Hello everyone! I wanted to share with you today one of the new holiday sets for 2017. Urban Decay released their Little Vices Lipstick Kit and I think it is absolutely adorable and an amazing gift for a makeup newbie (or yourself!)

Little Vices

The Urban Decay Little Vices Lipstick Kit is a set of five miniature Urban Decay Vice Lipsticks. The Vice lipsticks are normally 3.4g and these minis are 1g each, so a little less than third of the standard size. This makes them ideal for testing out some new shades, and for being able to keep one in your pocket (why do we get such small pockets?)

The shades included in the Little Vices set are:

Violate – dusty purple with pink undertone (cream)

1993 – medium brown (comfort matte)

Double Crossed – matte berry with tonal shimmer (metallized)

Love Drunk – deep red with tonal shimmer (comfort matte)

Mad – bright purple shimmer (metallized)

I also love that you get to try a variety of Vice finishes in this set. I happen to be quite partial to the Metallized formula. While Double Crossed and Mad are currently exclusive to this set, the other three shades are part of the Vice line, which is great should you decide you need to purchase the full size.

Swatches

As you can see, there’s a nice variety of colors to play with!

The best part about the Urban Decay Little Vices Lipstick Kit is the price. You can get your own set from Sephora for $25!

Shop more Urban Decay:

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It’s that time again. Time for a showdown. Competing today we have the new Too Faced Glitter Bomb Eyeshadow Collection going up against the veteran Urban Decay Moondust Palette.

Let’s start by looking at the stats.

Glitter Bomb-
10 shadows (8 glitter and 2 solid bases)
.14oz pans
$45

Moondust-
8 glitter shadows
.02oz pans
$49

The winner of the cost-effectiveness round is Glitter Bomb!

Now, let’s get to the swatch round. We begin with still swatches of both palettes:

Obviously, the Glitter Bomb has more options because of the bases, but it would be easy enough to put a black or white shadow below the Moondust shades.

Now, for some moving swatches:

As you can see, both the Glitter Bomb and Moondust Palettes offer a more foiled look when patted on. And, many of the shades are similar. Below you will find eight shades that I matched up to really show a comparison between the formulas. The top shades are from Glitter Bomb and the bottom shades are from Moondust.

Based on these swatches, I will say that the Glitter Bomb formula is more opaque with one swipe. Moondust requires more building up. Both palettes have a bit of fallout no matter how you apply. Glitter Bomb has the creamier formula while Moondust is, well, dusty.

If you have to pick between the two, and price per ounce is not a concern, I would go based on the color offerings. Moondust has more blues and shades that are multidimensional. Glitter Bomb has more purples and no true green or blue.

Personally, I’d choose the Too Faced Glitter Bomb. Luckily, I don’t have to make that choice because I have and will use both forever and ever!

Shop the showdown:

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Sephora VIB/VIB Rouge Sale

So, class, here’s the scoop. Sephora’s annual holiday sale is going on from 11/4-11/7 for VIBRouge in-store and online with the code 20ROUGE. VIBs get early access from 11/11-11/14 (code- 20VIB). Both VIB Rouge and VIB receive 20% off their purchases during this time. I believe I also read that VIB Rouges who shop in-store on 11/4 receive a holiday tote bag.

Now, let’s talk about what you need to buy. My feelings are that because 20% off is the best you’re ever really going to do at Sephora, now is the time to purchase those staples that you keep returning for, and a couple of higher-priced goodies that you’ve been waiting to purchase. Let me therefore share with you some of my recommendations for “high-end” goodies. I’ve even done the math for you to tell you how much you’re saving, based on prices in the U.S. Because I’m nice like that.

Finally, before we go on, please note that many of the links are affiliate links, which means if you click through, I get like $0.01. Or, if you click through and buy something, maybe I get a dollar. But, if that makes you uncomfortable, by all means just go to the Sephora page and type in the product name! Also, I stole all these photos from the Sephora site. Hope that’s cool, everyone.

