NARS Smudge-Proof Eyeshadow Base

I've always had a pretty massive issue with my eyeshadow creasing and I thought I had finally found the answer with the Urban Decay Primer Potion.  However, after a fair amount of use, I discovered that UDPP only really worked for me when I used it in combination with Urban Decay Eyeshadows, so I went on a search for a new eyeshadow primer.

Over Christmas, I placed an order with Sephora and decided to try out the NARS Smudge-Proof Eyeshadow Base ($24).  I did a bit of research and it seemed like it would be a good option and based on my previous experience with NARS products, I expected a lot out of it.

It definitely met up to my standards.  I decided to put it to the biggest test I could and tried it out with my most creasing eyeshadow, the Edward Bess Ultra Luminous Eyeshadow in Intimate (Review here).

I tried Intimate with the Urban Decay Primer Potion and it had horrendous results, I tried it without primer and it was just as bad.  So, for this eyeshadow to last on me without creasing was something of a miracle, and that is all down to the NARS Eyeshadow Primer!  I would recommend this product over and over again and I can already say I will be repurchasing this after it's run out :)

Sephora VIB Sale Haul!

In November, Sephora put on their semi-annual VIB Sale, which basically means that all the VIBs get 20% off of everything in store for a specific amount of time (usually a couple of days).  I couldn't resist a 20% discount, so I used that opportunity to get a pretty large amount of stuff (and some of my most expensive wishes) off of my very long Sephora Shopping List!  However, as I currently live in Germany, I wasn't able to pick up my order until I went home for Christmas.  So, without further ado, here is my (very) belated Sephora VIB Sale Haul!

REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask ($55)

I've heard a lot about this mask and I've been wanting to try it out for a really long time, but the $55 price tag always kept me away from purchasing it.  I've only used this once since I got it, but it has a weird consistency, like I was putting Marmalade on my face.  I need to further test it out, but so far it seems pretty nice!

Algenist Firming & Lifting Cream ($94)

This was without a doubt my most expensive purchase and the one that I most wanted.  I received a deluxe sample of this cream in August from Sephora and I fell in love with the quality of it, so I couldn't not get it!

Philosophy Bella Holidays ($16)

I had to make a holiday purchase for myself!  I've never tried anything from  Philosophy before, but apparently you can use this as a shower gel, to wash your hair, or as a bubble bath, which is pretty cool!  I used this a couple of times as my shower gel when I was at home for the Holidays, and I really loved this scent, it smelled so nice, just like Tiramisu.  I left it at home, so I'm looking forward to this summer when I go back so I can use it again (or just smell it ;)!).

Fresh Sugar Berry Merriment Set ($28)

Fresh Sugar Berry Lip Balm very lightly swatched

I've been wanting to try the Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Balms for a really long time, so when I saw this cute gift set (gotta love the Holidays) for only about $5 more than the lip balm itself, I had to get it!  This has definitely gotten some love from me and it is VERY pigmented, lasts for hours and is really moisturizing.  I've also fallen in love with the Fresh Sugar Lip Scrub that came in the set, it's amazing!  The set also came with a sample of the Fresh Sugar Soy Cleanser and a sample of the Fresh Supernova Mascara, neither of which I've tried yet.

Caudalie Divine Oil Set ($42)

I've heard a lot about the Cauadlie Divine Oil and I was determined to try it, and this gift set seemed the perfect opportunity.  I've fallen in love with this, I put it in my hair after I shower and I think it's a really nice product, and it smells fantastic!  It also came with a candle (score) and a sample of the Crushed Cabernet Scrub, which I haven't tried yet (but I'm not too fond of the scent, it smells like olives).

NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Amsterdam ($25)
Lightly Swatched

I fell in love with this lipstick ever since I swatched it in September.  I don't really think that true red lipsticks suit me, so I thought this red with a hint of brown lipstick would be a great option for me.  It's really nice for a night out, or I like to sheer it out and pat it into my lips for daytime wear.

NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Via Veneto ($23)

I needed a new black eyeliner and I adore this eyeliner in Rue Bonaparte (nude color), so I thought I would invest in the black version! I even wrote a review on this, which you can check out here!

Left: NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Isolde ($34)
Right: NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Portobello ($34)

Isolde

Portobello

I've been wanting to try the NARS Eyeshadows out for a while, and after Essiebutton posted about Portobello on her blog, I decided I needed that shade.  The duos are the same size as a NARS blush, so it's really easy to confuse which is which in your makeup bag, but the quality of the shadows is really fantastic.  Portobello consists of two matte warm browns, which look really nice together and aren't too OTT for the day, but don't look out of place at night, either! You can check out my review on this here :)

I picked up Isolde when I was at Sephora right before Christmas, so I thought I would just throw it in with this haul.  It's two orangey-goldy colors that look really nice when set against blue eyes, as they make the blue pop! They're shimmery, but I haven't had any fallout occurences from either shadow! Great quality and nice to the touch, as well!

That is it for my VIB Sale Haul, I hope you enjoyed it :)  Hopefully, I'll be putting up some reviews about some of these products soon!

Benefit Coralista Review

I've recently fallen in love with Benefit Coralista Blush ($28), which is a gorgeous pinky-coral blush with shimmer.  I have used it everyday since I got this lovely little sample (3g, while the full-size has 12g) and plan to continue using it.

I think it's a shade that would look great on just about anyone, whether pale or dark, cool or warm-toned. It's very universal and I find that it just adds a bit of color and shimmer to the cheeks.

Benefit Coralista Blush heavily swatched

I know that it's the middle of Winter and I should probably be enjoying my deep, dark blush shades like NARS Sin, but I am craving Summer and this blush makes me get in the spirit for Spring/Summer!

The blush itself is very velvety to the touch (I think it's even softer than the NARS Blushes) and very pigmented, so a little goes a long way!

I usually use this just on my cheekbones.  I think that it can even double as a highlighter because of the shimmer in it, which is apparent, but not too obvious, though in the sun your cheekbones will have a lovely glow! What's more, it also smells fantastic, I could sit here and sniff it forever!

Overall, I would highly recommend this product and definitely plan to purchase the full-size of this when I run out of this sample :)

Aesop Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque

While I was in London in September, I went a bit crazy with the Make-Up and Skincare shopping, but one of the gems that I got when I was there was the Aesop Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque (£27/$37).

It is a clay based mask that is full of anti-oxidants and is perfect for thoroughly cleansing your skin.  It has a scent (an absolutely gorgeous one at that), but I believe it is natural and not perfume that has been added to the mask.

You're meant to apply it twice weekly after cleansing, but I probably use it about about once a week, usually on a  Sunday as a way to detox my skin from the previous week.  It takes about 10 minutes to dry and you only need a small amount to apply to your entire face.

The Mask after it's dried

Although this is a clay based mask, I don't find it difficult to remove, like so many clay based masks are.  I will say that it does apply clear, but dries to white, so it can look quite scary if you randomly run into your roommate on your way to the bathroom!

I love this mask, I find that my skin glows after I use it, which is always a plus!

Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara Review

While in the US, I went a bit mascara crazy, buying about 4 different ones!  I do not recommend doing that, it is way too many for a single person to have (especially because they're only meant to last for about 3 months).  However, it was a great opportunity for me to try a few different mascaras.

NOTD: H&M's 'Honey I'm Home'

I was browsing through H&M in Mannheim a few days ago and I came across this shade, Honey I'm Home (€3.95).  It looked like a nice purple color, so I decided to pick it up!

I've tried H&M Nail Polishes before and I like how they apply, though I find them to be very prone to chipping.  However, this polish was different from the others I've tried from H&M before.  It had that same smooth application like the others, but it wasn't as chip prone as the others! It lasted for a good 5 days with only minor chipping, which was pretty impressive to me!

I think this is a nice transition polish for this time of year, when I'm not wanting to paint my nails deep shades of red and purple and green like in the Fall/Winter, but I'm not ready to pull out the pastels and corals for Spring/Summer yet, either!

Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze Review

I bought this cream eyeshadow last March and rarely used it.  I didn't even bring it with me to Germany when I moved here last September.  However, when I was home for Christmas, I decided to bring this back with me to Germany and I've been wearing it everyday since!

I tend to wear this on it's own, as it gives a little bit of depth to the eyes, without much effort and without it being OTT for the daytime.  It looks like you put a lot of effort into your eye make-up when you actually did next to nothing!

It's a beautiful shimmery bronze color :)

contains 4g of product

I usually wear this with the NARS Smudge-Proof Eyeshadow Base ($24) underneath when I wear it on its own.  However, you can also use this as a base for your eyeshadows, as well.  In that situation, I wouldn't use a primer, but let it act as the primer.

It is such a gorgeous shade and really amazing quality, though not as creamy to the touch as some of the more expensive cream eyeshadows. It retails for only $7, so it's definitely a bargain, especially considering how versatile it is!  I really can't recommend this line of cream eyeshadows enough, especially Bad to the Bronze.

Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay Candle Review

At the end of November, I was wandering through the massive Douglas in Frankfurt buying some Christmas gifts for my family and I couldn't resist buying this candle for myself when I saw that there was a Jo Malone Concession inside.

I've heard a fair amount about Jo Malone Fragrances, Skincare, and Candles, but I resigned myself to the fact that I wouldn't find it outside of the UK, so when I found it in Germany I spent a good amount of time smelling every single candle at the concession.  I finally settled on the Blackberry & Bay Candle, which is definitely one of their more popular Candle scents.

It's something I would classify as a year-round scent, heavy enough for the Winter, but light enough for the Summer, as well.  It's definitely a fruity scent, the blackberry is very obvious, but there is a slight woodiness to it, as well, making the scent very complex.  It is really lovely and fills up a room easily with the scent, whether lit or unlit.

The Jo Malone Website describes the candle as such:

Bring the outdoors in with this joyful candle.  Inspired by childhood memories of blackberry picking.  A burst of deep, tart blackberry juice, blending with the freshness of just-gathered bay and brambly woods.

The candle consists of 200G and is supposed to burn for about 45 hours.

It runs for a hefty €52/$68/£38, but it was too gorgeous to say no!  After I finish this up, I'll definitely be going back to the Jo Malone Concession in Frankfurt and getting another one.  What's more, after I finish burning this, it will be great to turn into a brush holder!

NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliners in Via Veneto and Rue Bonaparte

Over the last year, I've become a bit NARS obsessed, trying a lot of their different products, and so far I've yet to be disappointed! 

 I bought the NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Rue Bonaparte ($23), which is a nude shade, last Summer and fell in love.  I use it on my waterline everyday as a way to make me look more awake and to make my eyes look bigger, too.  It doesn't smudge, it lasts all day, and it glides on beautifully.

So, after my great experience with Rue Bonaparte, I decided to try out Via Veneto ($23), which is the black version.  It is just as good as Rue Bonaparte.  I use it on my tightline everyday to make my lashline look thicker and it really helps, plus it stays there, which is a problem I've had with some other black kohl eyeliners in the past.

NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliners in Via Veneto (Left) and Rue Bonaparte (Right)

Today, I swatched these on my hand and I rubbed my finger over top them with a fair amount of pressure and they would not budge, which to me shows how great of quality they are!

Overall, I would highly recommend these two shades!  I really love using them and use them everyday, so I can't wait to get more shades from this line!

NARS Portobello Duo Eyeshadow + Dupes!

I recently got a bit obsessed with NARS eyeshadows and bought one or two (or four) of their Duo Eyeshadows.  I had read Essiebutton's post on the NARS Portobello Duo Eyeshadow ($34) and I thought it looked like a winner, so I decided to try it out.

This eyeshadow duo is great.  Just like with every other NARS product, you get what you pay for, the pricing may be steep, but the quality is impeccable.  Out of the four I got, this might be my favorite.  It's made up of two warm brown shades, both light enough for day wear and dark enough for night wear.  You could easily wear either of the shades on their own, but I tend to use them together.

