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The Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics Eyeshadow Palette

August 30th, 2016 by Karen 37 Comments

urban decay naked ultimate basics
Wearing the new Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics Eyeshadow Palette

Meanwhile, eight eyeshadows later…

I don’t even know how this happened.

OMG!

I started with two neutral browns from the new $55 Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics Palette, which is a new holiday palette from UD (you can sign up to find out when it’ll be available), but then 45 minutes had gone by and I’d burned through almost the entire greatest hits album from The Cure.

urban decay naked ultimate basics
The $55 Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics Eyeshadow Palette

I fell into the Eye Makeup Black Hole, which happens to me periodically…and by “periodically,” I mean all the damned time.

But isn’t that always the way it is with these Urban Decay Naked Palettes? You go in fully intending to do a simple look with just two of the shadows, but lo and behold — POOF! — there went half the day.

Or is that just something I do? A lot?

urban decay naked ultimate basics
The Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics Palette

It’s been six years since the original Naked Palette dropped like the bikinis and briefs on a nude beach, and UD is still playing with the brown/beige/taupe theme. This one’s all about those neutral matte powder shadows.

Well…most of them are matte. There is one highlighting shadow that does have some very subtle shimmer (which was a brilliant addition, BTW!).

urban decay naked ultimate basics
A closer look at the eyeshadows…

The Naked Ultimate Basics Palette is like the lovechild of the matte Naked Basics Palettes and that very first Naked Palette from UD, but before we discuss the pink elephant in the room, here are the basic details…

  • It’s $55 and arrives in mid-September (you can sign up to be alerted when it drops).
  • It’s part of the permanent collection.
  • It comes with a dual-ended brush and a nice, big mirror in the palette.
  • The packaging is similar to the Urban Decay Naked On the Run Palette but smaller and thinner.
  • It comes with 12 all-new shades that are exclusive to the palette, including…
    • Blow — a light nude demi-matte
    • Nudie — a soft pinkish nude matte
    • Commando — a light taupe-brown matte
    • Tempted — a pale brown matte
    • Instinct — a medium pink-taupe matte
    • Lethal — a reddish brown matte
    • Pre-Game — a pale yellow matte
    • Extra Bitter — a burnt orange matte
    • Faith — a medium warm brown matte
    • Lockout — a rich netural brown matte
    • Magnet — a smoky gray matte
    • Blackjack — a warm black matte
  • The shades are very neutral, with the exception of burnt matte orange Extra Bitter, which is kinda similar to MAC Saddle and leans pretty warm on me. But sometimes I like a touch of warmth in the crease and on my lower lash line, especially when I’m wearing bronzer.

    Something like Extra Bitter would tie a look together in a neat bow.

  • They feel gloriously soft.
  • The shades are more pigmented then I expected them to be based on how light they look in the pans.
  • They have great staying power and last 10-12 hours for me.

Pretty enticing, right? Whenever I see neutral palettes like this one I get the same feeling that I get when I look out my window and see a cat. 🙂 Something primal takes over, and I’m overcome with the need to pet them and play with them and just get on that sh*t.

I can’t stop myself! I NEED to befriend them all.

But I guess the big question is this (a.k.a. the pink elephant in the room): with all of the neutral palettes out there in Makeup Candy Land, is this one worth your hard-earned tacos?

urban decay naked ultimate basics
Here I’m wearing Blow, Nudie, Commando, Pre-Game, Extra Bitter, Faith, Lockout and Blackjack

I think so. I’ve used this palette five days in row, and it’s well on its way to earning a prized place in the drawer where I keep my makeup must-haves.

You have to really like mattes, though…but I do. I think they get along well with mature skin and don’t call out fine lines as LOUDLY as most shimmers do.

Also, if you don’t have a deep crease (hooded eyes), neutral mattes like theses are great for creating what looks like shadows and an illusion of deeper set eyes.

They’re handy, is what I’m saying, and I wear them often.

urban decay naked ultimate basics swatches 3

I gotta say, though, I didn’t expect the browns to show up well on my skin because of how light they look in the pans, but surprise! — they look darker once you buff and blend.

I really like these browns, and GIRL, I can wear me some browns. They are all closely related enough that you can use them to create nice transitions from dark to light. They make it easy to bang out brown smokey eyes with smooth gradients (my favorite!).

urban decay naked ultimate basics swatches 2

And the other colors in the palette — like the beige, gray and black — complement the brown shades perfectly.

I also think it was clever of Urban Decay to add Blow, the demi-matte nude with a little shimmer, because, well, let’s face it… It saves me from having to dig through my bag to find an inner corner highlight shade.

It has an interesting finish that’s reflective but subtle, and it’s definitely NOT so shiny that I’d call it a full-blown shimmer.

If UD made an entire palette of demi-mattes like this one, I’d be all over it like Drake on Rihanna in every video.

urban decay naked ultimate basics swatches 1

And then there’s the wear time! These shadows do not crease on my dry lids at all. I tried them with a number of bases (NARS Pro-Prime, a few MAC Paint Pots and various other cream stick shadows), and these hug and won’t let go.

