Luis Wears.. New Urban Decay Naked Weightless Liquid Foundation (Shh Review)

Wearing nothing, ah.

 The secret is out that I wear... uhm, foundation. A guy wearing makeup? Kind of crazy, uh. Well let's just say that I've been wearing foundation for a while now, so if you haven't noticed - that's the point.

One thing that I've always had a problem with is foundations breaking me out. I have tried everything from some of the most expensive foundations, such as Chanel Mat Lumiere to middle range foundations like Makeup Forever HD Foundation. Has any of those worked for me? Yes, but all of them have broken me out.

My terrible skin without nothing.

I have extremely sensitive skin, so pretty much apply anything to my face usually breaks me out/hurts unless it's pretty natural and basic. Thankfully that has all changed, because Urban Decay's new flawless foundation - Naked Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup.

The Press Release States:

It feels like wearing nothing at all, yet Naked Skin transforms complexions. Skin looks natural, illuminated and bright: like the beautiful skin you were born with. Weightless and virtually invisible, this revolutionary, paraben-free formula creates a flawless, demi-matte finish; light-diffusing spheres make you look professionally retouched. It’s the ultimate in ultra definition. With a broad, universal range of 18 meticulously calibrated shades, Naked Skin is a buildable liquid foundation that provides medium to full coverage with an unrivaled, weightless texture. It feels different as soon as you touch it.

Naked Skin’s revolutionary, oil-free, fragrance-free, and paraben-free formula diffuses light, blurring fine lines and wrinkles. Ultra-forgiving, the weightless, never-before-seen texture allows you to apply more wherever you need extra complexion perfection. No matter how much or how little you build, your skin is left neither matte nor dewy, but with a totally natural, luminous finish.

I was matched with a 7.0 and it is totally on par with the color of my skin. 18 different shades meaning that there will be a whole lot of people that will be buying this foundation. I'm sold.

The first thing that I always look in a foundation is what exactly are the ingredients in it. I know that foundations are made out of tons of chemicals, but Urban Decay foundation actually has skincare ingredients, such as

Litchiderm (from lychee fruit) – this is supposed to protect skin from dehydration, oxidative, stress, accelerated aging, resulting in a brighter, more radiant complexion
Vitamin E – used to hydrated and increase the skin’s elasticity while fighting off free-radicals that cause skin to age prematurely
Japanese Green Tea – soothes and calms skin with anti-oxidants to neutralize free-radicals and promote collagen production for smooth and supple skin.
Matrixyl 3000 – anti-wrinkle and lifting peptides to restore and maintain the skin’s youthful appearance while increasing elasticity

I think what I love most about this foundation is that it's so lightweight that it feels like you have nothing on. With pumping it out from the pump it comes out almost like watery texture, yet it gives you around medium build able coverage.

 I applied the Naked foundation with Urban Decay's Good Karma, which is the brush that Urban Decay recommends with the foundation. It's perfect, because it's made out of recycled pet bottles and aluminum. Pretty much amazing for really buffing the foundation into the skin for that flawless, yet natural finish.

Left side has no foundation & the right side has the Urban Decay Naked Foundation.

The staying power on this foundation is phenomenal, because I have biked with this foundation and it has yet to melt off or transfer. I find it to be like a second skin for my face and am obsessed with it.

Urban Decay's Naked Foundation ALL OVER.

The foundation is incredible and I would recommend it for everyone to try it out. You can find this foundation at certain Macys, Sephora, Ulta, and on Urban Decay's website. I would definitely stop by one of these counters to get a color match. The foundation is priced at $38, which is super lovely knowing that you only need a little bit each time.

So go crazy and if you try it out - don't forget to email me or leave a comment on how you like it.

KA-POW at Lush's Party with Color, Color, & Color.

hm shirt // marc jacobs bow tie // rayban glasses

A couple of weeks ago Lush had a party celebrating it's new launch for their Ka-Pow gift! I'm pretty much obsessed with this gorgeous gift, because #1 it's all shower, #2 super stimulating, and #3 the packaging is gorgeous.

For the party, Lush invited superheros from around SoHo, okay maybe just SAs dressed up as a superhero, for an action pack party. It's crazy that I no longer work at Lush SoHo.

topman trousers // hm socks // hudson oxfords

I decided to dress up as our Very Berry gift that has loads of lovely bath/shower products. I feel like I couldn't of added anymore color to my outfit. People on the train were staring the entire trip there and back, I loved it.

Just chillin' with Lush man, who I miss oh so much.

