BH Cosmetics 88 Matte & 88 Shimmer Palette Review

Hello, my friends!  Last week I ordered some makeup palettes from BH Cosmetics, and they have arrived!  I have taken some time to play with the palettes, and I thought I would share my thoughts about them with you, my friends and readers!  

I love these cases- so slim, close tightly, and each has a mirror.

I ordered these palettes from BH Cosmetics , and got them on a "pre-Valentine's day sale".  I have been stalking BH Cosmetics website for a while, and I have to say, that I have NEVER not seen these palettes on sale.  You know me, this only average mom can't resist an above average deal!  They have a huge assortment of palettes available, in lots of different sizes, and even some that you can personalize with your choice of shadow colors.  I purchased both of these palettes for $31.29, shipping included.

If you frequently watch youtube makeup tutorials, then you are no stranger to the concept of the 88 shadow palettes.  I thought I would try both the 88 shimmer and the 88 matte palettes, to save on shipping,  I figured that I would like whichever one I got a lot, and want to try the other one to see if it was even better, and that I might as well save myself the shipping and order them together.

The box was packed really well, and everything arrived safely.  My hubby and the kids had a blast playing with the honeycomb cut brown paper that was used to protect the palettes.  


Let's start with the one I wanted the most, the 88 matte palette, shall we? 

Lots of colors to choose from!

I was a bit sad to see that not every shadow in the palette is matte, there are a few that have some shimmer to them. I like the matte colors because they are a nice, flat base and are better when I don't want a shimmery look.  I probably would have been smarter to get the neutral matte palette, because I think I gravitate more towards neutrals with my matte colors, and shimmers for my vibrant colors.  That is just my personal opinion.  

The pigmentation also seems to be hit and miss- one color will be very very pigmented and one swipe with my brush will be super dark, and another will need four or five swipes to get the color I'm looking for.  The shadows blend well, and with all of the colors, it's easy to create lots of different looks!  All in all, it's a great palette, and I have used it frequently already.  Grade: 4/5

I also purchased the 88 shimmer palette, and I really like this one too.  

As you can see, the color selection is very similar to the matte palette, but not exactly the same shades.

 
The colors have a very nice shimmer, although some have more shimmer than others.  I wanted to try the matte palette because I don't have but a couple matte shadows, but I really wanted the shimmers also because I love a shimmery eye look.  I have the same problem with the shimmer palette as I do with the matte one; some shades are super, super pigmented; but others, not so much.  

They blend very well, and this affordable choice is a great starting point for anyone who wants to experiment with different shimmery eye looks!  Grade: 4/5

Overall, I am please with  my purchase from BH cosmetics.  I think that these palettes are a great starting point for anyone who wants to get creative with their makeup, and can't afford/don't want to invest in an expensive, high end palette from, say Urban Decay, or put lots of money into shadows from, say, MAC.  One downside of these palettes, as the colors don't have names, or even numbers, so although BH offers a selection of shadows individually (and has build a palette sets), it would be very hard to try to get the exact shade to replace a favorite from this palette, if it is even available at all.  

BH has lots and lots of palettes to chose from, both bigger and smaller that these ones.  The shadows seem be of a good quality, and aren't grainy or chalky (at least that I have experienced!).  I haven't done a "dupe check" against any of the high end shadows that I have, but I am fairly certain that there ARE some dupes there, and if I ever have spare time to check them, I would be happy to do a post on it, if there is an interest.

I am also thrilled with BH's turnaround time on my order.  I ordered these on a Saturday evening, and they shipped Monday (MLK Day!), and I had the order on Friday.  I live in Delaware, and the package shipped from California, via UPS.  Considering that sometimes a LETTER takes three weeks to go to the next town, via the post office, I couldn't be more pleased that my BH order arrived a week before their website said it would.  Kudos!

