I wanted to use the palette, play with it and wear it, before writing my review, even though I absolutely adore Urban Decay eyeshadow palettes (I have yet to find one that disappoints). An “auburn-inspired, warm, steamy, sultry set of colors” as per UD, Naked Heat is filled with 12 new shades ranging from warm champagne and taupe, to burnt sienna, brick red and even a blackened copper. There is literally something in here for every – single – skin – tone! And right on trend, too, what with the burst of warm-toned, rusty palettes of late.
Another thing of beauty with this gorgeous palette is the range of looks you can create. I loved using my Naked Heat palette for a simple swipe of one or two shades for a soft daytime look, to playing with intensity of various smoky eye looks from soft and warm, to a deep, blackened metallic. And don’t let the Heat fool you. I feel like this palette is a perfect transition from the sweltering summer months into fall’s crisp leaf-changing golden and rust hues.
Below I have swatches in both daylight and sunlight:
Naked Heat swatches in shade
Look at these metallics glow in sunlight!
Naked Heat swatches in sunlight
As I’ve come to expect from Urban Decay, the shadows are buttery and creamy, super-finely milled, and rich and densely pigmented. I will warn you that there is a touch of fall-out when using the Urban Decay dual-ended brush provided in the palette; however, I did not find this to be the case with any of my other eyeshadow brushes. A simple tap of the UD brush before application will minimize shadow falling, and a good base (like UD’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion) with help you get serious wear and longevity. The eyeshadows, especially the mid- to deeper shades, are highly buildable, allowing subtle colour for even the shyest eye makeup-wearer among us, to cayenne-pepper intensity for the big Heat lovers.
My favourite tip? I love applying the metallics with a slightly dampened stiff shadow brush for an incredible WOW effect and to seriously amp up the shine!
What’s your favourite way to wear Naked Heat? Did you have a chance to snag this beautiful palette?
Oh, and if you hurry, you may still be able to snag one of three Limited Edition Heat Collection Vice Lipsticks: Fuel (a warm, peachy nude), Heat (a metallic rust), and Scorched (a shimmering copper), as well as two new 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils: Alkaline (a deep burgundy) and Torch (a burnt cayenne) on urbandecay.ca!!
~xo
If you liked this post, please take a moment to ‘like’ this post and/or comment!
(Products were provided for consideration and review. All opinions are my own.)
Dior recently added a new generation of skincare, Dior Hydra LIFE to its skincare regimen. The collection includes nine new products that hydrate the skin using gentle, effective, natural-derived ingredients, in bright and fresh packaging.
I had a chance to try out four Hydra LIFE products consistently, and have my review for you below, after the Collection List!
In creating Hydra LIFE, Dior is also the first brand to partner with the Human Microbiome Project, a worldwide collaborative project based on the research of Skin Flora Genes, wherein research has discovered that rebalancing and preserving the skin flora is essential in maintaining a healthy glowing complexion, while an unbalanced skin flora leads to dehydration, redness and imperfections.
Another added bonus about Dior’s Hydra LIFE? The line features 90% natural non-toxic ingredients and is free from silicones, parabens, petrochemicals and allergens. Its lightweight glass packaging and streamlined outer carton made with natural inks and produced without cellophane reduces the line’s impact on the environment by 30%.
The Collection:
Dior Hydra LIFE Fresh Hydration Sorbet Creme Hydrates and nourishes the skin with a Mallow and Harberlea flower leaves mixture in a fresh gel-creme.
Dior Hydra LIFE Deep Hydration Sorbet Water Essence Also including Mallow and Harberlea leaves, this 3-in-1 essence offers ultra-concentrated moisturization, skin refining and toning for the skin.
The Masks: This collection of three nature-infused masks is meant to be applied all over the face, left on for 3 minutes, and rinsed off with water.
Dior Hydra LIFE Glow Better Fresh Jelly Mask Highly concentrated smoothing citrus fruit extract and exfoliating apricot seed powder, this radiance mask offers a powerful yet gentle exfoliation in a water-rich gel texture.
