!

Revolution Lipstick - Creamy, badass luxury. Our Pigment Infusion System™ delivers insane color payoff with creamy shine, Maxi-Lip™ plumps and nourishing oils leave lips cushiony soft.
Get the color you crave. Addictive to apply (and even more addictive to wear), this creamy formula glides on without dragging or skipping, hugs every curve and gives you a BIG laydown of color. And with shades that range from gorgeous nudes to bold brights, there’s something for everyone.  Our Pigment Infusion System™ gives Revolution Lipstick its super creamy texture, insane pigmentation, superior color dispersion and extended wear. Maxi-Lip™ defines and hydrates lips while making them look plumper and fuller. And a nourishing blend of jojoba oil, avocado oil, cocoa butter and shea butter keeps lips super moisturized and cushiony soft.  Our luxe, custom-designed gunmetal tube (lined in dark purple) features organically shaped facets that practically beg to be touched. You’ll want to keep pulling it out of your bag—whether it’s time to reapply or not.
- Venom - rich plum
- Jilted - deep fuchsia pink
- Anarchy - bright fuchsia
- Turn On - rose pink with soft pearl
- 69 - classic red
- Bang - bright orange red
- Streak - coral pink with soft pearl
- Deep - warm brown nude
- Manic - rosy wine
- Rush - pink mauve with soft pearl
- Native - pale pink
- Obsessed - baby pink
- Liar - mauve nude
- Naked - nude pink
- Naked 2 - medium beige nude
- Ozone - clear

B6 Vitamin-Infused Complexion Prep Spray - Give your skin a quick hit of vitamins and calm a multitude of sins. Stabilized vitamin B6 absorbs oil, minimizes pores and reduces redness. It’s one of those products you didn’t even know you needed. (But once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever survived without it!).  This scientifically advanced formula contains the first patented, stabilized form of topical vitamin B6, which absorbs oil, minimizes pores and reduces redness. Spritz it on any time of day to hydrate, prep and soften your skin with vitamins and antioxidants. Use it in the morning to prep and “wake up” your skin, during the day to refresh your skin (without messing up your makeup), or at night before your treatment.  Vitamin B6 helps normalize overactive cell-signaling proteins (called cytokines) to help control oil production, vitamin E provides antioxidants, and willow bark (rich in natural salicylic acid) aids cell turnover.  This energizing formula feels amazing and is great for ALL ages and skin types. (Trust us, even your boyfriend will want to steal it!) And the more you use it, the better the results. In a clinical study, after 8 weeks of use:
• Over 81% of participants had a measurable reduction in oil and surface shine.
• Over 78% had more radiant skin with less redness and fewer blemishes.
• A majority of participants had a measurable improvement in pore size.
• Over 72% had a measurable improvement in their skin’s overall appearance.
This soothing spray comes in a sleek, soft-touch bottle (dark purple, of course) with a bright neon-green sprayer. Like our setting sprays, it emits a calibrated, microfine mist that goes on so light, you’ll hardly feel it.
Naked Skin Ultra Definition Pressed Finishing Powder - Finish getting Naked. Our silky, weightless finishing powder blends flawlessly to set makeup and cut shine—for a luminous, demi-matte Naked finish. It’s the next evolution in Naked Skin. Designed to be virtually invisible once applied, our high-tech, jet-milled powder has an insanely silky texture that feels amazing on your skin. Optical blurring pigments instantly minimize imperfections, diminish shine and create a stunning soft-focus effect that looks professionally retouched.  Unlike powders that leave skin looking chalky or cakey, Naked Skin Finishing Powder gives you a radiant complexion and NATURAL-looking Naked coverage. (And just wait until you see how it enhances the already-luminous finish of Naked Skin Beauty Balm and Naked Skin Liquid Makeup.).  Our gorgeous gunmetal and champagne custom compact is so luxe, it even has a Naked-embossed push button. The top compartment includes a full-size mirror—perfect for on-the-go touchups—and a separate compartment underneath holds the applicator sponge. When you’re done applying, just slip the case into the pretty carrying pouch to keep it protected in your bag.  Available in five shades to complement all skin tones.

