My Two Cents Holiday Edition - Urban Decay Vice 2 Palette

Greetings Beauty Gems!!!

I'm a little late getting this posted but still wanted to give you my 411. Alas we have another review on a wonderful holiday palette from Urban Decay. This is the UD Vice 2 Palette.   This palette was released almost 2 months ago.  This palette follows suite with the original Vice Palette UD released last year.

The kit includes the dual-ended brush.  You can probably utilize this brush for blending however limited to storing the brush within this kit (one of the downsides to dual-ended brushes like this).

This palette is a limited edition w/ 20 colors of the following:

1st Set of Swatches - Smokeout (dark taupey-black satin), Lovesick (black matte w/iridescent micro-glitter), Shellshock (bright metallic silver) Coax (medium metallic pink w/golden iridescent micro-sparkle) and X-Rated (baby pink satin - Not Shown; cut off by accident when taking picture of swatches...sorry)

2nd Set of Swatches - Prank (deep navy matte w/turquoise floating pearl), Madness (bright metallic blue shimmer w/blue micro-glitter), Strike (antique gold shimmer w/silver micro-glitter), Stash (deep olive green shimmer w/iridescent micro-sparkle), Poison (charcoal satin w/iridescent micro-sparkle - Not Shown; another one cut off by accident...sorry)

3rd Set of Swatches -  Radar (metallic brown shimmer w/iridescent micro-glitter), Damaged (bright metallic emerald shimmer), Voodoo (metallic purple shimmer w/iridescent purple micro-glitter), Betrayal (bright purple satin w/blue shift) and Derailed (medium metallic taupey-brown shimmer)

4th Set of Swatches -  Dope (warm champagne satin), Toxic (metallic copper-pink shimmer w/tonal micro-glitter), Habit (light nude matte), Ambush (metallic brown satin) and Rewind (medium brown matte)


This palette is an excellent choice for those color lovers out there.  You can do a number of looks with these vibrant and blendable colors.  As with most UD colors, you can mix and match colors easily with other brands.  I've had mine for a few weeks now and noticed it's been my go-to palette recently. Below are a few looks I created for myself.

Damaged - Lid, Prank & Madness - Crease, Lovesick - Outer V, Strike - Inner Corner and Dope - Brow bone (crease colors blended out with MAC Texture)

Coax - Lid and Inner Corner, Betrayal - Crease, Voodoo - Outer V and Brow - Dope

The only downside to this palette is the color offerings (shimmers vs. mattes).  Many of us, including me, like to do a matte shimmer mix in most of eye combos. Unfortunately, this palette only offers you about 2 mates: Habit and Rewind. Matte and Neutral Color Lovers - This is something you really should think long and hard about before taking the plunge to purchase.

This palette retails for $59 and sold at Ulta, Sephora and www.urbandecay.com .  However, please be on the look out for sales. Also, check your Ulta Rewards and Sephora memberships for deals that might be right under your nose.  Many retailers have started 20% sales...a perfect time to invest in those items you've been dreaming about.

Final Thoughts

You won't be disappointed by this product.  You have 20 shadows that are sure to last you a very long time (well worth the $59 investment). This is another signature palette most beauty lovers and gurus will be sure to add to their collection.  For the less adventurous types, you may have to find justification in whether you'll get good use from this.  However, it's nice to know that anytime you want to add some spice to your look for whatever reason, you have it ready and waiting.


That's my 411.  Let me know your thoughts on the UD Palette. I posted a blog yesterday on the Mother Lode from UD (if you haven't seen it already, check it out!!!).  How do the 2 compare in regards to your budget and use?  Would you prefer to invest in Mother Lode instead?  Share your feedback below.  Again, be sure to follow me for the latest dish on your beauty essentials, loves and hates.

Happy Shopping!!!!

Birchbox October Subscription

Hello Beauty Loves!!!

My October Birchbox arrived in the mail almost 2 weeks ago (I'm late getting this posted). I must admit...I cheated.  Birchbox allows you to view the contents of your box once it's shipped (prior to you receiving it).  It takes away some of the surprise when opening your box.  Sorry, I get too excited and don't have patience to wait!!

Here's what I got....

Becca Radiant Skin Satin Finish Foundation (Dark) - I've tried other birchbox products and really liked them.  Haven't tested this out but will be very soon.

Macadamia Oil Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner - Currently trying out these babies.  So far, I really like them alot.  Great scent (not overpowering) that gives my dry, damaged hair softness and a healthy feel.  Will report back later once I've spent more time with these.

Evologie Stay Clear Cream - Haven't tried this out yet.  I'm working on some other moisturizers so it'll have to wait it's turn. 

*Bonus Gift* - ChapStick Hydration Lock Lip Balm (Vanilla Creme) - My box also included a coupon for $1 off my next purchase. Loving this....Gives my chapped, feathered lips this time of year a great feel and seals in the moisture. I really like wearing this under matte lipsticks (that tend to REALLY dry out my lips).  So far, this is worked well for 4-5 hours consistently.  I even went to bed one night with this on (woke up in the morning with a reasonable amount of moisture still on my lips).

An extra add in my birch box this month was the SKIIN Soothing & Smoothing Eye Cream. I actually gave this to a friend....I'm using another eye cream I purchased (review to be posted in the next 2 weeks or so).

Until next time beauty loves...Happy Shopping!!!

Sephora's WOW Gifts - Urban Decay The Mother Lode

Hello Beauty Loves!!!

Another weekend has ended AGAIN (why can't they last longer!!!).  Oh well, on to another week where I bring you my 411 on the latest and greatest.

Just received a notification from Sephora this afternoon (email went out to VIB and VIBRouge members).  It looks as though Urban Decay and others are releasing sets for you to purchase kits for certain featured  brands.

Take a look and see.....

This beauty includes (officially named as, The Mother Lode, appropriately named) includes 68 full-sized eyeshadows from Urban Decay.  Also included in this set is a four-pan build your own palette.  The kit has a great combination of matte, shimmers, duo-tones, and satin shadows.  I'm pretty certain (correct me if I'm wrong) this is the first time Urban Decay has released a kit of this size to commercial market. 

 

The lovely price tag for this kit.....$595 (a $1,234 value). Urban Decay is truly a stand-out brand in the cosmetic arena.  They're products are tried and true with high quality and resilience in wear. This would be a mega gift to the MUA entrepreneur wanting to get a quick start with building his/her kit.  However, it's a hefty price tag. For the everyday user, I'd probably weigh my options carefully with this investment factoring in how much use you would TRULY get out of this.

Personally, I fell in love as soon as I laid eyes on it (you amazing gem)l. I've longed to increase my collection of UD products (realistically knowing that it may never happen anywhere in the near future).  A beauty junkie sure can dream though!!  I'm still undecided on this. It's one of those things that you love it so much....you can't turn away.  On the other hand, because of the price, you REALLY have to give it some serious thought...to purchase or not to purchase.  As I said before, for MUAs, it's probably a no-brainer, a great buy.  However, many established MUAs get discounts through brands by applying for pro-artist memberships.

Either way, this kit will be saved under my beauty loves....siggghhhhh.

Do you think this might be worth your while to purchase??? Weigh in and let me know your thoughts.  Be sure to follow me to get the latest 411 from yours truly.  Until next time....Happy Shopping!!!