The most hyped palette at the moment would have to be the Urban Decay Naked Palette. It has been so popular that Sephora has been out of stock for months. The question is...is this an over hyped palette or does it really deserve its fame. I will provide an in depth review on this palette based on my two months experience with it. Enjoy!
Overview:
Suitable for: Very universal. Great for anyone who loves neutrals.
Pigmentation: Excellent. Some darker shades are more pigmented than others.
Price: Reasonable, great for what you are getting which is 12 gorgeous shades.
Versatility: Endless possibilities. Each eyeshadow can be used to create either a natural barely there look or a sultry smokey look.
Staying power: Very good alone and excellent with a primer. I find that it stays put better when used with a primer and a coloured or nude base rather than a primer alone.
Blendability: The smooth velvety texture allows room for blending for a seamless finish. However, too much blending may cause some sparkles to wear off and can result in a little bit of muddiness.
Texture: The texture is satin smooth and velvety. None of the shades are powdery or extra soft, which helps to minimize fallout.
Packaging: Sturdy suede expensive feeling palette with great portability. Comes with a large mirror inside the palette and a slot for the eyeshadow brush they provided. I like to pop in a dual ended eyeshadow brush so that all I need is one brush for the entire eyeshadow look.
Review of the 12 shades:
How to use each shade for best results
Virgin (nude satin)
This satin finish eyeshadow is best used for highlighting under the brow bone or for brightening those inner tear ducts. I also use it down the centre my nose to highlight and on the cupid`s bow above my lips.
Sin (champagne shimmer)
A truly versatile color that can be used all over the lid for a sheer wash of color, creating a brightening look. It can also be used as a brow highlight color if you do not want too large of a contrast between the eyelid color and brow color.
Naked (buff matte)
A very nude and muted color that will probably not show up on more tanned complexion. This color can be used to even out the eyelid for a very subtle, natural look that will look great with a Marilyn Monroe red lip. I also use it to blend the harsh edges of any smokey eye.
Sidecar (beige sparkle)
One of the more sparkly colors with chunks of sparkle. However, the sparkles really do make this eyeshadow unique and perfect for the inner portion of the eyelid which will drawn light to your eyes in photography. This may not be the best choice for inner tear ducts however due to the rather chunky glitters.
Buck (brown matte)
Truly one of my favourite colors because it is a staple and it is multifunctional. I use it in my crease to create a natural and believable contour on my asian lids. I have also discovered that it is perfect for contouring the nose. The color isn`t orange like some other contouring powder and creates a natural soft contour when blended with a fluffy brush.
Half Baked (bronze)
One of my favourite shades. This is a true golden bronze color great on any complexion. Use this all over the lid or with a gorgeous smokey golden brown eye. If you have darker complexion, this may also work on the inner corner of the eyes if you find white or silver eyeshadows too harsh.
Smog (golden brown shimmer)
A darker bronze color that is multidimensional and very pigmented. I use it with half baked to create the perfect bronze smokey look. Paired with a matte bronzer and nude lipgloss, this combination spells "B-r-o-n-z-e G-o-d-d-e-s-s".
Darkhorse (bronze-plum shimmer)
I use this to darken the other corner of the eyes to create depth and contour. This can also be used wet as an eyeliner or smudged along the lower lashline, giving a non-raccoon eyed effect.
Toasted (taupe-bronze)
Similar to Mac's infamous satin taupe but with more bronze. Love this as an everyday all over color because the shadow changes color under different lighting. No worries, it does look flattery under any light.
Hustle (mocha shimmer)
A gorgeous dark brown color that is perfect for defining the crease or along the upper and lower lashline as an eyeliner. This color can be worn alone as an eyeliner when you wet it with either mixing medium, contact lens solution or water.
Creep (near-black metallic)
This unusual color is not your true jet black but can be used for more subtle smokey black eyes or for upper and lower lashline. The bits of glitter in the shadow draws light to your eyes and gives the eyeshadow dimension and life.
Gunmetal (dark grey metallic)
This dark grey shadow does have pronounced silver sparkles in it. However, this can look gorgeous paired with a matte black eyeshadow for a smokey gray eye. Because this shadow is quite dramatic, I also like to wear this eyeshadow along with with Buck in the crease to soften the look.
Final Verdict: This palette is worth every penny. To find out how to make your Urban Decay look last for 12 hours and read my post on 5 Ways to Make Your Eyeshadow Stay Put .
Alternative drug store dupe: NYX Nude on Nude Palette
