10.09.2011

Urban Decay 15th Anniversary Palette

This post is much delayed, but alas, I have some awesome swatches to share!



The second this baby was available on Urban Decay I snatched it up. Sure, $55 seemed like a lot to pay for a palette, but the NEW 15 gorgeous full size shades had me sold the second I saw posts about it.

Since I've had it awhile, I can really speak to it's versatility as well as it's quality.

First off, the packaging is a little bulky, but I like the fact that it's so durable and the attention to detail is much appreciated. I like the detailing on the sides of the lid and the fact that there's a huge mirror inside. However, if you have a problem with seeing fingerprints, I'm sad to report that this palette will pick up every single one.

Now, on to the shadows!


Chase, Flow, Vanilla, Midnight 15, Midnight Rodeo


Deep End, Evidence, Omen, Junkshow, Tainted


Half Truth, Blackout, Ace, M.I.A., Deeper

As usual, Urban Decay has the most pigmented, smooth, buttery shadows, and the only shadow I've had difficulty with is Blackout, which was expected (I'm not the biggest fan of matte finishes).

I've loved pairing the deeper, neutral shades with my Naked palette for a little more depth, but most frequently, I use Junkshow all over the lid, Omen in the crease, and Half Truth to deepen up my outer v. I also cannot say enough about how amazing the first column of shadows are for highlight shades.

For those of you on the fence, I say JUMP! and never look back. It's definately worth the investment and different enough from the Naked palette to be a 'dupe' for it.

How do you/would you use this palette?

10.04.2011

Holy Haul!



MAC gets me everytime.

With so many collections coming out I thought for sure there'd be stuff I'd want to pass on or could dupe, but of course, I ended up getting just a few things from each collection. Before I knew it, HOLY HAUL!! Swatchapalooza to follow!

MAC Me Over:





Offshoot Lipstick, Runway Red Lipstick, Stunner Blush, Avenue Fluidline

MAC Me Over I felt was a little hyped up for what it was. Sure, MAC does great basics, but I love my bright colors and bold looks. The few things I did pick up I felt like were must haves just because of how versatile they would be.

Posh Paradise:




Idyllic Paintpot, Imaginary Paintpot, Half Wild Paintpot

Posh Paradise was an awesome mini-collection. I've recently begun this obsession with cream shadows/bases, and I felt like these three were the most bang for my buck. They are all super pigmented and last such a long time!

MAC Fall Colour Collection:




Plum Bright Lipstick, Show Orchid Lipstick, Violetta Lipstick, Ash Violet Fluidline





Emerald Dusk Pigment, Starless Night Pigment

Oh my goodness, I could not for the life of me contain my enthusiasm for this collection. The minute I saw promo pictures and that Violetta was making a return I immediately started planning my attack to my wallet. I was super impressed also with all other brights in the collection, but felt they were somewhat more dupe-able. The lipsticks are gorgeous for when I feel like bold pops of color, and my first MAC pigments are stunning! I also picked up Lightscapade Mineralize Skinfinish. It is a little difficult to capture on camera, but it gives the most gorgeous shimmer and is the perfect highlighter for my face.

Did you pick up anything from any of these collections?

6.24.2011

Rant/Rave: Z Palettes

Recently, I finally caved and purchased some Z Palettes. At first, I thought, with my tiny bathroom under-the-sink storage, it might help if I could group all of my eyeshadows together, that way, I could see pretty much everything I had, and get rid of bulky packaging that clutters my countertop and drawer space.

After mastering de-potting, I decided that at first, I could try using empty CD cases and gluing down my eyeshadows. Although it wasn't a bad idea, and a cheap one at that, they didn't hold much, and it just looked kind of messy, and like they wouldn't hold up over time. Plus, the CD cases, when closed, had a tiny opening, and I'd already scratched some shadows that would never be covered that way.

After getting some belated birthday money, I went online in search of a sturdier option. Z Palette had always been on my wishlist, and I wasn't sure if I wanted to spend that much on eyeshadow holders. But, when comparing prices, I'd spend almost that much on one eyeshadow or blush, so, why not give it a try.

Basically, Z Palettes are just open magnetic palettes with a clear plastic window, so that, when shut, you can still see your colors through it. It helps you organize pans of several different sizes, shapes, what have you.

When I got my package I was immediately thrilled. I had ordered 2 large and 1 small, and the box was HEAVY! I thought it already felt like a good investment. I ripped it open and was excited at how clean and organized these would look with all my shadows neatly tucked inside.


Large


Small


I bought two large ones for my under-the-sink storage, and the small for on the go. I figured I could use it to house my shadows and even blush I used that day, and take it with me for mid-day touch ups.

As you can see, quite a lot can fit in these little palettes. Only downside is I'd probably need a couple more. The OCD in me wishes I could have all neutrals, blues, and pinks with their own palette, but I digress.

On the topic of downsides, initially, I thought, AMAZING! Now I have a place for EVERYTHING in pan form, but after depotting several things, I came to realize that not everything fits. Certain pan depths are too tall, and the lid won't snap together right. Also, after applying magnets to the pans, some become almost wobbly, although, if they're surrounded by other mates, they hold up quite well. Also, you have the freedom to play with the way you put in your shadows, but, you almost have to be an amazing Tetris player to get these all to fit in just right.

Perhaps the biggest headache I've encountered so far, is that, when I took my small palette on the go, I reached into my bag, and noticed that one shadow was broken (you can probably see in the picture). Now, this could be due to my depotting, or that it's kind of old, or maybe I was too rough with my bag that day, but, I probably wouldn't take this on the go with me for everyday. However, if you packed these well, it'd be amazing how much you could actually take with you on a trip.

Overall, I'd still give these an A+ for what you get. Slim and organized cosmetics with tons of options for storage. Not to mention, they're just plain handy for doing your makeup and not too bad to look at!

Small: $14
Large: $20
Pro: $28