I’ve rewritten this post several times as I’m not sure how is best to do this post, I thought after a year of owning the Urban Decay Naked 3 palette I’d be able to do a more comprehensive review of if it is really worth it as the hype and excitement of owning it is gone. My loving boyfriend brought me the Urban Decay Naked 3 for our two year anniversary last October, after watching me look at it so longingly forever. So although I did not purchase it with my own money I feel as though I can still asses the worth.
The Eyeshadows
Unlike the other Naked palettes, the Naked 3 palette unlike the other 2 palettes is much warmer with pinky-mauvey type tones so it doesn’t necessarily suit all skin tones or hair colours. I feel as though this definitely needs looking at in person swatching and weighing up if you would suit or use the colours. I love pinky warm neutrals so I knew I would get the use out of the palette, for some it doesn’t work and the palette just sits collecting dust.
I think the quality of the shadows is somewhat variable, some shades are better than others I am aware a lot of people say dust is a so-so shade, I disagree simply because it is pretty much pure glitter requiring more of a press on the lid type thing opposed to the normal application, you have to learn what works best for each shade and for you. I don’t think the quality is that bad and it’s just the odd shade where you have to change what you do to make it work, yet with the Urban Decay Primer Potion everything looks really good and lasts all day.
I also like the variety offered within this palette in terms of finishes from mattes, pearls and metallic. The official finishes as described by urban decay are as follows matte-satin, metallic, satin, matte, shimmer and microsparkle, so all in all a good variety of finishes and there is enough of each finish that you can create a look from each for example you can create a completely matte eye. Although initially exclusive to the Naked 3 palette most if not all the shades can be purchased individual but with a little help from online I will try attempt to explain each shade within the palette, as well as what I think of each one individually.
Shade by Shade Rundown
Strange a pale neutral pink with a matte-satin finish. To be honest to me this is pretty much a white shade, off white a most. I use this quite a lot actually tending to opt for it as a brow bone or inner corner highlight, you could use it all over the lid but this is definitely more of a highlighting shade
Dust a pale metallic pink shimmer with iridescent micro-glitter. In all honesty this is much more of pure glitter shade and is one of the most messy eyeshadows, it splits opinion as it isn’t that pigmented. However as a glitter shade I find it is most effective if you put on over a primer and pack it on, or if you don’t want to pack it on it makes a nice inner corner highlight but it is the worst shadow in the palette.
Burnout a light pinky-peach satin. This is my super lazy day shade and my go to over September as I really couldn’t be bothered with makeup, I went for lips and swiping this over the lids. A pale satin shade that adds the subtle something which brightens your eyes without really having to do everything.
Limit a light dusty rose matte. This paired with Nooner is one of my go to work looks with both shades been beautiful creamy mattes, this is beautiful dusty pink shade and is a great all over the lid colour.
Buzz a metallic rose shimmer with silver microglitter. In terms of pigmentation and ease of use this is a far superior micro glitter shade, a beautiful rich pink. Apply lightly for an all over the lid option or pack on for a really high impact and beautiful outer v or central eye look. I definitely use this in more full on looks but I love this shade.
Trick a light metallic pinky-copper shimmer with tonal microsparkle. This is definitely my least reached for shade and with its more orangey tones is sort of the odd one out of the palette. I think this is probably a love it or hate it kind of shade but this is one I rarely used.
Nooner a medium pink-brown matte. As mentioned I pair this a lot with Limit for an everyday/work look as matte shades are perfect for work. Both the shades work really well together and I use this as either an outer corner colour or a crease colour, just great for a definer but it could be an all over shade for more of a full on or smokey look.
Liar a medium metallic mauve shimmer. I’ve always dabbled with liar but over the past month or so I’ve reached for this even more using it for the bulk of my lid but mainly the outer two thirds but this is also a great crease shade if you are going for a lighter or more subtle look.
