Thursday 16 August 2012

Urban Decay Smoked Palette: Review & Swatches

Urban Decay's latest 'must have' eyeshadow palette is called 'smoked'. As the name would suggest, it's the smokey eye's answer to the Naked palette... a selection of 10 shades that will allow you to create a whole range of smokey eyes varying from classic black, right through to more vibrant colours including deep aubergine and metallic emerald.

The packaging is similar to that of last Christmas' 'Emergancy' kit: a soft zip-up layer encasing a sturdy cardboard insert. Personally I'm not a fan of either the material or the bulkiness of the palette. I think the packaging for both of the Naked Palettes is much more convenient and user-friendly.

That aside, the shadows themselves are lovely, as you would expect from the brand.

Smooth and very heavily pigmented. Mushroom, Asphalt and Loaded are particularly lovely in formulation. 
The mattes, as always, are slightly less impressive. but still amongst some of the best available on the market. Urban Decay really do nail it when it comes to eyeshadows. There are no super-glittery, fallout-prone shades in this palette either... very impressed.

The palette comes with a full size 24/7 eyeliner in perversion, a deep matte black. I'm a big fan of these eyeliners already and think it's a great addition to this palette. A black eyeliner is an essential ingredient for a good smokey eye after all!

It also comes with a mini-sized primer potion (in the new packaging - horaay!) so that your shadows last all day and a booklet showing you various different looks that can be created using the palette, and step by step instructions for doing them yourself.



All in all, this palette is an absolute gem for those of you who frwuently sport a smokey eye. If it's your go-to eye look then I'd have to say this palette is a must have. It has everything you need for only £35 and would make a fabulous gift.

Having said that, for me personally... I don't think this palette would get much use. I love my neutrals, and for that reason, the Naked and Naked 2 palettes will remain my go-to Urban Decay palettes. Either way, another very impressive release from Urban Decay. They're certainly on a roll at the moment!

You can purchase the Smoked palette now, £35 from Debenhams.
Share:

105 comments

  1. This looks like a great palette but I have to agree, I have so many already that I think I'll give this a pass.
    nineteenoone.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Gorgeous shades as always, Blackout is such a pure black it's unbelievable!

    Ali xx
    ZombiesWearEyeliner.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  3. loooks great!

    http://laurenlovesmakeupxoxo.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am lusting after the mushroom shade! not a big fan of how the packaging looks.
    Is it sturdy or flimsy?

    Nat xxx

    http://floral-fatigue.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love this palette and can't wait to get my hands on it :)great review Fleur xx

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love the look of it, but I would not use it! I too prefer the Naked palettes! <3 :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wow this palette looks absolutely beautiful and has the potential for creating some great evening looks. I still prefer my naked1 though and don't think I'll be spending the £35 for this one...

    http://es-jaymakeup.blogspot.com - for beauty reviews, hauls and health posts

    xoxox

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great review Fleur, I also agree that I like my neutrals so much more and wouldn't really get use out of this. Really want to try out the Stila 'In the Light' Palette though :)

    x

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hey Fleur!
    Looks cool, but like you I already have both the Naked Palettes and mainly wear neutrals. So don't think I'll be splurging on this! Shame really xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love UD colors ! They always look great !

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great review, and the product really does look lovely, I however am also a neutrals kind of gal and therefore this wouldnt get very much use from me. However that being said if I got it as a gift I would be very happy with it.

