I realise I may be a bit late in getting into Urban Decay’s Naked Palettes. You may also recall a previous post in which I admitted to forgoing the first Naked Palette, and my reasons for doing so. Anyhow in my recent research for work, I purchased both, and thought I’d do a comparison of the two.
Just to clarify, I purchased these on company expense. As such they don’t belong to me, and this review is based purely on first impression and swatching them.
1. Outer Packaging
The original Naked Palette is made of cardboard case that is covered with hot stamped velvet. It feels luxurious and remains compact and light.
Naked Palette 2, on the other hand is made from plastic case and sits within an embossed metal case. Feels solid and would withstand wear and tear better than the original Naked Palette, however make it a little too heavy for my liking.
Winner – Original Naked Palette
2. Internal Content
The internal appearances for both palettes are extension of the outside, so Naked Palette 2 looks a little more industrial with its use of plastic and metal. I didn’t check the weight of the eyeshadows, although I would assume they would be the same.
However, you can see that the mirror is much bigger in Naked Palette 2. This makes using the palette on the go much more convenient.
Winner: Naked Palette 2
3. Brushes
The brushes included in Naked Palettes are outstanding – nice soft bristles with solid handles. The main difference, is the brush that comes with Naked Palette 2 is duo ended. On one side is a short, rounded flat brush like the one in Naked Palette 1 – which is great for depositing pigments on the eyelids.
But a BIG plus is the eye fluffer on the other end of the brush in Naked Palette 2. I LOVE eye fluffers as they are so awesome for blending out the different colours, especially in the crease area. For a palette with 12 colours, I think it’s essential.
Winner: Naked Palette 2
3. Pigments
Both palettes feature neutral tones (hence the name) and all pigments have good colour pay-off. Each eyeshadow vary in depth of colour and range from matte to shimmer.
To me, it seems more thoughts were put into the first palette, in that each colour is quite different, and the textures suit what each colour would be used for. I was pleasantly surprised by the colours in the original Naked Palette, even though I already have so many neutral eyeshadows, there are a lot in this palette unlike what I already have, and can see myself using quite frequently.
Naked Palette 2 is more ordinary to me. A few shades are too similar to each other, and to what’s already in the first Naked Palette. There also seem to be less logic in the varying textures.
Winner – Original Naked Palette
4. Mini GWP
The original Naked Palette comes with a miniature size of Primer Potion, whilst Naked Palette 2 comes with a mini ligloss. No competition here – the Urban Decay Primer Potion (UDPP) is one of my HG products. It is the only thing that locks in my eye makeup, all day long. And lipgloss is…. well, a lipgloss.
Winner – Original Naked Palette
The verdict:
After swatching both, I’m actually very tempted to purchase a Naked Palette 1 for myself! The inclusion of UDPP and the great pigments make it great for makeup beginners to professionals equally. The smaller mirror is not a big deal, as doing the eye makeup should be something reserved in private and in front of a full sized mirror anyhow.
Naked Palette 2 has the edge with its duo ended brush, but that is easily overcome with your own additional brush(es).
I don’t believe one needs both Naked Palettes – the original one is better value for money, and can then be mixed and matched with other more daring colours.
Urban Decay Naked Palette 1 and 2 both retail for USD$50 and is available for world-wide delivery on http://www.beautybay.com/












































