August 25, 2016

Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics Review & Swatches

This was provided to me by a brand for review and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post but all opinions are my own.

Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics Review

Oh yes, I am quite excited about the Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics Eyeshadow Palette that’s an all new selection of all matte, naked eyeshadow shades. The Naked Ultimate Basics Palette arrives at us this September along with the rest of the Urban Decay Holiday 2016 Collection. I know, I can’t believe we’re talking Holiday either but I think the good news about this particular palette is it contains a selection of shades that transcend any one season. It’s packed to the gills with shades you’ll likely use daily for work friendly looks or even sultry evening looks when a little eyeliner and a few layers of mascara are applied.

Take the jump for my review and swatches.

The Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics Palette arrives in plastic rose gold compact with a burst design that displays Urban Decay’s logo. Inside you’ll find a very generously sized mirror along with a double-ended brush for application. One side of the brush has a soft, densely packed eyeshadow brush you can use to layer eyeshadow on lids and the other side holds a shorter bristled smaller head which doubles up as either an eyeliner brush or can be used to soft diffuse shadow on your lower or upper lash line. Some people might miss the fact that this includes a blending side but I didn’t mind much so, don’t forget to BYOBB (bring your own blending brush). I like the packaging a lot as I’m particular to the customary “naked” shade that Urban Decay uses in their Naked Collection products. It’s a cross between a rose gold and a rose beige gold that’s very pretty! Someone needs to create a sparkly eyeshadow in this shade. The palette is light, travel-friendly, and should store easily enough as it is a little bit smaller than your average CD case. It holds a total of 12 eyeshadows which are 0.04 oz in size each.

Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics Palette

Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics26

Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics3

Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics4

Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics5

Shades:

  • Blow (Light Nude Demi-Matte)
  • Nude (Soft Pink Nude Matte)
  • Commando (Light Taupe Brown Matte)
  • Tempted (Pale Brown Matte)
  • Instinct (Medium Pink Taupe Matte)
  • Lethal (Reddish Brown Matte)
  • Pre-Game (Pale Yellow Matte)
  • Extra Bitter (Burnt Orange Matte)
  • Faith (Medium Warm Brown Matte)
  • Lockout (Rich Neutral Brown Matte)
  • Magnet (Smoky Gray Matte)
  • Blackjack (Warm Black Matte)

Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics Eyeshadow Palette

Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics Eyeshadow Palette Swatches (Blow, Nudie, Commando, Tempted)

Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics Eyeshadow Palette Swatches (Blow, Nudie, Commando, Tempted)

Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics Eyeshadow Palette Swatches (Faith, Lockout, Magnet, Blackjack)

Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics Eyeshadow Palette Swatches (Faith, Lockout, Magnet, Blackjack)

Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics Eyeshadow Palette Swatches (Instinct, Lethal, Pre-Game, Extra Bitter)

Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics Eyeshadow Palette Swatches (Instinct, Lethal, Pre-Game, Extra Bitter)

I think it’s debating whether this palette has an assortment of brand new shades. Every single shade is brand new and exclusive to this palette according to Urban Decay but if you own Naked Basics, Naked Basics 2, and an assortment of the other Naked Palettes you’re bound to come across shades that look alike. According to their press statement the shades are “completely different from the shades in Naked Basics and Naked2 Basics”. I agree with that but they are variations of shades we’ve seen before and in some cases people might feel they are look a lot alike once applied on lids. So, it may or may not be a deal breaker for you when heading in for a purchase.

This palette contains a selection of both warm and cooler nudes. Some shades are going to play particularly nicely with darker skin tones and may come across a bit chalky or pasty. For example, Blow, Nude, Commando, Tempted, and Pre-Game, are just a few shades that come across as being a little too sheer for darker skin tones. I don’t think the shades are universally flattering to all skin tones but should fit in well with fair to medium tones. Darker tones might struggle a little some of the lighter shades. I happen to fit into the medium fair zone myself so many of the shades worked for me but some of the lighter ones we’re best used as highlighters or transitional colors.

One thing I did take note of was the fact that this palette was a bit deeper and richer in the shade selection range. I think Naked Basics 1 and 2 were very light and sheerer shades where as Naked Ultimate Basics touches on deeper shades of brown, orange, plum, and even purple. One of the fantastic things about the palette is there’s a good deal of variety here to create simple neutral eye looks, natural smokier ones, and even a plummy pink smoked out eye. It seems like a basic and simple range of colors but in reality Urban Decay has given you a selection of shades that are very .

Like many of Urban Decay’s matte shades these are dense without a ton of powdery kick up. Although dense the formula blends very well and looks smooth and even on lids. I personally like silkier mattes that are a bit softer in texture but I actually use my Basics Palettes quite often and never have issues blending or creating looks with the denser shadow range. One thing to note is they swatch very sheer and look very dry on my wrist but they actually apply considerably better. For those curious where this is made, it says that the palette is made in the USA and the brush is made in China.

