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Urban Decay Vice 2 Palette Review

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Hello Makeup Geeks! Today I have a review of the Urban Decay Vice 2 Palette. I know a lot of people have seen this and there have been several reviews on it, but I wanted to share my thoughts about it with you as well. It’s been a while since I reviewed anything from Urban Decay and they really do have amazing products and great packaging. Every year they release a new palette and this year they gave us the Vice 2 Palette.

So let’s get on to the review. 🙂

Urban Decay Vice 2 01

URBAN DECAY VICE 2 PALETTE

The Urban Decay Vice 2 retails for $59.00. This may seem like a lot but when you break down the cost it’s really not. This palette includes 20 new and exclusive shades at 0.03 ounces each. UD eyeshadows typically sell for $18.00 for 0.05 ounces of product, so overall this is a great price for the amount of shadows you get and also for the great packaging. It also include a dual ended brush that I am not a huge fan of.

PACKAGING

I really love the packaging on this. It’s not your typical cardboard like the Vice 1 was, this is a sturdy plastic case swirled with shades of purple and embossed with the raised diamond like logo “UD”.  There are several things that I really like about this palette;

  1. Besides the palette being sturdy, it also has a button that you push to allow the lid to glide open gently.
  2. It has a large mirror which is the same size as the palette.
  3. The top of the palette with the mirror doesn’t fall all the way back, it stays open which makes it convenient to use.

This is where I feel the majority of the money goes to on this palette. They really spared no expense and overlooked no detail when designing this. Continue reading →

Ulta Haul & Review

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Hello Makeup Geeks! I have a fun haul video to share with you today. Recently, Ulta was kind enough to send me some products and I wanted to review them for you. As always, I will only give fair and honest reviews about the products regardless of whether they were sent to me or I purchased them myself.

So let’s get started on this review. 🙂

Ulta Haul Porduct 09

Cargo_Swatches 01 Cargo_Swatches 02

Cargo Vintage Escape Fall Eyeshadow Palette

I love the packaging on this. It has a sleek brown faux leather design reminiscent of a distressed leather journal and is embossed with the Cargo name. I love this as it makes it easy to clean and great for travel.  This has 12 shades which are all fall inspired. All the colors are creamy and smooth and really nicely pigmented. The palette also comes with a dual ended brush, one side an angled eyeliner brush and the other a small flat brush.

  • Harvest Moon – Light Cream Satin
  • Cuddle – Soft Pink Satin
  • Frolic – Taupe Shimmer
  • Cinnamon – Brown/Copper with Copper Shimmer
  • Twigs – Blue/Grey Metallic
  • Black Crow – Black Matte
  • Crisp – Soft Gold Shimmer
  • Hot Cocoa – Neutral Milk Chocolate Matte
  • Autumn – Peach Matte
  • Withered Leaves – Muted Brown/Green with Green Shimmer
  • Rustic – Copper Metallic
  • Chestnut – Dark Matte Brown

Price: $55.70

Where to Buy: Amazon, eBay, Cargo

Ulta Haul Porduct 02

StriVectin Tightening Neck Cream

This is non-comedogenic, oil-free and paraben-free which makes it perfect for anyone with sensitive skin like myself, but also works on any skin type. This is extremely smooth and glides on the skin and neck for a luxurious feel that isn’t oily or greasy. This also doesn’t feel heavy on the skin like other creams. The only downside to this is the price tag that accompanies it.

Price: $89.00 for 1.7 ounces

Where to Buy: Amazon, eBay, Ulta

StriVectin Youthful Skin Trio or The Great Wrinkle Escape

This comes with 3 travel friendly products; Replenishing Cleanser, Eye Concentrate for Wrinkles and the Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks and Wrinkles. I have used the Eye Concentrate before and loved it. It’s ideal for anyone who gets dry under their eyes as it is very moisturizing without being oily. I currently use the Intensive Concentrate on my face because it is oil-free and is very moisturizing on the dry parts of my face.

Price: Varies

Where to Buy: eBay

Clarisonic

I know these have been on the market for a while, but for those of you who don’t already own one it’s a great product! This cleans your skin deep into the pores and makes it feel amazing. This is no way abrasive to your skin or do you need harsh cleaners that can damage your face. It removes 6 times the dirt, oil and makeup than traditional methods.

Price: $150.00

Where to Buy: Amazon, eBay, Ulta

Ulta Haul Porduct 04

Pur Minerals CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 40

The trend has moved from BB Creams to CC Creams for this season and Pur Minerals has their version. This is an upgrade from the BB and is basically a tinted moisturizer that “color corrects”. This is a multitasking moisturizer, brightener, primer, concealer and SPF foundation all in one.  I did test this earlier but I can’t wear it as it contains Titanium Oxide which I am allergic to. It’s very smooth and silky and for it not being a full on foundation gives a good amount of coverage.

Price: $38.00

Where to Buy: Amazon, eBay, Ulta

Ulta Haul Porduct 03

Stila Stay All Day 10-in-1 HD Beauty Balm

From CC Creams to BB Creams, these are all the rage. This BB Cream from Stila is oil and paraben free which is great for your skin. It glides on smoothly to a slight powdery finish. This is perfect for those who prefer a very light or natural finish to their skin. The only thing I dislike about this is the odor, it had a slight medicine smell attached to it that was noticeable.

Price: $38.00

Where to Buy: Amazon, eBay, Ulta

Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara

I tried this over the weekend and really liked it. I love the brush that comes with it as it really separates and thickens the lashes for a full voluminous effect.

