Urban Decay Jean-Michel Basquiat Collection – Gallery Blush Palette Review

Urban Decay has had some fabulous makeup collaborations over the years and the new Jean-Michel Basquait Collection is no exception. The American born artist was a pioneer for the neo-expressionist movement and his graffiti was a fixture around lower Manhattan. Jean-Michel’s iconic art is still exhibited all over the world and his use of varied texture and intense color has inspired a beautiful array of vibrant makeup. The range includes 3 lipsticks, 3 eye pencils, a multipurpose blush palette and two shadow palettes – bright and neutral. The packaging is wrapped in canvas to make the artwork pop and each palette has a cutout at the back so you can hang them on the wall. I've reviewed the collection in three separate articles to emphasize the beauty of each piece but you can also purchase all of the items as a set in the UD Jean-Michel Vault for $299.00.

I’ve already featured the gorgeous Jean-Michel eye shadow palettes – Tenant and Gold Griot so today I will complete my overview of the collection with the Gallery Blush Quad, Eye Pencils and all-new, exclusive shades of Vice Lipsticks - based on the colors from Basquiat’s art.

The blush palette contains 2 cheek colors + bronzer and highlighter - designed to deliver 8 hours of wear and compliment all skin tones. When it comes to “universal shades,” I’m always a bit skeptical but these hues are fantastic! The smooth, velvety texture makes the powders very easy to intensify and blend so you can layer to adjust vibrancy and depth. 

I wasn’t sure the bronzer was going to be deep enough but it is. The brown can be applied lightly for a soft, seamless effect or layered darker for deeper contouring and sculpting. The bottom blush (Noho) is a gorgeous pink-mauve that I absolutely love! It is rich enough to create contrast and definition with a flattering undertone that boosts dull skin.

The highlighter is seriously pigmented with full-coverage, creamy shimmer. It makes a stunning eye shadow and you can definitely use it to strobe. For less drama, simply blend it out lightly to diffuse the color or sweep it on generously for a stunning glow. The finish has a chrome effect with a mix of silver and yellow-gold tones that illuminate and brighten. The palette retails for $45.00.

No collection would be complete without lip color and the Vice Lipsticks deliver lush color in matte and cream finishes. Both formulas nourish and condition dry lips with loads of supple moisture but I wish the shade selection was more diverse since Epigram (sienna) and Abstract (nude taupe) are both neutrals. My favorite pigment is Exhibition - a pink-purple orchid that is perfect for summer!

The lipsticks are also wrapped in the same eye-catching canvass material covered with graffiti artwork. They retail for $21.00 each.

The unique selection of 24/7 Eye Pencils are unlike anything I have in my makeup collection. Anatomy is a matte sienna or burnt-orange that goes very well with the new UD Naked Heat Palette. Post Punk (bright neon green) and Vivid (bright sky blue) are unusual liner shades but I love the electric pop of color that draws attention to the eyes. The moisturizing formula contains jojoba, vitamin E and cottonseed oil for smooth, consistent lines and smudge-proof, water resistant coverage. The liners retail for $25.00 each.

Urban Decay Cosmetics is available at Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart, UD freestanding stores and online at urbandecay.ca plus sign up for the Beauty Junkies Rewards Program to gain and redeem points for special rewards!