Naked 3 Palette Review and Swatches

IT'S HERE!

     Did anyone else see that coming?  I don't think I did.  I mean, we all know Urban Decay wouldn't just STOP the Naked Collection when it's become an incredible line . . . but I had no idea NAKED 3 was all ready to be released!  Maybe I'm wrong, but I think I was only notified one week before it was available for purchase!  Not much hype.  But I must say: This palette is well worth hype.

     If you know the story, then you know how it all started with the Naked palette 1 - the warm-toned neutrals.  That palette seemed to take the beauty world by storm.  It was THE palette.  As soon as we recovered from that excitement a couple years later came Naked 2 - the cool-toned neutrals.  The next palette, Naked Basics, began the craze of many brands including matte eye shadow into their palettes; but that doesn't compete with the 5 all-matte shades and 1 beautiful shimmer you get in Naked Basics! After Naked 1, 2, and Basics, Urban Decay took the neutral Naked idea into other areas than just eye shadow - Naked Flushed (Blush/Contour/Highlight palette), Naked 24/7 Glide-on Double Ended Eye Pencils, Naked Skin Liquid Make Up, Naked Skin Beauty Balm, Naked Illuminated (gorgeous highlighting powder), as well as Naked shades in their lip glosses and lip colors.  Just when I thought the Naked Collection had released all the amazing products they could dream up - Naked 3 popped up out of no where - 12 never-before-seen shades! The ROSE-TONED neutrals! 

     The Naked 3 comes with a double-ended eye brush that has a flat shader side and a flat blending brush on the other end.  It's different than the normal round-top blending brush that the Naked 2 palette had, but gives more control to the area you are trying to buff out.  This palette also comes with rather generous samples of each of the Urban Decay Primer potions: Original, Eden, Sin, and the new Anti-Aging formula.  Each little pod is said to come with a week's worth of primer - but I'm thinking they will stretch a little farther than that!

Strange: pale pink satin-matte

Dust: metallic champagne pink with silver micro-glitter

Burnout: peachy-pink satin

Limit: dusty rose matte

Buzz: metallic rose with silver micro-glitter

Trick: copper-peach with subtle glitter

Nooner: medium pinky-brown matte
Liar: medium pink-brown satin
Factory: Deep red-brown satin
Mugshot: pinky-taupe satin
Darkside: cool grayish-brown satin
Blackheart: matte black with red micro-glitter

     These shadows somehow seem even more butter-y than before!  All of the shades swatch wonderfully.  Even Blackheart (the black with red micro-glitter) is creamy and smooth as it applies.  I think this might actually be my most favorite of all the Nakeds!  There's just something about the metallics in this palette - they're extremely eye-catching and gorgeous but still wearable for every day!  This palette also has great mattes to really pull together any look you decide to put together.  Versatility, great formula, gorgeous shades, ability to create neutral everyday looks or glamorous evening looks - this palette is A+.  Sorry Naked 1 and Naked 2 - I think you've been outdone!

     Let me know if you plan to get Urban Decay's Naked 3 or if you already have!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Cream Bronzer Review and Swatch

     If you read my Top Ten e.l.f. Products post, then you probably know I really like cream bronzer.  For starters, cream bronzer tends to hold up better than a powder bronzer (kind of how most cream/liquid foundation hold up better than powder foundation).  You can also SET cream bronzer with a powder as you would your foundation (this is why it's a good option for oily skin) or you can use it alone and it isn't drying like a powder (making great for dry skin too).  What does this mean to me? Long-wearing contour/color.  The only problem? Most brands don't have a cream bronzer.  Until more recently, Chanel's Soleil Tan de Chanel was one of the only nice cream bronzer's out there.  It comes with a lot of product, but also a fairly high price tag.  Now, quite a few brands are coming out with some options in cream bronzers/contours.  But Sonia Kashuk's can be found at Target!  It retails for $10.99 and comes in two shades: Warm Tan and Rich Bronze.  I went with the darker shade, Rich Bronze, so that I could use it as a contour color.

     It's called "Undetectable" for good reason - the product blends very easily!  The formula smoothes right on creates a soft finish.  I love the way this product feels on my skin; it's a cream but is so lightweight it feels as though you didn't apply anything!  Because it's so smooth and airy-light it's extremely easy to blend in making it perfect for contouring during the day (but can also be built up for night).  Undetectable. 

