Naked3 Inspiration

The inspiration behind naked 3 plus 3 all new double ended pencils to go with each palette!

This is one of the reasons I like the Urban Decay brand: they really listen to their consumers. 

We said "Make the primer potion n a squeezy tube," They delivered. 

We said "Bring back the double ended zero/whisky pencil," not only did they deliver, but they made a corresponding double ended pencil to go with every NAKED palette,  including the Naked Basics. 

Urban Decay Naked 3: 12 Whole New Ways to Get Naked

The Urban Decay Naked 3 palette is finally available online at Sephora.com and Ulta.com.

I'm not exactly sure when this palette will be available in stores at Sephora, but I know it will be for sale in Ulta stores in 12/12. 

I just took the liberty to order it online at Sephora yesterday because I know it'll be here sometime next week and I was severely overdue for a 500 point perk and I really liked the Smashbox kit on the site. 

Get yours before it's gone! 

Yumm...

Don't Just Wear Makeup...

Let it inspire You! 

The iT'S Judy Time Palette is Here

The It's Judy Time Palette is now available for purchase at BH Cosmetics.com

and retails for $14.95.

This palette comes with 12 shades, 9 warm tones, and 3 cooler tones with a mix of matte, satin, and shimmer shades. 

The 3 cool tones look like a shimmery lavender (the star of Judy's tutorial), a periwinkle, and a navy blue. Interesting choices. 

i initially wondered why Judy wouldn't include a matte black in the palette, but upon further reflection I think that would be a better choice because If the black isn't going to be the blackest black you can possibly fathom, someone is going to complain about it. 

So, good call Judy. Good call. 

Here's a look at the palette:

Here's a link to Judy's Channel where she demonstrates how to achieve a pop of color in her very first tutorial using her very own palette. 

This palette really reminds me on the sleek palettes,

especially the 

Oh So Special and the Storm palettes. 

Each of those retailing for $9.99 on the Sleek website. 

 Storm palette from Sleek Makeup

Oh So Special palette from Sleek Makeup

Here's the thing:

BH Cosmetics does not have a great reputation for having beautifully rich and pigmented eye shadows (or even powder products in general).

I'm debating between taking the plunge and buying it now for the purpose of reviewing it more thoroughly when it comes in

and possibly loving it, or being disappointed with the quality.

Or just waiting for Judy to do more tutorials and for others on the YouTube to do reviews and convince  me to buy it. 

What do you say? 

Should I be adventurous? Or should I be safe?

Don't just Wear makeup, 

Let it Inspire You. 

SNEAK PEEK AT ItsJudyTime's Eye Shadow Palette via BH Cosmetics

*To see the palette skip to around the 15 minute mark.*

Prominent YouTuber and Beauty Blogger Judy from 

ItsJudyTime (her original beauty channel), ItsJudysLife (her vlog channel) and more recently

ItsMommysLife (her motherhood channel)

has recently announced via her vlog channel, the release of a palette that she has constructed in conjunction with BH Cosmetics. 

There was no swatching done in the vlog as the reveal of the palette was meant to be a teaser to spark public interest until the palette's official launch party sometime this month. 

From the brief look Judy gave us, the palette is relatively compact with two rows of sic shadows and  a mirror making it travel friendly. 

From the looks of it, it is a nice, respectably neutral palette with a mix of matte satin and shimmer shades. 

From what I can gather from the vlog, my impression is that the palette will be released on the BH Cosmetic site on the 7th of this month. But, I could totally be wrong about that date, which could be a separate and more exclusive launch party. Either way I'll at least be on the look out. 

I'm not sure what the retail price of the palette will be, but if I had to guess at a price I would say nothing more than $19.95

Again, just a guess. 

I think everyone that watches Judy on anyone of her channels, but especially her beauty channel, would respect her judgement when it comes to constructing a palette of this nature; 

my primary concern, having ordered from BH Cosmetics before, is the actual quality of the shades. 