Dior Hydra LIFE Pores Away Pink Clay Mask Highly concentrated natural jojoba and natural pink clay allows this mask to purify the skin and minimize the appearance of pores. Its creamy pink texture transforms into a fine foam when rinsed!
Dior Hydra LIFE Extra Plump Smooth Balm Mask With natural pine oil and nourishing botanical ingredients, this plumbing mask provides intense nourishment in a creamy but lightweight texture.
The Cleansers: Four transformative cleansers to cleanse, purify, exfoliate and remove makeup with natural cleansing agents.
Dior Hydra LIFE Lotion to Foam Fresh Cleanser This fresh lotion containing naturally infused white tea transforms into an airy foam cleanser to remove makeup and deep clean.
Dior Hydra LIFE Oil to Milk Makeup Removing Cleanser Upon contact with water this highly effective makeup-removing oil containing sweet almond extract transforms into a rich creamy emulsion, and removes makeup without an oily residue.
Dior Hydra LIFE Micellar Water Enriched in echinacea flower extract, this soothing micellar water offers a concentration of powerful makeup removing properties, and a soft, comforting texture.
Dior Hydra LIFE Time to Glow Ultra Fine Exfoliating Powder Enriched with natural lotus seeds and sugar crystals, this gentle exfoliating powder transforms into a light foam upon contact with water, and gently polishes and deeply cleanses the skin for a natural glow. (To be used 2 – 3 times/week.)
Last but not least, the Dior Hydra LIFE line includes the existing Hydra LIFE Pro-Youth Silk Creme, Hydra LIFE Pro-Youth Sorbet Eye Creme, and the Jelly Sleeping Mask.
The Film:
My Review:
I was sent four items for review from Dior: The Hydra LIFE Oil to Milk Makeup Removing Cleanser, Pro-Youth Sorbet Eye Creme, Fresh Hydration Sorbet Creme, and Extra Plump Smooth Balm Mask. Rather than just try them a few times, I put the line through the wringer, and have been using them faithfully as part of my regular skincare regimen for the past 6-8 weeks.
Let me just start with the packaging and initial thoughts on the line… Wow. I absolutely LOVED the packaging and jars Dior used for this line, as it really seems to suit the airy, fresh image I feel this line has. The jars are gorgeously minimalistic, matte (for the masks) or shiny (cremes), and just look decadent once opened! All the items I tested had a very light, deliciously subtle scent, not at all overpowering like some skincare lines, which I know is music to the ears of some of my more sensitive readers. And the texture… also very decadent — more on that below.
Those who know me well know that I love my cleansing oils (I really do!), and was super-excited to try the new Hydra LIFE Oil to Milk Makeup Removing Cleanser. I use my Dior Instant Gentle Cleansing Oil all the time, and was eager to see how the new Hydra LIFE Oil to Milk Cleanser compared. As promised, once water is added, this oil becomes a creamy emulsion that is then massaged over the face and rinsed with lukewarm water. Personally, I prefer to use a facial cleansing cloth to massage off the cleansing oil, which removes my makeup. I did find that the Oil to Milk Cleanser had a bit of a harder time with my mascara, but removed all other makeup easily. And it leaves the skin supple and moist.
Eye creams are absolute must-haves to me and Hydra LIFE’s Pro-Youth Sorbet Eye Creme was a nice surprise for me. This eye cream promises to reduce puffiness and visibly lighten dark circles, and despite usually favouring richer eye creams, I was not disappointed. A delicious sorbet (gel-cream) texture, it spreads over the delicate eye area gently with a cooling feeling, absorbs very quickly and makes a perfect base for makeup (no creasing of makeup overtop). I will say that it is a very light texture, and thus, may not be moisturizing or rich enough for some, but I find it perfect for the warm, humid summer months. The only negative comment I have about the Hydra LIFE packaging is that with the small container, it does get a little difficult to get the cream out from the sides of the jar once the amount dwindles…
My favourite of the four products had to be the Hydra LIFE Fresh Hydration Sorbet Creme! With the same sorbet, gel-cream cooling texture as the Sorbet Eye Creme, this light moisturizer absorbs quickly enough to apply makeup right overtop. I found it refreshing, hydrating with a delicious texture. I love its lightness for summer, and absolutely love the subtle scent! I will definitely continue using this Sorbet Creme for the remainder of the summer!
