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Urban Decay Full Spectrum Eyeshadow Palette Review, Photos, Swatches

Urban Decay Full Spectrum Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay Full Spectrum Eyeshadow Palette

Urban Decay Full Spectrum Eyeshadow Palette ($55.00 for 0.84 oz.) includes 21 eyeshadows (each is 0.04 oz.) in a variety of rainbow-inspired hues. It’s a new, limited edition palette for the holidays. While it has some similarity to last year’s Spectrum palette, the packaging is different–the lid now is hinged and lifts off of the palette, rather than fully removes (which is a complaint often made about last year’s palette!)–and it also contains more eyeshadows (21 vs. 15). If you normally use a primer or don’t mind using a white base to get the most bang out of the eyeshadows in the palette, you might enjoy it. On the other hand, if you want intense, totally opaque coverage in one pass, this might leave you wanting more as there are several shades that are either sheerer, dustier, or a combination of both. The palette launches on October 26th at Urban Decay and will follow shortly to other retailers after that.

I liked the concept of the palette–brights, more muted takes on brights, mattes and frosts–and how it was arranged overall. I think they could have opted to put in a more matte black instead of Midnight Blaze/Platonic for more versatility. If all of the more matte shades were like Calavera, it might have been a really superb palette, but as is, it didn’t blow me away. The more shimmery shades were decent to good, but they are not as smooth or as richly pigmented as last year’s Urban Spectrum palette (which is what made it a real standout in a sea of palettes).

Also, I counted one more repromote than the press release–Alchemy, Hatter, Goldmine, and Metamorphosis are all repromotes. And for those who were curious how it overlaps with Kat Von D Mi Vida Loca Remix, you can see the comparison here.

