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Urban Decay | Alice Through The Looking Glass Eyeshadow Palette
When Urban Decay released their Alice In Wonderland Book of Shadows palette five years ago, it literally sold out worldwide within hours but with the upcoming launch of the Alice Through the Looking Glass movie (in theatres May 27), the brand has created a brand new version, the Alice Through the Looking Glass Eyeshadow Palette (CAN $75.00/limited edition) filled with 20 never-before-seen shades in the brand’s Pigment Infusion System™ (a proprietary blend of ingredients that give each shade amazing texture and longevity). With a range of matte, satin, pearl, and metallic finishes and in an array of soft all the way up to wildly vivid hues, the colours are arranged by columns inspired by some of the main characters of the film: Alice, Mad Hatter, Mirana, Iracebeth and Time.
The packaging features kaleidoscopic artwork of flowers interwoven with butterflies and includes several quotes from the movie, but the detailing doesn’t end there; once the lid is opened, the palette reveals a pair of doors that hide a gorgeous pop-up butterfly, with the actual eyeshadow palette in a drawer underneath. The palette also comes with a dual-ended synthetic fibre brush that’s also decorated along the same theme.
When the original Alice In Wonderland Book of Shadows palette was launched, I was fortunate enough to have picked one up and while it’s absolutely gorgeous to look at, I confess that it had quickly been relegated to ‘collector piece’ status, mainly due to the eyeshadow formulation that for the most part, is not exactly my speed – being somewhat dry and prone to fallout. Fast-forward to present day and the current Alice Through the Looking Glass Eyeshadow Palette, and we’re talking about a whole other animal; the formulation on each and every shade is nothing less than stellar with a buttery smooth application, hardly any fallout, effortless blendability, and impressive staying power. Also drawing inspiration from the film’s main characters, are five new limited edition lipstick shades to go along on this trippy-hippy ride, but I’ll save those for another post (coming soon).
Note that while the columns are intended to be read vertically colour-wise, I’ve opted to show them horizontally as it was easier to photograph that way – and just like Underland, there are no rules: anything goes. Just ask Alice.
Urban Decay | Alice Through the Looking Glass palette & lipsticks
Alice Through the Looking Glass
Urban Decay | Alice Through the Looking Glass Eyeshadow Palette (packaging front)
Urban Decay | Alice Through the Looking Glass Eyeshadow Palette (packaging back)
Urban Decay | Alice Through the Looking Glass Eyeshadow Palette with dual ended brush
Urban Decay | Alice Through the Looking Glass Eyeshadow Palette
Row 1:
- Looking Glass – pale pink demi-matte, both cool & warm leaning
- Hatter – emerald green with micro-sparkle
- Lily – opalescent pink pearl
- Heads Will Roll – intense turquoise with gold micro-sparkle
- Time – blackened navy satin with iridescent micro-sparkle
Urban Decay | Alice Through the Looking Glass Eyeshadow Palette swatches, row 1
Row 2:
- Reflection – pale peach matte
- Gone Mad – aubergine with pink iridescent pearl (ultra fine)
- Duchess – peach with a pink duo chrome shift and micro-sparkle
- Bandersnatch – deep teal matte
- Dream On – metallic purple-silver (*applies much more sheerly than shown in the pan)
Urban Decay | Alice Through the Looking Glass Eyeshadow Palette swatches, row 2
Row 3:
- Dormouse – warm tan brown matte with gold micro-sparkle
- Paradox – vivid orange with a gold shift and golden pearl
- Kingdom – copper bronze pearl
- Salazen Grum – metallic deep raspberry
- Chromosphere – metallic deep bronze
Urban Decay | Alice Through the Looking Glass Eyeshadow Palette swatches, row 3
Row 4:
- Metamorphosis – vibrant periwinkle blue with aqua shift and micro-sparkle
- Cake – saturated blue based pink with silver micro shimmer
- Chessboard – milk chocolate brown matte
- Royal Flush – pale beige shimmer (more metallic, really) with pink undertone
- Mirror – grey taupe with a light duo chrome shift, satin-shimmer
Urban Decay | Alice Through the Looking Glass Eyeshadow Palette swatches, row 4
Urban Decay | Alice Through the Looking Glass Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay | Alice in Wonderland Book of Shadows & Alice Through the Looking Glass Eyeshadow Palettes
Urban Decay | Alice in Wonderland Book of Shadows & Alice Through the Looking Glass Eyeshadow Palettes
I’ll get right to the point: if you missed out on Urban Decay’s original Alice palette then here’s your chance at redemption. Not only is the Alice Through the Looking Glass palette a visual stunner, but each and every shade is totally knocking it out of the park, setting the bar quite high for future releases from this brand. Much like the iconic topsy-turvy characters of the film, blink and you’ll miss it; this is one palette that you definitely don’t want to regret not picking up, believe me.