My last product to test was the Hydra LIFE Extra Plump Smooth Balm Mask. What I loved about the mask was the quick, 3-minute application and super-quick results! Intensely hydrating and nourishing, this mask promises to leave skin instantly soft, while becoming plumper and more comfortable day after day. And nourishing it was! A great quick treat, suitable even for daily use, I loved applying this Mask and and being able to remove it almost immediately. I’m much more used to wearing masks for 10-20 minutes, which I still love to do as a relaxing treatment, however, it’s so nice to be able to garner similar results without a time commitment especially when we’re in a hurry. I will definitely be trying the other two Hydra LIFE masks after this and recommend you do the same!
The Dior Hydra LIFE skincare line is now available at Dior Counters nationwide, including at TheBay.com, Sephora and Holt Renfrew.
Have you tried any of Dior’s Hydra LIFE products yet, and how do you like them?
~xo
If you liked this post, please take a moment to ‘like’ this post and/or comment! I love to read what you think.
(Products were provided for consideration and review. All opinions are my own.)
Today I learned that it has been two whole years since the launch of the last Urban Decay Naked Palette — the beautiful Naked Smoky filled with sultry shadows to create that gorgeous smoky eye. Who knew!
UD changed all that today with the news that they have launched a fifth Urban Decay Naked palette, the Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette! “I’ve never been able to say this about a Naked palette, but this is the first Naked palette that satisfies both my need for neutrals and my craving for rich, sexy color,” UD founder Wende Zomnir told Allure. While UD calls it an “auburn-inspired, warm, steamy, sultry set of colors,” Glamour calls it ‘a trend lover’s late-summer dream. Naked Heat is filled with twelve new shadows that range from a pink-toned nude to coppery brown, with shades of brick in between. Each shade mimics a hot night on the beach and the changing leaves in autumn—and the colours fall right in line with the rusty reds and maroons that have been popping up on celebrities and Insta feeds. Subtle and sexy…’
And not only is Urban Decay launching this scorching hot summer palette, they are launching a limited-edition mini Heat collection, too. The collection will include three new Vice Lipsticks: Fuel (a warm, peachy nude), Heat (a metallic rust), and Scorched (a shimmering copper), as well as two new 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils: Alkaline (a deep burgundy) and Torch (a burnt cayenne).
The UD Naked Heat Palette will be available for an exclusive pre-sale on urbandecay.com for UD Beauty Junkies, and officially launch on June 30th! It will be available on sephora.com on July 10th, and in-stores on July 13th!
With the incredible and cult-like recent success of similar warm-toned, rusty palettes like Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette and the Natasha Denona Sunset Eyeshadow Palette, both of which sold out in the blink of an eye, you must be feeling the heat. (I know I am!) Are you lining up to get your hands on this beauty?
It has been a few years since I last brought you a CbL Collection, and I’m so excited to share their brand-new collection for Spring/Summer 2017 today! There are seven beautiful shades that will have you screaming for sun and heat, especially if you’ve been under rainy skies like we have. This collection launched yesterday, May 1st on Llarowe.com!
The first of the seven shades is She Sells Sea Shells, a bright pinkish-red linear holo with pink to lilac shimmer. Totally passable as a one-coater, She Sells Sea Shells applied smoothly and provided perfect, lush coverage with its second coat. I can’t wait to wear this cool bright polish for my summer pedis!
