November 26, 2012

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette Review & Swatches

This was provided to me by a brand for review but all opinions expressed are my own

Urban Decay Naked Basics Eyeshadow Palette launches this week. Excited? The Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette ($27) is a new take on the legendary Naked and Naked 2 Eyeshaodow Palettes.

This smaller, more portable palette contains six full size eyeshadows all of them matte in finish accept for one. I’m positive all the matte lovers out there are squealing in joy because let’s face it Naked and Naked 2 are more about the shimmer than the matte.

The Naked Basics Palette launches in exactly three days, will you be indulging?

Take a look!

The Urban Decay Naked Basics Eyeshadow Palette is about half the size of the Naked and Naked 2 Palettes, it’s also a good deal skinner. The palette is far more travel friendly than its predecessors due to the smaller size. The compact itself is made of a lightweight rubber sort of like NARS packaging. It seems far more friendlier than NARS though as I used it a few times and didn’t notice it getting dirty or attracting powder like a magnet. So far, it remains fairly clean! It’s so small I found it hard to believe that they packed full size eyeshadows inside. By Urban Decay standards this is very, very no frills so it really does live up to its name, “Basic”.

At $27, it’s quite a bargan as it does contain all full size eyeshadows. The shades are all matte aside from Venus which has a tiny touch of satin, UD recommends it as a highlighting shade.

You get:

  • Venus (soft, off-white demi-matte)
  • Foxy (very light yellow/beige matte)
  • Walk of Shame (very light pinky nude matte)
  • Naked 2 (rosy taupe matte)
  • Faint (warm, dusty brown matte)
  • Crave (deepest, darkest brown/black matte)

Naked 2, Faint, Crave

Venus, Foxy, W.O.S.

Foxy is available in Naked 2 and Walk of Shame was exclusive to the Build Your Own Palettes that Urban Decay released recently. However, the other four shades are exclusive to the Naked Basics Palette.

I’m not a great lover of matte eyeshadow however, I can’t deny the color payoff is fairly excellent on all of these. They have a soft, smooth almost silky texture that applies very easily on lids.

I think if you already own the Naked Palettes some of these shades may be easy to dupe. These shades might feel a little repetitive however, those who generally like the idea of an all matte palette might just overlook that. Although the shades all build fairly well with excellent color pay off those with darker skin might feel they are a touch too light. The palette is a 50/50 mix of lighter versus darker shades and I think some folks would have preferred darker mattes versus lighter ones. Personally I think it makes a handy tool to use in conjunction with the Naked Palettes you already own. Some of these shades make an excellent color wash prior to applying a deeper shade so you might want to take that into consideration when deciding on a purchase.

Overall, if you’re a fond fan of basic mattes and think you’ll make use of them daily this is probably an excellent pick. It feels very well rounded as it covers many of the basic matte shades most of which you would make use of daily. The texture is excellent as they have a very soft, smooth feel that apply easily without being patchy or dry.

Eyes: Venus, Walk of Shame, and Naked 2

If you’re not a fan of mattes I think Urban Decay could change your mind. Naked Basics takes things down to a simple yet elegant array of shadows that would work easily in many day looks!

It’ll be available starting November 29th at UrbanDecay.com and at Sephora, Macys, Ulta, and more for Spring 2012, February 1st.

Are you planning on purchasing it?

This was provided to me by a brand for review but all opinions expressed are my own

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • kimkats

    Oooo…. is this the Naked 3 palette that we kept hearing whispers about a few months back??? I like this – Looks very very nice! Thanks for the heads up, m’dear! Did you have a good turkey day? 🙂

    • the Muse

      you’re most welcome kim! Might not be naked 3, that could be on the horizon!? ;-D I had an amazing T-day thanks for asking! It was very blessed with friends, family, and great food. You?

      • kimkats

        Me too! I made turkey vegetable soup from leftovers… since it’s cold and snowing a bit today (heckuva change from 70 degrees plus on Thanksgiving!) it just hit the spot for lunch!

  • Kiss & Make-up

    Myeah, like I said in the previous post, this palette is really too nude for me. It’s great if you like natural looks, but I prefer bolder, brighter shades.

  • K.B.

    I should say “no, I have no plans to buy this,” but I AM SO TOTALLY BUYING THIS.

    I’m a little irritated, though, because I convinced my mom to buy the Lorac Pro Palette this past weekend because it has an equal amount of mattes and shimmers, and now this palette is coming out. I mean, the Lorac is still a good deal, and she might like it better than this one (especially because it has some GORGEOUS shades), but still.

  • Heather

    You look gorgeous! But, I don’t think this one is for me! Have you seen Too Faced Sweet Indulgent palette?

    • the Muse

      aw thanks heather you’re too kind! I have indeed, review is on the way for that one ;-D

  • breyerchic04

    I have the stila in the know palette, which pretty much perfectly dupes these plus a few more. So I’m skipping. I never do all matte looks, but I absolutely love to use either a matte crease color (I use stila rain most of the time) or a matte highlight (and there are 4 options in it) with super shimmery looks

  • BLee

    Check list..needs Naked 2, Faint, Crave…done 😛 Thanks for the swatches. And glad to hear your T-day was wonderful.

