Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

After a few months of putting the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette to the test, I think its high time I gave it a full review here on my blog. 

As Im sure most of you know, the Naked 2 palette is the follow up to the very successful and famous first Naked palette from Urban Decay. I own the first one and used it for the past year religiously. The question everyone wants opinions on is how does this offering compare to the original? Is it better? Which one should I buy? 

Obviously the answers to all of these questions are a matter of personal choice and preference, but heres what I think.

As much as I love the texture and appearance of the original Naked palette, the Naked 2 is definitely more hard wearing and travel friendly. In no time at all the soft material of my first one got scuffed up, and this pencil-case like tin is much more sturdy and hard wearing which I like.  

I prefer the large mirror that comes in this palette, which I found very handy to use on holiday as I could practically see my whole face in it. I also prefer the double ended brush that comes in this one to the one ended flat brush I got in the first palette. This brush has the flat end for all over lid application, and a fluffier tapered end which is great for blending and crease work.

On a side note the mini lipgloss that came as an extra is pretty lovely too, a nice sheer neutral colour which would literally suit anyone.

Now...how about the actual eyeshadows...

Overall this palette is much cooler in tone, which personally I prefer and find much more wearable on my paler skin. This will obviously be different person to person, but the cooler colours just compliment me more.

I use this end of the palette the most, and particularly love Bootycall and Tease.

It is slightly annoying that Half Baked is repeated in this palette from the first, but not a total deal breaker as it is a lovely colour. 

Now, Im sorry these last two photos are slightly blurry, but you can still get the effect of what the colours look like. 

The middle few eyeshadows are completely stunning to me. Theyre perfect for mixing and matching as crease and outer-v colours, or even all over the lid. Theyre all right up my street and my favourite part of this second palette compared to the first. Id have say I love Verve as its a silvery colour which didnt feature in the first, and Pistol compliments it well too. 

The last three colours are all fantastic as well, I love that a nicely pigmented black is included, meaning that any look from this palette can be transformed to a sultry night look with a quick smokey sweep of Blackout.

Id have to say that all of these eyeshadows have amazing pigmentation, as with the first palette. The mattes and the more chunky glittery colours are great too, which can often be the downfall pigmentation wise with other brands, but theres really no issues here. 

The price of this palette could be something that would put people off, as it retails at around £35. However, when you divide it up it works out at just under £3 per eyeshadow, along with a free double ended brush and a lipgloss. Id say thats amazing value, especially as these are the nicest selection of eyeshadows I could imagine coming all in one set, and at such good quality too.

I feel like such a traitor to my first Naked palette at the minute as Ive been using this one none stop. Im not sure which I prefer as of yet. I think Im still in the novelty new-product-obsession stage of using this, the same phase I went through when I first got the original. The colours of this are much easier for me to pull off, and its a better choice for night time looks I would say. On the other hand Im very faithful to my old first one.

Im glad I have both as to me theyre not as similar as theyre made out to be, but maybe thats just my make-up obsessed brain telling me to think that.

Thanks for reading my rambling on if you got this far!

xoxo

July Favourites

In recent months Ive been talking abut my monthly favourites over on my youtube channel rather than here on my blog. Basically, I was just a little too lazy to do both. From now on Ive decided to still talk in depth on my video, and just post a quick overview and picture here so you can see the products more in depth.

You can view the video and here me jabbering on HERE!

Kiko Guava Pink Lipgloss - Ive already done a mini review and close ups/swatches of this lipgloss in this post about Kiko as a brand overall. Ive used it everyday since I got it, the perfect sheer pink, non-sticky gloss!

Origins Out Of Trouble 10 Minute Mask - This product along with several others from this post are going to get their own full review posts in the near future (I've got the blogging bug again), so I wont go too much into it. Basically, this has worked wonders on my spotty chin, a lovely image for you all I'm sure!

Clinique High Impact Mascara - I wasn't expecting much fro this little sample, and have been nicely surprised to find myself really enjoying using it. Its really buildable, for subtle lashes or full on spidery ones depending on your preference. I'm pretty sure Ill purchase the full size at some point.

Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel - My beauty discovery of the year so far, a full on rave review is to come. It is safe to say that I fully bought in to the bloggers hype surrounding this but I'm so glad I did. Its totally worth all the praise it gets, and I couldn't imagine my makeup collection without it now.

Benefit High Beam - This is the ultimate love/hate product for me. I love the amazing glow it gives, but hate how it smushes my foundation around when I apply it (good technical word there). However, since I've recently only been wearing Origins Vitazing through the day, I have no such foundation-smushing issues. This means Ive been freely using this without any worries and have had so many compliments on my complexion recently all down to this little beauty. Safely on the love side of the love/hate relationship for now at least.

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette - Again, another product with its own post on the way. I'm sure you've seen it many times already, but I want to give my own thoughts on it anyway. Since its here in my favourites, its safe to assume Im loving using it. Its maybe not the most necessary purchase Ive made this year but definitely not one I regret in the slightest, especially with £5 off in duty free!

Thanks for reading! If you would like t hear my thoughts in more detail, 12 and a half minutes of more detail to be exact, then dont forget to just click the link at the top!

xoxo

July in Photos

This months picture post consists of one night (Last Saturday), saying as I "lost" my camera charger for the majority of the month. It turned up under my bed, as usual. July was a quiet one anyway, spent mostly visiting my lovely Nana in hospital (get well soon Nana!), and losing many a pub quiz with my nearest and dearest with our appalling genera knowledge. However these photos are only from Saturday night, an impromptu girls night out with my favourites. 

 All but one of the infamous "fab gang" as we named ourselves at the tender age of 10 haha.

She always makes me feel extremely pale even though I was unusually orange compared to usual.

After years of whining I finally convinced her that bright pink lipstick would look fantastic on her. Also, I'm not a giant...shes actually somewhat taller than me!

Sorry its a short one this time guys!

xoxo

Kiko Cosmetics

Balancing my time and effort equally between my blog and my youtube channel is proving tricky business... What content to I put on which platform, do I repeat myself on both?! Who knows! But I have already made a lengthy video all about this brand Ive discovered, so if you want to learn about it in more detail click here!

Kiko is a cosmetics brand from Italy, and when my Dad took a trip there recently and asked if I wanted to try some of their make-up I obviously said yes! I describe the products in depth in the video, but thought it would be good to include some close up images here so you can see exactly what they look like. The swatches are all at the very bottom!

Super Gloss in Guava Pink

I love this lipgloss, its really glossy (obviously Hayley), and not at all sticky. Its very sheer and just give a nice  pinky sheen which is lovely, Ive never stopped wearing it since I got it.

Smart Lipstick in 96 Pink

I definitely wouldnt call this lipstick a pink, its a very neutral nude. Its actually a perfect nude for my skin tone, and not at all too pale. Its  lovely formula too and I know I'll get a lot of wear out of it.

Nail Lacquer in Mango

Not entirely sure why this image ended up upside down, never mind! This colour is right up my street, and like many others I already love, its a bright neon pinky coral. It applies pretty opaque in one cat which I was impressed by, but I always do two anyway. Its only just started chipping on my nails and its been on FIVE days!

Eyetech Eyeshadow in Dove Grey Brown

This would only focus if my chubby fingers were in the shot, sorry! I love love loveee this little eyeshadow stick thingy (correct terminoogy there). Its the perfect dark crease colour for me and its so easy to apply, and just needs a little blending to finish off the look and your sorted! 

Blooming Eyeshadow Palette in Tender Corals

 Such pretty packaging!

 I really love the design of this palette and love and will use every single colour. The deepest coral will make a lovely blush wich is a great plus point for this little palette, love it!

Top row - Shadows from the palette!

Bottom row - Lipgloss, lipstick, eyeshadow stick!

xoxo

Bourjois The Volumizer Mascara

I recently completely finished up the Bourjois Volumizer mascara, and thought it was high time I gave it a full review. 

The mascara is one of those 2 step types, with the first step to lengthen and separate and the second step to add volume. At first I was very sceptical about this system, assuming it was just a gimmick, and how wrong was I!

The first step really works at adding length pretty well. It keeps the lashes separate so they dnt clum together at all, which gives a lovely effect in itself, but is perfect to build volume upon to give fluttery lashes! On days when I wasnt doing much I would sometimes just use a quick coat of this step for easy pretty lashes.

