Urban Decay’s Naked 3 palette, a beloved addition to the Naked family, delivers a stunning collection of rosy-hued neutrals. It’s a true crowd-pleaser, offering versatile shades for diverse looks!
What is the Naked 3 Palette?
The Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette is a collection of twelve eyeshadows, uniquely formulated with a range of rosy-neutral shades. Released as the third installment in the iconic Naked series, it diverges from the warmer tones of its predecessors, offering a cooler, more romantic color story.
This palette features a blend of matte, shimmer, and glitter finishes, providing versatility for creating both subtle daytime looks and dramatic evening styles. The shades are designed to complement a wide spectrum of skin tones, making it a universally flattering option. Many reviewers, like those at Really Ree, have praised the palette’s overall quality and the appeal of its color selection, noting its ability to instantly captivate.
Why is it Popular?
The Naked 3 Palette’s popularity stems from its universally flattering color scheme and high-quality formulation. Unlike some palettes, its rosy neutrals are considered wearable for almost all skin tones and coloring, as highlighted by Really Ree.
The palette’s appeal also lies in its versatility; it allows for the creation of both natural, everyday looks and more glamorous, smoky styles. Despite some initial skepticism about the Naked series becoming oversaturated, the Naked 3 proved to be a standout. Reviewers at Shameless Fripperies acknowledge its allure for evening wear, while Things Are Coming Up Rose Gold celebrate its innovative approach within the Naked line.
Palette Overview & Shade Breakdown
The Naked 3 features twelve shades, ranging from delicate pinks and peaches to deep plums and blacks, all designed for creating romantic and alluring eye looks.
Overall Color Story: Rosy Neutrals
The Naked 3 distinguishes itself with a decidedly rosy palette, a departure from the warmer tones of its predecessors. This collection focuses on muted pinks, mauve, and plum shades, offering a sophisticated and feminine aesthetic. Unlike palettes geared towards bold, dramatic looks, the Naked 3 excels at creating soft, romantic, and everyday wearable eye makeup.
The color story is incredibly versatile, suiting a wide range of skin tones and eye colors. While some may initially perceive the palette as overly shimmery, the inclusion of matte shades allows for balanced and nuanced eye looks. It’s a palette that encourages experimentation, allowing users to build everything from subtle daytime washes of color to more defined evening looks. The overall effect is undeniably pretty and universally flattering.
Individual Shade Descriptions ౼ Row 1
Row 1 introduces the lighter, more ethereal shades of the palette. Strange is a captivating pale pink shimmer, perfect for highlighting the inner corner of the eye or brow bone. Limit, a light pink matte, serves as an excellent transition shade or all-over lid color for a subtle wash. Completing the row is Hangover, a delicate pale peach shimmer that adds warmth and luminosity to the lid.
These shades are incredibly versatile and blend seamlessly, making them ideal for creating soft, romantic looks. The shimmer shades offer a beautiful sheen without being overly glittery, while the matte shade provides a smooth base for building intensity. They are a fantastic starting point for any eye look created with this palette.
Strange (Pale Pink Shimmer)
Strange is a delicate, pale pink shimmer that embodies the romantic essence of the Naked 3 palette. This shade is exceptionally versatile, functioning beautifully as a subtle highlight for the brow bone or inner corner of the eye. It adds a touch of luminosity and opens up the eyes, creating a youthful and radiant appearance.
The finely-milled shimmer isn’t chunky or glittery, offering a sophisticated sheen. It layers well over other shades, enhancing their dimension. For a minimalist look, apply Strange solo on the lid for a wash of soft pink. It’s a key shade for achieving the palette’s signature rosy glow.
Limit (Light Pink Matte)
Limit is a soft, light pink matte shade, serving as an ideal transition color within the Naked 3 palette. Its subtle hue blends seamlessly into the skin, creating a smooth base for building more intense colors. This shade is crucial for softening harsh lines and adding depth to the eye look.
