REVIEW: Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Chopper

~AG~

Always been a big fan of Urban Decay's eyeshadow. The textures of UD eyeshadows are ultra smooth. The pigmentation is great, and the eyeshadow is long-lasting. Having own Naked Eyeshadow Palette, Naked 3 Eyeshadow Palette and the Naked Basics Eyeshadow Palette, I felt that I could not go wrong with any Urban Decay eyeshadow. Chopper is a shimmery copper tone. This eyeshadow was initially for my mother, she wanted a neutral everyday eyeshadow. When I first swatched it in store, the color was nice. My mother tend to lean towards brown tones so I thought this eyeshadow would be suitable for her. It would be a nice shade to brighten the eyes area. This UD single eyeshadow retails at Shilla Duty Free Changi Aiport for S$24.20. That is a steep price for a single eyeshadow. However, I thought the quality of Urban Decay warrants that price. 

So what did I think about Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Chopper?

My mother returned the eyeshadow to me as she said it was too shimmery. I was puzzled with her feedback because I have never found Urban Decay eyeshadows overly shimmery. Decided to try this eyeshadow for myself. Chopper is a nice cooper shade. It is not too orange or too brown for my medium skin tone. However, when I applied the eyeshadow with my ring fingers, I noticed fallouts to my lower eyes area. Furthermore, the shimmers are not as fine as other UD eyeshadows. The shimmer bits were rather visible. Towards the end of the day, the shimmers transferred to my lower eyelids and irritated my eyes. So so disappointed with this Urban Decay eyeshadow. Chopper is a black sheep of the Urban Decay eyeshadow lineup. They have screwed up with the production of this eyeshadow. *thumbs down*

REVIEW: Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup

Sleek packaging - long and slim

 ~AG~

This foundation works better than I had expected! It is very, very lightweight and feels like nothing on my skin. Urban Decay Naked Liquid Makeup is definitely my new favourite. This foundation provides light to medium coverage. It has a demi-matte finish with light-diffusing spheres that makes your skin illuminated. It works well to conceal my redness around the nose, and my blemishes. Though, it is not provide enough coverage enough for my dark circles. For those that prefer or need more coverage, you would have to layer the foundation over a concealer to get the desired look. Urban Decay Naked Liquid Makeup stays on well, even without a primer. It does not smudge off from my combination skin. *clap clap* This foundation will also work well for those with oily skin type, though prepping your face with a face primer will be advised. In addition, my sensitive combination skin did not have any adverse reaction to this foundation. No new breakouts, no bumps or no redness. Yay! Urban Decay Naked Liquid Makeup is paraben-free. 
My cousin who has an acne-prone skin tried my Urban Decay Naked Liquid Makeup and liked it. She said that the texture is nice, and looks very natural. The coverage provided was good enough for her. 

With a metal-finish pump dispenser

According to Urban Decay, infused with Matrixyl 3000 (a powerful anti-wrinkle peptide), protective and brightening Litchiderm, antioxidant green tea and vitamins. :

• 100% of participant in a clinical studies had a measurable improvement in the appearance of skin imperfections
• 96% of participants had a measurable improvement in skin radiance
• 90% of participants had a measurable improvement in skin firmness
• 93% of participants had a measurable improvement in the appearance of fine lines

Shade 3.0 matched my medium skin tone perfectly. For shade reference, I am Bourjois Shade 52 (Vanille), MAC NC 30, Bobbi Brown Beige (3) and Chanel Beige (10). 

Shade 3.0

 

It is pricey at S$52 for 30 ml worth of product. But I will still recommend this Urban Decay Naked Liquid Makeup especially for those who prefers a natural skin finish. It looks like you are not wearing makeup at all. This foundation works well for special occasions, and is also comfortable for daily use. 

High-End vs. Drugstore (Roadshows) Makeup Products

Worth the Splurge:
1) Foundation - I almost always buy high-end foundation. The biggest factor is the process of selecting a color match. A saleslady at the counter can greatly assist in the color selection. For drugstore brands such as Revlon or L'Oreal, you often have to play the guessing game to select a color match. Plus, the lighting at the drugstore is often not suitable for selecting a color match for foundation. The only drugstore foundation brand that I adore is Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation. But in Singapore, they sell it at BHG counter, so I had the helpful assistance of a saleslady. 
2) Concealer - There is a huge difference between high-end concealers and drugstore concealers. High-end concealers provide more coverage, and yet goes on smoothly. As with drugstore foundations, you often have to guess your color match because there are no testers available. Even if there is a tester, the lighting at drugstore is not adequate to accurately determine a color match. Drugstore concealers that have high coverage tends to be cakey too. 

 

Not worth the extra $$:
1) Mascaras - Since you have to replace them every 6 months, it would be very costly to purchase high-end mascaras such as Lancome, Dior and Chanel. Drugstore brands such as Maybelline and  CoverGirl produce good-performing mascaras that are easy on your pockets. Korean roadshow brands such as Etude House and innisfree have a good selection of mascaras as well. 
2) Lipstick - A girl needs an array of lip colors. I have a confession to make: I am a lip product junkie. I probably have more than 20 lipsticks, lip tints, lip crayons, lip glosses and lip balms. I do own some high-end lipsticks such as Chanel, NARS, Dior lipsticks. But I also own mid-priced products such as Benefit Benebalm. For affordable-priced products, my inclination is towards Korean roadshow brands such as Clio, VDL and innisfree. I especially <3 the VDL Expert Color Lip Cube Ex! 

