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Easy Eye Shadow Tutorial with Urban Decay Naked3 Palette

I’ve had several requests for an eye shadow tutorial with Urban Decay Naked3 Eye Shadow Palette so I put this post together to show you how I’m doing my eye shadow these days.

By way of disclaimer, I am not a makeup expert or beauty guru or any sort of authority on the subject, but I can show you what I do and some of the tips I’ve learned over the years.

This is an easy eye shadow tutorial with Urban Decay Naked3 eye shadow palette. These rose-hued neutrals create such a fresh and pretty look for springtime!

One question I’ve been getting a lot lately is: “Is the Urban Decay eye shadow worth it?”

I get it, it’s a bit of an investment, but I’ve had my Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette for 3 years, I use it almost daily, and I’m nowhere near at the bottom of any of the colors. So on a cost per wear basis, yes, I most definitely think it’s worth it.

Also, Urban Decay eye shadow has a ton of pigment, so a little goes a long way, and it goes on smoothly and lasts all day if you wear an eye shadow primer underneath. The quality is definitely on par with the price tag, in my opinion.

As I mentioned, my Smoky Palette is 3 years old, and while it’s still going strong, I was beginning to feel the need for a change. Because I’ve been so happy with Urban Decay eye makeup, I decided to give the Naked3 palette a try. I was drawn to all the pinks and greys and cool neutrals.

That said, if you want to try an Urban Decay palette but don’t want to shell out the $54, try the Naked Smoky Palette — it’s half off at Nordstrom Rack, and even though it’s called Smoky, you don’t have to do a smoky eye with it. There are some pretty lighter shades in there as well.

Alright, let’s get started!

Eye Shadow Tutorial with Urban Decay Naked3

Before starting this tutorial, I applied Dior Backstage Eye Prime Longwear Eye Primer and penciled in my eyebrows with my holy grail Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Mechanical Brow Pencil in Dark Brown. I also did one coat of Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Instant Full Volume Mascara.

Here’s a look at the Urban Decay Naked3 Eye Shadow Palette. It’s a gorgeous assortment of rose-hued neutrals that create a fresh and pretty look as we head into springtime.

First of all, I definitely recommend using eye shadow primer so the eye shadow doesn’t crease or wear off during the day. My current favorite is the Dior Backstage Eye Prime Longwear Eye Primer, but there are lots of other good ones out there. The Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion is very popular.

I usually start with Dust (a pale metallic pink shimmer w/ iridescent micro-glitter) and apply it primarily on the inner half of my eyelid, but I do sweep it across my entire lid. I use the brush that came with the palette — usually the smaller end for this step.

Then I go to Buzz (a metallic rose shimmer w/silver micro-glitter) and apply that on the outer half of my lid. It’s a little more of a saturated color than Dust. If I’m in a rush, I skip it — or I sometimes put it on the middle of my lid at the end of the process to help blend the dark and light colors.

Here’s how it looks at this point. As you can see, it’s very neutral and pretty, and you could really just wear these two colors and be done.

Also, before you ask, I’m 46, and I still use eye shadows with a little bit of shimmer/glitter. I’ve heard it said that glitter eye shadows can be aging, but this is a good quality product, and I like a little shimmer. If you prefer a matte look, there are 3 mattes and 3 satins in this palette.

Next, I take Nooner (medium pinky-brown matte) and apply that to the crease. For this step, I use the thicker end of the brush that came with the palette. I use that in the crease and up into the brow bone but not all the way up to my brows.

Eye Shadow Application Tip: When applying a new color, start where you want it to be the darkest and then blend into the area where you don’t want it to look as saturated.

Also, one of my biggest takeaways from having my makeup done by professionals is to blend a lot — and usually after each color. I’m lazy and usually just blend it all together at the end, but I always blend. If I don’t take the time to use a blending brush, I will at least use my finger.

For daytime, that’s probably enough, but I prefer to wear some darker color, so I almost always go back in and apply Darkside (deep taupe-mauve satin)  to the outer corner of my lid and into the crease, but I don’t take it all the way across the crease; I keep it in the outer half.

Sometimes I also take the brush up onto my lower brown bone after most of the eye shadow has been applied to the lid. My eyes are slightly deep set, and if I don’t make sure to get some color up towards the brown bone, it doesn’t show when my eyes are open.

For this, I switch to a different brush — this Laura Mercier eye crease brush. I’ve had this brush for probably 10 years, no joke. In fact, it looks like they’ve updated the design, but it’s my favorite brush for applying eye shadow to the outer corner and crease.

Then if I want more drama, which is usually when I’m going out at night, I take Darkheart (smoky black matte w/rosy red micro-sparkle) and apply to the outer corner of my lid to add more color and dimension.

This color is dark and highly pigmented, so a little goes a loooong way. I barely tap my brush into the color, and it gives me plenty.

Finally, blend!

I have a blending brush, and you’re supposed to keep it clean so every time you use it, it just blends and doesn’t introduce any new colors to your makeup.