Alchemy is a subdued, medium-dark reddish plum with warm undertones and a soft, frosted finish. It had good pigmentation with a fairly soft, smooth texture that was just a touch dry in the pan, but it blended out without issue and adhered nicely to bare skin. The color lasted for eight hours on me. KVD Beauty Rosary (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Too Faced Sprinkles (Holiday 2016) (LE, $16.00) is lighter (90% similar). LORAC Sunset (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Viseart Bijoux Royal #9 (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar). City Color It's a Girl (P, $6.99) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). MAC Plum Dressing (DC, $17.00) is darker (90% similar). Anastasia Sangria (P, $12.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). Stila Next to Notte (LE, $24.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar). Sugarpill Magentric (P, $13.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). Ciate Fierce (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar). ColourPop Blank Canvas (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). KVD Beauty Rewind (LE, ) is warmer (85% similar). Urban Decay Shade (LE, $19.00) is lighter (85% similar). Zoeva Warm Notes (PiP, ) is more muted, warmer (80% similar). ColourPop Lit (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, cooler (80% similar). ColourPop Lectra (LE, $6.00) is more muted (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Warning is a medium-dark copper with warm, red undertones and a soft, frosted finish. The texture felt a little looser in the pan, and as a result, somewhat dusty, but it seemed to go on better on the lid as I worked with it in a smaller area than swatched. It did apply better when patted on, rather than swept on. This shade started to fade after seven and a half hours of wear. Ciate Love Letter (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (95% similar). Huda Beauty Gemstone #6 (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar). LORAC Rust (LE, $19.00) is darker (95% similar). Natasha Denona Apollo (PiP, $29.00) is lighter (95% similar). Lisa Eldridge Lost Summer (P, $16.00) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar). NARS Cambodia (LE, $24.00) is brighter (95% similar). Melt Cosmetics Crush (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar). NABLA Cosmetics Metal Cupid (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar). ColourPop Bling (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar). Urban Decay Ambitious (PiP, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar). MAC Red Alert (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). MAC Arriba (LE, $17.00) is warmer (90% similar). Huda Beauty Blood Moon (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar). Fenty Beauty Pretty Penny (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Icon Date Eyes #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop TTYN (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). MAC Coppering (P, $17.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Walk of No Shame (LE, $35.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Coloured Raine Vintage (DC, $6.99) is darker (90% similar). Morphe Cranapple (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Midnight Blaze is a blackened brown with warmer, olive undertones and a fine pearl sheen. This was a terrible shade; it was extremely stiff and firm in the pan, which resulted in very sheer, uneven coverage that was only achievable when I scraped powder from the surface of the pan as it was just that stiff in the pan. It was hard to blend, but on the upside, it lasted for a whole six hours. Makeup Geek High Tea (DC, $6.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Clarins Forest #1 (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar). KVD Beauty Vox (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). theBalm D4 (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). theBalm #42 (P, $6.50) is warmer (90% similar). LORAC Jade (PiP, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar). Burberry Khaki (08) (DC, $29.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Lancome Misty Morning (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). MAC Olive Blend #2 (LE, ) is lighter, brighter, warmer (85% similar). theBalm Lead Zeppelin (P, $16.00) is warmer (90% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Hundred is a medium-dark forest green with cooler undertones and warmer, golden shimmer. It had good pigmentation with a fairly soft, lightly dusty texture that blended out nicely and wore for eight hours. NARS Indio (DC, $25.00) is cooler (95% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Lights Out #4 (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (95% similar). Sugarpill Junebug (P, $13.00) is warmer (95% similar). NARS Momentum (DC, $25.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Milani Bella Emerald (18) (P, $4.49) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar). Huda Beauty Emerald #4 (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). Inglot #418 (P, $7.00) is warmer (95% similar). Make Up For Ever #310 (DC, $20.00) is darker (95% similar). Cle de Peau Modern Era #4 (LE, ) is more muted (90% similar). Fyrinnae Boot Season (P, $6.75) is warmer (90% similar). Sephora Fern (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). KVD Beauty Craft (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). KVD Beauty Lemmy (LE, ) is lighter, brighter, warmer (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty TFX11 (LE, $36.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Fyrinnae Are You My Mummy? (P, $6.80) is lighter, brighter, cooler (90% similar). L'Oreal Golden Emerald (P, $7.99) is warmer (90% similar). Pat McGrath Galactic Conquest (LE, $25.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Sephora Luxurious Boot Camp (DC, $10.00) is lighter, more muted (90% similar). Bobbi Brown Poison Ivy (P, $38.00) is more shimmery, lighter, brighter (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Emerald Isles (Cream Color) (LE, $45.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Minx is a deep navy blue with fine, lighter blue pearl over a mostly matte finish. The texture was soft, silky to the touch, but it was thin and dusty, so it sheered out easily and could look patchy if applied without a primer. This is the type of eyeshadow texture that really needs the smoothness of a primer for better color payoff, wear, and application. It lasted for seven and a half hours on me. Urban Decay Heroine (LE, $19.00) is darker (95% similar). Too Faced De La Mer (PiP, $16.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). MAC Shop & Drop (LE, $17.00) is darker (90% similar). MAC Panda Riot (LE, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar). Viseart Cool Matte #9 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, brighter (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Starry Night #4 (PiP, ) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). Inglot #332 (P, $6.00) is less shimmery, brighter (90% similar). Inglot #321 (P, $6.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar). Giorgio Armani Minuit (02) (DC, $39.00) is more shimmery, brighter (90% similar). Cle de Peau Serenity (Left) (PiP, ) is lighter (85% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Daydream #3 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). NARS Long Game (DC, $25.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Mythicool Creatures #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Delirious is a medium-dark plum with warmer undertones and very fine violet pearl over a matte finish. For all intents and purposes, it was a matte shade, as the shimmer was undetectable once applied to the lid. It had semi-opaque, buildable coverage with a soft, blendable texture that didn’t turn patchy even over bare skin. It wore well for eight hours on me. Linda Hallberg Cosmetics Occult (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). Guerlain Boulevard du Montparnasse #6 (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). Terra Moons Star Catcher (P, $6.00) is cooler (90% similar). Tarina Tarantino Deep Dahlia (DC, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Dior Plum Tulle #5 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). Dior Magnify #5 (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar). Hourglass Exposure #2 (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar). Viseart Mulberry (Amethyst #3) (P, ) is lighter (85% similar). Terra Moons Moon Reverie (P, $6.00) is less shimmery, brighter, warmer (85% similar). Anastasia BBDC (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). LORAC Black Currant (PiP, $19.00) is lighter (85% similar). Melt Cosmetics Last Caress (PiP, ) is less shimmery, more muted, warmer (85% similar). Natasha Denona Trust (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Stila Plum (LE, $18.00) is more shimmery, more muted (85% similar). Sydney Grace Brilliant Realm (PiP, $5.25) is less shimmery, darker, more muted (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Platonic is a deep black with warmer undertones and silver shimmer. It had semi-sheer coverage, and part of that was due to the firmer, thinner texture that made it harder to work with–I had trouble just getting product onto the brush, on top of the frustration when I tried to get the color to apply evenly to the lid or diffuse around the edges. It lasted for seven hours on me. Lancome Midnight Purple (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). MAC Espresso Blend #2 (LE, ) is darker (95% similar). Tarte Lunar Eclipse (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). Too Faced Black Coffee (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Too Faced Panther (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar). MAC Black Tied (P, $17.00) is darker (90% similar). NARS Shade VI (LE, $25.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Chanel L'Intemporel de Chanel #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). Sleek MakeUP Acid #12 (PiP, $9.99) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). NARS Dogon #2 (DC, $25.00) is darker (90% similar). MAC Raven-Eyed (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). MAC Ebony Blend #2 (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). MAC Heather Belles (LE, $17.00) is darker (90% similar). Dior Smoky Sequins #5 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Giorgio Armani #01 (P, $32.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Tarte Black Velvet (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Anastasia Night Sky (P, $12.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Viseart Chroma #3 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). NARS Pandora (P, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). Buxom LBD (P, $12.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Gossip is a bright, medium fuchsia pink with subtle, warmer undertones and a soft, pearl shimmer. It had good pigmentation with a soft, lightly dusty texture, but it applied well and blended out easily. The color wore well for eight hours on me. Pat McGrath Rose Risque (LE, $25.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Too Faced Gumdrop (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar). Sephora Jerrica (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). Pat McGrath Rose Seduction (LE, $25.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). MAC Hickie (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Urban Decay Woodstock (DC, $19.