You guys! Today's post starts with a confession: I was not crazy excited for the much hyped Urban Decay Naked Cherry palette when the first images dropped. I saw it as a second, slightly cooler toned version of Naked Heat, which although being probably the best quality UD Naked palettes yet, was too same-y in shades to keep me engaged once the new-ness of it wore off.
So yes, I was apprehensive, but spoiler alert: I was wrong. Let's find out why.
A beautifully packaged palette boasting 12 eyeshadows arranged from light to deep, with a mix of 5 shimmers and 7 mattes, and a dual ended brush with a blending side and a fingertip end: no surprises there. The brush is a lot better than the one featured in the Naked Heat palette, that's for sure.
But I noticed something else when I got to see the palette in real life. Are you thinking along the same lines as I am?
Let me clarify myself: this palette is actually a lot more versatile than I had expected based on the press photos, and definitely more versatile than Naked Heat. If you look closely, you see that the shades fall apart in three categories: neutrals, soft pinks and smokey purples. Or to simplify things: neutrals and pinks. In the Naked Heat palette, almost every shade ended up swatching orange-y, which greatly reduced the range of looks I was able to create with it.
Naked Cherry has learned from its predecessor's mistakes and is actually a proper addition to the Urban Decay Naked palette line, allowing you to create anything from a soft look for the office, to a more fun, bright look, to deep, sultry smokey eyes. But how does it swatch?
Pretty darn good if you ask me. Yes, some of the mattes are a little dry/dusty, but Urban Decay palettes are meant to be worn with their Primer Potion which solves that issue so honestly, I don't expect anything different.
Let me break down the variety in the palette in the swatches by pointing out the neutrals and the pinks.
See? I especially appreciate how both subcollections (the neutrals and the pinks) allow for a nuanced look, from highlight to accent colour to dark smoke shade. This is the subcollections broken up and grouped.
See why I'm so excited?? This palette is basically two mini palettes in one: a fully functional neutral palette, and a fully functional pink/burgundy palette, with a couple of shades that can be used from both perspectives.
To illustrate the variety of this palette, I created three looks:
- a shimmery bronze neutral look which is my go-to on a day when I want to look my best with minor effort
- a sultry pink/purple smokey eye that is perfect for fall or when you're in the mood for some drama
- and a sweet, soft, mostly matte pink look with some inner corner shimmer
Oh and try and take note of how well the colours in this palette bring out the green in my hazel eyes!
For the first look I used Ambitious applied with a wet brush all over the lid, Drunk dial in the outer corner, Juicy through the crease and Turn On as an inner corner highlight. I love this type of bronze-y, rose gold look because it has the perfect mid-depth of colour, not light but not too dark either. It's the intensity that works best for me on a day-to-day basis.
The second is the smokey purple look.
For this look I used Bing throughout the crease, Devilish and Privacy in the outer corner and on the lower lashline, and Young Love applied with a wet brush all over the lid and in the inner corner. I love how a wet brush brings out Young Love's duochrome finish, such a pretty colour.
Finally, my unexpected favourite out of the three: this soft pink look.
For this look, I used Feelz and Juicy throughout the crease, Devilish in the outer corner and on the lower lashline, and Bang Bang applied with a wet brush in the inner corner. I love how the matte shades do not become one muddy mess but create depth, blending beautifully.
What more can I say? I think Naked Cherry is a great palette. I'd describe it as the deeper, more outspoken sister of Naked 3, equally flattering to green eyes.
If you want to buy Urban Decay Naked Cherry from Belgium, the most affordable option is LookFantastic where it retails at €48. Or if you or a loved one are visiting the U.S. anytime soon: it's more affordable over there as well!
Hope you enjoyed my review and let me know if you have any more questions.
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