I’m lazy and wash my brushes maybe 2x a year, so it’s usually got leftover color in it, but since I almost always do my makeup the same way, I figure it doesn’t really matter.

After I do all that, I apply Lancôme Le Stylo Waterproof Long Lasting Eyeliner in Noir to my upper lash line and in my waterline.

And then I like to take a smudge brush and apply Darkheart over my eye liner, to help blend it in and give it a smoky look.

Eye Makeup Application Tip: You never want to see skin between your eye liner and your lashes, and I find eye liner always leaves a harsh line and some skin showing, so I like to apply a deep eye shadow color over top and push it into the lash line for a more natural look. This also makes your eyelashes look longer.

I also like to take the smudge brush and whatever eye shadow is leftover, and apply that under my lower lashes, starting at the outer corner and working in. I try to keep that subtle; I don’t want a lot of color under my eyes, just enough to define them. When I forget that step, I usually notice that my eyes look a bit unfinished.

Another eye shadow tip is to apply a light color (Dust is perfect) to the inner corner of the eye to give it some sparkle and shine. Every makeup tutorial I watch seems to do that, but I usually forget.

Finally, mascara! A girl’s best friend.

I love and swear by Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Instant Full Volume Mascara. I’ve been using Lancôme mascara since high school, and over the years I’ve tried others, but I always come back to this.

The key is to apply it in thin layers and let it dry slightly (but not all the way) between coats. I do two or three coats, depending on how it is applying and how much drama I want to create. Obviously, for a nighttime smoky eye, I apply a little more.

And this is the finished look!

I can see that I could have blended a little more in the outer corners… but you know how it is. You never see yourself with your eyes closed!

Also, I rarely put any eye shadow on my brown bone, but when I’m feeling like going the extra mile, or if I get a dark color too high up and want to blend it in a bit, I will apply Strange (pale neutral pink matte-satin) — the lightest color in the palette — to that area right up near my eyebrows.

You can also see here with my eyes open, that you don’t see much of the color from my crease. I probably should have extended that up into my lower brown bone better. Like I said, I have to be really intentional about that or it doesn’t show.

Anyway, that’s what I do!

If you’re wondering about any of the other colors and products I’m wearing, I’m planning to update my Makeup Routine and republish that very soon, so stay tuned for that!

photo credit: Alison Cornell

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47 Responses

  1. Great tutorial! I think that’s the same UD palette I have. I’ve had it for several years and mostly use the left side, so one of them has crumbled apart. One of these palettes lasts forever! Enjoy your snow day!

  2. You look gorgeous! I don’t care what “they” say, I will never be too old for some sparkle to my eyeshadow. Have you tried the L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Primer? It goes on before mascara, and it goes on white, so you can be sure it gets all over. It has been a total game changer for me. I don’t have the time for professional eyelash extensions, and this product makes it look like I have them.

    1. I used the Lancome primer back in the day. I should probably try it again, now that my lashes aren’t as long and thick as they once were. L’Oreal is owned by Lancome (or vica versa, I think) so it’s probably a good lower priced option. I may order some and try!

  3. Sorry your team lost. 🙁 Next couple of games should be pretty good going into the Super Bowl. Thanks for the tips and showing these great colors!

  4. Your eye makeup looks very pretty. Just wondering if anyone else out there wishes they could wear eyeshadow, like me, but it irritates my eyelids. I’ve tried a few brands, but they always cause my eyelids to get puffy and red.

    1. My Mom has the same problem with eye makeup. She can only use Clinique eyeliner and Maybelline mascara. She is also able to use Mary Kay eyeshadows. I know a lot of times the makeup counters or a Mary Kay consultant near you could give you some samples to try before you purchase. Hoping you find something that works for you:)

    2. I was not able to tolerated ANY makeup, including Clinique and MaryKay. I finally found Cleure makeup (Cleure.com) which has no fragrances or irritants of any kind…hello makeup again!

      1. Sounds like it’s worth a try. I do think I tried Clinique and Almay (it’s been so long I can’t remember – will have to look in my makeup graveyard), but have never heard of Cleure makeup. Will check that out. Thank you.

      2. I use Mineral Fusion eye shadow (sold at Whole Foods- they have a whole makeup line) & it’s made from organic ingredients. I do have the Urban Decay eye shadow pallet that JoLynne uses, but use the mineral makeup the most & it doesn’t irritate my eyes or skin. 

    3. Mary…I just to have that problem too and they said I was probably allergic to the red dye in eye shadows.  I switched over the years but also never had problems with MaryKay.  I use a Norstrom one now with no problem.  Forget the name though.  Let me know if you need me to look up.  

  5. I’m on the hunt for a new mascara, so quick questions about the Lancome…does it have any scent/perfume? Also, does it seem to completely dry, or is it ever sticky at the end of the day? So many formulas lately seem to remain soft/sticky–or maybe it’s something I’m doing wrong? But at the end of the day, even with just one coat, my lashes clump together and feel uncomfortable and I often can’t wait to take off my eye makeup. If I can find a reliable, unscented mascara that dries completely, I’d be over the moon.

