At one point on my quick trip to Southern California this week, I must have taken my eyes off the sidewalk in front of me for a moment (oops!), because before I knew it, I’d fallen into a rabbit hole…
And this wasn’t just any rabbit hole. Nope, it was a magic one that transported me to Newport Beach and the offices of the largest independently owned color cosmetics company in the United States. 🙂
Disguised as an unassuming gray building…
Despite appearances, this quiet, unassuming gray building nestled on a side street in Newport Beach isn’t an accountant’s office or a place that makes frames. It’s actually the offices of Urban Decay.
Inside, it’s purple, purple, everywhere!
Sweet carnival of chroma, batgirl! The outside belies the pageantry of purple taking place inside these walls. The interior is a cornucopia of color (I never would have guessed it from the building’s facade).
One of the office staff taking a quick break…
The staff includes 62 bipedal employees assisted by a number of their four-legged friends. Pet assistants are encouraged by the cruelty-free line (NOTE TO TABS: Canines were definitely in the house; I didn’t see any cats).
Surf’s up!
From left to right: Executive Creative Director Wende Zomnir and moi (NOTE: Wende is hella tall! I’m standing on my tippy toes in this pic, and she’s crouching down, LOL!)
Avid surfer and Executive Creative Director Wende (pronounced Wendy) Zomnir, one of the founders of the company, hails from the great state o’ Texas, where she grew up working the beauty pageant circuit and modeling back, as she puts it, before there were makeup artists backstage. Girls had to do their own makeup, and some of them got quite good at it after a while. Wende not only did her own makeup, but that of many of the other gals as well.
These days, when she isn’t busy cultivating the crazy UD colors we all know and love, she tends to her hubby and sons, catches waves on her surfboard, and knits (she actually pulled her knitting needles from her purse to show me her current project, a pair of cute wrist warmers).
A few of Wende’s faves…
She’s particularly fond of Urban Decay Flash Eyeshadow, Zero 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil and Sparkling Lickable Powder in Honey Dust.
Too cute!
Pocket Rocket Lipgloss in Doug
Another one of Wende’s UD faves is named after her hubby, Doug, making the name of that Pocket Rocket pretty easy for her to remember (insert collective “AWWWW!”).
Quite possibly the coolest conference room, evah!
Quick! Let’s call a meeting about…anything, so we can all hang out in here. Wende designed everything in the conference room — right down to the table with multi-colored legs.
Trippy!
The ladies loo/restroom looks like something straight out of Alice in Wonderland, complete with teacup light fixtures and faux grass tiled floors. Yeah, if you need me, I’ll be “in my office,” aka the stall on the right. 🙂
Stop — collaborate and listen
Urban Decay released the new Urban Bride set to coincide with the release this weekend of Bridesmaids, a new comedy starring Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph (remember her from SNL?) and Rose Byrne.
(SIDE NOTE: Thought the movie was hilarious! Seriously, it’s a chick flick even dudes would like. It has a couple of raunchy moments, but for a movie associated with Judd Apatow, it’s relatively tame.)
In other news, remember last year’s Alice in Wonderland Book of Shadows? Yup, artwork from that launch decorates the office.
The company has been doing film collaborations like these for years, going back to The Big Lebowski in 1998 (remember the toe with the green nail polish? Yup, that’s UD), Scream in 1996 and The Wedding Singer in 1998. Drew Barrymore, as a matter of fact, worked closely with Urban Decay to create The Wedding Singer lipstick.
Ah, The Wedding Singer… I love that movie. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. I’m back home again. What did I miss?
Bell says
May 12th, 2011 at 5:59 pmWow I bet this was one of your coolest trips ever! I would go bananas in there, how did you control yourself? lol!
xoxo
Vijaya says
May 12th, 2011 at 8:17 pmI know, right?!
