Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation, First Impressions

Yay!  It's finally here!!!  I've been waiting on this foundation to come out for months and now I finally have it.  Urban Decay's Naked Skin Foundation.  Now that I have it, I'll tell you this:  it was WELL worth the wait.  I LOVE this foundation, so let's get right into it.

The packaging is nice.  Very sleek and shiny.  The 1 fl oz bottle is tall and slim and has a pump for dispensing, which I love.  I hate when they don't have a pump!  Too messy!  The consistency is pretty thin.  It's thinner than my MUFE HD, more watery feeling.  But that doesn't take away from the coverage or finish AT ALL.  It's described as having a "demi-matte" finish, which is my favorite kind of finish.  It's not too matte and not too dewy.  To me, it's perfectly in between.  It's matte enough to make you look finished and dewy enough to look natural.  I would describe the finish as what natural skin should look like.

The application is great.  It goes on silky smooth and blends easily.  The coverage is medium in my opinion.  It could probably be layered to add more coverage though.  I got it in shade 4.0 (light/medium with a slight golden undertone) and it matches perfectly.  Urban Decay's website has a shade matching feature to help you find your shade based on the makeup you currently use.  I was using MUFE HD in 128 or Revlon Colorstay in Natural Tan.  Swatch time!!

As you can see in the first picture, the Naked Foundation (left dot) is thinner.  I used the shade matching thing on the website and it seems a little off based on the dots and swatched but as you can see in the third picture, they blend out into the same color.  Wanna see it on my face?  Okay, but first I have to show you my bare face.  EEEEKKKK!!!!

Okay!!  Scary, I know, but hey, it's me.  So the pic on the left is no makeup at all.  The one on the right is with only a thin layer of the Naked foundation.  As you can see, it looks natural but covered MOST of my blemishes and redness, especially the redness around my mouth and nose.  Woohoo!  Here's a pic of me with some concealer here and there and my makeup of the day.  Thank goodness for makeup! :)  Not sure what's up with that awkward face though! ;)

So far, I really love this foundation.  I love how nice it goes on, I'm really happy with the finish, the coverage is pretty dang good, and it feels weightless on my face.  My kind of stuff.  I should mention that I have really dry skin on my chin and around my nose but reallllly oily skin on my forehead.  This did well with both.  I blotted my forehead once and this foundation doesn't emphasize flakiness.  It even held up through my Zumba class!  One last thing I want to mention is that it doesn't have any SPF in it.  But I prefer it that way.  I hate the white cast you get in pictures from SPF in foundation.  So I wear Shiseido sunscreen under my foundation during the day and just the foundation at night.  How many more times can I say "foundation"!?

Anyway there you have it... my first impressions/initial review!  Great job, Urban Decay!  I hope you guys enjoyed this post.  Check back often for more!

Love,

Aylissa

P.S.  What would you like my next post to be about: my foundation routine and an application demo or on my 2 favorite skincare products that have helped with my acne?

Summer Favorites

Hey Guys,

I know I haven't posted anything in awhile... so sorry about that!  But here is a quick post about products that I am loving this summer.

Summer Favorites by restartmyheart on Polyvore.com

One - MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation - $26.50 - I used to think that powder foundations were horrible, had no lasting power or good coverage.  This foundation has changed my mind!  I use it over a tinted moisturizer on my t-zone to set it and on areas that need more coverage like under my eyes or around my nose.  It covers beautifully without looking cakey, leaves a nice finish and stays put.  I can Zumba for an hour and my makeup still looks good afterward when I wear this.  Love it!

Two - LUSH Figs and Leaves Soap - $7.60/3.5 oz. - BEST.  SOAP.  EVER.  I love it SO MUCH.  You guys know I love Lush products.  This is no exception!  It's all natural (of course) and has figs, glycerin, aloe extract and coconut oil, all of which are very moisturizing.  It also has little seeds in it so it's a gentle exfoliant at each use.  It smells absolutely AMAZING and makes my skin so soft!

