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Thursday, August 30, 2012

Swatches + Comparison: Urban Decay New Reformulated Eyeshadows 2012 (Part 3)

From Top Left, Clockwise: Urban Decay Maui Wowie ~ Fishnet ~ Chopper ~ Gunmetal ~ Vanilla

Please check out swatches of Part 1 and Part 2.

From Top Left, Clockwise: Urban Decay Maui Wowie ~ Fishnet ~ Chopper ~ Gunmetal ~ Vanilla

Pros:
  • texture feels buttery smooth (Fishnet)
  • great pigmentation when layered & used with a primer
  • applies evenly
  • blends easily 
  • doesn't crease when used with a primer
  • lasts at least 12 hours without fading when used with a primer
  • no fallouts during application (Vanilla and Fishnet)
  • can be depotted and the pan fits in the MAC and CS empty 28 pan eyeshadow palettes without needing a magnet
  • the depotted pan can be placed back into the container

Cons:
  • Vanilla can get slightly crumbly in the pan
  • can get a little dusty in the pan (Chopper and Gunmetal)
  • fallouts during application (Maui Wowie, Chopper, Gunmetal)
  • refill pans are not available


Packaging: The new packaging allows you to pop out the eyeshadow and put it into the Urban Decay customizable palette, which holds 4 eyeshadows. I do not travel light, and I prefer to depot all my eyeshadows and store them in my Empty 28 Pan Eyeshadow Palette, which holds 28 eyeshadows. For this reason, I wish Urban Decay sold refill pans, which would also cut down on the plastic, be more eco-friendly, and reduce the cost.

In order for the eyeshadow to fit in my palette, I have to depot it using a hair straightener, similar to the way that I depot my MAC eyeshadows, except it just takes a little bit longer to depot because the plastic insert is much thicker than the MAC one. However, the thickness allows the plastic insert to retain its shape much better than the MAC one; therefore, it can pop back into container and be used for storage when you're travelling light. The containers can also be used to store any depotted MAC, Stars Makeup Haven or Inglot eyeshadows! (Click here for pictures of the depotted container.)

(To depot the Urban Decay eyeshadow, (1) pop out the plastic insert, (2) place the plastic insert on a hair straightener for about 20 seconds and then remove the label using a tweezer, (3) place the label on the table, sticky side up, (4) place the plastic insert back onto the hair straightener for about 1 minute and 30 seconds, (5) remove the plastic insert from the hair straightener, (6) turn the plastic insert upside down and push the pan out onto a soft surface, using a tweezer, and (7) finally, place the label on the back of the pan. You do not need to place a magnet on the back of the pan because the pan magnetizes to the palette. I have depotted over 50 eyeshadows and have never experienced them cracking. The key is to not overheat them. Also, please remember to wear gloves. I will not be responsible for any injuries incurred during "depotation." ^_^)

Reformulation: The original formulation of the Urban Decay glittery eyeshadows are super pigmented & long-lasting. The new formulation (of the glittery eyeshadows) in this batch that I'm reviewing has slightly better pigmentation, less fallouts and feels softer (though not as buttery smooth as the non-glittery eyeshadows and can actually get a little bit dusty in the pan). 



Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Vanilla (1.5g for $18) is a golden white with a metallic frost finish. MAC Shroom is shimmery, but not as metallic as UD Vanilla, while MAC Vanilla leans more satin/matte. Also, they are both less yellow and more beige. 

UD Vanilla is slightly softer than the other eyeshadows and can get a bit crumbly in the pan, but it applies evenly without any fallouts (as long as you use a dense brush, such as the MAC 239, and tap off any excess before applying), has excellent pigmentation and blends effortlessly.

I love wearing it all over the lids and pairing it with brown or greens.



Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Maui Wowie (1.5g for $18) is a beigey gold with silver micro-glitters. The pigmentation of the new version is slightly better than the old version, but they both look the same when applied onto the lids. The swatch doesn't do this color any justice. It's actually a very gorgeous and unique color, especially when paired with greens, because it really brings out the sandy-olive gold iridescence.

I love wearing it all over my lids with a forest green shade (MAC Humid) in my crease and a matte black shade (MAC Carbon) in my outer v. I really, really love this color, but I just wish it didn't contain any micro-glitters.





Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Chopper (1.5g for $18) is peachy bronze with a hint of a copper undertone and silver micro-glitters. The old version is slightly lighter and less pigmented. All That Glitters is more pink, Blaze is more peachy, and Tan is more coppery.

