Urban Decay Loose Shadows Review and How to Use Them!

If you saw my Urban Decay Haul Post yesterday, then you know I stocked up on loose shadows! With beautiful colors and a pretty decent selection, I was already planning to pick a few up. Then...the sale hit. $1 for each? Yeah I couldn't pass that up. With adorable packaging, unique colors, and the Urban Decay seal I knew it was too good to pass up. Everyone who follows me on twitter has been asking for how I use these because some people had issues. Keep reading and I promise I'll explain how to use them to make stunning eye looks with less fallout AND less mess!

So here are the pigments I picked up, I got all 10 of them. Some of them are the loose form of my favorite Urban Decay colors (Shag & Smog especially!) so I knew I would love at least a few of them. The packaging is adorable, as with all Urban Decay products. Purple metallic tubes, fun bottle shape, and a peekaboo bottom section so you can see the pigment. Oddly enough, one of my favorite things is the sticks at the base of each pigment. Not only does it have the shade on it (duh) but the sticker is also the same COLOR making it super easy to differentiate between them!

First is No Flash & Second With Flash.

Urban Decay Loose Eyeshadows from left to right: Rockstar, Shag, Protest, Shattered, Smog, Asphyxia, Goddess, X, Graffiti, Gunmetal.

I had read a lot of reviews about these and here are some of the issues I was concerned about: fallout, difficult to use, messy. So after receiving them, these were the first things I wanted to evaluate!

Fallout: There's always a bit of fallout with loose shadows IMHO. The best ways to counteract that is with a primer and (most importantly) application. You can't apply loose shadow the same as pressed because its completely different. Instead, use a patting motion, taking care to tap of excess before applying. You can layer like with any eyeshadow, in some cases even better. You have a lot of blending options as well.

Difficult to Use: I think this relates back to my tips about fallout, but there is a bit more to it. With this product in particular, there is a learning curve. When you open the container you should immediately note that taking the included brush directly to your lids will be difficult. Why? You won't have much control, you will make a mess because the pigment climbs up the sides of the bottle as it is moved around, the brush isn't made for this. From playing around with this, 100% of this problem was cured by using this brush to "paint" the loose pigment onto my standard makeup brushes. If you use a smaller brush, you can even dip straight into the container which I prefer. Just don't forget to tap off the excess!

Messy: If you combine tips from the above two issues, this should clear up a lot of the mess. With loose shadows, its hard not to have a little bit of a mess. Remember to use a primer and tap off the excess and you should be golden!

All in all, I'm thrilled with my purchases. Would I have bought all of them at full price? No. But at the sale price, it was well worth the leap of faith!

If you guys are wondering about Urban Decay's customer service or if you're having shipping issues, please check out my haul post where I explain how my experience went!

Questions & Comments are always appreciated! Any requested looks?

Urban Decay Haul & Shipping Issues Story!

Big shoutout to the amazing Customer Service at Urban Decay!

So my package from Urban Decay arrived yesterday and I have been so excited to recieve it. I assumed their processing would be backed up so it actually arrived sooner than  thought it would. I placed my order the night of August 16th, it shipped the 22nd, then arrived the 24th. Not too crazy in my opinion, and definitely not for the incredible sale they held. I know some people are being really impatient or are upset about the ship time/processing, but I think with that kind of abuse (yes some people were really mean to them!) they won't want to hold another sale....AND I LIKE SALES! Okay, enough about THAT. 

Looking through my box I realized something was missing: my Ammo Palette and Eden Primer! Oh no! If you guys follow me on twitter, then you know I've been packing and moving (still am) but THIS was an emergency! :p

I called Urban Decay (I seriously didn't have to wait which was insane) and explained to the Urban Decay Customer Service guy what had happened. I also explained my situation (moving in a WEEK) and he was so kind to me. He asked me if the box had been tampered with, if everything was inside, and all those usual questions. Then he said he could refund my set... NOOOOOOOOOO! He laughed and said, "Let me check and see if we have any more in stock." Nope, they didn't...not the sets anyway. He was so awesome that he had them send me the Ammo Palette and a separete tube of UD Primer in Eden! That was so kind, what great customer service. I've had some real issues with some other cosmetics companies when it comes to missing/damaged items so this was a breeze. They even managed to ship it 1-Day Air which is a pretty big deal. I know some customers are having issues at the moment, but remember guys, they want to help you just as much as you want them too. Understand where they're coming from and stay kind. :)

 AND NOW TO THE HAUL!

 (Excuse picture quality, light and everything is scattered from the move. Back to normal soon!)

Urban Decay Loose Pigments.

