Obsessed With: Urban Decay Primer Potion

Most of you know I'm not a big believer in primers and what they do for the skin.  I have tried many brands of skin primers and I never liked how my makeup looked when I used them (though, to be fair, I use powder foundation and that might be part of the reason.)

I have heard countless raves about Urban Decay Primer Potion (or UDPP) from YouTube beauty gurus and bloggers alike.  No matter what anyone said about how great it was, I put it on my "products not for me" list and went on with my primer-less life.

I do wear eyeshadow daily, but I just lightly sweep MAC's "blanc type" over my lid and that's that. No blending, no multiple colors, no crease definition.  I didn't see myself as a candidate for eyeshadow primer.

Something that's always bothered me is that usually by mid day and definitely towards the end of the day, my eyelids get greasy. Not like disgustingly greasy or anything, but enough to notice creases in my shadow and enough to rob my lids of their once matte look.

I thought oily lids were just something you had to deal with...what I didn't know was that the UDPP eliminates them completely.  Yes, I said eliminates them. Completely.

One morning, I woke up and said to myself "well, I have a sample of this stuff, I might as well try it."  I proceeded to, for the rest of the day, touch my eyelids every few hours and be in awe of how matte they looked AND felt and how there was no grease to be seen. Not even at night before bed when I washed my makeup off. Just no grease, ever.

I just couldn't believe it. I convinced myself it must have been a fluke.  But then, I finished up the sample and had perfectly matte lids for days. 

I finally bought my own tube of this favorite and I'll never look back. Everyone needs this product, especially if you want lasting power and matte lids.  I am thrilled to have discovered its greatness before the summer months where the humidity and heat make shadow practically melt off.

Thank you, Urban Decay, for making this amazing product--- that actually does what it says it will.

You can buy Urban Decay Primer Potion here or here.

Thanks for reading!

xoxo,

Veronika.

All-Time Favorite Nail Polishes (Requested)

It's taken me awhile to get this post together but I've finally done it!  Thanks to everyone who requested this one---I know it's been a long time comin'!

My H went out with his friend tonight so I decided to break out my camera and take pictures of....drum roll..........

My absolute favorite nail polishes!  I divided them into color categories so that it's a little easier to follow.

Let's start with soft pinks and whites:

From L-R:  Minimalistic; Fiji, Bubble Bath; Otherwise Engaged; Alpine Snow & Funny Bunny. One color note pictured is OPI's "Sweet Heart." Looks like I need a new bottle! It's one of my absolutely faves---I even wore it on my wedding day.

Next up, my top picks for dark shades:

From L-R:  Lincoln Park After Dark; Sapphire in the Snow; We'll Always Have Paris; Midnight in Moscow & Wicked.

Hot pink shades are hard to come by, but these take the cake!:

Pink Parka & I'm India Mood For Love

As for non-traditional shades, these top my list:

From L-R: Lucky Luck Lavender; Splash of Grenadine; Lilacism; Mint Candy Apple

.......and finally, if you're in the mood for a little sparkle:

Only Gold for Me

Wondering how I store it all?  This Target container does the job:

What are your favorite shades? Comment below and let me know!

xoxo,

Veronika.

My Top Mascara Picks: Dior, L'Oreal, CoverGirl and Make Up For Ever

I've been on a roll lately with my product reviews so I thought I would continue my review-a-thon with a post about my favorite mascaras.  Plural, because, uh, I love too many of them to choose just one.

From L-R
(please note that I only use waterproof mascaras. I don't like any formulas that aren't waterproof)

Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara, Waterproof, Very Black
The CG Lash Blast is a great mascara overall. I wouldn't say it's my favorite of all of the ones I own, but I love it. It goes on nicely, doesn't clump and defines, thickens and lengthens lashes. It's a great bet if you're trying to find a great drugstore mascara. I tend to like a dry formula and this is dry, but not as dry as some of the other mascaras I love.

DiorShow Iconic Mascara, Waterproof, Black
This mascara, in my opinion works best on the lower lashes.  I actually only use it for that. There's something about the way the brush is shaped and the formula that is just an excellent fit for defining those lower lashes. it stays on all day, doesn't budge and creates separated, pretty lower lashes without clumps.  Like I mentioned, I don't use this on my upper lashes, because I find other formulas work better for that.  The brush is similar to the lash blast in that it's that rubbery plastic material with those stubby-like bristles.

