Urban Decay Electric Palette Review & Drugstore Alternative

After lots of eyeing up and research, I finally indulged in buying the Urban Decay Electric Palette and I have to say it was the best decision EVER. The pigmentation of these bold colours is seriously insane and I am slightly in love with the packaging too.

First things first, we need to talk about the obvious. I know that colour isn't for everyone and the thought of yellow eyeshadow might scare some. For me though, the wacky colours are so fun to work with and introducing colour into your makeup will not only brighten your face and make you feel happier, but you'll be sure to stand out from the crowd. After all, sometimes you just have to dare to be different! If you happen to be a colour lover though, or you're keen to change things up, I would definitely recommend investing in this palette. 

Now I'm not expecting you to model this around your local supermarket or anything like that, but these types of eyeshadows would be ideal for fashion shows and partying in exotic environments or at home for that matter! Here is an example of a look I created using ALL of the eyeshadows - I just couldn't choose one so thought I'd incorporate them all in one look!

 I've already touched upon how great the pigmentation of these eyeshadows are, but it really is something I under-estimated when trying them out for the first time. Usually I'd use a white base underneath to make the colours pop even more, but the colour that these eyeshadows produce on their own is truly amazing. 

I can't lie and say that the palette is cheap because it isn't, but it certainly is value for money. You're getting exactly what you pay for as the quality is outstanding and I can't see myself having to buy another one for a long time yet. They also throw in an Urban Decay double ended brush (a basic eyeshadow brush and a smaller brush for precision detailing) for £38.

If you're looking for something similar but perhaps a bit more affordable though, I have a great drugstore alternative. The Sleek i-Divine Rio Palette isn't exactly a dupe of the Electric palette as there are a different range of colours, but both palettes are pretty similar in the sense that the eyeshadows are bright and funky. 

The pigmentation isn't as good as the Electric Palette but still excellent in it's own right and at a fraction of the price at £8 I can't complain. A couple of coats and you're good to go. I also happen to love the colours in this palette, they're a bit more warm-toned and wearable compared to the Electric Palette but still bright enough to make a statement.

If you are a fan of this palette, it can be found at most drugstores; I got mine from Superdrug. It is a limited edition though so be quick! You can find the Electric Palette at Debenhams, House of Fraser or online. 

"A smile is the best makeup any girl can wear." - Marilyn Monroe

Lots of love, 

Lily

My Summer Wishlist Tag

Summer is here and I am so excited! Not only is it my favourite time of the year, but it is the season that really motivates me to do more. I have put together a little wish list below of all of the goals I want to achieve by the end of summer.

I tag you all to create a summer wish list, I can't wait to see them!

What are you wishing to do this summer?

"For every dark night, there's a brighter day." - Tupac Shakur

Lots of love,

Lily

5 Steps to a Basic Smokey Eye

Everyone's a sucker for a smokey eye every now and again, right? They're a great way of spicing up a look and adding some drama. If I'm going somewhere special I will do a 'proper' smokey eye but sometimes there just isn't enough time to be faffing around! In those situations, I turn to my 'basic' smokey eye A.K.A the holy grail of eye makeup.

Step 1: Highlighting

This is a step I could never skip, my eyes just feel incomplete without a bit of highlight. Not only does highlighting the tear duct and inner corner brighten your eyes but it gives the illusion of bigger eyes because you are bringing light to that area which opens the eye up. I also like to highlight my brow bone for the illusion of a high arch. 

Step 2: Base

It is really important to prime your eyelids if you want your eyeshadow to last throughout the day. Using a white base underneath alternatively is great for making the colours stand out more. You can do this before highlighting or after, I then like to do a wash of a colour over my eyelid. Here I am going for a brown/bronze smokey eye.

Step 3: Defining

Go in with a darker colour on the crease and outer corner of your eye and don't be afraid to take it quite high. Blend everything with a clean, fluffy brush so there are no harsh edges and to keep things nice and hazy. 

Step 4: Lining

Take the darker eyeshadow used in the crease and brush this under the bottom lash line in the outer corner for the first half of the eye. Then, take the lighter eyeshadow used on the lid and brush this in the other half and blend into the darker eyeshadow and the highlighted inner corner. Using a lighter colour towards the inner corner will open the eyes up more. 

You can line the waterline with a black eye pencil if you are going for a sultry and seductive look but I am keeping things youthful with a gold. This will also make the eyes appear bigger.

This is optional but I love dolling up a look with some black liquid eyeliner. Nothing too fancy - just lining my lash line!

Step 5: Lashes

Finally, finish with your favourite mascara or even some false lashes if you're feeling it!

That's it!

"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone." - Audrey Hepburn

Lots of love,

Lily