Eye Shadow | Girl Gloss

Jan 23, 2013

Urban Decay Is Better Than Ever

January 23, 2013 By Carleenp Leave a Comment

I have loved Urban Decay eye shadows ever since trying them for the first time a few years ago. The combination of punchy color intensity, product wear and price point is difficult to beat. Yet somehow, Urban Decay has outdone their own star product by releasing their new eye shadow formula.

The improved eye shadow has a creamier texture and retains that intense color payoff we love, with plenty of added benefits. It is easy to apply smoothly without getting powdery and with less glitter fallout, one of the most common complaints about the original product. It wears better than the original without eye primer and stays put without smudging or creasing. Urban Decay’s original eye shadow was already their best-selling product, but they made it better anyway.

The added ingredient of capric/caprylic triglyceride, or fractionated coconut oil, improves application, wear and color intensity, but it is also an excellent skin conditioner. This magic odorless shelf-stable oil has an indefinite shelf life and is used in many creams and skin products as a skin emollient. While Urban Decay has not been marketing this product as an eye shadow with skincare benefits, the ingredient is ideal for maintaining and improving the delicate skin of the eye area.

Some of the sheerer colors have greatly improved pigmentation in the new collection, including Asphyxia, my personal favorite. Some other great colors to try are Peace, X, Psychedelic Sister and Free Love. The new collection features a few fan favorites that have never been released as singles, such as Mushroom, AC/DC and YDK. The only downside is that some colors have been discontinued, including Lounge, Jones, El Dorado and Hot Pants. Urban Decay provided a chart to offer replacements for these and other shades, but it is just not the same.

The new formula is also available in Urban Decay’s latest palette releases, which is usually the best value. These include Naked 2, the Vice Palette, the 15th Anniversary Palette and the re-released Feminine, Dangerous and Fun palettes.

Urban Decay is a cruelty-free company that appears on PETA’s list and the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics’ Leaping Bunny list. The company meets the most stringent requirements for avoiding animal testing on their products and source ingredients that were tested on animals. Urban Decay is a favorite among animal lovers, activists, vegans and vegetarians.

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Disclosures: Girl Gloss at times reviews products provided by a representative of the company. When we do so, we specifically state so. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page

About the Author: Carleen Coulter

Filed Under: Color, Eye Shadow Tagged With: Eyeshadow, Urban Decay

Jan 18, 2013

My Bobbi Brown Wishlist

January 18, 2013 By Carleenp 4 Comments

When it comes to iconic cosmetic companies Bobbi Brown stands out. With a focus on natural and feminine shades, I already own a number of Bobbi Brown products and, at any given time, I have more on my radar. Here is a wish list of items that I am currently coveting. These items are from Harrods which, if you are looking for Bobbi Brown UK items, is a great place to shop.

(1) Caviar and Oyster Palette

I can’t tell you how many times I have almost ordered this. With four matte shadow shades and four shimmer shades, it is perfect for creating smoky eye looks or sparkling highlight looks for an evening out on the town or for parties. It comes paired with a shimmering highlighter for your cheeks to create a sparkling glow. The entire compact will also fit nicely in your purse. The shades are all universally flattering and versatile.

(2) Bobbi Brown BB Cream

I love BB creams, and Bobbi Brown reportedly has one of the best outside of the Asian companies. I been wanting to try it for some time and simply have not gotten around to it yet. If you have good skin, you can wear a BB cream alone. I like to use BB creams as a primer and put a tinted powder over it since I have some hyperpigmentation to hide. A good BB cream will act as a multi-tasker by providing coverage, skin care, and SPF protection all in one. The Bobbi Brown version offers SPF 35 protection.

(3) Uber Nude Lip and Eye Palette

This lip and eye palette is perfect for the neutral and nude shadow lover. That certainly includes me! It includes two lip shades, a shimmer gloss, and three matte shadows. It is great for everyday looks, while the shimmer lip items allow it to be dressed up a bit as well.

(4) Full Coverage Brush

I would love to try the Bobbi Brown full coverage brush and see how it compares to other similar brushes such as Urban Decay’s good karma optical blending brush. This type of brush has become popular for creating perfect foundation looks by stippling on the makeup and then buffing it. I have had great results with the UD brush and suspect that Bobbi Brown would make an even better one. Hopefully I will try it out at some point!

Disclosure: This is an advertorial.

Filed Under: Blush, Color, Eye Shadow, Foundation, Gifts, Gloss, Holiday Items, Lipstick, Makeup, Palettes, Primer Tagged With: BB Cream, Bobbi Brown, Brushes, Makeup, Palettes

Jan 16, 2013

Stila Eye Shadow Review

January 16, 2013 By Carleenp Leave a Comment

Soft and velvety are two of the best words to describe Stila eyeshadow. They have just the perfect blend of shimmer and sophistication, so they are appropriate for makeup lovers of basically all ages. The color on these shadows is best described as bold and beautiful. While they are noticeable, the eyeshadows do not make the wearer look like a clown. Instead, they channel elements of class and elegance. Many of the shades take women from day to night as they are available in subtle and rich hues. Furthermore, the eyeshadows are long lasting, so ladies need not constantly be reapplying them.

Speaking of the colors, so many different shades are available. One of the most popular shades that has withstood the test of time is known as Kitten. Available in a shimmering nude pink, Kitten is the perfect accompaniment to a business suit for the day at the office or a little black cocktail dress at a wedding. When heading out to a more formal affair, invest in some high quality black eyeliner. With the combination of the eyeliner and Kitten eyeshadow, you can really achieve that seductive “cat eye” look. Of course, plenty of other colors are available too. They range from Dune, a matte neutral beige, and Tone, a matte neutral plum, to the deep blue shade of Azure and the attractive shimmering lilac of Wisteria. When the ends of the spectrum are your goal, purchase Ebony, a matte black, or Moonlight, a shimmering white.

Application of Stila eyeshadows is simple, and, as noted earlier, velvety, soft opulence will cover your eyelids upon using them. They work well as the main shadow, in the crease or as a highlighter. Of course, choose the darkest color for the crease, the medium color for the lids and the lightest as the highlighter. Speaking of the crease, Stila eyeshadows are known for not creasing! No longer will half of your eyeshadow be on and half of your eyeshadow be off because of that crease in the eyelid. Choose exquisite brushes to make sure that the application is just perfect. In addition to working well on at all different stages of the makeup process, Stila eyeshadows can be worn either wet or dry. Add a little bit of water to the brush for a more dramatic look that will really make you stand out in the crowd.

Stila eyeshadows are very easily accessible to the general public. They are available in Sephora shops and most department stores that sell high end makeup. Of course, these products can be purchased online as well, and delivered right to your very own door step.

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