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Urban Decay

Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm

March 2, 2013
My latest skin/foundation/primer discovery is Urban Decay’s Naked Skin Beauty Balm ($34 for 35 ml/1.18 fl oz). I had been saving my Sephora Beauty Insider Points for months but as soon as I saw the Naked Skin minis available in-store, I redeemed some points for two mini 3.7 ml samples to try. I liked it so much after using a few days that I immediately ordered a full size tube from Urbandecay.com when they had their Friends and Family Sale.

After reading numerous reviews on this product, I decided to try this as a primer, over moisturizer but under foundation. I found that the Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm has a peachy beige color but applies to an almost transparent finish. Since it comes in only one shade I was concerned about the way it would look on my skin. I have light-medium olive skin and right now use NARS Tinted Moisturizer in Alaska and Chanel’s Perfection Lumiere in B30 along with Dolce & Gabbana’s Warm 100 in the Powder and Cream. I think I’m at the right skintone where the Urban Decay Naked Balm is perfect for my skin. I’ve been using it two ways:

1) Apply moisturizer, then layer Urban Decay’s Naked Beauty Balm, then dust powder foundation on top (I like Dolce & Gabbana’s and Chanel’s): the beauty balm helps to even out and prime the skin to help the powder adhere better but apply evenly, sometimes layering powder foundation over foundation can be too heavy, but applying powder foundation over moisturizer only doesn’t give enough coverage, the UD beauty balm helps give a good in-between
2) Apply moisturizer, layer Urban Decay’s Naked Beauty Balm, then feather in liquid foundation on areas that need coverage: the beauty balm helped the overall application of foundation and also helped it last longer on my skin throughout the day

I have normal but sensitive skin, I don’t typically use primers or beauty balms. When it comes to foundation, I like to keep the layering as minimal as possible: moisturizer, foundation then powder. Adding anything else usually ends up feeling too heavy for me although I have used and loved Guerlain Meteorites Perles Light Diffusing Perfecting Primer, Chanel Le Blanc de Chanel and Chanel Base Lumiere. The results of the Urban Decay Beauty Balm surprised me. I haven’t used it a full eight weeks to test out everything such as improvement of lines, lift, smoothness. After using it for a little over two weeks now, I can say that the overall look of my skin with foundation added has improved tremendously. There is a soft slightly minty fresh scent to the balm, it seems odd, but it’s really subtle and rather refreshing. The scent disappears on me after a few minutes of wear.

Right now, NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in Alaska is a good match for me, you can see side-by-side the Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm is warmer/peachier, it does blend out to an almost transparent finish.

 
Here are the ingredients from the sample package:


For me, I was lucky to try a sample (thanks to Sephora VIB points) long enough to see how it worked. This allowed me to decide whether or not to buy. I give it a huge thumbs up. However, given the fact that it comes in only one shade, I don’t think it will work for everyone. Also note that I like it as a primer which I don’t think is the intended purpose of this, so your mileage may vary. Hundreds of people have written reviews on Sephora.com and Urbandecay.com – I found them helpful.

Did you try Urban Decay’s Naked Skin Beauty Balm? What did you think? Did it work for your skin tone or skin type? Do you have any favorite primers or beauty balms?

10 Comments
Highlighters Hourglass Cosmetics

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder – Luminous Light

February 4, 2013
Hourglass has released a series of beautiful finishing powders designed to emulate various lighting effects. There are six shades of their new Ambient Lighting Powder ($45 each for 0.35 oz/10 g, currently available online at Sephora.com). According to Hourglass, the Ambient Lighting Powders are not your typical highlighting powder. These powders have “photoluminescent technology that refracts light, creates transparent coverage and renders the skin gorgeously radiant.”
I received Luminous Light (a champagne glow) from Hourglass and have been playing with this for a few weeks now. Luminous Light was designed to give a candlelight glow to the face and this fits the product perfectly. It’s a stunning champagne pearl with a slight pinkish tint that gives THE prettiest natural glow. The application instructions on the box recommended that you use their Ambient Powder Brush ($35) and dust the powder all over the face. I’ve been using my regular blush and powder brushes to test which have worked quite well. Given the glowy nature of the product, I found it best used as a highlighter (rather than all over). I’ve used it numerous ways, under and over blush, mixed with a powder bronzer, over a contour powder or over a cream bronzer.  The formula is soft and the color-intensity has just the right balance of pigment and softness to make the entire face glow. It melds into your skin and illuminates the face (rather than sitting on it or emphasizing pores like some highlighters can).

