Urban Decay Wende's Contraband Eyeshadow Palette Review, Photos, Swatches
Urban Decay Wende’s Contraband Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay Wende’s Contraband Eyeshadow Palette ($34.00 for 0.21 oz.) includes six eyeshadows and one travel-sized eyeliner. The eyeshadows are 0.03 oz. each, whereas a full-sized Urban Decay eyeshadow is 0.05 oz. Four of the six shades are part of the permanent range, while the other two (Reign and Tornado) have been released previously so there are no truly new shades here. The formula is different from their regular range, and then different from both last year’s Shadow Box and Vice3/Vice LTD palettes. The press is firmer on all six shades, and it is only a detriment to one (Flash), while one other shade has a dryness to it that made it a pain to work with without a base (Tornado). The palette seems unnecessarily large, probably to accommodate the eyeliner, but it could be a lot slimmer and smaller and contain the eyeshadows still.
Of course, I’m not sure how many long-time Urban Decay collectors need another Smog or Zero eyeliner, so this palette seems more suited for those who haven’t yet added these shades to their stash. If you prefer a mix of finishes, you’ll want to skip this, as it is very heavy on the shimmer. Also worth noting, Trick lacked all of the sparkle and micro-glitter as the one found in Naked3, while Tornado is comparable in color to its Shadow box (2014) appearance but warmer and significantly less intense than its original iteration (Wizard of Oz).
Trick is described as a “light metallic pinky-copper shimmer with tonal micro-sparkle.” It’s a medium, copper orange with warm undertones and a frosted, golden sheen. It was missing all of the sparkle and micro-glitter that is readily apparent in its iteration found in my Naked3 palette, and it seemed a little warmer overall. The texture was firmer than the usual Urban Decay eyeshadow but very smooth and blendable. It wore well for eight hours before creasing. Make Up For Ever D712 Creme Brulee (P, $21.00) is lighter. Make Up For Ever D708 Pinky Copper (P, $21.00) is less shimmery, lighter. Make Up For Ever D708 Pinky Copper (P, $21.00) is less shimmery, lighter. ColourPop Sequin (P, $5.00) is more shimmery, darker. Viseart Melonie (P, ) is less shimmery, lighter. Charlotte Tilbury The Dolce Vita #2 (P, ) is more shimmery, lighter, less glossy, darker. Chanel Laurier Rose (127) (LE, $34.00) is darker. YSL Steamy Coral (05) (P, $30.00) is more shimmery. Tom Ford Beauty Pink Haze (LE, $42.00) is darker, warmer. ColourPop La-La (LE, $5.00) is darker. Urban Decay Dive (LE, $18.00) is more shimmery, warmer, cooler, lighter. Anastasia Glisten (P, $12.00) is darker, more muted. Makeup Geek Roulette (P, $5.99) is more shimmery, more muted, lighter. Tom Ford Beauty Nude Dip #2 (LE, ) is darker, warmer. LORAC Nude #5 (LE, ) is lighter, more muted. First 15 dupes listed, see more: See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.
Smog is described as a “deep coppery bronze shimmer.” It’s a dark brown with warm, copper undertones and a metallic gold sheen. It had intense color payoff with a really soft, smooth texture that was easy to work with and blended well on the skin. The color started to crease after eight hours of wear. MAC Woodwinked (P, $16.00) is darker. MAC Cognac (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, darker. MAC Venetian Tarnish (LE, ) is darker. Too Faced Buttered Rum (LE, $16.00) is lighter. Urban Decay Deeper (LE, $18.00) is less shimmery, darker. Dior Sundeck #4 (LE, ) is lighter. ColourPop Eve (LE, $5.00) is less shimmery, darker. Make Up For Ever D640 Golden Snake (P, $21.00) is less shimmery, darker. Hello Kitty Chocolate Chip (LE, ) is lighter, brighter. Hello Kitty Chocolate Chip (LE, ) is lighter, brighter. ColourPop Blaze (LE, $5.00) is less shimmery, darker. Charlotte Tilbury Bette (P, $32.00) is less shimmery, lighter. Zoeva Subtle Blend (P, ) is darker, cooler. Gucci Beauty Oxydus (P, $37.00) is less shimmery, darker. Charlotte Tilbury The Dolce Vita #4 (P, ) is more shimmery, lighter. First 15 dupes listed, see more: See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.