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Anastasia A3 (Norvina Mini Vol. 1) (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). Too Faced Totally Fetch (PiP, $16.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Sugarpill Hotsy Totsy (PiP, $13.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Bad Habit Nebula (PiP, ) is more shimmery (90% similar). Sydney Grace Sweet Dreams (P, $5.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Fleet (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Urban Decay Wildheart (PiP, $19.00) is more muted (90% similar). Sugarpill Smitten (LE, $13.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). Too Faced Monaco (PiP, $16.00) is more shimmery, darker, brighter (90% similar). BH Cosmetics Club Tropicana #13 (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar). BH Cosmetics Club Tropicana #9 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). ColourPop Manifest It (P, $4.50) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Urban Decay Cake (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter, brighter (90% similar). Anastasia Beyond (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Seize is a bright, medium-dark coral-orange with warm undertones and an iridescent, pink-to-peach shimmer. It had mostly opaque color coverage paired with a soft, thinner texture that was a touch dusty but wouldn’t even be noticeable if used over a primer. The color showed signs of fading after eight hours. ColourPop Blitzen (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar). ColourPop Pebbles (DC, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). ColourPop Vertigo (P, $5.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Melt Cosmetics Go Getter (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Viseart Coy #5 (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Heads Up (LE, $5.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Make Up For Ever I746 Watermelon (DC, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Free to Be (DC, $17.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Illamasqua Ensnare (PiP, ) is more shimmery, more muted, warmer (90% similar). MAC Early Bird (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Dominique Cosmetics Fireball (PiP, ) is more shimmery (90% similar). MAC Full of Flavour (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, more muted (90% similar). Inglot #361 (P, $6.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). ColourPop Motel (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, brighter (90% similar). ColourPop Strawberry Jelly (P, $9.00) is lighter (90% similar). Hello Kitty Bow (LE, ) is more shimmery, more muted, cooler (90% similar). Viseart Taffy (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). MAC Mortal #3 (LE, ) is lighter, brighter, warmer (85% similar). ColourPop Maraschino (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). ColourPop As You Wave (P, $6.00) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Calavera is a bright, light-medium yellow with strong, warm undertones and fine gold pearl over a matte finish. The consistency was finely-milled, smooth, and a little denser while still being very blendable on the lid. There was noticeable fall out with this shade during application, but it did not sheer out too easily, so it was fairly easy to get true-to-pan color. I found that it tended to darken and look more muted when applied over bare skin, but over a primer, it retained more of its brightness. It wore well for seven and a half hours on me. KVD Beauty Fran (LE, )(95% similar). MAC Goldenrod (DC, $17.00) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar). Illamasqua Hype (P, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). Anastasia Phresh (LE, $12.00) is lighter, brighter (95% similar). Huda Beauty Electric #5 (PiP, ) is darker, more muted (90% similar). ColourPop Mischief (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar). Make Up For Ever #24 (P, $23.00) is lighter, brighter, glossier (90% similar). Viseart Bright Editorial #7 (PiP, ) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). Disney by Sephora Cave of Wonders (LE, ) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Sugarpill Buttercupcake (P, $13.00) is darker (90% similar). MAC Chrome Yellow (P, $17.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). NARS Fashion Rebel #1 (DC, $25.00) is darker (90% similar). Inglot #323 (P, $6.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). ColourPop Tiki (P, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop So Sweet (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery (90% similar). Sephora Ochre (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). Viseart Saffron (Warm Mattes #4) (P, ) is more muted (90% similar). ColourPop So Meta (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). MAC Royal Woo (LE, $17.00) is lighter, brighter, cooler (85% similar). MAC Lady Fingers (LE, $17.00) is darker, more muted (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Hatter is a bright, medium grass green with cooler undertones and a fine pearl over a matte finish. On the lid, it looked and acted like a matte finish, as I could not see the shimmer. The consistency was thinner, dustier, and prone to sheering out without some sort of primer underneath it. The color started to fade after seven hours on me. I had faint staining with this shade when used without a primer. ColourPop Cusp (P, $6.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Make Up For Ever S312 Mint Green (DC, $21.00) is lighter (95% similar). MAC Hajar Karim (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). Natasha Denona Exotic (LE, $29.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Urban Decay Lightyear (PiP, $20.00) is more shimmery (85% similar). Illamasqua Fledgling (P, ) is less shimmery, brighter, warmer (85% similar). Clionadh Forest Heart (P, $6.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (80% similar). ColourPop HWY (LE, $4.50) is lighter (80% similar). Make Up For Ever #53 (DC, $20.00) is darker (80% similar). BH Cosmetics Club Tropicana #2 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (80% similar). Give Me Glow Zack (P, $7.00) is more shimmery (80% similar). Inglot #384 (P, $6.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (80% similar). ColourPop Made in the Shade (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (80% similar). NARS Mad Mad World #2 (DC, $25.00) is less shimmery, darker (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Blindsided is a bright, medium-dark blue with cool undertones and fine, sky blue pearl over a matte finish. There was more shimmer in this shade than some of the other shimmer-and-matte eyeshadows in the palette, so I felt like they were more visible, but they were still subtle overall. The texture was smooth, finely-milled, and felt velvety–had some bulk to it so that it applied well to bare skin and did not just blend away to a faded mess. It wore well for seven and a half hours on me. Urban Decay Gonzo (DC, $19.00) is brighter (95% similar). Inglot #371 (P, $6.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Milani Olympian Blue (P, $5.99) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Inglot #322 (P, $6.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). MAC Blue Candy (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). NARS Solomon Islands (P, $25.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). KVD Beauty Synth (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, brighter (85% similar). MAC Blue Mesa (LE, $17.00) is warmer (90% similar). BH Cosmetics Club Tropicana #4 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Wet 'n' Wild A Regular at the Factory #2 (DC, $2.29) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). MAC Electric Eel (P, $17.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Viseart Periwinkle (Bright Editorial #8) (P, ) is less shimmery, lighter, more muted (85% similar). MAC Denim Genes (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). NARS Showgirl (P, $19.00) is more shimmery, cooler (85% similar). Make Up For Ever #118 (DC, $20.00) is less shimmery, lighter, brighter (80% similar). Aveda Oceanica (LE, $14.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar). MAC Hi-Def Cyan (P, $21.00) is less shimmery, lighter, brighter (80% similar). NARS Mad Mad World #1 (DC, $25.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Make Up For Ever #72 (DC, $20.00) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Sketch is a medium-dark violet purple with subtle, cooler undertones and a pearly sheen. It had mostly opaque pigmentation with a slightly firmer texture, though it wasn’t so firm that it became difficult to use. The color blended out without too much fuss, and it wore for eight hours before fading noticeably. BH Cosmetics Foil Eyes 2 #26 (PiP, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). Tarina Tarantino Violet Storm #5 (DC, ) is brighter (95% similar). Viseart Violet (PiP, ) is more shimmery, brighter (90% similar). Huda Beauty Amethyst #6 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). MAC Satellite Dreams (DC, $17.00) is darker, more muted, warmer (90% similar). Melt Cosmetics Flaky (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Hardwire (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). Melt Cosmetics Promiscuous (PiP, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). ColourPop Chick Lit (LE, $4.50) is darker (90% similar). Huda Beauty Electric #2 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Inglot #441 (P, $7.00) is brighter, cooler (90% similar). Viseart Zeus (GPV2 #20) (P, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). Morphe Royalty (LE, ) is darker (85% similar). Anastasia DDG (LE, $12.00) is lighter (85% similar). Sydney Grace Flannel (P, $6.25) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar). Urban Decay Dye (LE, $19.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Pretty Vulgar Brilliant (PiP, ) is lighter, more muted (85% similar). NABLA Cosmetics Craving (PiP, ) is more shimmery, brighter, warmer (85% similar). Dominique Cosmetics Vibey Vixen (LE, $20.00) is less shimmery, darker, brighter (85% similar). Fyrinnae Parental Advisory (DC, $7.00) is cooler (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Iced is a pale silver with warmer undertones and a sparkling, metallic finish. It had semi-sheer color coverage with a lot of loose glitter/sparkle that separated from the base shade, so there was fall out during wear and during application. The consistency was drier, looser, and chunkier, which made it harder to use. The base color lasted six and a half hours on me. ColourPop Gecko (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). MAC Silver Screen (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). MAC Filament (LE, $17.00) is warmer (95% similar). MAC Virgin Silver (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). MAC In the Meadow #1 (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). bareMinerals Steam (LE, $14.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Lancome Tower Bridge (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). L'Oreal Silver Sky (757) (P, $7.99) is darker (90% similar). MAC Chrome Angel (DC, $23.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Dior Rivage #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). KVD Beauty Skulls (LE, ) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). MAC Eggplant Blend #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Paranoia is a light-medium pinky-lavender with subtle, cool undertones and a pearly shimmer. It had good color payoff with a fairly soft, lightly dusty texture that applied better over a primer than bare skin, but it was, at least, workable on bare skin. The color wore well for seven and a half hours on me. Urban Decay Coax (LE, $19.