Naked2 Palette

Alright friends, I took the plunge. I bought the Naked2 palette (by Urban Decay) this morning. It's a good thing I didn't think twice about it because yet again, it's out of stock already! As an original Naked palette owner, which many of you may be as well, I thought I might dedicate a post to exactly what made me pull the trigger on getting the second one. So let's get to it!!

First off, I have to give major props to Leesha (aka xsparkage) for posting such detailed swatch photos on her blog. (*If you too are interested in a more in-depth look at the palette and how it compares to the original, check out her post here). It really helped me see the differences in hue that the new palette offers. For instance, (gonna borrow her photo so to better explain here):

While I totally get the initial reaction of, "Girl, how many shades of brown do you really need?" – The major difference I noticed right off the bat between the two palettes was the original palette offers more pink or mauve-hued as well as gold/tiger eye shades, and the new Naked2 palette offers more options in copper, khaki and grey shades.

I'm speculating, but I think Urban Decay wanted to step up their game vs. Sigma's Bare palette which offers specifically brown's, beige's, black's and grey's. Spooky similarities to note:

^ UD 'Foxy' vs. Sig. 'Approach' • UD 'Tease' vs. Sig. 'Act' • UD 'Pistol' vs. Sig. 'Snoop' • UD 'Blackout' vs. Sig. 'Control'

Tiffany (aka MakeupByTiffanyD) gives a nice overview of the Sigma Bare palette in a PLL tutorial here, and makes a similar point that the original palette doesn't not offer any similar tones that are in the Bare palette, especially not matte ones. I'm still in agreement with Tiffany that the Naked2 palette still has not provided a good go-to grey (particularly a matte grey), which makes either the Bare palette or MAC's 'Silver Ring' worth-it purchases.

Another observation, as a girl who has olive-toned skin but does lighten in the winter, and dark hair and hazel eyes – the original Naked palette strikes me as a palette more conducive for summertime, and the Naked2 palette more appropriate for autumn and winter. During the summer when I (like most girls) sport more skin and white, the original palette feels like a better match. *My summer go-to look: Virgin - inner, Sin - outer, Toasted - crease.

I feel like the shades of the Naked2 palette overall have a cooler, more earth-toned vibe to them vs. the warmth injection of the original palette. As someone who definitely capitalizes on layered looks and overall earth-toned and black fashion in the colder months, I'm looking forward to sporting looks from the Naked2. (*I've been dying to try this copper look that Ingrid (aka MissGlamorazzi) did a tutorial on a few weeks ago, and now I feel like I can with the coppery shades from the Naked2!)

Overall, pretty excited to try it out and if I had to say the shades I'm looking most forward to playing with, they'd be:

Those shades also stick out to me as being the most different from the original palette. Also, I'm ultra glad Urban Decay decided to include a double brush this go around (*cough* Sigma palettes *cough*), especially considering some of the cooler tones will require blending out.

So! That's it for now – more to come when I actually get the palette in the mail :) Can't wait!

Sound the Alarm!

*Warning!: This outfit is a.) not for the meek, and b.) definitely a splurge.  Now, I know– red pants aren’t for everyone. Understandable. They most definitely make a statement! If they’re not really your thing, keep reading– I have a couple of solutions for you. Moving on from the pant: I’m obsessed with the sequin top paired with a denim looking button-up look!! It’s fun, and it’s a cool updated twist on a classic. Sparkle and flame need a cool down, so pair with a nude shoe and an easy going loose curl (pictured: Olivia Palermo) and a nude/pink lip. (*My fav lip product: MAC Lipglass in Underage, $14.50). Overall this ensamble commands attention and I would highly reco for any fashion fearless lady :)

The Breakdown:
Earrings: H&M 9-Pack Earrings, $5.95 (*bronze-ish pair shown)
Top: TopShop Sequin Tee in Bronze, $90.00
Top: JCrew Selvedge Chambray Popover in Dark Blue Wash, $98.00
Pants: Express Ultimate Double Weave Columnist Pant in Mars Red, $79.90
Shoes: (Bakers) Chinese Laundry Hotness Pump in Light Tan, $49.99

Total Cost of this Outfit: $323.84 (*Not including cost of lip product).

Kinda steep, but!– I did warn you… Still,

How To Save On This Outfit: 

As promised, a few solutions for the anti-red personality: This look could easily be chic and flirty with a khaki trouser or dark skinny denim.

• If opting for the denim route, cuff the bottoms 2-3” to expose the lighter blue, it adds dimension. Also go for a flat or pump that exhibits a pop of color– maybe bring back the red on your feet! 
• As for the khaki option, hint: the columnist pant also comes in khaki, but surely swap-in your own khaki pant if you own them already. As for a shoe to pair with khaki, I like this flat: Bakers Glitz Flat in Bronze, $29.99. Otherwise a pop of color in footwear would be appropriate here too.

By using pants and shoes from your own closet, you’re able to save $129.89– thus chopping down the total cost of this outfit to $193.95! No, still not inexpensive but again, I warned you this was a splurge statement ensamble.

I say go for it! Be fearless.