Vijaya recently posted … Exam Makeup- Because Going To School Doesnt Mean You Cant Do Colors
Karen says
May 12th, 2011 at 10:17 pm🙂
Karen says
May 12th, 2011 at 10:26 pmI have no idea, LOL! I tried to appear as normal as possible, even though inside I was like, “OHMAHGAWD!”
Sarahc says
May 12th, 2011 at 6:01 pmOK, I think I would saw off my arm to work there….
My office doesn’t look like that.
Karen says
May 12th, 2011 at 10:36 pmNeither does mine, but I wish it did!
Andreita says
May 12th, 2011 at 6:06 pmWhoa this is a very nice place : ) I didn’t expect any less from Urban Decay.
Karen says
May 12th, 2011 at 10:36 pmIt’s so fitting of the line, right?
Amber says
May 12th, 2011 at 6:08 pmDid you happen to ask whether they need a materials engineer? I’m pretty sure they do. 🙂
Amber recently posted … Calaveras
Karen says
May 12th, 2011 at 10:35 pmHey, ya never know!
Alyssa says
May 12th, 2011 at 6:08 pmOh wow, I would love to do my house up like that bathroom! The worst part is, my hubby would totally support it cause we both love everything fantasy like! People say we live our lives in a fantasy world and I tell em I dont care cause its better here lol!
Karen says
May 12th, 2011 at 10:34 pmIf you had that bathroom I’d be, like, can I come over?!?
dani@callitbeauty says
May 12th, 2011 at 6:15 pmi would certainly love to work there! it definitely does not look boring :p.
i love that chair in the entry way, it’s such an attention grabber!
dani@callitbeauty recently posted … Sun Care With Neutrogena!
Karen says
May 12th, 2011 at 10:34 pmI want that chair for my office. It would look cute next to a mirrored table. 🙂
Melissa says
May 13th, 2011 at 6:49 amThe chair is outer limits cool!! I guess it would have been bad manners to be leaving the building carrying their chair out though huh? How fun is that place!!! So envious Karen 🙂
Elizabeth says
May 12th, 2011 at 6:17 pmI want that tile floor!
I love urban decay even more now!
Elizabeth recently posted … My Essie Summer Picks
Karen says
May 12th, 2011 at 10:33 pmHa, I do too. I want it in my kitchen. 🙂
auroragyps says
May 13th, 2011 at 10:01 amI’d love those in my dark basement apt. Not enough good light to grow real plants, so having real looking fake grass under foot would be cool.
Oh, & don’t forget UD had nail polish tie in with the movie A Life Less Ordinary called Hostage. I admit I had to look that up, because I always forget the title, so I only get partial UD geek credit. 😉
Kelsey says
May 12th, 2011 at 6:22 pmI LOVE the office!!! The outside is perfect. I would be disappointed if the inside didn’t look so… well, it’s indescribable. I hope I can go there one day.
Kelsey recently posted … May Birchbox
Karen says
May 12th, 2011 at 10:32 pmI love it too!
Paris B says
May 12th, 2011 at 6:24 pmWe just got Urban Decay in here! So its timely to read about your visit to the HQ. Sounds like it was a fab trip and perhaps I could take another look at UD now 🙂
Paris B recently posted … A quick guide to shopping in Seoul- Korea
Karen says
May 12th, 2011 at 10:29 pmYeah, they’ve been expanding into Asian pretty quickly. For sure check out Bourbon pencil… it’s the best. 🙂
Sherry says
May 12th, 2011 at 6:24 pmI have got to know how you got the invite. Did you just email them or call them and say they’ll be featured on your blog? Did you already know someone there? Do tell!
Karen says
May 12th, 2011 at 10:30 pmHi Sherry,
I know some of the PR folks, and they invited me.
House Of Photo Props says
May 12th, 2011 at 6:29 pmI want the puppy!!
House Of Photo Props recently posted … All Fringe Infant Photographer Prop Nest in Natural ShadesAlmond Granola Colors-Framed Photography
Karen says
May 12th, 2011 at 10:28 pmMe too! But Tabs won’t have it at all, LOL!