The first shade is a nude-esque shade that is very warm in color that I swipe all over the lid.  The second shade is slightly less warm-toned, but still warm, and is a light-medium brown that I use as a crease color.  They're both matte shades and are very velvety in texture, are very, very pigmented, and blend beautifully, especially considering they're matte shades.

NARS Portobello

Also, and most importantly, they don't crease! I tried this out with the NARS Smudge-Proof Eyeshadow Base and didn't have a single bit of creasing after about 12-14 hours of wear.  I also tried this out with Urban Decay Primer Potion and I did see some creasing after about 14 hours of wear, but I literally had to look for it, it was so unnoticeable.

Sadly, although the shades are stunning, they're easily dupable.  I actually found a few shades in my collection that are shockingly similar to both of these shades.

Top to Bottom:
1st shade from NARS Portobello
Urban Decay Naked from the Naked Palette
Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow in No. 04 Gold Trench

The first shade reminds me of Naked from the Urban Decay Naked Palette and of Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow in No. 04 Gold Trench, and as you can see from the swatch, they're not perfect dupes.  The NARS shade is a bit darker and a bit warmer than Naked, but perhaps not as warm and as dark as Gold Trench.  I've also heard this shade is similar to MAC Wedge, but I don't own that, so I can't be sure.

Top to Bottom:
2nd shade from NARS Portobello
Urban Decay Buck from the Naked Palette
Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow in No. 06 Almond
MAC Soba

The second shade is similar to Buck from the Naked Palette, MAC Soba, and Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow in No. 06 Almond.  Once again, they're pretty similar.  The NARS shade is basically the matte version of MAC Soba and a fairly warmer than Buck and Almond.

I didn't realize the amount of dupes I had for this palette until I started writing this post, so looking back, I probably didn't need this palette.  But let's be honest, I probably don't need anymore eyeshadow palettes (they're one of my vices).  However, I know I'll use this, as it's much more convenient than carrying around my MAC Palette or my Naked Palette or my Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow Singles to get a similar outcome.

If you don't have any of the dupes I mentioned, and if you are just looking for convenience and an overall great eyeshadow palette, I really suggest you go and try this out for yourself.  NARS has a huge selection of eyeshadows and I know I'll be going back for more in the future!

MAC Lingering Brow Pencil Review

A few months ago, I posted about my favorite Brow item, the Tom Ford Brow Sculptor in Taupe (review here).  Now, nothing has changed in my opinion about that, I am still in love.  However, I recently became aware that I may run out of it before I go back to the US in August, so I decided to start trying out a few different options to see if anything else would work.

I attempted the usual MAC eyeshadows in Omega and Charcoal Brown mix ($12 each for pan versions), but it just didn't really work for me.  So, when I was at MAC last month, I decided to pick up their Brow Pencil in Lingering (€18) just to try something new.

Heavily swatched

Lingering is a light brown shade, that is pretty neutral in it's shading, it's not quite a cool taupe, but there isn't too much warmth to it, either.  It's basically the pencil version of the Tom Ford Brow Sculptor in Taupe ($42), except a bit warmer.

The other thing I've noticed when using the pencil is that it takes a lot more effort to apply.  I definitely don't use this very often, because I'm lazy and I don't want to take longer than about 10 seconds doing my brows. It does leave a really nice finish to the brows, filling in any gaps I have without making it look obvious I've used something for my eyebrows.

I don't know if this has swayed me from my Tom Ford, but for anyone who is looking for a less expensive option, this is really nice!

You can read my last post here :)

Best of Make-Up 2012!

Here is the final part of my three-part series on my Best of Beauty 2012!

