When we learn of a new Urban Decay launch, we immediately turn into beauty detectives. We dig deep into Instagram feeds, obsessively check Snapchat, and scour makeup junkie forums in the name of tracking down the scoop. The launch of the Urban Decay Afterdark Eye Shadow Palette [1] ($49) had us especially excited, and we knew that as soon as it hit shelves, we just had to see what it looked like IRL.
Once we did, we practically drooled. The packaging alone will inspire a purchase: it's a stunning iridescent purple reminiscent of an oil slick. Inside, it's loaded with 10 vibrant metallic hues. Three of them are returning classics (Lounge, Fringe, and Backfire), while the remaining seven are brand new, including the incredibly creamy and lustworthy bronze Off Duty.
Whether you're planning on buying it for a friend or using a gift card post-holidays to snag it for yourself, you'll want to see what the shades look like swatched on skin. Read on! We enlisted gals with four different skin tones — fair, light, medium, and deep — and used them as guinea pigs. Trust us, Afterdark does not disappoint.
Urban Decay Afterdark Eye Shadow Palette
Urban Decay Afterdark Eye Shadow Palette
Urban Decay Afterdark Eye Shadow Palette
Urban Decay Afterdark Eye Shadow Palette Swatched on Fair Skin
From left to right: Alter, Scene, Supersonic, Sinful, Off Duty, Druggie, Backfire, Lounge, Fringe, Paralyzed
Urban Decay Afterdark Eye Shadow Palette Swatched on Light Skin
From left to right: Alter, Scene, Supersonic, Sinful, Off Duty, Druggie, Backfire, Lounge, Fringe, Paralyzed
Urban Decay Afterdark Eye Shadow Palette Swatched on Medium Skin
From left to right: Alter, Scene, Supersonic, Sinful, Off Duty, Druggie, Backfire, Lounge, Fringe, Paralyzed
Urban Decay Afterdark Eye Shadow Palette Swatched on Deep Skin
From left to right: Alter, Scene, Supersonic, Sinful, Off Duty, Druggie, Backfire, Lounge, Fringe, Paralyzed
Urban Decay Afterdark Eye Shadow Palette Swatched on All Skin Tones
From left to right: Alter, Scene, Supersonic, Sinful, Off Duty, Druggie, Backfire, Lounge, Fringe, Paralyzed