Honestly, the best part of these palettes, is because they are affordable, my girls and I can play in them together!  If my three year old wants to play "make ups" and wants to use MY makeup and not hers, I have no qualms handing over this palette (under my supervision) and letting her choose a shade, dip her brush, and put the shadow on!  No doubt we will have hours of fun playing with these fun palettes.

I didn't do a swatch test for all of these shades, mostly because I don't have enough arm to test them all!  If you would like to see swatches of all of the colors, I would be happy to do so.  Just let me know!


Do you have the shimmer and/or matte BH Cosmetics 88 palettes, or another BH product?  Like it, love it or hate it, I would LOVE to hear from you!
Is there another product you would like to see me review?  Let me know, I would be happy to check something new out, and let you all know my thoughts!


Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion, on a product I paid for out of my own pockets.  I have not been compensated for this opinion in any way, and it is my honest thoughts on the products listed above.

Only Average Advice

Hello to all my average and above average friends out there!

My husband has been home sick for two days with bronchitis, and I spent this morning writing my Scouting monthly newsletter, so I've been a bit busy, but I wanted to write a post today so that I don't fall out of the habit of posting.  I have a couple of items that I have ordered that were delivered this week, but I haven't used them enough to give an honest review.  So, today, I thought I would post some advice that this Only Average Mom has to give, from what I learned this weekend.

So, without further ado, here is some Only Average advice:

It's hard to be "the tall one."
It's also hard to be "the short one."  But at least if you buy pants too long, they can be cut down to size.  Not so easy to fix, the other way around.  Much to my chagrin. 

There are some people who are just not comfortable drinking at a bar, unless someone else is drinking with them.  Ditch these people.  Drink at your own pace.  Don't let some d-bag dictate what you consume.

Be the responsible one.  You'll be thanked for it later on.  Unless they forget.  But it's still better to be responsible.

Be "the crazy one".  It's worth it, sometimes, just to see the look on people's faces when you ride a tricycle through the 'Mart, with a triceratops helmet on.

This universe is so huge that my (if I do say so myself) above average brain cannot fathom it's size.  If my God breathed all of this into existence, and yet will still hear me when I cry out to Him, I must matter.  You must matter too.

If you pray, when you pray, be specific.  "Help me, God" may not be what you need to ask for. "I need a doctor that understands my disorder, with the specific knowledge needed to heal my (insert health problem here)," will likely get you better results.

God always answers prayers.  Sometimes, he says, "no."  Do you always say "yes" to your kids?  Maybe something better is on the horizon.

Hot wax is hard to get out of a dog's fur.  It's best to not put it there in the first place, or let your kids accidentally knock over a tart warmer on top of said dog.  Either way.

Snow melts fast.  Teach your kids to sled, and enjoy the moment.  Make them come inside to get warm, but then go back outside.

If you make a promise to your kids, keep it.  Even if it's hard.  If you can't guarantee the outcome of events, don't promise your kids that you will be able to do something.  It's best not to mention it, because if you do, they will lament the missed opportunity.

Be kind to those you meet.  Everyone, EVERYONE is fighting a battle.  Some are obvious, others are not.

Even though I believe in God, I also believe in Karma.  The world has a way of balancing things out on its own.  You don't always have to take revenge, sometimes the universe will do that for you.

Be the better person.  Don't stoop to the level of your enemies.  "Haters gonna hate" may be a meme, but that doesn't mean it's not true.  Reference the Karma advice above.  They will get theirs.  And it's ok to smile while you watch it happen.  Just don't be the one to make it happen.  Karma works both ways, you know.

Finally, a piece of advice someone gave me years ago, so I guess it technically doesn't count towards things I learned this weekend.  But it's still good advice:  Don't give up two minutes before your miracle."  Very profound, particularly since this advice was given to me by a person who was struggling with a drug addiction.  I haven't seen her in years, but I hope that she won the battle.

I hope everyone is enjoying their Tuesday, and that some of my words can be considered wisdom, and you can use it in your life.  But then again, I AM Only Average Mom.


