Naked Palettes: What are the differences?

First came the Naked 1, then the Naked 2, and now the Naked 3! And the dilemma began: Which one to choose?

The best selling palettes from Urban Decay – each containing 12 neutral eyeshadows that range from light to dark, and shimmery to matte – are popular for a reason but like you, the thought of having to choose from the three is a little overwhelming. So we had to try them all and share our insight to hopefully help you make the right choice depending on many factors.

Here are our 2 cents on everything Naked:

Naked 1:

The first naked palette focuses on warm-toned colours, offering mostly golden, bronze shadows – perfect if you’re looking to recreate a beachy-bronzed look for this summer. The range of colours will help you create a small variety of daytime looks, but would work better as your go-to night out eyeshadow palette. The packaging comes with a flat eyeshadow brush – great for packing on the product. Those with tanned, bronzed skin with a warm yellow undertone should opt for the original Naked.

Pros: Great for summer, night out and bronzed skin.

Cons: Could be too shimmery for understated daytime looks. Better mixed with the Naked Basics mini palette to cover the whole spectrum.

Naked 2:

The follow up to the original Naked palette, the Naked 2 offers a beautiful cocktail of both warm-toned and cool colours from light, to medium and dark. With silvers, golds, taupes and blacks- the shadows are perfect for creating an eye look for any event- day or night. The packaging also comes with a double-ended eyeshadow/crease brush to help you apply and blend the colours and a few bonus eyeshadow primer potion samples. Perfect for any skin tone or eye colour, the Naked 2 is the most versatile of all three and great for beginners.

Pros: Very versatile offering day to night looks.

Cons: None!

Naked 3: 

The latest addition to Urban Decay’s Naked family, the Naked 3 is a mix of rosy-hued shadows ranging from pale to dark, available in  pearly to matte formulas. Like the Naked 2, this palette also comes with a dual-ended eyeshadow brush. Those with lighter, more pink undertones in the skin should opt for the Naked 3 as it gives an interesting hint of colour to complement this particular skin tone.

Pros: Great to add a twist on the neutral look with its rosy hues.

Cons: Not enough basic matte shades to balance the pink if you wish to.

Our pick:

Urban Decay’s Naked 2 wins our vote hands down! Its versatility enables us to create a vast number of looks for both day an night. We love the balance of basic matte hues and more glammed-up shimmery ones plus its black shade makes for great liner on those lazy days when we can’t be bothered to apply gel or liquid eyeliner.

Urban Decay Naked palettes are available at Sephora outlets worldwide.

Shannon Gallagher