Jessica Leigh says
May 12th, 2011 at 6:38 pmHow amazing! I want to work there 🙂
Karen says
May 12th, 2011 at 10:25 pmMe too!
Makeup Morsels says
May 12th, 2011 at 6:41 pmwhoaa love that grass tile! On a sidenote, those shoes are sitting in my hallway right now xD The office looks like an amazing place to work, and thanks for taking us through a virtual tour!
Karen says
May 12th, 2011 at 10:25 pmI kinda want that grass tile in my kitchen. 🙂
Jessi says
May 12th, 2011 at 6:46 pm“…a place that makes frames”. Haha, that part made me laugh. Their office look amazing. It makes me love them as a company even more! It seems like you had a great time Karen. 🙂
Jessi recently posted … This Syrup Goes On Your Mouth- Not Your Waffles- MAC Syrup Lipstick
Karen says
May 12th, 2011 at 10:24 pmWhat are your UD must-haves, Jessi?
Jes H. says
May 12th, 2011 at 6:47 pmCoolest place to work EVER!!
Karen says
May 12th, 2011 at 10:24 pmSeriously!
Tiffany says
May 12th, 2011 at 6:49 pmWhat an awesome office! Looks like you had a great trip 🙂
Karen says
May 12th, 2011 at 10:24 pmIt was cool — just way too fast. I hope to make it down to Huntington beach again so I can surf or just hang out, you know?
How has your week been? Things ok with you?
Tiffany says
May 12th, 2011 at 11:01 pmYeah another trip would be fun! I loooved seeing all your pics on twitter! My last vacay was to San Diego last year and I would love to go back to socal one day!
My week has been good! How are things out your way? Happy Friday! (it’s 2am here, lol)
Jen says
May 12th, 2011 at 6:50 pmThe Big Lebowski is one of my favourite films! 😀
You get to see such cool places Karen! Thanks for sharing some photos. ^__^
Karen says
May 12th, 2011 at 10:23 pmGlad you liked this post, Jen. 🙂
Jen says
May 12th, 2011 at 7:05 pmUrban Decay is my favorite brand, EVAR! I would kill to work there! Looks like you had a great time!
P.S. Your yellow shoes are too cute!
Jen recently posted … Giant butt crack strawberry!
Karen says
May 12th, 2011 at 10:23 pmWould you believe those are Aerosoles? I got ’em for a steal at 80% off:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/news/80-off-napa-valley-sandals-at-aerosoles/
kana says
May 12th, 2011 at 7:06 pmHow amazingly amazing looking, lol!! Aside from the awesome decor of the building I like that they are pet friendly, and the whole bring your pet to work thing is quite cool! Also, i kind of giggled at the “pocket rocket,” i actually have never seen those! Sounds like you had a great trip you had out here. 🙂
Karen says
May 12th, 2011 at 10:22 pmHi Kana,
They came out in 2009. Here’s the review in case you’re interested:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/cosmetics/urban-decay-pocket-rocket-lipgloss-stand-by-yo-man/
Tracy says
May 12th, 2011 at 7:08 pmThat is one of the best offices ever! It looks like such a great place to work! Thanks for showing it to us!
Tracy recently posted … Sephora by OPI Read My Palm
Karen says
May 12th, 2011 at 10:21 pmI wish my work area looked like that, LOL!
Siena says
May 12th, 2011 at 7:19 pmwow, this is amazing! And I can’t say I’m surprised that this is the office for Urban Decay. 😀
I love these posts, they’re so interesting. Keep ’em coming!
Karen says
May 12th, 2011 at 10:20 pmGlad you enjoyed it, Siena. Happy (early) Friday!