 

I think Girl Scouts might be trying to get me arrested

Below is a transcript of a conversation between my husband and me, during a search for the supplies to make SWAPS* with my Girl Scout Troop.

Me: Where can I buy dime bags?

Hubby: What do you want pot for?

Me: I don't want POT, I want a dime bag.

Hubby: Ok, I'll bite.  What do you want a dime bag for? I don't think you know what you are saying.

Me: Sure I do. I want a dime bag.  I just don't want there to be anything in it.  I mean, if they sell them with stuff already in them, I guess I'll TAKE it, but I just want the bag. I need them for Scouts.

Hubby: You mean you want tiny zip top bags.  

Me: Yeah, dime bags.

Hubby: Please don't go into the 'Mart and ask for dime bags.

Me: Who, me?  I wouldn't do that.

Hubby: Yes, you would.

Me: No, I wouldn't.  I don't ask for help at 'Mart.  They employees run when they see me.

Hubby: Yes, they do seem to do that.  I think it's because they think you are going to ask them for dime bags.

Me: You aren't helping.


In case you were wondering, I DID find the little bags.  Dollar Tree. Guess they really DO sell everything there.



*SWAPS: Small Watchamacalits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere- cute little do-dads that the girls make, to swap with other girls.  We are always looking for new SWAPS-ers, and we all collect them like crazy.  Even Hubby.



Want to swap SWAPS? Have something you want to see a blog about?  Let me know, I would be happy to do a product review, or give an Only Average opinion on a subject!

Ipsy (MyGlam) January 2013 Review

My Ipsy bag FINALLY came in the mail, and I am so excited to write a review!  My bag should have been here last week, but UPS delivered it to the wrong hub, and then the post office lost it.  Twice.  I could not make this craziness up!  When I called the post office, the clerk did NOT want to help me, and was very rude.  Of course, this is NOT Ipsy's fault, but it did affect my thoughts on their customer service, as their facebook person wasn't the most sympathetic of souls (and gave conflicting information), and their customer service took twice as long to respond as their promise on their website.  From what I understand, several bags were misdirected to Iowa (!), along with my bag, so I think maybe I can write this off as a one-off; due to a major error on UPS' side.  Ipsy should ask for reimbursement for UPS' error, in my honest opinion.  I worked customer service for more than ten years, and shipped via UPS and USPS for two.  I am uniquely qualified to own this opinion :)

So, that said, on to the good stuff!

The super cute hot pink envelope that Ipsy ships in is one of my favorite parts!

First peek inside the bag.

As my package was lost three (!) times in total that I am aware of, I did just peek inside cautiously to make sure that there was no polish, lotion, oil, or other type of explosion.  I am SO thankful (and lucky!) thank my package arrived completely intact, and that nothing was damaged from the very cold weather in Iowa (Ipsy ships from North Carolina, and I live in Delaware.  Cold damage isn't really something I have ever had to worry about before!).

The card found inside my bag.  Very pretty!

 The theme for this month's bag is Super Stars.  I think that is pretty spot on with the items inside the bag.

A preview of what discounts you receive if you choose to order from this month's vendors.

This month's bag, a dark blue, nice sized bag.

First peek at all the goodies!

I love the bag this month, it's a great size for travel, and although it won't fit in my current purse, I do have larger ones that this will work well in.  My girls always want to play "makeup" and I can always give them extra makeup bags to put their own makeup in!

January's goodies: left to right: SOHO crease brush, Pacifica Blood Orange body butter, Big Sext hair hair spray, Nailtini nail polish, Josie Moran Argan Oil, plus the bag at the top.

Here is the first look at everything in this month's bag.  Although I didn't receive any makeup this month, I think I will use pretty much everything here, and it's nice to receive some high end skin care.  After all, if you don't take care of your skin, you can't expect to have a good canvas to create on!

SOHO Crease Brush, $7.99 retail (available at Walgreens; this brush is not available on Walgreens' website, however all of the SOHO brushes that ARE available on the website are $3 until 2/7/13.)

