When I picture no-makeup makeup, as in makeup that looks “au naturale,” Urban Decay isn’t the first brand that springs to mind. I mean…the have an entire sparkly rainbow of glitter eyeliners living in their permanent collection (and they’re great!).
Lately, though, with new additions to UD’s Naked Skin product line, they seem bound and determined to get makeup lovahs thinking about them in that way.
But based on my first swatch of the new Naked Illuminated Shimmering Powder for Face and Body ($29) on the back of my hand, I did not expect subtle. In the swatch I saw a silvery beige powder so frosty, so sparkly, that I pictured roller skating rinks and knee-high socks.
We’re talking disco ball territory.
Just then, I heard a high-pitched squeal coming from my cheeks. “GUURRRL! HELL, NO!” It was my Grand Canyon-sized pores, but it turns out they were needlessly worrying, because the swatch didn’t accurately convey the way this powder looked on my face.
Sure, there were a few flecks of silvery glitter here and there (it is UD, after all), but the overall effect was very much like something I’d expect from Chanel — a subtle, sheer glow that brightens everything up, ever so slightly.
It comes with a half moon-shaped brush, which I’ll probably only use to apply the powder on my body, because I think it might be a little much for my cheeks, where I think a lighter application works better (for me).
The trick is to find a brush that lets you easily control the amount of powder you apply, and for this I like a fluffy tapered eye blending brush like the MAC 224.
PRICE: $29
AVAILABILITY: Available now exclusively at Ulta stores and ulta.com
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A-
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
meka says
September 12th, 2013 at 8:37 pmThis highlighter looks so good on you! How do you think it would work on NC45-50 complexions? I’m on a highlighter kick and would love to add this to my collection.
Karen says
September 13th, 2013 at 9:24 amHi Meka!
It might read a little too light on your skin. Have you seen Becca Opal? I bet it would look pretty on NC45 and up shades.
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/daily-beauty-cat/becca-shimmering-skin-perfector-pressed-in-opal/
Phyrra says
September 12th, 2013 at 8:53 pmI like the fierce eyes! This highlighter is so pretty with the way it gleams on the skin.
Phyrra recently posted … Teal Thursday Rainbow Honey with KBShimmer
Karen says
September 13th, 2013 at 9:22 amHi Phyrra,
Thank you! Happy Friday. 🙂
Ritu R says
September 12th, 2013 at 11:55 pmwow I love that subtle glow on the skin.. looks like an awesome product 🙂
Ritu R recently posted … Forest Essentials Facial Toner Pure Rosewater: Review
Karen says
September 13th, 2013 at 9:22 amIt’s really cool.
Gowthami says
September 13th, 2013 at 1:16 amquite awesome subtle finish 🙂 Gr8 product!
Gowthami recently posted … Top 4 Face Fixers, the Injectables You Should Know About!
Karen says
September 13th, 2013 at 9:22 amYay!
Kim says
September 13th, 2013 at 4:32 amHappy Friday! I think it does brighten, but part of it might also be the angle and lighting in pic #2. 🙂 I hope you have a nice weekend and that your weather is cooperative!
Karen says
September 13th, 2013 at 9:22 amWhat are you guys doing this weekend? I still plan on recovering from the last six weeks, which means a whole lotta nothing… I can’t wait!
Kim says
September 13th, 2013 at 12:26 pmThat sounds awesome! It has been such a nightmare at work for the last month or so, that I honestly feel like hitting the wine as soon as I get home! I won’t do that, though. 🙂 The boys have a soccer game tonight, I have a golf tournament tomorrow and we’re hiking on Sunday. It’ll be a busy weekend, but filled with fun things, so that’s OK. You deserve a whole lotta nothing weekend so I hope you enjoy some Netflix and Tabs lurvies. 🙂
Karen says
September 13th, 2013 at 1:23 pmI feel you. The last two months have been hard! Maybe it’s the alignment of the stars or something. Hey, if you bring a thermos full of wine to the soccer game I certainly won’t tell! 😉
Good luck at the gold tourney tomorrow, have fun hiking and get in some good relaxation time!
Stephanie A says
September 13th, 2013 at 6:41 amThis looks fantastic on you, but reviews I’ve seen elsewhere are not nearly as flattering. Must be your application, as I’ve just learned something new from your post! It is probably obvious to everyone else, and I’m just late to the game, but I’ve never considered using an eyeshadow blending brush for highlighter. Soo…tonight I’ll be trying out all of my highlighters that I’ve deemed not wearable with this method (please, control the jeal at the wild, adventurous Fri night life!)
hanna says
September 13th, 2013 at 8:49 amI love the look of the pallet itself.
hanna recently posted … Cramps & No Work Done School Day
Karen says
September 13th, 2013 at 9:21 amSuper cute!
Danielle says
September 13th, 2013 at 10:20 amI didn’t think I liked this highlighter, but your post may have changed my mind! I will be probably be checking it out soon.
Danielle recently posted … Fall 2013 Nail Polish Ideas
Karen says
September 13th, 2013 at 11:03 amSweet, I hope you like it.
Rae // theNotice says
September 13th, 2013 at 10:39 amWOW. I’m not an illuminator/highlighter girl, but this post makes a serious argument for UD’s latest! Beautiful <3
Rae // theNotice recently posted … Behind the scenes at New York Fashion Week SS14 with Maybelline New York
Karen says
September 13th, 2013 at 11:03 amThanks, Rae! Yeah, it’s kinda surprising. I like it!
Anastacia says
September 13th, 2013 at 1:37 pmI recently did a review of the E.l.f Baked Highlighters on my blog which are fairly new. Do you own any of them and if you do how do they hold up to this product or the Bella ones? I really want this highlighter but one of the E.l.f ones looks like it could be a dupe. Since I do not have a Sephora or Ulta near me I can’t swatch it to see. I would like to 1)save myself money by skipping this product and 2)let people know if they E.l.f Moonlight Pearls Highlighter is a dupe because it is way cheaper.
Ankita@corallista says
September 13th, 2013 at 10:38 pmCan definitely see the difference in the Before and After pics!
Ankita@corallista recently posted … 5 Steps to Flawless Nails!
Natalye says
September 14th, 2013 at 8:13 amThis looks really great on you! I’m still debating whether or not to buy this