Urban Decay Naked 2: Review, Swatches, And Looks

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The Urban Decay Naked 2 palette is a cult-favorite eyeshadow palette known for its versatile range of neutral shades. This guide provides an in-depth look at the Naked 2 palette, including its key features, color range, performance, and tips for creating stunning eye looks.

What is Urban Decay Naked 2?

The Urban Decay Naked 2 palette is a sequel to the original Naked palette, offering a different take on neutral eyeshadows. While the first Naked palette leaned towards warmer tones, Naked 2 features cooler, greige-toned shades. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer cooler-toned makeup or want a palette that complements a wide range of skin tones.

Released by Urban Decay, a brand renowned for its high-quality and innovative makeup products, the Naked 2 palette quickly gained popularity for its blendable formula, richly pigmented colors, and sleek packaging. The palette includes 12 eyeshadows, ranging from mattes to shimmers, providing endless possibilities for creating both everyday and dramatic looks. Its reputation for being a versatile and essential tool in any makeup lover's collection has solidified its place in the beauty world.

The palette is encased in a sturdy, metal tin, making it travel-friendly and durable. Inside, you'll find a mix of textures, including smooth mattes, satin shimmers, and a few shades with a touch of glitter. This variety allows for the creation of multi-dimensional eye looks, adding depth and interest. Whether you're aiming for a subtle daytime look or a smoky evening glam, the Naked 2 palette provides the tools to achieve it.

Moreover, the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette isn't just about the shades; it's about the quality and performance. The eyeshadows are known for their buttery texture, which makes them easy to blend and layer. This is crucial for both beginners and professional makeup artists, as it allows for seamless transitions between colors and reduces the risk of harsh lines. The high pigmentation of the shadows also means that a little goes a long way, making the palette a cost-effective option in the long run.

In addition to the eyeshadows themselves, the Naked 2 palette often comes with a dual-ended brush, featuring a shader brush on one end and a blending brush on the other. This adds to the palette's value, providing users with the essential tools needed to apply and blend the eyeshadows effectively. The inclusion of this brush makes the palette even more beginner-friendly, as it eliminates the need to purchase additional brushes to get started.

Key Features of the Naked 2 Palette

Understanding the key features of the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette helps to appreciate its popularity and versatility. Here are some of the standout aspects:

  • Color Range: The Naked 2 palette boasts a beautiful array of cooler-toned neutral shades. This includes a variety of browns, taupes, and greys, making it perfect for creating subtle everyday looks or dramatic smoky eyes. The color selection is thoughtfully curated to ensure that each shade complements the others, allowing for seamless blending and layering.

  • Pigmentation: One of the most praised features of this palette is its exceptional pigmentation. The eyeshadows are highly pigmented, meaning a small amount of product delivers intense color payoff. This not only makes the palette long-lasting but also ensures that the colors appear vibrant and true to tone on the eyelids. The rich pigmentation is consistent across both matte and shimmer shades, providing a uniform level of quality.

  • Blendability: The formula of the Naked 2 eyeshadows is incredibly blendable, which is crucial for creating professional-looking makeup. The smooth, buttery texture allows the shadows to glide effortlessly onto the skin and blend seamlessly together. This makes it easy to create soft, diffused looks or build up the intensity for more dramatic effects. The blendability also minimizes the risk of harsh lines or patchy color.

  • Texture and Finish: The palette features a mix of textures and finishes, including mattes, satins, and shimmers. This variety allows for endless creative possibilities, as you can combine different finishes to add dimension and depth to your eye looks. The matte shades are perfect for creating a base or adding definition to the crease, while the shimmer shades can be used to highlight the inner corner of the eyes or the center of the lid. The satin shades offer a subtle sheen, making them ideal for everyday wear.

  • Packaging: The Naked 2 palette comes in a sleek, sturdy metal tin that is both stylish and practical. The tin is durable and travel-friendly, protecting the eyeshadows from damage. The packaging also features a large mirror inside, which is convenient for on-the-go application. The overall design is minimalist and chic, reflecting the high-quality nature of the product.