Three - OPI in Do You Think I'm Tex-y? - $6-$10 - OPI makes great polishes that are easy to apply and last longer than some other polishes.  This particular one is a gorgeous raspberry pink and is a jelly finish so it goes on sheer at first and then finishes with a yummy jelly like gloss, not super opaque like a cream finish.  It's so pretty and I've been wearing it with everything!

Four - Nexxus Humectress Hydrating Treatment Deep Hair Conditioner (what a mouthful!) - $14 - During the summer our hair gets damaged takes a beating from the sun, the ocean, chlorine in the pools and heat styling.  This stuff makes me say, "What damage?"  You use it like a mask (or just like your regular conditioner once a week) and it makes my hair so soft and shiny.  I have had less split ends (I am NOT as gentle on my hair as I should be) so if you have dry, brittle hair, this stuff is amazing and I highly recommend it.

So those are my summer favorites that I've been using like crazy.  Sorry it took me so long to get another post up.  I just haven't been sure where I wanted this blog to go or how I wanted to go about getting there!  But now I am sure and there will be new content on here way more often so keep a lookout!  Thanks for reading. :)  Hope you enjoyed!

Love,
Aylissa

Lush Buffy Body Butter

Hellooo Gorgeous!

It has been a long time since I have posted anything.  It's horrible, I know!  I have wanted to but haven't had the chance.  I wanted my next couple of posts to go in a certain order since I've had some requests, starting with a foundation routine video/application tutorial, but my camera isn't great with video and I've been thinking about getting a new one... anyway, I'm back now with a review. :)

Presenting my newest love:

*LUSH BUFFY BODY BUTTER*

Three words:  It.  Is.  AMAZING.  As you all know, I am a huge fan of Lush cosmetics.  They're products are luxurious, effective, natural and fun.   This product is no exception!  So what is Buffy Body Butter?  Well, it is a body bar packed full of moisturizing shea butter and cocoa butter and also has ground rice, almonds and aduki beans to exfoliate leaving skin smooth and soft.

Why do I love it so much?  In the summer months, we all go swimming and hang out at the beach or the pool and inevitably get fried at some point, no matter how much sunscreen we put on.  You know that horrible itchy, flaky stage where your sunburn starts to peel, leaving you looking like you have some skin fungus?  This completely eliminates that whole stage!  I have really dry skin anyway and I always pile on the lotion after every shower and, depending on what I'm doing, a couple of times throughout the day.  When I use this in the shower, the exfoliants scrub my skin and get rid of all the dead skin cells.  You then rinse off the grit and the shea and cocoa butters stay behind.  Using this bar should be the last step of your bath or shower.  When you get out, you pat yourself dry (so that you don't rub the butter off) and then massage your skin to help it absorb the butters.  After using this several times, I have a visible improvement in my skin.  Also, my skin FEELS amazing.  I don't have to use lotion anymore.  My skin is soft & hydrated.

The only negative thing that I can think of is that if your skin is sensitive and you're not used to exfoliating, it can hurt a little if you aren't careful.  It is gritty when you rub it on.   I personally like that, though.  I cannot say enough good stuff about this body butter bar, however.  I love it so much and it's one of my staples now.  Lush continues to surprise me by how innovative and wonderfully pampering their products are.  I am going to be a lifelong customer.  :)

Anyway, I just had to review this product.  I hope you enjoyed it and I hope you get a chance to try this product!  Or any Lush product!  If you do, please comment and tell me about your experience.  For those of you that have tried Lush, what is your favorite product?  Comment below!

Thanks for reading..  missed you guys! :)

Love,

Aylissa

Current Foundation Review (Nars & Maybelline)

Hi there:)


So on my other blog, someone requested that I do a review on my current foundation, so I decided I'd go ahead and put it on here for you guys as well.  Right now I use two different ones for different things... Nars Sheer Glow in Punjab and Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse in Natural Beige.

NARS Sheer Glow - $42


Pros - Easy to apply and blend, wide color range, feels light on the face, stays put, looks great.
Cons - Dries kind of fast so you have to apply faster than some liquid foundations, and it’s pricey, have to use concealer for blemishes.