Price: $19.50

Where to Buy: Amazon, eBay, Ulta

Ulta Haul Porduct 07

Urban Decay Stardust Sparkling Lip Gloss

This has been out for a while but it has such a great effect to it. Infused with hints of glitter, this adds a multidimensional aspect to your lips. Ideal for a night out on the town this would look stunning for an added pop of fun or drama. The only downside is it’s only available in one shade.

Price: $19.00

Where to Buy: eBay, Urban Decay

Ulta Haul Porduct 06

Butter London Nail Polish

I have to be honest I have never tried their polishes before however I have heard about their remarkable quality. This is the shade “Pillar Box Red” which is a stunning candy apple red shade. The only downside is the price which is expensive for a nail polish. If you have tried these let me know what you think. 🙂

Price: $15.00

Where to Buy: Amazon, eBay, Ulta

Ulta Haul Porduct 01

Philosophy Raspberry Sorbet 3-In-1 Shampoo, Shower Gel and Bubble Bath

The fruity raspberry scent of this is very light and feminine. I love the fact it is a 3-in-1 product so you feel like you are getting more for your money. This really does have a true raspberry scent!

Price: $16.50 for 16 ounces

Where to Buy: Amazon, eBay, Ulta

I really hope you all are having a great fall so far and are getting ready for the holiday season. 🙂 Have fun with your shopping and I will see you soon.

XOXO,

Marlena

Thanks to Makeup G
Regards – BloCosmetics.com

The List of MAC Dupes for Makeup Geek Eyeshadows

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While I’ve been using Makeup Geek shadows more often in my tutorials, I don’t expect all Makeup Geek viewers to have all the shades at their disposal — and even those that have bought some of the Makeup Geek shadows may still have some suitible colors in their MAC collection.

This list is for those of you coming from the MAC world and either want to migrate your collection to Makeup Geek, those that want cheap alteratives to MAC, or those that want to find alternatives to the colors I used in a video.

I think we did a pretty good job of listing dupes I was aware of, but if you see some that MAC dupes that are missing, please feel free to list them in the comments below and we’ll try to update this list.   Also, if you think the dupe listed isn’t close enough, or if you know of a better one, let us know as well :)   Thanks!

Makeup Geek Appletini :  MAC One Off    (see swatch comparison)

Makeup Geek Bada Bing : none

Makeup Geek Bleached Blonde : MAC Gorgeous Gold 

Makeup Geek Bling: MAC Mylar

Makeup Geek Brown Sugar : MAC Mulch  or MUFE 312

Makeup Geek Burlesque: non

Makeup Geek Chickadee : MAC Rule    (see swatch comparison)

Makeup Geek Cinderella :   MAC Jest    (see swatch comparison)

Makeup Geek Cocoa Bear : MAC Brown Script

Makeup Geek Corrupt : MAC Carbon   (see swatch comparison)

Makeup Geek Country Girl : none

Makeup Geek Cupcake : MAC Perky or Soft Flower  or MUFE 112

Makeup Geek Dirty Martini :  MAC Velvet Moss  (see swatch comparison)

Makeup Geek Duchess : none

Makeup Geek Envy : none

Makeup Geek Fairytale : MAC Purple Haze

Makeup Geek Fuji : MAC Bitter  or MUFE 171

Makeup Geek Galaxy : MAC Charred  (see swatch comparison)

Makeup Geek Glamorous : none

Makeup Geek Gold Digger : none

Makeup Geek Goddess : MAC Coppering

Makeup Geek Homecoming : none

Makeup Geek Ice Queen : MAC White Frost 

Makeup Geek Last Dance: MAC Folie

Makeup Geek Latte:  MAC Saddle

Makeup Geek Mandarine: none

Makeup Geek Mango Tango : MAC Firecracker (see swatch comparison)

Makeup Geek Mercury : MAC Electra

Makeup Geek Mermaid :  MAC Steamy

Makeup Geek Mocha : MAC Ground Brown   (see swatch comparison)

Makeup Geek Moondust :  MAC Patina  (see swatch comparison)

Makeup Geek Neptune : MAC Cobalt   or MUFE 159

Makeup Geek Ocean Breeze :  none

 Makeup Geek Peacock : MAC Plumage

Makeup Geek Poison Ivy : MAC Sumptuous Olive

Makeup Geek Poolside : MAC Cool Heat  (see swatch comparison)

Makeup Geek Preppy: none

Makeup Geek Pretentious : MAC Romp

Makeup Geek Purely Naked : MAC Arena (see swatch comparison)

Makeup Geek Purple Rain : MAC Indian Ink (see swatch comparison)

Makeup Geek Razzleberry : none

Makeup Geek Sea Mist :  none

Makeup Geek Sensuous :  none

Makeup Geek Shimma Shimma :   MAC Shroom  (see swatch comparison)

Makeup Geek Shimmermint :  MAC Warm Chill   (see swatch comparison)

Makeup Geek Stealth : MAC Print

Makeup Geek Taupe Notch: none

Makeup Geek Twilight : MAC Illegal Cargo (see swatch comparison)

Makeup Geek Unexpected :

Makeup Geek Unicorn : MAC Parfait Amour

Makeup Geek Vanilla Bean: Mac Blank Type

Makeup Geek White Lies : MAC Gesso   (see swatch comparison)

Makeup Geek Wisteria : MAC Red Violet   (see swatch comparison)

Makeup Geek Yellow Brick Road : none

Read more on Makeup G
BloCosmetics.com – more makeup posts – BloCosmetics.com – more skin care posts