What amazes me is how complex the pearl particles are. Depending on the angle you will sometimes see a straight champagne, other times more pearl, other times a hint of pink. I attribute the candlelight glow this product gives to the complexity and perfect blend of pigments. On the arm, Luminous Light swatches more pinkish but on the face it’s more neutral/flesh toned for me.

 

 

 

Swatched:

 

There are a number of champagne highlighters on the market. Luminous Light stands out to me because it adds a natural glow without looking too frosty. It has the perfect balance of glow and color to look mimic lighting effects. The lasting power was quite good – on me it lasted all day. Other highlighters pale in comparison – the difference is difficult to capture in photos or swatches, but I’ve included a few to help show the difference.

 

Below: Chanel Poudre Signée de Chanel, Mouche de Beauté, Bobbi Brown Beige Shimmer Brick, Estée Lauder Tom Pecheux Highlight, Laura Mercier Stardust.

 

I can’t wait to order more shades and the brush from Sephora – however I do want to try them in person. As of this past weekend I did not see any of the Ambient Powders or brush at my local Sephora, but I’ve been told they will arrive instore mid-February.

 

Here is the ingredient listing:

 

 

I’ve found my holy grail powder lighter in Hourglass Luminous Light. I haven’t tested or tried the other shades to compare but based on what I’ve seen I am impressed. Few products make it into the “this changed my life” category and the Ambient Lighting Powder from Hourglass has made it. It gives that perfect glow that I aim for with cream highlighters or liquid ones – but in powder form (the benefit is that this one lasts much better than liquids). I think everyone needs at least one in their collection. More information and insight on HourglassCosmetics.com and Sephora.com.
Have you tried the Ambient Lighting Powders? What shade did you try? Thoughts on the brush? Do I need it?
This review contains a product sent by PR without charge for review. This post also contains affiliate links. For more information please refer to the About/FAQ section.
49 Comments
Base Makeup Chanel

Chanel Vitalumière Aqua vs. Teint Innocence

March 3, 2011

Chanel has officially released the new Vitalumière Aqua Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Makeup SPF 15 ($45) in the US to replace their Teint Innocence Naturally Luminous Fluid Makeup SPF 12 ($47). Long-time readers know that Teint Innocence is my holy grail of foundations and much to my dismay, I discovered it was soon to be discontinued earlier this year.

I completed an extensive foundation review last month in search for a holy grail replacement (linked below at the bottom of this post). After testing a few sample packets of the Vitalumière Aqua, I crowned it as one of my holy grail replacements, but did not have an update on my color selection since counters did not yet have the product in stock. After further testing, here are my thoughts:

Color Selection – I am normally a Chanel Shell 30 in Teint Innocence but am slightly lighter in skin color, although not quite fair enough to be a Cameo 1.0. My best match right now is Chanel’s Lift Lumiere in Cendre 30 (which runs a bit lighter than Teint Innocence). For the Vitalumière Aqua, I tested B20 Beige Tendre and B30 Beige Sable. I could have gone with either shade, but decided on the B20 Beige Tendre shade. The colors with BR have more pink, while the B shades have yellow undertones. I’ve swatched the shades I use below, note that while they are all different swatched heavily, the different formulas blend differently on the skin. Also note, I mix the two Armani shades to get a custom-matched color (so many times I’m in between shades).

* Also note, my forearm is paler than the rest of my sun-exposed areas

Texture – Vitalumière Aqua is thinner and more liquidy while the Teint Innocence is thicker but still very fluid. It is recommended that you always shake your Vitalumière Aqua bottle just like the Base Lumière (also by Chanel).