Available now through Sephora and www.urbandecay.ca
Product sample kindly provided for my unbiased consideration
Urban Decay | Afterglow Highlighter in Sin, Aura & Fireball
It’s official: I am a highlighting addict. While this relatively new obsession of mine might be attributed to how strategic ‘strobing’ can impart a youthful radiance, the real reason may also lie with these three new beauties from Urban Decay; I’m going with both. Following the success of the brand’s Afterglow blushes (reviewed here), Urban Decay introduces Afterglow 8-Hour Powder Highlighter (available in 3 shades) for achieving the glow you wish you were born with. Seriously.
Housed in a sleek ‘iridescent white’ (looks silver to me) metallic case that has a magnetic closure, the meshed initials on the lid have been cut-out so that you can identify the contents of each powder with ease. Plus, it looks really cool.
Each powder has complex iridescent shimmer particles that are ground so ultra smooth, as to merge perfectly upon the skin, providing it with a multi-dimensional glow. The texture of each powder is creamy to the touch with hardly any residue upon swirling brushes across their surface; as they are all quite richly pigmented, a little really does go a long way so start with just a dab, and work your way towards more intensity (if desired). All display exceptional blendability and regarding staying power, their name is well deserved: easily lasting 8+ hours (more so when worn over foundation), fusing beautifully with your skin’s warmth and natural oils for a lush radiance.
Urban Decay | Afterglow Highlighter (compact detail)
All the Afterglow Highlighter hues found in this real afterglow image (credit)
Urban Decay | Afterglow Highlighter
Urban Decay | Afterglow Highlighter
Urban Decay | Afterglow Highlighter swatches
Sin Afterglow Highlighter (CAN $32.00) | A soft gold hue that leans more warm than cool, but which can be sheered out to be made wearable by even those with fair complexions. Probably the most pigmented out of the three, this shade is simply gorgeous against a light tan, and works beautifully when paired along the upper cheekbones & inner eye corner. Or the brow bone. Or cupid’s bow. Bridge of the nose. Collarbone area. Décolleté … shoulders … shinbones … I’d probably slather this everywhere, if it were socially acceptable.
Urban Decay | Sin Afterglow Highlighter
Urban Decay | Sin Afterglow Highlighter swatches
Aura Afterglow Highlighter (CAN $32.00) | An iridescent pearly pink hue that leans more cool the warm, but I’ve made it work on my light-medium skin tone by applying it over a warmer blush for a really unique contrast. A stunning shade to wear on all the high points of the face (brow bone, bridge of the nose, upper cheekbones, cupid’s bow) as well as the inner eye corner, collarbone area, and even along shinbones to capture the light and add some glam.
Urban Decay | Aura Afterglow Highlighter
Urban Decay | Aura Afterglow Highlighter swatches
Fireball Afterglow Highlighter (CAN $32.00) | (Side note: every time I look at the name of this shade, I start singing the song by Pitbull, lol) A peachy hue with a gold & pink prismatic flash. Surprisingly, this is the most universally wearable shade of the three, as it has both cool and warm tones to suit a wide range of complexions. Those with fair skin tones can potentially make this work as a blush (although it is quite shimmery), while its tone won’t come off ashy-looking on darker complexions.
Urban Decay | Fireball Afterglow Highlighter
Urban Decay | Fireball Afterglow Highlighter swatches
Urban Decay | Afterglow Highlighter
Urban Decay has been on fire lately and pumping out one incredible product after another. Highlighters are here to stay, and if you’re looking for that red-carpet glow that seems to grace basically every celebrity’s face, then you’ll certainly achieve it with ease by using any one of these Afterglow Highlighters. From the three, my personal favourite is Sin for its absolutely effortless golden radiance, followed by Fireball for its unique & wearable highlighting colour, and lastly Aura for its moonlight-cool glow. So basically, I love them all. You’re shocked, right?
