Urban Decay Smoked Palette

I don't often sport a dark smokey eye. In fact, up until the last couple of years, I mainly just wore shades of brown, with the odd purple-y color throw in there. I was all about natural looking makeup, buying and wearing mostly makeup that made it look like I wasn't wearing a lot of makeup (unfortunately for my face, it most often looked like I wasn't wearing any makeup at all).

Fast forward to now - I still don't wear a lot of dark eyeliner or shadow, but I love playing with it and am more willing to try it out for a special event. Let's face it - this stay at home momma of three kids under 3 doesn't find a lot of opportunity for a super smokey eye. But, I still had to have this palette. I think it is perfect for those seeking a palette for gorgeous smokey eye looks - and I think it's even perfect for those who don't.

As always, Urban Decay has produced a high quality palette with super buttery, pigmented and very blend-able shades. Barlust is probably my favorite, followed by Mushroom....but I love the Loaded (green) and Rockstar (purple) shades as well. For those of us not creating a smokey eye look...the dark brown and black are great for adding depth in the crease, outer corner and for lining...the lighter shades serve as good blending colors and highlights, but if you want something light and shimmery, you'll have to look elsewhere in your collection...and the colorful shades would be a fun way to add a pop of color along the upper and/or lower lash line. There you have it. I justified your purchase of this palette for you. You're welcome. Obviously if you like dark eyeshadow looks and wearing smokey eyes, you don't need my justification. This palette is for you!

Since the palette has been out a while, you probably already know the details. Here they are anyway: 

The smoked palette features black zip around packaging housing 10 shades and includes a full size 24/7 Glide on Liner in Perversion - a super rich, matte black. It also has a great booklet showing different smokey eye looks to try. And don't forget - they even include a travel size of the Eyeshadow Primer Potion.

All photos are swatched in the same order as the palette, on bare skin: Kinky, Freestyle, Mushroom, Backdoor, Blackout, Barlust, Rockstar, Evidence, Loaded, Asphalt. In the second and third photo, I have also swatched Perversion down the middle of the two rows.

Swatches from the Urban Decay Smoked Palette - outside in full sun.

Swatches from the Urban Decay Smoked Palette - outside, shade.

Swatches from the Urban Decay Smoked Palette - inside, natural light.

Is it worth $49? I'd say so. You can create a range of different looks, from neutral, daytime friendly to over the top, nighttime sexy. 

Do you own this palette? What is your favorite way to wear these shades?

Don't forget to turn your clocks back tonight!
Becca