Urban Decay Naked Smoky Eyeshadow Palette Review, Photos, Swatches
Urban Decay Naked Smoky Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay Naked Smoky Eyeshadow Palette ($54.00 for 0.60 oz.) is a set of cooler-toned shades ranging from beige to black with a definite slant towards grayish tones. The eyeshadows are arranged by finish from most shimmery to least shimmery. The formula feels different than previous Urban Decay releases; it feels noticeably drier and almost chalky to me, especially in the more satin/matte shades, and the press feels firmer. In a way, they remind me of the dryness I felt in the holiday palettes of last year, but the firmer press resulted in less excess powder kicked up all over the place when used and less fall out during application. They almost feel more like Too Faced or LORAC eyeshadows, though LORAC has a silkier feel overall. This texture made it particularly difficult to use them without primer, and I’ve been able to use the prior releases reasonably well (some better than others) without primer (and in general, I can do so with the majority of Urban Decay’s eyeshadows from the permanent line). For summer, the brand added several new brightly-colored eyeshadows that I was easily able to use without primer (see this post), but this was not workable on bare skin. The texture of these is nothing like the individual shades launched for summer and don’t really feel like any past iteration of their formula. Whether or not it is accurate, the texture and performance feels like a cheapening of the Urban Decay eyeshadow formula on the whole but at the very least, I’ve lost a lot of faith in their ability to put together a high-quality, high-value palette based on the recent palette releases.
One of the brand’s best matte eyeshadows (to me), Tyranny, was in the Urban Decay’s Pulp Fiction Palette, as it was smooth, velvety, and incredibly blendable with little work, while still retaining their color payoff over bare skin (no primer) — and the more recently added Beware and Riff were much easier to use. The mattes here tended to turn patchy when I applied to them in my crease, and they were harder to blend out as they applied unevenly and wouldn’t really go anywhere from there. The satins and mattes were prone to fading and fall out just sitting there; I put Dagger on the middle of my lid, went to apply color to the outer lid/crease, and it had gone from a deeper, bluish-gray to a faded, light-medium gray within twenty minutes. Really packing it on with a flat, synthetic brush (I used MAC’s 242) seemed to intensify it and keep it there a bit longer, but it just seems to settle into a more faded presence within a few minutes, and that’s the state it is in for the next several hours. The more shimmery shades were easier to use (shimmery finishes seem to have better or more binding agents in them that help them in the quest to apply to bare skin), but two of them have micro-glitter and the drier formula seemed to result in a greater amount of glitter fall out over time. I had the best luck applying everything with a flatter, firmer brush (I used the 242) and really pressing the eyeshadows onto the skin and gently lifting it away and doing blending towards the end with a very light hand. However, I think that using an eyeshadow primer is a must-have; it took 45 minutes per look to even get it to be that blended (and it’s not blended–both looks using this palette without primer are disappointing) and only 20 minutes over primer (and infinitely less frustrating).
Occasionally, I am asked why I don’t test eyeshadows with primer, and the reason is that many brands promise the moon and deliver a sliver of the moon instead. Take Urban Decay’s description of their eyeshadow formula as an example: “Every shade features our Pigment Infusion System™, the proprietary blend of ingredients that gives each shade its velvety texture, rich color, serious staying power and blendability.” All of those things are often the reason to use primer (make it easier to use an eyeshadow, improve color payoff and longevity), and you can easily take a pretty poor-performing eyeshadow, slap it over a white, tacky base and make it look beautiful–but an eyeshadow that can do it without primer doesn’t benefit as greatly from it (there is less room for improvement–if it is already totally opaque, it’s not going to get more opaque, you know?). My approach is to tell you how it works relative to the brand’s promises, knowing that you can always use primer, a white base, glitter adhesive, or even a colored base to improve the performance of a particular product or to really lock your makeup on for 16-hour days (which is why the scores are broken out so even at a glance, you can see where a product fell short and determine whether that’s an issue for you as well, because we each of our own styles, routines, and deal-breakers!).
It is packaged in a hard, plastic case that is slightly translucent and holds together with a magnetic closure. It’s sturdy, streamlined, and doesn’t feel like it is too bulky. The dual-ended brush is usable, though I think a shading brush would have been more useful (something to pack on color). I think the palette could use one more mid-tone transition shade to suit a greater spectrum of skin tones (perhaps ditch Slanted or Dagger, they are more similar than not, especially as they sheer out).
The palette releases on UrbanDecay.com on July 8th, with retailers like Sephora, ULTA, Beauty.com, and Macy’s to follow. ULTA has given July 12th for online, July 16th for in-stores, and the others have a “mid-July” date per Urban Decay. The palette is permanent.
High is described as a “champagne shimmer with micro-glitter.” It’s a light, peachy-beige with warm undertones and a frosted, metallic sheen paired with coppery micro-glitter. The texture is slightly dry but still yields good color payoff and adheres to the lid fairly well–you get a smoother, almost metallic finish when applied. Some of the glitter just gets trapped in the brush, but the glitter drops over time while worn. It lasted for eight hours. Urban Decay Last Sin (LE, $18.00) is less shimmery, darker, more muted. LORAC Champagne (P, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler. Too Faced Cheers! (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery. Tom Ford Beauty Orchid Haze #1 (P, ) is less shimmery, warmer. MAC Fabulous Three #2 (LE, ) is lighter, brighter. MAC Jest (P, $16.00) is less shimmery, lighter. MAC Summer Honey (LE, $21.00) is lighter, cooler. Urban Decay Sin (P, $18.00) is less shimmery, lighter. Urban Decay Snatch (P, $18.00) is less shimmery, cooler. bareMinerals Custom Made (LE, ) is less shimmery. MAC Love Connection #1 (P, $21.00) is cooler. MAC Sweet Heat (P, $20.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler. Urban Decay Sellout (P, $18.00) is less shimmery, lighter. Milani Champagne Toast (P, $6.49) is less shimmery, lighter, brighter. Makeup Geek Starry Eyed (P, $9.99) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer. See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.
Dirtysweet is described as a “medium bronze.” It’s a light-medium, golden brown with warm, yellow undertones and a metallic sheen. It had nice color payoff with a soft, smooth texture that felt a little dry and thinner compared to most of the brand’s more metallic eyeshadows. It wore well for eight hours before fading. LORAC Smokey Topaz (LE, ) is darker. Tarte No Champagne, No Gain (LE, ) is darker. MAC English Gilt (LE, $21.00) is more shimmery, brighter. Tarte Dare to Be Gold (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker. Too Faced Nutmeg (LE, $16.00) is lighter. Kat Von D Nephilim (LE, ) is darker. Hourglass Exposure #3 (P, ) is cooler. MAC Natural Vigor #2 (LE, $21.00) is lighter, cooler. Hourglass Exposure #3 (P, ) is cooler. Hourglass Obscura #3 (P, ) is brighter, warmer. Giorgio Armani Cold Copper (09) (P, $38.00) is darker, cooler. Dior Golden Flower #4 (LE, ) is darker. MAC Tempting (P, $16.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer. Urban Decay Chase (P, $18.00) is darker, warmer. Makeup Geek Bleached Blonde (P, $5.99) is less shimmery, darker, warmer. See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.
Radar is described as a “metallic taupe with iridescent micro-glitter.” It’s a medium-dark brown with warm, yellowed undertones and lighter gold sparkle over a frosted sheen. It was a lot firmer and less glittery compared to the version that was in the Vice 2 palette, which is good, but the color also appears less intense and lighter. Urban Decay Deeper (LE, $18.00) is more shimmery, brighter. Urban Decay Snakebite (LE, $18.00) is warmer. NARS Ursa Major (LE, $29.00) is less shimmery, cooler. Hourglass Color Field #3 (P, ) is less shimmery. Hourglass Obscura #5 (P, ) is warmer. Guerlain Les Precieux #4 (LE, ) is cooler. MAC Permanent Press #2 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter. ColourPop Nillionaire (P, $5.00) is more shimmery, lighter. ColourPop Nillionaire (P, $5.00) is more shimmery, lighter. Urban Decay Reign (LE, $18.00) is less shimmery, darker. Burberry Gold #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker. ColourPop Mooning (P, $5.00) is less shimmery, darker. Burberry Gold #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker. Urban Decay Stun (LE, $18.00) is darker. Make Up For Ever D640 Golden Snake (P, $21.00) is darker, warmer.See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.
Armor is described as a “metallic silver-taupe with tonal sparkle.” It’s a dark, taupe gray with a frosted, lightly sparkly finish. It had nice color payoff and was the densest shade with respect to texture in the palette, though it felt more prone to crumbling compared to the version that was in the Vice palette. It wore well for eight and a half hours with a tiny amount of fall out, but it was easy to use. Make Up For Ever #2 (P, $23.00) is less shimmery. Chanel Illusoire (P, $36.00) is darker. MAC Dangerous Cuvee (P, $18.50) is lighter, brighter, cooler. Chanel Illusoire (P, $36.00) is darker. Chanel Illusoire (P, $36.00) is darker. MAC Electroplate (LE, $21.00) is lighter. Giorgio Armani #4 (P, $33.00) is darker, warmer. Giorgio Armani Organica (Left) (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker. Giorgio Armani Organica (Left) (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker. Kat Von D Darkstar (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker. Surratt Beauty Patine (P, $20.00) is more shimmery, cooler. MAC Keep Your Cool (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery, glossier. MAC Stolen Moment (P, $20.00) is more shimmery, darker, brighter, more pigmented, glossier, cooler. MAC Trusted Instinct #5 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter. MAC Stormy Sunset (LE, $16.00) is darker. See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.
Slanted is described as a “light metallic gray.” It’s a muted, medium gray with cool, bluish undertones and a pearly sheen. It had so-so color payoff with a powdery, almost chalky texture that was prone to fading on the lid and going on unevenly. It started to fade after six and a half hours. Estee Lauder Modern Mercury #2 (LE, $21.00) is lighter. Urban Decay Ace (LE, $18.00) is darker. CoverGirl Charcoal (335) (P, $4.99) is lighter. MAC Smokeluxe #4 (P, ) is more shimmery, darker. MAC Thunder and Rain #1 (LE, $21.00) is darker, warmer. MAC Showgirl (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, lighter. Too Faced Chimney (LE, $16.00) is darker, warmer. MAC Graphic Style (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery. Kat Von D Piaf (LE, ) is lighter, brighter. Tarina Tarantino Silver Shoes (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker. Tarina Tarantino Diamond Dusk #3 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, brighter. Milani Bella Gray (10) (P, $4.49) is lighter. Kat Von D Dios (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter. Marc Jacobs Beauty The Enigma #2 (P, ) is lighter. Marc Jacobs Beauty The Enigma #2 (P, ) is lighter. See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.
Dagger is described as a “medium charcoal with micro-shimmer.” It’s a dark gray with cool, blue undertones and a satin finish. It had a soft, blendable texture, but it was thin, dry, and powdery–this is a shade that I would pat on, then work on another color, and it would look like I had hardly applied it. The color was significantly faded after five and a half hours of wear. Bobbi Brown Gunmetal (LE, $21.00) is darker, brighter. theBalm Matt McDonald (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery. Urban Decay Ace (LE, $18.00) is darker. Disney by Sephora Flotsam (LE, ) is lighter. MAC Thunder and Rain #1 (LE, $21.00) is more shimmery, lighter. Chanel Fascination #3 (P, ) is more shimmery. theBalm #26 (P, $6.50) is darker. Givenchy Gris Organza (7) (P, $23.00) is less shimmery. MAC Plumluxe #5 (P, ) is more shimmery, darker. Hourglass Graphite #4 (P, ) is more shimmery, darker. See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.
Black Market is described as a “jet black satin.” It’s a deepened black with cool undertones and a satiny sheen. It had decent pigmentation and wasn’t too powdery, but it was difficult to blend on bare skin as the texture was thinner and drier. It lasted for six and a half hours before fading. This shade was originally seen in the Vice palette. Estee Lauder Violet Underground #4 (LE, $21.00) is darker. MAC Smokeluxe #5 (P, ) is darker. MAC A Waft of Grey #4 (P, $21.00) is more shimmery. MAC Fashion Legend (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery. LORAC Caviar (LE, ) is warmer. Giorgio Armani Obsidian (01) (P, $38.00) is darker. Le Metier de Beaute Genre (LE, $30.00) is warmer. See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.
