Urban Decay Naked On The Run Palette

Press sample. Contains affiliate link.

Sometimes a product doesn't quite work as intended, but still manages to be all kinds of awesome. Such is the case with the Urban Decay Naked On The Run travel palette.

This boxy, beautiful palette contains a wonderfully functional array of products for creating a natural-to-night-out look: a medium toned bronzer, a vivid pink blush that leans a bit blue, five neutral shadows in a mix of finishes, a shimmer powder that can work as both a face highlight and another eyeshadow, a deep brown eyeliner, a muted rose lipgloss and a mascara. Add in your favourite face products, and maybe a lipstick or liner, and all your bases are covered.

The packaging is, as most things UD, gorgeous to look at, and cumbersome to store and carry - and that goes double when the marketing calls this a travel palette. Though smaller than the egregiously overstuffed Book of Shadows of yore, it's still far from streamlined. I don't know how anyone would look at this and think: "why yes, this is exactly what I need to tuck into my carry-on bag". (Then again, I'm a super-light packer, so if your travel motto is There's Always Another Suitcase, then this might not be an issue.) Personally, if I really wanted to tote these items along on a trip, I would take the loose items out into my makeup bag, and depot the actual pans. Which sort of defeats the purpose of the pretty packaging. The only part that is travel-friendly for me is the nice-sized mirror, and the fact that it stays open by itself.

That being said, I do think this is a GREAT option to get yourself or to give someone as a sampler of Urban Decay products. The quality of the products is very representative, and they're almost all full-sized or generously proportioned items - only the eyeliner and mascara are mini versions. For 64$ CAD, you get a lot of good, varied product for the money, and everything works well together.

The eyeshadows skew on the cooler side in the pan, though they are warmer on the skin, and offer a  solid neutral range for light to medium skin.

Dive - a metallic rose gold with micro shimmer, this looks like it could be chunky in the pan, but actually applies smoothly, with minimal fallout. I can be packed on for a dense, shimmery look, but I prefer it applied lightly as a wash, with a damp brush, for a sunlight-shimmer-on-water effect.

Fix - a medium taupe matte, this has a silky-smooth texture and the perfect tone for a softly applied lid color or transition shade. Depending on your colouring, it can also work as a contour or even brow shade, making it the most flexible shade out of the palette. I almost wish it was a larger pan, as I know it's the one that will be most used.

Resist - a metallic taupe with the kind of creamy, rich texture that is definitively "UD". It looks more grey in the pan than it does on the lid, and I find myself using it a lot for defining the lower lash line. Something about the shimmer and tone works wonders.

Dare - a neutral medium brown matte. Swatched, it seems a little choppy, but I had no issues using it on the eye. Like most truly neutral shades, it's a bit of a yawner in the pan, but perfectly useful in reality. The silky-smooth - but not buttery - texture makes it perfect for contour work (eye or face, depending on your skin tone) and as a brow powder. It builds up nicely as well.

Stun - a metallic bronze with gold micro-shimmer. Another one that looks like it might be chunky glitter bomb in the pan, and feels drier and more powdery than I'm used to from UD. There's a bit of fall-out during application, but it blended out smoothly on the eye. Also the warmest of the eyeshdows here.

All five of these eyeshadows are 0.04 oz, which is just a bit under the 0.05 oz size of the single eyeshadows. (Which works out to 4 x 19.20$, so a 76.80$ value.)

The second powder row features a bronzer, a blush and an eyeshadow that also works as a face highlighter.

Bronzer - a medium, slightly red-leaning bronze. I thought it would be too deep for me at first, but it's actually exactly right. It doesn't turn orange and it doesn't make me look sallow. If you have light, somewhat olive-toned skin, this is perfect. The texture is smooth and silky, and is easy to both apply lightly or build up, as there is no powdery-ness.

Blush - a bright pink with slight shimmer. Intense in the pan, but the perfect in-from-the-cold shade on the cheeks. Beautiful on lighter skin tones, but vivid enough for medium to deep skin as well. It has the same texture as the bronzer, with marginally more shimmer. More glow on the skin than anything else.