 Urban Decay Loose Pigment brush and tube inside. This color is "X".

 Urban Decay Vegan Palette. See the cover in the first picture of the haul sequence.

 Urban Decay Travel Size Primer Potion in Sin, included with the Vegan Palette pictured above.

Urban Decay Ammo Palette. Adorable packaging and some of my favorite colors.

, Shout

Urban Decay Primer Potion (new squeeze/tube bottle) in Eden.

Well that's it guys! Reviews and swatches on EVERYTHING coming soon! Anything you want to see first? Drop it in the comments!

Review: Ginger Essence from Origins

 What it is: A fragrance scented with natural tones, mainly ginger. Described as a  "sensuous skin scent".

What Origins says about this product: Ancient Chinese tradition holds that where there's yin, there must be yang. And so the fragrant fire of spicy ginger is balanced by the refreshing zeal of bergamot, lemon and lime to create a sensuous synergy between warm and cool, energy and calm, tempest and tranquility. Skin is surrounded in an enticing aroma that's impossible to resist.

How to use: Spray on all-over, as desired. Pay particular attention to pulse points (neck, wrists and inside elbows) to enhance the fragrance's warming, sensual characteristics.
 

Why I love it: This is definitely one of the sexiest scents I own, and definitely the most earthy in that category. Sometimes alluring scents are too musky or strong for me, but scent has the perfect balance of sexy and natural. Without being too obvious, Ginger Essence manages to awaken my senses in the morning as citrus often does. 

With an energy infused feel and a sexy/spicy scent, I found myself wearing this for nearly any occasion. I feel like this is the best way to smell enticing effortlessly and doesn't smell too young or cheap. I feel sophisticated-sexy when I wear this, and my husband definitely noticed. Maybe the Chinese did have the right idea! It blended into my skin without being harsh and lasted as long as my Lola by Marc Jacobs, one of my longest lasting fragrances by far.
 

On the Origins website you can see all kinds of details, including the history of ginger, components of this fragrance, and so much more. You can also read lots of reviews, most of them raving about how wonderful this scent is. Check out a few clips from the website:

I just wanted to point out this bar at the bottom here. This is on the Origins' website under every product, but I feel it can be easily overlooked. Check out the cool features they provide you with and educate yourself about the products quickly and simply!

Where you can get it: Priced at $39.50 for 1.7 oz, I actually felt like it had twice as much in it. Because it lasted so long, plus you only need 1-2 spritzes (neck/wrists, more if desired), I feel like this will last me a really long time. Origins stores or you can purchase on their website  (HERE). If you aren't sure how you'll like this scent (yes it is quite different!) go into an Origins store and use a tester. You can smell the fragrance and test out how long it lasts on you!

*Item(s) sent to me for review are featured in this post. This in no way guarantees coverage. All of my reviews and reactions are honest, I would never recommend something that didn’t deserve it. For more information, please see my disclosure policy in the top bar.*

Mani of the Day: Confetti Tazmanian Devil & LA Colors Pacific Blue

 

Happy Saturday to all! Today I bring you my manicure I put on last night. I loved Confetti's Nail Color in Tazmanian Devil so much I decided to see how I liked it on my nails! I like this as a glitter polish quite a bit. I'm not exactly sure why, but I feel its a more grown up rainbow glitter polish. Also is my first post featuring my LA Colors Nail Polish in Pacific Blue. I'm loving it. I'd easily wear this alone except I'm going to be packing all day and figured the glitter would create a decent barrier. Hope you enjoy! * No top coat today!*

If you like what you read, please follow & subscribe!
xoxoxo 

Stephanie Louise

*Item(s) sent to me for review are featured in this post. This in no way guarantees coverage. All of my reviews and reactions are honest, I would never recommend something that didn’t deserve it. For more information, please see my disclosure policy in the top bar.*

FAB Friday: Fall Jewelry Preview

FAB Friday=Fabulous Accessory or Bauble Friday

My newest obsession is  picking out jewelry for Fall. With this heat and the stress of moving, I'm definitely looking forward to being settled into our new house. For me, Fall is about greens, oranges, bronzes, yellows, and different types of metals to add some interest. Some is new, some is ancient, all of it is going to get a lot of use this season.

Pedicure: Confetti Nail Color in Lonesome Dove & Tazmanian Devil

So normally I don't show off pedicures, but I am LOVING this one! I picked these up for $1.99 at CVS while I was in California. Confetti Long Wearing Nail Color isn't a brand I've picked up often, but I will from now on!

 Left is Confetti Nail Color in Tazmanian Devel and right is Confetti Nail Color in Lonesome Dove.