It does really help if you unload your brush before applying them to your lids because, purr usual for UD shadows, there tends to be more fallout with these than most eyeshadows, but I’m willing to put up with it.

If you’re a fiend for browns and have hooded eyes and/or mature skin, this one’s a handy palette of long-lasting shadows to have around.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

The Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics Eyeshadow Palette / Originally published August 30th, 2016

There are 37 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Eyes, Makeup, Palettes, Product Reviews, Urban Decay

The products in this entry were provided by the manufacturer for consideration. For information about my posting policy, please see my Disclaimer.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. KayN says

    August 30th, 2016 at 3:32 pm

    What’s the delightful pink on your lips, Karen?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 30th, 2016 at 3:54 pm

      Thanks, KayN! That’s my new lipstick obsession, NARS Apoline. Do you want me to link the review? Let me know!

      Reply
      • KayN says

        August 30th, 2016 at 7:33 pm

        Thank you, no, I found it! What a perfect pink on you. I am just a touch darker than you (between NC42 and NC45, depending on the season) and I wonder if it would look as good on me or be a bit light. Well, if nothing else I’ve got an excuse to head to Sephora!

        Reply
        • Karen says

          August 31st, 2016 at 9:08 am

          Hi KayN,

          I think you’ll definitely be able to wear this shade. If you end up giving it a try let me know how it goes! 🙂 P.S. It looks beautiful layered with NARS Chihuahua.

          Reply
  2. Chris25 says

    August 30th, 2016 at 3:38 pm

    Karen, you look so radiant and gorgeous! I love your K pendant necklace.

    This looks like a good palette for the basics. I’d buy it.
    Chris25 recently posted … Tuesday Talk: Self Care Sessions Vol. 9

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 30th, 2016 at 3:54 pm

      Hi Chris,

      Thank you! The K necklace is by Kate Spade.

      I think you’ll get a lot of use from this palette, especially when you’re working with your clients. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Lupe says

    August 30th, 2016 at 4:20 pm

    I’m loving these swatches and your eye look! I do like mattes, but still deciding if I need this or not.
    Lupe recently posted … Too Faced Teddy Bear Hair 5 Piece Brush Set

    Reply
  4. Ami says

    August 30th, 2016 at 5:04 pm

    I feel like this is a great pallet for someone looking for a solid travel companion. Its got versatility AND a mirror large enough to do your entire face in if packing and conditions are tight.

    Reply
  5. Jaclyn levy says

    August 30th, 2016 at 6:17 pm

    Awesome review. I would put it on my Xmas wish list but I don’t think I’ll be able to wait that long!

    Reply
  6. kwmechelle says

    August 30th, 2016 at 6:57 pm

    Magnet & Extra Bitter are beautiful. I’d get the palette for those two alone. But I don’t think I’d know what to do with it. I’m sure that sounds crazy pants. I think it’s because I love me some shimma & I somehow forgot that this is an all matte palette. I’ve got an all matte palette from Lorac that I don’t show nearly enough love & it’s a beaut. Bonus that this is permanent, though. Because a woman reserves the right to change her mind (and buy all the palettes!) ?

    Reply
  7. Tt says

    August 30th, 2016 at 7:26 pm

    Was the wear time with a primer?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 31st, 2016 at 9:08 am

      I’ve been working long days and these stay on for a good 10 hours. I have dry skin on my lids!

      Reply
  8. Rachel R. says

    August 30th, 2016 at 9:47 pm

    I’m not typically a matte lover, but I adore the Naked Basics palette so much, I’m seriously considering this one.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 31st, 2016 at 9:07 am

      Hi Rachel,

      Yeah, I like the Naked Basics palettes too. They seem to fly under the radar!

      Reply
  9. Joyce says

    August 30th, 2016 at 9:49 pm

    Love that they included a demi-matte eyeshadow so that you don’t have to reach for another palette to complete your look. So convenient! Also, all the colors look very wearable and perfect for everyday.
    Joyce recently posted … Swatches + Comparison: MAC It’s a Strike 2016 Collection (300 Game, Bowl Out and Join My League Eyeshadows)

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 31st, 2016 at 9:06 am

      I love it too, so handy!

      Reply
  10. Lulle says

    August 30th, 2016 at 11:11 pm

    It looks like a good work-day basic, and I love the outer packaging. It would have been fun if they had thrown in another, deeper shimmery shade though, maybe a taupe?
    Lulle recently posted … Guest post: Beauty lessons I’ve learned from my Parisian friend

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 31st, 2016 at 9:06 am

      OOH! I suppose you could throw MAC Satin Taupe up in the mix. That would be pretty!

