The Romanticism of Urban Decay: Why We Are Drawn to Crumbling Buildings and Ruins

Urban decay refers to the deterioration and decline of a city or urban area. It is characterized by a variety of physical, social, and economic factors that contribute to the degradation and abandonment of buildings, infrastructure, and neighborhoods. One of the most significant causes of urban decay is economic decline. When industries collapse or move to other regions, cities often experience a significant loss of jobs and economic activity. This can lead to an increase in poverty, crime, and a general lack of investment in the urban area. Without the necessary economic resources, cities struggle to maintain their infrastructure and provide essential services.

I couldn’t resist putting on my new lipstick before I got home from my shopping trip, so here’s a shot of the unspoiled tube near City Hall, right after I devoured some excellent Vietnamese vermicelli with tofu from the Little Green Cyclo truck.

I now own three Vice lipsticks, one in the Comfort Matte formula Backtalk, which is apparently the most popular shade and two in the Metallized formula. They were difficult to remove compared to most products; I had the best luck saturating a cotton pad with eye or lip makeup remover Neutrogena, Lancome, Shiseido, etc.

Without the necessary economic resources, cities struggle to maintain their infrastructure and provide essential services. Another cause of urban decay is population loss or decline. As people move away from cities in search of better opportunities or due to issues such as crime or limited access to quality education, the remaining population becomes concentrated in specific neighborhoods.

Urbam decay amuley

Urban Decay nailed the packaging here. I love how the cap of these tubes is identical to their existing Vice lipstick tubes, with the hammered metal effect. The applicator of the liquid lipstick is a slanted doefoot with a narrow tip which works perfect for precise and fast application. The special effects lip topper has a small brush applicator, which is perfect for precision work.

Let me just cut to the chace: I am in love with this product in every way. I already mentioned how pretty I think the tube is, but the formula is even better. The consistency of the UD liquid lipstick is velvety, whipped and creamy, smoothing over the lips in one perfectly opaque layer. This liquid lipstick does not dry out my lips in any way while still drying down completely transferproof in about 10 seconds, is waterproof, lasts well through meals, and applies without building up or becoming crumbly. Absolutely one of the best liquid lipsticks I've tried yet.

In addition, Amulet is SUCH a dreamy shade! I love this salmon-y, pink-y MLBB type tones because they brighten up my complexion and suit any type of look. But that gold shimmer just takes the look to another level, adding visual interest and making my lips seem plump and healthy. Definitely a rival to my favourite UD Vice lippie up until now: Backtalk.

The UD Vice special effects topcoat is more of a mixed bag for me. I love the shimmery blue look and the fine brush is great for detailed application. However, like most lip toppers I've tried, this product is quite drying on the lips. I think lip toppers generally contain alcohol or something else that evaporates when the lip topper "sets", leaving only sparkle and not much else, and this evaporating always makes my lips feel tingly in a slightly unpleasant fashion. If you want to build up the sparkle to the extent you see on my lips here, you also have to layer up a bit, making the product feel a bit heavy on the lips.

It's great for instagram lip art, but for a night out I think the comfort would be an concern for me. However, I do have rather dry lips, so someone else might not experience any of my issues.

To sum up, I've been wearing Amulet almost non-stop. The special effects lip toppers are a great option if you're into the lip-art game, but not that comfortable for everyday wear if you apply them all-over. The UD liquid lipsticks are available in 20 shades in Belgium, the top coats come in 12 shades, and both of these products retail at €19.50, exclusively available at Ici Paris XL.

This creates a cycle of poverty and disinvestment in these areas, exacerbating urban decay. Physical factors can also contribute to urban decay. Neglected or poorly maintained infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and public spaces, can become hazards to the community. Vacant or abandoned buildings can attract criminal activity and become eyesores in the urban landscape. Additionally, pollution and environmental degradation can further deteriorate the quality of life in urban areas. Social factors play a significant role in urban decay as well. High crime rates, gang activity, and drug use can plague neighborhoods, leading to a sense of insecurity and social instability. These issues often discourage investment and contribute to the cycle of decline. Urban decay has serious implications for the residents of affected areas. It can lead to a decrease in property values, limited access to basic services such as healthcare and education, and increased health risks due to environmental hazards. Furthermore, it perpetuates a sense of hopelessness and despair among residents, as they may feel trapped in deteriorating and unsafe environments. Efforts to combat urban decay typically involve a combination of strategies. These may include economic revitalization through the attraction of new businesses and industries, investments in infrastructure and public spaces, and social programs aimed at addressing the root causes of decline. Community engagement and participation are crucial in these efforts, as local residents often have valuable insights and connections to help drive change. In conclusion, urban decay is a complex issue with multiple causes and consequences. It requires a holistic approach that addresses the economic, social, and physical aspects of decline in order to create sustainable and thriving urban areas..

Reviews for "The Aesthetics of Decay: Exploring the Unique Visual Appeal of Urban Neglect"

1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with the Urban Decay Amulet eyeshadow. The color in the pan looked beautiful, but when I applied it to my eyelids, it appeared very washed out and barely showed up. The pigmentation was extremely poor and it took several layers to build up any sort of intensity. Additionally, the eyeshadow had a lot of fallout and didn't blend easily. Overall, I expected much better quality from a high-end brand like Urban Decay.

2. Michael - 1/5 stars - I cannot understand the hype around the Urban Decay Amulet eyeshadow. The color looked promising in the pan, but when I applied it, it looked patchy and uneven. It just did not apply smoothly or evenly onto my eyelids. I also found that it creased easily even when I used a primer. I ended up having to constantly touch up throughout the day, which was very frustrating. I would not recommend this eyeshadow to anyone looking for a reliable and high-quality product.

3. Emily - 2/5 stars - The Urban Decay Amulet eyeshadow was a big letdown for me. The color seemed promising, but it turned out to be very sheer and lacked the intensity I was expecting. It also faded quite quickly, even with a primer. The texture of the eyeshadow was not smooth and felt a bit chalky. I expected better pigmentation and longevity from Urban Decay. Unfortunately, I would not repurchase or recommend this particular shade to others.

4. Alex - 3/5 stars - While the Urban Decay Amulet eyeshadow had some good points, it ultimately fell short for me. The color payoff was decent, but I found that it was difficult to blend and ended up looking muddy on my eyelids. The texture was not as smooth as I would have liked, and it had some fallout as well. It had the potential to be a great shade, but the formula needs improvement in terms of application and blendability.

Resurrecting Abandoned Spaces: How Communities Transform Urban Decay into Vibrant Social Hubs