Any kind of speculation I have on this palette now isn't based on much because I don't actually own it yet. 

I wish Judy the best of luck with the launch because I'm definitely rooting for this palette

to be a success. 

Elf Studio Line Powder Brush

Elf has meant for this brush to be used with powder products, however the consensus among beauty enthusiasts is to use it to buff in liquid an cream foundations to achieve a more flawless finish. 

Similar brushes include: 

the Synthetic Flat Top Multi-Purpose Brush 

from Sonia Kashuk

$15.79

the Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki

$21.00

Nothing similar from 

MAC

Bdellium Tools 957 Precision Kabuki 

$14.52

Sedona Lace Synthetic Flat Top 928 - Vegan

$14.95

Sedona Lace Flat Top Buffer FB 07

$14.95

Brushes like these are good for blending foundation and bronzer into the neck and chest, 

doing strong contouring using the edge of the brush as well as blurring out that harsh line (aka the dreaded racing stripe) using the flat top. 

Even though most people seem to like to use this product with liquids and creams it can also be used with powders as originally intended, however this would give a greater coverage since the flat top nature of the brush will pick up and deposit more product onto the skin.

I find brushes like these is best used with powders likeMakeup Forever Duo Mat Powder Foundation  and the  Graftobian Dual Finish Powder Foundation because both of these products can be applied dry or wet. 

The key that makes all of these brushes so versatile is that they're constructed using synthetic fibers as opposed to natural fibers, making them compatible for use with powders, creams and liquids. 

Long Story Short, if you  don't have anything like it in your collection, one of these brushes is worth investing in simply because they are so versatile. 

and remember:

Don't Just Wear Makeup...

Let it Inspire You 

The Lorac Pro to Go: A Classically Well-Constructed, No-Brainer Palette?

Even though I’m a self-proclaimed cosmetic crack whore, there are so many mornings when I’m feeling a lack of creativity; altogether uninspired. When I’m in a funk I can pick up anything - either NAKED palette, Nude ‘Tude, Laura Mercier, even the Original Lorac Pro - and quickly become intimidated by the number of options I suddenly have. 

The worst is when you pick up your favorite palette only to realize that you’ve completely hit pan on your favorite three or so shades while the other nine remain unloved. Then you start to wonder why you dropped $50 on it only to use three shades.

Carol Shaw provides an answer to to this all too familiar dilemma by constructing

THE ULTIMATE

NO BRAINER PALETTE!

Yumm........

This palette comes complete with six beautifully neutral shadows as well as two blushes, one with a matte finish and one with a slight satin finish, and  a mid-toned matte bronzer.

Like its predecessor the Lorac Pro to Go is made up of half shimmer shadows (Pearl, Chai and Mink) and half matte shadows (Shell, Cafe and Black).

Unlike its predecessor you don’t have as many options, but that’s kind of the point.

This is a palette meant to create two or three complete neutral looks. This is something that won't give  you a shit ton of random shades and say “Good luck trying to make sense of this.”

And unlike its predecessor this kit comes with a slew of face products to include two blushes in Coral and Pink, as well as a bronzer; all of which are a good size. 

At first I was skeptical about the price as $38; ($41 somethin' after tax) is kind of a lot to drop on six shadows, but the addition of the face products definitely warrants the price. That's how Lorac is expanding their consumer base: by drawing them in with the shadows and introducing them to their cheek products and thereby sparking an interest to try more Lorac face products. 
It's kind of brilliant, actually.

The Criticisms

As much as I like this palette, however, I do have some criticisms.

The construction of the shadows reminds me a lot of the Too Faced 9-pan palettes in that you have a lid color, an outer 'V' or lining color, but then the highlight shade at the end is like, twice the size of the other shadows. I never understood why that was. 
The highlight shade is the shade that I personally use the least, and when I do use them, it's just around the inner corner and the brow bone, which takes up the LEAST surface area on the eye. 

Why not make the lid color the largest? Why not make them all the same size?

I just don't understand. 

AT ALL!