Smolder is described as a “deep plum-taupe.” It’s a blackened plummy purple with subtle, warmer undertones in its base (but the sheen looks almost cool-toned). It had good pigmentation, while the texture was soft but a little dry, which made blending more challenging than I would have expected from this shade. It lasted for seven and a half hours before fading. MAC Pinkluxe #5 (P, ) is brighter. LORAC Deep Purple (P, ) is more shimmery. Too Faced Jungle Love (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, cooler. Make Up For Ever ME930 Black Purple (P, $21.00) is brighter. Marc Jacobs Beauty The Night Owl #7 (P, ) is less shimmery, lighter. Hourglass Exposure #4 (P, ) is more shimmery, brighter. Marc Jacobs Beauty The Night Owl #7 (P, ) is less shimmery, lighter. Hourglass Exposure #4 (P, ) is more shimmery, brighter. Hourglass Exposure #4 (P, ) is more shimmery, brighter. Hourglass Exposure #4 (P, ) is more shimmery, brighter. MAC Black Slip (LE, $16.00) is lighter, warmer. L’Oreal Smoldering Plum (P, $7.99) is less shimmery, brighter. See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.
Password is described as a “cool taupe matte.” It’s a muted, medium-dark taupe with cool undertones and a matte finish. The texture was very soft, smooth, but on the drier side, and so this shade was prone to sheering out as it was quite powdery. I found it to be rather blendable, but it was just so sheer on bare skin. It lasted for six and a half hours on me. LORAC Stone (LE, ) is lighter. Make Up For Ever M106 Slate (P, $21.00) is darker. LORAC Cool Gray (P, ) is warmer. Guerlain Two VIP #2 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter. MAC Smoked Cocoa #2 (LE, $16.00) is lighter. Buxom Jetsetter (P, $12.00) is warmer. Sephora + Pantone Universe Deep Taupe (LE, ) is lighter. See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.
Whiskey is described as a “rich brown matte.” It’s a muted, dark brown with subtle, warm reddish undertones and a matte finish. The texture was dry and thin, and the firmness is really felt with these matte shades in the palette. It had semi-opaque color payoff and felt dusty in use, but it eventually “melted” on the skin and didn’t looked caked on after a few minutes. It was fairly blendable, and it wore for six and a half hours before fading. MAC Swiss Chocolate (P, $16.00) is darker, warmer. Chanel Charming #4 (LE, ) is darker. MAC Ground Brown (P, $16.00) is darker. Inglot #360 (P, $6.00) is lighter, warmer. Inglot #327 (P, $6.00) is darker, warmer. Tarte Powerful (LE, ) is darker. Marc Jacobs Beauty The Dreamer #4 (P, ) is darker. Kat Von D Solas (P, ) is warmer. Kat Von D Sytry (P, ) is darker. MAC Choco Cake (LE, $16.00) is . Tarte Picnic Basket (LE, ) is warmer. Kat Von D Leather (LE, ) is brighter, warmer. Tarte Multi-Tasker (LE, ) is darker. Kat Von D Shadow Box (P, ) is darker. Make Up For Ever M630 Sweet Chestnut (P, $21.00) is lighter. See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.
Combust is described as a “soft pink-taupe.” It’s a dirty, muted, light beige with a subtle, pink-ish tone that gives it a more cool-toned appearance. It had good pigmentation and was blendable on bare skin. The texture was softer and smoother with this shade, but it was prone to kicking up a lot of excess powder when you put the brush to it. On me, it lasted for seven hours before fading. Bobbi Brown Truffle (LE, $22.00) is darker, warmer. Anastasia Nude (P, $12.00) is brighter. Kat Von D South (LE, ) is lighter. MAC Cozy Grey (P, $16.00) is lighter. Urban Decay Habit (LE, $18.00) is lighter, warmer. Inglot #390 (P, $6.00) is lighter. MAC Bisque (DC, $16.00) is lighter, brighter. See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.
Thirteen is described as a “light beige satin.” It’s a brightened, subdued white-beige with a mostly matte finish. There is a little sheen that becomes apparent when blended out on the skin, but it is slight. The texture was soft, finely-milled, and a little powdery but very blendable on the skin. It started to fade after seven and a half hours of wear. This is a shade that I’d make sure to tap your brush off to minimize fall out during application. Kat Von D Lifelike (P, ) is darker, warmer. Bobbi Brown Ivory (P, $22.00) is warmer. MAC Pick Me Up (P, $16.00) is warmer. Too Faced Jingle All the Way Eyeshadow #10 (LE, $16.00) is warmer. Urban Decay Kinky (LE, $18.00) is darker. MAC Blanc Type (P, $16.00) is darker, warmer. bareMinerals Chance (P, ) is warmer. Inglot #353 (P, $6.00) is warmer. Kat Von D Liberatus (P, ) is lighter. Makeup Geek White Lies (P, $5.99) is cooler. Too Faced Meringue (LE, $16.00) is darker, warmer. Too Faced Meow (LE, $16.00) is darker, warmer. Too Faced Rockabilly (P, $16.00) is darker, warmer. See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.
Naked Smoky
PPermanent. $59.00.
High
PiPPermanent in Palette. $19.00.
Whiskey
PiPPermanent in Palette. $19.00.
Combust
PiPPermanent in Palette. $19.00.
Thirteen
PiPPermanent in Palette. $19.00.
Dirtysweet
PiPPermanent in Palette. $19.00.
Radar
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Armor
PiPPermanent in Palette. $19.00.
Slanted
PiPPermanent in Palette. $19.00.
Dagger
PiPPermanent in Palette. $19.00.
Black Market
PiPPermanent in Palette. $19.00.
Smolder
PiPPermanent in Palette. $19.00.
Password
PiPPermanent in Palette. $19.00.
Urban Decay Naked Smoky Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay Naked Smoky Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay Naked Smoky Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay Naked Smoky Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay Naked Smoky Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay Naked Smoky Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay Naked Smoky Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay Naked Smoky Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay Naked Smoky Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay Naked Smoky Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay Naked Smoky Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay High Eyeshadow
Urban Decay High Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Dirtysweet Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Dirtysweet Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Radar Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Radar Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Armor Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Armor Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Slanted Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Slanted Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Dagger Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Dagger Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Black Market Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Black Market Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Smolder Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Smolder Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Password Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Password Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Whiskey Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Whiskey Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Combust Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Combust Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Thirteen Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Thirteen Eyeshadow
Slanted (inner lid), Dagger (middle of lid), Smolder (outer lid), Black Market (crease), Password (crease),
Combust (above crease/crease), Thirteen (brow bone), Sephora Baby Blue Eyeliner — No Primer
Slanted (inner lid), Dagger (middle of lid), Smolder (outer lid), Black Market (crease), Password (crease),
Combust (above crease/crease), Thirteen (brow bone), Sephora Baby Blue Eyeliner — No Primer
High (inner lid), Dirtysweet (middle of lid), Radar (middle of lid/outer lid), Smolder (outer lid/crease),
Whiskey (crease), Combust (above crease), Thirteen (mixed with Combust, brow bone),
Sephora Girl Talk Eyeliner — No Primer
High (inner lid), Dirtysweet (middle of lid), Radar (middle of lid/outer lid), Smolder (outer lid/crease),
Whiskey (crease), Combust (above crease), Thirteen (mixed with Combust, brow bone),
Sephora Girl Talk Eyeliner — No Primer
Over UD Primer Potion (Original): High (inner lid), Dirtysweet (middle of lid), Radar (middle of lid/outer lid), Smolder (outer lid/crease),
Whiskey (crease), Password (above crease), Combust (above crease), Thirteen (mixed with Combust, brow bone),
Sephora Girl Talk Eyeliner
Over UD Primer Potion (Original): High (inner lid), Dirtysweet (middle of lid), Radar (middle of lid/outer lid), Smolder (outer lid/crease),
Whiskey (crease), Password (above crease), Combust (above crease), Thirteen (mixed with Combust, brow bone),
Sephora Girl Talk Eyeliner
Over MAC Painterly: High (inner lid), Dirtysweet (middle of lid), Radar (middle of lid/outer lid), Smolder (outer lid/crease),
Whiskey (crease), Password (above crease), Combust (above crease), Thirteen (mixed with Combust, brow bone),
Sephora Girl Talk Eyeliner
Over MAC Painterly: High (inner lid), Dirtysweet (middle of lid), Radar (middle of lid/outer lid), Smolder (outer lid/crease),
Whiskey (crease), Password (above crease), Combust (above crease), Thirteen (mixed with Combust, brow bone),
Sephora Girl Talk Eyeliner
Over MAC Painterly/UDPP: High (inner lid), Dirtysweet (middle of lid), Radar (middle of lid/outer lid),
Smolder (outer lid/crease), Whiskey (crease), Password (above crease), Combust (above crease),
Thirteen (mixed with Combust, brow bone), Sephora Girl Talk Eyeliner
Part of me is intrigued. And then the other part of me remembers I never ever ever use my Naked3 and I wonder if it’s indicative of my feelings about UD shadows.
Possibly, though these feel pretty different from past formulations I’ve tried from UD, so who knows if these would be better/worse for you 😉
Me too!! I am so done with the UD craze, and I’ve been crazed for almost 20 years!
Totally agree Arielle! I’m kinda torn but really don’t think Ill end up purchasing this one. I got the Naked3 & was obsessed until I actually used it a couple of times! It’s that gorgeous packaging that gets me… Which is so stupid!!
Womp wooooomp. Well that’s anti-climactic. A company like Urban Decay knows by now that people are looking for quality. I won’t spend money on products which are mediocre when there are so many excellent options these days. I do like the color selection. Execution needs to be better – especially on those mattes. On the bright side, I love the looks you did, Christine! Beautiful as always. 🙂
The mattes were really a bummer – I had felt more confident in UD’s matte formulation as of late!
Could NOT have put it better, myself! EXACTLY. Down to the huge compliment on the beautiful look, Christine!
OH CHRISTINE THOSE EYE LOOKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just died, those are MY COLORS!!!
But it sounds like they are taking a lesson from MAC in their palettes vs. singles which is a shame.
Did I say THOSE EYE LOOKS? Seriously swooning here. It all looks gorgeous on you.
I just don’t know how they can put out the matte formula of Riff/Beware and then do something totally different here!
Ditto it looking gorgeous! I personally think the Sephora liners saved/made the look!
Yeah I think I’m gonna pass on this one. It’s nothing unique. Even so, if the quality were there I might could justify the purchase but since it’s not then I’m skipping it.
I was worried once I started to swatch through it, then more disappointed in use.
Thank you for the review! I was looking forward to this palette, but it looks like quite a miss… 🙁
Sorry to be the bearer of bad newws 🙁 I just feel bad.
No need to feel bad, I am grateful for your honest review.This is the reason why I check your blog, I know you can be counted on. So thank you!
🙂 The best way to describe is more like – when you guys get excited for something, I’m excited for you, so when something people are excited about it and my review is not glowing, I’m like ohh 🙁 I’m looking forward to once readers can buy and have my fingers crossed that maybe others will have better luck with it!
Makes sense. I guess your credibility is a gift and a curse ;(
Luckily, doing right by readers is ultimately easy and always the right thing to do, so it’s all good 😀
I can see why you would hate to give this news. Oh well I wasn’t getting it anyway, too dark . But you sure did some pretty looks with it!
Thank you, Denise!
Christine, have you tried any of the previous Naked palettes recently? I got the Naked 2 within the past year, and I was pretty disappointed with the color payoff. the shadows don’t look good without primer and many are pretty hard/stiff. I love the LORAC shadows, so I was surprised by the quality gap between the two products. I’m wondering if this is par for their quality nowadays.
I only have the ones from their original launches. I’ve never finished a palette, so I haven’t had reason to repurchase one!
oh no, that makes me nervous! i’m still on my first Naked 1 palette and I would like to repurchase that when I’m done (will still be a while!). I hope they don’t tinker around with past formulas!
I got the Naked 2 very recently, and mine is a dream to work with in terms of application (longevity is another issue entirely, that I’m struggling with). Maybe you just got a dud? Which, is still a Quality Control issue that shouldn’t be a thing, but still.
I have a really strange things happening around naked palettes. I had a couple of single eyeshadows that I liked and naked 2 basics that I enjoyed so I decided to purchase one of the naked ones and choose Naked 3. In sephora sample had great pigmentation, but the palette I got was nothing compared – 2 matte eyehsadows did not fingerswatched at all, like zero pigmentation. And I was quite sure I did not get fake(beauty consultant told me that sometimes people return fakes to them and that is how they can get on the market). When I came back to return it I tried the sample one more time and I did not have issues with the same colors. I exchanges it for Naked 2 and the same thing happened – eyeshadows that I got were less creamy and pigmented than ones on display. Moreover I got allergy reaction on it that I never ever had on eyeshadows. Does someone know how is this happening?
Could be because of people always touching the displays, they may have absorbed finger oils, moisture, etc. give yours some time
Well that seals it. I’ll be passing on this one. Thanks, Christine, for the honest review!
No problem, M!
The looks done without primer don’t look that good, but to be honest I never apply powder eyeshadows without a primer, so I don’t think that it would be a deal-breaker for me.
As for UD’s shadow formula in their palettes not being as good as it used to be – hasn’t that been the case for a while now? I feel like saying that UD’s shadows are the best is now like saying MAC’s shadows are the highest quality: it used to be true, but it’s simply not anymore.