The second step is what makes this mascara for me. It is obviously the same wand, only in the first step it gets pulled through the little tube to take off more product. This second step can look a little intimidating at first, especially when the mascara is new, as the brush is loaded with product. However, this works abslute wonders on top of your already long and separated lashes from the first step, and builds upon them nicely to give mega volume. I did find that this could sometimes clump my lashes together, but I fixed that by whipping out Step 1 and combing through the lashes when the brush has way less product on it, simples!

Heres a little "rabbit caught in the headlights" shot from an old FOTD where the only thing I have on my lashes is this mascara. So many people that night asked my what false lashes I was wearing, so this does give mega huge lashes!

 Its dried up now and I dont even have it anymore, but I loved it so much I still wanted to use the pictures for a review. Once Ive used up the other mascaras I have I will definitely be going back to this one, its my absolute favourite!

The Volumizer mascara is sold at ny Bourjois stand at Boots or Superdrug, and retails for around £10, which I dont think is too bad considering how great it is.

Whats your favourite mascara?

xoxo

Lustlist #20

My 21st birthday is currently 53 days away. Yes, Im one of those people that plans their birthday MONTHS in advance. Since my holidays have left me a little (a lot) skint, Im channelling any of the things I want ever so much onto a birthday wishlist... Im pretty sure this will grow and grow in the next 53 days, and none of my friends or family read this anyway, but a girl can dream!...

Glamglow Tingling and Exfoliating Mud Mask - 15ml for £20.00

Lavish Alice Dark Glitter Scallop-edge Vest - £9.00

Bare Minerals Ready Eyeshadow Quad in The Truth - £29.00

Miss Selfridge Pleated Cape Dress - £45.00

ASOS Lucy Iridescent Ballet Flats - £22.00

Motel Rocks Zena Bodycon Mini Dress in Black City Scene - £35.00

River Island Pink Cosmic Print Sweater - £30.00 

The Glamglow mask is something I've been wanting to try for ages now. A celebrity favourite that Ive pondered over for so long because of the price, but really want to give it a go!

The scalloped edge vest is very Topshop 2010/11, but its cheaper and would go with a million things. Its also rather pretty I think.

Im pretty intrigued by the new Bare Minerals Ready range, as I've never been into the brand before as loose powders are just too messy for me. I've heard good things about these eyeshadows so Id love to try them.

Im going to be needing some nice birthday outfits as so far I know of 4 separate birthday celebrations (the joys of having divorced parents and therefore separate celebrations)! This dress looks so pretty and perfect for a family party, but probably one Id have to try on as golden colours can often wash me out pretty badly.

These ballet flats are right up my street, I love anything two-toned and shiny like these, I'm like a magpie.

This city landscape dress looks pretty perfect for my birthday night out in Newcastle with the girls, something a little different but not too tarty with the higher neckline, love it!

This galaxy print sweater looks so cosy, and the perfect nod to the recent cosmic print trend. I love the current trend but don't want to spend a fortune on leggings and such that I wont wear much, where as I think this jumper could last a little longer and Id wear it much more.

xoxo

Blog Sale!

After reading a few other blogs recently talking about downsizing makeup collections (Anna of Vivianna Does Makeup), and seeing a few other bloggers just going for it and doing blog sales (Leanne Marie)... I thought it was high time I had a look through my own collection to see what products would be better in the hands of a more loving owner (I know, theyre products not animals).

So, the "rules"...

Only selling within the UK, sorry but International postage gets confusing and expensive!

Postage will be £1.50 and then an extra 20p for every extra product

Ill take payments via Paypal "gift". I can explain how to go about this if youre new to it.

All products are first come first served based on comment time, but if the first person drops out then the next person requesting it will be informed.

Please leave an email address so I can contact with more info!

Happy shopping!

Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker lipgloss in Pink Apricot (Used twice) - £3.00

Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker lipgloss in Candy Gloss (Used twice) - £3.00

MAC Lipglass in Nymphette (Used once) - £6.00

No7 High Shine lipgloss in Whisper (Swatched) - £3.00 Sold

Avon Glazewear Sparkle lipgloss in Rave (Used once) - £3.00 Sold

Topshop Lipstick in Pillow Talk (Usage shown) - £4.00  Sold!