The matte formula is incredibly blendable, preventing any patchiness or chalkiness. Apply Limit into the crease with a fluffy brush to create a diffused, natural-looking gradient. It’s a fantastic starting point for both everyday and more dramatic eye makeup, providing a delicate wash of color and prepping the lid;
Hangover (Pale Peach Shimmer)
Hangover is a beautiful pale peach shimmer, offering a subtle luminosity to the eyelid. This shade is perfect for brightening the eyes and adding a touch of warmth to any look. Its delicate shimmer isn’t overpowering, making it suitable for both daytime and evening makeup. The refined pearl formula delivers a sophisticated glow.
Apply Hangover all over the lid using a flat eyeshadow brush for an instant lift. It can also be used to highlight the inner corner of the eye, further enhancing brightness. The texture is smooth and easily blendable, ensuring a seamless application and a radiant finish. It’s a versatile shade for all skin tones!
Individual Shade Descriptions ⎻ Row 2
Row 2 introduces a captivating blend of rose-toned shimmers and a versatile mauve matte. Buzz, a light rose shimmer, adds a romantic flush to the lids, while Dust, a mauve matte, serves as an excellent transition or crease shade. Completing the row is Liar, a stunning rose gold shimmer, perfect for adding dimension and glamour.
These shades offer incredible versatility, allowing for both subtle and dramatic eye looks. The shimmer shades boast Urban Decay’s signature pearl formula, delivering intense pigment and a refined glow. Dust’s matte finish blends seamlessly, creating a soft, diffused effect. This row is a key component for creating the palette’s signature rosy aesthetic.
Buzz (Light Rose Shimmer)
Buzz is a captivating light rose shimmer, a standout shade within the Naked 3 palette. It delivers a romantic and youthful flush to the eyelids, adding a touch of delicate radiance. This shade’s finely-milled shimmer formula ensures a smooth application and buildable intensity, avoiding any chunky glitter appearance.
Perfect for both everyday wear and more glamorous looks, Buzz complements a wide range of skin tones. It can be used as an all-over lid color, or strategically placed in the center of the lid to brighten the eyes. Its subtle rose hue enhances natural eye color, creating a soft and alluring effect.
Dust (Mauve Matte)
Dust, a beautiful mauve matte shade, serves as a crucial transition and defining color within the Naked 3 palette. Its muted, cool-toned mauve provides a natural-looking depth to the crease, creating dimension without appearing harsh. The matte formula blends seamlessly, allowing for effortless contouring of the eye socket.
This versatile shade works exceptionally well with the other rosy tones in the palette, enhancing their vibrancy and creating a cohesive look. Dust is ideal for those seeking a subtle yet impactful eye look, and it’s particularly flattering on various skin tones. It’s a must-have for achieving a soft, romantic aesthetic.
Liar (Rose Gold Shimmer)
Liar, a captivating rose gold shimmer, is arguably one of the most beloved shades in the Naked 3 palette. Its incredibly flattering hue adds a touch of warmth and luminosity to the eyelids, instantly brightening the eyes. The shimmer is finely milled, offering a sophisticated glow without excessive glitter.
This shade is incredibly versatile, working beautifully as an all-over lid color or as a highlight in the inner corner of the eye. Liar complements a wide range of skin tones and eye colors, making it a universally flattering choice. It’s perfect for creating both daytime and evening looks, adding a touch of glamour to any occasion.
Individual Shade Descriptions ౼ Row 3
The final row of the Naked 3 palette introduces deeper, more intense shades perfect for adding definition and drama. Blackheart, a deep plum matte, serves as an excellent transition shade or can be built up for a smoky effect. Darkside, a deep brown matte, is ideal for deepening the outer corner of the eye or creating a defined crease.
Completing the palette is Midnight, a unique black with silver glitter. This shade is best used sparingly as a liner or to add a pop of sparkle to the center of the lid. These darker tones allow for creating sophisticated evening looks, adding depth and dimension to any eye makeup style.
Blackheart (Deep Plum Matte)
Blackheart is a richly pigmented, deep plum matte shade that adds a touch of sophisticated color to any look. It’s incredibly versatile, functioning beautifully as a transition shade in the crease to add depth, or built up for a more dramatic, smoky effect. The matte formula ensures a smooth application and blendability, avoiding any unwanted shimmer or glitter.