24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil - Get primed and ready for action. Our long-lasting, waterproof liner glides on smoothly to prime AND define—for long-lasting lip color and clean lines. Smooch. Pout. Smack. Nibble. Lick. 24/7 stays put through everything (yes, EVERYTHING) you do. When you use our liner to fill in your lips completely, it primes them for lipstick or gloss, grabbing on to color to help it last.  Part of the 24/7 family, our long-lasting, waterproof formula glides on smoothly, stays creamy and defines your lips with gorgeous color. And unlike a lot of waterproof pencils (we won’t name names), 24/7 never feels dry or cakey. Moisturizing vitamin E, jojoba oil and cottonseed oil nourish your lips every time you reapply. And shade-matched barrels make it easy to find the exact color you need (no matter how crammed your bag is).  Even women who don’t usually wear lip liner love Ozone, our best-selling clear shade. Like all our other shades, it holds color in place and prevents feathering—yet it’s totally invisible on your lips.
- Anarchy - bright fuchsia
- Bang - bright orange red
- 69 - classic red
- Deep - warm brown nude
- Jilted - deep fuchsia pink
- Liar - mauve nude
- Manic - rosy wine
- Naked - nude pink
- Naked 2 - medium beige nude
- Native - pale pink
- Obsessed - baby pink
- Ozone - clear
- Rush - pink mauve with soft pearl
- Streak - coral pink with soft pearl
- Turn On - rose pink with soft pearl
- Venom - rich plum

Brow Box - Match your brow to your box! We packed all the tools you need for amazing brows into one palm-size kit: two shades of brow color, wax, tweezers and two brushes. Maintaining your brows shouldn’t involve a small army of products and a sizeable amount of real estate in your bag. That’s why we created our all-in-one Brow Box.  Each set includes two shades of silky brow powder, perfecting/setting wax, high-quality metal mini tweezers (they really work!), two mini angled brushes and two mirrors (one of them magnifies so you won’t miss a single stray!). Blend both shades of brow powder together to create your perfect shade (for natural-looking results you could never achieve with a standard eyebrow pencil); then use the wax to create a precise shape and keep hairs in place.  Don’t be fooled by its small size; Brow Box is deluxe. The ultra-fine, silky powders create defined, natural-looking brows, and the soft, pliable perfecting/setting wax (infused with nourishing aloe, beeswax and coconut) provides the perfect amount of grip without being sticky. We even included two brushes (one for the wax and the other for the eyebrow powders).  Sturdy and soft to the touch, our double-layer compact has a custom metal cover with an embossed UD logo and pyramid studs for a cool, edgy vibe. The top tier holds the powders and wax, and the bottom tier holds all the tools.
- Brown Sugar - dark brown/light brown
- Honey Pot - dark blonde/light blonde

Anti-Aging Eye Shadow Primer Potion - Meet your new best friend (with benefits). Get 24 hours of vibrant, crease-free shadow and minimize the appearance of wrinkles in 8 weeks.             
This formula not only locks shadow in place to give you vibrant, crease-free color that lasts all day; it also measurably improves the signs of aging over time. High-tech ingredients fight wrinkles and improve tone and texture, while optical blurring pigments create a subtle, soft-focus effect that instantly wakes up tired eyes and minimizes the appearance of redness, crepiness and other imperfections.
Nail Color - Ultra sophisticated and EXTREMELY limited edition, these decadent (and very UD) colors feature complex shade work, super-rich pigments and dynamic micro-sparkle. We hear rabid fans resort to all kinds of extreme measures in the name of acquiring a long-ago-discontinued favorite shade of our nail polish. (Rumor has it some colors have fetched obscene sums upwards of $60 on eBay!) Enough with the insanity—UD polish is BACK and better than ever.  Each fall and spring, Wende and our product development team will handpick two new shades that reflect their take on the season. But get them soon—because once they’re gone, they’re gone for good.  Long-wearing and chip-resistant, our formula has a high-gloss finish that’s tough and durable, yet flexible. And each shade is 3-free—formulated without toluene, formaldehyde or DBP.  Our custom-designed cap is topped with a skull (complete with roses for the eyes). Each FULL-SIZE bottle holds 10 ml of nail polish—plenty of color to last all season long. And wait until you try our high-performance, 400-strand brush. The fine strands pick up more product than other brushes, grabbing on to color to give you a clean, even and controlled laydown of polish. Incredibly precise, this brush even makes painting the outer corners of your nails easy. (Yes, it’s that good.)
- Vice - rich deep purple with red and blue micro-shimmer
- Addiction - smoky metallic gunmetal with multidimensional high shine micro sparkle

