Urban Decay as a beauty brand have always stood out for me in terms of quality, package design and affordability. Sure, they aren’t drugstore prices but they are significantly cheaper than the major designer brands, yet they are just as high in quality. I’m ashamed to say that I’ve never actually owned a world famous NAKED palette, much to my dismay (and that of many bloggers around the world) despite having heard so many positive things about it. But today, I am pleased to say – that I’ve tried it, along with a ‘few’ other items in the range, having treated myself to a ‘little’ Urban Decay haul.
NAKED Skin Ultra Definition Loose Finishing Powder
Claiming to ‘blur flaws, set make-up and cut shine’ this product really does sound like the king of all powders, with it’s ‘silky weightless formula’. And I can confirm (thankfully) that the claims are more than justifiable. Although a little dark for my skin-tone currently (I opted for the Naked Medium shade) it will be perfect come the summer months, where my skin is slowly starting to build up a natural tan and I want to keep a natural, make-up free look with just a hint of coverage for a flawless finish. When buffed on with a powder brush – my favourite is this real techniques buffing brush – it leaves your skin feeling silky, soft and smooth, setting liquid foundation and blurring away any unwanted shine. Designed to be virtually invisible on your skin, although since this is a shade darker than I’d usually opt for, it is a little noticeable, the light reflecting pigments mean that in photographs – your face has the effect of being professionally retouched. Skin looks sleek and matte, yet still maintains a ‘healthy glow’ sported by Cara D and Jordan Dunn that I thought was near impossible for the likes of us mere mortals.
One coat eliminates shine and two to three coats starts to build up a ‘retouched style’ coverage, so how great the effect is completely depends on how much you choose to use. Either way, the effects are very natural. Jet milled and free of oil, it stays put throughout the day and keeps makeup firmly in it’s place. Just the way it should be!
If you had to name one product Urban Decay were renowned for, I think we’d all agree – it’s their amazing array of eye shadow palettes, all ideal for creating the perfect smokey eye look. I had a bit of a dilemma on my hands choosing which of the three to go for, but after much deliberation (and lots of reading blog reviews) I eventually decided on the second. Since I tend to go for more of a natural look the majority of the time, the plethora of browns, nudes, beiges and greys really appealed to me – and I could wait to try it out. I know lots of bloggers opt for swatches when it comes to eyeshadow reviews, however after taking what seemed like hundreds of pictures of the colours on my arm – I eventually resumed myself to the fact they looked identical on skin to palette, which is reassuring really – as sometimes they can look a little odd upon application, after initially looking fantastic.
As each of the shades are very neutral and natural, you can pretty much choose any three you desire to create a smokey eye look, however my personal favourites (and I’ve been trying lots of combinations over the past few days) are Half Baked, Snakebite and Busted. Half Baked all over the eyelid, snakebite on the crease followed by a smaller dotted application of busted.
If you’d prefer a lighter, more subtle day look, I love Foxy on the eyelid, Tease on the crease and Bootycall on the inner corners and above the brow bone, which you can see in the photograph above (please excuse the shiny face, I didn’t edit the photo so that you could see the make-up in natural light).
Buying a new mascara is a big deal for me (well, in terms of beauty) because I seem to have stuck with and alternated between the same two for about five years now. But with my stocks running low and my eyelashes (quite frankly) bored, I decided to see how Urban Decay’s Lush Lash Mascara matched up. Claiming to be infused with growth and conditioning serum, it’s not only great for creating that perfect ‘flick’ of lashes, but also helps to keep them healthy, thick and long. Just what I need.
Although the wand itself looks lethal (although then again, doesn’t anything that comes within a few inches of your eye), it’s actually very good at getting into all the ‘hard to reach’ places, such as the ends and corners of your lashes, it isn’t overly cakey, spidery or thick but it provides enough hold so that even the straightest of lashes flick up, achieving that wide eyed lash look we all try to emulate.
Above is an example of just one coat of the mascara, which as you can see – is a pretty dramatic difference. I did initially try three coats, but found it to be a little too much for day-wear, however perfect for really making a statement with your eye make-up. I love how buildable it is and how versatile the coverage is. I’ve only been using it a few weeks, but it’s already a staple piece.
Urban Decay Eye-shadow Primer Potion
This was a free gift for spending over a certain amount, so I’m not overly disappointed that it didn’t live up to it’s claims. Almost like a foundation for your eyes, the consistency of the potion is thick and has a subtle shimmer to it, however you need to apply a fair amount to actually ensure the eye-shadow you apply stays on for the 24 hour period it states. Although it applies as a liquid it soon dries matte and you are then able to apply your eye-shadows over the top. My main bug bear was the rather unpleasant plastic, manufactured smell it had and similarly how heavy it felt on my eyelids. It wouldn’t completely rule it out if you want to improve the longevity of your eye make-up, but I didn’t really feel this was a problem I had in the first place and I prefer a much lighter, more natural feel when applying.
Urban Decay Eyeshadows (in Busted and Twice Baked)
Although palettes are handy for creating smokey eye looks and having lots of shade options all in one place, some of my favourite shadow colours are in my individual pots, two of which have joined me recently – Busted and Twice Baked. As you can probably tell by now – I love my neutral colours and these two are great for blending, contouring and dabbing, especially if you’re experimenting with a new look.
If you are interested in any of the products above, please feel free to click on the ‘bold’ product names, which will take you to the same link that I ordered from. Remember, if you are planning to do any beauty shopping on Feel Unique, I have an exclusive 10% discount code which you enter at the checkout – scarlett10. Happy shopping!
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