5050 - a slightly shimmery champagne beige. As an eyeshadow, it's on the sheerer side, but it provides a nice balance to the medium/deeper shades in the rest of the palette. It can be applied overtop to add some dimension, or in the corner of the eye for a straight-on highlight. With the sheerer texture and relatively subdued shimmer, it also works well as a face highlight. It has a creamier texture than the blush and bronzer, more like the UD eyeshadows, though not as dense.

The blush and bronzer are each 0.3 oz, and while there isn't a direct individual product equivalent in the UD line-up, the Naked Flushed palettes contain blush, bronzer and highlighter, and have 0.59 oz of product for 35$ CAD. Adding in the 5050 highlighter at 0.07 oz, the total value of that row comes out to 39.75$.

This is my first experience with the Naked Ultra Nourishing Lipgloss. First, the tube is GORGEOUS. I mean, really, really well done, UD. It fits perfectly alongside the Revolution Lipsticks, kinda funky and modern but with a nice amount of heft and elegance. (As an aside, I really like the grown-up version of Urban Decay. As someone who was introduced to brand in my teens, when both it and I were heavily inspired by the grunge aesthetic, its evolution feels perfectly in tune with mine.)

Performance-wise, this is a lovely gloss. Nothing outrageously inventive, but it feels light, comfortable and hydrating on the lips (I've used it instead of balm once or twice, and it worked better than expected), and not sticky at all. There is a slight scent, which I can't place, and it's not noticeable after application. The shade here is in Sesso, which is a nude rose with a slight shimmer, and is also exclusive to this palette. It's right in line with the Naked theme, a MLBB color. These are sheerer glosses, by the way, so not for you if you like something with a lot of pigmentation, but optimal if you're the type of person who applies lipgloss on the fly.

This is a full-sized product, coming in 0.13 oz. (Individually, the glosses retail for 24$ CAD.)

The 24/7 eyeliner included in the kit is in the shade Stag, which I don't believe exists independently. It's a cool-toned, grungy dark brown, verging on grey, with a bit of shimmer. The shimmer doesn't really read on the eye, just gives it a bit of depth. I really like this shade - it's softer, smokier and easier to wear than black, without appearing noticeable brown either. Kind of that perfect daytime shade, but also intensifies for a nighttime look. It's actually been my go-to liner for the last few weeks.

Stag is 0.03 oz compared to the full-sized 0.04 oz, so a comparative 18$ value.

The mascara is a deluxe sample version of the new(ish) Perversion. I love the look of my lashes with this mascara - sooty-black, fuller and longer, with good separation without any spikiness - but unfortunately it smudges and flakes on me within a few hours. 

The size is 0.13 oz, compared to 0.4 oz of the full-size. The sample size is sold on Sephora for 15$ CAD (compared to 26$ CAD). In terms of actual value, this is 8.45$.

One coat only on the top lashes, on the left.

It's a natural bristle brush, and the casing has a really pretty gunmetal finish. If you're going to replace it in the slot provided by the palette casing, you'll need to do so with another sample mascara - which is one of the other aspects to the packaging that can be less than practical. (Though if you are using it for travel purposes, it can certainly make sense to take a mini mascara.)

Final thoughts? I think this palette is a terrific value (167$ for the 64$ price tag), and works as a fabulous introduction to the brand. It definitely has all your bases covered, even if I do find the packaging too bulky and specific to work well as a travel palette. 

(This item was sent to me by the brand to be considered for review. This post is not sponsored, or otherwise compensated. Contains an affiliate link.)

Sephora Divergent Makeup Collection Spring 2014 - Photos and Info

I haven't been this excited about a film/makeup collaboration since MAC Venomous Villains. Extra awesome is attached to this one because it was a book before it was a movie. (For those who don't know, I work a day job at a bookstore/gifting store as a visual merchandiser. Divergent was one of those books that got a ton of really intense love from the sales staff way before it ever hit the popular list. It was the kind of book that staff were devoutly pressing into customers' hands, assuring them that THEY HAD TO READ IT. And customers would inevitably come back three days later, asking WHERE IS THE SECOND BOOK, and cry bitter tears because it wasn't out yet.)