TJ says
May 12th, 2011 at 7:46 pmWOW!!! If I worked there, I’d have even more urban decay than I have now, and that’s a lot. LOLOL
Karen says
May 12th, 2011 at 10:20 pmHey TJ,
What are your Urban Decay staples? I can’t live if living is without my Bourbon — liner, that is. 😉
TJ says
May 23rd, 2011 at 2:48 pmI love Bourbon too, and deviant and honey and the perversion pencil I got with the 15 to celebrate the 15th anniversary. It seems like yesterday when I got my very first grindhouse… Good times… 🙂
TJ recently posted … These are jellies
Crystal says
May 12th, 2011 at 7:58 pmThat has got to be the best looking office ever. I love the creativity. What a fun place!
Karen says
May 12th, 2011 at 10:19 pmMe too. It’s very inspiring!
Megan says
May 12th, 2011 at 7:59 pmWait–UD has full product displays all over the place? Are those for on-the-spot makeovers? Employee testing? How in the world did you resist playing with all those lovelies?!
Karen says
May 12th, 2011 at 10:19 pmI think they’re for a little bit of both. They also provide some delicious eye candy!
Gina says
May 12th, 2011 at 7:59 pmThis article was amazing! Thank you so much for posting about this 😀 I’m such a diehard UD fan, so I adore this.
Karen says
May 12th, 2011 at 10:18 pmHi Gina,
What are your UD faves? I’m all about Bourbon liner and the Get Baked palette (remember that one?).
Erin says
May 12th, 2011 at 8:14 pmWow! UD HQ looks like heaven on earth! Thanks for the pics!
Erin recently posted … Giveaway Reminder and Question!!!
Karen says
May 12th, 2011 at 10:17 pmIt’s a little slice o’ makeup heaven, that’s for sure!
Nika says
May 12th, 2011 at 8:48 pmHEAVEN!!!
Nika recently posted … Products I brought with me to the beach
Karen says
May 12th, 2011 at 10:17 pmTrue that!
Phyrra says
May 12th, 2011 at 8:55 pmWow, I would love visiting there! How cool 🙂 Also, it’s nice to see another workplace represented that allows pets 🙂 Phaedra comes to work with me (and we occasionally have cats, chinchillas or reptiles) and it always makes my day brighter.
Phyrra recently posted … Jaded Peacock
Karen says
May 12th, 2011 at 10:17 pmOh, that’s cool, Phyrra! Does Phaedra get along with the other pets?
Phyrra says
May 15th, 2011 at 12:58 pmYep. She loves other dogs and cats. She really enjoys playing with them.
Phyrra recently posted … Nyx Mega Sale!
Kristen says
May 12th, 2011 at 9:33 pmWow! I wish I worked there!
Karen says
May 12th, 2011 at 10:16 pmI know, right? I wish my house looked like that, LOL!
Tammy says
May 12th, 2011 at 9:40 pmUD knows how to do it right! I wouldn’t expect anything less but wow, I wouldn’t expect that! What an amazing office space! 🙂 Glad you had a great time! Thanks for sharing your great pics!
Tammy recently posted … Reminder- Apply Your Sun Protection!
Karen says
May 12th, 2011 at 10:16 pmHi Tammy,
I realized on this trip that you SoCal gals have some of the best weather. You guys are so lucky!
gio says
May 12th, 2011 at 10:51 pmThat’s the coolest office ever! I would love to work there! lol.
gio recently posted … QOTW- Do you think lipliner is essential
Stef Smith says
May 12th, 2011 at 11:38 pmI worship at the alter of Urban Decay, I wanna live there!
Madelynn says
May 12th, 2011 at 11:48 pmWorking for them is my dream job.
nidhi says
May 13th, 2011 at 12:18 amlooks like some one enjoyed a lot…nice office i like those bathrom tiles
nidhi recently posted … Yellow everyday look from Zoeva 88 palette
Gaelle says
May 13th, 2011 at 12:46 amYou look gorgeous in that dress!