Then I decided to turn into Snow Fairy, oh god help me. Do you like how my beard matches my hair? Haha, not. Oh what a wonderful day that was. If you haven't already, check out a local Lush or head over to Lush's website to check out their amazing fresh handmade cosmetics.

The Big Move From New York

topman ltd blazer & polo c/o topman // lanvin for hm sunglasses

Tomorrow is the day I move back to Chicago from living in New York for 3 months. Did I survive? Barely, but I'm still here. Moving to New York was a definitely a life changing experience. How you may ask?

Well #1 is my knowledge on PR has grown tremendously. As you guys know (or if you're a new reader - may not know) that I've done an editorial internship at Refinery29 and a Marketing internship at Modern Luxury. What I haven't done is a public relations internship till now.

Was it a good experience? Yes with some ups and downs of course. No company is perfect, but what I learned was that communication between your staff is a huge part of having a successful day.

levi jeans //  topman boots c/o topman // alexander wang rocco

I would have to say #2 is that you really have to WERQ your butt off to survive in New York. I know there were a couple of days where I couldn't even afford food because money was so tight.

It's a hard life, but the reason why everyone keeps on coming are because of the opportunities that New York has to offer. If you really want it, you have to do whatever it takes to get it, especially when there are 500 other people fighting for the same position.

#3 is definitely to do some research before moving to New York. I think this hit about a several weeks into living in New York. One thing I have to say is that I hated my location of my apartment from the beginning. I almost got jumped twice coming from Target and it was pretty scary coming home from work. Not fun at all.

Location is important in New York. I know that at the moment I couldn't afford to live in the lower east side or west village, but I feel like I did a little bit of saving I would have been able to move there.

Also, be sure that you like your roommates before moving in. I fell in love with my roommates for the first couple of weeks, but after that we ended up in pretty much two different worlds, aka things didn't work out. Sad to say, but true. Lesson learned.

Alas I'll be home sweet home in in less than 24 hours. I will definitely be returning to New York in a few months, Hello Fashion Week. One thing I can say is that I don't regret moving to New York to pursue my internship at Topman & work at Lush SoHo.

Thanks to my Michael & Marisa from Topman and alll of my fellow co-workers at Lush SoHo. I love you guys and thanks again for everything.

All Photos Courtesy of Heather Liggins

Dying Over Summertime Sadness Video by Lana Del Rey

The official video for the gorgeous Lana Del Rey's Summertime Sadness just got released today. Think of vintage inspired cinematography with Lana radiating in everything she wears. Although not the happiest video, the video just makes me appreciate life even more.

Yours Truly Featured On UPashion

The lovely thing about working in SoHo 8 hours a day (7 days a week) is the constant inspiration that anyone can take in while just walking around. Of course if you walk down Broadway you will be swamped with tourists from around the world, but if you sneak through Prince and Greene then it's a whole another world.

If you've never heard about UPashion it's probably because it is an upcoming street style magazine/blog run by the lovely Mataeo Park, a recent graduate of Indiana University. I was approached to get my picture taken when I was heading out of Topman and of course I was decked out in some Topman pieces. Thanks UPashion for the wonderful feature. 

What I Wore On The 4th of July in SoHo

urban outfitters shirt, hm blazer, topman shorts

Although it's been like 12 days since the 4th of July, I can still say that I don't regret pulling out the short shorts for the 4th. I thought to myself, Well I definitely don't have model chicken legs, but why not?

marc jacobs bowtie, michael kors watch, alexander wang bag

Oh my did I have a blast on the 4th of July. I had that much fun that I can barely remember what happened. All I remember is grabbing a $1.50 slice of cheese pizza with my friend Travis, and then spilling some pizza sauce on my white blazer, and the rest is history. Okay well maybe I do remember the night, but is it worth talking about it?

Well after the whole pizza incident, we ended up heading to a friend of a friend's party in the East Village and pretty much had a blast there. Drinks, drinks, and fireworks. Oh by the way virgin margaritas. ;)

After hanging out at the friend of a friend's party, we ended up heading to a local karaoke bar where we sang to Madonna and Brit Brit, of course.. I ended up leaving a little bit early, because #1 I was exhausted and #2 I had to work the next day. I mean who likes hangovers from virgin margaritas?

Drips and drips of sweat later I think it was time to hit the frying pan or cubicle or what I call my New York home. Oh what a wonderful day I had wearing red, white, and blue OH and stars obviously.

