I have literally typed the intro to this review like seven different times because I really don’t even know where to begin with this, haha. I guess I’ll start by saying that I absolutely love Urban Decay (as is evidenced by my excessive amount of glowing UD reviews) and with them having rolled out absolutely amazing product after product over the last year, I expected nothing short of perfection for the Urban Decay Naked Illuminated Trio.
Unfortunately, perfection is not what I got- not in my opinion, at least. The packaging is beautiful, the products in the pan look beautiful, the price ($36) really isn’t that bad for a set of three highlighters… but the shimmer. Actually, I’m not even sure I can say shimmer, it’s more of just a straight up glitter situation. I have said it time and time again, I am not a shimmer/sparkle girl when it comes to my makeup (with the exception of glittery eyelids, because that’s totally cool with me) and that’s basically all this trio gives.
There are three shades in this palette: Pyrite (a gold champagne), Oasis (a marbled frosted taupe), and Twilight (an iridescent pink).
Pyrite definitely performs the best out of the three and is actually not too bad at all, with significantly less glitter than the other two shades. It reminds me a little bit of BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop, but a way lesser version, haha.
Oasis is supposed to be a frosted taupe, but it comes off as a kind of muted peachy beige on me. It’s SO hard to get any pigmentation with this, I had to build it up quite a lot to even get it to show up slightly in this picture, so keep that in mind. Also, SO. MUCH. GLITTER. The fallout is real.
Twilight is more of an iridescent peachy pink that just an iridescent pink as described by Urban Decay. Again, it was hard to get any pigmentation with this shade. Applying this with a fan brush on my face = total disappearance of product minus the glitter that stays behind. Another no go for me.
I should note that these are for the face AND body, so the fact that I’m specifically judging these based on their use as highlighters probably isn’t completely fair. I know a few people who love a bit of body shimmer (and hey, you could totally scrape off a little bit of these powders and mix them in with a lotion for some glitzy skin), and even some who enjoy that sparkle in their highlight- so while this isn’t at all a product for me, I’m sure there are a fair few people out there who love it.
On that note, Urban Decay has released a whole bunch of other products I am absolutely LOVING for the holiday season and will be sharing with you very soon!
If sparkle is your jam, you can grab the Urban Decay Naked Illuminated Trio at ULTA, Sephora or Nordstrom.
Stephanie | thefantasia.com says
This is so gorgeous! I’ve never tried UD’s highlighters I really like Oasis! I think it might work as a blush on my skintone!
Chelsea says
Haha, there is definitely something for everyone, isn’t there? I knew that even though this isn’t for me, someone else would love it. I think the two lighter shades could definitely be blushes on fairer skin tones, but they would require a fair amount of building up and you’d have to be okay with some sparkle!
Ashley says
I’ve always avoided the UD highlighters because they seemed to sparkly. The ones in the Naked skin palettes are nice, because they aren’t too glittery.
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Chelsea says
I really like the Afterglow Highlighters, I don’t find them sparkly at all! They’re gorgeous. These however…. not my fave, obviously haha!
Shawna says
Such a bummer when a hyped product doesnt do it for ya. I’m team glitter, but I still support you :P
Chelsea says
Hahah well I’m glad this works for someone then! I appreciate your support ;) haha
Katie Garvin says
Bummer about the product — I totally feel you girl! Some times when I have to write a less-than-positive review for a popular product that everyone else seems to like….I get at a loss for words! But thank you for your honesty — it is much appreciated! Can’t wait to hear what UD products you are excited about this season!
Chelsea says
It’s definitely hard, especially when it’s a brand that you really love. Glad you appreciate the honesty! And just you wait, there are some reaaaaal goodies coming up!
Katie says
I haven’t tried any highlighters from Urban Decay but I’m also not a bit glitter fan so I’ll stay clear of these!
Chelsea says
Their Afterglow Highlighters are gorgeous! This, however, was a dud for me.
Jasmine says
What a shame about the payoff, glitter and fallout :( Urban Decay products are usually so good so this is really disappointing!
Jasmine xx
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