Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Professional Size, $29

By now, readers of this blog and everyone who knows me (or Tori) knows that we swear by Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion. We originally reviewed the product when we first started this blog and gave it a rave review and even a "where have you been all my life" tag. You can read the review Tori wrote of why this product is so great here. So when I saw that Urban Decay released a Professional Size version of my favorite beauty product I knew it was something I must have.

The Professional Size is a big tube full of the classic Primer Potion in the original nude shade. I prefer the nude shade to all of the other primer shades. The main difference between this and the original bottle is that this doesn't come with application wand. I find that the absence of the wand is actually a great thing! You get more product out of a bottle and you don't have to mess with the wand getting all goopy.

Since I used this product every single day this Professional Size is actually a great value for me. I get a lot more of the primer for $29 which is about $13 more than the original genie bottle. I think that this tube will last me longer and that I won't waste any of the primer. In the genie bottle I think that a lot of primer just gets stuck and doesn't have a chance to get out.

Final verdict:

Cost: $29 for a big tube. This is made for professionals but available for anyone to purchase.

Do you need any kind of tool to apply it?: I find that using your fingers is the best way to apply the primer evenly.

Any tips?: You don't need to use a lot of primer per eyelid. If you take a look at the third picture, I use just about that much primer for my top lid. I have big eyelids so someone else might need even less. I would apply a little less of that on my bottom lash line if I want to line beneath my eyes.

Repeat offender?: I would never buy the genie bottle again now that the Professional Size bottle is available, so yes!

-M

BY THE WAY: The nailpolish in the photo is OPI's Mad As A Hatter, from the Alice in Wonderland collection. I reviewed it here in January.

MAC Fluidline Eye-Liner Gel, Blacktrack, $15

MAC's Fluidline Eye-Liner Gel is one of my new favorite products that I know I will continue to buy over the years. I have only had this product for about a couple weeks and I already can't live without it. This pot of black eyeliner gold is a purely perfect product. It goes on easily, stays on, and look so freakin' fierce.

I know I'm gushing hardcore but this product really deserves this much attention! The Fluidline Eye-Liner Gel in Blacktrack is perfect everyday eyeliner that can be adjusted and used however the makeup wearer pleases. It is pure black and the gel is super easy to put on.

At first I was using a brush I had that wasn't exactly clean, I had used it with other eyeliners and let the products dry up on it making the brush too hard, even after I rinsed it. When I put on the Fluidline liner the first time it didn't go on as dark or as smooth as I had hoped. Distressed but determined to make this work I turned to my one of my best friends who I shall call the MAC Queen. She has a ton of MAC products and suggested that I purchase this liner. She told me to make sure I use a clean brush and once I did it made the biggest difference! You can use an angled brush or just a thin brush, whatever you feel comfortable with, but just remember to rinse your brush right after you use it so that the leftover liner doesn't dry up and ruin it! I just rinse my brush with water and use my fingers to get the liner off, nothing too complicated.

I love this liner because I can get it super close to my lash-line, get a thin line, or a thick line and it always comes out really beautifully. The other great thing is that it stays on! I use a primer of course, but this stuff doesn't really budge. It also comes in multiple colors you can find here.

Final verdict:
Cost: $15, a little bit goes a long way and it is about as much as buying a pencil liner.
Do I have to get a special brush?: You might have a brush on hand that will work just fine, just make sure it is thin enough. An angled brush is also a favorite when it comes to using eyeliner in a pot.
Is this good to achieve a cat-eye?: This is perfect for a cat-eye look! You might have to practice a bit but it will definitely be the best product to use to get the look.
Can I use it under my eyes?: Under eyes is a little trickier, I suggest using a lot of primer and a thin brush, go slowly, and remember you can always darken or thicken the line as you please.
Any tips?: I usually start lining the top of my lid starting in the middle and then work my way to the sides. That way if I have too much liner on my brush or something it is already going in the thickest part of the line.
Repeat offender?: YES YES YES!

