I was at Sephora last weekend getting a thank you gift for a friend (I got her a bottle of the new NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint, and you know something is bomb dot com when you feel the urge to immediately go out and get it for one of your girlfriends), and of course I had to also do some browsing for myself, so I hit up the Urban Decay display ’cause I wanted a tube of Cannonball Mascara.
I noticed that the Urban Decay Naked2 Basics Palette on display looked largely untouched, especially compared to the other Naked Palettes, and I was like, WHY?!
IMO, Naked2 Basics is one of the most underrated Urban Decay products in the entire line — heck, one of the most underrated palettes in general. I feel like the regular Naked palettes get most of the attention, but this one? I dunno… I really don’t think it gets the love it so richly deserves.
It’s loaded with matte neutral shades, which, for me, are total workhorses, because I can wear them almost every day with almost anything. They’re also cool toned, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be a warm-toned gal/guy and still wear them. My skin is warm toned, and I love wearing this palette because I can really add depth and shape to my eyes (especially around the crease area, since my crease isn’t naturally that deep) with the cool-toned browns and taupes… Something about the cooler tones closely mimics the appearance of actual shadows and shading on my warm skin tone.
Don’t get me wrong — I still love my warm browns, but when I want to wear something that I know will look good in real life and pics, this is one of the palettes I consistently grab. It always delivers the goods, and you know about UD shadows — easy to blend, last all day long, and they’re packed with pigment too! (Of course, fallout is a challenge with them, but there are ways to deal with it.)
If you haven’t tried this one yet, and you’re looking for an easy-to-use matte palette with shades that look natural, check it out. It’s $29 for six shadows and a travel-friendly case, and you can find it in the permanent line.
OK, cutie patootie! In your estimation, what’s the most underrated eyeshadow palette out there now? Inquiring minds want to know!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. So, some exciting baby-related developments on this end… I think I mentioned last week that BG and I are at the point (37 weeks) when we have to see the doc every week, and yesterday at our visit, I found out that she’s dropped down pretty low, and I’m officially dilated to about 1 centimeter, which means that she’s getting ready to charge out of the gates!
Now, exactly when that will happen, we don’t know, but it’s getting close. It could be today, tomorrow or three weeks from now. But, yeah, the doc said that if she arrived right now, she’d be considered full term.
At some point today I want to take another pic of my bare tum for BG to have, and I also want to record a quick video hello, just for her to have as mementoes…
I wish I had things like that from before I was born, but I only have a handful of baby pictures. (Hey, it was the Philippines in the ’70s.)
In other news, the baby “go bag” is almost fully packed. All I need to add now are some snacks (any ideas?), makeup and some light reading! Gonna do that today. 🙂
Woo, you can do it Karen! Give BG a giant kiss from all of us when she arrives. 🙂 I think it’s so cool that technology allows ease of recording lots of video and pictures for years later. She’s going to be so proud of her beautiful Mama.
I’m no expert at birthing snacks, but at regular snacks? 🙂 I love these Strong + Kind protein bars, they’re made with few ingredients and have a higher protein/carb ratio so perhaps they’ll be okay for your GD?
http://www.amazon.com/Strong-Roasted-Sweet-Chili-Protein/dp/B01A9R7HCW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1455216004&sr=8-2&keywords=kind+thai+sweet+chili+almond+protein+bar
Plus they come in more savory flavors like that one there if you’re not craving sweets. They sell them at Target/etc.
Flavored almonds are my jam, especially Dijon flavored ones.
Pepperjack cheese sticks (depending on your dairy tolerance), and apples with almond butter are also a favorite. And I love snacking on Greek olives too, if you bring a little cooler or something.
We’ll be cheering you on!
Hi Ashleigh,
Aww, thank you! She’ll get endless virtual kisses and hugs from all her MBB aunties, for sure. 🙂
And thank you for the recommendation! I’m going to pop by Target to see if they have them!
Target Archer Farms trail mix, and mini oreos were my favorite hospital snacks. The trail mix was great because it had protein with the nuts (I also kept it around on my nightstand for middle of the night hunger while nursing). They make salty and sweet kinds so I got a few different flavors. I also love Kind bars – salted caramel almond is my favorite. I also packed those mini peanut butter packets and crackers.
also, for what it’s worth, I packed way way too much for the hospital. I packed all these clothes, and really didn’t change out out of a robe or pajamas the whole time. I packed all my hair stuff, and didn’t do my hair the whole time. I packed books / magazines / kindle, etc. thinking I’d have all this “down time” … HA! I would have some shows loaded on your tablet or phone to watch together during the more mellow parts of labor, but other than that you are fully occupied and straight up exhausted in the hospital (and I actually had a fairly short and easy labor).