DiorShow Mascara, Waterproof, Black
DiorShow was the first luxury mascara I ever bought.  I think the massive brush is what makes this a standout product (it also has a rose water smell but after awhile you don't notice it at all.)  I think this mascara has everything you'd want in a mascara- length, staying power, thickness.  It really creates those long, lush lashes we all hope for.  It takes some getting used to at first because the brush is so big, but it's worth it!

L'Oreal Volume Collagen Mascara, Waterproof, Blackest Black
This mascara is definitely a Holy Grail one for me.  It really creates very full, thick, lovely lashes.  The brush is different---the bristles are kind of all over the place going in different directions which I think it why this mascara really gives a gorgeous look to the lashes.  I can achieve thickness with this mascara in just one coat.  I like big hair, and I like big lashes---and this delivers---volume, thickness and overall just perfect lashes. This is a must-try, IMO.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Smoky Lash, Waterproof, Black

My newest addition, this mascara surprised me (pleasantly.)  I was a little skeptical but after reading all of the rave reviews I just had to try it during Sephora's F&F 20% off sale.  I'm so glad I did.  Out of all of my mascaras, this one definitely gives the most "feathery" lash look. I also notice that it seems to hold curl in my lashes really well.  It doesn't give quite the thickness of some other formulas I use...but it more than makes up for it because of the unique, soft, feathered appearance it gives to lashes. I'm not really sure how this formula creates that look---maybe the brush or the mascara itself, but I really do enjoy it and am glad I purchased it.

I hope this entry was helpful to anyone looking for a new mascara, or on the fence about trying a new product. What are YOUR favorite mascaras?  Share them in the comments below :)

xoxo,

Veronika.

Best of 2009-Holy Grail Products I Couldn't Live Without!

I got this idea from Carolina Bella over at In My Shoes who got it from Emily at Beauty Broadcast. I definitely have some of my "best of" to share for 2009, so without further ado, here they are:

Best Liquid Foundation:
I don't use liquid, so I can't comment on this one, sorry ladies! (I promise I'll try one soon)...BUT my fave powder foundation is my HOLY GRAIL wouldtotallydiewithoutit MAC StudioFix Powder (I wear C3, for reference)

Best Bronzer:
NARS Laguna- I can't rave enough about this one- it gives the perfect color, the perfect glow and the packaging is great too. I love that this bronzer works on a lot of different skin tones, and that although it has a slight shimmer to it, it isn't detectable on the skin.

Best Blush:
Bobbi Brown blush in "peony" is my most-used at the moment. It is a bright pink that gives cheeks a super-healthy looking flush

Best Concealer:
MAC Studio Finish Concealer (the one in the pot.) If you need concealer, please please please go out and buy this one. I've used it for so many years, and I've never strayed because the coverage is SO incredible. Ladies with skin redness or acne- this is the concealer for you!

Overall Favorite Eye Shadow Brand:
MAC- my fave colors are: satin taupe, retrospeck, honesty and brun
Honorable Mention: Urban Decay and Too Faced

Best Single Product Eyeshadow:
Urban Decay "Midnight Cowboy Rides Again"- this sparkly gold/platinum eyeshadow isn't for everyone, but I absolutely love it.

Best Eyeliner:
MAC Fluidline Gel Liners (I use "dipdown" and "blacktrack")

Best Mascara:
DiorShow Black Waterproof
L'oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Waterproof (drugstore)

Best Lip Gloss:
There are so many to list here...I don't always wear actual colored gloss, but when I do here are my faves- MAC Dazzleglass in "Baby Sparks" and MAC Dazzleglass Creme in "My Favorite Pink"

Best Lipstick:
I really don't wear lipstick that often, but when I do I use MAC's "Colorcrafted" or NARS' "Roman Holiday"...I like PINK...anything pink!

Outstanding Brush:
The Sigma Brush Kit (entire set)- I love their SS150 powder brush

Best Packaging:
NARS and MAC

Best Hair Product:
I know I just started using this (literally today) but I can already tell I absolutely love Pureology's "Nanoworks" shampoo. I also really love Garnier XXL thickening mousse.

MVP (Most Valuable Product):
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin- I've tried many formulas over the years (cetaphil and clinique, to name a few) and this is the best, non greasy, not irritating moisturizer. I apply it in the morning after washing my face.

Runners up: La Roche Posay Effaclar A.I. Targeted Breakout Corrector and Proactiv's Refining Mask

What are YOUR Best of 2009 products? Rave about your faves in the comments below! To my fellow bloggers- I TAG you all to do this post! <3

xoxo,

Veronika.