The first item was not actually in the makeup bag, because it was too big to fit.  There were three brushes that were sent out, a crease brush (pictured), a liner brush, or a concealer brush.  I actually purchased one of these this past weekend at Walgreens on CLEARANCE for $4 and change; and I LOVE it.  I had hoped to get a brush I didn't have in my Ipsy bag, but if I had to have a duplicate of any brush, it's this one.  I clean my brushes every time I use them (let me know if you would like to see a blog about how I clean my brushes), so it's nice to have an extra of the one brush you use every day!  I have slightly hooded eyes, so a crease brush isn't exactly the first thing I would think of to use, but I have to tell you, this is the fluffiest, best blending brush EVER.  I swear, it cuts my blending time in half at least.  I had never heard of the SOHO brand, but it seems to be getting good press.  The one think I DON'T like about it, is that the bristles are natural, and not synthetic.  I really prefer to use synthetic brushes (yay for animals and their safety!), but this brush honestly does the job well.  SOHO's claim to fame with their brushes is that they have an ergonomic handle.  I honestly have to say, that I didn't even notice it, so I guess it works.  Grade: 4.5/5

Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter Mini Tube  2.5 fl oz. $7 retail (available at Pacifica; coupon code beauty20 will you 20% off your purchase until 2/15/13)

So far, the Pacifica lotion is my favorite in this month's bag.  I received the full size tube.  The smell is perfect (I have fragrance triggered allergies), the texture is great, and while it is a little greasy, it blends very well.  I think I like this so much because I can share it with my friends!  I love how it came with a seal on the tube so that I knew it was fresh from the factory. Will I replace this when it is empty?  Not sure; I like to switch out scents after a while.  But this is definitely a favorite.  Grade: 5/5

Big Sexy Hair Spray & Play Volumizing Hair Spray  1.5 US oz. $5.63 retail (available at Ulta; coupon code 70950 will get you $5 off $25 or more of Big Sexy Hair products until 2/5/13)

I also receive a (almost) travel size Biz Sexy Hair volumizing hair spray.  For those of you who don't know me, I have super crazy kinky curly hair,  Hair spray isn't a product I ever bother with, because my hair has a mind of its own. However, my hair is super thin, and if I were ever to use hair spray (aside from my beloved Aqua Net), I would want to use a volumizing hair spray.  I will test this out this weekend, and let you all know what I think.  For now, I will give it a neutral score.  Grade: 3/5

Josie Maran 100% pure Argan Oil  .17 US oz  $4.67 retail (available at Josie Maran; coupon code ipsy15 will get you 15% off an order of $45 or more until 1/31/13)

Out of everything in my bag this month, I was most excited to get this, Josie Maran's Argan Oil.  Ok, I had never heard of Argan oil before.  I live under a rock, ok? So what?  Once I began checking out what Argan oil is and does, I became more impressed.  In regards to beauty, you can do anything with this stuff!  Want softer cuticles?  Argan oil.  Split ends? Argan oil.  Scars? Argan oil.  Oily skin?  Argan oil.  Dry skin? Argan oil.  Dry, brittle eye lashes? Argan oil.  Seriously, I don't know what this stuff can't do.  When my bag came, I immediately tried this on my hair, and didn't notice an immediate result.  Granted, I have majorly dry hair and nasty split ends (even though I just cut a good two inches off the bottom last week), but I don't think this is an instant miracle.  I also have a scar on my face from a nasty cold sore in November, so I will be applying this to that scar too.  Do you have a favorite use for argan oil?  Leave me a comment and let me know, so I can try it too!  What's awesome about Josie Maran's argan oil is that it is cruelty free (Yay!), vegan, fragrance free, and all natural.  There is a video on her website that tell about how they collect and make the oil, it's definitely worth a watch.  The sample I received is 1/3 the size of the "to go" size on their website, but it definitely is enough to see how amazing this stuff really is, especially when it has a dropper in the lid so none goes to waste!  Grade: 5/5

