For Holiday 2013, the House of CHANEL has released a small-scale collection, filled with products that are exquisitely made and in completely wearable hues. While several items caught my eye, the Joues Contraste Powder Blush in #84 Accent seemed to stand out; there’s just something about it … something special, but in a completely understated way.
CHANEL – Joues Contraste #84 Accent
CHANEL – Joues Contraste #84 Accent
Joues Contraste #84 Accent Powder Blush (CAN $48.00) – A tawny/taupe hue with the barest hints of mauve and peach in the base to warm it up, and bearing an incredibly fine shimmer throughout. Surprisingly pigmented for a light shade, there was hardly any powdery kickback when I swirled my brush in the pan. Application couldn’t be easier as well, as this shade blends beautifully and seamlessly into the skin, while the shimmer serves to add a gorgeous yet soft, luminous glow. Lasting power was quite good – going easily 9 hours before any significant fading.
Don’t let the tan colour in the pan fool you; this is a universally flattering shade that will suit a broad range of skin tones, except for perhaps the darkest – where it probably won’t really show up at all.
CHANEL – Joues Contraste #84 Accent
CHANEL – Joues Contraste #84 Accent
CHANEL – Joues Contraste #84 Accent (with flash)
CHANEL – Joues Contraste #84 Accent (blended out on the right)
CHANEL – Notorious (left) & Joues Contraste #84 Accent
When the first promotional images began circulating, I assumed that #84 Accent was very similar to Notorious (previously reviewed here), but as can be clearly seen in the photos, they are nothing alike.
CHANEL – Joues Contraste #84 Accent & Notorious swatches
I then pulled out all similarly coloured blushes in my collection to compare to #84 Accent and while a couple looked like contenders, I was happy to note that none had the same tone or finish.
CHANEL – Joues Contraste #84 Accent & comparisons
This is a blush that I find myself turning to almost on a daily basis. Perfect for when you want a light and natural looking flush along the skin, it also lends itself well to be used as a contour, then adding a pop of brighter colour on the apples of the cheeks. Note that this is a limited edition item (big mistake, CHANEL – you need to make this permanent) and still available at counters – but not for long, as the Spring 2014 Collection has already started making its appearance.
I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but crème blush seems to be all the rage right now. Personally, I have always avoided products in this format, as with my combination/oily skin, that was like asking for the dreaded “oil slick” effect, but that was also before mattifiers & primers became part of my daily beauty vocabulary. It was also before I discovered what a seamless and flawless colour to the skin that only crème blushes can provide. Never too old to learn, am I right?
The latest offering from Maybelline in this category, are their Master Glaze by Face Studio Blush Sticks – 6 portable twist-up blushes in a unique (and long-lasting) cream to powder formula, made with a new pearly-lustre technology that provides colour and light-reflecting properties. I took these three for a test run, and let’s just say that they made my blush-loving heart very happy indeed.
The common ground with these Master Glaze Blush Sticks, is their texture; silky soft, they seem to literally glide along the skin effortlessly, and you have about a minute or so to blend them in before they begin to dry down. Once they dry, the look is more powder-like, in the sense that they don’t feel “moist” on the skin like cream blushes of yore (ugh – always hated that greasy feel), while the pearly sheen melds perfectly with the colour so you don’t have any demarcation or separation of the 2 components (pigment/shimmer). There is absolutely no need to set with powder or even to add highlighter – although an evening look can certainly use a touch more luminosity (with the use of a separate highlighter) on the upper cheekbones, in my opinion.
Note: there’s no discernible scent (at least not to my nose). Also (and before you start throwing things at me), I know that the comparisons I’m including for each shade are with products that were not only limited edition, but no longer available – but that doesn’t mean that some of you out there don’t already own them (#beautyhoardersunite); I just wanted the comparisons to be in the same texture (cream) and these happen to be it.
Maybelline Master Glaze by Face Studio
Maybelline Master Glaze by Face Studio
Maybelline Master Glaze by Face Studio (left to right): Warm Nude, Pink Fever, Make a Mauve
Maybelline Master Glaze by Face Studio
#20 Pink Fever (CAN $11.99) – a cool leaning cotton candy pink hue with blueish undertones and fine silvery shimmer. Finding a pink colour that suits my skin tone (slight yellow tint) is a delicate balancing act, as it can often make me look either bruised or clownish, so I was really surprised by how much I liked this shade on me. Perfect for brightening the face while providing a youthful flush, I’m thinking that #20 Pink Fever will also be ideal for those with fair skin. Staying power: I got a good 9 hours before I saw any fading, although the light shimmer was still visible.
