Naked. Let’s get naked. So here’s today’s naked truth…
Some days, I really feel “it,” and when I do, it’s Wonderful with a capital W. 🙂
I look out my window up into the sky, and the sun seems higher and brighter, and it’s like the birds are singing songs just for me. Everything falls into place, like my hair and makeup, and even my muffin top doesn’t bug me as much as it usually does.
I walk with a spring in my step! — and my fingers practically fly. Things seem almost effortless.
Buuut, then there are those other days (like today), and sometimes weeks, when I just don’t feel “it” at all.
Those are the days when even my stretchy pants give me grief (and you know how much I love my stretchy pants). Instead of them hugging my bum and making it look all perky and cute, I just see that annoying bunch of fabric that sags in the butt.
When I look out my window, all I see are the barren branches on the oak trees, and instead of admiring their angles and strong lines, I’m sad because they have no leaves. The gnarled branches seem menacing against the darkening sky…
On those days, when simply lifting a lash curler feels like a monumental task, I just keep trying. I apply a bit of makeup, perhaps something like Urban Decay’s new Naked Skin Ultra Definition Powder Foundation, along with a slick of gloss and a few swipes of brow gel.
Then I place my fingers gently on the keyboard and take a few deep breaths…
Before Urban Decay Naked Skin Ultra Definition Powder Foundation…
And after Urban Decay Naked Skin Ultra Definition Powder Foundation…
A few minutes later, I look into my husband’s eyes and he says, “Sweetie, don’t worry. Everything will be alright,” and I try to believe him.
I relax my furrowed brows and unclench my fists. I look out my window, feel the sun kiss the tips of my lashes and the edges of my lips, and I repeat the words: “Everything will be alright.”
Then I smile. 🙂
Urban Decay Naked Skin Ultra Definition Powder Foundation
- $36 for a 0.31-oz. pan and a double-sided application sponge
- The oil-free powder formula has a luminous, light-diffusing finish and an excellent wear time. I get 8-10 hours on my combination oily/dry skin before needing a touchup.
- Available in 14 shades, and those I’ve tried — Medium Neutral, Medium Warm and Medium Dark — are darker than I expected. I think they’re all a smidgen too dark for me, actually, now that I’ve completely lost my summertime tan.
- Designed to be worn wet (applied with a wet sponge) or dry (applied with a dry sponge or powder brush)
- Coverage is pretty sheer when worn dry. In fact, I can still see my freckles and the unevenly pigmented areas around my nose and mouth, but when I wear it wet, the coverage is a little more opaque, closer to medium.
- I think I’m going to stick to applying this foundation dry, though, because when I have used it with a wet sponge: hot mess. The powder formula wouldn’t adhere smoothly and evenly to my skin, so the coverage varied, with more coverage in some spots and less in others, like a funky mishmash mosaic of coverage. The powder also darkened a shade.
- I do like this dry, though, lightly dusted on the skin with a fluffy powder brush, where it makes my pores appear smaller, and my skin more matte, but with a slightly luminous finish. And it doesn’t look or feel heavy at all.
- For quick, easy, effortless skin, I’ll start with a little concealer under my eyes, on my cheeks and around my nose, and then add a light dusting of Naked Skin on top.
PRICE: $36 for a 0.31-oz. pan of powder foundation and a double-sided application sponge
AVAILABILITY: Part of the new Urban Decay spring 2015 collection, permanent, coming soon to Urban Decay counters and online
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Pardon the unusual post, but I was feeling like doing something a little different. Hope you’re having a happy hump day so far, my friend.
tirurit says
January 7th, 2015 at 1:59 pmI know EXACTLY what you mean about blah days, and I hate them with a passion!
For a week now, just as I changed my beauty routine and introduced AHAs in it, I’ve been feeling the opposite though. My skin looks great and make up goes on beautifully! Such a great way to start your day, right?
tirurit recently posted … Bazaar findings
melissa says
January 7th, 2015 at 2:13 pmThis foundation doesn’t appeal to me, but it’s exciting to see your reviews of the spring line! I can’t wait to see what u think of the concealer!!!
Agata says
January 7th, 2015 at 2:42 pmI liked this post, Karen despite being different. I am probably going to skip this, I am not a big fan of powder foundations anyways.
