Launched in 2014, the Urban Decay Naked 2 Basics palette screams anything but ‘basic’! As far as I’m concerned – it’s above your average nude-like palette. I’ve had this Urban Decay palette for quite some time and I’m finally ready to do a review. It’s my number 1 palette for an everyday look. As proclaimed by Urban Decay, the Naked 2 Basics gives you that extra beauty with an edge factor. The pocket-sized palette contains six eyeshadows – five have matte finishes whereas one has a satiny finish. I find the shades quite cool-toned with some warm undertones. Most of the shades have good pigmentation but are rather powdery, even though they don’t give that impression at first glance.
Moreover, a little goes a long way – you can choose to go for an everyday look or build-up for a more dramatic going-out effect. Personally, I tend to use the Naked 2 Basics palette for casual/everyday looks as the shadows have matte finishes. For night outs I prefer darker and sparkle finishes as it gives me an extra edge to my look. However, Urban Decay hasn’t disappointed and you can create a night look by using the Undertone shade. I’ve used this palette for both occasions during all seasons. Surprisingly or not, the shadows survived and didn’t smudge, hence the Naked 2 Basics has won a valuable place in my makeup bag!
Naked 2 Basics Shades Review
The Lighter Range
Skimp. Described as a “pale nude satin”, skimp is the barely-there eyeshadow of the whole bunch. I have light-coloured skin with yellow undertones and this shade doesn’t really stand out. Furthermore, this is quite noticeable from the swatches. I usually apply skimp on my brow bone for a lifting effect and on my inner lid corner to open the eye. The texture is blendable with a good colour payoff. Although I feel like this colour would be more suitable for very cool or very warm-toned people, skimp is one of my favourites.
Stark. This Naked 2 Basics eyeshadow is described as “nude-pink matte”. It might not be visible from the photos, but stark is my most ‘abused’ shadow out of the whole palette! I love this shade so much, that I apply it as a base, on my middle lid and above the crease. It’s a peachy-beige with a matte finish and warm undertones. It’s perfect for an everyday look and has a good pigmentation.
Frisk. The second most ‘abused’ shade in my Urban Decay palette! Frisk is a “warm-grey matte” and I apply it to my middle lid. It’s very powdery and you need to build it up in order to get a good colour payoff. However, if you use primer you should be ok and the colour will reward you with the loveliest light-medium taupe you’ve seen. I would love it to be slightly more pigmented as it fades quite quickly, but I still can’t get enough of it!
The Darker Range
Cover. Described as “muted red-brown matte”, cover is the first out of three darker shades from the Naked 2 Basic palette. It’s a light to medium-dark warm-toned taupe brown with a matte finish a high pigmentation! Withal, I always forget how pigmented it is and tend to get more on the brush than I actually need. It’s super blendable and long-lasting, and I tend to apply it above the crease or middle of the lid.
Primal. Second darker shade from the Urban Decay palette. “Muted brown matte” with soft and warm undertones. It nicely pigmented and you can build it up for a more dramatic look. I use this shade for my outer lid and lower lash line. It blends quite well, but I find it to be more on the powdery side than I would like it to be.
Undone. My least favourite shade of the bunch, hence I’ve barely used it. Described as “deep, smoky brown matte” with cool undertones, I find it to be under-pigmented. The colour doesn’t payoff and it is very powdery when applying. In order to do the swatch, I had to dip my finger five times before I could get the results I wanted. As mentioned above, I rarely use this colour – it’s difficult to apply and I don’t get the results I want. Maybe I should try using a damp brush?! Only trouble is that I really don’t like this technique as it leaves my eyeshadows with a thin hard layer…
Overall, I adore the Urban Decay Naked 2 Basics palette. For £21.60 RRP (it’s discounted at Feelunique!) you definitely get value for your money. Also, for some strange reason, it’s been giving me chocolate cravings every time I look at it… I used to experiment a lot more with this palette, however, I’ve learned what looks best and what not. Hence, I’ve created my everyday look by using this palette in the photos below and I hope you like it. It’s a very gentle, feminine and classic warm-toned makeup look.