The one piece of advice I’m so glad I got was to bring my own pillow and a comfy, warm blanket from home (and for my husband to pack a sweatshirt and lots of socks). Hospitals are COLD, and colorless and just not homey, so having warm and cozy things in our room really made me feel a lot more at ease.
Wishing you the best for a healthy, safe, and easy delivery!
Hi Ashley,
Thanks for the snack advice (mmm, salted caramel!) and the helpful labor advice. Gonna load some movies to watch on my phone tonight! I’m also going to get my pillow and blanket ready. 🙂
How long was your labor, by the way?
I was induced on my due date and she arrived around 7 hrs after they started the pitocin. (I had heard lots of induction horror stories but got super lucky… things were only really bad for about 1.5 hrs before the epidural).
I don’t know if it’s still around, but UD pulp fiction is a great one too!
I remember that one, Annalisa. Very pretty with classic colors!
It’s been my experience that you won’t need the snacks to take to the hospital. And, yes, if you follow those “pack for the hospital lists” you will severely over-pack. After the birth, I just ate hospital food because I was starving. I wasn’t allowed by the nurses to eat during labor…some ice chips only. It should be noted that I vomited throughout labor with baby #1 and baby #2, and baby #3 I was fine, but not allowed to eat anything but ice chips and sips of water.
Completely agree with you on Naked 2!!! I love how the taupes blend against my skin (fair to medium with yellow undertones) but make my eyes (blue-grey) pop! And the fact that they’re matte means I can wear them to work without looking like a disco dancer.
Many congrats on the wee one! I had a mix of things for the hospital – in an attempt to be healthy, I had trail mix (with a little chocolate for indulgence) and dried apricots, but friends and family then brought gourmet cupcakes and chocolates (so that shot that all to heck). Oh! And my sister brought me sushi after my BG was born since it was a long nine months without it!!! Best hospital food ever!
That’s exciting news Karen! I can’t believe BG is already coming!
One palette that I really like that gets no lovin’ at all is Too Faced Love Letter palette. It’s all shimmery so that could be a reason why it’s disregarded I guess, but the shadows are so luminous!
How can we talk about e/s palettes when BG is almost here?! But …. Lorac Unzipped Gold is the one I reach for the most lately; UD Naked 1 is also a staple
If NAKED2 BASICS had a lighter highlight, I would have definitely gone for it instead of the original (which I love nonetheless). Maybe the Sonia Kashuk Eye on Neutrals shimmer and matte palettes. People occasionally talk about them, but they are really lovely!
I didn’t bring snacks either time, but with the second I was still having heartburn so having asking Tums on hand was useful! Both babies labored overnight (Colin was across 2 nights, ugh) and born in the morning so any down time I had before they were born I was attempting to rest. 🙂
So excited about BG status!!
ITA about Naked 2, so now we agree on that palette and Chanel 19!
For me, it’s the Lorac Pro Matte palette. The mattes in the palette are hella-pigmented & striking against my NC50 complexion. I lurves it. I don’t have any advice on what to pack for the hospital but I can say that we’re all cheering you on! So exciting that BG is almost here. Yogurt, with fruit added, is always a healthy snack to eat when the hunger pains come. Oh and humus! I’m so hungry just thinking about humus. 🙂
So exciting that you’re getting close to the big day. Zack was two weeks early so I kind of threw stuff together and walked to the hospital. I went in on Friday morning and 12 hours later I was holding my baby boy. Can’t do that now! I could only have ice chips. When I was finally able to eat again, my sister, G-d love her came by with cheeseburgers for me and my husband, who stayed with me that night.
I bought the Naked 2 Basics for my sister for the holidays. I like the colors. I have my eye on Bobbi Brown’s re-launch of the Nude on Nude palette.
Good luck.
You better finish packing your bags. When I was pregnant with Little Bean and was 1 cm dilated, my water broke three days later!
I agree with previous comments – forget the snacks. Remember to be nice to the hubs during labor. It is easy to take every contraction out on him. LOL
Karen, since it’s safe for BG to come out and say hello now, I hope you don’t have too much longer to wait!
It’s funny. Although Naked 2 Basics is cooler-toned than most palettes out there these days, if your undertones are really cool, it looks a bit warm in comparison!
