Simply beautiful, but not life changing. That’s how I feel about these new Urban Decay’s Naked Skin Ultra Definition Pressed Finishing Powders ($24 each) and their gorgeous packaging.
New additions to UD’s permanent line, the powders join UD’s Naked Foundation and Beauty Balm as products designed to produce flawless-looking skin that still appears natural.
Optical blurring pigments (which sound like something a sorceress might pull from her robes) create a soft-focus effect while mellowing out imperfections and controlling oil. The powders are oil-, paraben-, alcohol- and fragrance-free and come in five shades — Naked (works well with shades 0.5-3.0), Naked Medium Light (for shades 2.0-4.0), Naked Medium (4.5-6.5), Naked Medium Dark (6.0-8.0) and Naked Dark (8.0-12.0).
Lots of good stuff here, but by far my favorite thing about these is their ability to control oil. The shade closest to my skin tone, Naked Dark, keeps my oily forehead matte and shine-free for 6-8 hours. I barely even need to touch up when I wear it. Plus, it really does look like natural skin (versus heavy spackle).
But I’m not so crazy about the shade selection for darker skin tones… I wear the darkest shade, Naked Dark, and really, it’s not that dark at all. There’s a very limited selection here for brown babes.
This one also contains a little more beige than I’d like, and it can take on a gray cast depending on the light. The color also darkens slightly (oxidizes) as the day wears on…
I think it may also be breaking me out.
Yup, my chin is my acne hot zone for zits, but it had been clear of pimples for a while until I started using this. I can’t say for sure if the one is causing the other, and (sigh) a lot of things give me breakouts, but if you have super sensitive skin, it’s just something to keep in mind.
PRICE: $34
AVAILABILITY: Available now at Urban Decay counters and online
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B
Happy hump day!
I’m off to San Diego tomorrow for a couple days, and wouldn’t ya know it? — I put off looking for my wetsuit for weeks, and now it’ll be a miracle if I actually find it.
I vaguely remember stuffing it into a bag and sticking it in the garage of our old apartment before we moved three years ago… I really, REALLY hope we didn’t leave it behind or, almost as bad, that it isn’t in a box somewhere with a billion creepy crawlies.
I’m not about to rent a wetsuit to go surfing because people pee in those things! No thank you. 🙂
On that note, good morning.
I hope you’re having a nice one so far. Anything new or exciting to report? Other than procrastinating on my packing, it’s been pretty mellow out here (your nephew Tabs is behaving for once).
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I hope you have a great surf vacation! I’m not sure what is worse: picturing a wetsuit loaded with creepy-crawlies or knowing that people pee in rental suits. Yuck, all around!
As for the powder, I have a Tarte pressed powder that I feel clogs my pores, too. Pretty much any powder is bad for my face. I’m usually dabbing with a paper towel/tissue instead (or looking shiny). 🙂
Oh, gosh, I’m about to go into the garage and brave the boxes right now. Wish me luck!
Are you still using your Tarte TM? 🙂
Did you find it (crawlie-free)? Hopefully you did and you’re all packed and ready to go. 🙂
Oh, you betcha! They changed the name to BB TM and I feel like the formula is just a *bit* less slick, but I still love it. I swatched the NARS a few months ago but felt like it didn’t “soak in” quite as well. I did like the matte finish but ended up sticking with Tarte. So predictable!! 🙂
It started off good but then came the downsides 🙁
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Yeah, it has some good things about it…the oil control is off the hook!
Ugh I have the some problem with acne on my chin. Thanks for the heads up.
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Sure, no problem. It’s such a pain! I’m totally over my chin zits.
Have fun on your vacation Karen!
On a side note, my UD Revolution lipstick is supposed to be delivered today and I can barely wait. I keep looking out of the window to see if the UPS truck is coming 🙂
Thanks Agata! It should be fun. I can’t wait to get in the water. This time tomorrow I’ll be in SoCal!
Oooh, send me a pic once you get your lipstick on. 🙂
Are you working today?
Today is my day off, I have been busy watching lectures for my free online classes I have started. The lipstick came and it’s gorgeous but I had to put it in the fridge cause it’s almost melted, it’s 92 degrees out. But I love how moisturizing it is. I got Naked, I think I want another color. Which color do you think would look good on me?
Oh yeah, they are SUPER buttery. I have to remember not to leave one in the car, eek! You should give Streak, the coral pink one, a try.
oh wow… have a grt vacay 🙂
and all the best for ur suit!! hehhee
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I looked around at lunch and found it, yay!
Have fun in San Diego! While you’re down there, 2 things:
1. Have you tried Extraordinary Desserts? They’re DA BOMB! You gotta check them out.
2. San Diego Comic-Con is in Downtown the 17th thru 21st, so it’ll be crowded. Just to let you know.
Good luck finding your wetsuit! Have a great vacation. 🙂
Hi Daisy,
Yes! The last two times I went down to SD to surf I’ve eaten there; the cakes are CRAZY GOOD!
I heard about Comic-Con. Now I know why I couldn’t find a hotel (I’ll be staying in La Jolla).
Are you from the area? If you have any good food/lounges/shopping recs I’d love to hear about them!
I’m living the life of a hermit in the Temecula area, but I have family in SD. They’re the ones that introduced me to Extraordinary Desserts. The desserts are soo yummy, but so is the tea! They smell so nice.
Tried Joe’s Crab Shack the first time with them on Friday. Yummy!
I just finished catching up on your blog, so I’m glad you had a nice, relaxing vacay. 🙂
Hmmmm….. I’m UD 6.0, but that Naked Medium looks aawwwfully light. I might have to pass on this one as I look for a natural finish pressed powder. Perhaps Benefit Hello! Flawless will suit me better.
Tell Tabs to stay in line while you ready for your vacation. Where will he be heading while you’re away?
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Hi Alison,
I’ve worn that one and it’s pretty good. I like how it wears on the skin.
So, I think Tabs will probably be just chillin’ at home. His schedule has been crazy busy and he needs some meow time. 😉
Got any plans for the weekend yet?
My daughter’s friend is turning four so we’re going to her party Saturday morning. I’m more excited about next week Saturday….an appointment with a NARS artist XD
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I have a tendency to break out a LOT along my jawline and chin but ever since I started using the Clarins Lotus Treatment Facial Oil at night, my jawline has been zit-free! Have you tried the Clarins skin care Karen?
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Have fun on your trip! That sounds like super fun!
Darn! I wanted to try out this powder but I’m also acne prone around my chin. I don’t not want to risk the chance of breaking out. I desperately want to find a product that will help to control oil, make my foundation last, while minimizing pores but won’t break me out or make me look powdery. I have yet to find this product. Do you have any suggestions. What about the Urban Decay setting spray? Is it worth testing out?
Enjoy your vacation Karen!
This looks interesting but I’ll probably skip it-especially if you think it’s been breaking you out! Packaging is pretty but I agree-there’s definitely a lack of good color selection! xoxo
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have a great vacation!!!! I love the pinker shades of the finishing powder!!!