Laura's Land of Beauty: April 2013

Friday, 19 April 2013

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

Urban Decay recently came out with a new range of products that are part of their 'Naked' line. Included in this range was BB cream and a blush/highlight/bronzer palette. But, what I was interested in the most, was a third version of the ever-so-popular Naked eyeshadow palette. This palette is called Naked Basics, and contains 6 shades. There are five matte shades, and one shimmery, highlight shade.

I already have the two original Naked palettes, so originally, I wasn't really bothered about getting this palette, but I saw a blog post on Emma's blog milkteef. I saw this post, and completely fell in love with the eye makeup look that she had created in this post. Once I saw this, I know I had to have this palette!

This palette makes a great travel companion, and is so easy to slip into your handbag. Urban Decay describe this palette as:

Naked Basics is more than just the long-awaited, multipurpose MATTE companion to Naked. It's the palette EVERY woman needs in her beauty arsenal. With six stripped-down, Nakedly neutral shadows, it has everything you need for the perfect neutral matte eye.

I would say that I completely agree with this statement. Plus, at only £20, it's a lot cheaper than the £36 for the original and second versions. Also, Debenhams online sell Urban Decay, and they are always having some sort of large-scale sale, or discount weekend, where there is 10% off Beauty and Fragrance, so if you buy it then, you'll get it for £18 instead (which is what I did).

(Be careful when you open the palette, as mine is very stiff, and difficult to get open, and I scraped my nail into the W.O.S shade. I don't know if they're all like this, it could just be mine)
The six shades are Venus (a light, shimmerry, highlight colour), Foxy (a yellow based lid colour, good for eve out the eyelid, this shade was also in the Naked2 palette), W.O.S (Walk of Shame, a light pinky, nude colour), Naked2 (a rosy taupe, a good crease colour), Faint (a warm toned, mid-brown, good for adding depth to the outer corner) and Crave (a matte black, good for using as a liner, or for creating a smokey eye).

(with flash) (in natural light)

I would say, if you love your neutrals and/or prefer matte eyeshadows compared to shimmery ones, then this is the palette for you. The original Naked palette is a lot more warm toned, and the Naked2 palette is a cool toned palette. Personally, I have all three of the Naked palettes, but if I were to re-do buying these, I would just get the Basics palette. The Basics palette is a great travel and handbag palette that you can take with you anyway you go. I recently wore these to a 18th birthday party, and they stayed in place all night, with primer underneath. I do find that some can leave a bit of fallout, but this is no big problem, I just leave my face makeup until after I have finished my eyes. As you can see from the swatches above, the eyeshadows are true-to-life and are very pigmented and they blend so easily. If you get a chance to try this palette out, then I would say go for it (if you like it that is!)

Tuesday, 16 April 2013

Latest in Beauty: Complexion Perfection beauty box

A few weeks ago, I received a email from Latest in Beauty, introducing their new beauty collection box. As soon as I saw what was in there, I was buying it quicker than you could say beauty collection box! For those who don't know, Latest in Beauty is a website where you can buy a few sample sizes of certain beauty products, from skincare, haircare, makeup and perfume. Now and again, they will also come out with a box that has been pre-designed, and this is one of those boxes. I thought this was great value for money, and just thought I would show you what's inside it.

Okay, so first up is a Pixi by Petra Sheer Cheek Gel (full size), which LIB describe as:

Brighten and beautify your complexion in an instant with Pixi’s Sheer Cheek Gel. This sheer, translucent gel creates a fresh & healthy burst of colour on cheeks and lips which lasts all day long. The hydrating and nourishing formula is oil-free and hypo-allergenic, ideal for even sensitive skin.

Benefit They're Real! mascara (3g). Described as:
They're Real! Mascara lengthens, curls, volumises and separates your lashes. The jet black, long-wearing formula won't smudge or dry out and a specially designed brush reveals lashes you never knew you had!

The Vintage Cosmetics Company Eyeshadow Brush (full size). Described as:
A must-have for every girls make-up bag, The Vintage Cosmetics Company’s Eye Shadow brush is a natural bristle brush which allows perfect application of your eye shadow every time.

Daniel Sandler Long Lasting Waterproof Eyeliner (full size). Described as:
Say goodbye to smudged make-up thanks to Daniel Sandler’s super long-wearing and extraordinarily soft Waterproof Eyeliner in black. The unique liner combines rich colour with excellent coverage and absolutely no smudging. The perfect addition to any girl’s make-up bag!

Inka Liquid Mineral Foundation (6ml). Described as:
Inika’s revolutionary Liquid Mineral Foundation is an intensely hydrating formula packed full of powerful antioxidants, vitamins and minerals guaranteed to leave your skin looking flawless.

Bellapierre Mineral Eye Shadow (full size). Described as:
One of the most versatile eye shadows around; mix this little gem with your favourite moisturiser, lip balm, or even a drop of water and it becomes an eye shadow, eyeliner, mascara, lipstick, bronzer, nail polish or whatever you want it to be!

This box was £11.95 plus £2.95 p&p. I personally, thought that this was a great price for all of these products (the Pixi Sheer Cheek Gel alone is £12.50!!) I was really happy with this box, and the products inside are great brands, and great quality. I would really recommend it. Here explains the box in more detail.

Wednesday, 10 April 2013

Watch it Wednesday! Lisa Eldridge Foundation Course

As you most probably know, I love to watch YouTube beauty 'gurus'. Well, when I was doing my daily catch-up, I saw that the makeup artist Lisa Eldridge had posted a new video that will begin a new series of videos that will cover everything you need to know about foundation. I just wanted to let you know about this, as it is a great series for all you beauty beginners, and also for all you beauty lovers, as she goes through how to choose your right shade, choosing the right type of foundation for your skin type, how to apply it and a lot more. I really recommend this series, as she really goes into detail, and gives you some great tips. Some of the videos are listed below, along with links to the rest of the videos.