-M

Urban Decay Naked Palette, $44

This is the eyeshadow palette made for all makeup wearers, whether your only use eyeshadow sometimes or don't leave the house without it. The Naked Palette by Urban Decay was released not too long ago and has been selling out fast. Luckily this product is not a limited edition product. Even though it has been sold out on Sephora.com and isn't on the Urban Decay site right now you can still find it (I got mine at a Sephora store) and you will be able to find it for a long time, Urban Decay says that it is a permanent palette.

I wasn't drawn to this palette until I saw it in person. The twelve shadows range from light to darker and are a mix of smoky, grey, gold, and brown hues. The mixing possibilities seem endless with the variety of shades that are provided. The set also comes with a mini genie bottle of primer and a double-ended 24/7 Glide-On pencil in Zero (jet black) and Whiskey (chocolate brown). You basically have all of the tools to create whatever eye look you are going for.

This palette is made to be a neutral set that is still fresh and exciting. You can definitely get a neutral professional look with this palette or you can even create a sexy dark look too. The colors like Virgin, Sin, and Naked make great highlighters and base shadows while Half Baked, Smog, and Darkhorse are perfect for blending and shading. The last three colors in the palette Hustle, Creep, and Gunmetal are all great darker colors that can be blended with any of the lighter shadows to create a smoky look but they are also perfect solid shadows on their own.

I would suggest this palette to anyone who feels like they need a good everyday eyeshadow kit. While it is a palette full of neutrals it still manages to be fun and interesting and offers a variety of color and shadow ranges (from matte to shimmery).

Final verdict:
Cost: $44, you get 12 shadows, a mini primer, and two mini eyeliners
Will this really work for anyone?: I honestly think that Urban Decay created a palette that will appeal to all different women. I love this palette and so does my mom so I think it can really apply for any age group. The neutrals it promises aren't dull and they shadows are good quality--I don't know any girl who wouldn't be satisfied with that.
Repeat offender?: I think that I am going to use this palette primarily for a while. I want to experiment with mixing the different shades. I predict that this will be a palette that I actually finish and will have to purchase again. I'm really into it!

-M

Sephora Collection Lash Plumper Mascara, $12

I am so surprised at how much I love this mascara. This little jewel (show in the sample size) came in a little birthday bonus gift pack from Sephora (if you are a beauty insider they hook you up with a tiny gift on your birthday, it is pretty sweet!). I am completely obsessed with how awesome this mascara actually is. It doesn't promise a million little things but it delivers way more than you will expect.

First of all it is nice and black, and this isn't even the "Ultra Black" version. The mascara plumps and separates lashes perfectly and does not clump at all! I am in awe! It also works great on the bottom lashes which can often be tricky. It gives a nice full and soft lift to your lashes and doesn't clump--what more can you want?

The lashes aren't left feeling like there is no mascara on them but they also don't feel heavy, cakey, or have that weird plastic-like crust that other mascaras leave behind. The brush is awesome for getting even the tiniest lashes even though it is on the slightly fatter side. Oh and even though it isn't waterproof it doesn't budge all day! Just got back from the gym and I don't have any smearing!

Final verdict:
Cost: $12 for a full size bottle, free on your birthday for a tiny tube!
What would you rate it?: Out of 5 I'd give it a 4.5 because I don't think any mascara has ever blown me away to a 5. This is definitely one of the top mascaras I have tried in the last year though, and trust me I try a lot!
Repeat offender?: I may actually buy a full tube of this mascara the next time I place an order or stop by Sephora. It is just nearly perfect which is good enough for me!

-M

OPI Princesses Rule!, $9

Calling all things girly!
There we go :)
This is the baby pinkest, sparkliest, girliest nail polish ever. And I'm so in love with it!


Makes me wanna leave drama aside and channel my inner 5-year-old!
This polish goes on smoothly, like all OPIs. It's pretty sheer, so I'd recommend 3 coats if you're trying to get it as pink as possible. Just don't load it on too thick--as with most glittery polishes, it tends to get goopy if there's too much. Per usual, this polish has great lasting power.

