Urban Decay Naked Original Palette: Review & Guide

Hey there, beauty enthusiasts! Let's dive into the iconic Urban Decay Naked Original Palette. This palette is a staple in the makeup world, known for its versatile range of neutral shades. If you're wondering whether this palette is still worth the hype, you've come to the right place. We'll explore everything from the shades and pigmentation to its blendability and overall value. Get ready for an in-depth look at why the Naked Original Palette remains a beloved classic for both makeup newbies and seasoned pros.

What is the Urban Decay Naked Original Palette?

Let’s get acquainted with this celebrated palette. The Urban Decay Naked Original Palette is a collection of twelve neutral eyeshadows, ranging from matte to shimmer finishes. When it first launched, it revolutionized the beauty industry by offering a curated selection of everyday wearable shades. This palette quickly became a must-have for anyone looking to create a variety of eye looks, from natural daytime styles to smoky evening glam. The Naked Original Palette isn't just makeup; it's a piece of beauty history. Its impact on eyeshadow palettes and neutral shades is undeniable, setting a benchmark for quality and versatility that many brands still aspire to today. The carefully selected shades in this palette work together harmoniously, making it easy for anyone to achieve professional-looking results. Whether you're a makeup novice or a seasoned pro, the Naked Original Palette provides endless possibilities for creating beautiful eye looks.

Shades and Pigmentation

One of the most critical aspects of any eyeshadow palette is the shade range and pigmentation. The Naked Original Palette boasts a beautiful spectrum of neutral tones, perfect for creating countless looks. You'll find everything from light, matte creams for highlighting to rich, shimmery browns for adding depth and dimension. The shades include:

• Virgin: A soft, satin beige that’s perfect for highlighting the brow bone or inner corner.
• Sin: A shimmery champagne that adds a touch of elegance to any look.
• Naked: A light matte brown ideal for creating a natural base or blending out other shades.
• Sidecar: A shimmery bronze with pink undertones, great for adding warmth.
• Buck: A matte mid-tone brown that’s perfect for the crease.
• Half Baked: A golden bronze shimmer that’s incredibly versatile.
• Smog: A deep bronze shimmer with a hint of gold, ideal for creating a smoky eye.
• Darkhorse: A dark mocha shimmer that adds depth and intensity.
• Toasted: A rosy bronze shimmer that’s perfect for adding a touch of warmth.
• Hustle: A plum-brown shimmer that’s great for a more dramatic look.
• Creep: A true black with shimmer, perfect for lining the eyes or creating a smoky effect.
• Gunmetal: A dark gray shimmer that adds a cool, edgy touch.

The pigmentation of these shadows is generally impressive. The shimmers are richly pigmented and deliver a beautiful, metallic sheen, while the mattes are smooth and blendable, offering excellent color payoff. With a good eyeshadow primer, these shades will last for hours without fading or creasing. The versatility in pigmentation allows for everything from subtle washes of color to intense, bold statements. Whether you're aiming for a soft, natural daytime look or a dramatic, smoky evening look, the Naked Original Palette has the pigmentation to help you achieve it. The high-quality pigments ensure that the colors stay true and vibrant, making this palette a reliable choice for any occasion.

Blendability and Texture

Beyond the shades and pigmentation, the blendability and texture of the eyeshadows are crucial for a seamless application. Fortunately, the Urban Decay Naked Original Palette excels in these areas. The eyeshadows have a velvety, smooth texture that makes them incredibly easy to blend. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’ll find that these shadows glide effortlessly onto the lid, allowing you to create gradients and transitions with ease. The matte shades are finely milled, preventing them from looking chalky or patchy. They blend seamlessly into the skin, providing a flawless base for other shades. The shimmer shades, while intensely pigmented, also blend beautifully, adding a multidimensional effect without looking chunky or glittery. The blendability of the shadows in the Naked Original Palette is a testament to their high quality. This makes the palette user-friendly, even for those who are new to makeup. You can easily create sophisticated eye looks with minimal effort, thanks to the smooth texture and blendable formula. The ability to seamlessly blend different shades together is key to achieving a professional finish, and this palette makes it attainable for everyone.

Longevity and Wear

Another important factor to consider when evaluating an eyeshadow palette is its longevity and wear. Nobody wants their perfectly crafted eye look to fade or crease halfway through the day. The Naked Original Palette generally performs well in this regard, but using an eyeshadow primer is key to maximizing its staying power. With a good primer, the shadows will last for 8-10 hours without significant fading or creasing. The colors stay vibrant, and the shimmer shades maintain their luminosity. Without a primer, you might notice some fading or creasing, especially if you have oily eyelids. However, even without a primer, the shadows tend to wear better than many other palettes on the market. The quality of the formula ensures that the colors adhere well to the skin, providing a decent wear time even in less-than-ideal conditions. To get the most out of your Naked Original Palette, investing in a high-quality eyeshadow primer is definitely worthwhile. This will not only extend the wear time but also enhance the vibrancy of the colors. Whether you’re heading to a long day at work or a night out, you can trust that your eye look will stay put with the help of a good primer and the Naked Original Palette.