Urban Decay Afterglow Highlighters will be available as of April at Sephora and select Shopper’s Drug Mart locations across Canada. Find more information on the brand via www.urbandecay.ca
Product samples kindly provided by the Urban Decay team for my unbiased consideration
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Urban Decay X Gwen Stefani | Blush Palette
Some collaborations are almost preordained to happen, such as this Urban Decay X Gwen Stefani collection. One of the most anticipated pieces of this series, is the limited edition Blush Palette (CAN $60.00) which features 6 shades (blush, highlighter, bronzer/contour) all housed in one convenient package. The best part? All the colour input is by the songstress herself, filled with hues that she has always wanted to see in a palette. Happily, we can all now partake in that Gwen magic …
Details – they get me every time: the gold & black graphic print on the exterior packaging also displays a clear depiction of all the shades listed on the back. The palette compact has a grid work of white polka dots (apparently Gwen loves these cute little circles) surrounded by a gold frame (as opposed to the eyeshadow compact that has black polka dots) and a signature riveted faux-bronze at one corner. There’s also a full sized mirror on the inner lid with a silkscreened message at the bottom right corner (a cute touch). The three blush shades (Cherry, Easy & Hush) and two highlighters (Angel and OC) all display shimmer – some of it multi-tonal even, while the bronzer/contour shade, Lo-Fi, is shimmer-free but not 100% matte; there’s enough of a sheen to keep the colour from appearing flat. All shades are in the brand’s Afterglow formula and meant to give 8 hours of wear time.
Individual swatches of the shades are shown heavily applied (at left) and blended out (at right).
Urban Decay X Gwen Stefani | Blush Palette swatches (direct sunlight)
Urban Decay X Gwen Stefani | Blush Palette (alternate light)
Cherry – a cool toned pink shade with a surprisingly strong pigmentation, but that also blends out easily as well. Layerable, this makes for an interesting combination when worn over a [matte] warmer hued blush, and can make for a unique highlighter shade against darker complexions (sounds odd, but my gut tells me it will look amazing).
Easy – a shimmering berry hue with golden and prismatic ultra fine sparkle. I was unprepared for how saturated this shade would turn out to be; think NARS’s iconic Orgasm but on steroids. Will give a stunning flush of colour to cheeks, but needs to be blended out well (because we don’t want to look slapped, now do we?). Workable on all skin tones across the board.
Angel – a warm champagne highlighter hue, insane pigmentation and filled with such finely milled shimmer to give that ‘celebrity’ glow – and all without emphasizing pores. Applied over foundation, the wear time is impressive, staying true until removed, possibly looking even better as the product fuses with your skin’s warmth and natural oils.
Lo-Fi – a soft and warm-leaning bronzer hue with tan and caramel undertones. The powder is really finely milled and blends beautifully along the skin. Probably more suited for those with light to light-medium skin tones, as I suspect it will simply not show up on darker complexions. Used as a bronzer, this colour will give that sun-kissed glow to skin but I can’t really see it being applied as a realistic contouring shade, as I suspect it’s much too warm for that (contouring is meant to mimic shadows which are usually very-based, therefore cooler-toned hues are much better suited for the job).
Hush – a strongly pigmented warm oyster hue with peachy undertones and finely milled prismatic shimmer. This is the chameleon shade of the group, as it can be made to work as a blusher (there’s just enough pigment to keep it interesting when applied to the cheeks), layered over a matching hue for depth, or simply worn as a highlighter – but in a more diffused way (with the use of a fan brush). This hue also makes a lovely highlighting shade for those with darker complexions.
OC – I don’t know about you, but I did NOT expect this shade to swatch as it did; what appears to be a Cremesicle-orange hue in the pan, turns out to be a peachy-pink shade with fine iridescent shimmer once applied to the skin. What sorcery is this? I can totally see this working as a lovely flush against lightly tanned skin, or better still, as a unique highlighter along the high points of the face (I’m also thinking this will make a gorgeous eyeshadow hue).
Urban Decay X Gwen Stefani | Blush Palette
Ready-made palettes fall into one of 2 categories for me: hit or miss. This, my lovelies, is most definitely a HIT. The shades are beautiful, the quality of each is so very easy to work with (no fallout and excellent staying power – when applied over foundation), and generously-sized so that there’s no risk of cross-contamination when swirling brushes across any of them. As if the colour selection weren’t enough, there’s the price: CAD $60.00 for 6 shades? I call that a steal.
Who’ll be picking this up? Let me know your thoughts!