Nailtini Straight Up Color Nail Laquer in Frappe  .5 fl. oz. $13 retail (available at Tinibeauty; coupon code ipsystar will get you 30% off your purchase until 2/28/13)

 I just love getting full size products!  Nail polish is always great to receive, if you can't use it, I've got a couple of kids who are always happy to get a new color.  There were two color possibilities that I could have received from Nailtini this month; Frappe (pictured) or Bloody Mary (very red).  I have lots of different red polishes, so I am happy I received the pale pink.  I will say, it is almost exactly the same shade as my natural nail.  This will be a good base for a design, or great for a french maincure.  Below is a picture of my nails, the day after I painted them, with no base coat, no top coat: just two coats of the Frappe. 

My nails, the day after I painted them.

 So far, no chipping, which for me, is a mathematical impossibility.  I think I would like to see some different colors in this line, as this is kind of boring, but hey, I AM Only Average, after all. Grade: 4/5

January 2013 Ipsy Myglam bag

 All in all, this was a pretty awesome haul for $10, shipping included.  There isn't anything that won't be used, and definitely a couple new "must have" items in the mix!  I'm so glad I found Ipsy, and hope you have the chance to try it too!  To sign up for Ipsy, visit their website HERE!  There is currently a waiting list, but I have heard they expect it to be only 1-4 week wait, so don't lose hope!  They do not have a referral program currently, so I don't get any special credit for you signing up, except the mad props that I helped some awesome people find a great service to pamper themselves with!

Recap:  $10 out of pocket, including shipping
Retail value: $38.29, makeup bag not included.  Not QUITE as awesome as December's bag, but most definitely worth the $10, especially since I will use everything!

Leave a comment letting me know how you like my review, and if you would like to see more beauty reviews!
If you do subscribe to Ipsy, leave me a comment and let me know how you feel about this service.  Do you think it's worth it?  Anything you disagree with me on?  Let me know!
Are there any products you would like to see a review for, or service you would like reviewed?  Let me know, and I would be happy to do it for you!


Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion, on a product I paid for out of my own pockets.  I have not been compensated for this opinion in any way, and it is my honest thoughts on the products listed above.

Thanks for reading!     

Urban Decay After Christmas Haul

Hello everyone!

As you saw in my last post, I recently subscribed to Ipsy, a monthy service that sends you beauty products each month for just $10.  In December's bag, there was a coupon code to receive a free travel bag filled with deluxe samples with an $25 or more order; from Urban Decay.  Urban Decay also ran a special on their website, while they were doing inventory, to receive extra free samples with your order, plus free shipping on orders over $35.  How was an Only Average Mom supposed to pass up such an Above Average offer like that?!  You can visit Urban Decay's awesome website http://www.urbandecay.com anytime and see their awesome lines.  Everything I reviewed here today is currently still available on their site.  Turns out, it was a great decision.  Here is what I received for my $35 purchase:

Left to right: Surreal Skin Creamy Concealer in Hallucination, Naked Skin Beauty Balm, Travel Size Primer Potion, Travel Size Lip Junkie Lip Gloss (Midnight Cowboy), Deluxe Eye Shadow (Frigid), 24/7 Glide On Shadow Pencil (Delinquent), Deluxe Eye Shadow Pallette, Primer Potion, 24/7 Eye pencil (Electric), (2) Supercurl Curling Mascara (both travel size), clear Vinyl travel bag (not pictured: foil sample of primer potion, coupon for $5 my next purchase)

 As you can see, that was quite a haul, for Urban Decay products for $35 (shipping included)!  I was super excited when my package came, and was impressed at the quality of the packing and the speed of the shipping.  The items were not packed in bubble wrap or newsprint, but with deep purple tissue paper, that I could reuse (I live in Ravens Country.  Purple is a way of life here) to add to gift bags throughout the year.  The package arrived, from California to Delaware, in under a week.  Impressive!! Another random thing I absolutely love about UD is that the do not test their products on animals and have a HUGE vegan line, for those who choose not to use animal products.  Fantastic!  Everything I received was top quality, and I am really happy with my purchase.  

