Urban Decay Naked Palette: Is It Still Worth It?

The Urban Decay Naked Palette! Just hearing the name probably brings back a wave of memories for many makeup enthusiasts. This iconic palette, first launched in 2010, completely revolutionized the eyeshadow game. It was the palette to have, setting the standard for neutral eyeshadow palettes and inspiring countless imitations. But in a world of ever-evolving beauty trends and a seemingly endless stream of new eyeshadow releases, does the original Naked Palette still hold up? Is it still worth the hype, or has it been surpassed by newer, shinier options? Let's dive deep into a comprehensive review of this makeup legend.

A Look Back at the Naked Palette's Legacy

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the shadows themselves, it's important to understand the cultural impact of the Naked Palette. Before its arrival, neutral eyeshadow palettes were somewhat of a rarity. Drugstore options were often chalky and lacked pigmentation, while high-end palettes were often overwhelmingly colorful. The Naked Palette filled a gap in the market, offering a curated selection of versatile, high-quality neutral shades in a single, sleek package. This palette quickly became a cult favorite, praised for its blendability, pigmentation, and the ability to create a wide range of looks, from natural daytime makeup to smoky evening glamour. Its influence can still be seen today, as many brands continue to release their own versions of neutral palettes, trying to capture the magic of the original Naked. The success of the Naked Palette also paved the way for Urban Decay to become the powerhouse brand it is today. It solidified their reputation for creating high-quality, trend-setting products, and it’s safe to say that the beauty industry wouldn’t be the same without it. The impact of this palette extended beyond just product sales; it shaped the way people approached eye makeup, popularizing the use of multiple shades to create dimension and depth. It also democratized the smoky eye, making it accessible and achievable for everyday makeup wearers. The Naked Palette wasn't just a palette; it was a phenomenon that changed the beauty landscape.

Unpacking the Shades: A Detailed Analysis

Now, let's get into the heart of the matter: the shadows themselves. The original Naked Palette features 12 shades, a mix of matte, shimmer, and satin finishes, all within the neutral color family. The shades range from pale creams and beiges to warm browns, bronzes, and a touch of black. This variety makes it incredibly versatile, suitable for a wide range of skin tones and eye colors. Let's break down the shades a bit further:

• Virgin: A pale, satin champagne shade, perfect for highlighting the brow bone or inner corner of the eye.
• Sin: A shimmery, rosy champagne, ideal for the lid or as a wash of color.
• Naked: A matte, light-medium brown, perfect for the crease or as a transition shade.
• Sidecar: A shimmery, bronze-toned brown with pink undertones, great for adding warmth and dimension to the lid.
• Buck: A matte, medium-dark brown, excellent for deepening the crease or outer corner.
• Half Baked: A shimmery, golden bronze, a classic lid shade that adds a touch of glam.
• Smog: A shimmery, coppery bronze, perfect for creating a smoky eye.
• Darkhorse: A shimmery, dark bronze, ideal for adding intensity to the outer corner or along the lash line.
• Toasted: A shimmery, antique gold, a beautiful shade for special occasions.
• Hustle: A shimmery, plum-toned brown, perfect for adding a touch of drama.
• Creep: A matte, charcoal black with silver shimmer, excellent for creating a smoky eye or lining the eyes.
• Gunmetal: A shimmery, dark grey with silver shimmer, another great option for a smoky look.

Overall, the color selection in the Naked Palette is incredibly well-curated. The shades complement each other beautifully, making it easy to create cohesive looks. The mix of matte and shimmer shades allows for versatility, and the warm-toned browns are universally flattering. However, some may find the lack of cooler-toned shades limiting, especially those with fair skin or cool undertones. The pigmentation of the shadows is generally very good, especially for the shimmer shades. They are smooth, creamy, and apply evenly to the lid. The matte shades are also well-pigmented, although some may require a bit more building up to achieve the desired intensity. The blendability of the shadows is another standout feature. They blend seamlessly together, making it easy to create a smooth, gradient effect. This is crucial for creating professional-looking eye makeup, and it's one of the reasons why the Naked Palette is so beloved by both beginners and experienced makeup users.

Performance and Application: How Does It Hold Up?