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Anastasia Punch Fuchsia (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Too Faced Jelly (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Moonrise (LE, $4.50) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Stila Sea Siren (LE, $24.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Stila Sunset Cove (LE, $24.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar). ColourPop Wake Me (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). MAC Stars 'n' Rockets (P, $17.00) is cooler (85% similar). Too Faced Trixie (LE, $16.00) is cooler (85% similar). NABLA Cosmetics Lilac Wonder (P, $8.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). MAC Blooming Mad (LE, $17.00) is lighter, brighter, cooler (85% similar). Kevyn Aucoin Switch (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Urban Decay Free Bird (P, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Urban Decay Fishnet (DC, $19.00) is darker, brighter (80% similar). NARS Rage (LE, $24.00) is less shimmery, darker (80% similar). Urban Decay Asphyxia (DC, $19.00) is lighter, brighter, cooler (80% similar). KVD Beauty Love (LE, ) is lighter, more muted (80% similar). CoverGirl Blazing Purple (340) (P, $4.99) is lighter, brighter, cooler (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Jones is a bright, medium tangerine orange with warm, golden shimmer. It had good pigmentation with a fairly soft, blendable texture that wasn’t too thin or too dense. This shade wore for just over eight hours on me. KVD Beauty Platonic (LE, )(100% similar). Urban Decay Backseat Babe (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar). ColourPop Bahama Mama (LE, $4.50) is darker (95% similar). MAC Warm Wash #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). ColourPop Starshine (LE, $4.50) is darker (95% similar). ColourPop Us and Gem (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar). MAC Golden Hours #2 (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). ColourPop Fly Girl (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar). ColourPop Tangerine Dreams (PiP, $4.50) is darker, cooler (95% similar). NARS Outer Limits (LE, $25.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). NARS Hot Line (LE, $19.00) is darker (90% similar). ColourPop Hot Tub (LE, $4.50) is darker (90% similar). Clionadh Cookie (LE, $6.25) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Natasha Denona Burnt Terracotta/Green (1) (P, $28.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Dior Lucky Star #1 (LE, ) is more shimmery, more muted (90% similar). Viseart Arancia (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Party Favors (P, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar). Chanel Grandeur (56) (LE, $30.00) is more muted (90% similar). Natasha Denona Mandarine (123DC) (PiP, $29.00) is darker (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Leopard Sun #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Goldmine is a light-medium gold with warmer undertones and a metallic sheen with some larger, chunkier sparkle. The sparkly bits tended to pull away from the base, so they ended up falling out during application or later on during wear. The consistency had a denser, chunkier feel to it, and I found a flatter, synthetic brush seemed to apply the eyeshadow best. It wore well for seven hours on me before fading. ColourPop Rule Breaker (PiP, $4.50) is darker, more muted (95% similar). ColourPop Student Body (LE, $6.00) is warmer (95% similar). MAC Heaven Loves You (LE, $18.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). ColourPop Take It Again (LE, $4.50) is cooler (95% similar). Urban Decay Dothraki (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). ColourPop MVP (LE, $4.50) is warmer (95% similar). ColourPop Beauty and the Beast (LE, $6.00) is warmer (95% similar). ColourPop Wide Awake (LE, $9.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). ColourPop Gilded (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). LORAC Gold Leaf (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). ColourPop The Gemini (P, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Anastasia Dwollahs (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Fenty Beauty Ice Cream (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Tarte Pot of Gold (P, $22.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Emerald Isles (Eye Color) (LE, ) is more muted (90% similar). Too Faced Instigator (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Viseart Buillion (GPV2 #12) (P, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Make Up For Ever D410 Gold Nugget (P, $17.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Pat McGrath Jubilee (PiP, $25.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Urban Decay Honey (DC, $18.00) is warmer (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Mean is a bright, light-medium chartreuse green with warm, yellow undertones and warmer golden sheen. It had nice color payoff paired with a smooth, thinner texture that wasn’t dusty or powdery, which made it easy to work with on bare skin for both my initial application as well as for blending it out. This shade wore for eight hours on me. ColourPop Buggin' (PiP, $4.50) is warmer (95% similar). ColourPop Heartthrob (LE, $9.00) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar). Make Up For Ever #171 (DC, $20.00) is brighter (95% similar). ColourPop Sour (LE, $6.00) is lighter (95% similar). JD Glow Lemon Lime (P, $7.50) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar). MAC Green Clean #2 (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (95% similar). ColourPop Wildin' (LE, $4.50) is darker (95% similar). MAC Chartreuse Bouquet (LE, $21.00) is warmer (95% similar). MAC Ripped Tee (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (95% similar). NARS Tropical Princess #1 (DC, $25.00) is warmer (95% similar). Viseart Boheme Dream #2 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Sugarpill Insomniac (PiP, $13.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). NYX Bewitched (P, $6.00) is darker (90% similar). Sydney Grace Sutter (P, $5.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Bright Slice (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). BH Cosmetics Club Tropicana #5 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). ColourPop Mermaid Kiss (LE, $6.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Sydney Grace Lake Days (P, $8.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Make Up For Ever I-30 (P, $21.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Sydney Grace Dazzle (P, $6.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Metamorphosis is a bright, medium-dark periwinkle blue with cool undertones and fine pearl over a matte finish. It had semi-sheer color coverage as a result of the very thin, dusty texture–it was just so prone to sheering out. Even over a primer, it looked faded and somewhat uneven. It lasted for six and a half hours on me. Urban Decay Computer Blue (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar). Hello Kitty Dear Daniel (LE, ) is darker (95% similar). Buxom Luxe Life (P, $12.00) is darker (95% similar). ColourPop Water (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). ColourPop Da Ba Dee (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). ColourPop Piece of Cake (P, $4.50) is darker, cooler (85% similar). MAC Atlantic Blue (P, $17.00) is darker (85% similar). Kaleidos Glowing Iris (Base) (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). MAC Heroine (LE, $17.00) is darker (85% similar). Coloured Raine Jet Set (DC, $6.99) is darker (85% similar). Glaminatrix Bluebell (P, $7.30) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Sugarpill 8-Bit (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Viseart Cornflower (13) (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). ColourPop The Aquarius (P, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). Viseart Mist (19) (LE, ) is less shimmery, more muted (85% similar). LORAC Denim (LE, $19.00) is darker (85% similar). ColourPop On Paper (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, brighter (85% similar). Sephora Storm (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, more muted (85% similar). LORAC Blueberry Scone (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Give Me Glow Wink (P, $7.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Faded is a subdued, medium-dark purple with flecks of gold sparkle over a matte finish. While a lot of the “matte” eyeshadows had “floating pearl” (Urban Decay’s terminology), this one seemed to have larger sparkle. I found that the larger size seemed to make this even harder to apply, as the sparkles would pull away from the purple base but also pull some of the purple eyeshadow away, which resulted in sheer, uneven coverage. I had better luck using this over an eyeshadow primer, but it was still a fussy shade to blend out. It worked better layered over another eyeshadow. The color started to fade after seven hours on me. Smashbox Orchid (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar). Bobbi Brown Mulberry (LE, $22.00) is less shimmery, brighter (95% similar). MAC Indian Ink (P, $17.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Urban Decay Gone Mad (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, more muted (95% similar). Guerlain Boulevard du Montparnasse #4 (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). Anastasia Violet (P, $12.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). KVD Beauty Venom (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar). bareMinerals In Vogue (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Too Faced Spice of Life (Pumpkin Spice) (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar). KVD Beauty Ribbon (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Bump is a stark white with a semi-matte finish. It seemed to have just a smidgen of shimmer to it–something to make it appear more satiny and not have as much excess product kicked up in the pan. The texture was finely-milled, smooth, and just a touch dusty at times. It had semi-opaque, buildable coverage which stayed true for seven and a half hours. ColourPop Lux (PiP, $4.50) is darker (95% similar). KVD Beauty Linen (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar). Sugarpill Tako (P, $13.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). KVD Beauty Female Trouble (LE, )(95% similar). Anastasia C1 (Norvina Vol. 1) (LE, $12.00) is brighter (95% similar). Sephora Porcelain (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar). MAC Chill (LE, $17.00) is warmer (95% similar). KVD Beauty Smoke (Highlight) (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar). KVD Beauty Por Vida (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). Too Faced Ivy (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty The Mod #1 (PiP, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). Too Faced Extra Creamy (LE, $16.00) is more muted (95% similar). LORAC Tails & Top Hats #1 (LE, $19.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Anastasia Sails (LE, $12.00) is cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Shy Girl (PiP, $4.50) is darker, cooler (90% similar). NARS Pandora I (PiP, $19.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Young Love (LE, $4.50) is cooler (90% similar). Lethal Cosmetics Frequency (P, $6.00) is brighter (90% similar). ColourPop So Complex (LE, $4.50) is darker, cooler (90% similar). MAC Vapour (P, $17.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Urban Decay Full Spectrum 21-Eyeshadow Palette

