That’s Too Faced Cosmetics’ mantra, and I can totally get behind that. They don’t want women to just look gorgeous, they want women to feel gorgeous, and that’s a message that sells. Since their inception 10 years ago they have skyrocketed to the top of the cosmetics wish list, taking their place with other faves like MAC and Chanel.

One of the things I love Too Faced for is their ability to be fun and kicky but remain classy. As I get older and finally grow into my adult responsibility (sort of), I try to evolve and keep my style on course with my age. Too Faced offers products that help me look smartly put together while still having a little crazy fun.

One of their products that helps me do that is Starry Eyed Liquid Liner ($17.50). Liquid liners packed with micro glitter, these are perfect for a little extra pop during the day, or a lot at night. A quick pass of Gold Digger right at your lash line gives a brightening look to your typical bronze shadow. It gave my eyes an open happy look, without being over the top. One swipe gives a twinkling shine without screaming “HELLO, I’M WEARING GLITTER!”, or add a few more layers for a bold, eye catching disco ball effect. Unlike a lot of micro-glitter eye products, Starry Eyed doesn’t irritate my eyes, and I appreciate that I can wear something I love without my eyes ending up goopy and itchy for once. Is it the addition of calming cucumber or soothing carrot that does it? Heck if I know, but I can tell you it’s a fantastic formula all around! It’s not quite as fast drying as you hope, but a quick shot of cool air from my hair dryer takes care of that. Be sure to let it dry all the way before opening your peepers wide, or you’ll end up with glitter on your upper eyelid all day long because the staying power is awesome. (more…)

Okay people, sit up and pay attention, because you may never hear the following from me again: I found something from Urban Decay I’m not thoroughly in love with. I know, I’m just as freaked out as you are, but if you bear with me we might all make it through okay.

I have no major gripes with Urban Decay’s brand new lipstick, don’t get me wrong.  In fact, I was ecstatic when I heard they were bringing lipstick back their line up. It was one of their original products and I’ve missed it for some time now. It has returned triumphant with a few tweaks to bring it up to date. I’m happy to see Gash in the lipstick as well since it’s an Urban Decay classic, though I miss X, which was a beautiful golden peachy pink that I remember being quite flattering. They can’t make a color just for me though can they?  Calling it plain old lipstick falls a little flat for Urban Decay in my opinion. I would’ve expected something spunky like Lip Laminate (lame yes, but I’m making it up as I go along) from the company that brought us XXX Shine and Lip Gunk. *sigh* I suppose we all have to grow up sometime.

First, the texture. Smooth and creamy, but nice and light.  Not at all waxy or thick. I tried a full coverage and a semi-sheer, but they also offer sheer colors. Or you can choose by texture; cream, sheen, or shimmer. The color was surprisingly long lasting, after several hours of chasing little ones my friend commented on the color and I happily noticed it was still in place.  And that was the semi-sheer! Some of the staying power may have been due to the exceptional lip liner I chose, but since I lacked the Bratz doll “liner only” look my best guess is that it’s a really good lipstick.

Of course there are the little touches that make it UD-riffic. The Urban Decay logo is etched right onto the lipstick, and the sturdy metal tube means you won’t be accidentally leaving it in a pocket any time soon. That’s mostly because the small gunmetal dagger sticking from the bottom of the tube poses a risk of injury and the slightly larger than average size tube is hard to fit in small spaces. The crème caramel flavor and fragrance leaves a bit to be desired.  In Revolution, a rich true red, the flavor is irritating at first though manageable as it fades, but in Vinyl, a beautiful plum, it tasted chemically and bitter.  Maybe not such a big deal, but if you happen to expend your nervous energy by licking your lips, it can get old really fast.  Who knows if it’s the semi-sheer formula or the purple color or simply my tastebuds, but it was enough to make me reconsider my desire to purchase 8 of the 22 available colors. However, with the family and friends special (ending on the 28^th) and the “Love it or Leave it” guarantee I think it’s a worthwhile risk to take. I can’t decide between Gash and Gravity though, what do you think?

Lest you think It’s  all depressing news on the Urban Decay front I’d like to mention 2 other new UD products for fall.  24/7 Glide On lip pencil and concealer. Staying true to the supple texture of the eyeliner we all adore, the lip pencil is available in 6 shades, including the all purpose clear.  Naked is a bit dark to be an all purpose nude, but Heavy is lighter with a touch of shimmer and would work well for almost anyone. This lip pencil lasts and lasts and is jam packed with all the good stuff you’d expect, like Jojoba oil and vitamin E.

The 24/7 concealer is simply amazing. This formula feels light but covers almost anything. It lasts so well that after an unexpected crying jag my eyes were still free of dark circles. I have sworn by my current concealer for years but I think I’m going to have to give it the old heave ho. The real selling point for me though is that they have a shade that is perfect for me, no small feat even in the huge cosmetics market of today.  The pencil is certainly handy for storage on the go, but being caught without a sharpener could be disastrous.  All in all a good showing for fall from Urban Decay.  They chose to keep it simple by focusing on ony a few products with superb results.

Quick thanks to all of you and to Jen for the great thing I get to be involved with here. I have had so much fun over the last months and I’m thankful for all the support I get. It’s wonderful to share the things you learn and the things you love with others. It may be a long year sans husband for me, but at least I get to share it with you!!!