Ugh. Gross!!!

I mentioned earlier that this is a 'No Brainer Palette.' While I still hold that to be true, I think it's suited better for smokey eyes than for a daytime, wear to work look.

I think the palette is missing transition shades.

Since I am of a medium/tan skin-tone I would start with cafe as a base color. Then what? I could apply the bronzer color to the outer 'V' in an attempt to create a darker contrast, but I don't know how much of a contrast that would make. I could use that black, but I don't want to wear a smoky eye to the office.

So what's left?

To mix cafe and/or Bronzer with the black to create a darker brown.

I could incorporate Shell to the inner corner to make a gradient effect, but that would still require mixing cafe and black to make the look daytime appropriate.

One of the most awkward things is having "bedroom eyes" at the office and potentially looking like a lady of the night.

I loath the Urban Decay Naked Basics palette, but I think the Pro to Go would benefit from shades like Naked 2, or Faint for example.

It's a BEAUTIFUL smoky eye palette!

If you're a Kardashian, this palette contains your entire look (year 'round).

But I just don't think it's able to transition as well to create a daytime look for normal people aspiring to subtle sophistication.

I found it to be kind of disappointing just because it turns out this palette isn't as versatile as I thought it was.

Though, I must say, I had pretty high expectations.

PLEASE!!

Leave me a comment telling me how you like to use this palette.

Do you use it primarily for day? or night?

Do you use more of the matte colors? or the shimmer colors? How?

Do you favor this palette over the original Lorac Pro palette? or Vice versa?

Thanks for reading, and Remember:

Don't Just Wear Makeup...
Let it Inspire You!

NARS Fairy's Kiss Palette

What a gorgeous night time smokey eye done with such a gorgeous palette!

Lip Picks of the Week

Lippies of the Week!

Maybelline SHINE Sensational Lipgloss in Tempting Toffee

Almay Color + Care Liquid Lip Balm in Lilac Love

Almay Color + Care Liquid Lip Balm in Pink

-Apologies for the hand stubble-

Maybelline Baby Lips lip balm in Pink Punch

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Vintage Pink

Mac Lipstick in Syrup - Lustre Finish 

Though most of these products are good enough to use alone I really like layering them to create the perfect color and the perfect effect. 

Tempting Toffee is a great stand alone gloss that can be used to add shine to the lips. Sometimes I like to layer it over Vintage Pink to tone it down a bit on days when I'm wearing a bolder eye. 

For a brighter lip I like to layer Lilac Love over Vintage Pink

and

for that unmistakeable pink lip I start with Pink Punch as a moisturizing (and surprisingly colorful) base, Syrup over that and the Almay gloss in Pink over that. 

Yummm.......  

Don't Just Wear Makeup

...

Rock It!

Fact or Fantasy: Urban Decay Naked 3

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette?

Are you ready for the come back?

Don't just wear makeup

...

Rock It. 

A Trial Sized Review: Freeman Charcoal and Black Sugar Facial Polishing Mask

Introducing a new segment devoted to testing and reviewing products on a smaller scale than usual.

I find that most items located in the travel-sized sections contain enough product for about 3-6 uses (depending of course on what kind of product it is, and how often you use it), and I feel like 3-6 uses is enough for a consumer to know at least whether or not they actually like it and whether they want to repurchase the same or similar product in a full size.

This is good for two obvious reasons 1) If it turns out that I don’t like it, I can find comfort in knowing that I didn’t make a huge financial commitment 2) If it turns out I don’t like it I don’t have to figure out how to use it up. 

It’s the same reason people get samples at Sephora and at the makeup counters: To experiment with the product, to get their feet wet before making that all-important commitment (especially when it comes to skin care).

Let’s Dive!

This first review is going to be on the Freeman Charcoal and Black Sugar Facial Polishing Mask.

This product is advertised as a

“Dual-action purifying mask and smoothing exfoliant.”