Let's start with what I actually ordered:
 

Deluxe Eye Shadow Pallette I love the contrast of the velvet with the metallic mesh.  The girls like to play with the mesh and move the metal pieces around.

Inside of the pallette.  9 colors, 2 sponge applicators (yuck!) and a nice sized mirror.  The pallette is cardboard, with a magnet closure.

Close up of the colors.

Swatches of the eye shadow colors, with no primer.
Left to Right: Fishnet, Honey, Ransom, Graffiti, Zero, Peace, Shag, Scratch, Underground

I absolutely LOVE this palette!  The shadows are soft, silky, super pigmented, and have a high color payoff. I seriously love just playing with this palette and creating lots of different looks.  I don't think I will ever get sick of playing with these colors!  My favorite color, hands down, is Fishnet.  It is duo tone, so it changes color when you look at it.  I also am in LOVE with Honey and Peace.  Scratch, Underground and Shag are perfect for a neutral eye, and then I like to pat a bright color on the center of my lid for a pop!  Could not ask for a better collection.
Price of this pallette: $19 on clearance. Price includes the travel size primer potion below:

"Travel size of UD's Primer Potion"  Great product: poor package design.

Love the packaging!  Great concept, poor execution: the plastic dome pops off very easily.

 

Gorgeous color.  The pictures don't do it justice.  Note the mirror on the case.  Great idea!

Color swatch.  This is one pass across my wrist.  A beautiful dark, shimmery purple.

 I love, love, love eye shadow, and when I saw that this one was only $8, I had to get it (plus it helped me up my order for the free shipping!).  I love the shade, and it glides on so easily, plus stays on all day.  Love it, but I find myself using the pallette more often than this single.

Concealer in Hallucination, a medium tone, with yellow/orange undertones.

As you can see, this does NOT match my skin tone.  At all.  Maybe in summer when I get tan?

This is the blended in version of this product.  As you can see, it has a very yellow/orange undertone.  

 As you can see, this concealer doesn't quite match my color.  Ok, that was being nice: it doesn't match me AT ALL.  Now, this is as much my fault as it is UD, internet swatches are very hard to match up at home, and I don't have a UD store or Sephora within 100 miles, so it's not like I can go and try to match colors at the store in my spare time.  That being said, UD could be more descriptive of what their awesome product names translate into regular terms (ie: light, medium, dark).  Maybe they do, and I missed it on their sight, I don't know.  But I will try this again in the summer, after I get my tan on, and if it still is a miss, I know a friend or two who would be happy to have this passed on to them.  The bottle is super cute, I really hope it matches me this summer: I want to have the bottle on my dresser!  Cost: $8 on clearance.

That concludes what I actually ordered. Below are the items I received FREE, from my Ipsy code:

TSA approved travel cosmetic bag

Travel bag (quart size, clear with zipper), FTA approved.  I'm not sure what I was expecting with this item, but I got a LOT more than what I thought I would!  The bag is made of a silky opaque plastic, with a zipper on top, and has a nice feel to it.  It wipes clean easily, and I really like it!  I will definitely use it the next time I travel!  It's the perfect size for basic cosmetics, and is way less tacky than a zip-lock bag or cheap plastic makeup bag from the 'Mart.

Lip Junkie lip gloss in Midnight Cowboy

As you can see, I did try to swatch this, but it's too close to my skin color to really see.  It has a very pretty shimmer.

I wanted to really like the Lip Junkie gloss.  I really did.  It's just too sticky for my particular taste.  I do like the cooling mint feel and the taste isn't terribly hateful.  I'm just not a fan of sticky glosses.  A little stick is ok, but this has more than I particularly care for.  The color is a great nude with a really pretty shimmery effect.  As you can tell by the pictures, it's a teeny tiny tube, but that makes it just the right size to fit in your pocket!