The other shade in this colour family is You’re a Little Firecracker, a bright deepened fuchsia-red multi chrome holo with a purple/blue flame that shifts from deep fuchsia to copper orange to bright fuchsia. Llarowe calls this one a “summer vamp for your nails!” Another polish with perfect coverage and dreamy application, YaLF was almost a one-coater and its holo, perfection. Just a warning that the intensity of this one could stain a little, so use a good basecoat and don’t smear a polish-soaked remover pad when removing. Just LOOK at the holo in the slideshow below!
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Dream Big, the only purple in this collection, is described as an indigo-purple creme base with delicate but intense pink to gold to red shimmer. Although it looks quite deep in the bottle, once applied, I found it to be more of a midtone with beautiful complexity. I live for hidden shimmer!
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If you love neons, you will need Radioactive in your life! An intensely bright neon green creme base with intense red to gold to chartreuse shimmer, this one is truly blinding. I found this polish to be more of a jelly, and therefore a bit on the sheer side, even at two coats. To make it truly pop even more, wear this one over an opaque white!
One of my favourites from this collection has to be The Bluest Eyes in Texas. Siiigh… Described as a bright milky turquoise blue creme base with intense gold shimmer and hints of gold to red/pink to green shimmer, this beautiful light blue shows intense fiery and pink flashes. Leah Ann was inspired to make this beauty by her sister’s eyes. Oh to have such lovely eyes!
The Bluest Eyes in shade
The Bluest Eyes in sunlight
The last two polishes in this collection bear the same name. The first, The Deep End, is a vivid turquoise-based multi-chrome that shifts from turquoise to green to blue to purple to pink. I found The Deep End to be a bluish teal with intense shifts in colour, needing a full two coats for complete opacity. It’s almost like a crelly (cream-jelly) polish, and so so gorgeous:
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And last but not least, my other favourite from this collection, The Deep End (H), which is basically the holographic version of the above polish. Described the same as its non-holo twin, a “vivid turquoise-based multi-chrome that shifts from turquoise to green to blue to purple to pink,” it has an incredibly gorgeous added holo sparkle. Do you see the two-toned nails in the slideshow below?? The deep blue-to-algae-turquoise looks exactly like the depth of the ocean!
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Look at these macros of holographic The Deep End!! I was utterly mesmerized by the beauty and sparkle of this polish!
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All Colors by Llarowe polishes are 5-free, cruelty-free and vegan.
In addition to Llarowe.com, you can find Leah Ann’s collections at a number of international stockists. As always, be sure to follow CbL on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news, restock updates, and for more swatches!
Which of these beauties is calling your name? Are you in love with the blues like me, or tend to lean for pinks and brights?
~xo
If you liked this post, please take a moment to ‘like’ this post and/or comment! I love to read your feedback and comments.
(Products were provided for consideration and review. All opinions are my own.)
OPI Announces NEW California Dreaming CollectionFeaturing
West Coast-Inspired Hues for Summer 2017
This summer, tour the west coast with the California Dreaming Collection by OPI. Experience the brand’s beloved home state with a palette of fun, flirty shades ideal for big adventures, from a day at the beach or a quick surf session to a hike in the mountains or wine tasting in Napa.
The California Dreaming Collection features 12 new hues in classic Nail Lacquer and Long-Wear InfiniteShine formulas, allowing consumers to experience the colours of California’s majestic sunsets and diverse landscapes with a variety of nail wear options. Shades are as unique as the collection’s namesake destination, including rich merlot and punchy pink, orange and coral hues, along with soft, warm shades of rose, pink, peach and nude that conjure the state’s most picturesque locales. Have this summer’s perfect bright red, while deep metallic gold evokes the hazy twilight golden hour. Shimmerings late with brown undertones offers a softer take on classic black. The collection’s hero shade Time For aNapa is a pink coral hue ideal for matching bikinis and wearing on both fingers and toes while exploring California’s 800 miles of coastline.
