The Accidental Beauty

Urban Decay is the poo, but they already know that I recently purchased all of their loose pigment eye shimmers ($20 each) from Hautelook (on sale for $5 each) and it’s my cosmetic obligation to share with you how beautiful they are. I’m gonna try very hard not to ramble about these, but I need you to understand how awesome these pigments are. The packaging allows you to get just the right amount of product out of the tube, and they’re nowhere near as messy as *whispers*…psst…MAC pigments (OMG!! Don’t worry MAC, I still “Stan” for your delicious pigments, I promise!). Some of you may not like the packaging, I actually do. I love the packaging of the MAC pigments as well, but there’s always that fear of knocking the whole thing over and ultimately spilling a super rare shade you can’t find anywhere else…

Urban Decay describes their loose pigments as follows…

These powdery-fine, silky soft shadows deliver more intense color than pressed or cream eye shadows. Try a little for a sheer wash of color, or layer for bold, shimmering hues. With everything from bold brights to pretty neutrals, there’s something for everyone!

The Loose Pigment formula is actually mineral makeup, made from pearlized powders derived from minerals. No dyes or synthetic pigments are used.

The coolest advantage over other brands’ loose pigments? No messy pots! The spill-proof tube uses a special internal funnel to keep pigment inside until you’re ready to use it. The cap features an ergonomic flared handle and a built-in premium brush. Dip the brush into the color to apply, or tap out a little color and use your own brushes.

Fill Weight: 1.2g / 0.04 US oz

All twelve colors are as follows:

• Yeyo – bright white
• Shag – pale bronze
• X – gold w/ peach shift
• Baked – rich bronze
• Smog – medium brown
• Gunmetal – grey in charcoal base w/ iridescent microglitter
• Graffiti – bright green
• Protest – dark green in charcoal base w/ iridescent
• Asphyxia – bright pink w/ purple shift
• Rockstar – dark purple in black base w/ silver/purple microglitter
• Shattered – bright green/blue
• Goddess – midnight blue w/ electric blue microglitter

Yeyo, Shag, X, Baked, Smog, Gunmetal, Graffiti

Yeyo, Shag, X, Baked, Smog, Gunmetal, Graffiti

Gunmetal, Graffiti, Protest, Asphyxia, Rockstar, Shattered, Goddess

Protest, Asphyxia, Rockstar, Shattered, Goddess

Tell me those aren’t pretty! What I especially love about them is how easy they are to use. The built-in brush really makes it convenient to apply. Some may find it cumbersome, though. You could still make a mess with these if you’re sloppy, but because you have this unique handle it will allow you to control how much product you use. If you need more, you just dip the brush back in — give it a little shake — and voila. Need less? just tap the brush against the sides of the tube. Easy.

PROS

• Beautiful, pigmented colors
• Buttery smooth texture, very easy to blend
• Sleek, ergonomic packaging (this is a pro for me, but it might be a con for you)
• Built-in brush tip applicator lets you control how much product you use
• Less messy than normal pigments that come in wide-open jars — more spill-proof

CONS

• Not nearly as much product as a MAC pigment for the price
• Only comes in twelve colors (this may be a con for any given color junkie, some of you may not even care)
• The packaging might be a con for some of you

OVERALL

A MAC pigment will run you about $19.50 for 4.5 grams of product. The Urban Decay pigments are $20 for just 1.2 grams of product. Seeing as how I got these for $5 a piece, I’m MORE than happy, but I probably wouldn’t pay more than $10 a piece if they weren’t on sale. Anyone who’s as obsessed with pigments as much as I am, knows that MAC pigments are a big mess to use, carry around and travel with. You’d have to press them and who has that kinda time? Not to mention, once you spill a MAC pigment jar — it’s over. So Urban Decay put a bit of science into the packaging here and made it a whole hell of a lot easier to use, travel with, carry in your purse — whatever. If you find that these are difficult to work with, try tapping the brush-handle off to shake off any excess product to avoid fall-out. I gave myself the quickest, easiest smokey eye using the Rockstar and Asphyixa colors, and that pretty much sold me on these. I think you should give them a try and see for yourself.

RATING

Availability: Urban Decay