My Tips:

♥ If you have oily skin: lightly apply it and then set it with your normal face powder.

♥ If you have dry skin: don't set with a powder if you don't normally.  

♥ Use either a stippling brush or synthetic-bristled buffing brush to apply. Blend in all the edges well.

Sonia Kashuk Undetectale Cream Bronzer in "Rich Bronze"

     I'm really enjoying this bronzer right now!  The Rich Bronze color is perfect to use as a contour - it doesn't come off as orange or overly warm as most bronzers do, there is no shimmer, and it's blend-ability makes it perfect! 

Do you have a favorite contour or bronzer for winter-time?

Tarte Call of the Wild Palette Review and Swatches

     More Tarte?! Of course.  The Tarte Call of the Wild Palette became one of my favorite go-to's for fall as soon as I picked it up before autumn came around last year.  Can I just start with the packaging?  It's sleek and shiny on the outside with that little pop of leopard print that peeks out - what beauty product hoarder could resist that?!  When you open it, it's just as exciting with the leopard print around the mirror as well as the shadows.  Is it wrong I could just look at this palette and justify the purchase?  Oh well.

     Now that all of that is out of the way, inside you will find 8 shadows that are - in my mind - perfect for autumn time.  You've got the coppery/bronze color,  the perfect deep cranberry color, a warm brown, and great frosty white.  The rest of the shadows are mostly matte - which is great!  The dusty gray/blue and navy blue make for such a beautiful spin on an ordinary brown or black smokey eye.  The peachy pale and light gray are matte and make for great blending colors.  I think that the formula of the mattes are really amazing - not too dry and chalky, but have great staying power. 

     Whenever I need a statement eye look, but not sure what to do or do not have a lot of time to plan it out - I grab for this palette! Recently, I've been loving a look with the pearly white on the inner 1/2 of my lid, the medium gray on the rest, and the deep navy in the crease and outer corner.  Navy shadow! Try it.

     One thing that I have to mention is that the eye shadow formula I talked about in my review of the Tarte of Giving set is different than these - since this palette is a little older.  I find that some of these take a little more working with, but still give a great end result.  I think the matte colors work about the same, but it is the shimmers that they have improved - which is funny because it is usually the other way around (matte formula's usually need improvement).  None the less, I've still been reaching for this palette for fall-time!

     Make sure to leave a comment and let me know what your favorite Tarte products are!  Hope you all enjoyed!

Maybelline Dark Circle Eraser Brightener Review and Swatch

     The Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser Concealer has been raved about by quite a few bloggers - I've been using it for a couple years now!  Recently I decided to try out the "Brightener" version of this concealer.  You'll find it in the same display, but the shade will be Brightener.  It's a little pink compared to the others, but entirely amazing.      First off, some people like to use yellow concealer to correct their dark circles under their eyes - but if you don't have very warm-toned skin this won't look very natural for you.  The pink tone really brightens the area and covers up the blue/purple/black pigment that we can get under our eyes.  No, it doesn't look like you smudged pink marker under there.  It looks naturally bright.      One of the best things about this product is that while it is very pigmented, it is very LIGHT.  This makes it easy to use the actual concealer on top of it if you need to - it's thin enough that you can layer these products without making your under eyes look heavily caked with concealer.  On a daily basis I actually find that this brightener alone has enough coverage for my under eyes!  This provides such a natural AWAKE look.  I think it can shave years as well as built up stress off of your face.

My Tips:

♥ Lightly pat the applicator around the inner corner of your eye extending down over any dark areas underneath the eye.  Avoid dragging towards the outer part of the eye because this can actually bring out the look of bags (It highlights and brings out the uneven and slightly puffy part some people may have - keep it towards the inner corner!). ♥ Use your ring finger to gently pat in the concealer and blend it.  Using your finger will warm up the concealer allowing it to smoothly blend into the skin. Also, the ring finger is the weakest and gentlest to use on the delicate under eye skin. ♥ If you need a little extra coverage, let the brightener set and then apply a concealer over the top in the same way.  Keep each layer light and thin. ♥ If you want to set your under eyes with powder only use very finely-milled powder that will not make this area look cakey or dry. ♥ Always invest in a good eye cream - even if you have no bags or circles under your eyes dehydration can make you look tired or aged.