MAC Lipstick in Shy Girl (Usage shown) - £6.00  Sold!

YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick in 9 Caress Pink (Usage shown) - £12.00 Sold!

Collection 2000 Brown Gel Eyeliner (Used once) - £2.00

BM Beauty Mineral Bronzer Summer Warmth Bronzer (Swatched) - £1.50

BM Beauty Eyeshadw in Wolf Howl (Swatched) - £1.50

Avon True Colour Eyeshadow in Midnight Plum (Swatched) - £3.00

Smashbox Waterproof Shadow/Liner in Starstruck (Usage shown) - £3.00

Barry M Dazzle Dust ...Number has worn off but you can see the colour! (Usage shown) - £2.00

Smashbox Eyeshadow in ASAP (Usage shown) - £4.00

Benefit Creaseless Cream in Sippin' n' Dippin (Usage shown) - £6.00

Avon Silky Shine Lipstick in Apricot (Usage shown) - £3.00

Avon Lipstick in Instant Mocha (Usage shown) - £3.00

17 Mirror Shine Lipstick in Beehive (Usage shown)  - £2.00

Eyeko Liparazzi Light Up Lipstick (Usage shown) - £2.00

Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in Coral in Gold (Usage shown) - £2.00

MAC Teddy Eyeliner (Usage shown) - £4.00

L'Oreal Infallible Lip Liner in 711 Invincible Red (Never used) - £2.00

Maybelline Moisture Extreme Lip Liner in 60 Delicate Pink (Swatched) - £1.50

Bourjois Bronzing Powder in 52 (Usage shown) - £3.00 Sold!

Bourjois Blush in 34 Rose D'or (Used once) - £4.00 

Celine Dion Chic Shimmering Body Lotion (Never used) - £1.00 Sold!

Celine Dion Chic Perfume (Sprayed once) - £3.00 Sold!

Batiste Big and Bouncy XXL Volume Dry Shampoo (Used once) - £2.00

Liz Earle Energising Body Lotion (Used twice) - £5.00

Schwarzkopf Gliss Shine Spray (Used once) - £2.00

TIGI Bed Head Superstar Queen for a Day Thickening Spray (Used about 80%) - £4.00

Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate (Used twice) - £5.00 Sold!

VO5 Miracle Concentrate (Usage shown) - £2.00 Sold!

Anna Sui Secret Wish perfume (Usage shown) - £4.00 Sold!

Leighton Denny Sex Kitten polish (Used once) - £3.00

Nails Inc Hampstead Heath polish (Used twice) - £3.00

OPI Lucerne-tainly Look Marvelous (Used once) - £5.00

Eyeko Lilac Polish (Used a few times) - £1.50

Eyeko Posh Polish (Used twice) - £1.50

Eyeko Nude Polish (Used twice) - £1.50

June in Pictures

June was my favouite month of the year. David's 21st, a trip to London and my girly holiday to Ibiza made it the best month in a long long time. Ive already posted a few pictures of London and wont bore you to death with many more so theres a post all about it a few posts ago!

Heres a rather over exposed shot of me outside Wicked. It was amazing, and I need to see it again!

Now on to Ibiza... I kept most of the horrendously drunk ones for my personal Facebook, theyre a little scary, but heres some of the nicer ones!

Me and the best mate, enjoying a nice meal on the sunset strip. 

Before one of my friends came down with awful sun stroke, oops. 

My pretties! 

He may be a tad on the oompa loompa side here, but I have to say Mar Wright is the most stunningly good looking an Ive ever laid eyes on. It took a lot of guts (and arguing drunkly with his bouncer) to get this photo haha. 

I love this playsuit! 

Those drinks were the first of many that night, funniest night of my entire life. 

 Boat party time!



How many girls can you fit in one inflatable boat? 4 was pushing it I think haha 

Will never understand why professional photographers overexpose their photos so much, but I do love this one. Awesome boat, and best partying/tanning combo ever haha!

Someone take me back to Ibiza please?

xoxo