24/7 Eye Shadow Pencil in Delinquent

This is one pass with the pencil.  It is really very sparkly, the camera just didn't pick it up.

Another thing I received free with my Ipsy code is this 24.7 eye shadow pencil in Delinquent, which is a sparkly deep purple.  I really like this color, but I'm not overly comfortable using pencils as eye shadow.  I have used it to line my eyes, and it works well, has super dark pigment, smudges well, and stays on forever.  Love it!!

Travel Size Supercurl Mascara ($10 retail)

I also received a travel size of Supercurl mascara. I love how it has a full sized wand, and just a smaller bottle.  I will definitely get use out of this: Mascaras are really only good for 3-4 months anyway, and it looks to me like this sample will last about that long!  I will say, that I do prefer my The Falsies mascara by Maybelline.  That stuff makes my teeny tiny lashes look ten feet long!  The Supercurl mascara doesn't seem to smudge as much as my usual brand, but it also doesn't get my lashes looking as long as my usual brand.  It's a toss up, but something I will definitely use.

(not pictured) Primer potion in a foil packet.  I gave it to my mom, since I had 2 primers in my order.

 So, my $10 Ipsy bag brought me a code that helped me get all of those extras free! Not a bad deal!


Below is the items that Urban Decay put in my package, as a thank you for ordering during their inventory time.  Honestly, my package didn't seem delayed, and it was no trouble to wait!  At least they let me know that there might be a delay in receiving my order, and I got to reap the rewards!  Here is what UD sent me as a thank you:

24/7 Eye pencil in Electric

Swatch of Electric pencil.  I think this is just one swipe.

This is, hands down, my favorite thing that I received in my package.  I LOVE this color, and it really makes my eyes pop!  Every time I wear this eyeliner, I always get compliments.  Once it is gone (it is a tiny thing in the first place!) I will definitely reorder this pencil!  It stays on forever, goes on creamy, smudges well, and then stays put until I remove my makeup.  Who can ask for more than that?!

Brand new, Naked Skin Beauty Balm Sample

Before it is blended, it looks dark and orangey.

After I blended, it was literally invisible.

I also LOVED the Naked Skin Beauty Balm.  I seriously wish I could afford to use this on a daily basis.  This hydrated my skin, has SPF, optical blurring (makes my pores look smaller), and does so much more.  I highly recommend if this is a product that you can afford (or know someone who can get you lots of samples or a discount!)  When UD holds their friends and family sale, I will definitely be picking this up.  It made my skin dewey (not greasy), soft and silky.  Even my hubby noticed!

Primer Potion, Travel Size

I am totally in love with UD's primer potion, aka UDPP.  This is UD's number one best selling item (according to them), and I totally see why.  It primes the lids, with a mostly invisible finish, and just hangs on to your eye shadow until you use makeup remover to take it off.  No creases, not greasy, not fading.  Just sheer perfection.  I use it sparingly, and will have to reorder with my next order (unless I can get another sample!!)


A second travel size Supercurl mascara.  I am set for Mascara for the next 6 months now!  I was really happy to see a second one of these, I may decide to gift it, or host a web contest.  Thoughts??

A coupon for $5 my next purchase (expires in February).  I LOVE these, as they help me repeat shop!  I am hoping that they update their clearance section before the coupon expires so that I can double up the discounts. 

 All in all, for $35, I feel like i hit the jackpot!  Not too bad, but I am sure other have done better. After all, I AM Only Average Mom. Until next time!

Do you use Urban Decay products?  Leave a comment and let me know your favorite!
Have a favorite makeup or skincare brand you would like  me to review? Let me know, and I'll be happy to test and review it for you! 

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion, on a product I paid for out of my own pockets.  I have not been compensated for this opinion in any way, and is my honest thoughts on the products listed above.