Urban Decay Full Spectrum 21-Eyeshadow Palette

Urban Decay Full Spectrum 21-Eyeshadow Palette

Urban Decay Full Spectrum 21-Eyeshadow Palette

Urban Decay Full Spectrum 21-Eyeshadow Palette

Urban Decay Full Spectrum 21-Eyeshadow Palette

Urban Decay Full Spectrum 21-Eyeshadow Palette

Urban Decay Full Spectrum 21-Eyeshadow Palette

Urban Decay Full Spectrum 21-Eyeshadow Palette

Urban Decay Full Spectrum 21-Eyeshadow Palette

Urban Decay Full Spectrum 21-Eyeshadow Palette

Urban Decay Full Spectrum 21-Eyeshadow Palette

Urban Decay Full Spectrum 21-Eyeshadow Palette

Urban Decay Full Spectrum 21-Eyeshadow Palette

Urban Decay Full Spectrum 21-Eyeshadow Palette

Urban Decay Full Spectrum 21-Eyeshadow Palette

Urban Decay Full Spectrum 21-Eyeshadow Palette

Urban Decay Full Spectrum 21-Eyeshadow Palette

Urban Decay Alchemy Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Alchemy Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Warning Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Warning Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Midnight Blaze Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Midnight Blaze Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Hundred Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Hundred Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Minx Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Minx Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Delirious Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Delirious Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Platonic Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Platonic Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Gossip Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Gossip Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Seize Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Seize Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Calavera Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Calavera Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Hatter Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Hatter Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Blindsided Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Blindsided Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Sketch Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Sketch Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Iced Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Iced Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Paranoia Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Paranoia Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Jones Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Jones Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Goldmine Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Goldmine Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Mean Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Mean Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Metamorphosis Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Metamorphosis Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Faded Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Faded Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Bump Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Bump Eyeshadow (Discontinued)

Urban Decay Full Spectrum Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay Full Spectrum Eyeshadow Palette | Look Breakdown

Urban Decay Full Spectrum Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay Full Spectrum Eyeshadow Palette | Look Breakdown

Urban Decay Full Spectrum Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay Full Spectrum Eyeshadow Palette | Look Breakdown

Urban Decay Full Spectrum Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay Full Spectrum Eyeshadow Palette | Look Breakdown

116 Comments

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Bonnie Avatar

Welp, I knew it wasn’t going to be pretty but a C+ is worse than I expected. So depressing. This is actually making me sad, the OPPOSITE of what a rainbow palette should do!! Dang it Urban Decay, why did you have to go and screw up what COULD have been my favorite UD palette EVER?!! ?
Seize, Jones and Calavera are the only shades that actually wow me here and make me want to buy this. No way I can justify it for only those standouts. I’m gonna be duping those for sure if I can. They’re more unique shades so it might be hard.

