Category: Makeup

It’s always exciting reviewing NARS launches. I think their formulations are some of the best in the market.

Late last year they revamped their entire eyeshadow lineup and improved on their already impressive shadows which was exciting as a fellow ‘Narsisist’! See swatches/ first impressions of their single shadows here. Fittingly, I’ve been spotting a bunch of new palettes now out with this new formula.

One of which is this new neutral palette called Skin Deep, I knew I had to have it ASAP. The good ones really go out of stock FAST!

I love how the palette has some everyday basics in larger pans. It’s been designed in a way that the most used neutrals are set in a larger pan since they are most likely to be the first to be used up. In addition, these powders can be applied to any part of the face anyway, you don’t need to restrict yourself to using them solely as eyeshadows! Some shades make interesting blush colours (especially) for deeper skin tones, or work even as contour.

On the top row each contain 3.5g of product in comparison to the ones on the bottom two rows which are just 1.4g each (for reference their single shadows usually contain 1.1g but look much larger than these small ones, strangely). I have a feeling the numbers are a bit off on this unless the pans are deeper.. who knows.

At first glance I also noticed a couple of the shades are actually some of the older popular single eyeshadows sitting beside the new ones. Bali and Coconut Grove have been two of my OG faves. Newly launched Sophia is also included in the larger pan.

I honestly don’t mind the repetition. Overall the mix is really versatile and that’s all that matters in my opinion. In any case, a majority of the shades are new (although some can be very closely duped with existing NARS shadows).

 

 

The formula of these when swatched were on par with the new reformulated shadows from October. Some, such as Faster Pussycat, Basic Instinct were (almost) creamy to the touch and swatch like butter!

 

 

Here’s another swatch set in direct sunlight.

 

 

Taunt – is a matte cream beige

Sophia – is a medium rosy matte brown

Whipped – is warmer reddish matte brown

Undressed – is a medium cool taupe

Icon – is a lustrous champagne

Basic Instinct – is a warm rose gold

Coconut Grove – is a medium deep matte brown

Centerfold – is a lustrous taupe

Calender Girl – is a dull bronze

Faster Pussycat – is a rich coppery red

Unbuttoned – is a deep brown with red shimmer

Overall the eyeshadows are well pigmented and apply smoothly. Even the mattes blend like a dream. Honestly, I can’t pick a single dud in here. NARS really set the standard high with this palette.

Skin Deep, is one of those palettes that’s perfectly curated. There’s a matte highlighter/ base shade, a few transition options and shimmery pop colours. Literally no guess work with all the shades just laid out perfectly. I have to say it makes life easier to not have to fish for a neutral beige or dig out a matte brown.

For todays makeup I added a blue winged liner for some contrast inspired by my blue manicure. My aim was to not make this neutral eye look boring. And the blue really compliments the warm coppery lower lash line.

Also making an appearance is the latest NARS face palette Fireclay on the cheeks and highlight points. Hopefully reviewing this next.

 

 

Here’s a closer look. My hooded eyes make it a bit difficult photographing the lid space without looking sleepy.  But here’s my best take! You see the eyeshadow placements more clearly.

 

 

Products used, Icon and Basic Instinct in the inner corner blended towards the center. Undressed and Whipped in the crease for depth and transition. Bali in the outer corner. Faster Pussycat on the lower lash line.

For eyeliner I used an old NARS navy blue eye pencil topped with the single shadow Outremer for extra pop.

On the lips i’m wearing a nude lip liner with Orgasm Afterglow Lip Balm.

Cheeks & subtle highlight via the Fireclay palette. It’s a 100% NARS look!

Bottom Line

Can’t recommend this palette enough! Even though the colours in here can be duped by other NARS singles in my stash, the convenience of having them all together, already curated and ready to go is money well spent. I know i’ll be packing this on practically every trip now on.

I love that there’s a good mix of mattes and shimmers which play very well together and the overall neutral tone makes for easy everyday eye looks since it doesn’t lean too red or warm.

If you already have a tonne of palettes, you probably won’t need this one. But I can’t hide the fact that it’s one of the best eyeshadow palettes i’ve seen in quite some time with really good quality & value for money and (i’ve tried a fair few to say the least)! PLUS it’s totally wearable for all skin tones, including the deeper complexions which is wonderful.

Bottom line, I’m enjoying it loads, and it’s something I wouldn’t want you to miss out on if you are thinking of grabbing this.

P.S – If you haven’t been to my Instagram, drop by and follow me there. All the latest makeup launches and makeup looks are always shared there first! xx

 

Available at NARS boutiques (Ngee Ann City) and Sephora Singapore (retailing at SGD90).

 

 

 

 

This month NARS launched their ‘Eyes Collection’ with a reformulation of existing shadows and also  brand new shades. For as long as I remember, NARS shadows have been some of the best in the market and with what i’ve seen (swatched) the product is now improved and even better.

This new line introduces a brand new Pigment Powder Suspension technology that delivers intense colour payoff, effortless blendability and rich, longwearing vibrant colour. Expect glitters, buttery mattes, shimmery pearls and satins, whatever suits your fancy.