Reign is described as a “rich brown satin.” It’s a dark brown with warm undertones and a pearly sheen. It had nice pigmentation that applied smoothly and evenly without trouble. The texture had a firmer press compared to the usual Urban Decay formula, but it seemed very smooth, though not as dense or as creamy. It lasted for eight hours before creasing. Inglot #402 (P, $6.00) is more shimmery. Marc Jacobs Beauty The Starlet #3 (P, ) is less shimmery, darker. LORAC Pewter (P, ) is less shimmery, darker. Tarte Bastille in the Night (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker. YSL Saharienne #4 (P, ) is less shimmery, darker. Burberry Gold #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker. NARS Ursa Major (LE, $29.00) is less shimmery. Charlotte Tilbury Mona Lisa (P, $32.00) is less shimmery, darker. Viseart Grand-Palais (P, ) is less shimmery, darker. LORAC Dream Girl #8 (LE, ) is darker. Urban Decay Radar (P, $18.00) is less shimmery, darker. MAC Havana (P, $20.00) is warmer. MAC Bao Bao’s Jewels #4 (LE, ) is less shimmery, more pigmented, more shimmery. ColourPop Mooning (P, $5.00) is less shimmery, darker. Marc Jacobs Beauty The Enigma #6 (P, ) is less shimmery. First 15 dupes listed, see more: See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.
Deep End is described as a “bright teal.” It’s a brightened, blue-leaning teal with a frosted sheen. It had nice color payoff with a firmer, but smooth and blendable, consistency that adhered well to bare skin. It wore well for eight hours before creasing slightly. Disney by Sephora Caspian Sea (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker. ColourPop Coconut (P, $5.00) is lighter. Tom Ford Beauty Midnight Sea (Eye Color) (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker. Make Up For Ever I238 Blue Cedar (P, $21.00) is more shimmery. Marc Jacobs Beauty The Night Owl #5 (P, ) is less shimmery. Gucci Beauty Iconic Ottanio (P, $37.00) is less shimmery, warmer. Too Faced Too Glam (LE, $16.00) is cooler. Make Up For Ever I-20 (P, $21.00) is darker. Urban Decay Fringe (P, ) is darker. theBalm #23 (P, $6.50) is darker. Tarina Tarantino Ozma (LE, ) is . theBalm Open to Offers Olwen (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, more pigmented, less shimmery. Too Faced Sequin (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, cooler. Maybelline Never Fade Jade (P, $6.99) is lighter, cooler. Urban Decay Junkie (LE, $18.00) is darker, cooler. First 15 dupes listed, see more: See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.
Flash is described as a “bright iridescent purple.” It’s a lightly brightened, medium-dark violet with cooler undertones and a soft, frosted finish. The texture was firm as well, but it was thinner and stiffer to work with, and the resulting color payoff was semi-opaque. It required some layering and packing on the lid, and it is more suitable to be used over a primer. It lasted for seven and a half hours on me before fading. The color is weaker and softer than past iterations of Flash. Urban Decay Hoodoo (LE, $18.00) is more shimmery, darker, more muted. Anastasia Iridescent Purple (P, $12.00) is darker, more muted. Viseart Violet (P, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler. Sugarpill Strangeling (P, $13.00) is more shimmery, cooler. Makeup Geek Caitlin Rose (P, $9.99) is lighter, warmer. Hello Kitty Happy (LE, ) is lighter, brighter, cooler. Too Faced Live It Up (LE, $16.00) is cooler. Urban Decay Omen (P, $18.00) is more shimmery, lighter. theBalm #33 (P, $6.50) is lighter, cooler. MAC Sexy PB&J (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery. MAC Highly Charged (LE, $21.00) is lighter. Milani Bella Violet (14) (P, $4.49) is darker, brighter. Illamasqua Charm (P, ) is darker, cooler. Urban Decay Urban (P, ) is lighter. Inglot #441 (P, $6.00) is darker, brighter. First 15 dupes listed, see more: See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.