The Divergent collection will be coming out in March, as a limited and exclusive collection available at Sephora. Both the colours and the packaging will be inspired by the iconography and characters of the film, and the collection will feature some new and innovative formulas and textures.

Three pieces and sets are included in the collection:

Divergent Limited Edition Multi-Piece Collector’s Kit ($71.00 CAD - $59.50 USD)

With three limited edition eye shadow palettes, a cheek palette, and four lip glosses inspired by the traits of each Divergent faction, and a double-ended application brush, this multi-piece kit includes everything to define your inner self. For inspiration, three “Get-the-Look” cards are included and provide tips for creating different Divergent looks. 

Each of the three Eye Shadow Palettes contains four coordinating High Pigment Eye Shadows plus one High Gloss Transforming Eye Shadow to draw immediate attention to the eyes. The transformer shades impart a diamond illusion, shimmery, mirror-like reflection that is transparent when applied dry, and translucent when applied wet, showcasing fluid, twinkling particles that look like they are suspended in air. What’s more, you can mix and match the High Gloss Transforming Eye Shadows to give you a unique look every time by breaking apart the palette and swapping with another. Along with these 12 stunning shadows, the kit includes a Cheek Palette with two Long-Wear Blushes, Shimmering Bronzer and Radiant Glow Illuminator, four High Shine Lip Glosses and a Double-Ended Eye & Cheek Brush for flawless application.

Divergent Limited Edition Multi-Piece Collector’s Palette ($39.00 CAD - $32.50 USD) 

Portable but impactful, this limited edition palette contains three High Pigment Eye Shadows in versatile neutral shades: Candor Lace, Luminous Taupe, Envious Chocolate, one Long Wear Blush in Rosy Horizon, one Matte Bronzer in Compassionate Copper, and a High Shine Lip Gloss in Artistic Mauve.

Divergent Limited Edition 7-Piece Nail Art Kit ($33.00 CAD - $27.50 USD) 

This 7-piece set includes five Long-Wear Nail Lacquers, one High-Gloss Transforming Nail Lacquer and six Nail Water-Transfer Tattoos so you can proudly signal your Divergent allegiance on tips and toes. Create endless nail art looks by layering the unique High-Gloss Transforming Nail Lacquer over any shade to create an opalescent, shimmering finish, and then add one of the exclusive, easy-to-use Nail Water-Transfer Tattoos. Just cut the paper to any shape or size desired, add water, hold onto nail, and peel back for flawless application.

You obviously can't see me right now, but I am making grabby hands at everything here. I am especially tempted by the set, which seems like a really good price for all that's included, and I am intrigued by the High Gloss Transforming Eye Shadows. (I'm thinking something like the current Kat Von D holo lip gloss, but for the eyes?)

What do you think? Have you read the books or are you taking it as it comes as a makeup collection without getting invested in the story behind it?

(All images courtesy of press release.)

Nars Guy Bourdin Collections - Promiscuous and Fling Lip Sets, Combodia Eyeshadow, Goodbye Emmanuelle Lipstick

Sometimes the days just get away from you. December was like that for me. (Also November. And, well, most of Januaury, but that was time lost to a much needed vacation.) As a result, I'm a little backlogged on posts.  >.<

This post - for the few items I picked up from the Nars Guy Bourdin collection - is one such straggler. Reviews have been out since the dawn of time for this collection, but since it is still available to purchase (from Murale and Hudson's Bay) and it's entirely possible some folks are still on the fence, I figured adding my voice to the fray wouldn't hurt.

(Note: I'm well aware of the controversy regarding Guy Bourdin and his approach to women in both his personal life and in his art. Far smarter people than I have spoken with greater eloquence than I can manage on the problematic nature of that art, and whether we have a moral responsibility in consuming products that capitalize on it. My personal feelings aside, I've opted to purchase and consider these products on their own merits rather than by their association with the artist.)

These two are the only limited edition shades I picked up from the collection: Cinematic Eyeshadow in Cambodia, and Cinematic Lipstick in Goodbye Emmanuelle. None of the other individual items really spoke to me.

