Review: TheBalm Nude 'Tude

 I really don't need another nude palette (bear in mind need =/= want), so when I received this palette as a Christmas gift from my brother, I was thrilled.  Can't say no to a gift, after all!  This is TheBalm's offering of a neutrals-only palette, cropping around the same time as all this Urban Decay Naked hoopla.  I've had a few experiences with TheBalm -- so far, all good.  They currently make my favourite blush (Hot Mama) and bronzer (Sexy Mama), so I had high hopes for this palette.

This palette costs $38 CAD -- way cheaper than what UD Naked costs here, but the cost per oz is actually fairly similar.  If you were to purchase UD Naked in the States, the cost per oz is a little better than with Nude 'Tude.  The texture of these shadows is comparable to that of Urban Decay, they apply smoothly with minimal fallout.  Some of the matte shades swatch a little chalky, but on the eye they blend beautifully without getting murky.  Do you need both (or all three, if you also have Naked 2)? Likely not.  They're not similar palettes, but I can safely say that one will work better for you than the other.  And if it doesn't, there aren't so many different looks you can create between them that you need both.

What I will say is that if you have one eye look and you occasionally like to change up the colours and achieve a different effect that way, Naked is where it's at.  If you like to change up your eye shape with different eye shadow techniques, Nude 'Tude is better for that -- since it provides highlight, lid, crease and liner colours in a variety of shades, it's a much more versatile palette.

Sassy, Stubborn, Snobby, Stand-offish

 Sassy is a white shimmer -- it's too pale for me to use as a highlight.  Stubborn is a lightened baby pink with silver shimmer.  Snobby is a pale gold, like a shimmery version of UD Foxy.  Standoffish is a slightly warmer version of Snobby.

Selfish,, Sophisticated, Sultry, Schitzo

Selfish is a midtone taupe shot through with silver shimmer.  Sophisticated is a cool, dark brown with a fine multi-coloured glitter running through it.  Sultry is a matte, warm, medium brown -- picture UD Buck without the grey undertone.  Schitzo is a khaki brown shimmer.

Sexy, Serious, Silly, Sleek

Sexy is a matte, dark burgundy -- almost plum.  Serious is a matte black, not as black as UD Blackout.  Silly is a silver-shimmered dark brown -- Sophisticated's cool twin.  Sleek is a brown-black which is way more pigmented than Serious.

TheBalm is available at Rexall, and is regularly available on Hautelook for a discounted price.

What are your other neutral palette favourites?  Anything else I should try from TheBalm?