Tornado is described as a “vibrant deep purple shimmer.” It’s a deepened purple with warm, plum undertones and a frosted finish. The texture was drier and dusty to work with, so it didn’t adhere evenly to the skin and tended to look faded as you worked with it (blending the edges and whatnot). The color had noticeably faded after seven hours of wear. Illamasqua Queen of the Night (LE, ) is darker, warmer. Make Up For Ever I834 Grape (P, $21.00) is warmer. NARS Phoebe (P, $29.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer. Makeup Geek Drama Queen (P, $5.99) is less shimmery, darker, warmer. Urban Decay Uncut (P, $18.00) is darker, warmer. Urban Decay Backfire (P, $18.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer. Sephora Collection Seahorse (115) (LE, $13.00) is less shimmery, lighter. Urban Decay Vanity (LE, $18.00) is lighter. Milani Bella Purple (15) (P, $4.49) is less shimmery, lighter. theBalm Surfari (LE, $16.00) is brighter, warmer. Make Up For Ever D926 Blueberry (P, $21.00) is lighter, brighter. MAC Plumluxe #4 (P, ) is darker. Chanel Tisse Cambon #4 (P, ) is more shimmery, brighter. Urban Decay Freakshow (DC, $18.00) is lighter. Guerlain Attrape-Coeur #3 (LE, ) is lighter. First 15 dupes listed, see more: See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.
Urban Decay Wende's Contraband Eyeshadow Palette Review, Photos, Swatches
Trick
DCDiscontinued. $19.00.
Smog
DCDiscontinued. $19.00.
Reign
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Deep End
DCDiscontinued. $19.00.
Flash
DCDiscontinued. $19.00.
Tornado
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Urban Decay Wende’s Contraband Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay Wende’s Contraband Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay Wende’s Contraband Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay Wende’s Contraband Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay Wende’s Contraband Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay Wende’s Contraband Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay Wende’s Contraband Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay Wende’s Contraband Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay Wende’s Contraband Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay Trick Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Trick Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Smog Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Smog Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Reign Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Reign Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Deep End Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Deep End Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Flash Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Flash Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Tornado Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Tornado Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Deep End (inner lid), Trick (middle of lid), Flash (outer lid/inner tar duct),
Tornado (crease), Reign (outer lower lash line), Smog (lower lash line)
Urban Decay Deep End (inner lid), Trick (middle of lid), Flash (outer lid/inner tar duct),
Tornado (crease), Reign (outer lower lash line), Smog (lower lash line)
At least it seems like the textures on this palette were more workable than naked smoky? I could see this being a great starter for UD newbies.
Yep, the texture is different but wasn’t necessarily a bad different. I just don’t know why it keeps… changing.
It’s odd to me that it seems to mainly affect their palettes.
The six summer eyeshadows–well, the shimmery shades–had a firmer press to them as well, and those are individuals!
But they didn’t seem to have their payoff effected as much as the ones in palettes
Some of them in the palette weren’t impacted for color payoff either 🙂 I was just pointing out that the summer eyeshadows felt different compared to UD’s general formula with a firmer press, but they are similar in the way most of the shimmery shades in this palette feel! Hope that clarifies!
It might have been smart if they’d replaced Smog (much as I like it) or Trick with a true highlighting shade – matte or satiny – that would work for most skin tones. If this is supposed to be a great travel palette, at least include a brow-bone colour.
And if they made this half the size to make it more travel-friendly! It’s so big for what it is.
Well, yes – that too. Why the need for so much space between all the shadows? Puts me in mind of the Emerald Pretty Palette from Tarina Tarantino (and there are plenty of others) – why not make things COMPACT???