    Stacie xoxo

    stacie-lifeisworththefight.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  12. I like the little 'how to' book for us eye shadow application novices! Neutrals are definitely more suited to me though...

    www.jacsbeautyspot.blogspot.co.uk

    x

    ReplyDelete
  13. I will buy the Naked 2 before this one. But some of the colors are truly beautiful, so I will probably end up buying this too, eventually :p

    http://sugarmochi.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I'll be seeing this on payday! :) And it has the perversion liner I'd been after! :)

    http://ljsx.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  15. UD never fail to deliver on eyeshadow products! This palette looks/sounds fantasic. I'm not quite sure if I would purchase it though, only because I do already have both Naked & Naked 2 palettes..

    http://dawndugong.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. UD never fails to impress, this palette looks great!
    Beauty by T

    ReplyDelete
  17. great packaging but I also love the neutrals more.


    http://individualemotion.blogspot.de/

    ReplyDelete
  18. I love the colours, they look great!
    xx-B

    http://thegreyclover.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  19. Oh wow...the shades are beautiful and some pigmented! Another great palette from Urban Decay!

    http://makeupaddict-xo.blogspot.co.uk/

    xx

    ReplyDelete
  20. The colours look great, especially the blue and purple. This might have to go on my Christmas list!

    http://www.theshopaholicconfessions.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thank god they used the new packaging for the mini primer potion. I really didn't like the old packaging..

    http://passionformakeup11.blogspot.co.uk/

    x

    ReplyDelete
  22. Fab review! And your swatches look really good! Mine didn't turn out as well, but my review of the palette is here:

    http://missstylicious.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/urban-decay-smoked-palette-picture-heavy.html

    I have the Naked 2, and use it everyday, but equally love the Smoked palette, purely because I love a heavy smokey eye. If that's not your look I think both the Naked palettes are versatile enough to be used for subtle everyday, and the darker colours, which includes Blackout from this palette, can be used to smoke the eyes out on nights out.

    I think this palette is a nice addition, especially for me, as I wanted the green, purple and blue from this palette, and it worked out cheaper to buy this than them separately, but I don't think it is for everyone unless you want it for a specific smokey look. x

    ReplyDelete
  23. I've just gone and bought this but haven't tried it yet. Looks fun. x

    ReplyDelete
  24. lots like a great palette but i have to agree i am more of a neutral girl, plus with the darker shades in the naked palette you can create a smokey eye aswell :)

    www.thelilywhiteenglishrose.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. This looks great, but I think I'll be sticking to my Naked Palette. I'd fear this would just sit in my drawer gathering dust!

    www.parisianorchid.blogspot.co.uk

    xx

    ReplyDelete
  26. Did you use some kind of primer for the swatches? They look great!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I'm not a fan of the bulky packaging either but the eyeshadows look gorgeous! x

    ReplyDelete
  28. I love the shade mushroom ! , Really like this palette

    ReplyDelete
  29. This is a gorgeous palette honestly. I own the Naked palette but this would be such a great addition to that!

    abundanceoferica.blogspot.ca

    ReplyDelete
  30. wow very pretty colours and the pictures are amazing, all the swatches show up so perfectly! xx
    http://missfoxylove.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. The colors looks beautiful! I still have to try out the Naked palettes as I've heard such great things about them! :)
    natalielovesbeauty.blogspot.ca

    ReplyDelete
  32. oh wow, the case looks gorgeous and the colors as well - like we expected! x

    http://ravesndramblings.blogspot.nl

    ReplyDelete
  33. Looks AMAZING! May have to purchase this! xxx
    http://athousandseasons.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  34. The colours look quite interesting, but I don't think anything will ever beat my beloved Naked Palette x

    www.atrubik.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. this is the most perfect pallet, a big rival to the naked pallets imo x

    ReplyDelete
  36. Wow, amazing! Think i prefer the look of this to either of the Naked palette's!
    xxx

    www.TheBeautyBelle.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  37. That looks amazing, shame I can't really pull off the smokey eye!