This shade complements a wide range of skin tones, bringing out the warmth in fair skin and adding a subtle contrast to deeper complexions. It’s a key component for creating both daytime and nighttime eye looks, offering a unique alternative to traditional browns and grays.
Darkside (Deep Brown Matte)
Darkside is a deeply saturated, cool-toned brown matte shade, perfect for defining the outer corner of the eye or intensifying a smoky look. Its rich pigmentation allows for buildable intensity, from a subtle contour to a bold, dramatic wing. The matte finish ensures a velvety smooth application and seamless blending, avoiding any distracting shimmer.
This shade is incredibly flattering on all skin tones, providing a natural-looking depth and dimension. It’s a staple for creating sophisticated evening looks, and can also be used to subtly define the brows. Darkside’s versatility makes it an essential addition to any makeup collection.
Midnight (Black with Silver Glitter)
Midnight is a captivating black shade infused with delicate silver glitter, designed to add a touch of sparkle and drama to any eye look. This shade is best applied with a light hand, as the glitter can create fallout. It’s ideal for creating a glamorous smoky eye or adding a subtle shimmer to the center of the lid.
The glitter particles are finely milled, ensuring a refined and sophisticated finish. Midnight can also be used as a liner to define the eyes with a touch of brilliance. It’s a perfect choice for special occasions or when you want to make a statement!
Swatches & Pigmentation
Naked 3’s shades boast impressive pigmentation and blendability, appearing beautifully on various skin tones. The pearl formula delivers refined shimmer and rich color payoff!
Swatching on Different Skin Tones
The Naked 3 palette’s rosy neutrals demonstrate remarkable adaptability across a spectrum of skin tones. On fairer complexions, the lighter shades like ‘Strange’ and ‘Limit’ offer a delicate, luminous glow, enhancing natural features without appearing overpowering. For medium skin tones, the palette truly shines, with shades like ‘Buzz’ and ‘Liar’ providing beautiful color payoff and dimension.
Even on deeper skin tones, the Naked 3 doesn’t disappoint; the richer plums and browns, such as ‘Blackheart’ and ‘Darkside’, create stunning contrast and depth. The shimmer shades translate beautifully, adding a sophisticated touch. The palette’s versatility ensures a flattering look for everyone, proving its widespread appeal and making it a worthwhile investment for all makeup enthusiasts.
Pigmentation & Blendability Assessment
The Urban Decay Naked 3 palette consistently delivers impressive pigmentation across its range of shades. The mattes offer rich, buildable color, while the shimmers provide a noticeable, yet refined, sheen. Blendability is a standout feature; the shadows effortlessly meld together, creating seamless transitions and preventing harsh lines.
Even the deeper shades, like ‘Blackheart’ and ‘Darkside’, blend surprisingly well, avoiding patchiness. Urban Decay’s pearl formula, particularly in the shimmer shades, contributes to a smooth, luxurious application. This exceptional performance makes the palette user-friendly, even for beginners, and allows for creating both subtle and dramatic looks with ease.
Shimmer vs. Matte Formula Comparison
The Naked 3 palette showcases a beautiful balance between shimmer and matte formulas, each possessing unique characteristics. The matte shades exhibit a velvety texture, offering excellent blendability and minimal fallout. They lay down color evenly, providing a solid base for building intensity. Conversely, the shimmer shades boast a refined, pearl-infused formula.
These shimmers deliver a sophisticated glow, avoiding chunky glitter or excessive sparkle. While both formulas are highly pigmented, the shimmers tend to be slightly more forgiving, making them ideal for all-over lid application. Some users may find the palette leans towards shimmer-heavy, but the quality ensures a polished finish regardless.
Tutorial: Everyday Rosy Look
This tutorial demonstrates a soft, approachable everyday look using the Naked 3 palette. It focuses on enhancing your features with subtle rosy tones for a fresh, natural effect!
