It is rare that I write a review so quickly after getting a product but I had to say something about the new Gwen Stefani for Urban Decay palette. Continuing with my rare streak, it is highly unusual that I actually have excitement for a celebrity collaboration; it usually isn’t my thing. I knew, however, from the minute I heard of this Gwen Stefani collaboration that the finished result would be amazing. Gwen is one seriously cool lady and the palette is unbelievably gorgeous.
Gwen’s palette was officially released on the 3rd of December but I was lucky enough to be invited to its launch beforehand. Those of us invited spent the afternoon in the penthouse of The Spencer Hotel with the fabulous Roisin Tierney Crowe (Urban Decay’s PR). I had never actually met Roisin before so it was a real honour; she was so warm and lovely to all of us. We were very well looked after and had a great time.
Getting back to the palette, it is fantastic. It contains fifteen shadows, three of which are Urban Decay firm favourites and twelve brand new shades. For the most part the shadows are “normal” everyday shades which is great with two striking pop of colour jewel shadows. These are a pink and navy. The colours are quite representative of Gwen as she tends to have classic eye make-up teamed with a red lip. Speaking of lips, the palette comes with 4 lip colours that are part of the coming lipstick collaboration. The shadows are a mix of matte and shimmery shades. My current favourite mix is Pop all over the lid with Anaheim above my crease and Punk on the outer corner of my eyes and along my crease. I then continue the same blend of colours under my eyes.
So looking at the colours is more depth:
Blonde – pale matte vanilla shade (love it under the brow)
Bathwater – slightly darker shade than Blonde with a shimmer to it
Skimp – Classic Urban Decay matte beige (lovely on the lids)
Steady – gorgeous rose gold tinted nude tone
Punk – Chocolatey brown with a very strong red undertone. This is almost like a red velvet cake in tone!
Baby – It is a peachy /nude shimmer shade.
Anaheim – classic taupe shade
Stark – Classic Urban Decay shade between a beige and a taupe
Zone – a stronger brown than Anaheim that is a real beauty
Serious – a glittery shimmery slate tone
Pop – my favourite of the palette. This is another peachy / nude tone that is incredibly striking. I adore it.
Harajuku – a very bright pink
Danger – a gorgeous shade for this time of year. it is a jewel navy shade with a shimmer.
1987 – I was hooked on this colour at the launch. It is a very strong metallic gold tine. Just fab
Blackout – a classic Urban Decay shade. It is a seriously pigmented black.
swatch of colours in order of their description
My only criticism of this palette is that it doesn’t contain the elixir of youth that Gwen so obviously has been using. Could she look any better? The palette is limited edition and has a list of 5000 people in Ireland and the UK waiting to get their mitts on it. It is available at Urban Decay counters and Debenhams. I have a feeling the palette might be on lots of Santa lists.
