Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

The latest addition to my Urban Decay Naked collection, the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette.  I know it's a little late to be reviewing the palette, but I actually held off on purchasing it because I wasn't so sold on it when it was first released.  However, when I came across it at my local Sephora and swatched the shadows I thought it would be a nice palette to have on hand.

The Urban Decay Naked Basics palette features six Naked neutral shadows, with all but one of the shadows being matte.  The shadows are companions of both the Naked and Naked 2 palettes.  And because all six of the shadows are very versatile and wearable, it makes this palette the perfect and most convenient basic every day palette.

Venus, Foxy, W.O.S., Naked 2, Faint, Crave

All six shadows featured in the Naked Basics palette are never before seen/released shadows from Urban Decay.  So anyone that owns either the Naked or Naked 2 palette still have a good reason to purchase this palette without having to worry about having duplicate shades.  Venus, an off-white shade, is the only non-matte shadow in the palette is a great addition.  It's not a shimmery shadow, more of a satin finish, and makes a perfect brow and inner corner highlight.  Both Foxy and W.O.S. make a great all over lid color. You might prefer one or the other depending on your skin tone, but I actually like to use a combination of both of the shades to sweep over my lids.  And of course Urban Decay never forgets to include a perfect "blending" shadow, Naked 2.  Faint is just a simple brown matte, but the star of the palette has to be crave, which is the blackest black shadow I've ever owned.

As for the texture and quality of the shadows, Urban Decay does not disappoint.  Because there are no shimmery/glittery shadows, all six shades are incredibly smooth to the touch, with incredible pigmentation.  The only thing you would have to worry about with matte shadows is with fall out.  Although Urban Decay does a great job of making sure the shadows aren't chalky, when using the darker shades (Faint and Crave) you do have to be cautious of any fall out while blending.

My overall opinion of the palette? It's definitely a beauty basics to have on hand for any classic look.  Having only six shadows makes the palette small and travel friendly, and really takes the thought out of creating a simple day to day look.  By adding the two darker shades, it only takes one extra step to go from a professional daytime look to a more daring evening look.  It would have been nice if they included a travel sized brush along with the palette, but other than that I am in love the palette.  There's not one shade that I haven't used and this goes from my makeup counter straight to my handbag every morning.

So if you're a person that truly wants a basic every day palette without having a 8-12 different shades to choose from, the Naked Basics palette really takes the decision making out of your routine (when compared the the Naked and Naked 2 palettes).  It actually works great for anyone just getting their foot into the door when it comes to playing around with makeup for the first time.

xoxo,

Eve

OPI Suzi Skis In The Pyrenees

Winter isn't over yet, but the weather has been improving here in the city.  During the colder seasons I definitely appreciate the darker, black toned polishes.  For some reason darker polishes just look so clean and chic, especially with a shorter manicure.  A lot of people use to think it's unprofessional to have a darker manicure, but now a days it's more fashionable and sleek looking.

So while I was re-organizing my nail polish collection (which is way more extensive than I had imagined), I came across OPI's Suzi Skis In The Pyrenees, which is a deep charcoal gray.  The picture honestly does not do the polish any justice since it just looks black, but in person you can definitely see the lighter hints of grey to the polish (also please excuse my terrible dry cuticles, they are not doing so well this Winter).

I absolutely love how creamy and opaque this polish was, and of course OPI never let's me down on the quality of their polishes.  Two thin coats and you have the perfect "black" manicure.  Next to OPI's Lincoln Park After Dark, I would have to saw OPI Suzi Skis In The Pyrenees is my next favorite blackened polish.

xoxo,

Eve

Spring 2013: Black & White

Nanette Lepore Celebration Dress

Rebecca Minkoff MAB Mini Satchel

YSL Tribute Pumps

Spring 2013 Fashion has arrived, and although a lot of us (especially here in chilly Chicago) are still facing cold Winter weather, the Spring 2013 trends have really left a huge impression.  One of the biggest trends for Spring 2013 that I have been loving (and know that I am going to obsess over) is the Black & White trend.

From little trimmings to full blown prints, you're going to see so many designers release items with beautiful black and white color combination.  

For me, I love the little details of combining white and black rather than the loud prints, but overall the trend itself is amazing.  It's a great way to carry over some of your Winter wardrobe to Spring.

xoxo,

Eve