What is it?:  The Black Palette is a palette by Urban Decay centered around blackened jewel toned colors as well as a super black matte.  Obviously, it can be used to create an interesting smoky eye.  There are six shadows total, five of which can only be found in this palette (Cobra was recently in UD’s BOS IV and has since been released as a single).  The packaging is has a black glitter finish; but don’t worry, the glitter will not shed.  

Where do I get it?:  I thought this was originally a limited edition item, but it can still be found even though it was originally released in Fall 2010.  You can purchase it on urbandecay.com for $36.  I got mine in an ebay lot, and paid approximately $11.50 for it.  If you wait long enough, you could also probably find a great deal on ebay using the saved search tool!

Thoughts:  A lot of people have written some not so wonderful reviews about this palette, but I have to say that I really love this palette!  Sure, I wouldn’t use only colors from this palette to create a complete eye look (I barely ever just use one palette).  It is true that the colors might kind of muddle together if you use several at the same time.  However, it is a great and different way to smoke out a look!  My favorites are Cobra and Libertine, as I generally do darker looks centered around golds and greens.  All of the colors are awesome and interesting, though!  This palette would also be great to use as liner powders if you use them wet or with a bit of sealing gel.  

Keep in mind that primers matter!  Below I used several primers to show the different effects that the primers can create.  Surprisingly, the mini Eden primer included with this palette can somewhat mattify the colors (if you check out some other reviews, this primer mattifies more than the regular UDPP).  I think it was weird that this primer was included with this palette as other primers could bring out this palette’s full potential (I think it could be to introduce people to the Eden formula, which also launched around the same time).  I think I like the effect that using Too Faced’s Glitter Glue underneath creates the most.  Keep in mind that primers used for sparkly shadows usually do not play well with mattes, as you can see with Black Dog below.  So, you might have to do a bit more work when dealing with these shadows, but I believe that the pay off is worth it.

Overall, this palette is great if you are want to do a dramatic, smoky eye with a twist.  Fans of neutral and natural makeup should stay far away!

Below: over UDPP in Eden

Below: over Too Faced’s Glitter Glue

Below: over Fyrinnae’s Pixie Epoxy