The collection is broken down to 4 categories,

Hardwired sheens – Multi dimensional glitters for maximum impact and dramatic shine.

Precious metals – Shimmery shades to create soft pops of colour.

Pure Pops – Bright vibrant shades to add a burst of colour.

Soft Essentials – Neutrals in buttery mattes and smooth satins.

Along with the new formula, NARS has now switched up the packaging for a sleeker, slim compact. Of course no departure from the signature matte black packaging, it’s still quintessentially NARS.

Hardwired Sheens were the first to catch my eye. The colours were spectacular. Nothing that’s been in the permanent NARS collections before. Duo chromes, sparkly glitters that are soft to the touch and almost flakey (in a good way) and amazing pearly pigment that glisten. There’s 18 in total.

Argentina – A shimmering violet with a smokey deep base.

Chile – An iridescent lavender duochrome with pink shimmer.

Earthshine – Iridescent pink with a shimmery champagne shimmer.

Ecstasy – A minty green with gold shimmer. Very soft and flakey to the touch with good pigmentation.

Firenze – Another flakey high shimmer pink sequin like shadow.

Galapagos – Earthy brown with gold shimmer. Excellent pigmentation.

Goa – A brown green.

Hellcat – Pewter green with gold shimmer.

Lunar – A Lavender with pink shimmer. Good pigmentation with a very smooth application.

Madrid – A duochrome brown with a green and purple shift.

Melrose – Duochrome salmon pink with gold flecks.

Mendoza – A bronze with gold reflect. Excellent pigmentation.

Night breed – A sooty matte black with black glitter flecks.

Night clubbing – Black with gold pearly shimmer.

Pattaya – Coppery gold with a high shimmer flakey finish.

Pointe Noire – Plum brown with shimmer.

Rio de la Plata – A champagne with gold flecks.

Stud – A silvery pewter brown with amazing pigmentation.

Next up Precious Metals. These are the metallic shimmers and pearly shades. Almost everything swatched with good payoff and silky smooth to the touch. 13 shades in total.

Banquise – Vibrant silver.

Big Sur – A shimmering deep blue.

Fez – A medium satin brown.

Guayaquil – A bright rusty brown.

Isla Bonita – An iridescent white gold.

Kashmir – A neutral champagne beige.

Lahore – A rosy brown.

Mekong – A deep warm brown with golden shimmer.

Pyrenees – A shimmery gunmetal.

Rome – A taupey grey with silver shimmer.

Verona – Icy pink with silver shimmer.

Virgin Gorda – A golden pink.

Zambezi – A cool mint green with shimmer.

The mattes and satins within the Soft Essentials category were simply exceptional. Pretty much everything I could ever want in a matte. Think buttery soft, silky, exceptional blendability (no dry chalkiness at all) and good pigmentation. My first thought was, I need them all!.. (and so do you).

Ashes to ashes – A soft fleshy brown.

Bali – A neutral deep brown.

Bengali – A warm medium brown.

Biarritz – A silky matte cream.

Blondie – An ashy light brown with yellow undertones.

Cabo san Lucas – A fleshy pink.

Coconut grove – A deep brown.

Kingston – A silky matte grey taupe.

Nepal – A satin pink nude.

New York – Reddened neutral brown with amazing smoothness and payoff.

Night star – A cream with golden glitter flecks.

Nouméa – Orange toned brown with amazing payoff and texture.

Sofia – A pink toned brown.

Tullum – A warm ochre brown with excellent texture and pigmentation.

Lastly a look at the Pure Pops range that feature bright colours especially for artistry. Most of the best pigmented shades within this line were the mattes. The colours were saturated with very good texture and payoff. There’s just one shade that I couldn’t seem to swatch. The poorest performer. Domination. I can’t confirm how it picks up on a brush, but when swatching the payoff was next to nothing.

In this category I swatched just a few shades. The ones that caught my eye and had good pigmentation.

Baby Jane – A matte bright baby blue with good payoff.

Duoro – An exceptional bright matte yellow.

Night Porter – A shimmering forest green.

Persia – A matte Terracotta orange with amazing payoff.

Showgirl – A shimmering bright blue with amazing payoff and silky texture.

Strada – A Lavender with a gold sheen.

* Another shade that’s worth a mention was Goldfinger. A muted yellow gold. Unfortunately I missed it in the swatch but the texture and finish is very similar to Showgirl.

Bottom line

Given the overwhelming range, my favourites that I think you should zoom in on would be the Hardwired Sheens and the Soft Essential (mattes). The colours and textures will be some of the best you’ve ever tried.

Here’re my top favourites. I’m going to try and keep them to ten!

Earthshine, Firenze, Galapagos, Mendoza, Melrose, Stud, Virgin Gorda, Noumea, Bengali, Persia. I’d also like to throw in Tulum as a unique ochre which would make a beautiful warming shadow that works well as a transition shade and also layering.

For the more adventurous, I’d suggest Baby Jane and Duoro. Both must haves!

Pricing and availability

The collection is now available at all NARS boutiques and counters. Each eyeshadow retailing at SGD33.

Happy shopping!

*Thank you NARS Singapore for loaning these for swatches! ❤