    • the Muse

      hi sara! 😀 <3! I missed you all too! it's a great little palette, quite a deal too!

  • Icaria

    I love the 3 darker shades but I’m not sure I would use the others. These shades look pretty good on you! 😀

  • Sara

    Will it be available at Sephora on nov. 29 as well? Or will it hit Sephora next year?

  • WendyS

    Sorry, hit “POST” too quickly. Thank you so much for the heads up and the review. You look gorgeous! After reading your tease this morning I stopped at Sephora. The MA didn’t know anything about this! I had just had coffee and was a bit excited!

    • the Muse

      aw my pleasure wendy! thank you, you’re way too kind, kinda rushed the look this morning! It won’t launch until Spring 2013 in Sephora so that’s prob why they haven’t heard the word yet!

      • amy

        I’ve read in a few other places that it will be “up to the disretion” of other retailers when it’s released. I know the Vice palette was released alot sooner at Macy’s, so if your local Macy’s carries UD, it may be there soon. My local store had Vice pretty much immediately after UD released it, and several weeks before any of my Sephora’s.

  • katie

    I am trying to get excited about this. Not really doing it for me. That might change though

  • Elizabeth Maiorana

    Thank you for the swatches- I really like these and the price is right. I just read that L’Oreal bought UD … thanks and have a good week!! xoxo Beth in Pgh 😉

  • Susan

    It looks wonderful except it is mostly light colors and I wish for about 2 “mid-darker” ones instead of so many lights. Thank you so much for the great review. In a way, I’m kinda glad it’s not “perfect” – I’m on a Severe No Buy. 🙁 Love you!

    • the Muse

      Hey Susan! I know what you mean, I think they def needed a few darker shades as the lighter ones come across very similiar. My pleasure! Glad the review helped! Love ya back ;-D and GOOD luck on that no buy! Those are HARD!

      • Tammie

        Yeah this is what makes me say “meh” about this palette too, all almost the same color, all very light :x. If it was varied I would really want it! Sad!

  • Brittany B.

    Will it be available to buy in stores at sephora and ulta? I called sephora and the lady didn’t even know what I was talking about!

    • the Muse

      hi brittany I mentioned in the post exact dates for release and who will have and when. Hope this helps.

  • devil

    Oh, I’m totally getting this. I actually never got either of the first two Naked palettes (GASP!), because they were too shimmery and I was peeved with UD for not including more mattes. So, I’ll get this and Naked 2 and fall in love with UD all over again in keeping with the season. 😉

    Thanks a ton for all the info about this. 🙂

    • Suzanne

      I’m actually thinking about the same thing! I didn’t get the Naked or Naked2 palettes because they were too shimmery/glittery to me. But with this Basics, maybe I will get both of them. They should work really well together 🙂 Now I just need to wait to receive my Sephora coupon to start shopping 🙂

  • Nancy

    I do have a lot of neutrals already,but I do like the size and payoff is great,just would love to see something similar but with bright colors. I don’t have a lot of matte colors,just basic brown,black,navy. UD now I want some color! hehe 🙂 thank you for the review Muse,I think I might get for my mom,she’ll really love it~

  • Marilyn @ Lipgloss and Spandex

    I LOVE the Naked palettes and was excited about the prospect of an all matte palette… but was sad to see it’s only six shades. I guess six good quality full sized matte shadows for $27 is nothing to sneeze at though. I’m tempted to buy it now…

  • Lilit

    I’m usually excited about UD palette releases but this one is a bit meh. A bit boring and bland. No denying that the shadows look really pigmented but the colours are sooo boring I’m falling asleep just thinking about it! LOL
    Thanks for the heads up though!

  • Melody

    Okay wow, I’m on the right review now, I’m so artarded 😛
    I hauled in Nov: both Naked palettes, Book of Shadows Redux, Vice, & every Vintage I could get my hands on! I’m new to UD & addicted! I’m torn, as a makeup junkie…the Deluxe and Black palettes or Deluxe and this one that came outta nowhere? Got a discount coupon from them for screwing up an order (they even threw in a new formula single instead of a Vintage I ordered! SCORE!) I’ve read mixed reviews on Black palette and this one. I need your opinion, Muse, none of my friends understand my addiction!

  • mahrukh

    i am always get excited whenever i heard ud launched any palette.. but in my opinion it is not worth buying… :).. all colors i already have .. but i would not regret if i get on half price 🙂

  • Jo

    This I think is a must for UD lovers and those looking for matte shadows , as these are hard to find-now all I have to do is press ” checkout” -thank u for great swatches

  • MRose

    I have a question, I’m new to the world of makeup, despite being 17 and am wondering how you put this stuff on? It didn’t seem like it came with an applicator, so do you use your fingers or some thing special? What other basic (and not too expensive) make up stuff would you recommend?

  • zFashionizta

    I LOVE this palette, my favorite of all UD Naked Products. I hope it stays as a permanent item, but if you hear otherwise, please post ASAP.