Totally understand! 🙂
Yes and no. The Shadow Box was a MASSIVE drop in quality – like WHOA! what happened?!?! drop (to me). Their summer eyeshadows that just launched a month ago are amazing! The Pulp Fiction palette was good overall. The Vice LTD was decent to good, but the regular Vice for last holiday was so-so.
Thank you for your honest review! I do not think I will be purchasing this, I have better things to spend money on such as Makeup Geek and Viseart 🙂
I liked the Pulp Fiction palette so much that I purchased a back up. I really like the Ammo palette and my very first UD palette was the skull palette in 2005 which was excellent. However I will say that every time I go to use my VICE 3 I feel soooo disappointed. I’ve tried 3+ times to do a look with Last Sin and it just flakes off my eyes. The shadows I have used just don’t perform well. This is saddening to me because I love my Naked 2, Naked 3, Ammo, Deluxe Shadow Box (old). So I am not sure what is happening with them. They have always been my favorite brand but lately I’m just not impressed. However their recent eyeshadow single releases have been great and I love the Naked Skin foundation, sooo I guess I just won’t buy any more palettes.
This is so disappointing. As someone who was super excited about this palette because I don’t own any of the Nakeds and this seemed to be more my speed, I will once again not purchase it. I simply don’t get the hype behind Urban Decay, their shadows seem to be a step above mediocre at best, comparable to the Coastal Scents Revealed palettes. Those palettes are in my opinion worth the price I paid for them.
I have really liked a lot of their palettes, but some of the recent ones I have had issues with. I loved their summer eyeshadows, personally!
2nd comment/question – I don’t own any UD palettes except Glinda – so I think it’s reasonable for me to get this. And I’m sure over primer it should be OK, right? The only palette I have sorta similar right now is Uptown Girl by Charlotte Tilbury – would you say these overlap much with this UD palette? I really love the coolness of this palette.
#3 is more glittery and brighter than High, but it’s the “most comparable,” and same #4 compared to Smolder (but it is lighter and warmer). I did two looks with primer, so you can see how those look. They’re the last two in the post!
I really did love the Pulp Fiction palette and I also own the three first Nakeds but I’m passing on this one. It’s far too cold-toned for my skin and your review just sealed it.
Pulp Fiction’s mattes are so much nicer too!
I’m suddenly not excited for this as much anymore.
I hear you! 🙁
Well, considering it’s not CF, it shouldn’t be as painful a loss!
UD is cruelty free. Their parent company? No. But UD, yes.
Sorry! I wasn’t sure where you drew the line; L’Oréal is, in itself CF, as they don’t directly test on animals, but since you’d commented previously about L’Oréal not being CF, I presumed you included everything under the umbrella (as that seems to be the case with most people I know).
Thanks for putting the effort in to explaining why this isn’t the best. I’m just gonna buy Nars smudgeproof base and wait for a cheaper dupe of this palette. That’ll work.
There ya go! I haven’t tried it, but maybe Maybelline The Smokes could work. I keep waiting for a sale, lol!
Watch for Makeup Revolution. They are always duping other brands palettes for a fraction of a cost, never tried their stuff, but there have been some rave reviews and swatches online.
I looooove the Nars smudge proof primer, I have hooded eyelids that are actually greasy, and it makes all eye products wear like iron.
This palette was going to be a skip for me anyway, I wasn’t too impressed with the other NAKED palettes and barely use them, but thank you for the honest review!
My pleasure, Pavithra!
Oh my. That was both disappointing and very helpful! 🙂 I was most excited for Whiskey, but it doesn’t sound like that particular shadow will be as great as I was thinking. Looks like I’ll be sticking with Naked 1; you can honestly get a nice smoky eye out of that without needing a separate palette. Thanks for the quick and honest review–much appreciated!
No problem, Joanne!
I fully support and have nothing but gratitude for your stance on testing without primers. While I use primers when I must, it is important to me for brands to stay true to what they advertise and I believe that a quality item WILL perform without primer just as well as they do with primer. Not everyone can use primers as so many eyes are sensitive to the ingredients. And while that’s not a problem for me, I personally find it misleading when site’s don’t disclose use of primer in eyeshadow review. Showing and testing both with and without is great and important. I like that you always discuss your results with and without, including what kind of primer works best (if it works on thinner formulas, more common formulas, epoxies, or a tackier and thicker base). It’s the more truthful approach and takes integrity and time to test that way (40+ MINUTES WITHOUT PRIMER? WOW!)
On the palette itself: I found the brush shape choice interesting here. Normally I like the included UD brushes more than you do, Christine, but I agree that the shape here threw me off a bit. It’s a nice-looking brush, but lacks a color-packing side. It just feels like something is missing to me, including transitional options and a hint more color to allow for more diversity in look creation. I do appreciate that they are adding cooler tones and hope it sells well to encourage them to continue do so. I don’t think it’s for me with a B-, though I do like some of the tones here. The first look you did with Smolder looks nicely ethereal on you and you know how much I love ethereal 😉 Hope everyone who does get it loves it! I’m always happy when makeup makes others happy even if it’s not for me.
All that said, I will probably swatch it and check it out. But I am a little nervous at some of the thinner, firmer, less velvety releases from UD. As you said, they are still producing lots of their more classic velvety offerings with singles and certain palettes so I still have hope that they’ll stick with those sorts of formulations instead of some of the newer/thinner ones.
The only upside is they did have less powderiness, but it was just such a different feel compared to a lot of their more recent matte eyeshadows.
I do agree — an A+ eyeshadow on its own will still be an A+ eyeshadow over a primer, so it’s really a distinctive way to show A+ from a C. I feel it’s a comment on the primer’s performance that it can take a C product to an A-looking product! My husband is always like, “Why doesn’t everyone just use primer?” LOL 😉
Can you imagine sitting there, blending away the same shade for over a half hour? I usually just reach my threshold for frustration and go, “That’s all folks!’ Because this IS such a buzzed about palette from a popular franchise, and because I haven’t had issues with the formula to this degree in the past, I did want to see how it would work over primer (in case it was so bad, even primer wasn’t helpful enough).
I look at my job as setting expectations; it’s less saying “Don’t buy this!” and “You need this!” (which is uncomfortable for me to say) but more “this is how it performed for me, so you might want to look out for these things or know that maybe you’ll need a primer or a glitter adhesive if you hate fall out.” Readers are smart enough to know what they’re willing to work with (or not) and what things are deal-breakers (one of the more polarizing is suffering a drying lip product for crazy long wear, which some have no problem with and others prefer reapplying multiple times a day to get hydration instead).
Thanks, Celia! 🙂
Exactly. I love that you are clearly not trying to sell readers on anything or something remotely of the sort. Instead, you share information for the benefit of people who are just as passionate as you are about the subject. There is never any influence to buy or not buy. Informing the consumer and allowing for realistic expectations is a great thing. And ugh, unfortunately I can totally imagine the frustration of sitting there attempting to make a look work. Though I would’ve been tempted to throw in the brush, so to speak 😉 Your patience was tested for our benefit so thanks as always <3
Thank you, Celia!
Agree on the feeling of the site, it does not feel “selling” which I would dislike a lot. It is giving information and then we can see what we’ll do.
Also the companies get tons of exposure, still, especially when a product performs well. So this site is good for companies, too, without that this fact is disturbing the joy of reading. Even the bad reviews are good for companies because if they are smart, they will try to fix the problems (like BIte, did, for example.). So win-win-win for everyone.
On the subject of primers, I have considered trying to use face powder that contains a lot of silicones. It would be essentially related, because primers are mostly silicone, too.
I understand that the creams create a different texture and are more tacky, too, but it might be an alternative for people who are very sensitive, as some powders use fewer ingredients than the primer gels and usually liquids require more preservatives.
I tried this with a drugstore e/s two days ago and i still have some bits of colour between my lashes (tried with three different removers) – might be the e/s which wears like iron, though but it could work, at least when it’s not humid.
Than you, Lilac! 🙂 It pleases me greatly to know that it doesn’t feel like selling!
Good companies appreciate the good and the bad as far as feedback goes, and great companies will take it back to development (whether they use it or improve is another story, but if they actually consider it, even for a moment, then that’s what they should be doing).
This. THIS convo right here between Celia and yourself is gives the definitive answer to why this particular site is so very needed, appreciated and most importantly, highly respected. It’s your integrity, Christine, as well as how comprehensive and in-depth your reviews are. I find your honest evaluations refreshing. And because I’m a picky perfectionist, I love your thoroughness and detailed appraisals.
Thanks so much, Nancy! 🙂
I came here to say exactly the same thing!!! I totally second (and third! Fourth!) these awesome ladies (Celia, Nancy, Telisilla) who are loving and appreciating your honest, in-depth and no-holds-barred reviews!! There is just really NOTHING else like it on the entire Interwebs. Seriously your site and your reviews are the gold standard of beauty blogs (and there are many, as you know!) while I still love watching some YouTube vloggers, and bloggers of other genres, this is my only DAILY site I read, of any kind! I was so happy to read your explanation backing up why you always test makeup without primers, and just thought “YES please don’t ever change!” 🙂
Aww, thank you so much, Bonnie! 🙂
I totally agree. Thank you Christine for this space 🙂
This is the very reason this is my go to site when I want good information about a product. You don’t pull punches and when something disappoints you, you give details on why. If you say that a product only lasts six and a half hours, for example, I can see why a lot of people would skip it, while someone like me, who doesn’t wear makeup all day, wouldn’t have a problem with it. I really really appreciate all the work you put into this site.
I’m so used to stuff not lasting like 10+ hours that it’s no big deal to me (plus I’m home most of the time!), but then I’ll travel and then be like, “Gah! I need everything to last 16 hours now! What actually wears all-day?!”
Thank you! 🙂
If I use *any* shadow with the Kat von D primer, it stays until I take it off! The only issue I have with it is because my lids are already on the drier side, it can be a bit drying, so I only use it on days I really need to, and over an eye cream.
Amy, I was having a severe dry eye problem awhile back and found a savior in MUFE HD Elixir. I’m not sure if it’s still sold at Sephora, but you can get it at boutiques. It wonderfully increases hydration throughout the day and is very kind to sensitive eyes! Maybe that could help?
Preach! Amazing conversation! I fully agree! It’s nice to see the appreciation! Aww! 🙂
I agree, I think it gets a bit tough when every review someone posts is with a specific primer! – “I get all day wear with primer” doesn’t really tell us anything about the product itself!
Thanks so much for the review. I was very excited and convinced I was going to buy but I think I’ll pass.
No problem, Lindsey! Maybe you can check it out in stores when it is convenient, just in case!
I’m so dissappointed, in particular in the matte shades. I have been looking for a shade like Whiskey but when I see this poor pigmentation… Overall I’m really in love with the colors in the palette, but the price/quality ratio is just not worth it I guess (allthough I would love to have my Naked collection complete haha)
UD has done a lot of really nice matte browns, so I was really surprised that Whiskey was so lacking!
I’m disappointed. I love the colors. I may still get it just not sure.
I love the concept of a cooler-toned palette!
Ahh.. the matte colors look like total miss! I was looking forward to your review Christine, thanks for always being so honest!
Sadly, they were more problematic than good 🙁
Yes, the swatches clearly shows that 🙁
Their summer eye shadow release seems better, I have Fireball in mind. This palette rating is disappointing. Thankfully it’s pretty dupable, but I wish it had performed better! I love the colours.
The summer eyeshadows were sooooooooooooo good in comparison.
I hope UD is reading this blog, because I want them to come up with a better and more affordable custom palette ( 4-6-9 pans with a discount and slimmer design). I mean wouldn’t it be so cool if we could pick the best UD colors with the best formulas (like the summer collection) and pop them into that kit to create our own look? I bet THAT would be a huge hit.
I gave them an earful when it launched initially, LOL.
Yeah, their build-a-palette system needs a complete overhaul. Like YESTERDAY. I hate that bulky quad thingy of UD’s, plus the lack of incentive because of no discount when sooo many other companies do! UD needs to get their act together!
Agreed! They need to sell individual pans like Mac and Makeup Geek. I would buy more!
*Yep, this pretty much confirms my suspicions when I saw the initial swatches. If you compare them to swatches of the other Naked palettes, many of the shadows are not as vibrant, and looked dry and patchy.
* I agree with you on not using primer to test. I mean ANY awful shadow can look better with primer – I recently got the Hello Kitty Mon Amour shadow kit, and the pastels were probably an F because I couldn’t even get them to swatch on my arm, but with primer and an NYX Milk Pencil, they showed up on my lid, but you have to spend time doing it.
*And 20 minutes to blend these UD shadows WITH primer???? WTH? In the morning, I only get 20 minutes to do my entire face!! And 45 minutes WITHOUT primer??? Uh no thanks.
I’d say that if I’m not rushed, I usually spend 20-30 minutes to do two eyes if the shades aren’t similar (like all browns is always easier than four distinct colors), so you might be able to do it faster than I! 🙂 The time with no primer was only the point where I gave up trying to make it any better, haha. I started to feel like maybe it was getting WORSE.