Factory a pinky-brown satin. First and foremost I wouldn’t consider this to be pinky-brown it is a warm brown but I wouldn’t call it pink toned. This is a great crease, outer v shade or could even be use as a definer on a lighter day time look or even to smoke out.
Mugshot a metallic taupe shimmer with a slight pink shift. This is a definate taupe shade but once again I do not see the pinky tone in this. Great to use within this palette and definitely is the most diverse outside the palette. It looks great in a look with dark side.
Darkside a deep taupe-mauve satin. I love this shade and I really don’t use it enough, its on the darker side (oh haha dark side get it) and for everyday wear I only use is a subtler liner than black heart. This is a really pigmented and pretty shade, probably great for a pinky-brown smokey eye which I need to experiment with a little bit more.
Blackheart a smokey black matte with rosey red microsparkle. I tend to use black heart as a liner using the angled brush, by using it in such a way unfortunately or fortunately depending how you look at it the red glitter is barely visible. If I used the black for more of a smokey look it might be more visible but it doesn’t bother me as it is a great black shade and great for a liner/definer shade.
Versatility
There is a limit to versatility in the sense that everything has the rosy toned theme, while some palette offer more colour variety. However every shade works together, so you can mix and match as you wish meaning you don’t need to think about if colours work well together, something that’s great for creating a great look when you’re half asleep doing a makeup. With the lovely variety of shades and shadow finishes I think you can create endless looks suitable for every occasion so for me this palette is definitely versatile enough.
Dupes
The dupe market is growing within the UK highstreets stores with great offers on a budget from the likes of MUA, Makeup Revolution and Freedom Makeup. If you don’t want to spend the money there are some great alternatives, I have tried a few and nothing matches the Urban Decay Naked 3 but they come damn close. The main shades that vary is the glitters are a lot worse quality and nothing seems to match Blackheart in colour and appearance. I feel as though you could happily live without the Naked 3 and search out a decent dupe. Personally I prefer the Naked 3, and as I reach for it most days I think I would prefer not to use the dupe but if it is an every so often item save the cash.
Use
Like I mentioned before I use this palette almost daily, after 12 months the minimum I’m using it is twice a week but I still get so much use out of it. This isn’t a phase at this point, I am getting the use out of it and it is completely worth it. I like that I can make a subtle matte look as well as something fancier all in one palette and I love all the different looks I can create with the palette. I use pretty much all of the shades to even Dust, the only shade I never tend to dable with is Trick, although it does go with some other shade in the palette the more coppery/orange isn’t something I find myself reaching for. I think not really using one out of twelve shades is that bad really, considering it is so easy to grab a palette and only use half of the shades.
Packaging and Brush
I know the packaging for this has split opinion but I really like it, it’s really robust in the tin form and I don’t feel as though it feel cheap at all. Definitely having more of a high end feel, first and foremost because it’s not made from card and secondly is closes securely yet simple to open. I feel as though it would be hard to damage the palette and the eyeshadows are unlikely to get damaged although it may prove to be heavier but probably not by much. I think the rose gold and subtle but shinny aesthetic perfectly mirrors the makeup miracle that is hidden away inside.
The Naked 3 Palette also comes with a dual ended brush one that is more for eyeshadow application while the other ended is more of a blending brush. It isn’t a bad brush, way better than the sponge tip applicators or ‘brushes’ offered by its drugstore counter parks and I use it regularly. Not my favourite eyeshadow brush but its semi decent and good for travel etc. It also washes well which is a nice plus, I just wash my brushes with baby shampoo.
So was it worth it? For me it definitely was but I know it is a bit of a mixed palette and I would suggest if you are uncertain buy a dupe. Then you can make the switch up if you use it load, or not if you’re in love with the dupe, while if you barely use it there isn’t any money wasted. Have you tried any of the Urban Decay Naked Palettes and do you think they are worth the price?
The Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette has a RRP of £38.00 and is available from a variety of outlets.
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