Eye THINGS

Natasha Denona Palette 28 or Palette 5 (online only)- So here’s the thing. The 28 pan Natasha Denona palette is crazy expensive. Therefore, if you’re ever going to purchase one of these palettes (there are two – green/brown, and purple/blue) now is the time to do it. Originally $239 you will save $47.80 and pay $191.20. If this is still to pricey, and it very well should be, but you want to try out the amazing formula, go ahead and get one of the 5 pan palettes. I personally have #10 and it is amazing. Normally this is $48 but you will save $9.60 and pay $38.40.

Laura Mercier Eye Art Artist’s Palette – This recommendation comes from Rachel, another teacher who wears makeup. This is a perfect neutral palette with a variety of creamy, wearable colors. Normally $55, you will save $11 and pay $44.

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara – Another recommendation from the other teacher Rachel, Roller Lash is one of her favorite mascaras. I, too, enjoy using it. This mascara is usually $24, but with $4.80 off you will pay $19.20.

Face Things

Laura Mercier Candleglow Soft Luminous Foundation – If you haven’t tried this yet, what are you waiting for? Reviewed here. Normally $48 you will save $9.60 and pay $38.40.

CoverFX Custom Enhancer Drops – I have Celestial and it is AMAZING. If you are darker complected, you may also enjoy some of the other shades. Or get them all! This is normally $42 and you will save $8.40 and spend $33.60.

Bobbi Brown Highlighting Powder in Pink Glow – This is the most amazing yet subtle highlighter I own. If you’re in the market for a new highlight, get this! Usually $46 you will save $9.20 and pay $36.80.

NARS Narsissist Dual-Intensity Cheek Palette – Featuring four amazing dual-intensity shades, this palette is everything you need in a blush/bronzer/highlight compact. This one is limited edition, and I swatched it here. Normally $59, save $11.80 pay $47.20.

Bite Beauty Multistick – There are so many amazing shades, but I am partial to Nectar, a beautiful purple. This is for those days when you’re feeling monochromatic. Slap it on your eyes, cheeks and even your lips. Swatched here. Normally goes for $24 you can save $4.80 and pay $19.20.

Beauty Blender Blotterazzi – You will never need blotting papers ever again. You’re welcome. Usually $20, save $4 and pay $16.

Lipstick

Honestly, if you want to just stop at one lipstick display and find every shade and finish to suit your needs, just go to the Urban Decay Vice Lipstick area. I’m partial to Big Bang, Studded, Carnal, Wildfire and Backtalk. But there are so many wonderful colors you’re going to be shopping for a long time. Normal price $17, save $3.40, spend $13.60.

Skincare

Sunday Riley Martian Mattifying Melting Water-Gel Toner – This is an amazing toner if you’re prone to oily skin, large pores, or blemishes. It feels incredibly refreshing and seems to do its job. But it’s normally $55 so now’s the time to save $11 and get it for $44.

Dr. Jart+ PORE MEDIC Derma @ home peeling – I don’t know if I’ve ever seen this discussed on social media but it is absolutely one of my favorite skin treatments. It is a two step peel that diminishes pores and brightens the complexion. I can’t recommend it enough! Normally $42, save $8.40 during the sale and spend $33.60.

Hair

Bumble and bumble Prêt-à-Powder – Part dry shampoo, part styling powder, this is one of my favorite hair products of all time. The white powder disappears into the hair and adds a grit that reduces oiliness and adds grip for more voluminous hair styles. Get it reduced from $27 by $5.40 to $21.60.

Well, there you go! Those are my recommendations! But I’d love to hear yours (and I know you have many). Share them with the class in the comments!

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Hello, class! I will teach today’s lesson mostly through pictures, for the following reasons:

1. because a picture is worth a thousand words (or something like that)
2. because I’m “differentiating” this lesson for our more “visual learners”
3. because I’m just a little bit lazy

Let’s get back to the point. Today we are looking at Urban Decay’s new Naked Ultimate Basics Eye Shadow Palette. According to the description on Sephora:

Urban Decay introduces Naked Ultimate Basics—the matte eye shadow palette loaded into a sleek, square case with matte shades that have been requested time and time again. Each shade is exclusive to this palette and completely different from the shades in Naked Basics and Naked2 Basics. This palette offers a true range of neutral mattes, from cool to warm—all with a little edge. Create contoured all-matte looks, or pair these neutrals with your favorite bold hues.

