Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette

I must admit, I didn't get very excited about the release of either Naked 1 or Naked 2. They were neutral shadows and I didn't feel like splashing out 40 euro on browns and golds. I picked up the MUA Undressed and Undress Me Too as they were the most obvious dupes at the time, and they did and to this day still do the job fantastically well for palettes that cost me just 4 pounds each. The Naked 3 though, was a completely different story. As soon as I saw the pictures that had leaked on to the Internet I was willing it to be true, as it was just so pretty, and completely me. So I knew, at some stage, whenever it would be, that it would be mine. And now it is, so lets see how I got on with it!

First of all the packaging, I totally love the look of it. The shadows themselves are encased in a Rose Gold almost tin like case, with what seems like slight waves going through it. On opening the palette though it doesn't feel the most sturdy. It feels like if I were to let if fall, (which is highly possible with clumsy old me),that the case itself would just break in two, which shouldn't be with something that's not exactly cheap. I may have just got a dud case, who knows, but anyway its not highly important, just something to be aware of.
The actual eyeshadows themselves, I seriously love. All pink toned neutrals, varying from light highlight shades, perfect for under the brow bone and inner corner,  to darker shades which are perfect for crease work and blending out into the outer V.
The shades in the palette are as follows:

• Strange: (Matte), 
• Dust (Shimmer)
• Burnout (Shimmer)
• Limit: (Matte)
• Buzz: (Shimmer)
• Trick: (Shimmer 
• Nooner: (Matte)
• Liar: (Shimmer)
• Factory: (Shimmer)
• Mugshot: (Shimmer)
• Darkside: (Matte)
• Blackhorse: (Shimmer)

Everything I've read about Urban Decay shadows, I 100 percent agree with. Soft, buttery, and so easy to blend. I'm not very good at doing elaborate eye looks, but with this palette and the easiness with which the shadows blend, I'm giving it a good go at least! The only slight problem is the fallout from the shimmery shadows. This problem isn't exclusive to UD shadows however, as it occurs with most other shimmery shadows that I've tried. But aslong as you do your eye make up before your foundation etc, its not too much of an issue. I have to say I'm really impressed with the mattes in the palette. I tend to use shimmery shadow's more often, because they tend to be more pigmented and last longer on me. The mattes in this though are really good, and actually are full of pigment and don't fade away after just a few hours. I particularly love using Nooner as a  quick all over the lid colour for every day. 

But I really really fell head over heels for the shimmers within the palette. When they're applied on to the eyes I think they just look beautiful. My particular favourites are Dust, and Buzz, and used individually they just give a lovely wash of colour to the lids. If I'm going on a night out or to an occasion, and I want my eye make up to look a bit more 'done', I tend to go for the darker shades, say Factory and Mugshot, with a bit of Blackheart blended into the Outer V and it gives a really lovely effect, it looks like you've put in loads of effort, when in reality its only taken a couple of minutes. 

Another thing I am so impressed with is the brush that comes with it, there's a flat side perfect for packing on colour, and a larger fluffier brush which is great for blending. It actually works really well, but then again when its a higher ended brand and you're parting with the guts of 50 euro, they can't really give you one of those sponge applicators now can they? 

It also  comes with some samples of the various Primer Potions that UD do, I've only used one of them so far, but to be honest I found it didn't prolong the wear of the shadows a whole lot, but I only used a small bit at a time,  so that could be why.
Overall, I am genuinely delighted that I bought this, and am not in anyway disappointed with the purchase. I know its a lot of money to spend on eyeshadow, but I thought about it long and hard before I bought it, and I saved up for it, so I don't feel too bad. If you like me fell for the pink hues of this, but don't want to spend that amount of money, ,then Make Up Revolution have released what is reported to be a very good dupe of Naked 3, for just 4 pounds! (They also have so many other amazing products that I shall definitely be checking out soon) ;)

Have you any of the Naked Palettes?
Which is your favourite?
Thanks for reading,
Alisha xxx

                                       Swatches with flash...

                                         Swatches without flash...

Sephora Wishlist

So last week Twitter was set alight with the news that Sephora now delivers to the UK. This is good news for all us Irish ladies aswell because thanks to the fantastic service that is Parcel Motel, we can also shop till we drop. Apparently there is a flat rate of 10 pounds for delivery for orders over 75 pounds, so if there was a couple of friends that also wanted a few bits then you could always go together and deliver would work out cheap as chips. Sephora have said that there won't be any customs charges, but I don't know is that for them. But still, we can shop in Sephora now! Woohoo!
Anyway, this news didn't really make any difference to me, because in 6 weeks time I shall be in New York, so I can actually go into a Sephora, and touch and see and swatch to my hearts content!
I have been eyeing up the website frequently to see what bits I'm going to get, and these are the products I've narrowed it down to. However all of these may not be possible as Sephora is more on the high end side, but we'll see. ;)

First of all is the Naked 3 palette. I've been thinking about this for ages now, but am yet to give in to the hype. There's something about the pink tones that are just calling out to me!