Wet n Wild: Ultimate Minerals Blushes & Bronzer Mega Review

So I was so excited when I got these, and there are multiple reasons why:

• Great Pigmentation
• New Packaging Idea
• Brand I Trust
• Minerals for Summer Heat

 Here they are from the top! This top is a screw on, but it is secured internally!

You never know how new packaging will go, luckily this is awesome. Some people are kind of confused about how it works, so here's my take on it!

Lid Closed...

Lid Open!

To keep the product contained, their new lid keeps everything in the bottom unlike a regular sifter. A few have commented that they don't like this because they can't get the product out. For me the issue has always been keeping the product INSIDE a sifter/container and NOT all over everything else around me. I simply open the lid, open the divider flap, tap some product into the lid and then put it on top of the sifter. When I'm done all I have to do is close the divider flap. No mess, no fussy, and no blush where it shouldn't be...AKA my walls, clothes, dog....etc. 

(Here you can see the "divider flap" & the nubs that keep the blush in the container.)

ELF Nymph Dreams $1 Eyeshadow Look!

This is one of my favorite $1 quads from ELF. The teal is gorgeous, but the yellow highlight is very unique. The bronze is my favorite, check out the way it gets picked up in the flash below!

Products Used:

ELF Eyelid Primer

Maybelline Falsies in Black Drama

Physician'sFormula Gel Eyeliner Trios for Green Eyes, the black shade with green shimmer

ELF Quad in Nymph Dreams

Why You NEED to Check Out TAAZ.COM with Pictures!

First off, I am in no way affiliated with this site. I have been using it for years to create/try on different hair styles and makeup and REALLY love it! Try on a pixi cut or platinum blonde and then do your own makeup, all online. They even tell you what products and brands you're using! Here's some of the looks I've created, from wild to funny to something  could take into a salon. AWESOME if you want to know what you might look like in bangs or with a new hair color! 

Trying out dark hair and side bangs.

Channeling Marilyn Monroe.

 JERSEYFIED!

And TAAZ your spouse/partner, SO MUCH FUN!

WWW.TAAZ.COM

ULTA Nail Polish Haul August 2011

Ulta Nail Haul, All $2 Each!

Left to right, Ulta Nail Lacquer in : Wild Night, Scene Steel-er, Sun-Sational, Lime Light, Moody Blues, The Jungle Look, Plum Perfect.

So excited to try these out! I have "The Jungle Look" in a mini, so excited to have it in a full size!

6 Amazing Products to Beat Summer Feet!

So yesterday I got some questions about products I love for foot care after posting my recipe for Pumpkin Foot Scrub. Here are some of my absolute favorites!!!

1. Freeman Bare Foot Repair! for Callus Softening

What it is: Gently exfoliates rough, dry skin without the use of harsh abrasives. Paraffin helps to smooth and soften leaving skin feeling buttery soft and touchable. Urea, Karanja Oil, and Rosemary Oil provides intense hydration to restore skin's moisture.

Why I love it: I freely admit I get calluses. I have a flip-flop addiction year round so this is to be expected. The oils in this make my skin super soft and gentle. It also "fills in" between rough areas while dissolving and moisturizing tough spots. My favorite way to remove calluses without risk of damage to my feet like shavers/blades. You apply it, let it dry, then rub until dead skin falls off. Super simple!

Where you can get it: Drugstores, online, and Mega Stores for around $6.00 for 3.4 oz. 

2. Earth Therapeutics Foot Scrub

What it is: Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil is a natural antiseptic that heals and deodorizes. Natural Wild Mint refreshes and stimulates circulation. Natural Chamomile soothes and comforts. Natural Pumice granules exfoliate gently yet effectively. Smooths away calluses and rough, flaky skin. Also works on hands, knees, elbows, and other dry skin areas.

Why I love it: The mint in this is what sets it apart. I love the minty, energetic scent of this! Works like any foot scrub should, but with very fine pumice. Big chunks of exfoliates tend to irritate my skin so this is a big bonus for me. Plus, they added things like fennel, geranium, marigold, and apricot shells making this truly unique.

Where you can get it: Drugstores, online, and Kohls for around $6.00 for 6 oz.

3.AHAVA Dead Sea Mineral Foot Cream

What it is: This relaxing foot cream moisturizes, softens, and smoothes rough soles. Apply this tea tree oil leaf oil enriched cream, to wrap your feet and legs in soothing comfort. Massage a small amount into clean feet and legs, until absorbed.

Why I love it: This smells incredible!  Dead Sea mineral mud formula relieves itchiness, redness and scaling all at once.With shea and coconut, it has less of a medicinal smell which definitely helps. Thick and creamy, the smaller bottle is fine because you don't need as much for big results.