Bunni Avatar

I’m still buying it. I’ve had many poorly reviewed palettes/singles that worked out much better when I played around with different applications (wet brush, synthetic brush, over primer/glitter glue, sponge-tip applicators, finger, whatnot). On the Spectrum palette, a lot of reddit users complained about pigmentation on what ended up being my favorite shades. If it’s a total waste of money, it can always be returned (which is a great way to give feedback to brands!)

Bunni Avatar

I swatched it over Nyx Milk (white cream base), Urban Decay Primer in Eden (a matte flesh tone), concealer, and bare skin. I got great results with one to three passes over the Nyx and UD Primer, but on bare skin, it would take a LOT to build it up. I’m happy I got it before it’s sold out, and I am happy I didnt let the negative reviews deter me.

Also, I got a ton of sponge tip applicators from elf and have one side of each end dedicated to one shade. They work great! Also, using them wet helped on the darker and middle row colors.

Carrie Avatar

It reviewed where I expected to which makes me sad. I really do like Spectrum and as I had missed out on Mi Vida Loca had hopes for this. My wallet is happy at least!

Sarah Avatar

I 100% trust your judgement calls and analyses so I’m bummed about this palette, rainbows in different finishes always capture my eye. I’ve already got enough bright colours to cover my bases for a very long time so my wallet is happy, haha. I guess I just think that the consumer shouldn’t have to work so hard to make shades like this (from a mainstream brand) work for them. The eye looks you did turned out beautifully, though!

Michele @Binxcat4ever Avatar

Gah! Mine is supposed to be delivered today. I hate to say this, but I seriously hope there’s another batch issue and mine’s better than the one you got. Based on your swatches/review, I probably would have thought twice about buying it. Thanks for the review! (Great eye looks btw!)

Michele @Binxcat4ever Avatar

Yup, just came and I swatched it (all on one arm – what was I thinking?!) Mine did swatch better than yours so it looks like there might be another QC issue. The only one that I really struggled with was the white one. Platonic and Faded were also not as good as the rest of the shades…just not quite as bad as yours were. I think you’re right though – with primer, they’ll all be good.

Meta Avatar

I think they did have different batches. My palette was similar to these here but not as bad. BUT my white was one of the best. So perhaps there were two or three different batches released. My swatches performed well for the shades I was most excited about so I don’t think I’ll be returning mine. But I’m not 100% sure just yet.

Christine Avatar

They will definitely be better! Something like Midnight Blaze seems pretty hopeless (short of turning it into a loose powder!) but the more middling shades should improve over NYX Milk. My only concern would be some of the thinner mattes may stick and be harder to blend over a cream base like NYX.

Neonails Avatar

I had a feeling this was going to be on the more disappointing side of your review spectrum (ha!)… Still, it’s always a downer to see. I have last year’s Mi Vida Loca Remix palette, which is pretty much all the bright rainbow colors I need, but I was hoping this might be more of a replacement/revamp for the people who missed out.

I really love this updated packaging… I wish the insides weren’t so meh. 🙁

Simi. R. Avatar

Hi! This is my first comment here. But I just had to let you know that I’m in awe of your color combination choices! That’s such a beautiful eye look in various hue’s of green:) it’s really making your eyes stand out. Gorgeous!

Blue Avatar

I stand by my original comment that I find it really odd that UD released a palette that manages decent to good iterations of tricky colors (matte yellow and white) while including mediocre iterations of colors that are usually well executed across brands, so are presumably not a nightmare to formulate (blue, gold), and a couple actual flops. IDK, I personally find Goldmine particularly disappointing, given that Blitz is a comparable shade from their own brand that achieved an A rating. I feel like their palettes often don’t show the commitment to quality that their pre-Naked and first few Naked palettes did. I know the price point is incredibly low per shadow, but they could have raised the price a few dollars or offered slightly fewer shades if the issue was cost of production vs price.

On the bright side, Alchemy, Hundred, and Seize are beautiful, and I love the looks you did for these, Christine. The green and blue one is fantastic! Gorgeous color saturation, shape, blending, and I love the black on the lower lashline. Well done!

Quinctia Avatar

It’s strange, they’ve always had some issues with the matte, medium blues that lead slightly periwinkle. I remember Blue Bus being particularly meh. I haven’t purchased enough colorful palettes from every brand to know if it’s a specific tone that’s more difficult to formulate, or someone at UD just can’t do that shade.

Katherine T. Avatar

Wow, I was really worried when I saw the initial swatches, but this is SO disappointing! So many C/D/F’s 🙁 The original Spectrum was SO awesome, this palette doesn’t deserve the name. Out of 21 shades, I only counted maybe 5-8 shades that I really liked, would use enough, and scored well, so hard to justify $55 for this. Unless I swatch in store, and it performs better, I’m going to skip. I would definitely recommend the KVD Metalmatte over this any day. I also have the NYX Ultimate Brights palette, and it’s about 95% colorful mattes, and it swatches and performs SO much better than many of the mattes here, and it was only $18. It was LE, but still listed on NYX’s website. But given NYX’s recent website and customer service issues (everything says sold out, slow shipping, no shipping, cancelled orders, incorrect refunds, no response), I recommend not ordering from them until they fix. Or if you do order, pay by Paypal or credit card, so you can get a refund if you run into issues with them.

kjh Avatar

Wonder what is up with Nyx. Only ordered from them once, a bunch of stuff Ulta did not have, and it wasn’t quick, but the packaging/protection was terrific. Air pillows, lace bag, small bundles in tissue, the whole 9 yards. Nyx seems a good option, as I suspect people don’t wear their real Brights quite as often. And if you are doing pops, who will know the difference? Maybe their workforce is on revolt. I would be, if I had tried to put out MAC’s latest fiascos. Anybody had any issues w/abh?

Tanya Avatar

Wow! Incredible! Not in a good way. Urban Decay, you should be ashamed of yourselves for putting out such poorly performing product. UD is not a drugstore brand, but the quality of your recent releases is worse than Revlon.

Anna N Avatar

Is there any better rainbow palette at the market? Or is it better to go through the dupe list. Because in the second case, it will be much more expensive.

Elena Avatar

This palette is everything I ever wanted back in 2004. Back in the day I loved Dior and hoped they would have a collection of rainbow spectrum in their quint format. Twelve years is a long time and a total pass for me.