Base Application & Primer
Before diving into the eyeshadow application, a flawless base is crucial for vibrant color payoff and long-lasting wear. Begin with a quality eyeshadow primer, applying a thin, even layer across your entire eyelid, extending slightly above the crease. This creates a smooth canvas, preventing creasing and fallout.
Ensure your skin is clean and moisturized before applying primer. A well-hydrated lid will help the shadows blend seamlessly. Allow the primer to dry for a minute or two before proceeding. Consider using a concealer as a base for even more intense color, especially if you have discoloration on your lids. This step significantly enhances the overall look and ensures the Naked 3 shades truly shine!
Eye Look Step-by-Step
To create a beautiful everyday rosy look, start by applying “Limit” all over the lid as a transition shade, blending upwards towards the brow bone. This creates a soft, diffused base. Next, use “Dust” in the crease, focusing on the outer corner to add depth and definition. Blend well to avoid harsh lines.
Then, sweep “Buzz” across the entire eyelid, building intensity as desired. This rosy shimmer adds a touch of radiance. Finally, highlight the inner corner and brow bone with “Strange” for a brightening effect. Blend everything together for a seamless finish. This combination delivers a subtle yet captivating look!
Transition Shade (Limit)
Begin by selecting “Limit,” a light pink matte shade, as your transition color. Using a fluffy blending brush, gently apply it across the entire eyelid, concentrating on the crease. This shade acts as a base, softening the edges and creating a smooth gradient for subsequent colors. Blend upwards and outwards, ensuring a seamless transition between the lid and brow bone.
“Limit’s” subtle hue prepares the eye for deeper shades, preventing harsh lines and allowing for effortless blending. Its matte finish provides a neutral canvas, enhancing the vibrancy of shimmers applied later. This foundational step is crucial for achieving a polished, professional look.
Crease Definition (Dust)
Next, take “Dust,” a mauve matte shade, and apply it directly into the crease of your eye using a smaller, tapered blending brush. Focus on building intensity gradually, working back and forth in windshield-wiper motions. This deepens the crease, adding dimension and definition to the eye shape. Blend well to avoid any harsh lines, ensuring a soft, diffused effect.
“Dust’s” muted mauve tone complements the rosy palette beautifully, creating a subtle yet noticeable contour. It adds depth without overpowering the look, making it perfect for everyday wear. Remember to blend upwards slightly to lift the eye and create a more open appearance.
Lid Color (Buzz)
Now, using a flat, shader brush, gently pat “Buzz,” a light rose shimmer, onto the entire eyelid. The shimmer formula provides a beautiful, luminous glow, enhancing the eyes and adding a touch of sophistication. Build the color gradually, layering until you achieve your desired intensity. Ensure even application across the lid for a seamless finish.
“Buzz” complements the crease color beautifully, creating a harmonious and balanced eye look. Its rose-gold undertones add warmth and dimension, making the eyes appear brighter and more awake. For a more intense shimmer, lightly dampen your brush before applying the shadow.
Highlight (Strange)
To brighten the eyes and add a final touch of radiance, take a small, tapered brush and pick up “Strange,” the pale pink shimmer. Gently apply this shade to the inner corner of the eye, and directly under the brow bone. This will lift the brow and open up the eye area, creating a more youthful and awake appearance.
“Strange” is a delicate highlight, so use a light hand to avoid overpowering the other shades. Blend seamlessly for a soft, diffused glow. The pearl formula, as noted, is refined and adds a subtle luminosity, completing the everyday rosy look with a touch of elegance.
Finishing Touches: Liner & Mascara
To complete the everyday rosy look, a subtle liner is key. Opt for a brown or soft black eyeliner, smudged along the upper lash line. Avoid harsh lines for a softer effect, complementing the palette’s delicate shades. A winged liner can elevate the look for evening, but keep it refined.
Next, apply two coats of your favorite mascara to both upper and lower lashes. This will define the eyes and tie the entire look together. For added drama, consider a volumizing mascara. These finishing touches enhance the eye makeup created with the Naked 3, resulting in a polished and complete look.
