i’m not much of an eyeshadow wearer these days but after receiving the urban decay naked palette in my luckyfabb swag bag, i have started to play around with my makeup again. this palette has some great nudes that are perfect for everyday wear as well as shadows for a smokey eye. it’s probably a really good thing that i got this because i may or may not still have eye shadow in my makeup bag from like 1993.

after hearing about beauty balms non-stop lately, i finally decided to use some of my birchbox points and try dr jart+ premium bb. i am addicted. as much as i LOVE my new chanel liquid foundation, i like to be able to just quickly put this on without much thought. i just use one pump and rub it on my whole face as if it were lotion and set with a quick dusting of powder. it definitely is not full coverage but i really like that it leaves my skin looking like i’ve used a primer. it looks a little dry at first but warms up on your skin nicely imho. and the best part is the SPF 45. i asked my husband if he liked it on me and his response was…i can’t even tell you’re wearing makeup.  so that is good if you like a natural look. not so good if you like to get your makeup done at the MAC counter. =) i will definitely buy it again.

after being talked into spending $50 on a chanel foundation brush, i decided i needed to finally replace some of my other brushes too. but this time instead of spending $50 on one, i picked up this double sided sonia kashuk set on a recent target trip for less than $25. and it even came in this cute zipper bag that i love. but i have to admit…nothing compares to my alima pure brush. it is hands down THE BEST makeup brush i’ve ever used.

i know i’ve told you guys this before but i LOVE OPI avoplex cuticle oil to go. it is a cuticle oil that comes in a tube with a little brush applicator. whenever my cuticles look ragged or when a mani starts looking worn, a swipe of this on your cuticles and i swear your mani looks brand new again. i really like it more than the cuticle creams in pots or with roller ball applicators. definitely a must-have for any nail polish addict.

14 Comments ( Reply )

  1. Amy
    Jun 11, 2012 @ 1:57 am

    Completely agree about the OPI cuticle oil, carry it with me all the time! Great post!

    Amy

    http://www.LeopardandLillies.com

  2. Edita (pret-a-reporter)
    Jun 11, 2012 @ 2:16 am

    Foundation brushes are so important. Wrong ones can make one’s face look like a cake rather than contribute to a naturally glowing complexion. It’s great that you found the perfect one, although a bit pricey – hope it was worth the investment! 🙂

  3. Penny Pincher Fashion
    Jun 11, 2012 @ 4:42 am

    Great picks – really want to try out that BB…I’ve been using the Garnier one, but am intrigued by yours! Also thank you for sharing the cuticle oil with me – I’ve been using one in a regular bottle and one day it didn’t close all the way & leaked all over the inside of my bag…this is much more travel-friendly! 🙂

  4. alyson
    Jun 11, 2012 @ 6:38 am

    This is great. Really want to try that NAKED palette and have been intrigued by all the BBs (coincidentally last night I just used some Birchbox points as well!) however I like a little more coverage… worried this won’t be enough. MUST try that cuticle oil; sounds awesome.

  5. Red Tag Chic Los Angeles
    Jun 11, 2012 @ 6:38 am

    I would love to try that Urban Decay naked palette!

    Rebecca
    http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

  6. Cathy
    Jun 11, 2012 @ 10:07 am

    I have had my eye on this eye palette for some time now because I really am missing a good combination of neutral eye shadows. This one seems to incorporate many shades (which is important to me) and some matte, some shimmer (also like). My concern is brown shadows that turn orangeish once you put them on…hate!…that’s why I hesitate on browns. Glad to hear that you give this one a thumbs up! Thanks! Also love the BB creams 🙂

    http://cstyledesign.blogspot.com

  7. bravoerunway
    Jun 11, 2012 @ 11:31 am

    I’ve been wanting a naked eye pallette as well and I think it’ll be a purchase I make when I get another coupon to sephora. BB cream just doesn’t work on my skin, I have combo skin tone and it started separating! Cuticle oil is something I haven’t really been using, I got it in my xmas julep surprise box 🙂

  8. megan, the frugalista diaries
    Jun 11, 2012 @ 11:54 am

    love the naked!

    xo Megan

  9. Fashion By Alicia
    Jun 11, 2012 @ 12:32 pm

    Looks like some great products! I have been using the same eye shadow for years (replaced but same colors). Love your new colors!

  10. Erin Redmond
    Jun 11, 2012 @ 2:31 pm

    I love the Naked Palette. Such neutral colors it will last you forever. I use mine almost everyday since January and haven’t made much of a dent! 🙂

    http://www.casualstayathome.blogspot.com

  11. Tara
    Jun 11, 2012 @ 3:37 pm

    The Naked Palette is a fave of mine too!

  12. Franny
    Jun 11, 2012 @ 5:09 pm

    I had the Naked palette, but traded it in for the Naked 2 palette, which I love. I’ve always been really cheap about brushes (like $2 Elf brushes) but it may be time to invest in some good brushes!

  13. Alex @ Before The Baby Wakes
    Jun 11, 2012 @ 9:20 pm

    I just bought the Naked 2 palette and I am in LOOOVE with it. I also picked up my first BB cream to by Smashbox & so far so good.

  14. The Fashionable ESQ
    Jun 12, 2012 @ 4:52 pm

    The Naked palette gets great reviews and I hear amazing things about it. I want to get it. I love swagbags. Enjoy it.
    xx
    The Fashionable ESQ
    http://www.thefashionableesq.blogspot.com