I went on a hunt for my perfect foundation this year and after many unsuccessful attempts (both with drugstore and high-end) I found it!  The Burberry Sheer Foundation in Trench No. 01 ($54) is perfect for me, it's yellow-toned enough and what's more, it's 'intelligent', meaning it matches to your skin color, making the small collection of shades very universal! It's a light coverage foundation, but it lasts for quite a long time, and it looks especially nice over top of the Burberry Fresh Glow ($48), which is a primer that gives off a beautiful sheen on the face and could even be used as a highlighter!

As for powder, the Burberry Sheer Powder in Porcelain No. 01 ($45) is the perfect thing to put on top of this gorgeous base, as it's a luminous powder and doesn't mattify the look, but simply adds to it, without making you look too glowy.  My concealers of choice were the Bobbi Brown Creamy Corrector in Porcelain Bisque ($23) for underneath my eyes, as it works wonders for those of us with awful dark circles and has turned into a HG item for me, and the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in 1 Fair (about £4), which I use for blemishes all over my face.

Burberry Sheer Eyeshadows: No. 02 Trench, No. 09 Rosewood, No. 18 Midnight Black

Moving onto eyes, I fell in love with the formulation of the Burberry Sheer Eyeshadows ($29), and I have yet to try one I didn't like, but I particularly liked No. 02 Trench as an all-over lid color (to cover an veins and such) and also No. 09 Rosewood, which is a gorgeous pink-purple taupe color.  I also like to use No. 18 Midnight Black as my eyeliner as it lasts all day and is quite natural looking on the upper lash line.  I also liked to use the NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Rue Bonaparte ($23) on my waterline, it's a flesh-toned eyeliner that really makes you look awake and can even make your eyes look bigger!

This year was the year I started paying attention to my eyebrows, and I realized how important they were to the overall look of my make-up.  I tried a few different eyebrow products, but I fell in love with the Tom Ford Brow Sculptor in Taupe ($42). It's very natural looking and it lasts all day, it even comes with a spooli! I even did a review on it, which you can read here.

My mascara routine consisted of two parts: I first used the Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum ($28) to elongate and volumize my lashes (I promise this stuff works, it's fantastic!) and then I almost always opted for the Maybelline Mega Plush Mascara (about $6), which got really bad reviews, but I think it's amazing for elongating the lashes (definitely not for volumizing them, though), I loved it so much, I even repurchased it!

Top to Bottom: Burberry Light Glow - Earthy Blush No. 07, NARS Douceur Blush,  Dior Shimmer Star in 002 Amber Diamond

I didn't really fall in love with a bronzer until the end of the year (which you can see in my December Favorites Post), but I found a blush that worked amazingly well as a contour color for me, the Burberry Light Glow - Earthy Blush No. 07 ($42).  I would highly recommend it for those of you with warm, pale skin, who struggle to find a contour color that suits you! I then usually used NARS Douceur ($28) on my cheeks as my blush of choice, which is a lovely pink-brown color that looks really natural and absolutely stunning on just about anyone who has fair-light skin-tone (maybe even Medium skin-tone, but it might not show up).  I didn't often use a highlighter throughout the year, but when I did it was almost always the Dior Shimmer Star in 002 Amber Diamond ($44).  It's absolutely stunning, if you are warm-toned, get this now!  If you're cool-toned, I would recommend trying the Dior Shimmer Star in 001 Rose Diamond, but it's definitely possible to pull both off no matter what you're skin-tone is!

Revlon Rose Velvet Lipstick

Finally, my favorite lipstick this year has to be Revlon's Rose Velvet Lipstick (about $6), which is a really nice warm-toned, light orange-red.  It's strong enough to be worn at night, but muted enough to be worn during the day, it's also a color that could be worn throughout the year and one that I think works really nicely in a professional setting!  I wore this almost everyday this summer when I was working in an office and I definitely didn't feel out of place with this on!

That's it for my 'Best of Beauty 2012' Series, I hope you enjoyed it :) You can read my Best of Skincare and my Best of Body-Care and Fragrance posts here and here!

