I still remember the first time I stood in front of an Urban Decay counter. It was at a Sephora in SoHo, and I was probably seventeen—just old enough to have stopped sneaking into my mom’s makeup drawer but still too broke to buy more than one thing at a time. I was wide-eyed, quite literally, because that’s exactly where I planned to focus all my creative energy: my eyes.
The boldness of Urban Decay always drew me in. There was something unapologetic about their color stories and something playful about how they encouraged mixing shimmer with smudge, liner with liquid, taupe with teal. Back then, I didn’t know anything about undertones or formulation science. I just knew I wanted that look. Powerful. Expressive. A little rebellious.
Years later, after countless palettes and pencil stubs, I’ve learned the real craft behind the perfect eye look—and I’m still loyal to the same brand that taught me to take beauty into my own hands.
So today, I want to take you step by step through the full eye look I create using four of Urban Decay’s cult-favorite products:
- 24/7 Moondust Liquid Eyeshadow
- Naked Shadow Sticks
- 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
- Perversion Volumizing Mascara
Each product has its own magic. But together? They’re transformative. Here’s how I bring my eyes to life.
24/7 Moondust Liquid Eyeshadow: Stardust in a Bottle
Price: \$26
Available at: Sephora, Ulta Beauty, UrbanDecay.com
Let me start with the most hypnotizing product in the lineup. The 24/7 Moondust Liquid Eyeshadow is Urban Decay’s love letter to sparkle—but not the chunky, fallout-prone glitter of the early 2000s. This is grown-up shimmer: a weightless, water-infused liquid shadow that glides on like silk and dries to a smudge-proof, glassy sheen.
Texture & Finish
The texture is beyond smooth. Think gel-serum hybrid with suspended micro-sparkles that catch the light at every angle. It’s not sticky or tacky. It sets within 30–60 seconds into a wearable, luminous finish that doesn’t crease—even on my oily lids.
My favorite shades:
- “Space Cowboy” – champagne beige with a glassy, multidimensional sheen (a must-have for any skin tone)
- “Solstice” – rose shift with teal sparkle (pure magic)
- “Zap” – golden olive with a foil finish (underrated but incredible)
Application Tips
- As a topper: I often tap it over a matte base (like the Naked shadow sticks) using my ring finger for a diffused shimmer.
- All-over lid color: One swipe, then blend the edges with a synthetic brush. Instant halo eye.
- Inner corner highlight: Use a pointed liner brush for precision application in the tear duct.
Longevity & Impact
I’ve worn “Space Cowboy” through weddings, dance floors, and 10-hour workdays. It stays. No migration, no flaking. Just gleam. And the compliments? Endless. People literally stop to ask what’s on my eyes.
Naked Shadow Sticks: The Unsung Heroes of Urban Decay
Price: \$26
Available at: Ulta, Sephora, UrbanDecay.com
I’ve always believed that a good eyeshadow stick should be like a secret weapon: fast, reliable, and foolproof. The Naked Shadow Sticks deliver all of that in sleek, click-and-glide tubes that fit in the tiniest clutch or your back pocket.
Formula & Performance
These aren’t waxy crayons. They’re ultra-creamy, pigment-rich cream-to-powder shadows that don’t skip, tug, or fade. Each swipe delivers high-impact color that stays soft long enough to blend, but then locks in for the day.
They’re waterproof. Sweatproof. Life-proof.
My everyday go-to shades:
- “Roach” – a bronzed brown with warmth and depth
- “Freak” – shimmering golden green that I save for summer nights
- “Lava” – deep gray-black with flecks of silver (incredible for a smoked-out liner look)
How I Use Them
- Base layer: I start by applying a neutral shade like “Roach” all over the lid, blending out the edges with a fluffy brush or fingertip.
- Crease shading: I’ll use a deeper shade like “Lava” to define the outer third, blending it inward.
- Under-eye pop: I love running a touch of “Freak” along the lower lash line for an unexpected color jolt.
