Eyeshadow | 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 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.

Buy Stila eyeshadow

Filed Under: Color, Eye Shadow Tagged With: Eyeshadow, Stila

Jan 11, 2013

Urban Decay Vice Palette Review

January 11, 2013 By Carleenp Leave a Comment

I first became hooked on Urban Decay products after receiving one of their palettes as a gift. I quickly became hooked on the quality of the products. I have tried many luxury and department store-quality eye shadow palettes in the past, but none have given me the high impact color and staying power that Urban Decay eyeshadows have to offer. I really fell in love with the Urban Decay products, however, after I purchased the Vice palette.

Urban Decay’s Vice palette features 20 of the hottest shades, from the glittering copper tones of “Penny Lane” to the tranquil turquoise of “Unhinged” and the soft glittery peach of “Provocateur.” The shades can compliment each other or stand alone in a sweep of color.

Each of the shades delivers saturated color that blends easily with the other eyeshadows, making professional-quality eye effects a snap. Whether you prefer bold and bright effects or a soft accent of color, the Urban Decay Vice palette can offer what you need. Sweep on a lot of color for dramatic effects or add a soft layer for a subtle look.
Best of all, even those who tend to be heavy-handed with their eyeshadow will find that a little of the Urban Decay eyeshadow goes a long way. You do not need to load this eyeshadow onto your eyelids to achieve a bold effect. As a result, the Vice palette will last you for months or even years if you care to keep eye makeup for that long.

The Vice Palette is housed in a durable plum-colored plastic casing with a jewel-like “UD” logo on the front. The casing features a push-button closure so it will not snap open when handled or even when dropped. The lid contains a large, sturdy polished metal mirror so you can fix your makeup even on the go.

A soft-bristled, double-ended brush is included in the case. The brush is useful for adding a high-intensity burst of color but because the bristles are very soft and not angles, I found it difficult to create shading or contour effects with it. If your brushes are an important part of your makeup application or if you prefer a softer look, you may want to use your own brush rather than this one.
If you appreciate bold and metallic colors, the Vice palette may be all that you need. The twenty colors can be used to create countless effects and looks. However, the colors also blend well with shades from other Urban Decay palettes, such as the Smoked palette, or either of the Naked palettes.

The Urban Decay Vice palette is not inexpensive. You will not find this palette for drug store prices. However, the quality of the product and the uniqueness of the colors will more than make up for the cost.

You can see swatches of the palette here: Beauty and Fashion Tech Urban Decay Vice Swatches.

Buy Urban Decay Vice