Bioderma Créaline TS H20 Review

Last November, a friend of mine went to Paris for a weekend and came back with 2 500ml bottle of the Bioderma Créaline TS H20 (about €10 each in France) for me!  Best friend award goes to him :)

I had been wanting to try Bioderma for months, but as it isn't readily available in the US, I hadn't gotten around to trying it (also it's about $30 in the US, which is pretty outrageous).  However, since I've tried this, I will have to find a way to get this once I get back to the US, because it's amazing.

I've used this for about 2 months and I've barely used any of it, so it's definitely worth the $30 (or €10 if your  French) price tag, because it will definitely last for quite a long time.

It's a cleanser that takes off every drop of make-up on your face and isn't too stripping and doesn't leave your face feeling greasy.  I only use this to remove my make-up and then move on to cleansing my face with something else afterwards.

I think the one I have is for sensitive skin, but I know there's a type that is meant for oily skin, too (though I have no idea what it's called). 

I highly recommend this product and I know I won't be without it in the future, even if it isn't sold in America!

You can read my last post here :)

Best of Skincare 2012!

Here's my favorite Skincare bits of 2012!

I use the Clarisonic Mia ($119) every morning to clean my face, I initially didn't like this that much, I thought it didn't do much, but once I switched from the Sensitive Brush Head that comes with the Mia to the Normal Brush Heads it made a massive difference and now I can't live without this! I have heard that some people go through a purging stage with the Clarisonic, when their skin is at it's absolute worst, but that (thankfully) didn't happen to me!

I've used the LUSH Eau Roma Water ($21.95 for 8.4 fl. oz.) exclusively since I bought it at the first LUSH Store I ever went to in Glasgow, Scotland this summer!  It's an amazing product and reasonably priced, as well.  Plus, it lasts ages, I've been using mine twice a day for about 7 months and I still have about 30% left!

For my day moisturizer, I tried a few different ones this year, but nothing compared to the Algenist Firming &  Lifting Cream ($94).  I used my Beauty Insider Points at Sephora to get a deluxe sample of this in August and I still haven't run out of it (though I'm fairly close to running out now), despite the fact that I've used it basically everyday since I got it! It's unbelievably expensive, but if you get it from Sephora during the VIB Sale it doesn't hurt as bad (that's when I purchased the full-size of it), though it still is pretty painful.

Because my Algenist moisturizer doesn't have an SPF, I also use a Sunscreen for my face to protect my very fair complexion.  I fell in love with the Clarins SPF 30 Sun Wrinkle Control Cream For Face (€28).  Although, I don't necessarily need a sunscreen to protect from wrinkles, it definitely doesn't hurt!  I also love that this sunscreen is really creamy and doesn't feel sticky on my face after I apply it.  It also doesn't smell like sunscreen, which is a major bonus!

I started trying out a few different serums this year, but I am currently using the Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S. Thirst Quenching Serum ($48) and I love it so much.  I've already used up my first sample of this and am quickly going through my second sample tube.  Once I run out of this serum, I know for a fact I will invest in the full-size of this, especially because Caudalie products are much cheaper in Europe than in the US!

To remove my make-up I use Bioderma, which is possibly the greatest make-up remover I've ever used.  I think it's about €10 in France, but it's hard to get a hold of outside of France, though I have luckily found a pharmacy in my city in Germany that sells it!

I also became something of a mask-fiend this year, ending the year with a collection of about 5, which is more than enough!  However, my favorite of the bunch has to be the Aesop Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque ($38).  It makes your skin feel really clean, it helps to clear out my pores, but it exfoliates at the same time, making it something that is well-loved by me!

For spot treatments, I always use the Origins Super Spot Remover ($14.50).  You need the smallest amount and within a day or two, your spot is gone!  It's really a miracle worker and I will definitely be repurchasing this when I run out (which won't be for a while since you only need the tiniest amount).

Finally, my lip balm of choice this year (and every year for that matter) is the Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil (about $4).  I've loved this stuff for years, it's so hydrating, and smells amazing!

I hope you enjoyed the second installment of my 'Best of Beauty 2012' Series, you can check out the first part (Body-Care and Fragrance) here! You can also read my most recent post here!