Agata recently posted … The Palette That Will Make You Blush
Debra says
January 7th, 2015 at 3:26 pmWell, duh, powder foundations would put me into a funk!
Today I looked at the empty frig and decided before I even write the grocery list (which is something I just simply love to do) I will clean the thing with hot-water-and-vinegar.
Now it is sparkly clean, I’ve got half a grocery list made, and I can tell you everything is gonna be all right. My unsung hero told me too.
BTW, the before photo looks pretty good and pretty.
I tried MAC Sketch, Saddle, and Soba today along with some Chanel Illusion d’Ombre in Fatal in the Crease. All to clean the frig, write some long-distance emails, and then, the big thrill — go to Whole Foods!!
Erin says
January 7th, 2015 at 5:12 pmI’m interested to try this one mostly because of the fair cool option. Swatches make it look like it’s pepto bismol pink though. I refuse to use this wet. However it doesn’t look quite as matte as my current powder foundation. I’ll probably test it out at Sephora soon.
Erin recently posted … Review: Cecilia Beretta 2013 Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Brut Millesimato and Secco!
Allison C says
January 7th, 2015 at 6:19 pmGreat review, interestingly told! I’ll be passing on this one. Definitely not enough coverage for me
Allison C recently posted … Disappointments in Beauty List 2014
Eesha says
January 7th, 2015 at 9:02 pmLooks lovely <3
Eesha recently posted … Review: Chanel Natural Finish Loose Powder
Poo@beautyandmakeupmatters says
January 7th, 2015 at 10:19 pmBeautiful post karen… loved reading it! Though I have never been a fan of Powder to cream foundations I like it the other way round and the formula doesnt look impressive too.. Gotta skip this.. :-/
Poo@beautyandmakeupmatters recently posted … Best Toners For All Skin Types In India
LindaLibraLoca says
January 8th, 2015 at 12:28 amI used to use only powder foundations back in the day. And I used them with the included sponge, which I rarely bothered to clean. *yuck*
Despite the sponge thing, I really liked them, because you can keep them in your handbag to reapply pretty easily.
Maybe it is time to give them another go.
And boy, I know these days. Even Mr. Loca senses the state of mind I am in then, and he is not the worlds most empathic person. Putting on makeup usually helps, but donning PJs and binge watching Gossip Girl is a great way to handle them, too.
LindaLibraLoca recently posted … Reactivating the youth of my skin? Lancomes Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate
Kiss & Make-up says
January 8th, 2015 at 3:24 amI love that it looks so light and natural. I stepped away from wearing a lot of foundation, so this might just be my kind of powder. And yeah, I’d probably also only apply it dry.
Kiss & Make-up recently posted … Review | MAC Lightness Of Being Leap Mineralize Eye Shadow & Be Fabulous Mineralize Rich Lipstick
Kim says
January 8th, 2015 at 5:39 amI liked your post! You always keep it real. 🙂 Powder and I are not really friends, though I wish they were because I could use the extra oil control. Maybe I just don’t buff it in enough. Anyway, happy almost-Friday. I hope today is a great one!
Estefania says
January 8th, 2015 at 7:30 amAh, yes… “The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you’re afraid and you don’t know what you’re afraid of.” Homegirl Golightly knows a thing or two about “blah” days. You’re lucky to have El Hub! I know those kinds of days get almost unbearable if you don’t have someone who understands and helps you through it.
That powder looks lovely on you, btw 🙂
Amanda says
January 8th, 2015 at 7:37 amThis might be worth trying in the summer, especially when I’m running errands or it’s just so darn hot.
fancie says
January 8th, 2015 at 1:24 pmI’m totally having one of those days today lol. I’m in Chicago trying to enjoy a quick vacation but it’s so COLD! It’s seriously bumming my vibe. This powder foundation looks nice. It sounds a little iffy when used wet but it looks really natural on you. I still want to try it
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Anna says
April 9th, 2015 at 12:11 pmI have bought this today, I think this is perfect for summer. I like many many foundations, have more than I can possibly wear!
This is light to buildable, especially with their concealer. Summer beauty is what I would say. Also good for long wear and the compact looks good too.