     I've been loving this awesome under eye brightener. Best part is it's easily accessible at the drugstore for around $8.  Let me know what you think!

Maybelline Shine-Free Stick Foundation Review and Swatch

     Shine-free foundation in an easy-to-use stick?  You know this was on my Wish List as soon as it came out (seriously, click on "wish list")!  Apparently Maybelline Shine-Free Stick Foundation was on everyone else's too because every time I was at the store I could never find the right shade.  They were either sold out or had been opened and pawed upon.  No thank you.  When Ulta finally replenished they're stock, I grabbed it!  I've been using this foundation for days when I just want to even my complexion out, but don't want to spend a whole lot of time on it.  Now that I have been using it for about a month (and STILL haven't done a review on it) let me give you the full break-down of this foundation. (and how you can prevent it from breaking down on your skin!)
Coverage: I would say Maybelline Shine-Free Foundation has medium coverage.  It's definitely not full but it isn't light either.  I think it's perfect for everyday wear.
Staying Power: I found that this foundation could be broken up by oil very easily.  It has this very weird balance - it keeps you from LOOKING oily, but still suffers wear from oil as any non-oil-controlling foundation would.  Weird; extremely weird.  But after trying a few different things I found that there are ways to really get the shine-free no-fading longevity out of this foundation.  For starters, it controls oil better when you DON'T use a primer.  Odd, I know.  Whatever "shine-free" stuff is in the center of this foundation does not work over the top of a primer.  Also, the way I apply it changes not only the finish, but the staying power.  A wet brush or beautyblender are the best methods. Controls oil great once you figure it out!
Finish: Applying with my fingers makes the coverage and finish a little uneven.  If I use a foundation brush the "shine-free" formula can actually be over drying (yes, even on an oily-skinned girl like myself).  If I wet my brush - perfect!  I've been using the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush (of stinkin' course, right?).  When I apply it this way, I get a great coverage that dries down to feel just like skin (not heavy or cakey), looks natural, keeps oil away, and is so quick and easy to apply.

My Tips:

♥ No primer ♥ Run your brush under the tap for a second and wring out the excess with a towel.   ♥ Swipe the foundation on the major plains of your face and use the damp brush to blend it out. The moisture makes the foundation go on so smooth and flawlessly! ♥ Wait until the foundation has dried and only use a small amount of powder to set it.

     Let me know if you have any favorite foundations or even BB creams that are nice for everyday wear for us oily-skinned girls!

Real Techniques Blush Brush Review

     Alright! Finally reviewing the last Real Techniques Brush I picked up last month - the Blush Brush! When I first looked at the collection, I didn't think this was going to be one of the brushes I would choose, but after a little research on all of them I thought that this one would make the most sense in my collection.  Which turned out to be an awesome choice!              Like always, if you haven't checked out my review of the Real Techniques Core Collection, click the link and AT LEAST read the first half because I talk about the ENTIRE Real Techniques line in that post.

     Anyway!  Upon first glance of this brush I thought that it WAS a powder brush - and when I read "blush brush" I was like "Did somebody stick this in the wrong box?! What's going on here . . . "  So I was really interested to try this brush out.  I was slightly convinced it wouldn't work well for me because of the size - I tend to prefer smaller, angled blush brushes because of the size and shape of my cheeks.  I love this thing!  The taklon bristles are perfectly cut to a soft dome shape on top - and it applies blush incredibly.  Without hardly any effort, you get blush perfectly concentrated in the center with a very soft focus effect fading out - WITHOUT A LOT OF BLENDING.  The brush practically does it for you! Seriously, seriously, more and more amazed with Real Techniques all the time.  I almost feel like I'm not putting in any effort into applying my make up anymore; these brushes are becoming the artist (not sure if that's good or bad)!  I just can't get over how in a couple swipes this brush makes blush look NATURAL - no harsh lines, a nice oval, gently fading out in all directions.  You would think the size takes away from the precision, but it doesn't at all! It is cut perfectly.  Perfection in every sense of the word. 