Maybelline The Rocket Volume Express Mascara Review

The day before I left the US over my Christmas break, I was at Wal-Mart stocking up on all things American and I went through the Cosmetics section (how could I not?!) and I saw that the Maybelline The Rocket Mascara (about $6) had been released in the US!

I had heard Missglamorazzi talk about this on Youtube, so when I saw it at the store I had to grab it.  I thought she said she used it for her bottom lashes (I actually think I'm wrong about that), but I decided to try this out for my bottom lashes.

I have tried it on my top lashes, but it's pretty clumpy on my top lashes.  However, on my bottom lashes, it grabs all of my lashes and coats them really well without any clumping.  I'm not sure why there's such a massive difference in the product between my top and bottom lashes, but I'm content with using it for just my bottom lashes.  However, I have noticed some smudging with this, which is a shame.

Though I will admit that it's a bit ridiculous having to buy a mascara just for the bottom lashes!

For those of you who might be looking at this mascara for an all-over mascara, this might be for you if you're looking for some volume.  The bristles are really short and it's quite a small wand, so I think it would be good for that.  However, volumizing mascaras on me just turn out really clumpy, so they're a no-go!  But I can see it working on someone with shorter lashes (mine are really long).

It's an okay product, but nothing life changing!  Next time, I'll probably try out the Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara, but for now, this will do!

Anyone else tried this?

You can read my last post here!

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette Review

Everyone seems to be going a bit crazy over this new palette from Urban Decay, and seeing as I love both the original Naked Palette and the Naked 2 Palette, I felt like I needed this one, as well (even though I probably didn't)!

It comes in a rubbery type packaging, similar to NARS (though, I doubt it will end up looking as dirty as my NARS products, due to the beige coloring).  It's absolutely tiny, and can sit in the palm of my hand (it would have no problems fitting inside of a clutch bag), making it great for travel!

Despite it's microscopic size, it comes packed with 6 full-sized eyeshadows, that are almost all Matte (the first shade in the pallete is a subtle, shimmery satin).

Venus, Foxy, W.O.S., Naked 2

Venus, Foxy, W.O.S.

W.O.S., Naked 2, Faint, Crave

Naked 2, Faint, Crave

My biggest complaint about the palette is that it is extremely difficult to open, I opt to leave it slightly open because it takes a few minutes (and possibly some nails) to open the thing! Which to me is disappointing as I would prefer to shut the palette!

Here's how I would describe each shade:

• Venus - a gorgeous satin shade with some subtle shimmer, the perfect highlighting shade
• Foxy  - a repeat from the Naked 2 Palette, but this could be used for many purposes, I opt to use this yellow-toned off-white with W.O.S. all over the lid
• W.O.S. - this is the pink-toned version of Foxy and mixes well with it for an all-over the lid color; it can also be found in the Urban Decay Built Your Own Palette
• Naked 2 - a really lovely brown-taupe that could be used on its own entirely, or be used in the crease, or even as a base for a smokey eye, though I am curious why this wasn't included in the Naked 2 Palette? Hmm..
• Faint - a medium-warm brown that is great for using in the crease, especially when mixed with Naked 2 for a day-time look
• Crave - a brown-black (that leans more black), which I use as an eyeliner for a slightly more natural eyeliner look

Here's the bottom line: Do you need this palette if you already have the Naked and Naked 2 Palettes? No.  Are the colors in this palette dupable? Yes.  However, the quality of the shadows and the fact that most of them are matte (a massive change for Urban Decay) really threw both of those questions out of my head.  I think this could even be a great palette for someone starting out with eyeshadows, even though they are matte, they are so creamy and blendable that I don't think a beginner would have any major issues with it.

Looking back, if I only had to choose on of the Urban Decay Naked Palettes, I would probably choose this one, you can create an array of looks with this palette, I can see myself using every shade (which is more than I can say about either of the other palettes), and it's just more convenient, overall.

Also, you can't beat the price - $27 at Sephora, it's basically a steal!

I hope this helped! You can read my last post here.