Maybelline Master Glaze #20 Pink Fever
Maybelline Master Glaze #20 Pink Fever (swatched heavily on the left, blended at right)
#20 Pink Fever vs NARS Cadaqués (LE, no longer available) – the only close shade in a cream formula I own, is this NARS Multiple Tint (1 of 3 limited edition Multiple Tint shades released in 2010) in Cadaqués. How it compared to #20 Pink Fever:
Maybelline Master Glaze #20 Pink Fever vs NARS Cadaqués (LE, no longer available)
Maybelline Master Glaze #20 Pink Fever vs NARS Cadaqués
#40 Warm Nude (CAN $11.99) – a neutral nude hue with peachy undertones and the most visible shimmer of the three being reviewed. On those with the fairest skin, this shade will definitely supply more colour, but on my fair/medium skin tone, it came across as more of a highlighter. Layering #40 Warm Nude with #50 Make a Mauve, gave me such a unique flush of colour with just the right amount of pearly sheen – it’s nice knowing that there’s yet another way of wearing these products. Staying power was predictably shorter than the others, which is to be expected with a shade in this colour family.
Maybelline Master Glaze #40 Warm Nude
Maybelline Master Glaze #40 Warm Nude (swatched heavily on the left, blended at right)
#40 Warm Nude vs MAC Gilty Bronze (LE, no longer available) – my initial thought was to compare #40 Warm Nude to some of the NARS Multiples, but going through my collection showed this MAC Skinsheen Bronzer Stick (1 of 3 limited edition shades from the Surf, Baby! Collection released in 2011) to be the closest match. How it compared to #40 Warm Nude:
Maybelline Master Glaze #40 Warm Nude vs MAC Gilty Bronze (LE, no longer available)
Maybelline Master Glaze #40 Warm Nude vs MAC Gilty Bronze
#50 Make a Mauve (CAN $11.99) – a rich raspberry hue with exceptionally fine shimmer, that can lean both warm or cool – depending on the intensity. I absolutely love the look of this colour on my skin, and while it holds the strongest pigmentation of the three, it can also be sheered out quite easily for a toned down flush – think “brisk walk outside cheeks”. Staying power was definitely the longest, still going strong at the 10 hour mark with no significant fading.
Maybelline Master Glaze #50 Make a Mauve
Maybelline Master Glaze #50 Make a Mauve (swatched heavily on the left, blended at right)
#50 Make a Mauve vs MAC Crushed Bougainvillea (LE, no longer available) – I was actually surprised to find that I owned a cream blush in this colour family, although this MAC product in Crushed Bougainvillea (part of the limited edition Emanuel Ungaro Collection released in 2008) is described as a ‘cream colour base’, not a blush. Whatever – looks like a blush to me. How it compared to #50 Make a Mauve:
Maybelline Master Glaze #50 Make a Mauve vs MAC Crushed Bougainvillea
Maybelline Master Glaze #50 Make a Mauve vs MAC Crushed Bougainvillea
In my opinion and next to mascara, blush is the second other beauty product one should never skip as it can completely liven the face. The portability of these Master Glaze Blush Sticks makes them convenient for on the go touch ups – not that you’ll most likely need to, as they happen to be quite long-lasting as is. If you’re not a fan of shimmer in your cheek products, then you’ll want to skip these – but you should note that what you get here, is more of a pearly glow and easy to wear even for during the day. With their wallet-friendly price points in their favour, it makes it even easier to indulge in a few shades. Or 6. Just sayin…
Available now through mass market retailers across North America. Find more information on Maybelline products via:
*Disclosure: Product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration
Everything is most definitely coming up roses for Spring, if this capsule collection from NARS is anything to go by. Not to be confused with their Spring 2014 Collection, the 9 (and limited edition) pieces of the Final Cut Collection consists of 4 blushes, 4 Satin Lip Pencils (my post on ‘Torres del Paine‘ will be on the blog soon), and 1 Illuminator – all on a variation of this pink theme, with blush shades that can be effortlessly coordinated with the lip pencils, or mixed & matched at will. When I learned that this collection was exclusive to Holt Renfrew here in Canada (Nordstrom in the US), I raced over to check them out; after a few quick counter swatches, I simply could not resist this vibrant pink blush.
Yes, I have officially gone over to the pink side and there will be several posts coming up on the blog, that can more than confirm this. But I digress …
NARS – New Attitude
NARS – New Attitude
NARS New Attitude blush (CAN $33.00) – A peony pink hue that is warmed up by the reddish undertones in its base. This blush is very finely milled with no noticeable powdery residue, and while not intensely pigmented, neither does it fall on the subtle side. Easily blended along the skin for a fresh flush of colour, New Attitude can also be built up slightly for more depth. Staying power was quite good, lasting easily over 9 hours over foundation, less so on bare skin.
With my skin tone (light/medium with yellowish undertones), finding a pink shade that simulates that “I just took a brisk walk” look on my cheeks can be a challenge at best, but there’s enough warmth in New Attitude to work with me – powerfully feminine but still modern.