I LOVE, let me repeat, LOVE this foundation.  It feels light on my face and not at all cakey, even when I layer it.  It’s advertised as having a glowing, satin finish.  I wouldn’t say this makes you glow, though.  The coverage is light to medium and almost sheer.  It doesn’t have any shimmer, which for me, is great.  I use this foundation when I want lighter, more natural coverage.  It looks really natural and pretty and can be dressed up or down, depending on what eye/cheek/lip makeup you choose.  I wouldn’t use it without a primer and I do have to use a concealer with it when I have blemishes.  I also have to set it with powder on my forehead, otherwise its gets shiny after a few hours.  While it does dry fast, I apply with a stippling brush and buff it in, so I’ve never had any problems blending or applying it.  I think this is a great foundation for those with combo to dry (but not flaky) skin.  It doesn’t look good on flaky skin.


Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse Foundation - $8


Pros - Cheap, easy to apply and blend, moisturizing, great coverage, stays put, beautiful finish, doesn’t irritate sensitive skin.
Cons - Very small color range, bulky packaging.


I was really impressed with this foundation.  I didn’t expect much because I am usually disappointed with drugstore foundations.  This one, however, is wonderful.  I like to use it when I want more coverage or if my skin is feeling dry.  It has really good medium to full coverage all on it’s own without feeling cakey and it stays on all day when used with a primer.  It’s not a mousse.  It has a creamy consistency.  I don’t have to use a concealer with it.  It covers redness really well and moisturizes skin also.  I have combination skin with oily, normal, and dry areas, and it works beautifully for me.  My sister has extremely sensitive skin and this didn’t irritate it or break her out.  She loves it as well.  I’d still recommend setting it with a powder.  The color range is terrible but if you can find a shade to match you, I think you’ll love this one.


So that’s my review, I hope you enjoyed it.  If you’d like a video tutorial or have further questions, let me know in the comment section! :)


Love, 
Aylissa

Lush Cosmetics Review

For those of you that don't know, LUSH is a UK based cosmetics company that sells hair care, skin care, bath, and shower cosmetics.  All of their products are made from essential oils, fruit, vegetables, and synthetic ingredients, none of which are tested on animals.  Many of their products are vegan as well.  Their focus is to make effective products using all natural ingredients. 


1.  LUSH Trichomania Solid Shampoo 
Trichomania Solid Shampoo is said to use creamed coconut in a solid bar to cleanse and moisturize dry, damaged hair.  It is also supposed to make your hair more manageable.


I have to say that even in one use, I fell in LOVE with this shampoo.  It was the first solid I had ever used, and because I bought it on a whim in the store based solely on the smell, I was really skeptical as to how it would live up to its description.  First of all, it does smell AMAZING.  It smells like creamy, coconutty deliciousness.  One whiff and it transports you to an island in the sun. :)  It lathers pretty easily rinses away just as easily.  After drying my hair, it felt SO AMAZINGLY SOFT.  I have naturally straight, dark hair and Trichomania left it soft, shiny, and tangle-free.  Now that I've been using this shampoo for a few weeks, I have noticed that my hair is easier to straighten and holds curl better as well.  One of my favorite things about this is that I have to wash my hair less.  I'm not sure why this is, but my hair does not get greasy as quickly as with any other shampoo.


As far as value goes, this shampoo is great.  It comes in chunks and you pay by weight.  The lady at the store said you get 40 to 60 more washes per ounce than liquid shampoos.  AWESOME!!  I've been using it for several weeks and you can barely tell based on how much I still have left.  I 100% recommend this to pretty much everyone.


2. Lush American Cream Conditioner


LOVE the smell of this stuff.  It has strawberries, honey and vanilla in it to create a delicious creamy fruit cocktail for your hair.  You don't have to use much for max effect.  It does condition your hair and leave it feeling really clean.  That's the main thing that I'm discovering I love most about LUSH products.  They leave you feeling so clean without any residue or overpowering smells.  This conditioner is light enough for everyday use and rinses out easily.  I wouldn't say it revives really, really damaged hair, though.  If you have normal hair with some dryness, this would be great for you.  But if your hair is REALLLY dry and damaged, I would try something a little more conditioning.  Overall though, I'd recommend this conditioner.