Next up is the Sephora Collection Rouge Infusion Lip Ink: I've heard great things about Sephora's own brand products and this Lip Ink looks really interesting. From the description it seems to be similar to the YSL Glossy Stains, but for a lot less money! Also, how cute is the test tube like packaging?

It wouldn't be a trip to the States without picking up an Amazonian Clay Blush from Tarte. Every beauty blogger across the globe has raved about these, and apparently the shade Exposed is great as a contour colour for fair skin. I'm akin to Casper the Friendly Ghost, and I can't contour to save my life, so this could be just what I need to get myself in gear to practice it a bit more.

Another really hyped up product is the famous Beauty Blender. Ok so this in reality is just a really expensive make up sponge, but after trying  and loving the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge, and another copy of the BB that I picked up in TK Maxx, I just have to try this and see is it really worth it.

I've been wanting to try a full coverage foundation for ages, but haven't been able to find anything decent in the drug store, but the Kat Von D Lock It Foundation is meant to have exceptional coverage, and as its not available here I may be tempted to pick it up on my holiers! Its also a bit less expensive than some of the other more high end offerings, so that means more money to spend!

And last but by no means least is the Tarte Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush.  Apparently Sephora brushes are phenomenal, but browsing the site I didn't really see any that I liked. However, this brush from Tarte looks extremely sturdy with its bamboo handle, and it just looks like it would buff in foundation to perfection!

There was lots more I could really have added to this post, but I dread even seeing what these bits have added up to! But by the time I get around to going to New York I may have won the Lotto so I may be able to afford all these! ;)

Have any of you ordered from the Sephora site yet?
Have you been in Sephora?

Thanks for reading!
Alisha xxx

Valentine's Day Wishlist

Hey ladies, hope you all had a lovely weekend. January is finally over, although you wouldn't think it with the rotten weather that we've been having. Seriously, what is with all this rain?? Anyway, it now being February means that a lot of people are already thinking about Valentine's day and gift giving and all the rest. Me, not so much, because I told my other half not to get me anything because we're going to New York in April so I figured we could just save any money we would spend on presents for our holiday. Sensible me eh! However, it has definitely not stopped me eyeing up a few bits online.. So am.... Paul, if you are reading this.... Wink Wink.... ;)

I have really gotten into my statement jewelry in the last few weeks, and this neck piece from The Button And Bow Factory has really caught my eye! Its has such beautiful pastel shades in it that would really stand out in the Summer with a plain white tshirt and jeans and pumps... Ah... I don't know what else to say except I REALLY WANT IT!! Its 21 euro HERE and they also offer free shipping worldwide! Yay!

I know I'm seriously late to the party with this one, but I've been so close to buying it on so many occasions, even today I nearly did but the angel on my shoulder just holds me back! The colours are so pretty in it and this one is just way more appealing to me than either of the other Naked palettes. Unless someone buys this for me, or MUA bring out a dupe for it, I think I shall be picking it up in the US OF A. 

Our house has always been a Yankee Candle house, and there's always some fragrance burning in nearly every room! I've really gotten into burning the wax tarts in my bedroom lately, but I would love to try some of the large jars. I'm more into the fruity sweeter scents, but this Strawberry Buttercream one just sounds divine! Although it will probably make me hungry! 

 Pandora are renowned for their charms, and anyone that knows me knows how important a role my family play in my life. I am yet to have something to represent that on my Pandora so it would be nice to get a little charm like this to put on it! 

Ah good old LUSH! You really can't beat them for gift's for any occasion! This Lots Of Love gift set is made up of 5 of Lush's most well known products which are perfect for your loved one this Valentines. It contains Prince Charming Shower Gel, Sex Bomb Bath Bomb, Ro's Argan Body Conditioner, Neon Love Soap, and Tender is The Night massage bar. 

These are just a couple of things that caught my eye so far, I'm sure there's plenty more to come! However, just to be clear, although it has become quite a tradition to give gifts for Valentine's day, presents aren't the most important thing! Whether it be your mother, your granny, your best friend or your boyfriend, you don't need gifts to show them you love them! Who knows, maybe I'll just buy some of these myself... ;) 

Any of these catch your eyes? 

Thanks for reading,

Alisha xxx