     The blush brush is also extremely versatile (are you tired of hearing me say that about Real Techniques brushes, yet?)  I've used this as an all-over powder brush and it applies powder so softly and naturally and it's so light and soft it FEELS great on the face.  You can also use it for applying subtle all-over bronzer, highlighter, and just about anything!  If I were traveling and needed to pack lightly, this would definitely be a multi-tasking brush I would use. I think all of the choices for that trip would probably be Real Techniques. So what?!

Reviews of Other Real Techniques Brushes:

Core Collection Duo Fiber Limited Edition Collection Expert Face Brush

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush Review

     I've got more Real Techniques Brushes to review! The Real Techniques Brush Line by Samantha Chapman were on sale at Ulta last month and after trying out the Core Collection I decided I needed to go back and take full advantage of the sale.  I knew I had to get the Expert Face Brush because so many people have had such good things to say about it - and they're all true! This is a really amazing brush.        Again, if you haven't seen my Core Collection Review, definitely do so because I review the entire line as a whole - which is very impressive.

     The back of the box describes the Expert Face Brush as "ultra firm and broad for application and blending of cream or liquid foundation" - which is all true but doesn't do the brush justice.  This brush is perfect because it is firm and a little broad, but the bristles are slightly tapered - making foundation a breeze.  It has the perfect amount of "give" and the tapering makes it goof-proof - you just have to whip this thing around your face and next thing you know you're looking perfect.  This brush makes things so quick and easy!

     When I'm working with liquid products I find that the Expert Face Brush blends everything in seamlessly, quickly, and insanely easily.  It tends to give medium coverage with first application, but it's just as quick to build up more coverage - and you won't have a "cake face" because it layers and blends so smoothly.  When I'm in a hurry I like to use a cream foundation and the Expert Face Brush will blend it out much quicker than anything else, giving light natural looking coverage.  If I'm wanting my cream product to be more full coverage I will use the brush wet - yes, I run the brush under water and squeeze the excess out really well!  This works so perfectly because the cream products glide on the face with more coverage but still maintain a natural finish - creating a seriously airbrushed effect!  I haven't used it wet with a liquid foundation yet, but I'm willing to bet that it will make the already wonderful application THAT much better! As I have found with all of the Real Techniques brushes, this is extremely versatile.  The Taklon bristles makes it able to use with liquids, creams, and powders.  If you want full coverage out of your powder foundation - try this brush!  If you want a heavy and defined contour with liquid/powder/cream - try this brush!       This is by far my favorite brush from Real Techniques and I think everyone should try this one out!  The versatility and overall performance of this brush makes it a necessity for any make up brush collection.  Let me know if you've used this brush or if you have other favorites from Real Techniques! Expect a review of the Blush brush next!

Reviews of Other Real Techniques Brushes:

Core Collection Duo Fiber Limited Edition Collection Blush Brush

The Tarte of Giving Gift Set Review and Swatches

     If you've followed my blog for any length of time, I'm sure you're slightly aware that Tarte is one of my favorite brands.  I've been seeing glimpses of some of the upcoming holiday sets online, but when I finally saw this one in person I knew I had to have it.  I don't think they hit stores more than 2 weeks ago and I was out shopping on my birthday for some things I "needed", when suddenly this beauty of a gift set caught my eye. Long story short, I was in love with the first swatch of the shadows.  I've always loved Tarte's Amazonian Clay shadows for their long wearing capabilities and formula, but these are much more extra buttery than any of my other Tarte eye shadows. So smooth, creamy, pigmented, silky, and a few really unique colors.  When I scoped out all of the other goodies in this set it was almost too much to take in; all of the mini sizes of everything come with quite a bit in them! A lot of product for $59. Not bad. It may be called the Tarte of Giving but afterall - it was my birthday, right?

Here's The Rest Of The Tarteness You'll Find Inside: (Swatches and close-ups at the bottom!)