I hope this review helped you out and I can't wait to try more LUSH products!


SHOP LUSH HERE >>> http://www.lushusa.com/shop

H2O Plus Review

I would first like to start by saying that my skin is combination.  My forehead is oily, my cheeks are normal, and my chin and nose are extremely dry.  Also, I am not being paid for this review.  I bought every product I have by H20 Plus and these are my true thoughts.  I do feel like some of the products are a little pricey.

Starting left, going right… :)

1. H2O Plus Hydrating Booster - 0.85 fl oz - $30.00

Description: Time-released moisture supplement that rescues dehydrated skin. An advanced, oil-free, time-released moisture supplement that rescues dehydrated skin by boosting hydration 60% upon application. This hydrating skin saver amplifies the performance of any moisturizer by effectively priming the skin for maximum moisture absorption while preserving skin’s natural moisture barrier and smoothing fine lines. Our exclusive Sea Mineral Complex and phospholipids deliver Omegaplankton and hydrating marine extracts of wakame, sea fennel and sea lettuce to deliver moisture retention for up to 24 hours.

Review:  I love every H2O Plus product and this is no exception, but this particular product is one what I am not OVERLY impressed with.  With that said, it does /almost/ everything that it promises.  It does amplify the performance of the moisturizer I use (which is also H2O Plus) and make it last longer.  It also seems to prime the skin for your moisturizer.  It’s very moisturizing in itself and I use it after my cleanser and before my moisturizer.  All it takes is two dots to cover your face.  Then when I put my moisturizer on top, my face feels soft, smooth, and hydrated.  This product does prolong the effects of my moisturizer, so I would say that it maximizes moisture absorption.  However, it does not prevent me from having to apply moisturizer more than once in a 24 hour period.  Keep in mind that I have combination skin so this product may affect you differently.  Would recommend for those with dry skin.  But if you don’t have any dryness problems or if your moisturizer keeps you hydrated already, it’s not worth the money.

2. H2O Plus Sea Mineral Scrub - 4Fl Oz - $18.00

Description:  A mildly exfoliating, oil-free scrub to sweep away dead surface cells and dulling impurities with Carrageenan, Multivitamin Complex and Hydrating Marine Blend.

Review:  GREAT exfoliator.  It is gentle enough to use every time I shower (almost everyday) and it does what it says.  The round beads don’t irritate my skin but they take away dead skin cells and leave my skin feeling softer.  Would recommend for all skin types.*  Worth the money for sure!! *If your skin is sensitive, I would only use this a few times (3 or 4) per week.

3. H2O Plus Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment - 1.7 Oz - $34.00

(AKA Moisturizer!)

Description:  An oil-free gel that delivers deep hydration while diminishing the appearance of fine lines with phospholipids, multivitamin complex and moisturizing marine botanicals.  It rapidly plumps and restores depleted skin, helping to distribute vital daily moisture.

Review: I cannot say enough good things about this moisturizer.  It. Is. AMAZING!  Plain and simple.  It is by far the lightest, yet most hydrating moisturizer I have ever tried, and I have been through them all from drugstore brands to high end brands.  I love the fact that it is a gel.  It deeply hydrates and nourishes my entire face, especially my dry areas, without making my oily areas more oily.  It’s so nourishing that my redness goes away, my acne isn’t as bad, I NEVER have flaky skin anymore, and my face feels softer and firmer after every use.  I LOVE how my skin feels hydrated and spoiled.  This product is SO wonderful.  And p.s., it smells awesome! :)  I would recommend to EVERYONE, young or old, male or female.

4. H2O Plus Face Oasis Cleansing Water - 8.25 Fl Oz - $24.00

Description:  A water-light oil-free cleanser infused with hydrating marine algae to gently wash away impurities while softening skin with provitamin B, moisturizing marine botanicals and Sea Mineral Complex.  Its technologically advanced foaming liquid effectively breaks down make-up and dulling impurities without irritation, restoring skin’s natural radiance.