Tutorial: Smoky Night Out Look
For a dramatic evening style, the Naked 3 transforms! Intensify the crease with deeper shades, creating a sultry, smoky effect perfect for a night out.
Intensifying the Crease (Blackheart)
To begin crafting a smoky eye, take the shade Blackheart, a deep plum matte, and using a fluffy blending brush, gently apply it into the crease. Focus on the outer corner, building the intensity gradually. This shade adds depth and dimension, creating a beautiful contrast against lighter lid colors. Blend well to avoid harsh lines, ensuring a seamless transition.
Remember to use windshield-wiper motions to diffuse the color and soften the edges. Don’t be afraid to layer the Blackheart for a more dramatic effect, especially if you’re aiming for a bolder nighttime look. The matte formula of Blackheart provides excellent buildability without excessive shimmer, making it ideal for defining the eye shape and adding a touch of mystery.
Smudging for Depth (Darkside)
Next, grab a small, angled brush and pick up the shade Darkside, a deep brown matte. Gently smudge this shade along the upper and lower lash lines, concentrating on the outer third of the eye. This technique intensifies the smoky effect and creates a sultry, defined look. Keep the application close to the lashes for maximum impact.
Darkside’s matte finish ensures a soft, diffused line, avoiding any harshness. Blend the smudged liner into the crease color (Blackheart) to further enhance the depth and dimension. For a more dramatic effect, you can slightly extend the Darkside beyond the outer corner of the eye, creating a subtle wing.
Adding Shimmer (Liar)
To elevate the smoky eye, take a flat, shader brush and apply the shade Liar, a captivating rose gold shimmer, to the center of the eyelid. Gently pat the color onto the lid, building the intensity as desired. Liar’s pearlescent formula adds a touch of glamour and reflects light, making the eyes appear brighter and more alluring.
Blend the edges of Liar seamlessly into the smudged Darkside and the crease color (Blackheart) to create a harmonious transition. A touch of shimmer in the inner corner of the eye will further brighten the look. This shade is a favorite, offering a beautiful, sophisticated finish!
Tips & Tricks for Using the Naked 3
Maximize your Naked 3 experience with quality brushes, gentle application to avoid fallout, and a setting spray for long-lasting, vibrant color!
Brush Recommendations
Achieving flawless application with the Naked 3 relies heavily on the right tools. For precise placement of the shades, especially in the crease, a tapered blending brush is essential. A flat shader brush will beautifully pack color onto the lid, intensifying the shimmer shades like ‘Buzz’ or ‘Liar’.
To diffuse edges and create a seamless blend, opt for a fluffy blending brush. For the deeper shades like ‘Blackheart’ and ‘Darkside’, a smaller, more defined brush offers control. Urban Decay themselves offer excellent brush sets, but Sigma and Real Techniques also provide affordable, high-quality options. Remember to clean your brushes regularly to maintain optimal performance and prevent color muddling!
Preventing Fallout
The Naked 3’s shimmer shades, while gorgeous, can be prone to fallout. To minimize this, tap off excess product from your brush before applying to the lid. Applying a sticky primer creates a base for the pigment to adhere to, reducing migration. Gently pat the shadow onto the lid rather than sweeping, controlling the application and preventing dispersal.
Consider applying your eye makeup before your foundation to easily clean up any fallout. A fan brush or a small, fluffy brush can delicately sweep away any stray particles. Setting the under-eye area with powder before application also helps catch fallout for easy removal.
Long-Lasting Wear
To ensure your Naked 3 look lasts all day (or night!), proper preparation is key. Begin with an eyeshadow primer – Urban Decay’s Primer Potion is a classic choice – to create a smooth, adhesive base. Layering eyeshadows correctly also contributes to longevity; press, don’t swipe, to build intensity.
Setting your eyeshadow with a translucent powder can lock in the color and prevent creasing. A light spritz of setting spray over your entire face, including your eyelids, further enhances wear time. Consider using waterproof or long-wear eyeliner and mascara to complete the look and avoid smudging.