NARS’ fall collection finally arrived at my counter this weekend. The collection first made a splash with its gorgeous promo image (featuring beer heiress and fashionista Daphne Guinness), and the internet has been a-buzz over eyeshadow duos Tzarine and Rajasthan… well, from the moment anyone laid eyes on them.
The initial report was that Mangrove, Rajasthan, Palladium, Rouge Basque, and Strawberry Fields were limited edition. Since then, there have been internet rumors that the shades are so popular that NARS will make them permanent. I asked again, and NARS reconfirmed: these shades are still limited edition.
The eyeshadow duos (each $32) are indeed pretty special. Tzarine is shimmery champagne-beige and a shimmery shade that reminds me of OPI’s Brand New Skates: it’s dark blue-grey with gold sparkles. Rajasthan is shimmery metal-sand paired with a darkly shimmery, satiny blue-black. The texture and pigmentation of both duos is fabulous.
Coconut Grove is a really dark, cool, matte brown. The texture is just a little dry, but still workable — and this shadow can do double duty as a liner, or even a brow shade. Mangrove is a greened yellow satin. Daphne (named after Ms. Guinness) is a vibrant royal purple. Unfortunately, I found it to be chalky, and even my sales associate volunteered that it made a good liner. The eyeshadow singles are each $23.
Palladium is a bright, sparkly, glittery aqua Soft Touch Shadow Pencil ($24). You can use it to line; you can blend it out. The sparkles are still quite visible when you blend it out.
The new blush (the first ever to have the NARS logo imprinted on the powder) is Douceur, a pink-brown. Nico is not new, but since it was on the display, I thought I might as well swatch it again. On my skin, Nico is an invisible-in-a-good-way pink-beige highlight. Both “blushes” are $26.
Bricky-red Rouge Basque lipstick is new; sheer, shimmery, duochrome violet-with-pink-and-blue-sparkles Shrinigar is permanent. Semi-sheer cherry Scandal lipgloss is permanent; opaque, violet-berry Strawberry Fields is new. All lip products are $24.
And, through August 21, if you place an order on NARS’ website, they’ll throw in a free mini Orgasm nail polish when you use promo code karla. (No minimum purchase!)
The imprinting on Douceur is limited edition as a perk. Later batches will not have it, so for those who collect, get it while it’s new for this treat!
Hi Karla,
I’m new to your excellent website, so please forgive me if I’m asking a stupid question. Do you ever post photos of yourself wearing the makeup? I would LOVE to see the Fall 2010 Guerlain eyeshadow palettes (93 Rue de Passy, etc.) “in action”!
On the other hand, I already spend too much on makeup…they’re just too gorgeous! Please reply; thank you
–Gena in CA
Sorry–I forgot to ask, where can I buy Guerlain products? Do you know of any sales or coupon codes for Guerlain?
I have Daphne, and I have to admit, it swatched absolutely horrible, but it wears amazingly beautiful. I ordered it first based on pictures, and then right after ordering, i saw/swatched a tester at my Nordies. Hated it so much that i immediately considered returning. But i’m glad i gave it a try, because it’s surprisingly smooth and true to color despite the chalky horrible swatching. I have asian monolid eyes, NC25. paired with Chanel Safari (on lid) and Daphne on the outer corner blended in, and line with Stila 24kt smudgepot. Looked freakin amazing
Wow, really in love witht the duos. Both look fab.
Love the swatches! NArs is such an amazing and vibrant line. The glosses and Blushes are my favorite! I wet Palladium and use it as a liner