Mani of the Day & CND Nail Lacquer Removal!

Unfortunately the time has come to say goodbye to my CND manicure :(

As you can see, my nails have grown significantly, so its time to take it off and apply something new! For everyone who was concerned about my nails being damaged afterwards, I'm glad to say my nails are great! No visible difference from any other manicure! I simply let them soak in 100% acetone and they it all came off after about 10 minutes. I moisturized and was ready to repaint!

This is Ulta Nail Lacquer in Envy. Over this is Sinful Colors in Call You Later. No additional top coat. What do you guys think? Its hard to tell but Call You Later has lime green, medium green, and golden green glitter in it which I love!

DIY: Pumpkin Scrub to Beautify Summer Feet

So I don't know about you guys, but the summer does a serious number on my feet. Wedges, flip-flops, and lots of barefoot lounging lead to roughness/dryness for me. How about you guys? 

Here's a natural way to beat summer feet!

Pumpkin Foot Scrub:

1/4 cup Cooked or Canned Pumpkin Puree
1/4cup of Brown Sugar

1/4 cup of Sea Salt/Coarse Salt

1 tablespoon Oil (Olive, Almond, Tea Tree, etc.)
1 tablespoon Ground Coffee

1 tablespoon Ginger




Put everything in a bowl/container and mix well. From here, simply apply to your feet! Scrub them, especially in rough areas like heels, and let it set a bit. The coffee will brighten your skin and get your circulation going! Rinse off when you're done and enjoy the results! You can use it on the rest of your body or keep it in the fridge for a few days since its natural.

What are some of your favorite natural recipes for beautification?

7 Nail Polish Shopping Tips

These are just 7 basic tips for nail polish shopping success! Please let me know your tips in the comments section below!

 1. Know What You Want

Now, this only applies when you are actually SHOPPING and not just BROWSING. You'd be surprised how many times I've had people ask, "What is the best orange?" Is it a valid question? Yes. But here's the issue: There are a billion different orange-ish shades. Its all about what YOU consider orange. Do you want something sheer, metallic, golden, deep, fluorescent...

Here I'm showing you 4 completely different versions of a form of coral:

Left to right: 1.Revlon Nail Enamel in Craving Coral,  2. ELF ail Polish in Mango Madness, 3. Sinful Colors Profession Nail Lacquer in Hazard,  4. Revlon Scented Nail Polish in Mad About Mango.

Now, if you don't care about the specifics, then pick up any of these corals. But the differences are easy to pick up when you hold them next to each other in the store. Coral 1 is clearly much darker and contains more red. Coral 2 is mixed with some bright pink giving it less of an orange tone. Coral 3 has a slight shimmer to it and IMHO is my version of a creamy coral. Coral 4 is what I think of when someone asks me about a true coral color. Color specifics are up to the viewer.

If you want a SPECIFIC type of color, use this little help list:

• Sheen/Shimmer/Glitter/Chunky Glitter/Flakie/Glitter Shapes

• Creme

• Matte/Suede/Satin

• Bright/Florescent/Neon

• Dark/Light Undertones

• Metallic/Foil/Pearl/Frost

• Jelly/Sheer

• Holographic/Duochrome

Mix & match until you find EXACTLY what you want...its out there! If you don't know what some of these are (yes, every single one is different) then educate yourself by checking out this amazing blog post from Lacquerized HERE.

 Shades of Silver Left to Right: LA Colors Color Craze in Silver, Sinful Colors Professional Nail Lacquer in Out of this World, Revlon Nail Enamel in Silver Screen. Polishes are placed from thickest metallic to the thinnest from left to right.

2. Separations/Color Discrepancy

So this may seem obvious, but I still think its super important. I'll keep this short and sweet: Stores that care for their nail polish will show in the coloring/structure of the polish. 

See separation? Remember, separation happens when a nail polish has been sitting for two long causing the ingredients to sift.

See stripes? This is a sign that the nail polish hasn't been standing upright and instead laying on its side.

Is the color the same as the rest? If you pick up your shade and compare it to the others, is it the same? If not, it is very possible it has been opened and/or not resealed properly. Pick another one.

Left to right: Sally Hansen Maximun Growth in Inspired Orchid, Mini Divas Nail Polish in Star, Sally Hansen Maximum Growth Plus in Beautiful Berry.  
                

3. Bottles Lie

You'd be surprised how many nail polishes go on completely different than it looks in the bottle. Take this example from Sinful Colors:

Sinful Colors Profession Nail Lacquer in Savage.