The TT palette is so big, haha!
There Urban Decay Ammo Palette was nicely packed for the size of it. Agree there is a lot of wasted space in this one as they could have added 2 more shadows and still have room.
It’s a pass for me because I’ve owned 3 of the shades (Trick was swapped away in the Naked 3…. Just too much rose gold for me in a palette. lol)
Might buy this one later though.
Are they doing a China trick? Well I do agree on it being a lovely palette to begin with! To try UD.. But it’s a dupable replicate for me! 🙂 oh, GORGEOUS EYE!!!!!
Glad you have dupes!
Thanks Christine! It’s interesting how different Smog is on my skin than yours. It comes off a very rich dark dimensional taupe.. More like what one would expect from Reign. That’s why I love it so much! And having every palette has me covered I’m sure. Find 10… You’re saving me space & money! Lol! I’m happy others enjoy this! 😀
Made in America, assembled in Dominican Republic!
That kills me. If it’s made in the states, shouldn’t it be put together in the states as well? Makes little sense
Corey, with all the differentiation in UD quality.. What you said is exactly why I wonder if a “China” is being pulled sometimes.. Like a lot of makeup is made in Italy, assembled in Canada, and then brought here.. But they state it. I wonder about Urban Decay. Only because my heart has held such a huge place for them since the very beginning & I want them to do well!
I soooo hear you! I’ve loved UD ever since I first found them years ago & idk…it’s like the past year or two, they’ve been kinda shady, you know? I’m not enraged like some ppl are over that whole deal with them losing their bunny, but it’s still not cool.. When I 1st heard about it, I remember thinking “I wonder if it went down in China…” —not knocking China’s politics, but they’re on a totally different level when it comes to animals… I mean, I only know what I’ve read in news/reddit/blogs, so my information could be wrong or it could even be disinformation (you nvr know, rt?)..
But yes! I almost want to see them digress back in time with their marketing & ethics, & be that company that I loved to love!
I semi-recently exchanged two metallic MUFE shadows for Fireball & Tonic, so it doesn’t bother me too much…
* mustn’t bother me too much
I feel you, Cory! It reminds me of how Lorac is aww-maxing and them whips out crapoy made in China palettes with eyeshadows of not so great quality.. It is shady. Like you, but not an almost, I DO long for UD to digress & make things with the level of spirit that made me fall in love with them as well! Many great products were discontinued and I loved them. A lip gunk in particular, and I never had issues with them or wear time or anything! And the eyeshadows ALL felt like velvet.. Granted the pull off caps was/is difficult as a mofo but it’s worth it when they’re off! Back then, there wasn’t the inconsistent textures and performance that exist nowadays in many brands. MAC as another I would not have changed.. All in all, these colors make a great palette but I still feel like why Wendy’s faves now? I hope this company improves more than having more so-so collections! We’ll find out! 🙂
Who is Wende?
The founder.
Yet another B-rated UD palette. :/
Well, at least it was a high B+.
Is Tornado similar to UD Uncut? I’m interested in Tornado, as I have every other shade in the palette, but if they’re similar enough (especially when applied), I don’t want to jump through hoops to grab it.
Listed in the dupe section above for Tornado!
I missed that one, LOL! I actually just checked the swatch gallery, and they do seem different enough; however, it seems close enough to Vanity… I guess this will be one of those things I pick up if I stumble upon it, but I won’t be “stalking” for it.
Cool eye look, Christine!
I’m a UD newbie…. But this doesn’t particularly appeal to me between the review and the colours themselves. Oh well. I really wish that purple was a bright jewel tone!! I really need to hit up your swatch gallery to find me the perfect purple!
I think a cooler-toned purple could have worked with this palette! Perhaps instead of Flash, something deeper.
Eh… Many of those shades are found in multiple other palettes. I mean, half of the colors alone came from the Shadow Box. I mean, you did point out a different formulation, but come on, UD. *eye roll*
Yes, they are all repeats.