  • Versatility: The Naked 2 palette is incredibly versatile, suitable for a wide range of skin tones and eye colors. The cooler-toned neutral shades are particularly flattering on fair to medium skin tones, but they can also work beautifully on deeper skin tones with the right techniques. The palette can be used to create a variety of looks, from natural daytime makeup to dramatic evening glam.

  • Longevity: The eyeshadows in the Naked 2 palette are known for their long-lasting wear. When applied with an eyeshadow primer, the colors stay vibrant and crease-free for hours. This makes the palette a reliable choice for all-day wear, whether you're heading to work, attending a special event, or going out for the evening.

Shades in the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

A detailed understanding of the shades within the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette is essential for maximizing its potential. The palette features 12 carefully selected eyeshadows, each with its unique texture and finish. Here’s a closer look at the shades:

  1. Foxy: This is a matte cream shade, perfect for use as a base or to highlight the brow bone. Its light color helps to even out the skin tone on the eyelids and creates a smooth canvas for other shadows.

  2. Half Baked: A golden-bronze shimmer, Half Baked is a versatile shade that can be used all over the lid or as a highlight. Its warm undertones add a touch of radiance to any look.

  3. Bootycall: This is a shimmering cork shade, ideal for adding a subtle glow to the inner corner of the eyes or the center of the lid. Its soft shimmer makes it a great choice for both daytime and evening looks.

  4. Chopper: A copper shimmer with silver micro-glitter, Chopper is a more dramatic shade that adds a pop of sparkle. It’s perfect for creating a bold, eye-catching look.

  5. Tease: Tease is a matte pale brown shade, excellent for use in the crease to add depth and dimension. Its cool undertones make it a versatile choice for blending and contouring.

  6. Snakebite: A dark bronze shimmer, Snakebite is perfect for creating a smoky eye or adding intensity to the outer corner of the eyes. Its rich color and shimmer finish make it a standout shade.

  7. Suspect: This is a golden taupe shimmer, a beautiful shade for all-over lid application. Its blend of gold and taupe creates a sophisticated and elegant look.

  8. Pistol: A light grey-brown shimmer, Pistol is a unique shade that adds a touch of coolness to the eyes. It’s perfect for creating a modern and edgy look.

  9. Verve: Verve is an oyster shimmer, a light and luminous shade that’s great for highlighting the inner corner of the eyes or the brow bone. Its subtle shimmer adds a touch of brightness without being overpowering.

  10. YDK: This is a cool bronze shimmer, a rich and pigmented shade that’s perfect for creating a smoky eye or adding depth to the lid. Its cool undertones make it a flattering choice for many skin tones.

  11. Busted: A deep brown shimmer with a hint of plum, Busted is a great shade for adding drama to the eyes. It’s perfect for creating a sultry evening look.

  12. Blackout: This is a matte black shade, essential for creating a smoky eye or lining the eyes. Its intense black pigment makes it a versatile shade for adding definition and drama.

The combination of these shades allows for the creation of an endless variety of looks, from natural and understated to bold and dramatic. The blend of matte, shimmer, and satin finishes ensures that you can create depth and dimension in your eye makeup, making the Naked 2 palette a must-have for any makeup enthusiast.

How to Create Different Looks with Urban Decay Naked 2

The Urban Decay Naked 2 palette is incredibly versatile, allowing you to create a multitude of looks for any occasion. Whether you're aiming for a subtle daytime glow or a dramatic evening smokey eye, this palette has you covered. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Natural Daytime Look

For a natural daytime look, focus on using the lighter, matte shades in the palette. Start by applying Foxy all over the lid as a base. This will even out your skin tone and create a smooth canvas for the other shadows. Next, use Tease in the crease to add subtle depth and dimension. Blend it well to avoid any harsh lines. Apply Bootycall on the center of the lid to add a touch of shimmer and brighten the eyes. Finish with a light application of mascara and you're good to go.

Classic Smokey Eye

A classic smokey eye is easily achievable with the Naked 2 palette. Begin by applying Tease in the crease as a transition shade. Then, apply Snakebite all over the lid, blending it into the crease. Use Blackout in the outer corner of the eye to add depth and intensity. Blend the edges to create a seamless gradient. Apply Blackout along the lower lash line as well. Add a touch of Verve to the inner corner of the eye to brighten the look. Finish with a generous coat of mascara and a black eyeliner for a more dramatic effect.

