Yes, I know, I said I would be strong and stay away from the NARSissist Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow palette by NARS…
Okay, well, let’s all agree now to say that I am a weak person regarding makeup!
When I received an email telling me that Nars.fr released this palette exclusively on the website, my brain just froze and all that I was able to think was something like: “OMG a new and exclusive palette! I need it! Now!”
Actually, I totally lost it when I compared the US price ($79) with the French price (55 euros=$62). I don’t know why the price is so different, but frankly, whatever and well, let’s just say that I’m glad that I’m French sometimes! smile
NARSissist Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow Palette by NARS, presentation:
I already know that the Dual-Intensity eyeshadows have an amazing overall quality. I did a full review a few months ago ( NARS Dual-Intensity Eyeshadows, my review).
In summary, these eyeshadows have a very metallic sheen and they can be used both dry (for a sheer and natural finish) or wet for a more dramatic effect and more coverage.
In this palette which is a limited edition, there are 8 Dual-Intensity eyeshadows:
– 7 which already exist in the permanent range: Andromeda, Europa, Lysithea, Himalia, Giove, Sycorax and Subra
– 1 exclusive to the palette limited: Ursa Major.
Andromeda: a very light ivory beige with golden shimmer (but a very light golden, almost white). This color is perfect to highlight the inner corner of the eyes. Generally, I apply it dry.
Europa: a satin light pinky peach. It’s perfect to unify the eyelid before applying other eyeshadows, especially used dry. Applied wet, it’s very beautiful alone on the eyelid with a nice black liner. It really brightens the eyes.
Lysithea: a grey taupe with slightly green and antique gold undertones. I expected a silvery grey (which I never used on my eyelids, the gray makes me look tired, it’s not really my color) but not at all, it’s really very pretty with its multiple reflections! I prefer it applied wet because it looks like a duo-chrome, it’s so pretty.
Himalia: the only eyeshadow that I already had, but frankly, it doesn’t matter, it’s one of my favorites! This is a light bronze, almost an amber, extremely luminous. Here too, I prefer a wet application because it really looks like liquid metal, I love it!
Giove: it’s a sublime navy blue, which is a dark colour but very luminous because it’s super metallic. This is a real gem! I applied it wet and so far, I’ve only been using it at as a liner. But for evening makeup, I really see myself associating it with Sycorax for a gorgeous blue-black smokey eye effect!
Ursa Major: the only limited edition eyeshadow of this palette. It’s a rather dark chocolate brown, again very luminous. For an appropriate day makeup look, it is perfect in the outer corner of the eyes, applied dry for a more natural effect. At night, you can use it wet, on the entire eyelid for quick and subtle smokey eyes.
However, I found the quality of this eyeshadow is not as good as the others, especially applied dry. It has a lot of fall outs and I found it more difficult to blend. It was also a bit patchy. Such a pity because the colour is lovely! uneasy
Sycorax: it’s a metallic black eyeshadow. It’s very beautiful applied wet as a liner. For the fans of dark smokey eyes out there, it’s a must-have. On me, the black smokey eyes sadly accentuates my dark circles or gives the impression that I’ve been punched in the face. But along the lash line, it’s perfect! ;P
Subra: probably my favorite of the palette. Subra is an almost brown burgundy and its an amazing shade, especially applied wet. I use it as a liner, on the outer corner or on the entire eyelid to make the green in my eyes pop. It’s so versatile and I love it so much!
NARSissist Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow Palette by NARS, my opinion:
I’m a fan of this palette’s packaging. It’s quite small, enough to put it into a travel bag. However, I’m not sure about the outside mirror which makes it quite fragile, probably too much so to think about travelling with it!
I must admit that the Narcissus‘s reference (with the word ‘NARSissist’ written in it) is pretty funny!
The synthetic brush which is inside the palette is great for applying the Dual-Intensity eyeshadows, especially when they are wet. For the dry application, I prefer to use my fingers for more coverage or a brush with natural bristles that will really “catch” the pigments.
After a few months now, I can add more details about using the Dual-Intensity eyeshadows.
I would say that I needed to “learn” how to use these eyeshadows. You can really feel the professional side of the brand through using them. It’s not always easy to wet an eyeshadow when you’re not used to do it. But at least, you really feel like a makeup artist when you use them! wink
So for me, the NARSissist Dual-Intensity palette is not really an every day one. It will be the kind of palette you will use when you want to take time to make a beautiful makeup.
The choice of colors is pretty good, even if there are only 8 shades. You can still do a lot of different looks with these colors, from the most natural to something far more intense. And the fact that they can be used wet or dry reinforces the versatility of this palette.
Well of course, it lacks some matte eyeshadows but hey, here it’s not really the concept…
The value for money is really super interesting. The Dual-Intensity eyeshadows are really good and they usually cost $29 each. So yes, of course, the eyeshadows which are in the palette are smaller, but $79 for 8 of these eyeshadows, it’s still a very good deal.
I’m a little scared about the availability of this palette as it is a limited edition.
If you really want it, I would strongly recommend getting it quickly! I’m just saying… wink
In summary:
[wprs-pros][wprs-cons]
And of course if you have not already fallen for the NARS Dual-Intensity eyeshadows, this palette is a great way to discover them!
Finally, here are the swatches:
– Dry:
– Wet:
On me:
Here, I chose to do a very natural makeup:
– Andromeda applied dry all over the lid and inner corner
– Europa applied wet on the entire eyelid and along the lash line
– Ursa Major applied dry on the outer corner
– Sycorax applied wet as a liner
The NARSissist palette is available on NARS website and also on Sephora.com.
The price is $79.
And you, are you tempted by this NARSissist Dual-Intensity eyeshadow palette? Have you tried it already? Any thoughts?
Photos credits: bonnie-garner.com
Cet article est aussi disponible en français: La palette de fards à paupières NARSissist Dual-Intensity de NARS, mon avis
The Summer collection (to come) from By Terry features 2 similar palettes and they are simply the best in my opinion, after having tried other brands. The texture is perfectly smooth, the brush impeccable. I’ d like your comments (available in France starting with May, Middle East in June).
You know that I never tried By Terry products? I know, such a shame! ;)
Of course, I know Terry De Gunzburg and her very famous Touche Eclat. When I worked at le Bon Marché in Paris a few years ago, I can remember how successful By Terry products were, the clientele of Le Bon Marché was a perfect match!
I need to go check it out! :)