Nars Guy Bourdin Cinematic Eyeshadow in Cambodia and Lipstick in Goodbye Emmanuelle

Nars Guy Bourdin Cinematic Lipstick in Goodbye Emmanuelle

You know I had to get this. A softer, more pastel version of the fuchsias I'm drawn to, Goodbye Emmanuelle is an incredibly pure, cool-leaning medium-toned pink. It's also rich and creamy-looking, with a fair bit of sheen, and instantly opaque. I think I had a Barbie with high heels that were this exact shade.

Despite the sumptuous look, the texture is not particularly thick, but it does feel hydrating on the lips. It wears for an average length of time, and progressively loses some of that sheen. 

I'm not generally a fan of buying single eyeshadows at this price point (28$ CAD), but I was completely seduced by the colour and texture of the Cinematic Eyeshadow in Cambodia.

Nars Guy Bourdin Cinematic Eyeshadow in Cambodia

Cambodia is a gorgeous, incredibly pigmented red-bronze, with a frosted, almost metallic finish. It is dense and buttery, but also a little soft and almost crumbly. The payoff is amazing, but it's almost better when it's buffed in with a fluffier brush rather than patted on with a lay down brush.

In the pictures below, you can see the effect when applied straight on versus blended out.

One of the sets in this collection is the Fling Lip Set (55$ CAD, 49$ USD) - which is still available for purchase from Murale.

Nars Guy Bourdin Fling Lip Set

I have to admit the giant red lips alarmed me more than a little. Technically it's a hard plastic cosmetics case that can be used to store makeup or trinkets. In reality, it haunts my dreams, some weird Andy Warhol/Rocky Horror Picture Show mash-up that just gives me the jeebies.

The stuff inside, however, cannot be faulted. At 55$, that breaks down to 13.75$ per full-sized lipsticks and just slightly smaller lip pencil. (Regular prices are 30-32$.) Even considering the slightly smaller sizes of the pencils, that's still about half the price for each item! That's a really great way to try out four shades that are part of the regular collection.

Nars Guy Bourdin Fling Lip Set

Top: Lipstick in Roman Holiday and Damage
Bottom: Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dolce Vita, and Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in Baroque

Left to right: Dolce Vita, Baroque, Roman Holiday, Damage

The lipsticks are both listed as having a "sheer" formulation, and that's very accurate. The finish is glossy, with enough tint to alter the colour of the lip but not enough to cover it. Wear time is a couple of hours at most, and these do feel more hydrating that the formulation of Goodbye Emmanuelle, though not balm-like.

Top to bottom: Nars Lipstick in Damage and Roman Holiday

Damage is described as a "sheer muted grape" but I would consider it more of a plum that appears more mauve on my lips.

Damage

Roman Holiday is described as "sheer delicate pastel pink", which is correct. It leans a bit cool when swatched on my skin, but picks up more warmth on my lips. Colors like this can sometimes look a little chalky, but I actually love the way this looks on me - a clean baby pink with no ashiness.

Roman Holiday 

Left to right: Velvet Gloss in Baroque, Velvet Matte in Dolce Vita

Baroque is described as "raspberry sorbet". To me this has a much stronger reddish-brown undertone than I would expect from something called raspberry, though I would still place it in the plum family.
The texture is quite glossy, even a touch buttery, with a nice amount of slip. Lasting power is comparable to a lip gloss, though it does have a slight staining effect (possibly due to the shade) and a moderate level of sheerness.

Baroque

Dolce Vita is described as a "dusty rose". To me it's a warm-leaning, slightly peachy rose, strongly muted. It's a nice everyday shade, especially if you're looking for something a little deeper than a nude, with a warmer cast. The pigmentation is medium, meaning it can take a few swipes for full opacity.

I have to say I'm not wild about the texture. It's the kind of matte that can feel drying, and will pick up on flakiness. Definitely one that I need to wear over lip balm. Worn alone, it lasts several hours, though not through a meal.