My return to purchasing tons of products from this company has begun!  I can't quite decide what exactly what my first purchases will be, I want the Pressed Powder, shades of the Lipstick, the new Nail Polishes, and to try the new formula of Primer Potion.  I can justify the purchase of the pressed powder, I am getting low on my current formula and won't be using bronzer much after the next two months, I think that this might be my first purchase from the collection and then I will continue onto the Lipstick formula.

I have only ever used lip gloss formulas from Urban Decay, I started with their old Lip Gunk formula when I was in college and continued onto their current formula about two years ago.  I have never known this company to have a good lipstick formula, I remember one product several years ago but not much about it.  The Revolution formula would be the first lipstick that I have used from this company and I will start ordering a few shades very soon.  The first lipstick shades that I want are 69 and Naked, Naked is one of their best nudes and I love it in the gloss formulas and I always want a new red lipstick to add to my collection.  I also really like the following shades: Jilted, Anarchy, Turn On, Rush, Native, Obsessed, and Liar.  I must try my first lip pencil, I want the Ozone shade to use as a base for lipstick shades and see how well it extends the wear on both my current and new lipstick and lip glosses shades. 

I am considering the new formula of Primer Potion, I don't know that I need the anti-aging benefits of this formulation but I would be interested to read the product reviews and see it performs better or very similar to the other formulas.  Lastly, I want the new nail polish shades.  These two shades will be so great for the fall months and I cannot wait to start wearing them!

photo courtesy of Sephora

Current Favorites!

The heart of summer has now arrived and I am all about running outside, eating the best fresh fruit from the farmer's market, and wearing as many shades of bright greens and pinks as I can.  So far this summer I have been adding the gym into my life at least three times a week and am now appreciating products that can easily take me from work to working out and the right into casual playtime.  I feel that I tend to love many of the same products from summer to summer and then just add a few more new ones into the mix.  My newest love for this summer is from Bath and Body Works, my Pure Paradise Fine Fragrance Mist will lead off the Favorites list as it is my new fragrance love for the warm weather!

My Current Favorites!

Bath and Body Works Pure Paradise Fine Fragrance Mist - "Lavishly splash or lightly spritz your favorite fragrance, either way you'll fall in love at first mist! Our carefully crafted bottle and sophisticated pump delivers great coverage while conditioning aloe mist nourishes skin for the lightest, most refreshing way to fragrance!  A summer-chic blend of sparkling star fruit & ocean-kissed frangipani blossoms it's pure paradise in a bottle!  Mid Notes: Luscious Gardenia, Frangipani, Watery Lily.  Dry Notes: White Musk, Blond Woods, Sun-Kissed Coconut.  Top Notes: Fresh Star Fruit, Juicy Guava, Dewy Cassis."  This is new scent that I added about three weeks ago to my fragrance collection and one that I put on my dresser right away, it is very rare that I find a Fragrance Mist from Bath and Body Works that I love and want to add to my collection, normally I either use only their body products or buy the perfume in a scent that I love.  I almost never use Fragrance Mist but this one was so lovely that I bought it right way when I smelled it.  This is the perfect light tropical floral that actually smells crisp and clean instead of strong and cloying.  I have tried tropical florals from Comptoir Sud and have found that many of them tend toward a mixture of Gardenia notes and Coconut Milk, a combination that is very hard to get correct.  This scent is what I have always envisioned when trying out the tropical florals and I loved this one as soon as I first smelled it.  I own it in the Fragrance Mist and all the matching body products, I will wear them all summer long!

Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Collide - "A vivacious nail varnish.  Leave your mark with bold, rich, vibrant colors that stand out. The formula is long-wearing and chip-resistant and contains individual finishes from matte to high gloss. Apply two coats for high intensity and use with Illamasqua Nail Base Coat and Illamasqua Nail Top Coat for the perfect finish. Make a statement and talk with your hands!"  Collide is a "bright neon pink with a satin finish" and has been a favorite of mine for years.  Anyone that has read this blog for the past few years know that I pull this polish shade out as soon as the weather warms and will be on my Favorites list until the end of summer.  This bright pink shade matches a favorite pair of pink flats and everything that I own from Lilly Pulitzer.  Illamasqua Nail Varnish is one the best quality polishes that I have ever used, they last for about five days with minor chipping and the high shine finish stays just as long.  I will use this shade for both manicures and pedicures all throughout the summer and am considering trying this shade and a bright aqua for new twist on an accent manicure.  A perennial summer favorite!

MAC Cremesheen Glass in Floating Lotus - A lip finish that fuses the creamy, sheen-filled nature of Cremesheen Lipstick with the shine of M∙A∙C Lipglass. Soft, comfortable, non-sticky. Applies with a doe-foot applicator. Use as a top layer to its namesake Lipstick or on its own."  Floating Lotus is a "frosted soft rose" and has quickly risen to the top of my traincase after trying it out for the first time several weeks ago.  I use this lip gloss all the time and it is one of the best shades that I have ever used, the formula is very hydrating and the pigmented formula leaves my lips a great pink shade.  I will be buying more shades in this formula over the next few weeks.

MAC Prep + Prime Skin Face Primer - "An ultra-fluid lotion formulated with special-effect silicones. Calms and soothes the skin, blots away excess oil, and evens out skin redness. Improves the laydown and application of foundation or powder."  I have used this primer several times before and this is one of the few primers that I continue to repurchase over and over again.  This primer works well all year long and somehow manages to prevent excess skin in the summer months and then hydrate dry areas in the rest of the year.  This creates a great base for foundation and Urban Decay Beauty Balm.  I have been using the Beauty Balm for about three weeks now with bronzer (instead of my traditional foundation and powder routine) and I have been very happy with the results from the combination.  I will keep this combination up for the rest of the summer!

Urban Decay Eye Shadow in Maui Wowie -  "Urban Decay’s groundbreaking new eye shadow formula.  This reformulation of Urban Decay’s eye shadow features even softer, amazingly velvety texture; richer, more dense and decadent color; smoother, more uniform pigment distribution and blendability; and longer-lasting, more crease-free wear. The new line of shadows features a completely revamped assortment of shades, new textures, and a totally redesigned token compact.  The secret to the new formula is Urban Decay’s Pigment Infusion System™, a vehicle for color that holds tightly to pigment and gives the formula its glide. The proprietory blend of ingredients allows color to weave itself through the formula resulting in insane color payout, color that stays on your lids, and sparkle that doesn’t fall. The amazing technology works for every shade and finish. Every Urban Decay shade is silky, blendable, and stays put."  Maui Wowie is a "metallic golden beige with silver shimmer" and I have worn it for about two years now.  This is favorite of mine all throughout the year but I especially love this beautiful gold in the summer months, it brightens my blue eyes and complements my fake tan.  I love pairing this eye shadow with a bright pink lip shade for both day and night.

My favorites now area ll about getting the summer started on the right note!

photo courtesy of MAC