urban decay naked smokey palette

I received this palette as a Christmas gift this year, and wanted to share a quite review and some photos with you guys in case you were considering purchasing it!

First impression - the packaging is beautiful. It is not only pretty, but sturdy and well made, so it will hold up when being transported. This is important to me because these are the eyeshadows I usually choose to take when traveling since you can bring multiple shades by only packing one item!

Urban Decay shadows are always high quality, so there is no surprise there. I like that there are a mixture of shimmery and matte shades, even though I tend to favor the shimmery ones. The first 8 shadows are shimmer and the last 4 are matte. 

I've used it a couple of times now, and my favorite shades so far are...

High 
Radar
Password
Whiskey 

I haven't had a chance to use the darker shades yet - since they are very dramatic and will be best for an evening out...but I'm sure they are amazing. I hope to share some of the looks I create from this palette with you guys! 

Honest opinion - this palette is definitely worth the money and has some amazing options that haven't been seen in the first 3 Naked palettes. However, if you are looking for a palette that is good for everyday use - I wouldn't go for this one. This is definitely to create more dramatic, evening looks! 

cruelty free series: cosmetics // eyes

Happy Wednesday! Half way to the weekend ;)

Continuing on with my blog series on cruelty free products - here are some great cosmetics for your eyes - including products I currently love and products that I want to try in replacement of the brands that I will no longer buy...

Eye Shadow - Urban Decay (I love the Naked palettes) and Bare Minerals (the loose pigments are my favorite!)

Liquid Liner - Physician's Formula makes an awesome eye liner marker that has lash boosting serum included in it

Brows - after years of dedicated use of Rimmel's brown pencil, I am disappointed to learn they test on animals in foreign countries...but I have heard amazing things about Anastasia brow products, so I'll be picking up one of her pencils next time I'm at Ulta!

Base / Primer - Urban Decay is always a good choice, but if you are looking for a more cost-effective option, NYX makes a great jumbo pencil that acts as a great eyeshadow base. I use the white "Milk" color every day

Eyeliner - I've used Prestige Total Intensity for probably 5+ years now and I'm happy to find out they are a cruelty free brand! You can pick this jet black liner up at Ulta and many drug stores...it comes in a variety of colors and has great pigmentation and staying power!

The biggest bummer in this transition was finding out my beloved L'oreal mascaras were not cruelty free. I had finally found my favorite combo - but oh well, not worth it! The hunt begins for a great new cruelty free mascara.

I've done some searching online, and here are some options I will be trying over the next few months - all with good reviews from those who have used them...

Tarte - Lights, Camera, Lashes
Physician's Formula - Organic Wear (lash boosting)
NYX - Doll Eye Long Lash
Younique - 3D Fiber Lashes 

Finally, here are some great eye brushes that are cruelty free - ranging from affordable to higher end.

Ecotools - Essential Eye Set, found at Target, Ulta, and many drugstores
Sonia Kashuk - found at Target
Real Techniques - Eyes/Enhanced Starter Set, found online or at Ulta 
Too Faced - found at Sephora and Ulta
Urban Decay - found at Sephora and Ulta

Remember to look for the following logos to identify cruelty free products...and do your research online and with the Leaping Bunny app!