Aline Avatar

I have last year’s palette and I love it. The pigmentation is excellent. IDK what happened here. It’s actually pretty shocking. Your green eye look is gorgeous!!!!

Joaliz Avatar

I think it’s safe to say that I became obsessed with your beauty blog. I have been reading for days!! Thanks so much for the reviews. I wish I had waited to buy this one. I read your review and I am now considering returning it once it hits my doorstep!

Again, thanks so much for all the reviews and the honest insights!

Nancy T Avatar

How depressing, Urban Decay! This thing was *supposed* to take the place of the EP? Really???
While I pretty much knew from the preliminary swatches that this one would fall short of last year’s absolute GEM, the original Spectrum, I wasn’t expecting a C+. But I most definitely appreciate your honest assessment and review of this sad disaster of what was touted by UD as the “perfect rainbow palette”. All one can hope for is getting it on sale when it fails to sell. Which it likely will. ?
I’m actually very happy that I nabbed Nyx’s Ultimate Brights palette this summer, though. Because while, yes, it still needs primer, the shades are way better quality than most of ones in this palette. ?

Mariella Avatar

Even if this had scored an A+, it’s just not the palette for me but how disappointing that it fares so poorly. And even the brush looks cr*p – the “fluffy” end looks like about the only use for it would be dusting crumbs out of my keyboard!

Mary D Avatar

SOOOO glad that I have last years Spectrum palette and was able to purchase the Electric Palette(for $24) at Macy’s in NYC last month! As always, thanks for the swatches, all of your hard work and your eye-looks are beautiful!

Fran Avatar

Since my favorite colors are poorer-performing shades (Hatter, Minx, Metamorphosis, Faded), I’ll probably be skipping this one, even though I do wear primer — some of those shades look like they would really need a cream eyeshadow in the same color family underneath, IMO… Oh, Urban Decay, you can do better than this!

Ellie Avatar

Sad. I saw your swatches and it was obvious they weren’t great. Then I saw Leesha’s positive review and that made me hope that maybe once you tested them, they would perform better than in the swatches. Obviously that wasn’t the case. :'(

LindaP Avatar

Chalk up another disappointment. Man, is it like a low-quality assembly line in the makeup release world these days? This palette is not for me in any way, shape, or form, but I was hoping for better for women looking for these fun colors after being drowned in neutrals.

Thanks, Christine. Clear, fair, and objective.

I jumped on the new Tarte PRO palette because I don’t have a number of the shades it offers. It arrives tomorrow and will remain unopened until I see a review. I just don’t want to end up with something like this when I can just keep going with what I have.

Melanie Avatar

Ohh, Christine! Between this and the Beccca cheek palette, you’re breaking my heart and saving my wallet. I was so looking forward to both of them, especially since the Becca stand alone products generally perform so well and my Spectrum palette from last year seemed to be the sleeper hit of my holiday shopping spree. But a C+ is so, so not worth it for the price tag. Pretty in the packaging, but I’d have liked it to be pretty on me, too!

Do you have anything from this holiday season so far that really stands out and wows you? I’ve caught all the reviews so far, but I’m wondering if there’s anything in particular you think is the must have for the LE collections being dropped right now.

Christine Avatar

Here’s a running list of the top rated holiday products – http://www.temptalia.com/best-of-holiday-2016-palettes-gifts/

But in terms of sets/palettes, the MAC Face Compacts, Bite Beauty Sets, NARS Lip Sets, ABH x Mario Palette, MJB About Last Night Palette, Tarte Color Wheel, Kat Von D MetalMatte are sort of the highlights thus far.

I think of what’s been out that’s interesting and good value – Bite Beauty sets, Tarte Color Wheel, Kat Von D MetalMatte are the most impressive.

Melanie Avatar

The KVD Metal Matte is definitely on my short list. I’ve just been waiting for it to drop in stores so I can get my hands on its and swatch it myself before shelling out $60.

Now, if she’d bring back the Monarch palette or release ‘Plath’ from liquid lipstick set as a standalone, I’d pick those up without even batting an eye.

Loving the Becca LE Rose Quartz, too. I got to swatch that a few days ago and even after washing my hands, there was still a little bit of sheen where I’d tested it on my wrist. I’m hoping it’s still available when Ulta/Sephora have their 20% discount sales come November!

Claire L Avatar

How disappointing after the original Spectrum! But I was blown away by your bold green eye look, it is STUNNING. I am definitely going to try and get a cheaper similar palette so I don’t miss out on those colours.

Melanie Avatar

Seriously, I was really, really impressed with both of those looks — doubly so considering how badly the palette reviewed.

Claire, have you considered the NYX Ultimate Brights palette? It’s sold out at Ulta, but I think you can still get it directly off of their website for $18 + shipping, which is definitely way less than Full Spectrum or the KVD Mi Vida Loca palette from last Christmas. I’ve heard that it really needs a primer to pack a punch, but I’ve had good luck with another palette from that collection and again… it’s $18. (Plus I always wear primer or cream eyeshadow as a base, anyway.)

Claire L Avatar

Thanks for the suggestion, Melanie! I’ve had a look at the NYX brights palette, I’m in the UK but it’s sold at Selfridges. It looks good however what I really want is something like the top row of the Full Spectrum palette, the deep jewel colours. I love Viseart’s Bijoux Royale but it’s a bit expensive at the mo so I might go for the soon to be released Sleek Makeup’s Rockstars Hidden Gems palette as flagged up here: http://britishbeautyblogger.com/makeup/sleek-makeup-rockstars-collection/

Ameerah Avatar

This is so disappointing. I do not have any other palette other than one of the Naked palettes from UD. I was waiting eagerly for this one to come out. I am glad I saw your review before buying it Christine! Thank you.

shy Avatar

does anyone have suggestions for a palette that is similar to this but performs better? i was really hoping to buy this because i don’t have any colorful palettes and only two colorful single shades 🙁

Christine Avatar

I don’t think there are that many permanent options that are also eye-safe – as in, they are listed as eye safe here in the U.S. Otherwise, Viseart has a bright palette, but it isn’t safe for eyes in the U.S.

Building your own Inglot palette is likely your best bet, though!

