REVIEW & SWATCHES: Urban Decay Vice 3 Palette

6:27 PM


When I opened up my mail and saw this year's Urban Decay Vice 3 Palette (which I didn't even know was going to be made....eee!) my heart gave a little flutter and I actually squealed out loud. Check out this beaut'! The reflective cover, ocean-sunset streaks, and chartreuse crystallized lettering looked very promising. Would this palette live up to the exceptional Vice's past? Let's take a gander below!

Like last year's Vice 2, Vice 3 has a clamshell-style case with a full-sized mirror on top. It also comes with a matching dual-ended synthetic eyeshadow brush. The packaging is jaw-droppingly beautiful but be forewarned that it also attracts fingerprints like WOAH.



There are 20 buttery shadows in this collection which mostly run warm. The thing that immediately stood out to me was just how many red-toned shadows there are here which I personally think is beautiful for Fall but may be intimidating for those with fairer skintones. There's also a good range of neutrals and a few mattes to blend and balance out the several bright, shimmery shades.


And now it's swatchin' time! Since there are so many, I've broken them down into groups of 5 for easy viewing. You can also click on each shade to see an individual color in all its magnified glory.






This group has basic shades with green and purple, two colors that I consider to be easiest to pull off for color newbies. I was particularly impressed with the emerald Dragon from this lineup. The reflective quality really popped when applied on the skin.







Group 2 reminds me of the ocean sunset that is reflected in the packaging. Warm blue, gold, and burgundy really shines here.







This set is my favorite row for fall colors. The shades here are smoky, sexy, and beautifully pigmented. Downfall is especially perfect for a blending shade on my skintone. Also, how cool is Defy? It's that smooth, mushroomy grey-brown that I always go gaga for. Bondage is also a standout burgundy with incredible depth.







The last row again has the sunset theme with gold, red, and blue. Bobby Dazzle is a beautiful shimmery white that works as an excellent inner corner highlight and Brokedown also really caught my eye with a gorgeous bronzy-gold. Really pigmented colors here.


Something I've observed about this entire palette is that the colors are themed in columns. There is a column of mattes, cool shades, rich shades, reds, and neutrals. Overall I love the quality of shadows in this collection and although the individual color stories in the palette didn't wow me upon first impression like past Vices, I do think it's a very wearable everyday palette. 

Ultimately it comes down to shade preference. If you are a fan of reds, blues, and neutrals you will be particularly giddy with this offering. I like that the available colors gives me motivation to push the boundaries of my daily neutral looks by incorporating reds and blues (which I don't do usually) and they do look lovely on the eyes as well as in swatches. I don't think this will be everyones favorite Vice but those who are into the colors presented will be very satisfied with the quality and richness of Vice 3.

Vice 3 is limited edition and available now for $60 from Sephora, Macys, and more recently Nordstrom is carrying the full Urban Decay lineup now as well which is exciting news for Nordies enthusiasts like me! ;)

Readers, what do you look for in a mega palette? Will you be picking up Vice 3? Let me know in the comments!

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27 comments

  1. These are great swatches! Thank you xx

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  2. Lovely swatch, just not my cup of tea.

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  3. Such a perfect palette for fall looks! Can't wait to see more videos where you use these colours!

    LIVE . IN . LOVE ✞

    ~

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  4. Looks gorgeous! x

    https://www.marjorievie.blogspot.com

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  5. Wow, nice pictures! The quality of the shots are awesome. Have you ever shared what camera you used? If you could share, that'd be great!

    www.kfclovesyou.com

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! I use a Canon 5D Mark iii. :)

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    2. Ooh glad I checked back to see your reply! Thanks for sharing!

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  6. This is insanely gorgeous!! I have the vice 2 and I love it so much!!
    XO Janina
    http://janinafran.blogspot.ca

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  7. *Sonic is my fav one ...such a brilliant colour!! ^^

    恵美より ♥
    www.emi-doll.blogspot.jp

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  8. You always have the best swatch ever! Thanks a lot for sharing!! <3

    BonnieBeautyxo ♡ www.bonniebeautyxo.com

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  9. Lovely packaging!!! The hoarder in me would buy this off the the rack!! But I seriously have to stick to my budget @.@

    I missed out on Vice 2 and was wondering if 3 would be a good option. I read up on how much you love the Vice 2 and I'm just sad I wasn't able to score one. We have similar skintones and slightly similar eyeshape I was wondering if you would recommend this? I'm on the fence about the reds in particular and if a n00b like me can utilize them.

    Thanks so much for sharing these lovely pics by the way!! :)

    <3 www.caboodlechronicles.wordpress.com

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  10. wow all the colours are so so gorgeous! definitely want this palette xx

    Beauty and Fashion blog:
    taraclare.blogspot.co.uk

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  11. Gorgeous! I kind of need this in my life! lol Thanks so much for swatching Jen! I think I'm in trouble. XD

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  12. When I heard this palette was out, I literally thought, "I hope Jen does an in-depth review on Vice 3." Thanks for the great swatches!

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    1. Your wish is granted, hahaha! Hopefully it came in handy in deciding if you will pick it up! ^_^

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    2. It did! I just picked one up and excited to use it! Any ideas on a Halloween look using this? I feel like it has serious possibilities.

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    3. Yes, it did come in handy! I picked up the Vice 3 and excited to play around with it. I think there's some potential for some Halloween looks, right? Btw, I'm looking forward to seeing more Halloween tutorials. My favorite from last year was your Attack on Titan because it showcased your skillz (yep, with a z) as an artist.

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    4. Totally came in handy! I'm the proud owner of the Vice 3 now. I feel like it has some Halloween potential, yes?

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  13. Love "Broken down" and "Revolver" they look super pretty .. love the variety, unique packaging and the pigmentation :))
    http://www.makeupforlunch.blogspot.com/

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  14. I was really bummed the Lorac Mega Pro Palette was a bit disappointing but I really want to get this now!:D

    www.lineupthemakeup.blogspot.com

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  15. When UD announced their new Vice 3 I knew you the UD lover will review it hahaha.. I think Vice 3 is similar to some of Sleek Makeup's palette but much much more cheaper which I'm not sure whether it's available in your country. But of cz Vice 3's quality and colours are muuuuuuuccchhh prettieeeer. I'm a fan of UD too (wink*)

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  16. what do you recommend between vice 3 and urban decay 3? I only have Lunasol's Coral Coral and am lost what to buy :'( I'm asian with cool shade! I currently live in Germany so I can't check it out on Sephora :'( Could you help me out??? :)

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  17. Would you mind doing a tutorial using the two blue eyeshadow? They look gorgeous!

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  18. Thank you for this super helpful review!!

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  19. The swatches are so pretty! I can’t wait to get my hands on these!
    xo,
    ~Pauline @ Urban Decay Philippines

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  20. Im confused
    Which vice pallette to get
    Need to know the best one

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  21. Im confused
    Which vice pallette to get
    Need to know the best one!

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