Urban Decay · Born To Run Collection

Every time I think or look at Urban Decay’s Born To Run Collection, Bruce Springsteen’s song of the same name starts playing in an endless loop in my head (#earworm) and while I’m not a fan of the song, I’m definitely head over heels for the makeup. Inspired by the globe-trotting adventurista in all of us, it includes a 21-eyeshadow Eyeshadow Palette, 3 new Vice Lipsticks and 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils, all of which aim to have you covered no matter your destination … airfare [sadly] not included.

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You guys have heard me say often often that I’m not about the excessive press packages that come in, but in this case I not only thought the presentation here was fun, but I was able to give the exterior box to a friend who’s now using it for storage. Win-win.

Born To Run Eyeshadow Palette (CAN $59.00) | The exterior of the palette displays images from some well-known travel destinations (I spot a church that’s most likely from Santorini — my Greek pride is definitely showing), but it’s what’s on the inside that really wows. The 21 shades range from neutrals to bold and in a variety of finishes (matte, satin, metallic) that enable you to literally create a broad assortment of looks, taking you from day to night in a snap. With pigmentation levels off the charts on each, all also display a smooth texture, effortless blendability and exceptional staying power, when applied over primer.

Urban Decay has basically written the book when it comes to multi-shade eyeshadow palettes (i.e.: ANY of the Naked palettes) and I’m going to call it right now: this Born To Run Eyeshadow Palette, is one of the best I have tried — a total must have. Full stop.

Breakaway – warm ivory, shimmer
Stranded – pale rose-gold with tonal micro-shimmer
Blaze∗ – light metallic with a pink shift
Weekender – light neutral beige, matte
Still Shot – bright peach
Riff∗ – brown-nude matte with floating micro sparkle
Good As Gone – deep brown with iridescent micro-shimmer
Hell Ride – deep fuchsia, matte
Baja – burnt orange, matte
Accelerate – reddish copper, metallic
Guilt Trip – smoky purple shimmer
Ignite – rose gold, metallic
Smog∗ – deep coppery bronze
Wanderlust – forest green with gold micro-shimmer
Wildheart – bright fuchsia, shimmer
Punk∗ – reddish-brown, matte
Double Life – metallic rust
Jet∗ – black with deep shimmering purple shift
Drift – charcoal satin with tonal micro-sparkle
Radio – deep emerald, satin
Big Sky – frosted green shimmer with iridescent micro-sparkle

∗Existing shades from previous launches

Born To Run 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil (CAN $25.00/each) | Next to CHANEL, the formula on these eyeliner pencils is my fave, and for many reasons. First of all, the shade range is extensive, secondly the staying power is quite strong and lastly, they all literally ‘glide’ along the skin in such a smooth & buttery kind of way, that you only need minimal pressure for application — which means there will be less stress on the delicate skin of the eye area. As you can also blend these out to some extent, you can use these pencils as an anchoring base for eyeshadow, although you’ll need to work quickly and one eye at a time to prevent the product from setting too fast. As to the three colours of this collection, I’m all about every single one of these shades and can’t say enough good things about them. LOVE.

Double Life – reddish-brown, metallic
Lucky – dark copper, metallic
Overdrive – deep green, metallic

Born To Run Vice Lipsticks (CAN $22.00/each) | Housed in packaging with travel scenes similar to the palette, I confess to doing quite a bit of oohing & ahhing upon opening each up, although I’ll be honest and say that apart from the neutral, I didn’t think the rest were really ‘me’. Then I began swatching, and I was proved so totally wrong; I do love me a good makeup surprise like that. The Comfort Mattes are well named, as the texture is smooth and easy to apply (with full coverage by the first swipe, I might add) and feels really comfortable throughout the wearing, although I’d have to say the finish is more velvety than true matte — which suits me fine, in fact. As to the Metallized finish of Ready?, it’s not only highly reflective, but so pretty and easy to wear — most likely due to the soft rose colour and the fact that the glittery bits are smooth AND it’s also amazing layered over either of the other 2 shades of this collection, creating unique new colour combos.

Ready? – bright rose sparkle, metallized
66 – rich mauve-nude, Comfort Matte
Marfa – dark berry with pink micro-shimmer, Comfort Matte

All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray, travel size (CAN $19.00) | Bearing this collection’s limited edition packaging design, this is a travel friendly version of the brand’s best-selling setting spray — and the final crowning touch to the makeup (using this collection, naturally) that you’ve just diligently applied. Seriously; if you happen to live in a climate with scary humidity levels (like mine), or have combination/oily skin (like me), or even if you want to just ensure that your makeup stays looking as good by day’s end as when it was first applied (maybe even better as I happen to like the look of lived-in makeup), then meet your new BFF. And when it runs out — which it will, because you’ll definitely be using it — just refill it from the larger bottle and take it to go. Done & done.

PS: This spray was created in exclusive partnership with SKINDINÄVIA and uses their ground-breaking formula. In other words, these people definitely know a thing or 20 about keeping your makeup in place.

In a nutshell, Urban Decay has hit a home run with this entire Born To Run Collection, creating pieces that are not only wearable by all tastes and complexions across the board, but with formulas that truly impress. I honestly can’t say more than I already have; if the above swatches haven’t convinced you, then nothing will — but let’s just say that you’ll live with major regret if you pass these lovelies up. Fair warning, am I right?

Available at Sephora and online