Dolce Vita

Regarding the size - end even though they look smaller, some of that is due to the cap on the end extending the length rather than a substantial difference in size. Here is a comparison with a full-sized Satin Lip Pencil, which is 0.07 oz (or 2.2 grams), compared to the 'mini' sizes of .08oz (2.5 grams) for the Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil, and 0.06 oz (1.8 grams) for the Velvet Matte Lip Pencil. I don't have full-sized versions of these formulations, but the weights listed online are 0.09 oz for the Velvet Gloss and 0.086 oz for the Velvet Matte.

Size comparison.

I developped a MASSIVE lemming for the Promiscuous Lip Set after watching Ania's Sephora VIB Haul video. Of course, it was sold out on Sephora and everywhere else. I stalked it non-stop for days and when it finally popped up back in stock (for like, five minutes) I snagged it faster than you can say "Crazy Lipstick Hoarder".

I feel a little unkind even writing about it now, since it is completely sold out everywhere, but at least all the items contained within are permanently available, so the only you're missing is the packaging and the makeup bag. And of course the satisfaction of acquiring said shades for 50$ CAD (45$ USD) - 10$ per pencil! Weee! (And slightly less giddiness upon realizing  that one of them, Dolce Vita, is a repeat from the Fling set. But that's still 12.50$ per new pencil!)

Nars Guy Bourdin Promiscuous Lip Set

The packaging is also way less frightening to me, though still kinda tacky. What can I say, big blue lips just aren't my thing.

Nars Guy Bourdin Promiscuous Lip Set

The colours here include one Velvet Gloss (New Lover), with the others being Velvet Mattes - strangely, with somewhat varying degrees of matte-ness.

Left to right: Velvet Gloss in New Lover, Velvet Matte in Sex Machine, Dolve Vita, Never Say Never, Cruella

Left to right: New Lover, Dolce Vita (again), Cruella

New Lover is apparently a "gold infused strawberry pink". The gold is less obvious when applied, more of a faint shimmer. The base shade is muted pink with a slight peach undertone, and a sheer, glossy texture concordant with the Velvet Gloss formula. Lasting power is similar to Baroque's, though without the latter's staining effect.

New Lover

Cruella is described as a "scarlet red" and....yup. A true, medium-toned red, it's actually a touch deeper in real life than it photographed here. This is classic red, and one that applies beautifully. The formulation is, for some reason, creamier and more opaque than the other Velvet Matte lip pencils in this set. It will still pick up a bit on dryness, but it feels a lot smoother going on and needs no re-swiping to achieve colour saturation.

Cruella

Lasting power is fantastic. It didn't make it through a meal, leaving a lipliner ring where the oils in my meal didn't eat away the pigment. In the interest of accurate reviewing, I left it in place to see how the remaining colour would last. (Classy - it's how I roll for you guys.) Shockingly, it made it through the rest of the night, a tooth-brushing, AND a full night of sleep! I assume that if I opt to subsist on a diet of air, Cruella will last forever. (Oh, how aptly named.)

As a note of caution: long-lasting and matte does NOT equal smudge proof.

Top to bottom: Sex Machine and Never Say Never

Sex Machine is described as "pink mauve", and on me this pulls very mauve, so cool-leaning and dusty that it looks almost grey.

I have to say that this one is NOT for me. The colour is singularly unflattering on me, but if you have a cooler complexion this might pick up more of that pink and look pretty. The texture, however, leaves something to be desired. Out of all the Velvet Mattes, this was the most drying, and emphasized all the texture in my lips, be it lines or dry patches.

Sex Machine

Never Say Never is described as a "lilac rose". When I see "lilac" I think pale purple, which...this is not. It is, however, a very lovely cool, raspberry-ish rose. It's super pretty and English Rose-esque, and I was equally pleased with the formula here.

It's softer, smoother and far more forgiving to any texture on the lips, though perhaps not as smooth as Cruella. Lasting power is good, several hours until eroding significantly during a meal.

Overall I am quite pleased with both the single items and the sets, as the latter are a really fantastic way of trying out a variety of colours and (to a lesser extent) finishes from the brand.

Did you guys nab anything from this collection? Was it love? Do you regret anything?

(I purchased all the items. This post is not sponsored or compensated, all opinions are my own.)