Product Packaging, Amount, Size – The packaging is a bit deceiving because at first glance, one would assume that Teint Innocence contains a lot more product. However, both contain the same amount of 30 ml/1 fl oz. Vitalumière Aqua comes in a plastic container that requires shaking. The difference can be seen below. I do believe ALL the Vitalumière Aqua shades have the same beige color for the packaging – at the counter, I could not see any difference in the plastic container for the lighter or darker shades (but it could have been something I just did not notice). While the Vitalumière Aqua is more compact and sleek, I prefer the Teint Innocence glass bottle.

Finish – Vitalumière Aqua has a quick setting formula with a slightly matte finish. I find that it needs to be blended with short quick strokes because it dries quickly and can darken in spots if not blended evenly. Teint Innocence is more dewy and more moisturizing.

Coverage – Both have super natural but noticeable coverage, however I find the Teint Innocence more forgiving and a bit more transparent with a more natural look. Neither are as sheer as a tinted moisturizer and both provide decent coverage. I like to apply both with a sponge (just my personal preference). I always set with a powder.

Overall Thoughts – Chanel’s Vitalumière Aqua is a beautiful foundation, but it’s still no replacement for Teint Innocence which will always have my heart. I have purchased 3 back up bottles, although I don’t know the exact shelf life of an unopened bottle of foundation. I know my sister has several back ups accumulated by now. About a dozen women have e-mailed me with cries of despair that their favorite holy grail foundation is now gone. To sum up my thoughts: Vitalumière Aqua is thinner and has a semi-matte finish that’s less see thru, Teint Innocence is not as thin and more dewy with a slightly transparent finish. If you liked TI you will most likely like VA.

Recommendations – If you’re still pining over Teint Innocence, BACK UP NOW! My local Nordstroms only carry two shades at the counters now, all others have been pulled and sent back to who-knows-where. If you’re interested in Vitalumière Aqua and are exact match to Chanel Shell 30, I think your match will be B30 Beige Sable. If you’re slightly lighter than Shell but not quite Cameo, B20 Beige Tendre will be a good match. I do recommend getting a few sample packets to test if you can (Nordstrom counters should have plenty now) and let it sit on the skin to see how it wears after a few minutes. If you’ve tried this foundation and it looks ashy on you, you’ve been matched to the wrong color!

Amy from Café Makeup and Karlasugar have swatched the colors on their skin, both are lighter than me, and I believe I am more olive/yellow than both of them.

Recap & links for your reference below …

  • Foundation Search Part 1: Bobbi Brown Natural Finish Long Lasting Foundation SPF 15, Burberry Sheer Luminous Fluid Foundation, Chanel Mat Lumiere Long Lasting Luminous Matte Fluid Makeup, Guerlain Lingerie de Peau Invisible Skin Foundation
  • Foundation Search Part 2: Chanel Pro Lumiere, Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup SPF 10, Dolce & Gabbana Powder Foundation, Laura Mercier Crème Smooth, Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complexe Tinted Treatment, Make Up Forever Face & Body Liquid Makeup & Chanel Vitalumière Aqua
  • Foundation Search Part 3: Summary
23 Comments
Urban Decay

Urban Decay Naked Palette

July 6, 2010

I was one of those who jumped on the Naked bandwagon the day this palette was released on UrbanDecay.com. It contains 12 eyeshadows + 1 double ended eyeliner, retails for $44 and measures about 8 inches wide by 2.5 inches tall. I’ve been eagerly waiting for this ever since I saw it on Twitter and Facebook and it exceeds my expectations.

Here it is for size reference:

This is my first palette from Urban Decay. I’ve been intrigued by the Book of Shadows series, but unfortunately I won’t buy a palette unless I feel it’s at least 50% wearable for me. I was so excited to discover that all the colors in this palette are wearable. I already have a few of the shades in single format (Toasted, Sin and Naked), but couldn’t resist. There’s a good mixture of existing + new shades. Also, I hate to say this, but I haven’t been a fan of the Book of Shadows packaging. I like palettes to be sleek and simple. I found the BOS a bit bulky and just not my style. Plus I don’t dig glitter.

