Review: Urban Decay Book of Shadows Volume 3

So, here it is! This year's Book of Shadows - Volume 3 (or the NYC palette). It's currently available on the Debenhams website for £30, which is where I bought this from. I recommend Googling a free shipping code, there's usually one floating around. I believe it becomes available in the US on 6th Sept.


This is quite a bit thicker and bulkier than the other two Book of Shadows palettes, but this one does have batteries and stuff for the LEDs. Yes, it lights up!



There is quite a stunning amount of detail in the pop-up section. I don't think it's as pretty as the first Book of Shadows and, quite honestly, once I've finished reviewing it I don't think I'll end up opening the pop-up just to look at it.


The LEDs are actually on a timer so the batteries don't wear out if you leave it open by accident.


As usual, you get 16 lovely eye shadows! This came again with the mini bottle of Primer Potion and mini 24/7 liners in Zero and Ransom. I don't think I'm ever going to need to buy a Zero, I haven't bought one yet and I think I'm up to 4 (or is it 5?).

Out of the 16 shadows, 7 are brand new shades exclusive to the palette and a further 2 are new to the UK. Haight and Psychedelic Sister are Sephora exclusive shades so this is the first time we're seeing them in the UK. Both are gorgeous so I'm glad they're in here.

Perversion is in here again. It seems to be a Book of Shadows staple. However, this time it's different! I think the formula has changed since last year as it's definitely a very flat, deep matte black as opposed the the slight satin finish it's had in previous years. The pigmentation has also improved.


-Perversion - matte black
-Uzi - silvery white with silver glitter
-Loaded - forest green shimmer
-Kush - bright green shimmer with a little silver sparkle


-Midnight Cowboy Rides Again - champagne shimmer with gold and silver glitter - obnoxiously glittery (why, Urban Decay, why?)
-Last Call - shimmery metallic wine/plum
Rockstar - deep purple shimmer with burgundy tones
Money - silvery light blue/green


Haight - glowing blue/teal shimmer
Maui Wowie - cool toned gold shimmer with silver glitter
Smog - Shimmery brown with bronze tones
Bordello - mauvey pink with tiny copper sparkles


Radium - bright, fresh blue shimmer (reminds me of MAC Freshwater but more pigmented)
Snatch - peachy pink shimmer with a little golden sparkle
Suspect - cool, silvery brown
Psychedelic Sister - medium purple shimmer


Zero - deep black with no shimmer
Ransom - bright, blue toned purple shimmer

I think the colours available in the palette are the best yet. I'm not too thrilled with the bulky packaging, even though there is a huge amount of detail in the pop-up. I suspect this is going to sell like mad and end up going for a fortune on eBay. Money and Bordello need to be released in full sized pots, they're easily the two stand out shades this year.

Here's my review!