The shades in Naked Ultimate Basics are neutral enough for everything from cool skin tones to olive complexions to darker skin. They feature Urban Decay’s proprietary Pigment Infusion System, which gives the formula its velvety texture, rich color, serious staying power, and blendability. Achieve the perfect application every time for a matte look that radiates.

OK, so now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s take a look.

I’m sure you wanted to see swatches too…

Overall, you can probably see that most of the shades are well-pigmented. The second shade, “Nudie,” gave me the most problems, but as this one is the closest to my skintone, I did not expect it to show up well. “Extra Bitter” is basically my reason for getting this palette and it doesn’t disappoint. Last thing – I’m not convinced the lightest shade, “Blow,” is actually matte. It shimmered on my arm.

Final thoughts

If you have another matte neutral palette, like the Kat Von D Shade and Light, you probably have a lot of dupes for these colors. However, there’s something about the shape and packaging of this palette that makes me think it will be better to travel with. I do want to hear your thoughts, though, so please share in the comments!

More Naked palettes:

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Hello, class. We have another “official” grading session. And, coincidentally enough, it’s another foundation. Today, it is the much anticipated Urban Decay All Nighter Liquid Foundation.

I sought out this particular foundation because I heard it was fantastically matte and full coverage. I purchased it from Sephora.

Please head to the rubric overview if you need a refresher on how we grade product in this class.

Product Claims (via Sephora):

What it is:
An oil-free, full-coverage, waterproof foundation with a matte finish that lasts all night.

What it does:
All Nighter Liquid Foundation offers full coverage with a modern matte finish that never looks overdone. Get foundation wear that lasts all night and a flawless-looking complexion with this foundation. Perfect for a night on the town, this innovative formula is also comfortable enough to wear every day.

While Naked Skin complexion products are demi-matte, All Nighter Liquid Foundation is completely matte. Urban Decay loaded this formula with an insane amount of pigment (about three times as much as Naked Skin Liquid Makeup), so a little goes a long way. There’s no need to build coverage or apply multiple layers. It diffuses light to blur flaws for beautifully perfected skin as it mattifies and absorbs oil to reduce the appearance of shine. With a wide range of meticulously calibrated shades that match UD’s existing Naked Skin Liquid Makeup shades, it’s easy to find your perfect match.

official Grading:

Ease of Application: 2/5

I attempted to apply this foundation both with my trusty foundation brush and a beauty blender. What I found with both methods is that the foundation does not spread easily, leaving very obvious bare patches on the face (because of the color… more on that later). The areas I was able to cover well were frequently cakey or flakey.

Formula: 2/5

Yes, the Urban Decay All Nighter Liquid Foundation is completely matte, as the advertisements suggest. It also blurs existing flaws. However, it creates its own flaws! I tried this over multiple (an no) primers and each time I experienced at least one of the following: flaking, patchiness, cakiness, pilling, formula not setting, and the feeling of a heavy foundation on my face. Maybe this works for really oily skin. If you have oily skin and use this, please weigh in!

If you look closely, you can see that the foundation was pilling as I applied it and showed a rough texture in general.

Color: 3/5

If I can’t find a color match in a foundation line, it’s usually indicative of an overall color problem. For some reason there is no “fair neutral” shade, so I used Color 1- “fair bisque with soft warm undertone.” Since the color was significantly more yellow than my skin, the fact that I could not get this to blend into my face became extremely noticeable. It’s pigmented, I’ll give them that. However, the fact that the first neutral undertone doesn’t occur until Shade 3.25 is an issue. Additionally, there are many reports of oxidation (which I did experience in a very small amount) on Instagram.

