It's Here! Urban Decay Book of Shadows Volume IV: Swatched.

After all of the online anticipation leaking over from it's recent launch in the States... the Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol. IV finally launches in the UK this week and I managed to get my mitts on one to show you ahead of it hitting the shops this Saturday.

The latest Book of Shadows is bigger and better than any of it's predecessors. Vol. IV brings you into the virtual dimension of beauty, allowing you to scan unique QR codes on your smart phone to access 5 different makeup tutorials based around the 16 eyeshadows, liquid eyeliner, mascara and primer potion that make up the kit.

It comes with a mini portable speaker and audio cable to plug into your phone, and a special cradle to hold your phone next to the built in mirror, allowing you to create the 5 looks even more easily!

I have to say I'm totally taken by this show of gadgetry. I love the novelty value of this palette, but if you're not interested in the gimmicky side of things... as expected from Urban Decay, the makeup doesn't disappoint either.

Ten of the sixteen shades are totally new and exclusive to the Book of Shadows Vol. IV, two previously only available in other limited edition palettes and four classic shades from the permanent collection.

• New Shades: HiJack, Missionary, Bender, Crystal, Lost, Blue Bus, Gravity, Bust, Midnight Rodeo, Zephyr
• Previously Limited Edition Shades: Cobra, Skimp
• Permanent Collection: Baked, Sin, Midnight Cowgirl, Gunmetal

 There is a lovely selection of brights vs. neutrals (Urban Decay are often guilty of doing either/or!).

Most of the eyeshadows have lovely pigmentation and texture, as you'd expect from Urban Decay. Bust, Missionary, Hijack and Lost (all of which are new to this palette!) being the stand out shades for me.

Left to right: Blue Bus, Gunmetal, Cobra, Baked, Bender, Gravity, Lost, Hijack

Left to right: Midnight Cowgirl, Sin, Midnight Rodeo, Crystal, Bust Missionary, Skimp, Zephyr

Two of the new shades didn't meet my high expectations of Urban Decay eyeshadows though... Blue Bus and Crystal both look beautiful in the pan but are really quite sheer upon application. The texture of Crystal also leaves a lot to be desired. It's very hard in the pan and difficult to work with.

The permanent shades included are some of my all time favourites from Urban Decay. I use Sin and Baked on a regular basis in my other palettes, so they make a welcome addition to this one.

As for the rest of the goodies? It's good to see a little change with the inclusion of a 24/7 liquid liner instead of the usual 24/7 pencil liners.

The mini mascara and primer potion make a lovely addition to the kit, especially if you're travelling.

Overall, I'm seriously impressed by this palette.

Yes, the tutorials are a gimmick... Yes, the Naked palette is better for everyday... but in my opinion it's the best mixture of day to nightime shades we've seen in a Book of Shadows yet, and it's fun! At £46 It's a bit more pricey than its predecessors, but definitely one to add to your Christmas lists! I'm pretty sure any girl would be happy to find this in her stocking.

The Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol. IV will be available in Debenhams and House of Fraser stores from the 1st October priced at £46, or buy it online HERE (with free delivery).
*Press Sample