    Aimée
    xx

    petticoatsandpansies.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  38. Would love to be able to wear these colours, but i'm the same, more of a neutrals girl! They look like gorgeous shadows though! xx

    http://sophiaxblog.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. I think I'd use the top row of colours religiously but doubt I would get much use out of the bottom row! Think I'll stick to my Naked 2 xx

    http://www.paintpotted.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  40. I really like this palette as 'smoky eye' is often my go to style. I really like that it comes with a primer and instruction booklet too, such a nice touch
    Daniella x

    http://daniella-r.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  41. i love this palette!!!! so nice!!:D
    if you want to visit and comment on my blog:
    http://naddiba.blogspot.com/

    kiss :))

    ReplyDelete
  42. Really not a fan of the packaging - far too bulky and not very pretty! And I'm also more of a neutrals girl

    Rachel from www.whatabeauty.co.uk x

    ReplyDelete
  43. Looks like Urban Decay have done it again! Amazing looking pallet...I've recently gotten into wearing a smokey eye alot more so this may be worth the investment! xx

    ReplyDelete
  44. swatches look great! urban decay's eye shadows never fail to impress me:)
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  45. This palette looks perfect, the little look guide reminds me of the ones included in Stila palettes. I'm currently in love with my stila "In the light palette; and i m now definitely tempted to try this and other urban decay shadows as i often read that they are highly comparable (just ud has a hight price tag!) :) Lovely post and i loveee this palette, the swatches look AMAZING!

    sophierosehearts x

    ReplyDelete
  46. great colours, looks well pigmented!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Great review my birthday is coming up so I shall be throwing a few hints to my fiance for this lol :) hes already hinted at me what he wants for his!! x

    ReplyDelete
  48. That palette looks amazing! I love a smokey eye look & these shadows are just so pigmented. Great post :) xx

    jensbrightandbeautiful.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. I seriously need to try UD palettes xo
    http://madeinkayla.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  50. Love this post! :)

    ReplyDelete
  51. This palette looks amazing!

    thebeautymist.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. I love the look of this... I don't often wear a smokey eye anymore but I love the thought of having a palette full of darker shades for when I do... I love how it contains lots of different colours for different types of smokey eye :)

    Frances xx

    http://francescassandra.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  53. Do I have to choose between the naked and the smokey, or shall I put both of them on my ever growing wish list? Thank you for sharing every single detail! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  54. great post and beautiful colors! i agree though, the naked palettes suit me better.
    love reading your blog fleur!

    http://katiegolightlyx.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  55. I love the palette, nice tones and very pigmented! thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  56. Looks outstanding and so pigmented! Thanks Fleur :)
    http://cofcorals.blogspot.ca/

    ReplyDelete
  57. Love this palette!!!

    http://the-other-side-of-bed.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  58. The colours look amazing! and the eyeliner looks like you can work with it easily!

    http://beauty-fashion-crush.blogspot.co.uk/

    xx

    ReplyDelete
  59. This is such a beautiful looking palette! It's a shame the packaging isn't prettier x

    ReplyDelete
  60. the pigmintation looks amazing great post fleur! xo

    ReplyDelete
  61. Oh I saw this online the other day and was intrigued.
    Thanks for the swatches - the pigmentation is amazing. Shame the packaging is kind of ugly though...

    xx
    where-is-my-mind.com

    ReplyDelete
  62. The pigmentation looks amazing. I feel like I would only get any use out of the top row, myself.

    www.lepoisson-chat.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  63. Hey Fleur- I have some motivation for you to maintain your gym routine - I'm guna kick your ASS if you don't cause you were MY motivation to go :-P PS more muffin/healthy unhealthy ideas would be brill cause I've been pretty much living off the banana and cacao ones and I don't want to turn into a banana!! xox

    ReplyDelete
  64. When I saw the picture from my Reading List, I actually thought the packaging says "Sucka" LOL I quite like the packaging, with Sucka or Smoked :p It looks very handy especially when travelling and the pigmentation looks amazing. it's only unfortunate we don't have urban decay here in HK :(

    ReplyDelete
  65. It sounds great. Unfortunately UD isn't available in Poland...:(

    ReplyDelete
  66. Amazing looking palette! :D may have to consider purchasing at some point. Beautiful colours!

    http://rachaelsthought.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  67. This palette looks really beautiful, but I think I would prefer the Naked one:)

    www.eliseloves.blogspot.be

    ReplyDelete
  68. the color combination is so pretty, you could definitely make some stunning smokey eyes with this palette!

