URBAN DECAY | GWEN STEFANI PALETTE

When it comes to Christmas presents, if people ask me I normally ask for vouchers or money so I can head out and hit the sales or buy something i've been after for a while and its a little too expensive to be off one person. This year I got quite a few Debenhams vouchers (I think everyone has realised how much I love makeup), and I had originally planned to buy the UD Naked Smoky palette to add to my other collection of Naked palettes but couldn't resist the Gwen Stefani palette instead especially as it's limited edition.

The UD Gwen Stefani palette was released in late November and i've seen it so many blogs and Instagrams that I just fell in love with it. Gwen worked closely with UD to perfect this palette and ensuring all the shades could create some of Gwen's iconic looks. All of the names of the shades Gwen picked out herself, inspired by her song names - I love Harajuku, Bathwater and Punk. The palette is priced at £40 so a little more expensive than the Naked palettes but there is 15 shades instead of 12!

The palette has a mix of neutrals and jewel tones, in both a shimmer and matte finish and all have UD's Pigment Infusion System, which gives the shades the rich velvet texture, blendability and incredible staying power. There is 12 brand new shades and 3 from UD's original collection. Some of my favourite shades are Baby (a shimmery peachy, bronze shade), Zone (a matte mushroom shade), Harajuku (a shimmery pink shade), Punk (a matte red wine shade) and Danger (a vibrant, shimmery blue shade).

When it came to the palette itself, Gwen had as much influence in this as when she came to the shades. It came from her love of black & white graphic prints and antique gold accents. It also has a pretty big mirror perfect for carrying out and about with you if needed.

What are your thoughts on this palette?!

xo