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?

Purple and Grey Smokes

Hi Ladies!

Here is a make up look that I have been LOVING lately.  I was inspired to do this look because everyone is getting excited for fall and using deeper colors but I still wanted to hold on to that last little bit of summer with a pop of a bright color.  I hope you like it! :)  So without further adieu...

What I used:

Make Up Forever HD Foundation, shade #123, applied with a stippling brush.

Sephora Concealer quad under eyes.

Bareminerals Warmth as a contour on my hair line and in the hollows of my cheeks.

Maybelline Fit Me Blush in Light Nude.

Laura Gellar Blush-n-Brighten on cheek bones and bridge of nose as a highlight.

MAC Studio Fix Pressed Powder to set my T-Zone.
ybf beauty Automatic Brow Pencil in Taupe to fill in brows.

Eyes:

Apply Urban Decay Primer Potion all over lid and lower lash line.  Put a matte white shadow all over lid up to brow bone and in the inner corner.  Light pewter shimmer shadow on lid to just above crease.  (I used the "crease" color in the Velvet Crush Maybelline Shadow Quad.)  Then apply a medium purple shade into your crease. (I used a shade from my bh cosmetics 120 palette)  Again from the Velvet Crush Quad, use the "liner" (a dark charcoal grey) shade in your outer "V".  Lastly, apply your favorite black eyeliner and mascara.  I used Maybelline Stiletto liquid liner and then Lorac Mascara.

Lips:


Buxom Big and Healthy Lipstick in Amsterdam (rosy nude) and Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Nude Lustre (peachy nude).

I hope you all love this look as much as I do!  It can easily translate from day to night and would be gorgeous on most skin tones!  Let me know if there is a certain look you would like to see featured in this blog, be it inspired by a photo, celebrity, theme, whatever!  Also let me know if you would like a video tutorial!

Thank you for reading! :)

Aylissa

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

Get a free deluxe perfume sample from Sephora!

Hello Lovelies!

I have a coupon code for you!  Head over to Sephora's website and enter the code "miniscent" at checkout on your order of $25 or more.  Choose from Dior Miss Dior Cherie, Versace Bright Crystal, Issey Miyake L'Eas d' Issey and Bvlgari Mon Jasmin Noir.

I personally LOVE Versace Bright Crystal.

I'm not sure how long the code will last so GO NOW and get something pretty for yourself!  Also, I have a contest in the works for you guys that involves a giveaway so keep your eyes peeled for that!

Love,
Aylissa

P.S.  Want to show me you love me?  Help me promote my blog by recommending me to your friends.  Link me in an email or something like that.  It will be much appreciated!

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

April Birchbox!!

Hello, you beautiful people!

It's been a few days since I've posted anything so I thought I'd show you what I got in my April Birchbox shipment!  For those of you that don't know what Birchbox is, it is a monthly subscription to a company that sends you a box of deluxe samples to try once a month.  It's $10 a month and so worth it!  It helps you try new products with less waste.  The packaging is recyclable and if you don't like a product, you only spent a couple of dollars and you don't have a full size container of it to go to waste. The samples I got this month are great!  Most samples you get from other companies are usually only good for a one-time use, but as I said, these are deluxe samples and they're huge!  Anyway, here it is, my April Birchbox:

THE PACKAGE!

Getting excited!!

YAY!

And here is the haul:)

This months focus was going green because April is a reminder that we should be mindful of our environment and the effect we have on it.  From left to right, first we have LIVE GRN Eau de Parfum in Earth.  Made from biodegradable and sustainable ingredients, this lush scent is laced with jasmine and sandalwood.  Smells awesome!  Very earthy-chic. :) 

Next we have Zoya Nail Polish in Jules.  Zoya's lacquers are super glossy and this versatile shade is a shimmery gold.  So pretty!

Third is Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel and Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer.  Natural fruit acids dissolve even the most tenacious dead cells for an immediately brighter, smoother complexion.

Fourth we have Lavanilla, The Healthy Body Butter.  It's made from all natural shea and cocoa butters an smells delicious with its lavender and vanilla scent.

Last but not least, we have a little extra gift, Bloomin Seed Paper.  You can plant this paper and grow wildflowers! How fun is that!?

So there you have it.  My April Birchbox shipment.  For anyone looking to broaden their beauty horizons, who love surprises, and just want to try new products, I highly recommend subscribing to Birchbox.  It's so much fun and you get to discover great stuff every month!

Have any of you subscribed to/fallen in love with Birchbox like I have?  Let me know in the comment selection below!  I hope you all have enjoyed this post!

Love,

Aylissa

P.S.  Coming soon - a review on my current foundation!

Pretty Spring Makeup!

Ahh, makeup... one of the finer things in life. :)  I absolutely love doing makeup, whether it's a friends or my own.  I think that all women are beautiful, and certainly makeup enhances that beauty in a physical way, but there's something about it that makes us feel beautiful.  It makes us walk with a little more attitude and carry ourselves a little higher.  For me, makeup gives me more confidence.  Even if I'm only wearing a tinted moisturizer and some lipgloss or some powder and blush, I feel more put together and prepared to face the day.  That brings me to today's post!  This particular makeup look makes me feel pretty and feminine.  Here's a pic:

Peach and Purple

It's a simple enough look to achieve, but I love it for spring.  The colors are bright and fun but not overbearing.  It's fresh and feminine and looks great on all skin types.

To get this look I used for the face:

• Face primer
• NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Punjab (applied with stippling brush and buffed in)
• Pur Minerals All Over Glow Bronzer for contouring the hollows of my cheeks, my jaw line, temples, and hair line. (Contouring these areas with a bronzer brings the light to the center of the face for a healthy glow)
• Rimmel London Blush in 010 Peach on the apples of my cheeks and then blended back.
• Benefit's Girl Meets Pearl highlighter on the bridge of my nose and cheekbones.
• Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Crush
• Revlon Super Lustrous lip gloss in Nude Luster

For my eyes:

• Urban Decay Primer Potion
• The shimmery white cream shadow from the Revlon Illuminance Quad "Seashells" on my inner eye/tear duct area to make the eyes appear brighter, wider, and well rested.
• Maybelline Eyeshadow in Vanilla to highlight brow bone.
• A plum purple out of the BH Cosmetics 120 color palette over the entire lid and then a darker, deep amethyst in the crease and along my upper lash line.
• Upper lash line is lined with the Physicians Formula liquid eyeliner pen.
• Lower lash line is lined with black eyeshadow.
• Covergirl Lashblast mascara on eyelashes.

It sounds like a lot but the full face only took me about 5 minutes, a little more if I'm being slow about it.  But there you go, my go-to look this spring.  I hope you get a chance to try it out and I hope you've enjoyed this post!  Would you like a video tutorial?  Comment below to let me know!  I would appreciate any feedback or requests you may have. :)  

Coming soon - my April Birchbox shipment!