This treatment is slightly different from the traditional notion of a facial mask in that it does not harden and you don’t have to peel it off, which can be a benefit if you feel

uncomfortable looking like a creature straight from a bad sci-fi movie.

*Cough* Skarknado *Cough, Cough* Shark Avalanche.  

I liked it because it serves a dual purpose: Purifying and exfoliating.

I like that my face felt purified and cleansed after the treatment but still hydrated. When you finish rinsing, your face does not feel dry and tight, which is literally refreshing.

The product itself in appearance and texture reminds me of the MAC Volcanic Ash exfoliator thing. I can’t say whether or not this product is a dupe for MAC’s Volcanic Ash, but those who have tried the MAC can find Freeman’s Charcoal and Black sugar in the Cosmetic section of Rite Aids in the skincare isle located right next to the full-sized version, as well as at Walmart usually on an end cap lingering in the Limbo between cosmetics and skincare for around $1.93ish, along with a wide range of other trial-sized facial masks Freeman makes.

Final Thoughts…

I LIKE IT!

I like that that granules are big enough and concentrated enough to remove the dry skin from my trouble spots without being overly harsh like Arcona, and and without leaving my skin dehydrated and tight like clay-based masks.

BTW if you’re wondering, I did repurchase a full-size tube and use it consistently once a week on my skincare days.

Yumm… Lovin’ it.

Remember,

Don’t Just Wear Makeup…

Rock it!

My First Avon Experience

I'm sure we all have that one person in our lives that sells Avon or Mary Kay. 

For most I feel like it would be an estranged aunt, 

or a distant friend of the family. 

(Un)fortunately for me, it's my friend. 

-Keep in mind I'm in my early 20's and so is she.-

Initial reaction when I found out: 

DA-FAQ?!

This is just one of those jobs that are obsolete. 

There is no need for an Avon representative because Avon has a website. 

And even though Avon has been around for ages I feel like, despite efforts to modernize their product line,  it's still remembered as

"Your Mother's makeup"

or even 

"You're Grandmother's makeup."

Ne Wayz, on to the Review... 

For my birthday in March she gave my a bag full of Avon samples. 

A hand cream, a shower gel that I never used, a couple of those tiny itty bitty lipstick samples from the early 90's (I had no idea they still did those), an automatic eyeliner, and a lip product. 

The hand cream was moisturizing but watery at the same time, and even though I used it up is was more so because I forgot to bring lotion for the weekend and my legs were ashy. Honestly I can't even remember the name of the lotion.  But I wouldn't purchase it again especially if I have to order it online or through a representative. 

The Avon Glimmersticks Cosmic Liner in Starlight Blue went on very smoothly, had good pigmentation and is water resistant. That was really nice since I didn't have to worry about getting it off at the end of the night, but if you wanted something more water proof for a special occasion that probably wasn't it. 

Again I probably won't repurchase because NYX, Milani and other drugstore brands offer the same kind of deal in an even smoother formula that can also be waterproof depending on the brand. 

Why order when you can go to Walgreens?

The Avon Healthy Makeup Lip Cream came in the color Peachy Cream (I'm not sure of the exact name cause there's a big expiration stamp covering it. And btw it expired like 6 months ago, which leads me to suspect that she got it for free because it was old, which may very well explain my next complaint). 

Even though this product comes in a lip gloss tube complete with a doefoot app. it's not a lip gloss. Nor does it have the staying power of a lipstick. It's just one of those awkward inbetweens. The color is beautifully natural, would go well with any skintone and is comfortable on the lips. 

The only problem was that it STINKS! 

It doesn't even smell like chemicals like your mother's makeup would. It smells like the pureed veggies in non organic Walmart brand baby food.

The smell of chemicals I would be able to stomach (#notadrugaddict) but the smell of nasty food I can't, and it makes me gag every time I put it on.    

Needless to say I don't wear it anymore. I just kept it to do this blog...
3 months after the fact. 

Wutevz. 

Hopefully my next encounter with Avon will be a more satisfying one. 

Don't just wear Makeup...

Rock it.