I love all the Make Up For Ever eyeshadow palettes, love their formula, it is my hands-down favorite. But most of the palettes do need a couple of singles to supplement them to make a complete look. Except for the 15-pan holiday palette, because there are subtle satins in there that will totally work as well as, or better than, mattes for base and crease shades, especially if your lids are older and have texture/wrinkles. But I also think the Ciate London x Olivia Palermo palettes haven’t gotten as much attention as they deserve (both Smoldering and Smokey Suedes). They’re well-thought-out combinations of shades, pigmented, blendable, packaged really nicely (pretty AND compact, easy to take with you).
I’m so excited for you! <3
Underrated eye palettes for me:
High end — The Balm Meet Matt(e) Nude: It has nine really great mattes, and the colors are interesting while still being neutral. It’s small enough to easily tuck in your purse. Urban Decay Electric Palette: You hear a lot about it, but mostly that it’s got great pigmentation but isn’t wearable for most people. You actually can get more subtle looks from it by itself or in conjunction with other palettes or singles. I don’t think enough people take it seriously.
Drug store –Profusion, Hard Candy Top Ten Palettes, and City Color Cosmetics all have some of the best drug store palettes on the market, but I rarely see or hear about them. Overall fantastic pigmentation, good texture, and long lasting.
How exciting Karen!! I remember with my first pregnancy I prepared the bag at the 37 week and baby arrived at week 41+6 !!! I went without pain killers or epidural because I wanted to avoid all those chemicals in my baby’s system. For sure I did not snack except for some grape sugar that helped me keep energy up. Energy is needed! I also didn’t read because the contractions were painful. But I did bring my relaxation music which helped me a lot try to distend and bear the pain during labor. Giving birth was for me a great experience both times and remain the most beautiful memories of my life.
I agree with the movies and music suggestions.
Really excited about BG’s entrance into the world. How are we gonna know when she’s here??? Have you taught El Hub how to post? Twitter? Picture all of us in the virtual waiting room waiting for news!
Yup, Naked 2 is a great palette. I’m very fair and neutral to cool and it works great. I love combining those mattes with shimmers from other palettes.
So excited that BG’s arrival is so close. Try to relax and not feel too rushed about it. She’ll get here when she and your body are ready. I haven’t got any hospital advice because I gave birth overseas and felt like it was a totally different experience compared to my US friends. Hugs to you and BG.
as a mom of three with each one i stop taking things. by the time baby #3 came i went in with just my make up bags and purse. the hospital gives you everything and only if you need certain things would i bring them. if you push you won’t be there long enough for snacks. if you are like me and get cut then snacks are needed but you need things that will make you pass gas and a movement. all in all this will be the most fun and busy moment of your life! with all that said I can not wait for her to come. Congrats and I love Urban Decay, too!!!
How fun .. in just a few days or so .. you’re going to be a mom !!! Very sweet.
Monica.
I always wanted the Naked 2 Basics, as well as the 1 but the price is steep. So I’m waiting for a discount :p
Exciting times! I agree about Naked Basics 2. I need to get it but flashier things keep drawing me in.
This palette looks so pinky-purpley in your pictures. I’d never considered it before, but I’ll have to check it out now.
As for underrated palettes? I think I’ll have to go with the Bare Minerals Ready 4.0 quads. I have two and I love them.
Best of luck with the labor.
Hi Karen,
Exciting news about the baby! So happy for you! I didn’t know you were actually born in the phillipines, how old were you when you moved here?
As for palettes, I only own a couple (urban decay electric for one) because they are so overwhelming and I never feel like I would use all the colors!
Hi Rachel,
I was really young; I think 2 or 3? I really don’t remember anything at all about that time. Have you ever visited the Philippines?
Aww! So excited for you! I wanted to pick up that palette, but I’m already surrounded by many shadows. I really need to stop lol.
Oh 37 weeks! Lungs are done! YAY! Congrats!
These last few weeks are the hardest…the waiting, the HUUUGE belly….hang in there you are almost done!!
xoxo
So excited for you and this exciting time! 4 months for me! Getting to the last of the comfortable times. I wasn’t allowed to eat when I was in labor w any of my three kids. Jolly ranchers were all I could suck on. They gave me juice that was clear and that was it. Hubby could leave and get snacks in the cafeteria downstairs. I was in labor for 12 hrs w the first, 6 the second and 24 the third. So hungry by then! Luckily in and out is across the street.
My underrated pallet is the still “in the light” one. I love it and use it all the time! Keep us updated!!!
Wooohooo for 1cm!!! The waiting game is on! Well, my daughter finished the 40 weeks (39 weeks and 6 days to be exact) but I think your BG will come out earlier as I did not dilate my cervix at all before the labor kicks in. Good luck!!!