So there you have it! Makeup products that I splurge on, and those that I save on. Tell me about yours!

NEW BUY: Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup

~AG~

My HG Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation is way past its shelf life, it has been in my beauty collection for almost two years. Yes yes, it is so BAD that I have yet to dispose of it. But within these two years, I probably used it less than 10 times. I am not a big fan of having face makeup on a daily basis, thus my liquid foundation is only reserved for special occasions. 

Introducing Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup!

• Naked Skin uses light-diffusing spheres to 'blur' imperfections for a luminous, demi-matte finish that feels invisible but looks professionally retouched. 
• Naked Skin is oil-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, and loaded with nourishing ingredients: 
• Matrixyl 3000-Anti-wrinkle and lifting peptides restore and maintain skin's youthful appearance while increasing elasticity. 
• Litchiderm (derived from lychee fruit) – Protects the skin from dehydration, oxidative stress and accelerated aging, resulting in a brighter, more radiant complexion. 
• Green Tea & Vitamin E – These anti-oxidants neutralize free-radicals and promote collagen production for smooth and supple skin. 
• Sodium Hyaluronate – Holds and attracts water for optimal hydration, circulation and nutrient absorption, making skin smooth, soft and youthful.

The saleslady tried the shade 2.0 on my hands but it was too light. Then she watched the shade 3.0 on my jaw and it matched perfectly. I fell in love with the feel of the liquid foundation, it was very lightweight! UD Naked Liquid Makeup comes in a pump packaging, which is my favourite type of liquid foundation packaging. The hygienic pump packaging means it can be good-to-use for much longer. Shilla Duty Free retails UD Naked Liquid Foundation for S$52. It was the more affordable option compared to lightweight options from Chanel makeup, YSL, or Shu Uemura, which were all in the $60+ price range. Stay tuned for my review of UD Liquid Makeup!

Eyeliners Series 1: Comparison of Pencil Eyeliners

PENCIL EYELINER

~AG~

This is my least favourite type of eyeliner. Though it is the easiest to use, I find that it does not stay on well for my eyelids. My oily, single eyelids tend to smudge these pencil eyeliners to the bottom lids. In addition, you have to sharpen them to get a fine tip to line the eyes. With pencil eyeliners, it is difficult to create a defined eyeliner look because of the width of the pencil. Also, they do not work well for the waterline.

Because I like a very fine eyeliner application for everyday use, the pencil eyeliner is not suitable for me. I will recommend pencil eyeliner for those that are new to eyeliners, granted you do not have oily eyelids or monolids like me, because they require the least amount of skills and effort. Lastly, pencil eyeliners tend to be the most affordable type of eyeliners.



Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner

This is probably one of the first pencil eyeliners that I bought. I saw it featured in one of the magazines describing on how long-lasting it is. Since it is an affordable drugstore eyeliner, I decided to try it. This is a twist type of pencil eyeliner. It has a creamy texture and glides on easily. However, the staying power is awful. It smudges to my lower eyelids within two hours.



Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil

This was the first high-end eyeliner that I bought. The name mentions 24/7 which refers to it long-lasting and smudge-proof properties. However, this eyeliner did not last on my eyelids. It smudged badly and I ended up looking like a raccoon. It has a very creamy texture that glides one easily. You are supposed to wait 30 seconds before it sets to dry. Once it dries, it supposedly would not budge. Though, I beg to differ. Even with eye shadow primer, it still smudges after an hour. Overall, I will not recommend this Urban Decay eye pencil. 


Stila Kajal Eye Liner

I use Stila Kajal Eye Liner in Topaz (pictured above) to line the lower inner rims of eyes to create a wide-awake effect. Perfect for those mornings when you are sleep deprived. Glides on easily and its peach/flesh tone looks very natural. However, the staying power is awful. The liner smudges after an hour or two.

Milani Liquid Eye Liquid-Like Eye Liner

This is a gel pencil liner. It has a very creamy texture, creamier than Urban Decay 24/7. It is a drugstore brand that supposedly rivals UD 24/7 and Make Up Forever Aqua Eyes. Similar to UD 24/7, you have to allow eyeliner to dry for 15 seconds after application then it will set. It is supposed to last throughout the day. When I tried it, it lasted about 5 hours on the upper lids without any primer. On the waterline, it lasted even shorter, 3 hours only. However, I do find that Milani eye liner does stay on better than UD 24/7. Comparing the value for money, I rather recommend to Milani to those in the States.

NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner

One of my favorite eyeliners. The shade Madison Avenue is a slate grey color. It has a slight blue tone and is not as dark. But it is suitable for everyday use.