      Reply
      • AmyH. says

        September 5th, 2016 at 9:26 am

        Ooh! Satin Taupe would be a fabulous addition. I was also looking for another taupe in the palette. But bringing along a small quad of accompanying colors wouldn’t be that hard to do at all. I’d buy single duplicates now that they’re only $6/ea just to have a handy small side palette to go with this. Gesso, Nylon, Satin Taupe, Brule, Jest, Sable…they’re are all fantastic options!! So many to choose from! LOL. I’m a neutral fiend, too!!
        (PS. I adore your Kate Spade monogram necklace!!)

        Reply
  11. Kiss & Make-up says

    August 31st, 2016 at 2:38 am

    ”like Drake on Rihanna in every video” Hahahaha 🙂

    I quite like the look of this palette.
    Kiss & Make-up recently posted … Review | Braun Silk Expert IPL Hair Removal System vs Philips Lumea Prestige

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 31st, 2016 at 9:06 am

      It’s so true though! I want them to get married already. LOL

      Reply
  12. LindaLibraLoca says

    August 31st, 2016 at 4:52 am

    I am a friend of the browns, with mature skin and all that, but I never got into these UD palettes. They are pretty, but I don’t see myself reaching for them on a daily basis.
    LindaLibraLoca recently posted … Resultime 5 expertise eye cream – The lure of Paris

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 31st, 2016 at 9:05 am

      I still think they’re fun to play with! You should try it sometime.

      Reply
  13. Nyx says

    August 31st, 2016 at 7:24 am

    I am really not a matte girl so I will for sure pass on this. I am that girl that is just fine with one or two mattes in a palette of twelve.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 31st, 2016 at 9:05 am

      I totally get it! For years I wasn’t a matte person either. Sounds like one of the original Naked palettes would be a great fit fo you!

      Reply
  14. Erin says

    August 31st, 2016 at 8:17 am

    I fear on the whole this would be too warm for me.
    Erin recently posted … Fall 2016 Transition Dressing

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 31st, 2016 at 9:05 am

      There are lots of cool tones!

      Reply
  15. Tatiana says

    August 31st, 2016 at 8:47 am

    If indeed this will be in the permanent line up, then I will wait until it’s in Sephora and I can swatch it in person. Although it does sound tempting for my mature, hooded eye lids. I guess it just depends on how much deeper these appear on the lids considering how pale I am.
    Loving the pink lipstick on you. I need to check that one out when it hits the NARS counter in my local Nordies.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 31st, 2016 at 9:04 am

      Hi Tatiana,

      It’s permanent! I got confirmation from UD. 🙂

      Reply
      • Tatiana says

        August 31st, 2016 at 1:13 pm

        Woohoo! I love permanent products.

        Reply
  16. Maddie says

    August 31st, 2016 at 12:50 pm

    I just had to tell you that I love this makeup look on you, Karen. It’s so flattering, and you look so pretty and fresh (as in, not overdone). Plus, your skin looks so luminous.

    Reply
  17. Kim says

    September 1st, 2016 at 9:37 am

    You always create gorgeous looks with the neutral browns so it’s no wonder you love them! 🙂 I’m sorry it took up more time than you’d planned but the results are stunning!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 1st, 2016 at 2:30 pm

      Aww, thanks Kim! One of these days I’ll learn to knock out one of these multi-shadow looks in less than 45 minutes, LOL!

      Hope you’re having a nice day so far. Is it Friday yet?

      Reply
  18. Trude says

    September 1st, 2016 at 12:58 pm

    Oh boy I think this one is going on my wish list! Love that they added the one light shimmery color, I’m with you on having to dig for that every time. I have the Naked Basics 2 and use it almost daily. 🙂 And those blown out browns look lovely on you!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 1st, 2016 at 2:17 pm

      Thanks, Trude. You know I love me those blown out browns! 🙂 If you end up grabbing it, let me know what you think!

      Reply
  19. zVintageFashionizta says

    September 1st, 2016 at 5:45 pm

    Oh, I definitely want this palette so I am glad that you mentioned it will be permanent.
    I wish they had added my favorite eyeshadow CRAVE (from the 1st Basics palette).
    Karen I hope they hear you because if they made an all
    demi-matte/semi-matte palette I too would probably buy it if it had several light nude shades to use all over the lid & include the shadow CRAVE (my favorite to use as eyeliner).

    Reply
  20. Laure says

    September 2nd, 2016 at 1:56 pm

    Oooooooh, looks like a must-have! Even though I already have way more neutral palettes then I know what to do with, I /wants/ it!
    Now let’s hope I get the job I’m applying for and I can spend part of my 1st paycheck on this beauty!

    Reply

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Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog
Hi there! I’m Karen, your friendly neighborhood beauty addict, and I’m a Bay Area girl who hoards brown eyeshadow and covets coral lipstick. Every morning, I wake up and say, “I’m going to do something other than a smoky eye today.” Then…I end up doing a smoky eye anyway (most days). When I’m not putting on makeup, taking pictures of makeup or writing about makeup, which I’ve been doing daily since 2007 (!), you’ll find me hanging out with my hubby (“El Hub”), my four-year-old daughter (Connor Claire) and my torbie girl cat (Pretty Girl Rosie, a.k.a. PGR).

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