Rap battle in 3-2-1…
If you can’t cope when shadow palettes lack taupe,
Or you start to mope when you lose your favorite matte taupe,
Or you think “Dope!” when you see a palette with six taupes,
Then jump over that moat! And climb that slope! ‘Cuz…
OK…I can’t think of anything else that rhymes with taupe. 🙂
The $29 Urban Decay Naked2 Basics Palette
Yeah, man, Naked2 Basics ($29), Urban Decay’s latest vestiphobic eyeshadow palette, is a cool-toned taupe explosion. It comes with five matte shadows and one satin, with all of them being a different incarnation of taupe.
Five of the shadows are new (nude-pink Stark, warm gray Frisk, reddish brown Cover, muted brown Primal and smoky brown Undone), while the remaining one’s a re-promote (pale nude Skimp).
Essentially, the palette is a cool-toned taupe cousin of the original Naked Basics palette.
Compared to the shadows in its predecessor, the original Naked Basics Palette, these shadows seem much easier to blend. I haven’t had any problems mixing or mooshing any of the colors together and haven’t had any trouble with uneven application.
I have seen some fallout, though, but that’s pretty typical of Urban Decay.
According to UD, the palette works well for all skin tones, from like to dark and cool to warm, but I have to politely disagree with that… I’m an olive-toned gal with a darker skin tone, and I feel that without the help of some additional products, like a black shadow or eyeliner, or a warm beige or orangey brown, all six Naked2 Basics shadows tend to blend together into a nondescript haze on my skin.
It’s like when the newspaper gets left out in the rain, and then you open it and everything’s a muddled mix of depressing grays… Sad panda. 🙁
I think that lighter lasses with cooler skin tones will probably be able to appreciate the nuances among the different taupes better than darker divas.
On moi, the shades look more or less the same…especially after I start blending.
Also: The Naked Basics Double-Ended Brush
Also joining the palette, a new brush! — the $20 Naked Basics Double-Ended Brush — which I think is just OK… Put another way, I would use it in a pinch, but if it were lost, I wouldn’t post signs all over town that read, “Lost Makeup Brush — REWARD!” The stiff, synthetic bristles are better for applying than blending.
Both the new brush and palette arrive August 18, bound for the permanent line. Look for ’em in all their nude glory at Sephora stores, Ulta, select Macy’s stores and online at sephora.com, ulta.com, macys.com, beauty.com and urbandecay.com.
PRICE: $29 for the palette, $20 for the brush
AVAILABILITY: Permanent; coming August 18 to Sephora stores, Ulta, select Macy’s stores and online at sephora.com, ulta.com, macys.com, beauty.com and urbandecay.comMAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B+/B (B+ for the palette and a B for the brush)
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I was hoping this would be better since I love taupes. I’m thinking about getting the UD Pulp Fiction palette since that looks like a great set of neutrals.
That’s a great choice, Natalie. I really enjoy the neutrals in that palette. There’s just enough there so you don’t get overwhelmed, ya know?
Do you happen to have a great read lipstick to go with that palette? Because it’s totally necessary.
Taupe time. Music to my ears!
Hi Emilee,
Yes! I feel the same way about bronzes and golden browns. 🙂
P.S. Please tell me you have MAC Satin Taupe. It’s a must.
For some reason, unknown to me, I really want this palette. Even though I don’t wear matte eye shadows all that often. You look gorgeous though. And I love UD eye brushes.
Hi Agata,
GURL, you could rock this so hard. The cooler tones would do some serious carving in yo’ crease, for real!
Ha ha, you’re too funny Karen. You don’t think this palette is too cool for my skin tone?
I am going to investigate this one, since Tease was my fave Naked2 shadow, and these all look like Tease’s cousins. I agree on the brush if it is anything like the one that came with Naked2- the small end is useful for cream shadows and the other end is good for sweeping away that pesky UD fallout. Besides that, my UD brush doesn’t get much use. Stript makes the best natural eyeshadow brushes, they are still available on sites like Amazon, but I am not sure the company is still in business. You look beautiful here- a great fall ready look.
Hi Lorraine,
Thank you! It’s been a while since I’ve played with Tease…thank you for reminding me to bust that bad boy out. 🙂
Not gonna lie, I’ve been stalking your site to see when you’d review this one. Grant it, I read your site everyday. Ok, several times a day. But I gotta get my extra-extra-read-all-about-it beauty-fix news from somewhere. I’m definitely a darker diva, but I’m lemming after this one.
I’m looking for a palette with matte brown/taupe shades to use in my smokey eyes and to use as transition colors. I’m torn between this one and the Becca Ombre Nudes palette; though I’ve heard that the shades in the latter palette have grey undertones. Would totally love a review on that one. The search continues…..
Hi Kwmechelle,
I’m working on that Becca one. Gimme some time, LOL! So…are you looking for more warm or cool colors?
Oh em geeee, Karen! Awesome that you’re gonna do a review on the Becca palette. There aren’t that many reviews out there, and I trust your thoughts like a good pair of killer peep-toe pumps (in red, of course). I think I’m looking for a warm-toned matte brown/taupe palette but I honestly don’t know. I’m NC50 in MAC for reference and play very nicely with anything warm-toned. But I think that palette only exists in my head….lol.
Which is why I think the Becca palette is my best option. Poor lil’ ole’ me, my only choice is a Becca palette. Every choice in life should be this fun….tehehe 🙂
I was hoping this to be better than that! taupes arent something that UD should go wrong with
I am just not a fan of the Naked Palettes. I will, however, be getting the Electric Palette next time Sephora has their friends and family sale.
When I first saw this palette, I really didn’t think it was special. But seeing it on you, it looks very cute!
I’m -really- excited for this neutral palette. I love UD eyeshadows, but their first basics never really inspired me. I’m sorry to hear that it doesn’t work so well for your skintone though, but that’s great for readers to know.
I have the original basics palette and I find it’s a good addition to other palettes. I know it can be used alone, but I never got very excited about an all matte look. I’m getting older and everything I read says I should stick to matte, but I love shimmer. I may have to get this, at least it’s in their permanent line. I need the new Smashbox Cherry Smoke palette. I haven’t really seen any reviews on it so yesterday I popped into Ulta to see it in person and I need it. It’s absolutely gorgeous and totally different than anything I have.
I’m getting more and more into neutrals and taupes, so this definitely piques my interest!
I figured these shades would look meh on darker skin. Easy skip!
Well, against my nc45 skin tone this palette will not work on me. I don’t like the idea of having to make something work with additional products. Its gotta do its job right out the gate.
I have the Naked 1 pallet and I love it!!!! I lived in a hot city and neutrals and toupes are the best opitions of make ups to work!!!!
Nope…there’s no hope without taupe.
I have the original Naked Basics palette and even though I like matte shadows…I’m getting rather old….I find I only use this one to supplement my other palettes. I’ll skip the Naked Basics2. Yikes, my DH will never believe that I’m saying no to an eyeshadow palette…rofl
hugs,
Shayna
I didn’t know they would be coming out with a sequel! I have the first one and I really like it for everyday. I definitely have to check this out at the store!
Cool toned vampire girl who is a fan of UD says YES!
OK, so I may not be in the budget zone to indulge in another palette right now, but I can bide my time 😉 I’m just so pleased they made a cooler toned version! <3
Thanks for the review, Karen – you know, as silly as this may sound, whenever I hear you say that some shadows are a bit cool toned for you (last example would be the Tarte MATTEnificent palette) I know they'll be perfect for me! Yuou're like my, er, palette-swap twin (pun not actually intended)! 😀