Packaging: 5/5

I love the packaging of the Urban Decay All Nighter Liquid Foundation. Love. That’s what makes the rest of this review so difficult for me. The pump applicator works smoothly and the metal details are so badass.

Overall grade: 12/20 – C+

The Urban Decay All Nighter Liquid Foundation receives a grade of C+. The redeeming qualities of this product include matte-ness, pigmentation and packaging. These might outweigh the negatives for those with very oily skin. I, however, returned this product to Sephora because I never want to use it again.

Urban Decay products that I do love:

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The July Favorites time is always an upsetting time because it means Summer is half over. Or, I suppose you could look at it as “half started.” I guess most teachers go with the former. Life is hard.

July was full of fun new releases, for sure. The warmer months also bring us back to past favorites meant to withstand crazy humidity and heat. So, without further ado, here are my July beauty favorites.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit “Moonchild” – When I first started planning for this post, I had no doubt that Moonchild would be among my favorites for the month. Boasting unique and ethereal colors, this palette is a must-have for the highlight enthusiast. It is currently out-of-stock but I bet it will make a brief comeback, so keep your eyes peeled!

Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow Palette – This extremely versatile glitter bomb is a fantastic way to add some sparkle in your life. I especially enjoy using the many shades to add just a hint of sheen on top of other matte shadows.

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation – This is a rediscovery for me. My older Born This Way foundation was just a touch too dark, so when I finally repurchased in the correct shade it was like finding love all over again. This is a full coverage foundation that will last through your sweatiest days.

ColourPop Ultra Satin Lipstick “Alyssa” – This neutral dusty pink is basically my lip color but somehow better. And you know  absolutely love ColourPop’s Ultra Satin formula. This shade is a part of KathleenLight’s collaboration so be sure to get your hands on it before it is gone.

Too Faced Sketch Markers – The liquid eye liners are just so fun. They come in many colors (I have Smoky Emerald and Papaya Peach). They have a felt marker tip that allows for easy line and wing drawing.

BeautyBlender Blotterazzi – I was in the habit of continually applying powder to my face until I found this guy. The Blotterazzi is like the sponge version of blotting papers. The product comes with two sponges in a cute case that has a giant mirror. The Blotterazzi does not remove makeup when pressed to your face, just excess oil. I highly recommend it.

Well, those are my July favorites. What were yours? Please link to them in the comments for everyone to see!

Shop the favorites:

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Hello dear class! Have you had enough sparkle today? Let me add some more for you! Today we are looking at Urban Decay’s newest release- the Moondust Eyeshadow Palette. The Moondust Palette boasts shadows that are:

dazzlingly sparkly, but with a super-refined, incredibly sophisticated feel (and not a single speck of chunky glitter). Laced with microfine bits of iridescent sparkle and lush 3-D metallics, these shadows create a gorgeous, diamond-like effect. (Ulta website)

First, let me say that I am in love with the packaging. The case is sturdy, closes securely, and is sparkly!

Are you excited yet? Well, the Moondust Palette has eight shades. They are:

• Specter (soft pink w/tonal sparkle)
• Element (peach w/pink shift and sparkle)
• Magnetic (purple w/blue sparkle)
• Lightyear (vibrant green w/tonal sparkle)
• Granite (black w/multicolored sparkle)
• Lithium (brown w/iridescent 3-D sparkle)
• Vega (bright blue w/tonal sparkle)
• Galaxy (smoky blue-gray w/iridescent 3-D sparkle)

I swatched the palette quickly so you might have a look. The shades apply nicely for glittery shadows, but there is some fallout.

I think the most unique shades in the Moondust Palette are Element,  Magnetic and Galaxy.

So you can see the glitter in action, I took a short video. Enjoy!

Well, what do you think? Do you need the palette? The Moondust Palette is available at Ulta, Sephora and on Urban Decay’s Website.

More Urban Decay favorites:

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Hello, all! Today’s post is a continuation of our original Urban Decay Vice Lipstick Swatch post. Since writing that post I’ve been able to play with three more lipsticks that warrant some photos and swatches. Also, if you make it all the way to the end of the post, you’ll find out which of these has become one of my favorite lipsticks of all time!