(3 coats and a clear top coat)
I love it with 3 coats, but it's just as pretty with 1 (shown above with my fluffy kitty!). It's a light, natural sparkle with a pink close to the bare nail color. It would work as a super shimmery top coat as well. Try pairing it with a hot pink or a dark purple.

The sun really brings out the shine.
Um, did I mention the sparkles?
Pink, silver, and slightly multicolored--too pretty!

Final verdict
Cost: $9, typical OPI.
Color: Baby pink, emphasis on the pink. Gorgeous! Apply 3 coats to really see the pink. One coat will give you a sparkly top coat with a hint of pink.
Sparkles: So many sparkles! Looks fabulous on its own and amazing as a top coat.
Easy:One thing I love about this polish is that it's easy to put on quickly. It dries pretty quick and hides imperfections. No need to be perfect! You're a princess, you'll look fab anyway.
Repeat offender: I will totally buy it again. I love it! Where's my tiara?

-T

Sephora by OPI, Only Gold For Me Top Coat, $9

Oh my gosh guys, this glitter topcoat is like no other topcoat I have ever used. Only Gold For Me Top Coat from Sephora by Opi is a clear topcoat with chunks for gold glitter and little sprinkles of smaller sparkles that can completely transform a basic nailpolish.

I am wearing the topcoat over the lovely jade polish I reviewed a little while ago, Read My Palm. The first time I saw this topcoat I was actually in a Sephora store and already had the Read My Palm on my nails. So I just brushed some of the Only Gold For Me topcoat and I freaked out at how pretty it looked. So I proceeded to gold sparkle all my nails in the store, ask Tori, she was there, she just laughed.

The glitter sticks to your nail, doesn't chip off, and brushes on uniquely each time. You can brush on some of the topcoat and then kind of move around the sparkles with the brush if you want them to spread out. It is very easy to maneuver the sparkles but they definitely will look different on each nail.

Final verdict:
Cost: $9
Does it actually work as a topcoat or is it just glitter?: It is definitely a topcoat before it is a glitter polish. The clear topcoat holds the sparkles and the base nailpolish in place as it should.
Repeat offender?: Yes! I cannot wait to try this over other colors. I think next I will try it with black.

-M

bareMinerals Eyecolor, $13

I just bought the Heroes Super Color Collection from Bare Escentuals. Since there's so much to review in the collection, I thought I'd give each product their own separate entry. The set includes a Buxom gloss, which is awesome (check out Mirna's review here).

Today I'll review their bareMinerals eyecolor (loose eyeshadow) in Fearless and Freedom.

(Fearless and Freedom)

Fearless is a super dark forest green/gray/black with multicolored shimmer. Oh my, is it gorgeous! I was surprised at how pretty it really is, in that dark and dangerous kind of way. The picture on the website really doesn't do it justice.

The shadow is intense and highly pigmented. It is crazy dramatic as a shadow. It could be used as a liner, to add some depth to your crease, or blended with other colors.

Freedom is a sweet light blue with a hint of green (less green when applied, see photo below), decorated with tiny silver shimmers. It reminds me of a really clear summer day, when the sun bleaches out the sky.

The color is also really pigmented but is much more subtle. It would look really nice with blue or brown eyes, and coordinates nicely with Fearless.

(click on pic to enlarge)The versatility of these eyeshadows really impressed me. The top line is Freedom, shown (left to right) over Urban Decay primer, dry, and applied with a wet brush. The bottom line is Fearless, shown (left to right) over Urban Decay primer, dry, and applied with a wet brush. As you can see, these shadows can have quite different looks! With primer the colors are bright and clear. Worn dry they are more subtle and easily blended, for a nice day look. When applied with a wet brush they become intense and really shimmery. I love having options!