  6. I love these colors on you! Your makeup always looks beautiful, but I noticed the change immediately when I logged onto your fb live last week. Your eyes just popped and looked so bright and alive. I’ve actually incorporated some pinky tones into my eyeshadow over the last year, and I came very close to buying this palette when it was on major sale last summer. I still regret not getting it, but I’d just gotten the Backtalk palette (also with pinks) a few months prior so I didn’t think I *needed* it, lol. I’m sure I’ll wait for a sale, but this is definitely next on my list. 😊

  7. Thanks so much for this tutorial!! This is a beautiful eye pallet and nice to know which colors blend with each other!

  8. GORGEOUS!  Even though my eye makeup wearing days are over, I enjoyed reading what you’ve learned over the years, and seeing the steps you take.  And it gave me brand ideas for our granddaughter.  Have a fabulous day!

  9. Fun post. I love makeup, but tend to lean towards more drama, so I am eager to try this pretty, more natural color palette for every day eye makeup. I got a lot of great tips from this tutorial and I love how you shared them without being one bit pretentious.
    Re: Facebook Live questions; is it appropriate to wear ankle boots when there’s some snow on the ground or does that look out of place? (to be clear, I am not referring to shoveling the driveway in ankle boots, just wearing them out to restaurants and church and stuff) 😊

  10. Good Morning JoLynne! 
    Your eyes look beautiful! I am pinning this post so I can give it a go once I purchase the eye shadow. You didn’t show how you do your eyebrows which look awesome. I have been using the Anestasia brow pencil but tend to be hesitant with how much I pencil in. Do you also use shadow with it? I have been toying microblading but the cost is up there (600+). Do I remember correctly that you mentioned in a previous post you were thinking about it? Do you mind addressing in your next Ask and Answered or FB live ( I watch but usually after the live )

  11. Oh thanks for this! I’ve needed a tutorial for a while… one that I can follow and understand each step! My eyelids are getting saggy and having the fold over effect!! It just makes it hard to know exactly how to do what -the young gals on the tutorials videos that I seem to find- do and it look the same!!! LOL!

  12. Thanks for the tutorial! I foubd found it very helpful. I’ve been sitting on the fence about buying Urban Decay eyeshadow but may take the plunge. Do try the L’oreal mascaras – comparable to Lancome for a fraction of the price. I use the Voluminous and Extended Lash together for more drama.

    Bummer about the Eagles! It was so winable until the unfortunate 4th quarter interception by the Saints. There is always next year!

  13. Beautiful!  Thank you, Jo-Lynne! “They” say we shouldn’t wear shimmer as we get older, but then when you look that’s mostly what’s out there. I like and will continue to wear it. I wear Merle Norman makeup, except for mascara. I love Lancôme too. It doesn’t flake and get under my eyes. I think eyeshadow primer makes a lot of difference, also lash primer. 

  14. Thank you for this post. I am a little older than you and have never done eye makeup and have absolutely no idea what to do if I wanted to so this is great to refer back to if needed. (I do wear eye shadow/liner and mascara and the eye brow pencil you use and love it)  I also have similar coloring to you and love these colors so thanks again!  What do you use for eye make up remover?  I use the old favorite Maybelline green/pink mascara, not the waterproof one and have such a time removing it every night. 

    1. Gina,
      I had to comment,I hope you don’t mind. The best eye make-up remover I have ever used is Mary Kay oil-free eye makeup remover. It’s so gentle and never irritates my eyes or skin. And it removes all my eye-make up easily without any pulling on my lashes or skin. I don’t sell MK, just have found it’s the best in my opinion.

    2. I rub my face with olive oil and then wipe it off with a paper towel. This is sometimes used for heavy stage makeup as it takes everything off. Also the olive oil is good for your skin!

  15. Just beautiful! I almost always wear pinks/grays/neutrals as well. It just seems to be a good palette for me and really for most everyone. I was in Ulta the other day to see the UD Naked 3 palette and the colors are gorgeous. But I’m 60 and stopped short due to the all the sparkles. The very young girl in Ulta told me the glitter/sparkles is the look right now but at my age, I just feel it’s a bit young for my aging skin. And have been told women my age should not wear sparkly makeup, especially on their eyes. I may take another look at the palette though to see what colors are matte and satin. I learned some great tips from your tutorial so thank you!

  16. Love this tutorial! Your routine seems pretty simple and yet the results are stunning. I think I need this palette! Ha! I always get nervous when I go into makeup stores because the consultants are all wearing makeup looks and makeup styles that I would never wear. So, thank you for showing this for our age group! 

  17. Simply beautiful. Your makeup is flawless. Thanks so much for sharing. I’m lazy too but needed a boost and this is perfect. Going to invest in the UD as well. I got a smaller “trial” one from Ulta but love the shades in the Naked3! I have a question – for “older” women, so many sites/blogs say skip the lower lash mascara – to open eyes and avoid droopy eyes – what are your thoughts? Obviously you don’t skip that but I just feel unfinished.

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