Too Faced had (has?) this boxed Smokey palette that was the absolute bee’s knees. I think I dig “smokey” colors in general!
Tough pick… I definitely think some drugstore brands have GREAT eyeshadow palettes that are often overlooked because we tend to focus on the bigger more expensive brands. Brands like Revlon, Covergirl and Bourjois come to mind.
I JUST picked this up yesterday at Sephora before seeing this post. I found myself constantly reaching for the original Naked Basics and always felt like I needed more cool-tone palettes, as I am cool. Another thing I noticed in the store (without swatching a ton) is that a lot of the shades in both Basic palettes are pretty close to dupe territory for KVD Shade & Light shadows…just a thought. I agree the Basics don’t get enough love and they are GREAT for every day use and travel!
Congrats on BG…any day now…wishing you all the health and happiness for your entire family.
“All I need to add now are some snacks (any ideas?)”
Organic corn chips from Trader Joe’s, their Orange Cranberry Mini Scones or Walker’s Pure Shortbread.
Oh my gosh so exciting! That just made me extra excited and nervous as I have about 10-14 weeks left myself. Eeeeeee! Early congratulations to you and El Hub. I can’t wait to see her!
BG is making her debut soon!!! Happy tears!!! My advice on snacks…ask your Dr., as you have GD, right? The hospital WILL feed you, and if you need a snack, they bring it to you! I’ve delivered many jello’s to my patients! 🙂 I’m as ecstatic as if BG were mine! I’m guessing low sugar and low salt snacks, but rest assured, hospitals will have what you want and need, so don’t sweat it!
As far as the pallettes, I’m with you on this one. I adore it, it’s perfect for every day use, travel, purses, etc. Beautiful colors! Urban Decay always nails it!
Oh I’m so happy for you!!!!
I completely agree about this palette! it’s what i reach for the most!
-xx Tay
Hi Karen!
I’m SO happy for you!!! I know that it must be a somewhat anxious time waiting for BG to arrive…. I know I would be all nerves!! I pray for your safe/happy/blessed/timely birthing. I’ve been with this blog so long I feel as if I know you — and it has been so wonderful to watch your pregnancy. Thank you for sharing it with us.
AS far as palettes go? I have just now acquired a few — but I must say that my MUFE nudes is my go to even if only for highlighting the eyebrow portion. The shadows are so creamy — I just purchased the Tartlet in Bloom and I love it!!! I just started a Makeup Geek collection also – so my collection is growing — just got an order from Sephora today — and I have one coming from MAC on Monday. YEAH ME!!! I ordered the mineralized skin finish in medium – per Jaclyn Hill’s rec. I can’t wait to try it with my new Becca ultimate coverage foundation!!! Goodness I’m no where near your level, but I’m obsessed with makeup, clothes, shoes, and perfume…..
Take care pretty lady,
Gina and Gracie.
Naked Basics is the palette I saw a mom use to do her entire eye look in her seat before the dance recital(most dance moms are focusing on the kid’s hair/makeup/costume until we drop them off backstage) I was super duper impressed!
As far as snacks, I second the idea of minimal/simple eating during labor. Your body is working so hard it really can’t digest much during the process, imagine what you’d eat while trying to run a marathon. It IS important to stay hydrated. Sounds weird but be sure to have those flexi straws on hand is what my labor coach told us.
Ice chips and saltine crackers or shortbread cookies, melt in your mouth food is best. So excited for you and your family! wishing you a safe and joyous birth journey.
I had 3 sections, but I honestly cannot remember what I packed in my bag. Lol! Just the basics. I did do my hair and makeup on the day they released me to go home so I wouldn’t feel all schleppy! Bring a cute and comfy outfit to wear home 🙂
My favorite shadow palette is Naked 3 — so pretty!
3 c-sections I meant to say 🙂
Woo hoo, BG! Your mama is so excited for your arrival (and way more prepared than we were – our go-bag was pretty minimal haha!)
Congrats, Karen – or as my mom just told me how to say in Tagalog “Maligayang Bati”! ?
I just got into palettes and like Too Faced – Natural Eyes for warm and Boudoir Eyes for cool. They do have fallout but the shades are great for my coloring.
MAC’s Warm Neutral X 15 palette is definitely underrated. Since I really only got into palettes over the last year this definitely stands out. It’s one of the few palettes that I own where I don’t feel the need to use other palettes to complete a whole eye look.
Agatha Christie is always a good read if you’re looking for something to read that makes the time fly!
I haven’t tried this palette before but the first Naked Basics was really nice
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