Lovely colors! I love how your worked them all into that eye look, very pretty!
Thank you!
I LOVE the look you created with this palette! I totally agree about the packaging and will be skipping this one but I had to compliment you! Thank you for the great review 🙂
No problem, Michelle! 🙂
I’m actually pleasantly surprised that Trick isn’t a glitter bomb. It’s an unwearable shade for me from Naked 3 but here it’s lovely 🙂
Me too — I was like, “Wait, isn’t this one of those glittery shades?”
I wish UD would do more palettes in the packaging of Naked Basics (though I nearly broke a nail every time I tried to open it for the first year or so…) – I *love* how compact and travel-friendly that thing is, I would definitely be more tempted to buy something that size.
This is a skip for me, but I do like the colour combination. I wish the purples were better, and as you guessed, I have enough of Smog (as much as I love the colour!) as it is.
The Naked Basics’ palette is SO compact!
I know I have posted this before but I will again, lol! I wish UD would step up their game. It seems since Loreal purchased them, UD has lost their edge. At least for the love…. Stop with these played out, gimmicky , eyeshadow palettes!!
Hopefully they’ll create something that you like soon!
As always a stunning eye look, Christine!
Was hating the thought of having to purchase this for ONE color (Reign), but I realized it was in the Mother Lode I purchased! Between UD palettes & MAC shadows, I truly have enough browns to last the entire rest of my life and beyond!
Disclaimer: I have already committed to purchasing Naked Smoky though. I think it will travel well with Naked 2 and Naked 3.
Enjoy Naked Smoky!
Well, for people newer to UD, this is a cost-effective way to buy 6 shadows and an eyeliner, but longtime collectors of UD probably have these shades already. I really love the looks of Flash , will check that one out or the dupes
Definitely a palette more for newer UD fans!
As much as I love UD palettes, I felt no burning desire to get my hands on this (the Naked Smoky palette is another story — counting the days!). Not only are all the shadows repeats, it reminds me of the Fun palette. I didn’t get much use of that and in both cases, I find the packaging to be a waste of space.
I agree — can UD please stop putting Zero into all the palettes?! I don’t wear black liner all that much as it is!
I feel like they redo their “summer” palettes every couple of years as a “refresh” but for long-time customers, they are redos.
So much wasted space! Looks like you’re paying for a whole lot of… palette.
I think most of the UD 6-pans have been this price/size (quantity of product), but they are almost always unnecessarily large!
Still on the fence about the palette. It’s been sitting in my shopping cart (LOL). Either way, I love the look you created with it. Just wish there had been a matte with the palette and something other than the liner.
Thank you, Michele!
Meh….
Pass it sounds like!
I was all on-board to get this….until I read about the 2 purples. Now I’m just not as sure. I already have Smog ( and some of its dupes), Reign, which I love enough that a backup is not a bad thing! Really love Deep End, Trick and would have loved those purple if only they performed better. Just not sure now.
Purples, purples, purples. Always the troublesome ones!
Well there’s some money saved.
Yay for money saved at least!
About what I was expecting. I’m glad to see it’s not absolute crap. I wish the purples were better. I have the purples, anyway. I might pick this up.
LOL! At least it performed.
Love the look you did with the palette. Too bad Tornado gets a C coz that’s the most beautiful shade, and I didn’t get it first time around Nevertheless, the palette seems to me to be a good value especially, as you said, for those who don’t own a lot of UD shadows.
Thank you, Allison! 🙂
Such a beautiful palette with gorgeous packaging (as per usual)! I love the eye look you created. I think I’m leaning for the smoky palette, though! <3
Thank you, Shipra!
Tornado looks a bit different from the Glinda palette version.
Yep! I noted that in the review.
The colors are nice but the inconsistencies in the formula makes me nervous. I loved the old buttery UD formula. I just want them to stick to it lol
It is really weird that it keeps changing!
I blame it on L’Oreal….
I would have a hard time creating a look with that palette alone. A highlighting or brow bone shade is really missing here.