It’s weird but I’ve come to appreciate mattes as I’ve gotten older and the Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics Palette has a nice range of shades I can see myself using daily to create looks. It’s a palette that’s perfectly work friendly but can certainly be used to create sultry evening looks as well. If you’re a matte lover I think picking it up will prove a no brainer.

urban decay ultimate basics palette fotd

Wearing Blow, Faith, and Lockout on Eyes

Wearing Blow, Faith, and Lockout on Eyes

The Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics Palette arrives this September at Sephora, Sephora.com, Ulta, Ulta.com, and urbandecay.com.
Will you be indulging?

This was provided to me by a brand for review and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post but all opinions 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

  • Christina D.

    I cannot wait to get my hands on this! So envious of you, Sista Muse, for already having it and playing with it! My favorite brand (UD), my favorite series (Naked) and my favorite finish (matte)…psyched!

  • Denise

    Since I already own all the Naked palettes (including the two basics), I think I’ll wait for the LORAC Mega Pro 3.

  • Dee

    These look great on you and can’t wait to get myself. Wasn’t a huge fan of Naked Basics 1 and 2 but this excites me due to the purple. Yeah!

  • kimkats

    Oh, this looks niiiiiiccceee…… Is this going to be part of the core collection or is it a holiday thing only? (the tightwad in me is debating wether to wait for sephora F&F or jump on it now..)

    Looks very nice – but it’s reminding me of a stila palette I have – but that could me my aging memory playing tricks with me! 🙂 Will hafta look at my stila palettes to see if I’m nuts or not. 🙂

  • The Makeup

    This looks beautiful! But I already own all the other Naked palettes (-Smoky) so I think I’ll be skipping this. I love the packaging though!

  • Bliss

    I was all for getting this palette until I saw the ad for local mega pro 3, I think being darker in skintone that one would serve my purposes a bit better.

  • CL

    This is pretty similar to the Stila In the Know palette. I already have that, and Naked Basics 2 and Naked 3, so I won’t need this one.

  • Debbie L.

    Oh my goodness, yes! Thank you! I’ve been waiting for this review from the moment they announced the palette since I’ve been sitting on the decision of splurging on a really good palette (preferably one with little or no glitter) for some time. Now all I have to do is wait for it to reach my country’s shores… Which is a pretty long time from now 🙁

    Much love!

  • Alys

    I wish all brands would do more lip palettes or cheek palettes. I realize lip palettes might be hard…. but I am one of those people that just don’t wear eyeshadow. I think about it… and I own some… but everytime I wear it it either makes me itch like crazy or I think it looks awful on me. So….. bright lips it is. But! I miss the excitement of new palettes.

  • genevieve

    I can see how this palette would appeal to lots of matte lovers – especially as they seem to be of better quality than most. There is a great shade range here too.
    I find as I get older, I am liking neutral tones more – but I am still not sold on matte shades. Having both Nakeds 1 & 2 – which I really, really love – these palettes have enough mattes for me to use occasionally.

  • Randi MacDonald

    Have you ever tried Inglot shadows? If so, how do these compare? They have some a wide variety of mattes.

  • Isu

    Dear Muse,
    i’m a naked palette virgin. i only have the ABH self-made and UD VICE 4. so i thought i’d get myself a naked palette. out of your experience which one do you think is best and i should buy? the new one or one of the previous naked palettes?
    please help!!
    love your site by the way and love you. <3 <3<3

  • isu

    dear muse,
    i haven’t tried a naked palette ever. as my first naked which one would you recommend me?

    • Isabella Muse

      Depends on the colors you personally like, Isu. Do you like lighter natural shades or richer, warmer nudes? Each palette is different with different colors that you might find more favorable on your complexion/skin tone. I’m of the mentality that anyone can wear any shade of eyeshadow but sometimes people prefer darker, warmer neutrals, some like cooler ones, etc…! My personal favorite is the original Naked palette as I like warmer nudes.

      • isu

        Hello darling.thank you so much for your input. i like warm shades too, i have indian asian skin, so i think the warm shades would be better for me too. <3 <3 <3

        • Isabella Muse

          hello!!!!!!! go with the Original Naked, Isu! It’s got plenty of gorgeous rich, warm shades 🙂 xoxo!

  • Zoey

    Could you please do a post comparing this to the Tartelette palette? I’ve been trying to decide on one as a neutral matte palette, but haven’t really found any comparisons of the two. Thanks!

  • Deborah

    I was trying to decide between an IT Cosmetics palette (Superhero or Naturally Pretty) and wasn’t feeling happy with the fact that neither palette came with an applicator brush. I actually bought Superhero and tried it with a Bare Minerals eyeshadow brush but the colors blended in a blotchy fashion. When I saw this new UD palette, it was just perfect. I love it. I returned the IT palette, after only using it once.

  • Jean

    Not sure if I want this or not. Been wanting the naked basics palettes but not that bad. If the colors are similar then maybe its worth it. I would get it for free anyway since I have so much Ulta points.