Issa says
May 13th, 2011 at 6:03 amawwww, their office is soooo cool! i would like to work in that kind of office! the conference room, the restroom….aaaahhh, i’d go crazy just bi being there!!! 🙂
Issa says
May 13th, 2011 at 6:03 amawwww, their office is soooo cool! i would like to work in that kind of office! the conference room, the restroom….aaaahhh, i’d go crazy just by being there!!! 🙂
Nina says
May 13th, 2011 at 6:12 amtheir office is brilliant and jives so perfectly with their product. its fun, quirky and it tells me that they dont take themselves too seriously. i love that they welcome four legged children into their offices too.
you look like you had a blast, yay! 🙂
Beatrice says
May 13th, 2011 at 6:29 amI totally wanna work there oh my gosh >3<
Beatrice recently posted … LA Splash Eyeshadow Sealer-Base Grips And Doesnt Let Go!
Lindsay says
May 13th, 2011 at 9:40 amOk I need a job there! Thanks for the tour Karen!
Lindsay recently posted … MAC Flighty Collection- Summer 2011 Preliminary info & pics
Karen B says
May 13th, 2011 at 9:52 amLooks amazing! Purple = awesome. It must’ve been great to get a tour.
Karen B recently posted … Friday Favourite- Ginger Rogers
Chris25 says
May 13th, 2011 at 10:10 amIf I ever get the chance to visit that place, I would have to bring defibrillators with me, because I would just die! That place looks so cool! They would have to drag me out to get me to leave.
ValbonaPro says
May 13th, 2011 at 10:39 amOh my goodness! The place looks amazing! I can see now where their makeup inspiration comes from (or the other way around)! Simply Amazing! Thank you for sharing, Karen! We LOVE you and everything you do for us!
-Valbona Pro.
Christine says
May 13th, 2011 at 10:55 amOMG!! I would love to work there. Not only does the office look amazing, but they allow dogs inside. <3
Wendy says
May 13th, 2011 at 1:15 pmNice nail polish girl!!! Weeerk it!
Really interesting! I would never get bored there!
Hugs Karen.
Carrie says
May 13th, 2011 at 2:42 pmWow, the bathroom and the conference room are awesome! That puppy is so adorable! 🙂
Cassi Teague says
May 13th, 2011 at 5:57 pmWow! What a dream workplace!!!!
shiny says
May 13th, 2011 at 7:48 pmJust a shout out for your dress, shoes and jewellery, Karen. Not that the makeup and hair weren’t fantastic as usual, but it’s great seeing all the ways you’re rockin’ the dress!
Mylinda says
May 13th, 2011 at 8:57 pmI don’t know why but what stood out for me in this post was that you were wearing the dress selected by the Nordstrom personal stylist. Am I right? 🙂 It looks nice on you 🙂
Alyssa says
May 13th, 2011 at 10:21 pmI clicked on the link to try to get notified for the alice and wonderland book of shadows but the link doesnt take me to it 🙁
Eva says
May 14th, 2011 at 1:23 amnone of my workplaces ever looked that cool *____*
Soo says
May 14th, 2011 at 1:28 amI really enjoy ‘behind the scenes’ posts like these. although they also make me a bit green.. O;)
Soo recently posted … Shot of the Day
Mandy says
May 14th, 2011 at 9:06 amWhen I saw the pictures, all I could think was, “I hope they play nothing but music by Prince.”
Shauna says
May 15th, 2011 at 3:08 amWOW! That must have been the best experience. Kudos for being able to keep your composure!
That has to be the coolest office to work in ever…ah. lol.
Anyway, thanks for the pictures and taking us with you on your adventure! (so jealous)
😀
Vonvon says
May 15th, 2011 at 7:15 amOMG!! That’s such an amazing office!
Vonvon recently posted … Look- Mostly NARS – Dogon Duo Eyeshadow- Orgasm Blush- Firming Foundation in Deauville- et al
Grace says
May 15th, 2011 at 7:58 amI love your reference to Ice Ice Baby!
})i({ Mariposa Maquillage says
August 30th, 2011 at 6:42 pmOMG I would love to go here!! I wonder if they’ll ever bring back the Alice in Wonderland BOS!!!