Packaging and Presentation

The Urban Decay Naked Original Palette features sleek and sturdy packaging. The compact, rectangular case is made of a durable plastic material that can withstand being tossed around in a makeup bag or suitcase. The palette includes a large mirror, which is incredibly convenient for on-the-go application. While the original version came with a dual-ended brush, later versions omitted the brush to reduce the price. The packaging is not only practical but also aesthetically pleasing. The minimalist design with the iconic “Naked” lettering gives it a timeless and sophisticated look. The sturdy construction of the palette ensures that the shadows are well-protected, preventing them from breaking or shattering during travel. The inclusion of a large mirror adds to the palette's functionality, making it a great option for travel or touch-ups throughout the day. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just appreciate well-designed packaging, the Naked Original Palette delivers on both form and function. The durable case and convenient mirror make it a reliable and stylish addition to any makeup collection.

Pros and Cons

To provide a balanced review, let’s break down the pros and cons of the Urban Decay Naked Original Palette:

Pros:

• Versatile Shade Range: The palette offers a beautiful selection of neutral shades that can be used to create a variety of looks.
• High Pigmentation: The shadows are richly pigmented, providing excellent color payoff.
• Blendable Formula: The smooth, velvety texture makes the shadows easy to blend.
• Durable Packaging: The sturdy case and included mirror make it great for travel.
• Iconic Status: This palette is a classic for a reason and remains a favorite among makeup lovers.

Cons:

• Price Point: While the palette offers good value, it’s still an investment.
• Fallout: Some shades may experience some fallout during application.
• Primer Required for Longevity: An eyeshadow primer is essential for maximizing wear time.
• Availability: The palette has been discontinued by Urban Decay, making it harder to find in stores.

Overall Value and Recommendation

Despite being discontinued, the Urban Decay Naked Original Palette remains a fantastic option if you can still find it. Its versatile shade range, high pigmentation, and blendable formula make it a worthwhile addition to any makeup collection. The price point is reasonable for the quality you receive, and the palette’s longevity ensures that you’ll get plenty of use out of it. While the need for an eyeshadow primer and potential for fallout are minor drawbacks, the overall performance of the palette outweighs these issues. If you’re a fan of neutral eyeshadows and appreciate a classic palette, the Naked Original is definitely worth seeking out. Its iconic status in the beauty world is well-deserved, and it continues to deliver beautiful results. Whether you’re a makeup beginner or an experienced artist, this palette offers something for everyone. The blend of matte and shimmer shades allows for endless creativity, making it a staple for creating both everyday and special occasion looks. If you spot one, don't hesitate to add this gem to your collection.

Alternatives to the Naked Original Palette

Since the Urban Decay Naked Original Palette has been discontinued, you might be looking for similar alternatives. Here are a few great options that offer comparable quality and shade ranges:

• Urban Decay Naked2 Palette: This palette features cooler-toned neutrals, perfect for those who prefer more taupe and gray shades.
• Urban Decay Naked3 Palette: If you love rosy and warm tones, the Naked3 Palette is an excellent choice.
• Morphe 35O Nature Glow Eyeshadow Palette: This palette offers a wide range of warm neutrals at a more affordable price point.
• Tartelette Toasted Eyeshadow Palette: Another fantastic option for warm-toned lovers, this palette features a mix of mattes and shimmers.
• Viseart Neutral Matte Eyeshadow Palette: If you prefer all-matte eyeshadows, the Viseart Neutral Matte Palette is a high-quality choice.

These alternatives provide similar versatility and quality, ensuring you can still achieve your favorite neutral eye looks even without the original Naked Palette. Each of these palettes offers a unique take on neutral shades, allowing you to find the perfect match for your preferences. Whether you're seeking warmer tones, cooler tones, or a mix of both, there's an alternative out there that will meet your needs. Exploring these options can help you discover new favorites and expand your makeup collection with high-quality eyeshadow palettes.

Conclusion

The Urban Decay Naked Original Palette remains a beloved classic for its versatile shades, high pigmentation, and blendable formula. While it has been discontinued, its legacy lives on through its influence on the beauty industry and its continued popularity among makeup enthusiasts. If you can still find it, it’s definitely worth picking up. And if not, there are plenty of excellent alternatives available to help you achieve your perfect neutral eye look. Whether you're a makeup newbie or a seasoned pro, the Naked Original Palette and its alternatives offer endless possibilities for creating beautiful eye looks. Happy blending!

For more information on Urban Decay products, you can visit their official website at Urban Decay.