    http://bravebrunette.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  69. I would love this! I think I might make a cheeky purchase this weekend! :)

    ReplyDelete
  70. Love how this has tips and instructions on how to use the palette! I gotta have this!!

    http://itsjessicachoy.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  71. Gorgeous colors but too bad that I am not a fan of smokey looks :(

    Annadeglam.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  72. Love the colours, and the book looks really usefull to :)

    http://emma-mitchell.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  73. Lovely colours. I like the blue the best :) xx

    ReplyDelete
  74. this palette looks amazing! I love their liners and primer potion so those are great added goodies. thanks for sharing the swatches. gigi. food and beauty blogger @ http://www.gigikkitchen.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  75. Oooohhh, lovely colors! Great post Fleur! :) I might get this soon

    afashionistascorner.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  76. Oh man...I cannot resist Urban Decay palettes at the moment and a smokey eye is my favourite look. Ahhhhh.
    Must not go past the Urban Decay counter anytime soon...

    ReplyDelete
  77. Amazing palette, but I probably wouldn't use it very often. I prefer the naked palette :)


    http://itslucindasblog.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  78. Love the holiday shades! Im sad about the mattes though ughhh ah well can't win em all can we UD?

    crepechiffon.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  79. Oh my gosh these colors look sooooo pigmented! They look amazing!

    www.thebeautybar77.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  80. these colors are amazing

    ReplyDelete
  81. Wow, the palette looks awesome! I LOVE it!! <3

    Stop by some time:)

    xxx

    Mia's Little Corner

    ReplyDelete
  82. wow, just wow. i love everything about this! x

    missjessicarachel.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  83. But should I get this or a Naked Palette... Decisions!

    andnowlifebegins.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  84. That sounds like a really good deal for the quality, but I'm loving my Stila In The Light palette right now. I wouldn't need another palette for awhile now because the Stila one is so pigmented I don't need to use too much to get the effect I want.

    ReplyDelete
  85. Wow, I love the eye palette! The colours are so intense.

    http://bonsmadeinca.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  86. Thats lovely :D Once again I NEED THAT
    http://simplykarun.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  87. I really want this palette! LOVE the colors.

    ReplyDelete
  88. I'm not a fan of a smokey eye, I'm all for neutrals normally, but this looks like something I might have to get, especially if it has the primer and a liner :) xx

    http://hedgehogloves.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  89. I'm usually the first in line to buy the latest UD palette but sadly this doesn't stand out to me... Maybe it's because I don't really do smokey eyes!

    ReplyDelete
  90. Wow! I love this palette! The colours are gorgeous and look super pigmented. Would you say that this is better than the naked palette?

    smilesetc.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  91. I really love the palette but it is unfortunate that its hard to get a hold of it here in the Philippines.

    Lots of love.

    http://www.sajerlily.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  92. Thanks for reviewing this~! I have yet to even purchase the naked palettes but not I want this one too! Oh my wallet XD

    geekypinkness.blogspot.ca

    ReplyDelete
  93. really liking this pallet but I am more of a neutrals girl :) http://www.amazine.com/story/900906

    ReplyDelete
  94. That is a lovely palette !!!x

    ReplyDelete
  95. This looks like a good palette. Still not sure if I need it or if I just want it

    ReplyDelete
  96. I'm kind of the opposite, I think I kind of prefer this packaging

    ReplyDelete
  97. colours,packaging are nice.I haven't tried anything from urband. This post makes me curious abut this brand.

    http://charming-lifepattern.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  98. Beautiful, but I think I'll pass and stick with my naked palette^^
    ❤ J http://cottoncandyc.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  99. That palette looks gorgeous! I hear so many good things about it being so versatile for day and night looks.<3
    xx
    www.jamiexsea.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete

© Fleur De Force | All rights reserved.
Blog Layout Created by pipdig