The Urban Decay X Gwen Stefani Blush Palette is available through Sephora & sephora.com and select Shopper’s Drug Mart/Pharmaprix stores across Canada. Find more information via www.urbandecay.ca
Press simply kindly provided for my unbiased consideration
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Urban Decay | Vice 4 Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay, the reigning master of all things Naked, can also be attributed for making large multi-coloured eyeshadow palettes something to covet. The latest iteration in the series, Vice 4 (Vice 3 previously reviewed here) draws its inspiration from the mesmerizing colours of an oil-slick (true fact: pavement oil slicks have been known to hypnotize me) and features 20 never-before-seen shades from this brand, an accomplishment that seems like a minor miracle, given the plethora of colours UD has come out with over the years.
PS: This palette is now CAN $45.00 (from CAN $70.00) on www.urbandecay.ca You’re welcome.
Details, they get me every.single.time. and Urban Decay has outdone itself here; starting from the outer box with its multi-tonal geometric array and back cover that clearly displays all the shades, inside are even more wonderful perks. The Vice 4 palette comes housed in a bag bearing a matching holographic pattern (as seen on the outer packaging) on a black background and is large enough that it can also be used as a makeup bag and/or brush holder, if desired. Another nice touch to the bag, is that it can also fit an iPad mini – intentionally designed this way when the brand realized that the previous Vice 3 bag was being adapted for that use (although that one was a much tighter fit). The palette casing features a two-tiered lid (and oversized mirror on the inside) with a ‘dimensional web of broken-down facets‘ that continues the oil slick theme, and after you’ve torn your eyes away from this visual overload, the beauty continues inside …
The 20 new shades inside come in a variety of finishes: matte, satin, pearl, metallic, and micro-glitter, and range in colour from neutral to jewel-toned with Urban Decay’s Pigment Infusion System™ a ‘proprietary blend of ingredients for rich, velvety, blendable colour that lasts‘. There is a synthetic-haired dual ended brush included as well (if you own other UD palettes, you’re sure to already have this brush) but I prefer using my own brushes.
Urban Decay | Vice 4 Eyeshadow Palette (exterior packaging)
Urban Decay | Vice 4 Eyeshadow Palette (inner sleeve)
Urban Decay | Vice 4 Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay | Vice 4 Eyeshadow Palette & dual-ended brush
Urban Decay | Vice 4 Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay | Vice 4 Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay | Vice 4 Eyeshadow Palette (detail of the intricately worked cover)
Urban Decay | Vice 4 Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay | Vice 4 Eyeshadow Palette (macro)
Urban Decay | dual-ended brush of the Vice 4 Eyeshadow Palette
Row 1:
- Bones – oyster satin with pearl
- Framed – light neutral, pink undertones, matte-satin
- Discreet – soft dusty mauve, lilac undertones, matte
- Bitter – reddish brown matte
Row 2:
- Grip – taupe matte with iridescent micro-glitter
- Fast-Ball – metallic peachy pink with pink micro-glitter
- Grasshopper – metallic emerald with green micro-glitter
- Flame – bright orange with gold micro-glitter
Row 3:
- Deadbeat – black satin with iridescent micro-glitter
- 1985 – metallic fuchsia with fuchsia micro-glitter
- C-Note – frosted green with micro-glitter
- Low – brown matte with iridescent micro-glitter
Row 4:
- Beat Down – deep metallic violet with blue micro-glitter, inky undertone
- Underhand – burgundy-brown satin
- Arctic – bright teal with tonal sparkle
- Crowbar – black with golden metallic pearl and micro-glitter, olive undertone
Row 5:
- Pandemonium – metallic plum with iridescent micro-glitter
- Harlot – metallic lavender
- Robbery – deep metallic brown-gunmetal
- Delete – deep chestnut brown matte-satin
From the swatches above, it’s clear that all shades in the Vice 4 Eyeshadow Palette have something in common, regardless of the finish: excellent colour payoff with a smooth application. Some of the hues with more obvious sparkle need to be patted in to avoid any potential fallout, while the mattes are so insanely buttery soft that I caution you to not dive in too vigorously with your brush, unless you want to see the product damaged. Interestingly enough, I find the term ‘micro-glitter’ here a little misleading, as those shades labelled that way are actually quite smoothly applying, with none of the pesky glitter pieces one usually associates with that word. Regarding staying power (and applied over primer), the results are excellent with the colours staying true without any significant fading or creasing until removed.