It is the best long-wearing pencil liner. Most “long-wear” eyeliners (Milani Liquif, Urban Decay 24/7, Revlon Colorstay, even Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner) smudges to my lower lids in 2-3 hours, but NARS Long-Wear Eyeliner does not cause a raccoon eye effects. Though NARS claim it will lasts for 12 hours, it does start to smear on my upper eyelids after 8 hours (without eyeshadow primer). However, the smearing is less than that of Urban Decay 24/7 or Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner. Plus, it only smudges on my upper eyelids and does not transfer to my lower lids like the other liners.

It glides on easily, and yet is not creamy like Milani Liquif or Urban Decay 24/7. With Milani Liquif and Urban Decay 24/7, I find them too creamy so you have to sharpen often which is a waste of product. Also, there is no drying time - you don’t have to keep your lids closed to set it. The twist up liner and built-in sharpener is convenient for travelling. I will definitely recommend this eyeliner to you!

Eyeliners Series Introduction

~AG~

In the next few days, I will start a series of posts regarding eyeliners. Over the years, I have tried more than 20 eyeliners. Some drugstore brands, some high-end brands. You name it, I have probably tried it. Bobbi Brown, MAC Cosmetics, Urban Decay, Stila, Lancome, NARS, Tony Moly, 24k Palette, Almay, Revlon, Milani, Eyeko and The Face Shop. All the different formulas I have tried - pencil, liquid eyeliner, felt tip, gel eyeliner.

A little introduction about my eyeliners experience.  I have single eyelids that tend to smudge eyeliners to the lower lids. So, I am always on the quest to find THE perfect eyeliner that would not smudge, is waterproof and is easy to use. Simple enough right? To find such a perfect eyeliner has been full of trials and errors. Now, I can narrow down my HG eyeliners to 3 eyeliners. Stay tuned to see which 3 eyeliners are my HGs! 

Makeup Products Today

 

🔹Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette 

🔹Shu Uemura Face PowderColorless 

🔹NARS Orgasm Blush & Laguna Bronzer Duo 

🔹 Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Radiant Touch in 2.5 

🔹Lancome Alber Elbaz Hypnose Doll Eyes Waterproof  

🔹 Cle De Peau Beaute Concealer in Ocher  

🔹NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base 

🔹Lancome Artliner Eyeliner

REVIEW: Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

 

~AG~

A year after I bought Urban Decay Naked Basic Palette, I finally have the chance to try it out. The durable packaging makes it a good eyeshadow palette to travel with. It is light and fits nicely onto my travel makeup bag. It fits on the  palm of my hand. The rubberised packaging makes the surface less prone to scratches or eyeshadow residues. 

In the past, I always brought the original Naked palette when travelling. But I found that the packaging is too long to fit comfortably into my smaller travel makeup bag, it takes too much space. Plus, on short trips, I do not need all the eyeshadows that are available on the Naked Palette.

On my recent business trip, I decided to try out this palette. My everyday makeup look for work is usually a wash of shimmery eyeshadow and then some mascara. On some days, I use a contour shadow when I don't have time to put on liquid eyeliner. And when I really feel like dressing up, it is a shimmery eyeshadow, liquid eyeliner and mascara. 

 

       

 It retails for US$29. My sister bought it for me during the Sephora Family & Friends Sale, which entitles VIB insiders with an additional 15% off purchase. 

   

The Naked Basics Palette comes in six neutral shades.

 Left to Right: Venus, Foxy, W.O.S, Naked 2, Faint, Crave

All the eyeshadows are matte except for Venus which some shimmers. 

I was attracted to the four lightest shades on the palette. I find that those are shades that I would wear everyday. The two darkest shades are more for contouring and creating a neutral smoky eyes. 

The compact packaging of the Naked Basic Palette. It is very thin. 

This is the eye makeup look that I tried with this palette. I used Foxy all over my eyelids and then used Faint as a contour color. On the center of my eyelids, I applied Venus to highlight and brighten the area. This is an easy makeup look. You can use the darker eyeshadow as eyeliner. An easy way to define the eyes without the use of eyeliner. It creates a softer definition, which works great for a neutral work makeup look. 

Urban Decay Naked Basic palette is a great eyeshadow palette to have for natural makeup looks. The compact packaging makes it handy to have for travelling. As always, the pigmentations of Urban Decay eyeshadows are superb and stays on very well! I truly recommend this palette to those who want a simple neutral makeup look. 

 

My first post regarding the Urban Decay Naked Basic Palette.http://beautyloverssisters.blogspot.sg/2013/12/urban-decay-naked-basics-palette.html

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

~AG~
My sister brought back from the States my Sephora beauty haul. The Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette. I can't wait to try it out. The neutral colors are great for everyday use. The packaging is light and compact. It will be a good eyeshadow palette to travel with.

Arriving Soon! Urban Decay Naked 3

~AG~
Arriving soon at Urban Decay official website! The Naked 3 Palette! 
I saw some swatches of the colors on some blogs. 
The colors look so beautiful! Very flattering. 
It's more soft-toned and natural compared to the original Naked palette and Naked 2 palette.
I want to get my hands on it!