Lea Avatar

Shy – Inglot is my go to since discovering it in person and I’ve made a few of my own palettes. You can buy direct or go through Beautylish. They just helped me build cool version of Modern Renaissance. Inflict has so many shades and finishes, this may be a big help in picking out shades instead of guessing via online swatches.

kjh Avatar

Whatta fabulous idea! The MR is sold out everywhere, just when I thought to point/birthday it. A cool Mod Ren palette would be beyond super. And cheaper than self made cool Ren from mufe. Beautylish is good like that, right?

Lea Avatar

Definitely cheaper than building with MUFE since the pans are more expensive. Beautylish was really helpful in picking out shades; I gave them my skintone, eye and hair color and that I didn’t want the oranges from the MR palette and she walked me through her picks via the chat feature so I could see it all laid out. I ended up with 487DS, 449P, 614DS, 362M, 450P, 378M, 356M, 460DS, 75AMC, and 37 Shine in the 10 pan palette. Inglot also makes a magnet to help you pull the shadows out if you want to rearrange – otherwise it’s hard to get them in and out! Happy building!

Lee Avatar

Aw, I was actually looking forward to buying this palette. The looks you did with it are great, but I’ll probably skip out on getting it. I already own the electric palette and other colorful palettes so it’s no loss to me.

kjh Avatar

Love the layout. That’s about it. You guys might be right about the ‘corporatization’ of the brand. Cost control, etc. (Maybe corp issues are behind your issue, Katherine.). Think I’m done with brights, enough for my lifetime { (bijoux yes, being muted (justify, rationalize)} but thought about this as a gift. Hell, no. Glad I picked up a couple of Gwens earlier on sale, for that purpose. Hate it, when something looks UD, but doesn’t perform UD. They sure can do a world class miss. And will sell a S…ton to people who don’t read reviews. And that will justify continuing to produce subpar product. Dollar Tree close outs on Higher end ds brands perform better than this. Bloody shame. And Christine, I hope people do read the copy, or at least the glossovers, bec as usual, you make glorious looks out of very mediocre product.

Christine Avatar

I think people will be able to use it and get some good looks out of it, but I do think it will have a steeper learning curve for someone who isn’t prepared for the extra work that mattes/bright eyeshadow often needs (I think some are expecting to use a good primer/white base).

Celia Avatar

So late to the discussion today! Mine arrived today. I knew I was probably returning it before it came and I still feel that way. Granted, I’ve only gotten to swatch it and do one eye-look but yeah….not feeling it. I have multiple dupes for every remotely interesting color and those actually perform. Swatching it was a weird experience. The pans feel slim to me. Okay wait…I should go back. It ARRIVED strangely too…

There was green glitter all over the back of mine and on the mirror. However, none of the green shades were touched or at all broken. So someone else’s palette probably broke and got glitter on mine. Not a great start. Then the pans feel restrictively slim in this particular set. THEN the swatching was weird because it does not feel like UD. Even some of the iffier Vice Palettes blow this out of the water with smoothness. To the touch, many feel like drugstore or worse quality shadows (that sort of rough, scratchy feeling of cheaper products). It is NOT a follow-up for Electric at all. Nor is it really a follow-up to Spectrum. It’s its own weird thing.

Also, I suspect inconsistencies in the batch. For example, my Midnight Blaze is still pretty trash but not quite as trash as yours (tried to use it as liner today and that didn’t go great but it definitely went on more smoothly than yours). Again, it’s not good but mine at least swatches a color. One friend who got it said hers is like mine, another said his is like yours. That, to me, says batch consistency issues since it’s hard to mistake if your shadow has zero color payoff or very little.

In other words, it’s annoying me. Even though my career involves so much makeup, I still get happiness from playing with new items. I recently got two of Melt’s stacks for example and have been having a lot of fun with them even though not every color is created equal. But this palette is not having a happiness-inducing effect. Obviously I can’t go on my first impressions and have to test it out more but it doesn’t live up to other UD brights, let alone something like my MUFE brights. I have a feeling this one will go back (and I’m glad I paid with 20 USD off the cost. Even if you like this palette, maybe wait to pull the trigger til it’s on sale). Too many Fs. UD messed up on this one IMO.

Celia Avatar

Also, yes in practice the color selection is weird. I usually don’t complain much about color selection because I can always grab a separate crease, transition, etc from somewhere else. But it really is strange here. Sure, a crease green would be great but Midnight Blaze doesn’t show well enough for that. It’s weird that it’s in there. There’s a great lack of options for blending out and transitioning. Either go full Electric and embrace the brights or at least make sure the colors make sense together and can be used to create a look easily. Those hoping for an all-in-one won’t get what they want here and would be better of building a brights palette of their own choosing.

Christine Avatar

Very strange indeed. I can’t recall the last time that I had such a stiff, nearly unworkable Urban Decay eyeshadow – they usually skew the opposite: too soft, dusty, powdery. UD’s matte (and satin) formula has been getting thinner and drier since Naked Smoky, IMO.

I agree that it’s really not a follow-up to Spectrum – it has similar packaging, which was already taken from the 15th Anniversary… but it is really unlike it.

Susan Dowman Nevling Avatar

First the good. You created great eye looks again. I can’t believe I’m saying this but I really don’t like this palette at all even though I’m a UD lover. I did order the KVD is it Mixed Metals palette? It came today. Beautiful colors but haven’t had time to play yet. I think I’m happy I switched.

Emilie Avatar

Thanks for the Mi Vida Loca palette comparison!

Sadly, this is an easy skip for me. When I was first getting into makeup, buying a Vice palette was like the biggest deal ever and the quality was so good (I’ll never forget how excited I was to get one)! Now, I feel like Urban Decay’s holiday releases are just not up to snuff. Seems like I’m not the only one who thinks so! I’ll be getting the Kat Von D Metal/Matte palette instead.

Justine Avatar

I find it really disappointing that a lot of the dupes for some of the poor performing shades are UD shades from other palettes that were MUCH better. UD does know how to make good eyeshadows, so what’s up with the past couple newer releases? UD needs to step it up! They used to be one of my favorite brands, but lately I haven’t had an urge to buy anything, which is makes me sad (though my wallet isn’t complaining!)

Fionn Avatar