So, the shades look beautiful in the pan, but how do they perform on the eyes? In general, the Naked Palette shadows perform very well. As mentioned earlier, the pigmentation is excellent, and the shades apply smoothly and evenly. The shimmer shades are particularly impressive, with a beautiful sheen that isn't overly glittery or chunky. The matte shades are also good, although some may find them to be a bit powdery. Using an eyeshadow primer is recommended to maximize the longevity and intensity of the shadows. With a primer, the shadows last for a good 8-10 hours without fading or creasing. Without a primer, you may experience some fading or creasing, especially with the shimmer shades. The application of the shadows is straightforward, thanks to their blendable formula. Whether you're using brushes or your fingers, the shadows are easy to work with and layer. The versatility of the palette also makes it easy to create a variety of looks, from natural and subtle to bold and dramatic. One potential drawback of the Naked Palette is the amount of fallout, especially with the darker shades. Fallout refers to the excess powder that falls from the brush during application, which can land on your cheeks and under-eye area. This can be minimized by tapping off the excess product from your brush before applying it to your eyes and by using a gentle tapping motion rather than a sweeping motion. Despite this minor issue, the overall performance of the Naked Palette is excellent, making it a reliable choice for everyday wear or special occasions.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Options

Before making a final decision, let's summarize the pros and cons of the Urban Decay Naked Palette:

Pros:

• Versatile Color Selection: The warm-toned neutral shades are universally flattering and can be used to create a wide range of looks.
• Excellent Pigmentation: The shadows are richly pigmented, providing intense color payoff.
• Blendable Formula: The shadows blend seamlessly together, making it easy to create smooth, gradient effects.
• Long-Lasting Wear: With an eyeshadow primer, the shadows last for 8-10 hours without fading or creasing.
• Iconic Status: The Naked Palette is a makeup legend and a must-have for any serious makeup enthusiast.

Cons:

• Limited Shade Range: The palette primarily features warm-toned neutrals, which may not be suitable for everyone.
• Fallout: Some shades, especially the darker ones, can produce fallout during application.
• Price: While not the most expensive palette on the market, the Naked Palette is still a significant investment.
• Discontinued: Sadly, the original Naked Palette has been discontinued by Urban Decay, making it harder to find.

Considering these pros and cons, the Naked Palette is a solid choice for those who love warm-toned neutral eyeshadows and appreciate a versatile, high-quality palette. However, if you prefer cooler tones or are looking for a more budget-friendly option, there are other palettes on the market that may be a better fit.

Alternatives to the Original Naked Palette

Since the original Naked Palette has been discontinued, it might be challenging to find. However, the good news is that there are plenty of alternatives available that offer similar color stories and performance. Here are a few options to consider:

• Urban Decay Naked2 Palette: This palette features cooler-toned neutral shades, making it a great option for those who prefer a more muted look.
• Urban Decay Naked3 Palette: This palette focuses on rose gold and pink-toned neutrals, perfect for creating romantic and feminine looks.
• Morphe 35O Nature Glow Eyeshadow Palette: This palette offers a wide range of warm-toned neutral shades at a more affordable price point.
• Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette: This palette features a mix of warm and cool-toned neutrals with a focus on matte shades.
• ColourPop Super Shock Shadows: For a budget-friendly option, ColourPop's Super Shock Shadows offer incredible pigmentation and a wide variety of shades to choose from.

These are just a few of the many alternatives available. When choosing a palette, consider your skin tone, eye color, and personal preferences. Read reviews and swatch the shades in person if possible to ensure that you're making the right choice.

Final Verdict: Is the Naked Palette Still Worth It?

So, the million-dollar question: is the Urban Decay Naked Palette still worth it? Despite being discontinued, the Naked Palette remains a beloved classic in the makeup world. Its versatile color selection, excellent pigmentation, and blendable formula made it a game-changer when it was first released, and it continues to be a reliable choice for many makeup enthusiasts. However, the fact that it's been discontinued and the availability of numerous alternatives mean that it might not be the only option to consider. If you can find it at a reasonable price and you love warm-toned neutrals, the Naked Palette is definitely worth picking up. But if you're looking for a more budget-friendly or readily available option, there are plenty of other excellent palettes on the market that can help you achieve similar looks. Ultimately, the best eyeshadow palette for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Do your research, consider your options, and choose the palette that makes you feel confident and beautiful.

In conclusion, the Urban Decay Naked Palette holds a special place in makeup history. It revolutionized the way people approached eye makeup and inspired countless other palettes. While it may no longer be the only option on the market, its legacy remains strong, and its impact on the beauty industry is undeniable. Whether you're a seasoned makeup artist or just starting out, the Naked Palette is a reminder of the power of a well-curated, high-quality eyeshadow palette.

For more information on eyeshadow palettes and makeup tips, you can visit trusted websites like Sephora's website. They offer a wide range of products and expert advice to help you create your perfect look.