And if all of the above wasn’t enough to convince you, how about that price? Run, don’t walk.
Urban Decay products are available through Sephora and select Shopper’s Drug Mart/Pharmaprix stores across Canada. Find more information via www.urbandecay.ca
Press sample provided for my unbiased consideration
Urban Decay | Naked Smoky
Urban Decay does naked so, so well.
Welcoming the latest iteration to their iconic eyeshadow palettes, is Naked Smoky – the edgier and somewhat grown-up counterpart to the rest of the Naked clan. Still staying well within the mantra of wearable shades, this grouping features 9 never-before-seen hues as well as 3 exclusives from past palettes, along with a dual-ended brush for application, but let’s face it: it’s really all about these colours, wouldn’t you agree?
Urban Decay | Naked Smoky
Urban Decay | Naked Smoky
Naked Smoky (CAN $64.00) | You had me at Naked…or maybe it was Smoky? Starting from the case which features a pattern of swirling smoke plumes in a transparent base with Naked Smoky written in raised gunmetal lettering, it also holds a full-size mirror on the inner lid and snaps firmly closed, the better to keep its precious cargo safe & snug. The 12 shades are a mix of high-impact metallics, shimmers, as well as mattes – ranging from neutral to deep and which offer a wide range of looks that can be created. The dual-ended brush that comes with the palette is useful when you’re on the go, although I personally prefer using my own brushes instead. Quality with all shades is outstanding, with some displaying higher pigmentation than others (such as the deeper colours, naturally) and even the more shimmery hues don’t have the usual fall-down of similar past UD shades (although I still recommend patting instead of brushing these on – just in case). The texture on all is buttery smooth and offers excellent blendability, while wear time will obviously depend on your application method and colour selection, although all appear to last beautifully until removed, in particular when worn over primer.
Urban Decay | Naked Smoky with included dual-ended brush
Urban Decay | Naked Smoky
Urban Decay | Naked Smoky swatches (in sunlight)
Urban Decay | Naked Smoky swatches (alternate light)
Urban Decay | Naked Smoky
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1st Quadrant:
- High – champagne, shimmer with micro-glitter
- Dirty sweet – oyster/light bronze, satin shimmer
- Radar – taupe, metallic/iridescent and with micro-glitter
- Armor – silver/taupe, metallic tonal + sparkle
Urban Decay | Naked Smoky (1st Quadrant swatches)
Urban Decay | Naked Smoky (1st Quadrant swatches, alternate light)
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2nd Quadrant:
- Slanted – steel/grey, metallic
- Dagger – charcoal/blue-grey, subtle micro-shimmer
- Black Market – jet black, satin (slight iridescence)
- Smolder – dark amethyst, shimmer
Urban Decay | Naked Smoky (2nd Quadrant swatches)
Urban Decay | Naked Smoky (2nd Quadrant swatches, alternate light)
3rd Quadrant:
- Password – deep mauve/taupe, matte
- Whiskey – cool brown, satin matte
- Combust – nude pink, matte
- Thirteen – bone, satin matte
Urban Decay | Naked Smoky (3rd Quadrant swatches)
Urban Decay | Naked Smoky (3rd Quadrant swatches, alternate light)
Urban Decay | Naked medley
There have been many comparisons posted online of all the Urban Decay Naked palettes, and since I don’t want to bore you more detailed breakdowns, I’ve opted to simply show visuals of all 4 palettes without swatches. I do believe that the photos speak for themselves!
Urban Decay | Naked, Naked 1, Naked 2, Naked 3 & Naked Smoky
Urban Decay | Naked, Naked 1, Naked 2, Naked 3 & Naked Smoky
From the original Naked palette that went on to spawn a trend (as well as numerous look-a-likes), Urban Decay has reinvented the genre with the release of this deeper and more jewel-toned grouping of shades. Personally, I think this one is probably their best yet, as it offers many more combinations than any of the previous palettes do, as well as suitable for a broad range of tastes and complexions. In a nutshell: the Naked Smoky palette is a total winner and must-have. With Christmas around the corner, THIS would make one helluva gift for that beauty-lover on your list (hint, hint).
The Naked Smoky palette is available through all Sephora, and sephora.com stores across Canada (as well as select Shopper’s Drug Mart location). Find more information via www.urbandecay.ca
Press sample kindly provided by Urban Decay for my unbiased consideration
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