1. Amazonian Clay Eyeshadow Palette: 20 FULL SIZE eye shadows; I already raved about these but they seriously blew me away. Extra special Amazonian Clay eye shadows; must be enchanted or something. AND there's mattes along with the shimmers and frosts! 7 mattes to be exact. (Look for swatches at the bottom of this post!)
2. 8 Maracuja Lipglosses: I've been enjoying these because I'm not the biggest lipgloss wear-er, but I'm venturing out; they're mini sizes so they've been great for trying out different shades and tossing in my purse for the day. I love the formula because it's one of those glosses that is hydrating like a balm, minty, and feels great on the lips. They're pretty pigmented so I've been using them on their own to create a vibrant but not over-the-top pop of color on my lips - especially the dark fall colors! (Swatches also at the bottom.)
3. Deluxe Pure Maracuja Oil: Another travel size?! Just click on this: Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil Review. This little miracle oil is too great to review in a couple sentences!
4. Deluxe Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Treatment: I've been really interested in trying this eye cream for a few months now, but I'm currently using the Clinique All About Eyes Cream. Expect an in-depth review on this as soon as I get the chance to test it out fully!
5. Deluxe Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush: Who doesn't love the Amazonian Clay Blushes? I'm pretty sure everyone who has tried them has fallen in love - I'm no different. This one in Memorable is a pretty everyday pink with subtle shimmer. (Swatch at bottom.)
6. Deluxe Cheek Stain: Also something I've been wanting to try from Tarte - their cheek stains! This one is in Flush and I'm pretty sure it is the gel formula (they also have a cream formula). I find that it can be a little too hydrating for my oily skin and I have to set it with a powder, but it still gives a very natural "flush" of color that lasts all day. (Swatched at bottom of post.)
7. Deluxe Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara: Also something I ALREADY love from Tarte. Review here: Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara.  This is the only "lash enhancing" mascara I've found that does what it claims. Excited that this is an even bigger sample than I've had before!
8. Travel Makeup Bag: It's actually pretty cute and nifty. On the outside it has a quilted bow pattern and inside it has 3 zipper compartments for product; 1 is plastic and detaches - you can also hang the whole thing up!

I'm insanely happy with my purchase and have been using most of the products nearly everyday since I picked it up a week ago (except for the eye treatment that I haven't opened yet).   I'm excited to see some of the other smaller gift sets that come out for the holidays - maybe I'll actually practice the Tarte of Giving instead of the Art of Self-Indulging.

Real Techniques Duo Fiber Limited Edition Collection Review

     I said that I would be reviewing the Real Techniques Duo Fiber Collection soon and it's high time I got that done!  If you haven't seen my review of the Real Techniques Core Collection then definitely click on the link and be sure to read the first half because I talk about the Real Techniques line as a whole - which is an INCREDIBLE line of affordable, quality make up brushes by Samantha Chapman (if you weren't aware). Go! Read that first.

     Duo-Fiber Face Brush: This brush was featured this in my last September Favorites post!  I've been loving using this with my loose powder because it picks up the perfect amount of product - other powder brushes pick up WAY too much when you're using a loose powder.  This brush is absolutely perfect for a light dusting of any powder product.  But like most Duo-Fiber brushes it works with cream, liquid, or powder.

     Duo-Fiber Contour Brush: The contour brush in this collection is very versatile for me.  I love the size of it and the barrel is pinched at the end giving it an oval shape - along with the tapering of the fibers make it perfect for a precise but light contour, subtle highlighting, or perfectly blended blush! I've been using it with powder and even cream products.

     Duo-Fiber Eye Brush: I also featured this brush in my September Favorites because it has made my eye looks effortless. It takes all of the work out of blending!  I find that it isn't great for applying powder eyeshadow because it can create a lot of fall out, but it is the most amazing brush for blending out the edges of eyeshadow you've already placed on the lid. Also great at blending cream shadow!      The Real Techniques Duo Fiber Collection is Limited Edition and I'm not sure how much longer it will be out - but they definitely make a great addition to any brush collection.  I've been using all 3 of these brushes on a daily basis - love them!  I think these would be great travel brushes, especially the face and contour brushes because they could nearly do all of your face make up on their own.  Continually impressed by Real Techniques.