Gosh, the mattes are disappointing. I am learning how to apply makeup to best complement my complexion (NC42), and I really need good, smooth, pigmented mattes to build contrast and create smooth transitions. Considering that this is supposed to work to create smokey looks…yeah, not so impressive.
Your looks, however, are divine!
That’s a good point, Amy! It’s a darker, smokier palette, so blendability is key to success. You can make a real mess if you have to keep going back to blend and pack on color!
I am so very disappointed. I am really torn and very happy that you got this review up so quickly. Your final look is gorgeous. I have painterly and I do use a primer regularly- I prefer just to use Nars or a regular primer versus the thicker base. But, I just purchased Lorac’s Dream Girl knowing that it will likely require a heavier base. I probably will reread this and make my final decision. But, I’m leaning on getting it in all honesty. At least I can make an informed decision though. Thanks for the honest review Christine!
NARS Smudge Proof should work with this, though I think UD’s is a little tackier (NARS is almost velvety) that UDPP/TFSI may be the better base between those three. Painterly works, but the thicker base and cooler-toned base muted some of the eyeshadows (depends on the shade, but Dirtysweet seemed ever-so-slightly less metallic over Painterly).
Ok. I have Too Faced shadow Insurance. I also have UDs anti-aging primer. The older formula. Do you think that would work? I could always pick up an UD primer if you think it is the best to make the palette the best. I’m not happy that I have to do that. But,Im going to look over the review again.if I buy it, I want it working as good as possible.
UD Anti-Aging is perfect 🙂 I think TFSI will work just fine as well!
Thanks Christine! Tremendous review! I need to wait until I have some timet set aside to thoroughly read it to make a decision. You are just amazing! 🙂
Have you ever considered doing a comparison post about eye primers? For example, tackiness, viscosity, color effect, etc?
I ask because I’ve only used Too Faced and one UD one a long time ago and I don’t use them often enough to know which I should use if I’m looking for a certain effect on the eyeshadow. I have a small Nars foil sample that I’ve been saving for a special occasion! LOL!
I have, but I haven’t tested enough of the primers on the market, and each primer takes about a week of testing (have to test on a variety of brands/formulas/finishes), so finding time to do that has always been difficult (it means I can’t test any new eyeshadows during that time) — I’ve been trying to work through them on days where I don’t have an eye product to test, but it has slow-going!
Hmmmm I’ll probably wait to swatch it in store then. I didn’t mind the Vice 3 palette but I always use primer since I have crazy oily eyelids. It is odd that the texture in their palettes has become so different than their singles. The summer singles I have are amazing.
I’d say try it in-store – no harm giving it a shot! Vice 3 was easier to use than this one, but even just using UDPP made a really significant difference in not just color payoff but ease. Normally, a really terrible eyeshadow is still not that easy to use over a primer (it’ll still take layering and more time to blend/work with it), but it was a lot easier with UDPP.
The summer eyeshadows were so smooth, blendable, pigmented, and had that delicious denser, more buttery/creamy consistency. Not a single one of these is like those! 🙁
Also, I totally get and appreciate why you don’t swatch with primers but I’ve always thought that, when it comes to something like this where there seems to be a big difference with how the shadows perform with primer, to maybe do comparison swatches (with and without primer). Kind of like how you’ve done with the look as a whole but just doing a single shade or something to kind of show that difference more.
Still love that you’re so impartial with your reviews though! You’re one of the only people I feel like I can trust when it comes to reviewing high-hype products.
Totally get it! 🙂
I think that while that sounds like a good idea, in practice it might be a bit more difficult – I mean, what if we don’t own the same brand of primer as Christine? I think that different primers can have vastly different results, and it might not be very scientific to assume that the “with primer” swatch represents all primers, or that “I achieved x hours of wear” could apply to anything other than the 1-2 primers in the post. Personally, I love that Temptalia tests things on her bare skin, so we have a baseline and everything is able to be compared fairly, without the use of a product that has nothing to do with the product or brand itself. Not everyone uses primers, and primer+eyeshadow combinations probably vary in effectiveness. Plus, introducing an extra product in does introduce an extra element to the review (we’d either be seeing the same primers consistently reviewed, or inconsistent reviews depending on which primers she tried) and an extra cost, if we want to get the same results Christine achieves.
Yep, this is exactly why it can get very complicated! Even primer is no guarantee of wear, but as you mentioned, one primer can work for me and then not someone else. And you would absolutely have to be consistent with the primer you were using to test if you wanted to have consistent, comparable reviews across the board.
I was waiting for your impressions about this christine!
Having read all your past reviews of naked palettes, this is the lowest review they’ve had. (naked1(A+) naked2(A-) naked3(A) and now the naked smoky (B+)) tbqh it didn’t got my inmediate attention because i’m not that skilled to do smoky eyes without looking like a racoon but if it was worth getting (temptalia gave an A+ get it, get it please! review) i would reconsiderate… after watching your naked palettes comparison post, even though i have the naked2, the naked1 seemed more appealing to me than getting this one (i know i dont need both because of the similarities but it looks so pretty hah)
It’s sad that it wasn’t as good as advertised 🙁 btw loved the eye looks you created!
and thank you for being honest about the products you test but in a way that don’t says “don’t buy this, it’s crap” but says “you will need this and that to make it work” and it leaves the choice to the reader to decide if they have the patience to do the extra work, i’ve seen other reviewers that test the same products as you but they say they loved everything or just point out a couple minor disadvantages of the product. i have to say since i read your blog i’ve been happier with the makeup purchases i do, no more unpleasant surprises! so thank you once again xx
Yep, this is the worst by a significant amount! I think the math worked out to be barely a B-.
Thank you so much, Marissa! 🙂 I really just want everyone to be happy with whatever they buy. Even if I don’t like something, if someone else loves it, I’m a happy camper! There are some products that I still really enjoy using even though they’re not perfect or they don’t meet whatever ridiculous claim the brand made, lol.
I agree, I think it’s wonderful that Christine will just say that the eyeshadow kicked up powder, that it was patchy, that it was difficult to blend/much sheerer than the brand’s claims – it’s all information we can actually use and understand. When a reviewer says things like “THIS SUCKS!” or “DON’T BUY IT!”, it isn’t allowing us to make an informed decision or giving us real information we can work with. That’s not to say that I don’t think a negative review or most disappointing product list has its place (I sometimes get a guilty pleasure from the F-rated reviews, I just feel like Temptalia is our guardian and she’s protecting us from having to try fractured disco ball shimmer and really, really physically painful eye pencils!) – so long as they inform us why the product was so disappointing (that the application was painful, that it didn’t live up to its claims, etc), rather than just judging anyone who buys it or telling people what to do.
I think that if people are okay with eyeshadows being a bit patchy or are willing to experiment because they love the colors, that should be their choice. I also think that Christine keeps her reviews really fair, factual, and classy – she doesn’t tell you what to like and what not to like, and she’ll never tell people she hates it and that it’s a stupid product/use insulting words or tell people not to buy it, she’ll just honestly say when she’s disappointed in a low quality/difficult to use product, and then give us real reasons. If you have better luck with it, or have been able to find or want to find a way to make it work, then I’ve only seen Christine wish people luck, saying “I hope you have better luck and that x or y works for you!”. She’s a sweetheart!
Aww, Alison! Thank you so much for your support 🙂
Meh…
🙁
No sad face! It’s your honest, thorough reviews and ample pictures that keep me from buying ALL the things! This is highly dupable so I don’t need it, thank GOODNESS!
Glad I could save you some money!
Of course. A palate with all the cool colors I need (and actually want) and the formula goes to hell. At this point, when I see a group of colors that will actually look good on me, I assume they suck.
LOL! Awww, Alice 🙁 That is all I could think of – I was like, “Finally, a sort of cooler-toned palette and they have to drop the ball…”
Have you lookef at the Kat von D Innerstellar palette? It’s not a “dupe”, but it has a similar vibe!
Check out the Storm or Bad Girl palettes by Sleek. The quality of their shimmer shadows is just as good as top-notch UD.
Agree about the Bad Girl palette. It’s is sensational. Plus it has smokey purples, navy, greens. Not a single dud in the bunch. It’s the best Sleek palette I’ve tried (I have 6 or 7 of them) I haven’t tried the Storm palette.
I googled the Sleek Bad Girl palette, and wow! Love the rich smoky blues, purples, greens, grays and blacks. If UD had done those colors, and thrown in a few smoky browns/neutrals, the color combo would’ve appealed to both fans of neutrals and others who want some more color. Interesting….
I’ve been wanting to buy some sleek palettes for a while now!! Which are your favorite Rachel? Thank you!!
Hi, Bonnie! I have super-pale skin, so everything looks really intense on me. Your mileage may vary. 🙂
The i-Divine palettes I have:
Bad Girl, which I think is the best.
Arabian Nights & Vintage Romance (both are also beautiful darker palettes. Arabian Nights has a couple finicky shades, but it’s still a gorgeous palette. Christine reviewed it: http://www.temptalia.com/sleek-makeup-arabian-nights-divine-eyeshadow-palette-review-photos-swatches . Vintage Romance is mostly plums and purples, with some warm neutrals and a sparkly silver. Really lovely colors.
Rio Rio is a pretty tropical brights palette, heavy on bright golds, oranges, hot pinks. It’s all shimmery, so the colors are really good.
Acid is a great UD Electric Palette Dupe. Acid also includes white & black shadows. The white is matte and awful; stiff and no pigmentation. I like Acid for traveling, since it’s smaller and cheaper to replace than my Electric Palette.
They are all very good. I think the really light matte shades can be underpigmented, and some of the darker mattes are patchy. It really depends on the shade, though. Primer helps the so-so shades. So maybe 4 finicky shades out of the whole lot, plus the horrible white matte in Acid.
Sleek also sells a Primer Palette, that has 12 colored cream eyeshadow bases. I don’t think it’s a must-have, but they do help boost the so-so stuff and make the great shadows even more intense. I use mine occasionally.
Thank you so much Rachel!!! That was immensely helpful! Thanks for all the details!! I really love color too, (especially purples!!!) so I think I’ll really enjoy your recommendations! I have the UD electric too- I mean also, I WISH it was number 2 right? Lol – so I don’t “need” the Acid palette right now, but that’s a good point about using it for travel, when you don’t want to take a $50 palette with you!
I remember when Christine reviewed the Sunset palette and it got such a good grade for such a great price, that I put it on my to-buy list and have wanted a reason to buy some sleek palettes since then. I’m using UD’s disappointing crappy new release as my reason. Time to go shopping! 😀
Bonnie I would shout out the Sleek palettes Bad Girl (if you like smoky), Vintage Romance (if you like berries and bronze), Arabian Nights (if you like *colorful* smoky), Storm (semi-neutral with some fun thrown in), and if you have any propensity for warm colors, do check out Sunset. It might look wild but most of the colors (especially the bottom row) are surprisingly wearable and every single shadow is great quality. Christine reviewed Vintage Romance, Arabian Nights, Sunset, and Garden of Eden (one that I personally love but it’s not without its faults) so you can search her site or Google for swatches. Beware of palettes with a lot of mattes as they won’t be too blendable. All in all Sleek’s shimmer shadows are awesome–blendable, not too much fallout, and they don’t crease (on me).
Storm palette is just as good as Bad Girl (sometimes Sleek’s mattes are dry but there are only like two mattes in Storm). It leans a little more neutral with some browns thrown in but still has some unique colors like a great rusty pink and a muted denim-blue. I have 8 or 9 Sleek palettes and the best of them are Storm, Bad Girl, and Sunset.
I googled Storm. It is really pretty. Next time I order from Sleek, I’ll have to pick it up. Thanks, Ginny!
Those are definitely going in my cart. Thanks for the recs Ginny! 🙂
Have fun shopping, Bonnie! Oh, and I have almost all the blushes. Every single one is awesome, if you’re in the market. lol
I know next time I do a Sleek Haul, I’ll be adding Storm and maybe Sunset.
Wow came on the comments looking for exactly this! I thought bad girl looked like a good smoky palette… I’ll be adding it to my sleek order promptly!
As usual, a great and thorough review which I do put stock in. However, I am still chomping at the bit for this since, as I’ve said in prior comments, these kinds of colors are my favorites, this palette format in my favorite, and UD, for all it’s hits-and-misses, is still one of my go-to brands. I will make this work for me and my OCD will be satisfied. 😉
I wish I could buy it and take it home NOW.
Enjoy it, Christina! You know it might be a little harder to use, but you’re willing to make it work, and who knows, it might be easier for you than me (but maybe not as good as other palettes still) 😉
Something fishy is going on with Urban Decay. I regularly see complaints on UDs Facebook page shipping problems (products arriving damaged) and poor customer service. Now the quality of their products have changed. It’s like they are putting so much effort into expanding the product range, they are dropping the ball on what made them popular. I swear if their 24/7 liners turn to crap, I will have a complete fit.