What are your thoughts of the Naked 2 Basics palette?
P.S: In case you’re wondering, I’m using one of my favourite MAC matte lipsticks – Velvet Teddy!
x Mariya
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Eva
January 6, 2018Hmm interesting! I’ve never really been interested in the UD Naked Basics palettes, For some reason I just always feel like they’re very pricey for the number of shades. But now you have me intrigued! Next time I’m in Debenhams I’m going to get swatching and reconsider it!
whatevawears.co.uk
Mariya
January 6, 2018I felt the same, Eva! When I got this one it was on discount and I thought I should give it a go after many reviews. And I’m glad I did – it’s my first ever UD palette, but definitely not my last one! x
Hazel
January 7, 2018Ohh wow you’re so pretty and i like the makeup look! I personally have the naked palette 1 and i absolutely love it.
❤ Hazel from Dress Me Up Buttercup
Mariya
January 7, 2018Thanks so much, Hazel! I feel very self-conscious when doing close-ups, but I had to show the makeup. I’m glad you like it! x
Elena Isabelle
January 7, 2018i love the naked palettes so much but i never got the basic ones. this one looks perfect for travelling and taking places.
❤︎
http://www.elenaisabelle.com
Mariya
January 7, 2018It absolutely is! x
Missy May
January 7, 2018I haven’t used any Naked products before, but after this post, it definitely time to check em out. You’re one pretty lady.
https://www.missymayification.co.uk
Mariya
January 7, 2018I’m so glad! Thanks for the lovely comment! I would say my makeup is to blame for the pretty part, not sure without it I look that pretty! haha x
Daniel
January 7, 2018Great review!
Daniel x
The Daniel Originals | Instagram: danielpoonvignez
Mariya
January 7, 2018Thanks Daniel! x
Asshly
January 7, 2018This palette is really good for traveling, i always carry this one on my makeup bag.
http://www.femmeontrend.com/2018/01/outfit-ideas-winter-fashion-bloggers.html
http://www.femmeontrend.com/2018/01/what-you-should-wear-formal-wedding.html
http://www.femmeontrend.com/2018/01/the-most-popular-beanies.html
best,
Asshly!
Jurgita
January 8, 2018You have such a bautiful jawline!! ❤️
Jurgita | http://www.crystalsundays.com
Mariya
January 9, 2018Oh, wow, that’s the first time someone’s said that! Thanks so much! I actually really don’t like it but I’m glad you do! haha x
Esther
January 8, 2018I love the urban decay naked palettes.
I have all of them and use them regularly.
Have a great week.
Love, Esther
https://lifestyle-tale.com/lovelace-hotel-a-pop-up-hotel-in-munich/
Mariya
January 9, 2018Thanks Esther! x
Layla
January 8, 2018This is such a lovely post – you look gorgeous and got to love this palette! It’s such a go-to and a favourite!
Hope you’re well and wishing you a wonderful 2018!
Layla xx
http://www.sprinklesofstyle.co.uk
Mariya
January 9, 2018Such a lovely comment, Layla! Thank you! Wishing you all the best! x
jane
January 9, 2018I always love urban decay.
Love this palette.
Much Love,
Jane | The Bandwagon Chic
Vanessa
January 9, 2018I love the palette, some shades feel a bit too powdery but the colour selection is amazing.
Vanessa x | http://www.springlilies.com
Zorica
January 11, 2018Love the review.
xx
https://theonethattravels.wordpress.com/
Ella Maybury
April 3, 2018I have never tried the Urban Decay Basics palette. I have got the Naked 2 palette mind, which I do love. I love the Morphe palettes mind, they are my favourite at the moment. I have done a few reviews of them over on my blog – http://www.justmylittleplace.co.uk feel free to take a look. I really like your blog btw, very clean looking 🙂