Photos taken by Travis Weaver

One Of My Favorite Brands (Shh Topman) Is Having a Pop-up Shop

The word is out that Topman is teaming up with Artpentry, the gorgeous gallery space owned by Floyd A. Davis, to create a lovely pop-up shop featuring some of Topman's awesome pieces. Floyd A. Davis is no newbie when it comes to having a BA party. I mean he is a carpenter, artist, musician, tattoo shop, and motorcycle shop owner (all he needs is a restaurant, hint hint Floyd if you're reading this).

The space is going to be decked out with the front half of the gallery with white walls, self-made to be specific, that then slides over to reveal the back half. Are you confused already? Because I definitely am, more reason to check it out (duh!).

So you may be asking when is this wonderful event? Well it opens on Friday, July 13 aka tomorrow till Sunday. So you better get your little bum over to ArtPentry, which is located on 1827 South Halsted Street, Pilsen AYO, and shop shop shop!

Recap of Luis's Life Through Instagram

As you guys know I'm obsessive over layers and sushi. So I started out this month with both of those.

Then it ended up with a co-worker coming in with mix matched socks, sandals, and a tampon. Of course I have throw a little Starbucks action as well. Can I have a venti iced coffee - extra soy milk, extra light ice, and 4 pumps of cinnamon dolce syrup. kthxbai.

What a big surprise, more sushi and some even more layers. Oh beware though - this was before the heatwave in New York. No I'm not the crazy guy that wears 20 layers when it's 100 degrees. Okay maybe I am.

I finally got to see my Babs, which made me the happiest person in the world and to pair with the gorgeous Babs you get some Versace sprinkles with that.

Finally I'll leave you with some neon and Ocean Salt, one of my favorite products from Lush. Oh PS: If you are loving all these photos, don't forget to follow me on Instagram - Chic Overload.

WERQ that Mullet Skirt

As you guys know I was recently hired to be one of the street style photographers for Refinery 29's New York tab. The picture above was recently featured on Refinery29 and if you haven't checked out the full article on Refinery29 you must click/check it out HERE right now. I mean who doesn't love mullet skirts?

I'm obsessed with the constant flow of people that reside in New York. It seems like everyday is a new journey. Whether it'd be going around SoHo seeing Joan Smalls prance around Spring street or heading to the LES (Lower East Side, duh) to check out the St. Jerome's, a grudgey bar that's owned by the Lady Gaga's now ex, I love every adventure/day.

It's crazy to think that in 14 days (not like I'm counting or anything) that I will be home sweet home in my new apartment. Walk in closet? I think so. I mean I love New York so much, but I think I'm ready to go home.

It's weird that I'm going home so early, because I'll be back in New York for New York Fashion Week (obvi). One thing I've learned from living in New York is that it is expensive to live here. From overpriced apartments to $15 lunches, it's difficult for someone who is living on close to minimum wage and working for nothing to live (but I'm still doing it!).

On my mind is family, family, and family. Oh and school I guess. Chicago, I will see you in 14 days. Also if you haven't followed me on Twitter you can follow me right HERE, Instagram right HERE, and Bloglovin right HERE.

XO,

Strolling Down In SOHO

all saints cardigan / h&m scoop tee / topman chinos (right HERE)

You seriously can find tons of different "creatures" in SoHo. There are neon ones, metallic ones, and even black ones. Although SoHo is on tourists' top stops when they are in New York, there are still many hidden local gems that are located in the heart of SoHo.

karen walker sunglasses (right HERE) / versace for h&m scarf c/o h&m

One of the main reasons why I love SoHo so much is because of how trendy the area is. Just like people say that during fashion week people dress up for the shows/environment, it's definitely the same for SoHo.

You want to see and possibly meet (date?) well-dressed men? Come to SoHo.

You want tons of midi skirts flying everywhere (obviously in a good way)? You go to SoHo.

You want to see (and possibly meet) Marc Jacobs? Come to SoHo and stand by his office on Spring Street around 5 PMish. I've seen him like 3-4 times already, which I've almost fainted multiple times. ICON.

Photo Courtesy of Style Caster

Pretty much my point is that you can find everything and anything in SoHo which is the beauty of it. When I'm there 7 days out of the week, oh oops there's only 7 days in one week, I can spot some of the most incredible people and some of the worst.

dr. marten boots / alexander wang rocco bag / michael kors watch

 I literally live in SoHo, since my office is on Crosby and Lush is on Broadway. No complaining here. I love being able to walk out of my office and see tons of girls strutting their stuff in 5 inch stilletos or men with Prada briefcases.

Question for YOU: If you've ever been to SoHo, where are your favorite places to eat? 

I'm always looking for new restaurants to eat at and since I'll be leaving New York in 28 days. I have to make sure to soak everything up.