Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani

B-A-N-A-N-A-S...every time I have to spell that work, I sing it to myself. So I can't say I have ever been really into Gwen Stefani.  I was always more of a Hilary Duff sort of girl (hint hint Urban Decay), but with all the hype around this palette I knew I had to get my hands on it.  I don't approach this palette with a blinding love for the singer, though I will note that she has great taste in eye shadow!

Cased in a heavy black, white and gold geometric designed case, this case has a big beautiful mirror.  I love the little quote: Magic's In The Makeup.  This palette also came with a little sample of her new lipsticks.

I know many people love the case, but I can't say I have strong feelings about it.  I wish it looked more like the cardboard case with the white and gold.  I don't love the big black polka dots.  But hey-- Gwen designed this to be totally her, and I think it fits her style.  

Magic's in the makeup 

This eyeshadow palette has 15 shadows including a mix of matte, satin and glitter finishes.  There are 9 neutrals and 6 dark or brights. 

I think this palette has a lot of neutrals that are very similar, and that it lacks some mid tone shades, other than Anaheim.  While this generally may be flattering on pale ladies like Gwen & myself, I don't think this palette would be flattering on darker skin tones, which is a shame.  It would be cool to see Urban Decay expand their celebrity collaborations to include more celebs with different tones/undertones.

The formulas are pretty much what you would expect from Urban Decay: bendable and long lasting.

And, obviously, the reason you are here: swatches! 

Top Row: I find blonde to be almost invisible as a swatch, but I think it makes for a good brow highlight.  My favourite in this row is steady.

Middle Row: I think baby is a beautiful pink champagne shadow with great pay off.  Anaheim is the best crease shadow in the palette.  I found serious to be a bit chalky.  

Bottom Row: This is by far the boldest row!  Pop is glitter city, with the typical amount of fallout you would expect.  This would be super fun to pat down gently on the lid for a night out. Harajuku is totally outside of my comfort zone.  Danger is a stunning navy shimmer that swatches like a dream.  1987 is probably the oddest shadow in the palette: a very yellow gold with a green tinge.  And blackout is a well done solid black matte that doesn't feel like chalk. 

Conclusions: This palette is great for pale girls like Gwen & myself, but may not be the best for all skin tones.  While many of the neutrals are quite similar, each shadow is quite nice.  I would have liked to have seen more mid toned shades.  This palette is not ideal for travel as it is large, and heavy. However it is a beautiful accent piece on any vanity, and will be put to good use.  I am in the process of re-designing my beauty vanity, and am always looking for suggestions and accent pieces. 

I purchased this palette using Shoppers Optimum points at the Yonge & College location in Toronto. It retails for $70 at Sephora and select Shoppers Drug Marts.