When I first heard about the Urban Decay Basquiat collection a few weeks ago, I was very ambivalent.  On the one hand, I was excited that Urban Decay was using the work of such a phenomenal artist as inspiration of a limited edition makeup collection.  But, on the other hand, this collaboration had just the tiniest whiff of cultural appropriation.Let me back up a little bit.  Jean-Michel Basquiat was an American artist who passed away in 1988.  His work was an avenue for cultural commentary about pressing issues of his time (and our time too, honestly) like poverty, class dynamics and race.  So...you can imagine my excitement, confusion and hesitation when I heard about this collaboration with Urban Decay.Basquiat's work was very political, so I kind of struggled to see how this fit with makeup.  I definitely think makeup artists are truly artists, but it was hard for me to imagine that Basquiat would have collaborated with such a mainstream brand.  But, obviously I didn't know the man and his estate saw fit to work with Urban Decay.  So, who am I to judge?

Especially since the Urban Decay Basquiat collection is so damn good.

The packaging is so spot on for Basquiat's work, and there's even a little notch in the back of the eyeshadow palette so you could hang it on the wall as art!I really love how Urban Decay was true to Basquiat with the colors of the makeup too.There were two eyeshadow palettes, Gold Griot (neutrals) and Tenant (brights).  Obviously I went for Gold Griot and I have no regrets.  The colors are super blendable and pigmented.  Plus the colors work so well together for everyday or more dramatic makeup looks.  Ever since I got this, it's been my go-to for when I wear eyeshadow.Here are some swatches of Urban Decay Basquiat eyeshadow palette in Gold Griot:And here's another picture in different lighting:I also picked up two lipsticks from the collection: Abstract (cool toned beige/brown) and Epigram (neutral rust).And here are some swatches of these gorgeous lipsticks:I think all of the colors look so beautiful together.  Here's a quick makeup look I wore the other day wearing Urban Decay Basquiat eyeshadow palette in Gold Griot and then lip swatches in both Epigram and Abstract.Here are the details on the rest of my makeup:

• Hourglass Cosmetics Vanish Foundation Stick in Warm Almond  (This foundation is amazing.  You can see it in action in my Flawless Foundation tutorial.)
• MAC Cosmetics Blush in Raizin
• Tom Ford Sheer Highlighting Duo in Reflect Gilt (So so beautiful.  You can see swatches in this Highlighter Haul post.)
• Glossier Boy Brow in Black (Shop with me using this link for 20% off your first purchase.)

Even though I was hesitant about this collection at first, I'm so glad I bought these pieces.  The colors are super wearable and the packaging is stunning.Also, I def appreciate that Urban Decay is bring more attention to such an outstanding artist.You can get the Urban Decay Basquiat eyeshadow and lipsticks at Macy's, Ulta, and Sephora.  The collection is limited edition, so don't sleep on these if you're interested!