Hopefully not! I think they already did a little “revamp” to the 24/7 Liner formula a couple of years ago… or at least they did a redo of the shade range, so hopefully nothing will change for awhile!
Even if you didn’t like the overall palette, the look you created suits you perfectly!
Thanks, Stephanie!
Oh my god…. Those looks you put together look like they were created with dollar store shadows! I can’t believe it.
LOL!
A B- grade?? That’s just embarassing on UD’s part. Those palettes have always been good quality. I hope this isn’t a sign of a trend to come. I was excited about this palette because it had a good mix of warm and cool tones, but I guess I may have to pass it up unless I can get it when it’s on sale. :-/
Yep! 🙁 By far the lowest for any of the Naked palettes! I mean, mattes are tough to get right 100% so in general, a B+/A- matte (on my scale) is usually quite good, so it wouldn’t have surprised me to see this at more like an A-, but B- was unexpected.
Wow! I was pretty sure I was going to pass on this–I already have the Naked3 and the Tartelette, so I don’t REALLY need another neutral palette–but after this review, yup, DEFINITELY going to pass on it. It’s pretty and all, but I’d rather take a risk on something different. Maybe I’ll splurge on a customizable Buxom set instead! 😉
Tartelette is so much easier to use in comparison, lol!
Well, I will say that the initial swatches pretty much showed up this palette’s flaws. Not sure whether these are totally fatal flaws though, but certainly after reading this in-depth informative review, I just don’t know whether I would buy this or not. The looks that you put together using UDPP or MAC Painterly is absolutely STUNNING and something I would enjoy doing myself. And I always use primer because I have to due to oily, hooded lids. But perhaps I could actually achieve it using the MUFE Nudes You Need with Revolver, DTF and Last Sin from Vice 3? Hate to say it, but Vice 3 performs better than Smoky Naked, it seems.
I bet you could totally use those shades to get something close! The shades are nice, and I like the concept of the color combination, but they are rather dupable!
I just did a blacker/ taupe-ier iteration of your look using the shades I mentioned ( LOVE MUFE Black Satin! ), it turned out really good! I do wonder whether KVD’s Interstellar would be a good alternative…?
It would be an option! I think it’s not quite as dark overall, but it’s certainly a cooler-toned, slightly smoky themed palette!
Christine, kudos – your ability to stay so on-point, explaining the way you test products out, and still remain objective is phenomenal. I think you made some really great points; bottom line, we all expect something different from a product, making it hard to really rate anything these days.
As someone who isn’t a fan of the Urban Decay palettes at all (had the Smokey and Vice 2, both poorly performed on my oily lids, even with every primer imaginable), they actually got me a bit excited with that color range and the different finishes. With this review in mind, I’m guessing I’ll give this one a pass. I often leave the house really (really!) early in the morning and don’t come back until 19:00 or even later, so this is totally not going to get the job done for me. Still, I’m sure it’s going to be a hit either way 🙂
Thanks, Noga!
I’ll be looking forward to hearing from readers who check it out how it works for them! 🙂 I wonder if the formula here would end up working better on oily lids, since it is a drier formula, though by no means is that a recommendation to go spend money to find out, LOL. My guess is it’s probably not different enough from their base formula that it’ll likely still break down on you! What eyeshadow formulas hold up better in your experience, Noga?
Well, the Mac permanent line is pretty good (girl don’t even get me started on their recent LE stuff :)), but not all of them last the entire day on me. Considering how long my days usually are, no surprise there.
I recently find myself switching to the Lorac Unzipped palette (which lasts all day, other than Undiscovered, that just plain disappears after an hour or so) and MUG e/s and pigments. I am waiting for a couple of the foiled e/s to come in to test them out, but to be honest, I can’t imagine them staying on all day, which is why I waited so long to try them out.
It’s actually funny, but MAC eyeshadows are longer-lasting and better-performing on the eye than a lot of them would lead you to believe. It’s usually not that way, but I think it’s how firm their press is that makes them ehh initially but in practice, it adheres/holds better.
Glad that you have a few brands you can go to for longer-wear 🙂 I’ll be curious if Foiled holds up at all on you. They’re so pretty!
Hi Christine,
Just wanted to let you know that I’ve been testing out the MUG Foiled eyeshadows for about three weeks now, and I’m happy to report they last all day on me (over Nars’ pro-prime, which I’m in love with, so thanks for that recommendation btw)! I’m still kinda shocked by it, to be honest.
Wow! That is awesome news 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to update me, Noga!
I can dupe this palette amongst all my Kat von D & tarte palettes, but I like the idea of having them all in one place. I *have* to use primer/base on my dry lids, anyway, so this is definitely going to find a home in my stash.
I remember Urban Decay’s marketing for the “original” Naked palette: ” The only neutral palette you’ll ever need”, yet this is 4th (6th if you include the “Basics”), LOL!
I guess the difference is that was the one you NEEDED, but the rest are all the ones you WANT! Though looking back, it is quite hilarious 😉 (Especially because we all know that no one neutral palette fits all!)
LOL – big difference between “need” and “want”. I want this even though I don’t need it because, like you said, it’s nice to have all those shadows in ONE palette (that’s been my excuse for the 2 Vice palettes I have and a whole whack of others….”such a much better idea to have them all in a convenient palette”. I am a total sucker!
Every time a new neutral palette comes around, I *have* to check it out, LOL! Even if I’ve found the “perfect” one, something better inevitably surfaces… I was even tempted by NARSiccist, although I have literally every one of the shades, just to not have to fumble with singles/duos. I ended up just organizing & placing color-coordinated labels on the ones I use most. The shades in this one are sooo ideal, though, so I’m willing to take a risk. With Naked 2, I just can’t get past the warmer shades in the palette, so I don’t use it as much as I should; this looks like a no-brainer for me.
I’m probably not going to buy this palette since I’m a matte shadow kind of gal, but dang, I kinda want it to recreate that beautiful grey look you did… Looks awesome!
Also wouldn’t buy it because it’s expensive for a so-so product. But I need Slanted in my life.
Thank you, Luiza!
Hmmm I’m a little stuck now. I haven’t purchased any UD palettes since Naked 3 so I’m not too sure if I’ll like this new formula. It seemed to get mixed reviews with the holiday palettes so I think I may really have to check this out in person before making a decision. But this review doesn’t make it sound all that great..
It might still be worth checking out when it hits stores if the colors have caught your eye!
I was hoping this would get a somewhat higher rating (heck, I was hoping for a “Temptalia Recommends”) but even so, just seeing the beautiful looks you’ve done, especially the last 2, I know I will be buying this. I have a few more makeup items on my “list” and after that (Hourglass Colourfield, the new-ish Kat von D palette, a few more MAC Extra Dimension singles, the Lorac Pro2 and then THIS from UD) I am really and truly going on a NO BUY til September. Or maybe July….
Well, you could always shoot for July and if things go so well… extend to September!
At this point, unless I entirely cut myself off from Temptalia and some youtube people, I’ll be lucky to go a week on a “no buy”.
LOL! I could understand.
I appreciate that you test without primer. I don’t own an eye shadow primer and though I own a few paint pots I almost always forget to use them and end up going to town on my eye look onto bare lids. A palette that is crummy on bare skin is an annoyance to me because it means I’d start applying them and go “ugh” and have to wipe everything off to start over and apply a base. I would’ve lusted over this palette if it performed well. I’m sure I have plenty of dupes, though. Thanks Christine.
My pleasure, Ginny! 🙂
SAME!!! Although I own several primers, I always forget to use it until it’s too late, and then I am not starting over, so most of my shadows go without primer! That’s why Christine’s reviews are so fantastic!
Damn I guess I don’t need this as much as I thought I might. Some of them looked painful to use.
They can be frustrating for sure!
Call me crazy but I’m still interested. I suffer from oily lids so I can’t really go without eye primer anyway.
Nothing wrong with that! 🙂
Can I cross my fingers and hope they reformulate??? I can deal with one shadow being off but so many of them is a let down…….
Maybe it’s just me, lol! 🙁
Can they finally just admit they’ve beaten the “Naked” pony into the ground and move on?
As long as they keep selling well, I don’t expect them to stop!
I’m so surprised by the grades. It’s not a palette I need, but UD’s shadows are usually so good. Your eye look is stunning on you.
Thanks, Rachel!
I have been in two minds about this palette since I heard about it. On one hand I don’t really do smoky looks and I have no use for black eyeshadows because I prefer liquid eyeliners so you would think it is an easy miss. But then I have seen the case and I want it just because of how pretty the case is! Most likely won’t be getting it though because not enough shadows I would use.
Maybe another brand will have a similar case with better products in it 🙂
I liked the idea of a few more mattes, but wow they didn’t preform well. I love me some UD palettes, but this will be easy to pass up.
I love when they do palettes, but man, when they aren’t really good, it’s a bummer!
Wow. Now I’m even more glad I have the old Smokes.
I actually think you were a bit forgiving on the overall rating. Basic math gives it no higher than a C.
All of the ratings are averaged across all the palette’s components for the overall palette score (then rounded to .0 or .5)! The individual Glossovers are calculated automatically on the back end, so I’m not sure where you’re getting C from! 36 awarded points divided by 45 possible points = 80%.
I was going off the letter scores.. assuming A’s are 5 and F’s are 1, it averages out to 3.5, solidly a C. I guess you do it differently.
The total rating is based off of total points awarded divided by total points possible (45 – 10/10/10/10/5), which gives a percentage, and the percentage is then rounded to the nearest whole number and then a letter grade is assigned (based on the breakout of % to grade here: http://www.temptalia.com/review-disclosures-policies-and-the-glossover-rating-system). For palettes/kits, the palette/kit has its own total score, and each component (e.g. pigmentation) is an average of all of the scores of the components within the palette/kit, so for this one, it is an average of all 12 eyeshadows’ pigmentation scores. This process is repeated across all five of the point categories (product, pigmentation, texture, longevity, application), and then those get put through the same total awarded/total possible -> letter score that the individual ones go through.
Your honesty and thorough-ness are why you are my go-to blog. I wasn’t too fussed by this anyway and I kind of hope UD does something more in line with their earlier Book of Shadows palettes next and picks the quality back up. I know Naked is popular but if you’ve been following UD since before then, it is getting a bit repetitive. I’d love another well tied in film palette or something. I don’t know. UD used to be good and surprising me I guess but keeping the quality.
Thank you, Jo! 🙂
Hopefully they’ll have a really good palette next time that’ll restore our faith!
I was kind of excited for this palette…but definitely skipping and just savings up to get more MUFE shadows
Good idea! MUFE’s are soooo much easier, lol.
Disappointing but not surprising. Sadly the past 2 years have made it impossible to stay loyal to UD’s shadow formula. I’ll just hold onto my 15th Anniversary palette and Smoked palette of old and leave it to ColourPop to pick up the pieces. RIP Urban Decay :'(
Awwww! 🙁 Well, at least the summer eyeshadows were good!
Just to be honest, I am not in a hurry to get this palette, hopefully I will at my own pace. If it makes any sense, it’s like you like the item, but you don’t desperately need it just for the sake of it. At least I know your input of it, and it’s gorgeous. I love the colors and I think I could wear it, but I don’t know if I’d be ready to own it. Hahaha, I own all three of them. My personal favorite is Naked 1 because I feel like I can do more, Naked 3 is my second favorite but I feel like the eyeshadow is a bit chalky…? But I’m a sucker with pinks, and Naked 2 is great but I am not too much of a fanatic of cool tones, but it’s still good. They’re all good and I got my palettes at a steady pace.
As for Naked Smokey… Hm, not too sure? But I got plenty of time to think of it and at least it’s a permanent item. :3c
It’s permanent, so there’s no real rush – certainly time to consider and/or try it in-store (or wait for more reviews!).
I do like this, but IDK about spending $54 on a B-. I’ll have to swatch at Sephora when they get it.
Keep us posted! I’m very much looking forward to reading more reviews as more people test it out.
The reviews are sad but the applications look beautiful in you.
I always use primer and apply UD with a damp brush. I plan to still try this palette.
Keep me posted on how you like it, Susan!
I expected something more exciting from UD, I actually like the old Smoked palette better.
This just seems really dupeable with a million other shadows in my stash and probably many others too. Kinda a snooze…
I do love the looks you created though! Thank you for the review 🙂
It is more dupable than I expected!
Hmm…. my verdict on this is “maybe someday.”
Not bad to wait and see! 🙂
This is the War and Peace of palette reviews. And it’ll take that long to digest…. Kudos + a Nobel prize. I could make a real BFM (big ^&*^&*^ mess) with this one. All the Nars night series dark shadows just look black on me. So would these… Always like a personal hearty dismissal, so good for the wallet. If i threw everything away but the UD, I’d still die with plenty of eyeshadow. Plan to spend w/e time exploring the review at length. I always like to make a list of owned palette dupes, so i can play with some of the ‘intended’ looks with the new offerings. You enable that so well. Glad you were entrepreneurial; we’d never get this thoroughness and consideration elsewhere. And the primer vs. non, types of primer, time expended, single vs. palette iterations: you DO get the Nobel prize of beauty blogs! And I agree that UD quality is so uneven, that their products are no longer a must-have. Corporate purchase is not always a good thing.
