Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette - $27

So I craved, and I caved, and the Urban Decay Naked Basics palette is now in my makeup bag. To be fair, I hadn't purchased a high-end eyeshadow since I picked up MAC's "Satin Taupe" for a ball two-ish years ago. I understand if you're thinking, "Not another review of this palette!" But I have been using it on a daily basis, and the reviews I've read have been mixed, so I thought I'd chip in and tell you my thoughts.

I can't pull off a lot of eyeshadow, especially during the daytime; it makes me look sleepy and unnatural. So I was drawn to this mini palette because of the subtler shades. This will fit in the smallest of makeup bags, and the colors are easy to combine into a simple day-to-night look. Most of the shadows are matte, with the exception of "Venus," which is a milky white color with a subtle hint of shimmer. I use "Venus" as a brow-bone highlight, and then I use either "Foxy," a yellower skin-tone color, or "Walk of Shame," a pinkier skin-tone color, as a base across my linds. I then layer a little bit of "Naked2," a light taupe, over the base color followed by the tiniest bit of "Faint," a warmer brown, in the crease. Lastly, if I'm not wearing eyeliner, I apply "Crave," a brownish black, with an angled brush as eyeliner to give a slightly softer yet defined look.

If you like to wear neutral colors, or if you're a bit of an eyeshadow minimalist like me, I think this palette is a great buy. It's reasonably priced and so versatile, and it's one of the most travel-friendly palettes I've seen. The shadows are silky-smooth and easy to work with, even if you've never used mattes before.

Have you tried this palette? And have you heard about the new Naked "Flushed" palette?  That might just be where the hype goes next!

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