The only problem with including a highlighter/brow bone shade is that it makes it very skin-tone specific. A lot of the “highlighters” in a palette are too light for my skin tone, for example and I always have to use something else.
A lovely palette for those who want a bit of colour – but there was no need to have both Smog AND Reign in there – a lovely green would have rounded off the palette nicely. Your eye look is amazing Christine.
Aw, thank you Genevieve! I agree, Smog and Reign are overkill on the brown — perhaps if they had done a matte brown that would have worked.
A green would have been beautiful. Smog and Reign are just too similar in finish and intensity. Plus, Smog is in so many palettes.
For some reason I’m not too excited over this. If the two purple shades were more solid, it may be worth while. If it were a more well rounded palette including at least a deep matte and a transition shade, even better. I have most of the UD palettes that have been decent in in the recent past .and far off past. So, I feel like I have these shades and use the ones I own very little.
The eye look is fabulous Christine! 🙂
I feel like this palette needs three more shades to be more of a complete palette!
Mine is arriving soon.. Was so excited to see this, didn’t even wait for your review as usual, so glad it passed! A bit disappointed to learn how big the palette is though.. As described, this is supposed to be for travel. And also disappointing is that UD decided to include the usual eye pencil.. Something different – even a different black, like Black Market, would have been nice! Hoping this paired with a Tarte or Too Faced all matte palette will work for an upcoming long holiday… Thank you as always for the review Christine! Terrific eye look, btw..
It is UD. They so rarely can do compact packaging, LOL!
Thank you, Logan! 🙂 Enjoy your new palette!
I am absolutely in love with the swatches and you look absolutely beautiful in the look you came up with. It’s so whimsical. Assuming they eyeliner is .03oz, which is why this is listed as 0.21oz, that makes the price (eyeshadow and liner combined) $161.90 an ounce. Why Urban Decay? I am actively trying to stay south of $150 an ounce for the time being. This is not too much over, so you may have talked me into it.
If you would use all of the products (including the eyeliner), maybe it’s worth it, but if there’s any you wouldn’t use, maybe look for dupes? 🙂
You’re right. I will dupe this one and get Naked Smoky for my Urban Decay fix. I just saw your comparisons and realized it is different enough from the Naked palettes I already own. Plus, I have no problem paying $90 an ounce. Thanks! These colors are so pretty though.
Didn’t you just create a look using Tom Ford Eyeshadow? 😀
This is the worst palette I’ve ever seen!
Bummer!
You saved me money, once again. Thought I wanted it initially. After reading your review, I changed my mind. Thanks Christine.
No problem, Irma!
I don’t have a lot of UD, just two of the Naked palettes, the Teodora palette and a single eyeshadow in a supershimmery green. I might justt be tempted to get this one if they have it at the UD counter here when that counter finally opens. It’s been delayed and delayed.
I just whish Tornado had performed better, so maybe I’ll pass. I guess I’ll have forgotten all about it when/if it comes here 🙂
Hope the counter opens up sooner rather than later!!
oh my god, i’m in love with the look you created. this palette is BEAUTIFUL! I want it.
Aw, thanks Adhishree!
I really hope Urban Decay is coming out with something awesome next year in 2016, since I think that is the 20th anniversary. The 15th anniversary palette was so nice that they need to either equal or surpass that.
Fingers crossed!
I’ll probably get this, despite the bloody Zero eyeliner. Trick is the one shadow that I really wanted in Naked 3, and I’d rather this non-glitterbomb version!
Not the most travel-friendly option, but I think this plus Naked On The Run would actually do nicely. Switch out the Zero for a different liner, or a brush, and off you go.
I bet this would work with Naked on the Run quite well!
Definite pass. It reminds me of the Fun palette, and I have the three of those (fun, feminine, dangerous I think is the last one). I’m really bummed about the way UD’s quality seems to be going down. It’s like a downward market trend. Sure there’s some slight peaks here and there but it keeps trending downward.
Definitely some similarities to the Fun palette!