Haha!
Thank you SO much, KJH! You are always such a motivator 🙂
“The war and peace of palette reviews”!!!! LOL!!!!!! I died. so funny!!!
Yep, L’Oreal took over and now this is what happened. ;-(
Thank you so much for your honest and detailed review, Christine! I’ve come to rely on your reviews before I step out to test and purchase any makeup products, and have avoided duds with your help! That final look you did is stunning!
Also, the first thought I had when seeing the swatches of this palette is “there isn’t enough mid-tone colours for transitioning” and I’m glad someone shares my opinion!
Thank you so much, Jen! 🙂
Yep – had to really mix Combust with Whiskey a lot, which is doable but annoying!
I own all three Naked palettes as well as the “Smoked” palette, so I think I’ll skip this one.
Far too much of the same thing going on with makeup palettes these days. Really looking for something new and different now…..
Sounds like you have a good collection going!
Forget the palette, what mascara are you using? dang girl, I don’t think I’ve ever seen your eyelashes so long!
MAC Mineralize Multi-Effect Lash! It’s the same one I’ve been using for awhile, it’s probably just the angle/how open my eye is!
I had this question too! sooooo long!
Your lashes do look particularly amazing here. I noticed too.
I could tell by the swatches yesterday that some of the colours were going to be disappointing – password, dagger and whiskey. It is a shame that basically half the palette is full of average performing colours. I love Armor, Dirty Sweet and Slanted – but that would not be enough for me to buy the palette. And I so wanted to…. So many mattes – and I dislike mattes….
However your eye look with the greys is STUNNING. Wow – those colours really do suit you.
Thank you, Genevieve! 🙂
Something about the smoked imagery makes me want to have it but I don’t really like the look of it – it feels a little cheap!
Totally understand!
I’m really on the fence about this one. I love the Naked palettes and I have a whole completist thing going on, but this looks like it just might not be worth it.
I feel like if you use primer and LOVE the colors, then it could possibly be worth it, but I’d encourage you to check it out in-stores if you can if you’re on the fence!
I feel like UD put this out to take advantage of all the UD Naked uber-fans and “completists”, because they knew they could put out crap quality and loads of people will still buy JUST because it’s UD “Naked” palette and they own them ALL. Do you know what I mean?
Christine, so sorry for another comment. If you were to grade this over a primer, what would you have graded it? I really love the shades and have no issue using a primer. That being said, I don’t want to fight with the shadow forever with a primer. Thanks, I know you are getting bombarded. Take your time to reply! 🙂
Maybe a B/B+. It still felt like it took twice as long than it should have to apply; it LOOKS significantly better but still required some tip-toeing around.
Agh..Glad I have until July to think this one over,lol. I definitely was going to purchase this as soon as you posted the advertisement. But, now..ehh. It’s the “I have all the others thing”..and the color combos are perfect.BUT, I don’t need ANY more makeup wasting space. I certainly will not buy from anywhere that does not have a generous return policy IF I DO. Thanks, for responding so quickly. This is going to be a big deal palette anyway obviously.Of course, they will go on to make more forever. I just wish UD would keep their consistency across their shadow line..makes no sense. I did pull out my KVD Interstellar, the mattes can be somewhat closely duped IMO.
They should be careful — too much inconsistency and too many misses will make enough people wary and/or more likely to hold off until they see it in person, I think! I’ll definitely be curious to read reviews once more people get to try it!
Agreed! I was a hardcore UD fan since college. Now..I’m not. I’m sure I’m not alone. Its not that I don’t think I have out grown it. I think I could make it work for me as far as shades. But, I don’t have hours to spend on makeup !
I was never very interested in this palette, but I thought I’d just leave a comment to let you know that I have always appreciated that you tell us how the product performs on its own merits, without the aid of primers and such. So thank you for another honest and informative review, Christine!
Thank you so much, Al! 🙂
Thank you for this incredibly helpful review. I love Naked 1 and 3, but as someone with oily, hooded lids, this just won’t do. Even primer won’t help shadows with the pigmentation and texture you described on me. They would end up a patchy, muddy mess. It’s a disappointment coming from UD, but with so many smoky eye palettes on the market, I’m optimistic that I’ll find a good alternative.
Fingers crossed you find one that will work for you, Laura! 🙂
OMG! Thank you so much for posting this. I was drawn to it, but I already own Naked 1 and the UD Pulp Fiction.
Thanks to your review, I think I’m set with what I already have. Thanks for saving me $60!
<3
No problem, Genevieve!!
Wow.. My heart jumped when I saw your post of this! The cool darker colors are all right up my alley.. And then, pow. The review. What a letdown! I used to love UD (and Too Faced, but that’s another story.. ;)) and their creative palettes.. But great colors and poor quality do not justify a purchase from me. How disappointing! Especially for Dagger, that shade looked beautiful. Thank you so much for your review, Christine, your site has saved me from several bad purchases this year alone! And as many others have mentioned.. Those eye looks you created are smashing! You are such a stunner!
Thank you so much, Logan! 🙂 You’re so kind!
Well, that seals it… Wasn’t super excited for this, but now I’m definitely passing. Such a shame, it feels like so many companies are putting out sub-par products lately. Thank you SO much Christine for your honest and impartial reviews. They are a life saver when new products are launched.
My pleasure, Michelle!
Very pretty look for you in the last few photos and wwwwaaaaay better over MAC painterly! I still do not want the palette, but it is always nice to see the looks you have pulled together 🙂
Thank you, Wendy!
Thanks for the fast and very thoroug review! (and also for the post before with the overview of all palettes).
It has probably been said before but this overall colour choice reminds me of the KvD Innerstellar Palette, Maybe this kind of look is a trend now…
However, both palettes are pretty but still too warm for me. I am still considering both and calculating whether they are worth it if I won’t use a few shadows in there. Though admittedly they called them “smokey”, not “cool” 😉 And then there was the LM Watercolour palette with the wacky quality. Maybe somewhere there is an invisible force that prevents companies from finally releasing a great quality purely cool toned palette like this .
(even the MAC 15 Cool palette has warm-leaning shades).
Maybe they are afraid 😉
They really angled for a taupe palette, I think, because most of the descriptions threw in the word “taupe” somewhere — including switching up two descriptions (Radar and Armor) to do so, which was interesting (to me, lol).
Absolutely disappointing, boring colors and terrible formula. Miss their creative palettes with buttery and pigmented eyeshadows, like the Book Of Shadows. I only liked the first two shades, and I have dozens of similar ones, with formulas just as good or better. It just seems to me that nowadays they are investing more in marketing and fancy ads than in the development and quality of their products, and that is a shame, since they were once my favorite brand.
Glad you have dupes for the ones you liked!
Hmmm. That is weird. I will test it at the counter. I think my Naked I and my Smokey eye palette will suffice for now.
Do try it at counter and let us know!
A. Holy crap, that look is incredible.
B. I need this.
C. The first three colors annoy me. They’re… out of place. They’re too warm. Or brown. Or something. I don’t know, does anyone else agree or am I just picky?
I think they were trying to add some warmth so it would appeal to everyone/add variety, but it might just be how they’ve laid it out, you know? They’ve organized by finish rather than making it appear cohesive as a color palette of twelve.
I’m almost embarrassed for Urban Decay–seriously. It’s been hit and miss.
It really has been lately!
Ouch! I retract saying I would want this if it was my first UD palette! Oh, my! But the looks you pulled off! The first one, especially, is so utterly gorgeous! Sephora liners really make a look! I don’t know if this will be helpful to any or not, but this palette was designed to be used both wet and dry! If the extra effort is worth it, it may make up for the texture! I guess skills are most definitely required to pull this off! I was really hoping it would be better because so many, even beyond this site, were beyond excited about this. I don’t understand why UD makes those claims. I feel truly badly about this. Yes, I saw another Naked and reacted: OMG END IT.. (Just a bad day seeing too many contour palettes and this) but my heart was in it for everybody super stoked on it! I hope it still makes them happy! 🙂 (Gorgeous eyes, Christine!!!! Why not more gray? Every time I just admire your eye color popping as well as the grays against your skin! That liner.. <3)
Thanks, Lotus!
I’ll pass. I am 100% sure I have all those shades anyway.
I bet you do! 🙂
I bought Naked 1 for my sister (she loved it) and Naked 2 (never used it AND one of the pans fell off the case somehow, even though I never dropped it or anything) and Naked 3 (and I LOVED IT, there’s barely anything left of Strange and I hit pan on the second matte one – the one that is like Nooner, but lighter), but this one seems so cheap for such an inexcusable price 🙁 the case looks cheap, the mattes look cheap… I’m a sad consumer.
Also, they should have organised the pans in finish and tone (shade? hue? Light to dark, I mean) from the start, having THIS one organised but the others messed up is driving me up the freaking wall! ARGH, I can’t. I just can’t. That’s precisely why I never got any of their Vice palettes apart from the third (I can excuse the naked 2 and 3 because it’s way less messy when they’re all neutral, but this one makes me ANGRY). Get your act together, Urban Decay, for f-s sake.
Whoa! That is so odd that they fell out of the case. Sorry you had such problems with it 🙁
Yes, Christine, it’s v. strange indeed. As I told Emilie, it can’t possibly be counterfeit because I got it from Debenhams in Dublin. How could the pan just… Unglue itself from the palette? But I did hear from other people that their naked 2 had this problem, and some ladies reported almost half of the pans falling from the case.
I love my Naked2 and have never had any problems with it, but all of the pans fell out of my cousin’s! Ridiculous. It was definitely authentic, too. We spent a while gluing them all back into their correct spots. :/
Yes, my palettes are also certainly genuine, because the first and second I bought at Dublin’s Debenhams @ Grafton, and the third I got at Sephora! None of the pans from either the first or the third palettes fell off, but Trick (I guess that’s the one, I’m too lazy to go get it) strangely did. It wasn’t cheap at all, I can barely contain my rage when I look at Naked 2.
Thanks for your review, Christine! I was on the fence… on one hand, these are a lot of dupe-able shades, on the other, that purple! I am a huge UD fan but the lack of performance with the matte shades breaks my heart. Thanks for always doing incredibly helpful, in-depth reviews. A lot of us count on them.
The looks you did are absolutely beautiful though! You wouldn’t know from looking that the shadows were difficult to work with.
Always my pleasure, Rachel! 🙂
Thank you!
I have all the Nakeds so far but this one just doesn’t make my heart flutter…I actualy think their eyeshadow formula was way better before they revamped all the singles, my Book of Shadows palettes’ shadows feel so much more buttery and smooth…Ana as much as I love my UD I’m just not very impressed by the palettes they churn out any more!
I haven’t been bothered by the revamp on a lot of shades, but whatever they’ve done to tweak the formula over the last 6-12 months hasn’t sat well with me 🙁
Wow. I wasn’t interested in this to begin with, but after that review, it’s a Hell No!
lol!
Consistency the the quality of a brand’s products is very important to me, so this is a bit of a let-down. Thanks for telling it like it is!
On a side note, I always wonder: when brands are all over the place with the quality of their products, what’s the root cause?
Are they switching between different research facilities for their formulas?
Not spending enough time testing in beta phase before going to market?
Or is it purely profit-driven, coasting on the success of previous products and cutting corners because they think consumers won’t notice?
I digress, but I always wonder this when I buy a product that is drastically different in quality.
Thanks for your money- and hassle-saving reviews!
If only we knew!
I know that I asked UD about the formula in one of the fall/holiday palettes (just if they changed it), but they said they hadn’t – but from palette to palette between Shadow Box, Vice 3, Vice LTD, and Naked Smoky… the formula is extremely inconsistent in consistency/texture, payoff, wear, and application. And a lot of the shades in those palettes weren’t quite like their normal formula (what you’d see in the permanent line). It’s like they keep tweaking it, and I don’t know why. Most people like their normal formula (but not everyone, and you’ll never get everyone!).
The thing that sticks out to me is that all six of the new and permanent summer eyeshadows have some of the best textures that UD has put out ever. They’re nice and easy to work with for the most part.
Melanie, I absolutely agree with you.
I always wear a primer (UD Primer Potion) with my shadows so I remain hopeful that the shadows will perform much better for me, than it did for you. The color selection is quite lovely and the palette held my interest from first sight. Typically, I have had great experiences with all UD Nakeds and Vices so I’m sure I will be purchasing this palette as soon as it is released at Sephora. The Smoked palette is one of my favorites but because the colors are so deep, I don’t gravitate towards it often for daytime smokey eyes. This Skokey palette, however, appears to be exactly what I need for daytime smokey (and nighttime as well) and could easily pair with my other UD palettes.