I like wearing Chopper all over the lid and pairing it with a forest green shade in the crease. However, I prefer to use Blaze more because it doesn't contain any micro-glitters, while still giving the same effect when paired with greens. 





Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Fishnet (1.5g for $18) is a duotone fuchsia-pink with a purple shift and a shimmery finish. Stars N' Rockets is slightly less pigmented, lighter and more pink, while Fishnet looks more purple when applied onto the lids. 

I like wearing a dark blue shade (MAC Deep Truth) all over my lids and smoking it out with Fishnet above my crease and finally, defining the look with a matte black shade (MAC Carbon) in my outer v. It's not an everyday color for me personally, but it's definitely a fun color to use. 





Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Gunmetal (1.5g for $18) is a dark blue-based grey with silver micro-glitters and a metallic frost finish. The old version is slightly lighter and less pigmented, but they both look practically the same when applied onto my eyes. Knight Divine has a shimmery finish, but it's less metallic. It's also slightly darker and it doesn't contain any micro-glitters.



Bottom Line: The reformulated version is slightly better than the original version, but the difference is so minuscule; therefore, purchasing the new version (if you already have the original version) is unnecessary. The eyeshadows with the micro-glitters (regardless if it's the original or reformulated version) can be a pain to work with since it's difficult to wipe away the fallouts, even with a piece of tissue, fan brush and your fingers. The only way to clean up the glittery mess is to use a makeup remover wipe. Therefore, you will have to apply your eye makeup first before applying your foundation. (Also, I strongly recommend using a tacky base to prevent major fallouts.) However, the eyeshadows without the micro-glitters are excellent in terms of quality because they have great pigmentation, ease of application & blendability, lack of fallouts and long-lasting ability. 

Note: The new formulation of Vanilla, Maui Wowie, Fishnet, Chopper and Gunmetal are available for purchase at Nordstrom, Beauty.com, Ulta and Sephora for $18 each. The original formulation of Blaze, Chopper, Gunmetal and Maui Wowie are being discontinued and are currently on sale for $9. MAC Shroom and Vanilla each contain 1.5g, while All That Glitters, Stars N' Rockets and Knight Divine each contain 1.3g. All 5 MAC eyeshadows are permanent and are available at Nordstrom for $15 (pot) and $12 (refill pan). The MAC pigment in Tan contains 4.5g and is available for $21. The empty 28 pan palette can be purchased from Coastal Scents for $9.95.

*This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.

Have you replaced the original eyeshadows with the reformulated ones?

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Sephora Coupon Code 2012: $99 for 15pc Brush Set + End of Summer Sale (up to 75% OFF)

Sephora.com, Inc.

Sephora is celebrating the end of summer with amazing markdowns on hot products like Sephora by OPI nail polishes, Kat Von D eye shadows, and must-have travel accessories from Hello Kitty. But hurry – because once they're gone, they're gone! This sale is online only and while supplies last. 


Sephora is also selling their 15pc brush set* for $99, which retails for $422 and is a major steal! 

*affiliate link

Too Faced Cosmetics Coupon Code 2012: Semi-Annual Vintage Sale (up to 70% OFF)


Too Faced Cosmetics is having their Semi-Annual Vintage Sale and is offering up to 70% OFF. Offer ends September 6, 2012.

*affiliate link

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Ulta Coupon Code 2012: 20% OFF Sale


Ulta is having a 20% OFF Sale* until September 1, 2012. The coupon is valid on all regular price, sale and clearance merchandise, but it excludes Benefit Brow Bar, salon services, fragrance, hair artistry brands, prestige cosmetics including Bare Escentuals, prestige skincare, Dermalogica, Philosophy, Clarisonic, Thermaclear and T3. It cannot be redeemed for cash or gift cards. This offer cannot be combined with any other ULTA coupon offer. Also, it's not valid on prior purchases. Limit one per customer. Enter coupon code 72654 at checkout.

*affiliate link

What are you stocking up on?

Monday, August 20, 2012

B-Glowing Coupon Code 2012: 20% OFF Sitewide (Becca, ByTerry, Kevyn Aucoin, Paul & Joe + more)


B-Glowing is having a 20% OFF sale*, sitewide. Offer expires August 23, 2012 7am PST. Discount is valid on many brands, including BeautyBlender, Becca, Butter London, ByTerry, Clarisonic, Deborah Lippmann, Jemma Kidd, Jouer Cosmetics, Kevyn Aucoin, Paul & Joe and much more. Enter coupon code SALEAWAY at checkout.