Review:  Once again, can’t say enough good things.  This cleanser is mild, yet powerful.  It is almost the consistency of water and the first time I ever pumped it into my hand, I thought that I had just wasted $24 on water.  I was SO wrong!  I was absolutely floored at how well it removed makeup and impurities and cleaned my face.  It completely melts even the thickest makeup (even MASCARA!!!!) away without a trace.  AND, it’s gentle.  It’s the first cleanser that hasn’t irritated my skin at all whatsoever.  It’s magic in a bottle. :)  Would recommend to everyone on the planet.

5. H2O Plus Sea Results Overnight Perfecting Peel - 1.3 Fl Oz - $34.00

Description: A gentle, oil-free liquid peel that helps to resurface the skin and reveal a healthy glow with glycolic and salicylic acids.

Review:  This is a pretty interesting product.  It does a lot of good stuff!  The salicylic acid controls my acne and has really cleared up my skin without drying or irritating it.  It also clarifies your skin tone and diminishes the appearance of fine lines.  I would also say that this products helps your skin regenerate better because it acts as a peel, removing dead and dying skin cells, paving the way for new, bright skin cells to come up, providing a more youthful, dewy appearance.  I would recommend this product to anyone looking for clearer skin, or for those looking for a product with anti-aging benefits.

6. H2O Plus Green Tea Antioxidant Face Complex - 1.7 Fl Oz - $35.00

Description: Soothing moisturizer that helps calm and protect sensitive skin from environmental exposure with Provitamin B, Multivitamin Complex and Triple Tea Complex.  Green tea soothes irritation and reduces blotchiness while strengthening skin’s natural defense barrier.

Review: I was actually disappointed with this product.  I have very sensitive skin and after using all of the products mentioned above, when this product came out, I was super excited because they advertised that it was “ideal for sensitive or delicate skin”.  It’s true what they say when they say, “Don’t fix it if it ain’t broke.”  For me this product did the opposite of what it promised.  It burned when I put it on, which made my skin redder, and it did not hydrate as well as the Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment.  In my humble opinion, the only thing this moisturizer has going for it is it comes in a fun package, and it smells great.  Otherwise, I would not recommend it.

7. H2O Plus Urban Defense Facial Cleansing Milk - 7.5 Fl Oz - $26.00

Description:  A gentle, calming cleanser for sensitive skin to neutralize irritants without drying with Oxysomes, Anti-Pollution System and Triple Tea Complex.

Review:  This is a great cleanser.  It is gentle and it cleans effectively.  It doesn’t dry you out or irritate your skin.  I don’t have anything negative to say about it, but I don’t love it enough to rave about it either.  It’s only adequate in comparison to the H2O Plus Cleansing Water.  I would recommend this product to anyone, but I’d recommend the Cleansing Water over it.

8. H2O Plus Eye Oasis Moisture Replenishing Treatment - 0.5  Fl Oz - $24.00

Description: A fast-absorbing, oil-free intensive hydrating treatment formulated to target the delicate eye area with phopholipids, multivitamin complex and moisturizing marine botanicals.

Review: This is a good eye-area product.  It does absorb fast, and it firms, soothes, and hydrates.  It feels really nice.  For me, it has made my dark circles much better.  Also, the amount you get in the tube may seem small for $24, but it does last a really long time because you don’t need much to cover the entire eye area.  I would recommend this to any ladies looking to firm up the eye area, or just for those looking for a soothing treat for your eyes. 

Well ladies, if you’re still with me, I hope you enjoyed, or at least can benefit from, this review.  I absolutely love H2O Plus products and I will never use any other skincare line for my face again.  I’m hooked!  I love how this company focuses on natural ingredients from the sea.  I also love how you don’t need much of the products to get the maximum effect, so even though the initial price is higher than drugstore brands, the quality is also higher and they last a long time.  I recommend H2O Plus products to anyone who is not satisfied with their current skincare regimen! :)  All future reviews will be much shorter, but I had a lot to cover! 

Shop H2O Plus here >>> http://www.h2oplus.com/