Honestly, walking through Sephora these days feels like a fever dream of "clean girl" minimalism and tiny quads that barely have enough pigment to show up on a Zoom call. But then you catch a glimpse of that iconic lilac-toned packaging, and it hits you. The Huda Beauty New Nude Palette isn't just a relic of the 2018 makeup boom—it’s basically the blueprint.
I remember when this thing first dropped. People were losing their absolute minds over those "petri dish" marbled shimmers. Fast forward to 2026, and while Huda Kattan has officially moved on to smaller formats and "Icy Nude" limited editions, the original New Nude is still the one most of us are hitting pan on.
Is it perfect? No. Does it still hold up against the 2026 formula standards? Kinda. Let’s get into what really happens when you try to use this 18-shade monster today.
The "New Nude" Color Story: Is It Actually Nude?
Here’s the thing most people get wrong about this palette: it isn’t "nude" in the traditional beige-and-brown sense. If you’re looking for a classic taupe or a sandy tan, you’re in the wrong place. This palette is a love letter to mauves, dusty roses, and berry tones.
Basically, if your skin has cool or neutral undertones, this is your holy grail. If you’re very warm-toned, some of these shades—especially "Lace" and "Tease"—might turn a bit muddy or straight-up purple on you. I’ve seen it happen. You think you’re blending a soft transition shade and suddenly you look like you’ve got a localized bruise.
The 18 shades are broken down like this:
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- 10 Buttery Mattes: These are the heavy hitters. Shades like "Teddy" and "Secret" are the unsung heroes for a daily work look.
- 4 Multi-Reflective Marbled Shimmers: These were revolutionary. They look like weird little planets in the pan.
- 2 Pressed Glitters: Honestly, these are the most polarizing part of the palette.
- 1 Pressed Pearl: "Kinky," which is a rich, plummy copper.
- 1 Concealer Base: "Concealed." We need to talk about this one.
That Infamous Concealer Shade
Can we talk about "Concealed" for a second? Putting a cream product in a powder palette is... a choice. In 2026, we’ve mostly accepted that this shade is going to be the first one to get "fuzz" from the powder kickback.
But honestly, it works. If you use it as a cut-crease base or just to make "Excite" (the glitter) actually stick to your face, it’s a lifesaver. Just don't expect it to replace your actual under-eye concealer. It’s too thick and a bit too waxy for that.
Using the Huda Beauty New Nude Palette on Mature Skin
There’s this weird myth that you have to stop using shimmers once you hit 40. Total lie. However, the Huda Beauty New Nude Palette requires a specific strategy if you’re dealing with texture or fine lines.
The mattes are talc-free (mostly) and infused with aloe vera and coconut oil. This makes them "creamy" for a powder, meaning they don't settle into lines as harshly as some of the chalkier formulas from 2016. But those glitters? "Infatuated" and "Excite" are chunky. If you have hooded eyes or crepey lids, those glitters are going to travel. They will find every fine line and set up camp there.
If you’re worried about texture, stick to the mattes and the single "Kinky" pearl shade. The marbled shimmers like "Daydream" are actually quite forgiving if you tap them on with a finger rather than a brush.
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The 2026 Formula Check: Is It Safe?
Makeup expiration is a real thing. If you’re digging out an original 2018 palette, please check the smell. If it smells like stale crayons, let it go.
That said, Huda’s 18-pan palettes were built to last. The New Nude formula was a pivot toward cleaner ingredients compared to her very first "Rose Gold" (the one with the cardboard packaging).
Quick Fact Check:
The mattes are formulated with silica and magnesium myristate instead of heavy talc loads. This is why they feel "heavy" and pigmented. It’s also why they blend so well. But because of the coconut oil content, they can occasionally develop a "hard pan" if you use oily fingers to dip in. If that happens, just take a bit of Scotch tape, press it onto the shadow, and peel off the top layer. Good as new.
Huda Beauty New Nude Palette vs. The 2026 Competitors
Look, the market is saturated now. You’ve got the Natasha Denona I Need A Nude and the Makeup by Mario Ethereal Eyes. How does Huda stack up?
Honestly, Huda wins on "drama."
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Mario is great for that "I’m not wearing much makeup" look. Natasha Denona is great for professional-grade metallics. But Huda’s New Nude is for when you want to look pretty. It’s a very romantic palette. It’s the "wedding guest" palette.
Why It Still Matters Today
Huda recently announced that "Icy Nude" would be her last-ever 18-pan palette. The brand is moving toward smaller, more curated "Obsessions" quads and 9-pans. This makes the New Nude a bit of a collector's item.
It represents a time when we weren't afraid of a big, bulky palette. It’s versatile enough that I can do a soft "Bare" look for a grocery run, but "Love Bite" and "Spanked" can turn it into a full-on smoky berry vibe for a night out.
Actionable Tips for Getting the Most Out of It
- Ditch the brushes for shimmers. Seriously. If you use a brush for "Crave" or "Fantasy," you’re going to get fallout all over your cheeks. Use your ring finger. The heat from your skin melts the formula and makes it look like liquid metal.
- The Tape Trick. Since these mattes are high-pigment, they kick up a lot of dust. Do your eyes first, then your foundation. Or, use a bit of surgical tape under your eyes to catch the fallout.
- Mix "Concealed" with Glitter. If you want "Excite" to actually stay on your lid for more than an hour, tap a tiny bit of the cream concealer onto your lid first. It acts like a glue without the crustiness of actual glitter primer.
- Blush Hack. "Tickle" and "Teddy" are actually incredible as blushes. Since they are eye-safe and highly blendable, they work beautifully on the cheeks for a monochromatic look.
Final Verdict
The Huda Beauty New Nude Palette isn't just a trend. It’s a staple. While the 2026 beauty world is obsessed with "less is more," there is something deeply satisfying about opening a big, heavy palette with 18 different ways to make yourself feel like a rose-gold goddess.
If yours is still in good shape, keep using it. If you’re looking to buy one, check the batch codes to make sure you isn't getting a "new old stock" item from 2019. This palette is the queen of the mauves, and honestly, I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
Next Steps for Your Routine:
Check your palette's expiration date or "PAO" (Period After Opening) symbol—it’s usually a little jar icon with "12M" or "24M" on the back. If your mattes have started to change texture or the cream concealer has a funky scent, it's time to retire the palette and look for a fresh restock from an authorized retailer like Sephora or the official Huda Beauty site. If it's still fresh, try using "Lace" as a transition shade tomorrow morning; it's the fastest way to brighten up a tired-looking eye.