Keep us posted on how this one works for you, Amare! 🙂 I hope it works as you want it to!
Awesome review, Christine, so detailed! This is everything I needed to know! I was of course hoping for a flawless perfect A, but I’m still tempted to get it…
Maybe you can check it out when it arrives!
Well, maybe if I was at all capable of creating those beautiful eye looks it would be worth indulging, but since I am talentless and require my shadows to do all the work, I think I will have to pass!
But in case that wasn’t clear, dang girl! You can create some amazingly beautiful looks!!!
Don’t say that, Terri!! You are totally capable of creating beautiful eye looks and I’m sure that you do 🙂
Hello Christine, so sad with UD, since they belong to Loreal, their products are worst and worst (but the price up and up), but when I saw this palette (UD’s ad), I was like “wahouuu, what a great palette! ” then I saw Youtubers reviews, and I know this palette is, in real life, horrible, no pigmentation, really ugly packaging and the finished looks are not good at all. They are like muddy but not the cool deliberate muddy. Man, I wish Youtuber girls where more honest… I miss the old Youtube with no marketing or whatsoever.
Anyway, love your honest review 😀
Take Care !
Lala
ps : I think the old Smoked with black packaging and black zip is so better than this. And nobody compare the two, argh!
Maybe they’re honest — maybe the palette I have is a huge dud! Or they just have different criteria for when they review (I have a more specific one), but I am sure you can find some YouTubers are honest! 🙂 I’m sorry my looks weren’t what you were looking for — hopefully others will share their looks and maybe they’ll be more up your alley!
Smoked palette isn’t really comparable, but where the shades in it were similar, they were still pulled as dupes (I pull from everything). I compared Kinky (which is in one of the Naked palettes as well as Smoked) to Thirteen in the review, and then nothing else really is similar — Mushroom is kind of close to Armor, and then the blues, greens, etc. have nothing that is similar in this palette. Rockstar is a lot lighter than Smolder! Hope that helps. 🙂
Ah no lol Your look is really pretty, I talk about the YT looks more muddy, so sorry it wasnt for your look at all. English is not my maternal language so I miss up sometimes. And I am sorry too, I miss the comparaisons with the old Smoked, I dont think they are similar, but I think the old is more beautiful (very different but more beautiful).
For YT I am waiting and check new one, plus, I like differente opinions on a product (it is always good to have one who like and one who dont). Thats true, I think YT now is sometime just a big ad for brands (but it is always good to see new products and how they work, even if I prefer keep a critical opinion when I am watching).
Big thank for your help and your kindness (and sorry again for my bad sentences).
Have a great day,
Lala
Gotcha! 🙂
Here’s hoping we see more interesting looks put up in the coming weeks!
You made this palette work though. Your look at the end is perfect!
Thank you, Jen!
Aww! I wish this palette was better quality! I was pretty excited about it when I saw the initial images. I like the fact that it’s a cool tone smokey palette with a few light, matte shades mixed in.
That being said, would you have any suggestions for a palette that’s similar that would perform better, or are there any really good palettes that this one reminded you of?
Thank you for your honest reviews and high quality swatches. Your website is the first thing I check before I buy a new makeup product.
By Terry’s Smoky palette is a bit reminiscent of it, though I think it may lean grayer (not quite as blue). I haven’t reviewed it, but I have already tested it, and I don’t know that I’d say it’s well worth the price point (I think it’s near $100) as a comparable option.
I haven’t tried it, but I believe Viseart has a darker matte palette and I know that I hear a lot of raves for their formula.
Kat Von D Innerstellar is likely the best bet for something that isn’t going to break the bank, leans cooler/darker. I gave it a B+ and here’s the link to the review: http://www.temptalia.com/kat-von-d-innerstellar-eyeshadow-palette-review-photos-swatches
Hello again,
I have the Terry, and I love it. Viseart is better imo, and the dupe for the smoky will be the “paris nude 06”, for Viseart the “matte 01” is the base and all the others work will this first one.
I think the Terry is more “European”, the colors can be utra-sheer to ultra-pigmented, and the makeupline is more for mature ladies/gentlemen, dont go tho the fine lines, really blendable, pigmented, they are smoked so the look is always good, but it is the double price compared to a Viseart (and Viseart you get 24grammes, only 12 grammes for Terry, the ingredients from Viseart are the best, you dont need a primer with Viseart, by Terry I dont tested it yet without primer, and you can mix them with water -no fix + or whatsoever – for a cream/paint color).
In resume, the Viseart are essential if you like makeup, the Terry is a splurge (good one but not the base).
For reference, I am totally dislike the new MakeupForEver (look like plastic to me, + they tested on animals) or Colourpop. And I think they will be dry out really quickly. I must prefer powders, love when makeup blend to skin, love when you can have different finishes (powder to cream and everything between). And I dont work in cosmetics (just in case lol)
Hope thats help 😉
Pretty disappointed but unsurprised. The quality in UD’s palettes have been decent to so-so for a while now. Trying to decide if it’s worth it although I’m not sure it is. When used with primer it looks a lot better but for what it’s gonna cost me, I’m wondering if I should just opt for dupes of High and Dirtysweet and call it a day.
Also wanted to thank you for your honest and unoffensive reviews. “Unoffensive” may be a strong word for it but I’m really not a fan of reviewers that try to push me one way or another. You don’t push. You’re impartial, professional, and honest and that’s why I stick to this site and recommend it to everybody. Of course, I 100% agree with your decision to test without primer. I also don’t know how you find the time to review all these products and get them up so quickly …. your dedication is great
Thank you so much, Rosemar! 🙂 I appreciate you spreading the word about Temptalia, too!
Unless you’re dying for ALL the shades and really want them in a single palette, I’d go for dupes 🙂
Aaaaah still a fan of the packaging, but if the formula isn’t as good as the earlier Naked palettes (I have 1 and 2), I’m less tempted to try it. UD has always done better on glitter shades than matte shades imho, but I was hopeful! Most of these are already fairly dupable, so there’s even less incentive for me to get it..
Thankfully they are dupable, haha!
A bit disappointed, I will admit, although I will probably end up purchasing anyway. I think I would still get plenty of use out of it personally, and I always use a primer and often use a color base, as well.
To add to the comments about your reviews, I do appreciate that you mention how shadows perform with and without primer. Even though a primer is a staple for me, it gives me an idea of what to expect should I have to skip a base for any reason. It also shows how thorough you are and how you take the time to compare a product based on its claims rather than JUST how well it works according to your preferences and use. I value your honesty, and I know that whether or not you’ve received a press sample or you’ve purchased the product yourself, you’ve given the product a real trial and are giving us a true assessment.
As always, I’m loving these eye looks, even if it took you a lot of time and effort!
Thank you so much, Lacey! 🙂 I really appreciate your support and kind words!
I feel the same like most girls I have all Naked1-3 and I think I will pass as well. The eyeshadow colors look very SIMILAR to the previous pallets. Nothing unique of this one that in other palletes (brands) color wise I already have. *Disspointed.
You can definitely get a smoky look out of the three other Nakeds if you have them!
For shame, Urban Decay! The fact that they are overly milking the Naked line and decreasing their quality is putting me off. The first three were great, I wish they’d just left it there. That being said, I do love the looks you came up with using this! Definitely a pass for me, though. I see nothing appealing about this one.
If they had kept the quality level the same, I’d have no problem, even if they could easily come up with a new series. Like I’d rather have another A-palette (especially a cool-toned one!) even if it’s Naked_____, but if it’s going to be underwhelming, why bother?
It’s just SO dark! I love Naked 2 and I loved Naked 3, but I’m really really disappointed in this one. I just would love to see a lighter and brighter Naked palette come out. I hated Naked OTR. I know Naked 3 Is rose gold, but I would love a peachier palette with golds and light to medium shades to brighten the eye. I still think they can do so much with this “Naked” concept, I just think they are going in the wrong direction. That being said, I absolutely LOVE the looks you created with this, Christine. This palette just won’t work with my preference for subtle makeup and very fair skin.
Have you looked at maybe LORAC Unzipped?
I haven’t seen it in person, but it always seemed too dark and too red in the pictures. I’ll check it out the next time i’m in Ulta. Thanks for the suggestion! = )) I was thinking colors along the lines of UD Easy Baked.
Wowww such a disappointment from UD. Nor it just seems that they are trying to make a quick buck off of the naked name and assume people will flock to this just because it’s a Naked palette. Also I think this is a big “eff you” to those people that have been failthful to ud and have been asking for a REAL cool toned palette. WTF UD. I hope they see this review and the comments and actually do something about it.
I really wish I knew why they keep changing the texture of their eyeshadows!
I was already turned off by the unoriginal color selection, and now I know this’ll be a definite pass. Thank you for providing honest reviews. This is my go-to site for reviews.
My pleasure, Alexandra!
There are Urban Decay products that I absolutely love…..BUT, there is no excuse for the quality of this palette. The Naked palettes have made the company so much money. UD knows that customers are excited about the prospect of a new one and will buy the product. UD owes it to their fans to put out a good quality Naked palette. Too bad.
I really don’t know what happened 🙁
On first glance, this looks like they took Naked 2, a few shades from Naked 1 and a few from Naked Basics.
There are some similarities!
Bummer…. I thought it was going to be a knockout! Ah well.
Me too 🙁
Hmm…I might swatch this. I can be a bit meh when it comes to more Nakeds, just because I don’t go purely neutral all that often. However, the colors I think I like best either got the lower grades, and one is Armor, which I already own from Vice.
I can’t wear anything without primer, though, so if it swatches like something that would work well over primer for me, it might be worth it. I’ve gotten on well with Vice 3, probably, because of my dependency on primer.
Luckily, you’re testing all these shadows without primer, not me! Even stuff you’ve given good longevity scores creases on me in about an hour without primer. 😉
An hour is so crazy to me! Almost ten years ago, I wouldn’t even think to go without primer, but now I can’t believe how long most formulas last without primer.
But that’s why primer exists! And that’s why I’d rather brands just come out and say that their eyeshadow is built to work in tandem with a primer for superior longevity and blendability.
Ten years ago, my makeup collection was minimal, but I had several four pan cream shadow palettes I hit pan on, because that was the only thing that would stay on my eyes!
…I never had to wear mascara then, though, because half the time I put it on now is to cover up eyeshadow fallout on my lashes.
Thanks for the thorough review and great photos as always, but I’ll pass. If anyone’s looking for a smoky palette for less, I just got the Smoky & Smudgy palette from the new company Colour Prevails, and I really like it. (Can I say that?) So happy that someone understands silver is a smoky color! Eight shadows for $19 in a palette that’s shaped kind of like an artist’s palette, with the thumb hole.
I got the Naked 3 last year and I hardly ever use it. Love Vice 3, though.
Happy to hear you enjoy Vice 3!
Oh, well… My piggy bank thanks you 😉
I definitely see the point of testing eyeshadows without primer: you have to assess the quality of the product in itself, any enhancer would alter how it performs. I think that’s how any review should be made 🙂
Glad I could help! 🙂 I definitely feel like I’d be telling you that everything lasted all day, lol, and you’d lose that ability to really be like “yeah, that’s really a C!”
I am so bummed about this review. I rarely post but always check your blog. When I got an email from UD I immediately googled Temptalia and Naked Smoky!
I am at a conundrum here. I have become quite the collector of makeup. I love UD foundation, I have all the Naked, the Basics and love them. UD helped show that after 40, you aren’t restricted to mattes. The lighter blue grey in N1 showed with a smudge brush, color as a smudge line can work! I was not quite impressed with the recent Naked on the Run. I do give myself time to fall in love but the jury is out. Love the pops of color in the Shadow Box. Own six 6pan custom and 4 4pan, all filled. Plus 3 loose pots of the shimmer. Own vVice 1 & 2. I finally can tackle fake lashes with their half lash kit. Love Perversion.
I have spent so much over 5 years with them that when I picked up this huge box last summer around my birthday, opened it and saw this gorgeous giant purple UD box, I thought for a second my husband bought me every single eyeshadow. Nope, they sent me a full size Perversion, a black rubber lime tote, and a slide viewer thing. Just because they wanted me to sample and review. The funniest part is they didn’t approve my review because I mentioned that I loved Perversion so much, I could see me switching from DiorShow. I never write reviews (Oh but I read them and the commenters say so much about the blog…your blog and guests rock!)
I have to admit I have color identity blindness. I just don’t see N2 as cool and I had a loose pan and this came direct from them. I don’t see it as too taupe you. I honestly shied away from getting to know it because of this description. But now love it. If I could make a palette, I’d take virgin, Foxy, Sidecare, Chopper, Gunmetal, Tease, Factory, Darkhorse, Trick, Sin, and Nooner. Unlike my fellow warm girls, I really thought NB1 was cooler that 2.