*referral link

Beauty.com Coupon Code 2012: 20% OFF Friends + Family Sale (Sitewide)

Get 20% off your entire purchase at Beauty.com!

Beauty.com is having a Friends & Family Sale and is offering 20% OFF sitewide. Offer expires August 21, 2012. No code necessary, but to activate the discount, you must click through this link*.


*affiliate link

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Swatches + Comparison: MAC Jete and Moth Brown Limited Edition Eyeshadow


MAC recently launched the By Request collection, which includes 3 discontinued eyeshadows that MAC Facebook fans voted to bring back. Unfortunately, these are limited edition and are only available on MAC online.

MAC Jete and Moth Brown were originally released in the Danse collection in 2006 and the Madame B collection in 2005, respectively. I don't have the original versions to compare to the current release, but I do have other eyeshadow comparisons. ^_^


Clockwise From Top Left: Urban Decay Scratch ~ MAC Jete ~ MAC Jest

MAC Jete ($15 for 1.5g, Limited Edition) is a sandy peach with a shimmery finish. MAC Jest is lighter and brighter, while Urban Decay Scratch is pinkier and feels softer. Jete needs a little bit more layering to achieve great pigmentation, even when applied with a dense brush, such as the MAC 239. However, blending is a breeze, fallouts are non-existent and the lasting power is excellent when worn over a primer. (I get at least 10 hours of wear without fading or creasing.)

Jete is practically fool proof on any skin tone and it's perfect as an all-over-the-lid shade. It also pairs well with most eyeshadows. This is definitely a staple in my collection. 



Clockwise From Top Left: Urban Decay Gunmetal ~ MAC Moth Brown ~ MAC Satin Taupe

MAC Moth Brown ($15 for 1.5g, Limited Edition) is a bluish grey with a hint of purple and a shimmery finish. MAC Satin Taupe is more brown, while Urban Decay Gunmetal is more blue and grey. Under artificial lighting, Moth Brown looks like a dark blue-based grey on my NC35/37 skin tone. Under natural lighting, I can see a slight "purple shift," especially when compared to Gunmetal side by side.

I love wearing Moth Brown in my crease paired with Jete on my lids and blending it with a matte burgundy shade (Stars Makeup Haven Taz) or a flesh shade (MAC Wedge). I finish off the look with a matte beige shade (MAC Brule or Blanc Type) on my brow bone and a matte black shade (MAC Carbon) in my outer v to balance out the shimmery-ness (of Jete and Moth Brown) and to create more depth.

Moth Brown also works well with pinks, greys, and browns. As for application, it glides smoothly onto the skin without any fallouts and blends easily. Also, the pigmentation and lasting powder are excellent when worn over a primer. (I get at least 10 hours of wear without fading or creasing.)





Bottom Line: Jete is easily dupable, but it's nice to have because it's so wearable and perfect for an everyday neutral eye look. I'll definitely be getting alot of use out of it. Moth Brown is a little more versatile and can be used (1) lightly to define the crease, (2) heavily on the outer v to create more depth, (3) smoked out for a night time look and (4) even as an eyeliner. Get them while you still can.

Note: Jete and Moth Brown are limited edition, but they're still available at MAC online. Jest and Satin Taupe are permanent shades and are available at Nordstrom. Scratch and Gunmetal are permanent shades and are available at Nordstrom, Beauty.com, Ulta and Sephora.

*This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.

How do you use Jete and Moth Brown?

Friday, August 17, 2012

Swatches + Comparison: L'oreal Infallible 24 HR Eyeshadows (Part 2)


Pros:
  • texture feels silky
  • applies smoothly
  • great pigmentation when used with a primer
  • doesn't crease when used with a primer
  • lasts at least 12 hours without fading

Cons:
  • fallouts during application
  • application can be a little tricky, depending on what tool you use
  • these are not wrapped in plastic seal


Top: 557 Glistening Garnet ~ 556 Smoldering Plum
Bottom: 335 Golden Emerald ~ 800 Bottomless Java

(Do not discard the flattener!)

Packaging: Although the jars are made of plastic, I don't find them to look cheap. However, they don't have a plastic seal wrapped around them. So, it's difficult to tell if anyone has tampered them with their grimy fingers.