The Naked Palette comes in a soft velvety brown case with a small mirror. I love that it comes with a mini eye primer (I’m excited to try this).

L to R: Virgin, Sin, Naked, Sidecar, Buck, Half Baked,
Smog, Darkhorse, Toasted, Hustle, Creep, Gunmetal

Close ups:


Swatches in the same order as palette, on bare skin:


I am one of those girls who doesn’t like to buy palettes with over 5 shades because there is usually at least 1 shade I don’t like. I still cave occasionally. This one I feel is wearable for a wide variety of skintones. As a neutral lover, I find this very wearable.

Without flash:


I’ve been a huge fan of Urban Decay Eyeshadows since I was in high school (in the 90’s), but this is my first Urban Decay palette. I’ve loved the Urban Decay line back when it was the edgier counterpart to Hard Candy (pre-walmart days). I can’t say that I love all their shades (especially the glitter ones) but they are one brand I feel has revamp packaging and expanded their distribution to a wider variety of retail channels yet has remained consistent in quality and focus. I have to say, as a brand, Urban Decay is continuously true to their brand values. This is something I appreciate as a customer who panics when I hear the word “revamp” (since revamping isn’t always good). Even though I’m not the biggest fan of their packaging, I think for the most part, it still works. I find their matte and shimmer eyeshadows rank among the top in terms of quality. Now if they would only release a non-glitter version of Maui Wowie and Mushroom as a single/individual shadow and bring back their lip gunk I would be forever happy 🙂

Here is the old eyeshadow packaging for YDK compared to the new,
one might consider this from 1999 “vintage”:


I hope Urban Decay will release more palettes in this same style/format/theme. I find the name “Naked” a bit misleading, but it works for me. Perhaps it is naked for Urban Decay, considering they have some really bright shades. I hope they release more versions of this like they did the BOS (1, 2, AIW and soon 3?). A smokey palette (with Mushroom please!) would be divine. One can dream, but I will be very busy with this one until then.

25 Comments
Chanel

Chanel Celestial Lights Glossimers

May 15, 2009

Welcome to my blog and my first post featuring a review on Chanel’s Lumiéres Célestes Collection, released in May 2009. The collection consists of 2 new nail polishes and 8 new glossimers:




Glossimers ($27 USD):
• Nebula #122 – medium cool pink with blue and violet shimmers
• Venus #124 – vibrant pink with gold shimmers
• Silex #126 – hot coral shimmer
• Météore #128 – complex mix of rose, copper, pink, brown
• Cosmos #129 – berry with reddish-brown sparkles
• Mica #131 – pale opalescent pink
• Mirage #132 – soft violet plum with pink tones
• Jupiter #134 – vibrant red


Nail Polishes ($23 USD):
• Cosmic Violine #497 – gorgeous burgundy plum brown shimmer
• Mica Rose #495 – soft sheer opalescent light shell pink
• Dazzling (repromote) – vibrant warm red
• Allegoria #331 (repromote) – neutral creamy light beige-pink


The glossimers in this collection are highly pigmented with intense sparkle-shimmer. I’m usually more into a natural shimmer, but these are fun for evening or going out. The two new nail polishes are gorgeous though. Cosmic Violine is a prettier version of the Holiday 2008 Haute Chocolat and lighter than Feu De Russie from their Russian Collection.


Comparison pictures of some of the new glossimers:


Corals (Left to Right): Chanel Aqualumiere Candy Glow #68, Coral Reef, Sirop, Silex #126, Big Bang #109, MAC Dazzleglass Utterly Posh


Pinks (Left to Right): Constellation #108, Mica #131, Astral #1o4, MAC Dazzleglass Baby Sparks, Dior Addict Ultra Reflect Organdi Pink #257, Dior Addict Ultra Reflect Jersey Pink #157


Plums (Left to Right): Chanel Aqualumiere Gloss Ironic Tonic #71, Imaginaire #84, Mirage #132, Cosmos #129, Equinoxe #107, Force #39

* Promotional pictures from www.chanel.com
2 Comments