Why They’re Game-Changers
What makes the Naked Shadow Sticks stand out is their versatility. You can wear one color alone for an editorial wash of color or layer them under Moondust shadows to intensify the sparkle. They never crease on me—not even when I forget primer (which I do often).
And they’re a dream for early mornings. No fallout, no brushes needed, just swipe and go.
24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil: The Pencil That Launched a Thousand Smoky Eyes
Price: \$25
Available at: UrbanDecay.com, Sephora, Nordstrom
Let’s get one thing clear: eyeliner shouldn’t hurt. It shouldn’t drag across your lid, pull your lash line, or skip like a broken record. Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil is the opposite of all of that—and it’s been my go-to liner since college.
Formula & Pigment
These pencils are almost suspiciously soft. They melt onto the skin but then stay put like tattoo ink. The pigmentation is rich, bold, and buttery. One swipe delivers opaque color.
Top shades in my stash:
- “Perversion” – the deepest black you’ll ever find (matte and intense)
- “Whiskey” – warm brown with a velvety finish
- “Electric Empire” – shimmery emerald green that makes brown eyes pop
- “Mushroom” – taupe-silver with a satin sheen
Tricks I Swear By
- Tightlining: I use “Perversion” to fill in the upper waterline for instant lash volume without mascara.
- Smudged liner: Apply “Whiskey” and blur the edges with a pencil brush—this gives me that effortless smoky look.
- Wing tip booster: I trace a colored liner (like “Empire,” the rich purple) over my regular cat-eye to give it dimension.
Staying Power
They’re named 24/7 for a reason. These liners do not budge. I’ve cried in them, sweated in them, fallen asleep in them (oops)—and they’re still there the next morning. And they don’t irritate my sensitive eyes.
I keep a mini of “Zero” in every purse I own.
Perversion Volumizing Mascara: Lashes Like You’ve Never Had Before
Price: \$26
Available at: Ulta Beauty, Sephora, UrbanDecay.com
There’s mascara… and then there’s Perversion. The first time I used it, I did a double take in the mirror. It made my lashes look longer, thicker, and blacker than I thought was possible without falsies.
Texture & Brush
The formula is creamy—not too wet, not too dry—with just enough slip to glide over lashes without clumping. It’s enriched with proteins and honey extract, so it also nourishes while it volumizes.
The brush is large but not unwieldy, with dense bristles that coat every lash from root to tip. No plastic combs, no gimmicks. Just drama.
Application Routine
- First coat: I start at the base, shimmying upward in a zigzag motion.
- Second coat: I hit just the tips to boost length.
- Lower lashes: I use the side of the wand for a more precise, separated effect.
Why I Reach for It
It builds volume without turning spidery. It doesn’t flake into my contacts. It doesn’t smudge under my eyes by 3 PM. And it removes easily with micellar water—no tugging.
The black is ink-black. Not grayish. Not charcoal. It’s jet, inky, borderline-illegal black.
My Step-by-Step Urban Decay Eye Routine
Let me walk you through how I combine all four products for my signature eye look that works for everything from client meetings to cocktail nights.
Step 1: Prime and Prep
I start with a clean lid, lightly moisturized. Sometimes I’ll use Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion (\$26) for extra staying power, especially on humid days.
Step 2: Naked Shadow Stick as the Base
I glide on the Naked Shadow Stick in “Roach” from lash line to just above the crease. I blend with my ring finger for a diffused, hazy base. I use “Lava” along the outer third for depth, blending it into the outer corner in a small V shape.
This base gives me dimension and warmth, plus a solid layer for the shimmer to cling to.
Step 3: Moondust Liquid Eyeshadow for Shine
I swipe “Space Cowboy” directly onto the lid, focusing on the center. I let it set for about 30 seconds, then gently tap the edges for a seamless transition into the matte shadow underneath.
Sometimes, for extra drama, I’ll layer “Solstice” right on top using a flat brush. The color shift is unreal.
Step 4: Glide-On Eye Pencil for Structure
I use 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in “Perversion” to line my upper lash line, keeping the line thin and tight. I smudge it slightly with a pencil brush before it sets for a smoky effect. Then I line my waterline and tightline for added impact.
