Product Spotlight - Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette Review

I am very excited for today's post on the long anticipated addition to the Urban Decay Naked collection. I have an obsession with all things Urban Decay, especially their eyeshadow, so naturally the Naked palettes are a staple in my makeup collection. I've had this palette for a few days now, and wanted to have some time to play around with it before writing about it. 

First thing is first, how gorgeous is the packaging?! The monotone smoky theme is right up my alley, and totally fits my aesthetic. I also love how the corners aren't rounded, although it drives me crazy how they don't all have the same packaging, but it's still so good looking! This is one sexy palette, that's all I can say!

There is a wide variety of colour in this palette - of both cool and warm tones. 

1. High - a shimmery champagne

2. Dirtysweet - a bronze colour (similar to the half-baked family)

3. Radar - a taupe with iridescent glitter

4. Armor - a silvery taupe with glitter

5. Slanted - a light metallic grey

6. Dagger - a shimmery charcoal 

7. Black Market - a black with a hint of sparkle

8. Smolder - a sparkly plum

9. Password - a matte taupe

10. Whiskey - a matte chocolate brown

11. Combust - a pink taupe

12. Thirteen - a light beige 

A cool thing about this palette is the colours are arranged most to least shimmery, as opposed to in order of colour. Some of my favourite shades are: smolder, high, dirtysweet,radar, whiskey and combust. The texture of the shadows feels less silky than previous palettes, or UD eyeshadow in general, and definitely need a primer. I also love how the shimmery colours aren't but chunks of glitter, but a nice smooth glitter. The wear of the shadows is phenomenal. I've made it through an 8+ hour shift in some of the more neutral shades, as well as a good 14 hours out and about and at the bar, aka a high success rate. Fallout is minimal, which is obviously amazing. I didn't have much of any from the top, but on my lower lash line I noticed a bit, but nothing too dramatic. Overall, it lives up to the Urban. Decay eyeshadow name. I would definitely recommend this one mainly for the sake of colour variety. I can confidently say there is something for everyone in this palette.

Will you be picking up the Naked Smoky palette? What is your favourite UD Naked palette? Leave me a comment down below, send me an email (glalamorous@gmail.com) or a tweet (@LBechkos17) and let me know!

xLB

Ipsy Bag -- February 2013

For me, one of the most thrilling things every month is looking into my mailbox and seeing that gorgeous little pink package! Then of course running back to my room to try out all my new goodies!

This months theme was Red Carpet Ready!

First thing is first - the bag. Ipsy needs to step it's game up with the bags! Although the black patent is super cute and chic, I'm in the midst of the winter blues and need some bright, cheery colours instead of the monochromatic bags we've been receiving. 

The contents of this months bag..

1. Pixi Flawless & Poreless Primer - To be honest, I feel like I'm awful at reviewing primers.. how does one review a primer? Okay, well, it's oil-free and hypoallergenic which I LOVE, great for sensitive skin. It is a coloured primer which I'm not used to at all! I've only ever used clear primers on my face, but it blends very well and I'm excited to keep using it!
2. POP Smoky Lash Kapow Mascara - So far, this to me seems like any mascara. I'm not impressed with it, but I'm not disappointed with it. Not something I'd repurchase, but definitely something I'll continue using, especially for travel. 
3. Lash Card - When I heard this was in the bag I was kind of like um.. really? I just don't see the necessity of this. I get Ipsy is good for trying new products, but after years of makeup application I definitely do not feel the need for lash cards.. probably something I'll wind up giving to my little sister.
4. MicaBeauty Gel Eyeliner - For me, this one was the star of this bag. I've been wanting to try gel liner for the longest time, but as I'm awful with eyeliner (I use powder, sooo much easier) I haven't looked into it much or purchased any, so this was great! It goes on very fluidly and thick which I love and with the right brush you get so much control. Stay tuned on longwear.
5. Coastal Scents Shadow Palette Sample in Glitz & Glamour - When they said sample they weren't kidding.. each of the shadows is roughly the size of a dime. Probably smaller. But when I think about it, I highly doubt I'll end up using them all up anyway. I've heard mixed reviews about Coastal Scents so I'm excited to try it out a little more. Upon first impression, I really liked the colours I got. There is a taupe-y colour that I can't wait to incorporate into my daily makeup routine, and I'll definitely get use of the others for nights out. They are fairly pigmented and really soft and creamy, which I like.

The Lash Cards.. um.. 

Swatches; Gel Liner on the left, Shadows (Clockwise) Gunmetal, Candlelight, Ashen, Incognito

For a grand total of 14.95$ paid (10$+ shipping) and ~50$ in products this one was definitely worth it. I  would say for the gel liner alone I got my money's worth. I'l definitely continue with Ipsy - probably one of my favourite subscriptions! 

Breakdown:

1. Pixi Flawless & Poreless Primer - 15$ for 15mL (Half of full size)
2. POP Smoky Lash Kapow Mascara - 11.10$ for 0.17oz
3. Lash Card - 2.80$ for 4
4. MicaBeauty Gel Eyeliner - We weren't given size specs for this one, but the fullsize retails for 30$ and is 5g.. so super close if not that size.
5. Coastal Scents Shadow Palette Sample - a 1.3g pan retails for 1.99$, so this quad is worth ~3$ or 2g

xLB