When you unscrew the cap, there's a little "flattener" that's supposed to secure the product in place and prevent it from going everywhere. Do not discard this because the product will get loose the more you use it and you will then have to use the "flattener" to re-press the eyeshadow. 

Application: The L'oreal Infallible eyeshadows are essentially pressed pigments with a creamy texture to them. They all apply smoothly and offer intense pigmentation when used with a dense brush, such as the MAC 239 brush (full review). I also tried applying them with my fingers and they do apply more smoothly and evenly, but the pigmentation was not as intense as when I used a brush. I still prefer to use a brush because it's more sanitary, it gives me better control and I get better color payoff. 

I find that the eyeshadows blend away easily and they turn into a "muddy" look on my NC35/37 skin tone if i use a heavy hand and a dense brush, such as the Sonia Kashuk blending brush (mini review)I end up having to reapply the product to bring back the intensity of the color. However, I didn't have a problem when I used a light hand and a fluffy brush, such as the MAC 217. 

I did experience some minor fallouts with Glistening Garnet, Smoldering Plum and Bottomless Java during application. Golden Emerald was the only one that was a little bit more troublesome to work with because it contains tiny gold sparkles. However, it's not a huge problem for me because I usually do my eye makeup before I apply my foundation. So, I can easily wipe away the mess with makeup remover. (To prevent major fallouts, use a dense brush and tap off any excess before applying and/or use a tacky base. Also, in order for the product to adhere better onto the lids and for a more intense, metallic look, spritz some MAC Fix+ or water onto the brush before applying.)

As for longevity, I didn't experience any creasing and they all last at least 12 hours without fading when worn with a primer underneath. (I have oily lids, so I never test eyeshadows without a primer.)


557 Glistening Garnet is a fuschia pink with a frost finish. Stars Makeup Haven Wine Not is more purple, MAC Cranberry is more red and Plum Dressing & Hepcat are less red-based.

When I saw other people's swatches, I thought it was going to look too light and disgustingly red on my NC35/37 skin tone. It definitely makes my eyes look swollen, sick and scary when worn as an "all over the lid" color. However, it looks lovely on my crease, especially when I wear a light champagne shade (MAC Jest or Urban Decay Sellout) on my lids and a dark brown shade on my outer v (MAC Embark). Using that combination, Glistening Garnet looks less garish (on me) and more sultry. 



556 Smoldering Plum is a dark blackened plum with reddish-purple shimmers. I love using it on my outer v and the gorgeous purple undertone really comes out when paired with other purple and pink eyeshadows. 

(picture taken during a sunny day under the shade)


800 Bottomless Java is an espresso brown with bronze shimmers. I thought this was going to be very similar to many other eyeshadows that I have, but I was wrong. As you can tell from the swatches, Bottomless Java is much darker and definitely different enough for me, personally, to warrant the purchase. (Maybe you have something similar to Bottomless Java in your collection? Let me know!)

(picture taken during a rainy day)

(picture taken during a cloudy day)


335 Golden Emerald is a forest green with tiny gold sparkles. The swatch picture does not do this eyeshadow any justice. When worn on the eyes, it looks VERY sparkly and almost like liquid metal. The glitters are not chunky; instead, they look more like tiny specks of gold shimmer. Urban Decay Mildew, MAC Humid and Inglot AMC Shine 44 are not as sparkly, wet-looking or eye-catching. I just can't stress enough how gorgeous Golden Emerald looks. This is my favorite of the bunch. I will definitely be wearing this during the holidays! 

(Because of the amount of fallouts with this eyeshadow, I strongly recommend using a tacky base or applying it wet. Be sure to use a dense brush and tap off the excess before applying. Also, cleanup will be much easier if you apply your eye makeup first before applying your foundation.)  



Bottom Line: I recommend grabbing these shades if you're a fan of metallic & frosty eyeshadows and don't mind dealing with minor fallouts because the pigmentation and lasting power are amazing, especially when used wet or with a tacky base. 

Note: Each L'oreal Infallible 24 HR eyeshadow contains 3.5g of product and is available at Ulta, Target, and drugstore.com for around $7. As with any drugstore product, I would definitely wait for a sale because there is always a "buy one, get one half off" or even a "buy one, get one for free" sale.

*This post also contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.

Please click here for a review and swatches of Part 1.
Do you like to wear them dry, wet, or over a tacky base?

 
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