Subtle Shimmer Look

For a subtle shimmer look, choose shades like Suspect and Pistol. Apply Suspect all over the lid, blending it up into the crease. Then, apply Pistol on the outer part of the lid to add a touch of dimension. Use Verve on the inner corner of the eye to highlight and brighten. Blend the shades together for a seamless finish. This look is perfect for adding a touch of glam without being too over-the-top.

Bold Evening Glam

For a bold evening glam look, incorporate the deeper, more shimmery shades in the palette. Start by applying Tease in the crease as a transition shade. Then, apply YDK all over the lid, blending it into the crease. Use Busted in the outer corner of the eye to add depth and drama. Blend the shades together for a seamless gradient. Apply Chopper to the center of the lid for a pop of sparkle. Line the eyes with black eyeliner and apply several coats of mascara. You can also add false lashes for an extra touch of glam.

Tips for Application

  • Use a primer: Applying an eyeshadow primer before applying the shadows will help them last longer and prevent creasing.
  • Blend, blend, blend: Blending is key to creating a seamless and professional-looking eye makeup. Use a fluffy blending brush to blend the shades together.
  • Build the color: Start with a small amount of product and build up the color gradually. This will help you avoid applying too much product at once.
  • Experiment with different shades: Don't be afraid to experiment with different shades and combinations to find what works best for you.

Pros and Cons of Urban Decay Naked 2

Before making a purchase, it's essential to consider the pros and cons of the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette. Understanding these aspects can help you determine if this palette is the right fit for your makeup needs.

Pros

  • Versatile Color Range: The Naked 2 palette offers a beautiful selection of cooler-toned neutral shades. This makes it a versatile choice for creating a variety of looks, from natural to dramatic. The shades are well-coordinated, making it easy to create cohesive eye looks.

  • High Pigmentation: The eyeshadows in this palette are highly pigmented, delivering intense color payoff with just a small amount of product. This ensures that the colors appear vibrant and true to tone on the eyelids. The high pigmentation also contributes to the longevity of the palette, as a little goes a long way.

  • Excellent Blendability: The formula of the Naked 2 eyeshadows is incredibly blendable, allowing for seamless application and blending. This makes it easy to create soft, diffused looks or build up the intensity for more dramatic effects. The blendability also minimizes the risk of harsh lines or patchy color.

  • Long-Lasting Wear: When applied with an eyeshadow primer, the colors stay vibrant and crease-free for hours. This makes the palette a reliable choice for all-day wear, whether you're heading to work, attending a special event, or going out for the evening.

  • Sturdy Packaging: The palette comes in a sleek, sturdy metal tin that is both stylish and practical. The tin is durable and travel-friendly, protecting the eyeshadows from damage. It also features a large mirror inside, which is convenient for on-the-go application.

Cons

  • Cool-Toned Shades: While the cooler-toned shades are a pro for some, they may not be the best choice for everyone. Those with warmer skin tones may find that the shades don't complement their complexion as well as warmer palettes. However, this can be mitigated by using warmer transition shades and blending techniques.

  • Some Fallout: Some of the shimmer shades in the palette may experience some fallout during application. This can be minimized by tapping off excess product from the brush before applying and using a gentle tapping motion to apply the shadows.

  • Price: The Urban Decay Naked 2 palette is priced at the higher end of the spectrum compared to some other eyeshadow palettes. However, the high quality and versatility of the palette make it a worthwhile investment for many makeup enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The Urban Decay Naked 2 palette remains a beloved choice for makeup enthusiasts, thanks to its versatile color range, high pigmentation, and excellent blendability. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, this palette offers everything you need to create a wide range of stunning eye looks. While the cooler-toned shades may not be for everyone, the overall quality and performance of the Naked 2 palette make it a valuable addition to any makeup collection.

For more information on eyeshadow application and makeup tips, consider visiting trusted resources such as Sephora's Beauty Tips & Tricks.