Reviews of Other Real Techniques Brushes:

Core Collection Expert Face Brush Blush Brush

Real Techniques Brushes: Core Collection Review

     I'm sure all of you have heard about Samantha Chapman's wonder brushes, Real Techniques.  Everyone has been going on and on about these brushes in the blogging world.  At first I wasn't sure if it was because a fellow beauty blogger and youtuber had come out with her own line, or if it was because there was some little dash of magic in the bristles.  When I realized Ulta has them on sale this month, I jumped on it. (September 2013 All Real Techniques brushes are on buy one, get on 50% off.)  After trying out the Core Collection, I'm here to tell you it's a little bit of both.  It's so awesome that Samantha Chapman launched her own line of make up brushes that are obviously SELLING really well - starting as a make up artist and eventual blogger she's now launched a line that I know has completely changed her career.       Now back to the magic part - upon first use I got a little bit of the magic dust stuck in my eye. It didn't really hurt at all, I just have a little pain in my wallet a few days later (as I now want to go and purchase ALL of her brushes).  These brushes really are incredible. 

Here's why I'm already in love with the Real Techniques Line:

1. Price point. They are a heckuva lot cheaper than MAC brushes or even Sigma brushes. If you buy them separately, most are around 10 bucks each (or the sets are $17.99). When you can buy them at a place like ULTA where you have coupons and member rewards GALORE - that's even more amazing on the price.
2. Care and Quality. Oh yes! Just looking at and playing with these brushes you know that care was put into them. They're amazing quality and I haven't experienced any shedding! She did it the old-fashioned way: hard work and quality pay off before prestige.
3. Versatility. Extreme. All of the brushes can be used for many, many jobs. Of course the box tells you what each one was created for and she mentions other uses in her online tutorials, but these are some of the most versatile brushes ever. (I'll definitely explain the uses when I review each brush, hold on.) All of the brushes are synthetic, meaning you can use them with liquid OR powder, without giving up any of the softness.
4. The online tutorials definitely get their own gold star. At first I thought "I don't need tutorials", but for this review's sake I thought I'd see what was up. And they're great! Quick and to the point, but definitely simple enough that a beginner can understand - for free! 
5. Availability! Now, Real Techniques are popping up at Walgreens, Target, and even WALMART. Easy price and easy access in addition to amazing quality?! yup.

     Now that I've raved about the line in general and how obsessed I am let's get right into the Core Collection review:

     Detailer Brush: meant to be used for concealer or lipstick. 
     I wasn't expecting much out of this brush, but I was pleasantly surprised. The shape, cut, and flexibility of this concealer brush makes blending concealer effortless. In the past I've found that very small concealer brushes either don't blend out well or take a lot of work on your part. This is so stinkin' tiny, but precise and quick. Impressive.

     Pointed Foundation Brush: meant to be used with liquid foundation. 

     This brush is a lot like the concealer brush - it has a lot of flexibility but still gives precision. Those two usually don't come from one brush, but that's exactly why these brushes are so incredible. It creates a really smooth application of liquid without diminishing the coverage. My only complaint about this brush is the size - unlike the concealer brush this one doesn't magically make up for its size. I'd like something a little larger if I am using it for my whole face. I love using this brush  for under eye concealer or to blend out the edges of concealer on my face.

     Buffing Brush: meant for full coverage application of powder.
     Versatility. Yup, this one seriously can be used for almost anything. It is so dense and soft it can be used for powder foundation, setting powder after liquid foundation, blending, applying blush, bronzer, the list really goes on forever. My favorite use is for blending out bronzer or blush because it makes it look that much more seamless and natural without spending a good minute blending with a specialized brush. I also use this to blend bronzer down my neck (which has been coming in handy a lot since I haven't been self-tanning lately).

     Contour Brush: meant to apply contour and highlight precisely, but softly.

     This is one of my favorites because it is dense enough to really blend bronzer and highlight, but the tapering of the bristles gives a very soft effect. No harsh contour lines. I also like to use this one with blush because it is a little smaller and more precise than the buffing brush.

I'm really loving all of these so much; you can't beat the price, quality, and versatility of these brushes! Let me know what brushes you have from Real Techniques and watch out for my review of the Limited Edition Duo Fiber Collection coming up!

                                 Seriously obsessed, 

Reviews of Other Real Techniques Brushes:

Duo Fiber Limited Edition Collection Expert Face Brush Blush Brush