“I always draw inspiration from fashion, food and travel, and California’s unique mix of cultures, cuisines and landscapes serves as a constant source of creativity,” remarks OPI co-founder and brand ambassador, Suzi Weiss-Fischmann. “From San Diego to San Francisco, the state is filled with breathtaking vistas; from active adventurers wearing yoga pants to Hollywood stars in sequins,California fashion is completely unique. And when it comes to food, there’s something for everyone!The California Dreaming Collection offers a flexible palette ranging from berry to nude, with gold and black hues ideal for nail art and two-tone looks – providing wearers with a taste of the beauty found in ‘The Golden State.’”
California Dreaming Collection by OPI includes the below shades in classic Nail Lacquer and InfiniteShine formulas:
This is Not Whine Country
The merlot the merrier I always say.
GPS I Love You I couldn’t have pinked a sweeter travelling companion.
Malibu Pier Pressure This cotton candy pink has a very persuasive vibe.
To the Mouse House We Go! This magic red is for kissable lips, polka dot bows and tempting apples.
Me, Myselfie & I
But enough about me, doesn’t this coral look good in my selfie?
Santa Monica Beach Peach Go ahead and hit the beach, this punchy orange has your back.
Time for a Napa
It’s always the right moment for this bubbly hot coral.
Excuse Me, Big Sur!
This rose may be soft, but it’s not afraid to speak up.
Barking Up the Wrong Sequoia
Finding the perfect peach is a tall order.
Feeling Frisco This nude’s bound to put you in a Bayful mood.
Sweet Carmel Sunday You’re always a treat in this glistening gold.
Don’t Take Yosemite for Granite Of quartz not! Everyone appreciates this shimmering slate.
California Dreaming Collection by OPI will be available in classic Nail Lacquer and Infinite Shine formulas beginning May 2017. Nail Lacquers will retail for $10.00 ($13.50 CAN) each and Infinite Shine colors will retail for $12.50 ($16.95 CAN) at Professional Salons, as well as Beauty Brands, beautybrands.com, Chatters, Dillard’s, Regis, Sally Beauty, ULTA and ulta.com and Macy’s. OPI is guaranteed only when purchased through authorized professional beauty outlets and prestige stores, not from a drugstore, supermarket, mass outlet, or other unauthorized sources.
The House of Dior is delighted to announce Bella Hadid as the face of Dior Makeup!
Bella Hadid joins Natalie Portman and Jennifer Lawrence to become one of the iconic faces of Dior Makeup.
To inaugurate this new role, she lends her iconic beauty and her digital influence aura to the brand-new Diorshow Pump & Volume mascara created by Peter Philips, Creative and Image Director for Dior Makeup.
Inspired by the electrifying backstage atmosphere, this volumizing mascara gives her emerald eyes a touch of audacity and extravagance. This cutting edge creation delivers a precise dose of its unique formula to the brush with a simple squeeze.
Spectacular XXL lashes for beauty in tune with its time and with fashion!
Who else is loving this gorgeous look on Bella Hadid? I also cannot wait to try Diorshow Pump & Volume mascara!
For this season in full colour, Peter Philips, Creative and Image Director for Dior Makeup, celebrates the gradient makeup trend with COLOUR GRADATION. This intuitive yet precise technique works vivid shades tone on tone for eyes emboldened with a clash of colour, lips bitten with a gradation of electric pinks and cheeks aglow with a radiant tie-dye…
With bright, sunny days on their way, colour Gradation gives women the freedom to use pigments on the skin or create more avant-garde gradation effects. A unique colour experience for the most vibrant right of spring.
For this season in full colour, Peter Philips, Creative and Image Director for Dior Makeup, celebrates the gradient makeup trend with COLOUR GRADATION. This intuitive yet precise technique works vivid shades tone on tone for eyes emboldened with a clash of colour, lips bitten with a gradation of electric pinks and cheeks aglow with a radiant tie-dye…