To make my brown eyes stand out, I sometimes run “Empire” (deep eggplant) or “Electric Empire” (shimmering green) along the lower lash line.
Step 5: Lashes with Perversion Mascara
I curl my lashes, then apply two generous coats of Perversion Mascara, focusing on lift at the roots. The brush grabs even the tiniest lashes in the corners.
One coat is glam. Two coats? Movie star.
Bonus Tips for Getting More from These Products
- For hooded eyes: Apply Moondust liquid shadow slightly above your natural crease so the shimmer doesn’t disappear when you blink.
- For sensitive eyes: All Urban Decay eye products are ophthalmologist-tested. I’ve worn them with contacts, during allergy season, and on long-haul flights—no issues.
- To remove everything: Use a dual-phase remover like Lancôme Bi-Facil or Garnier Micellar Water. These formulas lift off even waterproof liners gently.
Where I Shop Urban Decay in the U.S.
Here’s where I reliably shop Urban Decay products—both online and in-store:
| Retailer | Why I Love It | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Sephora | Great selection, frequent restocks, awesome rewards | www.sephora.com |
| Ulta Beauty | Coupon codes, drugstore and prestige options in one place | www.ulta.com |
| Urban Decay Official | Full collection + exclusives | www.urbandecay.com |
| Nordstrom | High-end service, fast shipping | www.nordstrom.com |
| Macy’s | Great for sales and holiday kits | www.macys.com |
| Amazon (Official Store) | Convenient and reliable when shopping Urban Decay basics | www.amazon.com |
Mixing and Matching: Eye Looks for Every Mood
These four products form my core, but they’re endlessly versatile. Depending on the mood, I tweak the color combos.
For Daylight Elegance:
- Naked Shadow Stick in “Roach”
- Moondust in “Space Cowboy” (light shimmer only on inner lid)
- 24/7 Pencil in “Whiskey” smudged on top lid
- One coat of Perversion Mascara
For Golden Hour Vibes:
- Naked Stick in “Freak” on the lower lid
- Moondust in “Zap” on the upper lid
- 24/7 Pencil in “Mushroom” as a top liner
- Full flutter of mascara
For Night-Out Glam:
- Naked Stick in “Lava” blended into crease
- Moondust in “Solstice” center of the lid
- 24/7 Pencil in “Perversion” top and bottom lash line
- Two coats of mascara + false lashes if you dare
Each look is achievable in under 10 minutes. The products do the heavy lifting—I just show up and swipe.
Texture Matters: A Sensory Breakdown
I’ve always paid attention to how makeup feels, not just how it looks. So here’s how I’d describe the sensory experience of each product:
- Moondust Eyeshadow – cool to the touch, like wet velvet, with a light, refreshing glide
- Naked Shadow Stick – buttery-smooth, like a softened crayon, with slight slip before it locks
- 24/7 Glide-On Pencil – silky and dense, glides like oil paint on canvas
- Perversion Mascara – creamy and plush, with a whipped texture that hugs every lash
Makeup should feel like luxury on your skin, and these textures deliver that without compromise.
Final Touches and Layering Tips
If I want to go full-throttle glam, I’ll finish my eye look with a pair of wispy falsies (Ardell Demi Wispies are a forever favorite) and a touch of highlighter on the brow bone—usually using Urban Decay’s “Sin” shadow or the original Moondust pressed version.
On casual days, I let the 24/7 pencil and mascara stand on their own. They’re enough to make my eyes look awake, defined, and polished.
Why These Products Work So Well Together
What Urban Decay has mastered is synergy. These products aren’t just good individually—they’re designed to be layered. The creamy Naked sticks grip the Moondust shimmer. The Glide-On liners blend seamlessly over shadow and under mascara. The mascara is so black it anchors every look, tying it all together.
It’s like each step speaks the same visual language: effortless edge with staying power.
If you’re ready to play with pigment, texture, and light—there’s no better place to start than your eyes. These products have changed the way I approach beauty not because they cover or mask, but because they reveal. They let me say something before I ever speak a word.