The three Urban Decay Vice Lipstick colors we’ll be addressing today are Violate, Backtalk and Big Bang. Violate, a dusty purple has a satin finish. Backtalk, a comfort matte, is a muave-y nude. Lastly, Big Bang is a metallized bright pink.

The cream, or satin, finish was the only one that was new to me. It is incredibly comfortable and similar to Urban Decay’s original formula. It doesn’t have incredible lasting power but it is fine for everyday use where you have a chance to reapply it every so often.

For my thoughts on the metallized and comfort matte formulas, feel free to go back to the older Urban Decay Vice Lipstick post.

swatches & more Photos

Backtalk

Violate

Big Bang

and now for my whole collection including those from last time:

Backtalk, Carnal and Violate

Big Bang, Studded and Wildfire

None of the photos have captured its beauty… but Big Bang is one of my favorite lipsticks of all time!

Shop Urban Decay (contains affiliate links):

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So… I may have neglected to do my “favorites” post for three months. Sorry about that! Let’s get back on track with this year’s June Favorites.

I would like to start with what is possibly one of the most amazing eyeshadow palettes of all time. We talked about the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette here, but its beauty warranted its making it into our monthly favorites list. It is obviously a very warm-leaning palette, but there are also some amazing neutrals that are perfect for everyday wear.

As for foundation, the Urban Decay One and Done Hybrid Complexion Perfector is the most perfect base for the warm weather. It offers medium coverage with a natural finish and does not break down throughout the day. I like to apply it with a buffing foundation brush but it also works nicely with a Beauty Blender. I use the shade “Light.”

One of my favorite blushes has been the BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Luminous Blush in Camellia. It’s a beautiful medium pink with shimmer that you can use alone or as a blush “topper.” It just gives such a lovely flush that I find myself reaching for it very frequently.

I’ve also been going for a more natural brow aesthetic, which is where Glossier’s Boy Brow comes in. I use the lightest shade for days when I desire a bit of brown emphasis but don’t need the crazy definition of a pencil or pomade.

Finally, you know I began drooling over Urban Decay’s Vice Lipstick line as soon as it released. One of my favorites so far from this collection has been the shade Wildfire, which has a metallized finish. It is the most perfect orange-red for summer, and because it has a sheerer, shimmery finish, it is not too bright for everyday use. I have swatches here.

Well, those were some of my favorites! I hope you will link to your own in the comments – I would love to see!

Shop this month’s favorites:

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Hello, beautiful class! If you haven’t heard about today’s product, you’ve been living under a rock. Just kidding- that sounds a bit mean. But seriously, Urban Decay’s new line of 100 Vice lipsticks has been all over Instagram. Just… all over.

I had the privilege of being invited to Sephora’s VIB Rouge Fall preview event this past Sunday. And, while everyone headed to the back of the store for the free coffee, I made a beeline for the Urban Decay Vice Lipstick display. Now, I believe the shades on display are Sephora exclusives (there are 20 shades limited to Sephora). Sephora is set to have those for sale online 6/9, and in store on 6/16. Other shades are currently available on Urban Decay’s website.

Carnal, Wildfire and Studded

The shades I have to show you from the new Urban Decay Vice Lipstick line are Carnal, Wildfire and Studded.

Carnal is a beautiful warm neutral in Urban Decay’s comfort matte formula. I find this to be very similar to Colourpop’s matte lipsticks (not the new matte x). It applies easily and is super comfortable while lasting for hours and hours.

Carnal

Wildfire and Studded are both the metallized formula. Wildfire is a red-orange and Studded is a gray-brown. This is a sheerer formula, but the pigmentation is still quite good and the lipstick is comfortable to wear.

Wildfire

Studded

Overall, I think that Studded is one of the most unique lipsticks you will ever find. Wildfire is gorgeous and Carnal is a wonderful everyday sort of shade.

Please, if you have any swatches of Urban Decay Vice Lipstick, link to them below! Sharing is caring.

Urban Decay favorites:

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