Ever since the Urban Decay Naked Palette was released, I wanted it. But before I could get to a Sephora store the palette was sold out. Well today, on a whim I stopped by my local Sephora and looked for the palette but it wasn’t on the shelf so I left. Later that afternoon, something told me to stop by Sephora again and I did. I asked the salesperson about the Naked Palette and she informed me that there were just a few in stock in the back. Success!

There have been great reviews about this palette and I can see why. The colors are neutral but NOT at all bland or boring. In fact these are some of the prettiest neutrals that I have seen in a long time. Let’s take a closer look:

(l to r) Virgin, Sin, Naked, Sidecar, Buck, Half Baked

(l to r) Smog, Darkhorse, Toasted, Hustle, Creep, Gunmetal

In addition to the 12 shades in the palette, the set comes with a double ended eyeliner (Zero which is black and Whiskey which is brown) and Urban Decay Primer Potion. The 12 shadows, eyeliner and primer are housed in a purple velvet box with gold writing.  This palette gives a very luxurious feel and appearance. The kit seamlessly goes from light to dark and from shimmery to matte all while each color complements the other. This palette offers colors that will suit just about everyone and they can definitely go from mild to wild. So far this palette is my favorite purchase because of the packaging, the color selection and the great quality of the product. I would say that this is a must have purchase for Fall…if you can get your hands on it!

The Urban Decay Naked Palette retails for $44 and can be purchased at Sephora or www.urbandecay.com

Today, like yesterday was a scorcher in NYC with temperatures exceeding over 100 degrees. So today was a day that I had to do without my makeup, there was simply no way that I was putting on a “full face” or makeup and brave the heat. My skin is very oily and even more so in the summer so I try not to apply to much makeup because with work I do not always have to time to touch up or re-apply. I’ve been holding on to my L’Oreal Studio Secrets™ Professional Magic Perfecting Base for some time because I already have a wide selection of primers. I wanted to do my usual “5 minute” makeup job which consists of a little concealer, loose powder, mascara, lip gloss and voila, I’m out the door. But today as I was going through my makeup case, I decided to give this product a try.

From what I’d read the base is long lasting, controls oil, diminishes pores and smooths skin – ok that sounds good. This base can be worn alone or with makeup – ok sounds even better. I put the product to the test and decided to apply a little and see how it all worked out in this stifling heat. I applied the magic perfecting base to my face and upon application it felt as though I had dusted my face with translucent powder. My skin did look much smoother so I felt that I would certainly be able to use this formula without makeup, in fact it’s a great alternative to wearing makeup. I love the matte finish that my skin had and it was noticeably less oily.

Overall I think that L’Oreal Studio Secrets™ Professional Magic Perfecting Base is a great product. One thing that I must mention is that the jar is .5 oz, which is quite small. The base costs approximately $12.99, which is a little pricey for such a small size. A plus is that this base is available at your local drugstore so it’s easily to pickup and you won’t have far to search when you run out. Is it magic? Perhaps. Is it worth having in your makeup bag? Absolutely!