Looking Glass

Urban Decay Alice Through the Looking Glass Eyeshadow Palette ($60.00 for 0.80 oz.) includes twenty eyeshadows--all "brand new" according to Urban Decay--arranged by character, going down in columns. Visually, it doesn't seem like an immediately comprehensive palette, but I think you can get a variety of looks out of it afterall, though they will skew warm or otherwise brighter and more colorful. There are a couple of shades that seem more than similar to past shades released by the brand (Duchess is the worst offender). I wish they would have opted for either Looking Glass/Lily/Royal Flush and added a light and more mid-tone beige or taupe shade for transition and highlighting (on different skin tones). The more shimmery shades in the palette were really nice, but the more colorful, more matte shades were dusty and thin and require primer to apply well (personally, I didn't find UD's primer sufficient--they needed a stark white base). Worth noting, the colorful mattes have a thinner consistency that makes them less blendable next to the denser shimmers (there's a disconnect in how they smooth over one another). Dream On really only functions if used with a damp brush or over an adhesive base. The third row is exceptionally good, and I really wish the rest of the palette was that impressive, so it leaves me with a myriad of feelings, because there are some really amazing shades in the palette... and some real misses. The palette will be available at Urban Decay on May 1st and other retailers to follow after that.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview, which is a detailed review of the range as a whole.

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