I would adore if they made a true bronze/copper Naked. With a coupe of bronze olives bronze olives. You would think with an explosion of face shimmers, bronzes and contours, they would have come out this summer and say, “Oh Yeah, watch this!” A true Bronze/Copper/Olive Naked, some vadass a la Becca bronze and highlighters, some chubby color sticks/crimes, and a nice set of shimmery summer glosses (I’m thinking, Sunset Cowgirl, Dusky Cowgirl, Midnight Cowgirl, Sunshine Cowgirl). Instead, my new love affair is Charlotte Tilsbury Golden Goddess shadow will have to be it. I work for a giant company, am in finance and i love putting the pop color on, regardless if somewhere someone days no sparkle in the office. Rules be damned! But to come out with a Naked for Smokey eyes during the summer(at least for the north!)? I wonder what were they thinking. I barely use mattes and really do see a few there that would fit in a dream palette. If I knew someone who could depot these right, this could be a possibility. And I’m looking at my Cat Cosmetic palette and I think it’s time to dust off and reorder her very pretty shadows that I forgot about.
So damn. I really want this because of the above collection but darn it, so bummed that your review wasn’t stellar and you’ve always been spot on. I rarely use the Vices and I feel like they took all their sample batches and threw them together. So no more of those. But what if UD sees my post, takes my idea, I would explode with excitement. My collection will be disjointed. Should I break up now and just move on? I miss their glosses and now this? To me, what they are doing is almost equivalent to some guy you are getting serious with coming home and asking me to check out his new panties because it’s all the rage.
I would give it a try in-store if you can, Rae, if you’ve had good luck with a lot of their other eyeshadows 🙂 They don’t seem as dry/crumbly as some of the recent Vice eyeshadows that were problematic, but they aren’t like their older formula in the Nakeds. I’m not sure why the texture keeps changing so noticeably.
I believe it’s more of a fall release, so there’s that, but makeup companies tend to release their products almost a full season in advance (like we’ll see holiday palettes by October, if not earlier!).
I keep seeing reviews where people rave about the eyeshadow formula and how it’s “buttery smooth”.
Is it possible you just got a dud? I only ask because I haven’t see any really negative reviews and it makes me wonder if there was a quality issue with your palette?
Either way, thank you so much for being honest with your reviews. You always end up saving me money 🙂
I’m sure it’s possible!
I was really excited – but felt a little exhausted when I heard that there would be a new Urban Decay Naked Palette. This feels really anti-climatic. I was hoping for more warm tones. I used my Naked3 palette regularly for about a year until I got the Tartlette palette.
I guess I was hoping for something a little more interesting than a smokey eye. I can’t see myself buying this. It’ll sit in my drawer untouched 95% of the time.
I wanted an excuse to buy another palette damnit! lol
Awwwww!
I’ve never bought a UD palette at full price, but rather I always wait until they’re on sale, just as a personal rule (the last one was “Smoked,” when it was at Sephora for something like $16. And I’m still very happy with it…. I’d rather not talk about that mess with all the variations of Midnight Cowboy in one set…I think I’m STILL picking glitter out of my nooks and crannies ~*shudder*~). Looking at just the color selection, this Naked Smoky was the first one I’ve seen in ages that tempted me to break that rule. Now after reading the review, all I can say is THANK YOU, Christine! You’ve just saved me a lot of money, and probably a bad case of buyer’s remorse. I greatly appreciate everything you do to help me make better buying choices with the limited budget I have to work with.
No problem, Stacy! So glad I could help 🙂
Sorry to hear about the formula. I was actually tempted to buy this one because I’m brown-skinned (black) and half the colors in the the first four palettes are useless for me. And they had no decent transition color, either. (I’m warm-skinned.) Whiskey seemed promising. I may still give it a go. But I hate that they’re mucking up the formula.
Might be worth checking out – I think I’m one of the few who didn’t like it, lol!
oh I really love Smolder..! But that’s about it.
You’re safe!
I find it interesting that this palette didn’t come with a primer sample like all of the others do
I don’t remember the others having a sample with them!
Oh mann I thought it wuld be Atleast collection worthy but these swatches are a Pass for me too! Now off to Stalk and wait for Others coming out! Thanks Christine
No prob!
Thanks for the review, Christine! Since the news of this launch, I’ve been wondering how the Naked Smokey compares/stack up to the Smoked palette? I can see that there are obvious differences in colors but if one has the Smoked palette, would the Naked Smokey be necessary too?
The Smoked palette is a lot more color-based and more shimmery, so I think the looks you get out of it are quite different!
Even though the grade wasn’t the best, you look beautiful in these shades!
In a perfect world, I could dump out the shadows, remove the text on the cover, and use this gorgeous case as a Z-Pallete. Hah. 🙂 That being said, I’m trying to ignore the packaging because that makes me want it more than anything else!
Haha!
Thank you for the review. I was so excited to purchase the palette because I love all the colors. I have the Naked palette and I don’t use all the colors. This one has all the colors I frequent.
I’m new to the makeup world. Which palette would you recommend to replace the smoky palette? Or, would it be better to buy individual eyeshadows and create a palette? Which is your favorite eyeshadow? I hear great things about MAC.
Hey Patty,
What’s your price range for a palette? Are you looking for cooler or warmer tones? What’s your skin tone?
MAC eyeshadow can be hit or miss – they have some great shades in their permanent range, but there are some duds!
Thank you for responding, Christine! I’m looking for warmer tones. My skin tone is more like Eva Longoria. The internet tells me “Warm with a golden undertone”.
I tend to choose browns and grays for eyeshadows. I have a bit to spend if it is worth it. I don’t want to spend $50+ and have to wear primer, foundation, powder, etc everyday. My daily makeup is eyeshadow, eye liner, blush, and lipstick or gloss.I am a mother of two boys, ages 5 & 3, so I don’t have too much time in the mornings. I want a palette because in the rare opportunities I would like to go all out and do more and include the primer, foundation, powder, etc.
Naked1 is really good. I’m medium and warmer toned, and that’s always been a go-to 🙂
Wow. This should have been called ‘Naked Redundant’… Password & Smolder were the only interesting shades to me, but are both so dupable. I feel like ‘Wende & Co.’ are stuck in the late 80’s/early 90’s when it comes to eyeshadow finishes. If you didn’t have a stylist back then, you were only rockin’ one eyeshadow color, rt? Not much need for mattes? I’m just taking an educated guess here, so if anyone was wearing eyeshadow during that time period, I’d love to hear about it!
Thanks for putting this through your testing, Christine. It sounds like it was frustrating, but as always, much appreciated 🙂
No problem, Cory!
I was thinking to buy this and lucky that I check out your review first. I kinda regret getting my previous UD Vice 3 ( although I asked it for BD present from my sis ) and agreed with your Vice 3 review. The formulation and texture is powdery and hard to blend. Nothing comparable to my Naked 3 formula. I am gonna miss this too based on your review. Any recommended smoky palette from other brands? Thanks .
My guess is if you didn’t like Vice3, this one might be a miss, too 🙁 I can’t think of another really smoky palette offhand!
You know, part of me knew I would be disappointed in this, but I bought it anyway because I’ve purchased every other UD Naked palette and didn’t want to be left out. I’ve given all of my Naked palettes to my mom and I’m sure I’ll be doing the same with this one. I attempted to do a brown smokey eye look with this during the weekend and I was not feeling it at all. The eyeshadow quality seems subpar compared to UD’s reformulated eye shadows. I’m quite disappointed… 🙁
Sorry to hear it, Maria 🙁 The formula felt different to me – not the same as their formula from five years ago, but it’s also not the same as the reformulated version either.
I really love the colors in this palette, they look nice but i am still stuck in between if i should or should not purchase it. only naked palette i own is the Naked3 which was giving to me as a Christmas gift i don’t use it much cause i’m not into pink or rose gold shadows for everyday. I think i am just going to wait til this palette is released in store at Ulta and go in and swatch the colors on my arm like i would do with my other palettes that’s how i can tell if it be worth the money.
A lot of readers have reported enjoying theirs! I’m definitely in the minority on this one.
Mann..What a big let down! Im still hoping for an Awesome Alll Purples Palette! 😉 Something like that,,some good Deep Matte Primary Colors..
That would nice!
I just found your review on this, and i’m so glad i did. I thoroughly enjoy how you explain why you do things and how they work for you. I was excited about this newest offering, but was also somewhat on the fence about buying it after looking at the colors from the pre-releases. Thank you and i look forward to reading over your other reviews.
Thank you so much, Teresa! 🙂
I got this last week, and I love it! I have only tried out one look using it so far. The booklet that came with it was accidentally thrown away 🙁
Would there be any way you could take pictures of the four looks? I have contacted Urban Decay and they said they won’t send me a new booklet 🙁
I threw my booklet away, unfortunately!
I have never purchased any of the urban decay palettes. would you say that the Naked Smokey palette is a good choice to start? If not, which one from Urban Decay? I’ve really been trying to find a good smokey eye palette for day and night time.
It’s not my favorite, though many readers and other reviewers have enjoyed it! You might like Naked2, but it’s hard to say without knowing your coloring 🙂
I was hesitant to pick this up after seeing this review, but I decided to go for it anyway and I’m really happy I did! To me, the palette is absolutely amazing! For me the misses are Radar, Slanted, and Whiskey (doesn’t look true to pan at all on my eyes) but I’m able to make all of them work with a little playing around. I found the rest to be excellent though. Standouts for me were Dirtysweet, Dagger (which I know you struggled with but to me it was the most blendable, beautiful shadow of the bunch!), and Combust (which I found to have an incredibly soft, workable texture). I could see where without primer these would be tricky though. Luckily it’s been really working for me! It’s taking me out of my warm-toned comfort zone 🙂
Thank goodness you’ve been able to make everything work to your liking, Steff! 😀
I didn’t need this, but snatched it up from UD as soon as it was up. I have been using this for a few days. For me, it performed alright without a primer and fantastic with UD original primer. I have only used the left seven shades, but they go on smooth and silky.
Will be a great addition to Named 2 and Named 3 for travel!
So glad you’re enjoying it, Shannon!
Thank you for such an honest review. I too become enthralled with the packaging. Dang but it is so pretty! And magnetic closure? Awesome! But I will pass. I’d rather have the whole thing be worth the purchase. PS: I love how you write! Very intelligent and thorough. I loved it!
Thank you, Chris! xo
I have the original Naked Palette (just got it at Christmas), Naked 3 and Naked 2 Basics. I love all three of them. I had to try this one, despite Christine’s review and ratings.
I’m really glad I ordered it because I really like it. I always wear UDPP Anti-Aging, so it doesn’t bother me that primer is required because it’s already part of my routine. I’ve now tried 9 of the 12 shades over three days, and I’ve been very happy with both longevity and pigmentation. To be fair, I’m not someone who likes a very dark smoky look so both Smolder and Whiskey offer plenty of kick for me and I didn’t have the trouble I expected working with them.
I absolutely respect your review and ratings; this is always my first stop when checking out a new product. I just wanted to reinforce that some who use primer may be very happy with this palette. I like it as much as I do the others. I don’t do black shadow, so I won’t use every shade, but I really like more then enough of them for this to have been a great purchase for me.
Thanks again for getting this review up before the product dropped so we could make informed decisions.
So glad you’re enjoying your palette, Deb! That’s all I care about! 😀
I got this b/c I ‘m a collector. Yes, sick obsession but anyway…I must say this one might be my favorite besides the 1st one. I felt the naked 2 was too “cool” in tone for me. It’s ok but cool tones can get “corpse” like on me quickly. I gravitate toward neutral/warm colors. Though the naked 3 felt more like cool pinks, it did look ok b/c of the “color”. (I like the Lorac unzipped, 1st one, best when it comes to rose golds) – But this one…I like. It seems to appeal to both cooler and warm toned females and it is far less shimmery IMO as well as having a good balance of mattes. You don’t have to do an overly smokey eye, you can go light with it. It’s pretty versatile. I love the look your created. This was a spot on for me – The naked 1 & this one are my 2 faves of the bunch.
Happy to hear you’re having great results with it, Tami!
I must say, I really don’t understand why this got such a negative review. Although I agree that the formula does feel slightly stiffer than usual (and only the matte shades), I didn’t feel that it really affected application. They still apply well and I felt I achieved really pigmented, sultry looks. I appreciate your honesty though – perhaps I just got a better batch?!
Sounds like you had a much better experience than I 🙂
This one is so disappointing. I got the naked 1-3, and i love each one of them. But today i got the smoky palette – is this a bad joke? Black market is one of the worst black eyeshadows i ever saw.
After blending, all was just a brown-black mess. Will send the palette back to Douglas in the afternoon.
Glad you can return it, Susi!
Did anyone experienced an allergic reaction with this palette? I never had an allergy to eyeshadows, but after a few hour that I used this palette, my eyelids started to burn and itchy. The next day it was swallow and skin was dry and red. I have never been through any issue like this. I’m a makeup artist I have used a lot of makeup trust me. Please let me know if you experienced the same, and what could be the ingredient that might be causing this.
Thanks
Oh no! 🙁