Final verdict
Cost: $13 each. Right now these particular colors are only available in the Heroes collection for a limited time. ($40 for a lot of awesome products, get it while you can!) I found Fearless on Amazon, so as always check there, too (and eBay).
Color: These colors are amazing! They have so much life and depth, and are unlike any other eyeshadows I have. I personally prefer Fearless because of the richness and drama, but Freedom is sweet and pretty as well.
Versatility: The colors look different whether they're worn dry, over primer, or applied wet. You can create a lot of distinct looks with just one color.
Repeat offender: Totally! I would definitely buy their eyeshadow again, as well as other products. Stay tuned for reviews of the other products in this collection.

Hey! Did you enter our giveaway? Remember, it ends Friday at 11:59pm!

-T

China Glaze Sacred Heart, $2-5

You all know by now that I am a self proclaimed OPI loyalist, but lately I've been drawn to China Glaze nailpolish. They have just as many fans as OPI and just as many beautiful and interesting colors. I made the splurge and bought a few to try out. This lovely red polish is called Sacred Heart. It is made to resemble the red of a sacred heart tattoo, since the particular color collection is inspired by tattoos.

I just got the polishes I ordered yesterday and have been itching to get a manicure/pedicure so I settled on the classic red color to take with my to the salon. I don't get my nails done very often and I used to just use whatever color I liked there, but since I now own tons of my own polishes I just choose something I have.

This vibrant red is very reminiscent of pinup girls and classic beauties. I love a nice red manicure and pedicure because it is super simple yet is still the cherry-on-top of a look. I am very happy with this polish because it went on very evenly in just two coats.

Final verdict:

Cost: You can find this polish anywhere from $2-5 which is a really good deal for the quality you are getting. I am definitely drawn to it more because of the cost. I ordered mine online because I honestly don't think I have ever seen China Glaze polish at any local stores.

Is the polish true to the name?: I definitely think this red polish has a badass quality to it like the name Sacred Heart. It is a perfect red, it doesn't lean toward orange or pink so it is a pure red.

Repeat offender? Hell yeah. This goes up there right next to OPI's Vodka and Caviar red nailpolish which was my go-to red. Now that I started the China Glaze kick I have a feeling you will be seeing a lot more of these reviews!

PS--We are getting ready to let you know about a special surprise!! Don't forget to start following us to be able to participate!

-M

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish, Refined, $26

For years I have wanted to try MAC's infamous Mineralize Skinfinish but for some reason or another have put it off until this weekend I found myself at a makeup outlet that carried a few Skinfinishes from past (but still pretty recent) collections. I picked up this particular skinfinish in Refined. This is not a new product but MAC still makes the skinfinishes just in different shades. You can also still find Refined for sale online.


This pressed powder comes in a dome shape and is a beautiful swirl of golds, pinks, and bronzes. I thought that this would be perfect for summer and since I was in the market for a bronzer-type product I thought that this would be what I was looking for.


Using a regular blush brush you can use the skinfinish as you would blush. What I do is apply it like I would blush (apples of the cheeks up to the cheek bone) with a few heavy strokes--don't be scared to use too much it is subtle! I then take the brush and apply just a light dusting on my nose and all over my face for a nice smooth shimmery coat.


I don't wear any other skin products like foundation or anything so for me the skinfinish is perfect to even out my skin and add some dimension with the swirls of shimmer. I think this would be great to use with a skin primer as your base but moisturizer helps hold the product on your skin.



Final verdict:
Cost: $26-28, it is a little pricey but well worth it! It is also very big so you are definitely getting your bang for your buck.
Will it work on all skin tones?: The best part of the skinfinish is that it is a multilayered marble of colors so no matter what your skin color this is going to uniquely work. But of course we all know what works for us so use your own judgement, there are plenty of shades out there!
Repeat offender?: Oh yes. I am completely infatuated with this product and I am mad at myself for waiting so long to have it in my life. One of my friends is a MAC loyalist and has been using this for years so I knew it looked good--why did I wait?! I am going to definitely get one with a pink hue and I want one for the winter that has a white pearly effect.

PS--I tried to get a picture on my skin but they all looked awkward, sorry guys! By the way don't forget to follow us so that you can find out about something really awesome/special we have planned!!

-M