NARS – New Attitude
NARS – New Attitude, detail
NARS – New Attitude
NARS – New Attitude, ingredients list
NARS – New Attitude (swatched heavily on the left, blended out at right – direct sunlight)
NARS – New Attitude (swatched heavily on the left, blended out at right – in natural light)
While I initially believed New Attitude to be similar to Gaiety, you can clearly see that they’re different branches of the pink family, with Gaiety sporting a much cooler tone due to its lavender undertones.
NARS – Gaiety (left), New Attitude (middle & right)
NARS – New Attitude (shown beside a few other contenders for comparison purposes – not swatched)
Maybe it’s because this has been such a dreary and miserably cold Winter, but I’m finding myself drawn more and more to anything pink – it somehow seems symbolic of Spring and the coming warmth to me. The NARS Final Cut Collection beautifully fills this craving with a small but perfectly curated selection of blushes, with enough variation in colour to suit most skin tones across the board. As these pieces are all limited edition, you might want to act fast. And think about backups, while you’re at it.
I purchased this product from Holt Renfrew, Montréal
Of the four Satin Lip Pencils released with the limited edition NARS Final Cut Collection (see my review on the New Attitude blush here), the one that came home with me was Torres del Paine, a fresh apricot shade that felt spot-on perfect to usher in Spring (which can’t get here soon enough, if you ask me). Something that I’ve come to really appreciate with this brand is not only the eclectic diversity of colour found within each collection (as well as the top-tier quality), but the unique geographical locations associated with each release – all stemming from the many exotic locales that M. François Nars has travelled to and in turn become the inspiration behind may of his collections.
Torres del Paine, is a vast national park in the Southern Patagonia region of Chile that includes mountains, glaciers, rivers and lakes, with the Cordillera del Paine mountain range the centerpiece of the park. When the sun hits this range at certain times of the day, the array of colours seen are absolutely breathtaking – and now I understand the connection to the name of this shade.
Torres del Paine, Chile (source)
Torres del Paine Satin Lip Pencil (CAN $30.00) – a peach/coral lip hue with some cherry pink undertones in the base, in a jumbo pencil format (non-retractible), in a well-pigmented formula that falls short of being glossy, but holds a shiny finish just the same. The application couldn’t be easier, as this pencil seems to glide easily across the lips depositing an even layer of colour, while the tip makes defining the contours simple & effortless. You can wear this shade alone for a fresh and vibrant look, mixed with another one of the pencils (or your favourite lipstick) for a unique colour, or even with gloss layered on top. Lasting power was about 4.5 hours when worn alone, less with gloss on top, leaving my lips feeling smooth & hydrated long after it had worn off. The only downside is the fact that it needs to be sharpened, resulting in product waste; I’ve gotten around that issue by keeping the shaved bit of colour (in the sharpener) and then using a lip brush to apply it. Not my preferred scenario, but a lot better than throwing it away – especially since this shade is just so pretty, not to mention pricey.
Highly complimentary to most skin tones, although it does lean more warm than cool.
NARS – Torres del Paine Satin Lip Pencil
NARS – Torres del Paine Satin Lip Pencil
NARS – Torres del Paine Satin Lip Pencil, ingredients list
NARS – Torres del Paine Satin Lip Pencil (in direct sunlight)
NARS – Torres del Paine Satin Lip Pencil (natural light)
NARS – Torres del Paine Satin Lip Pencil
The initial orange tint threw me off, as well as how close it appears to ‘Descanso‘, another similarly toned pencil in this collection (which I did not pick up), but what sold me after trying it out, WAS that vibrancy – something I’m trying to embrace more (colour, that is) and incorporate in my makeup looks. Since orange/coral/peach/apricot hues are not going away anytime soon and if what was seen on several of the runways is any indicator, a softer version such as Torres del Paine is a great way to add colour to your makeup wardrobe. And if it were a twist-up, then that would be absolute perfection …
Available now exclusively through Holt Renfrew (Canada), this is a limited edition shade – and totally backup worthy.
The French Ballerine Spring 2014 launch by Lancôme is feminine and pretty to the core, with the centerpiece of this collection undoubtedly the Rose Ballerine Highlighter Blush … from the detailed rose on the palette’s surface, to the hot pink bow on the compact’s cover, this is a product that will have you wanting to whip it out in public, if only to see the covetous looks it garners.
Before I get to the review, you should take note that this is a limited edition item. Fair warning …
The Pink Dancers, Before the Ballet – Edgar Degas, 1884 (source)
Lancôme – Rose Ballerine Highlighter Blush
Lancôme – Rose Ballerine Highlighter Blush, bow detail
Lancôme – Rose Ballerine Highlighter Blush
Rose Ballerine Highlighter Blush, limited edition (CAN $52.00) – This is a finely milled and cool leaning ‘ballet slipper’ pink hue, with an ultra fine silvery shimmer. While the consistency is on the sheer side, it can be built up slightly to show more colour – fairer skin types will absolutely love the rosy glow of this blush, although I suspect it will come off as more on the highlighter side for darker skin tones. Lasting power was quite decent as well, going easily to the 9-hour mark, although the colour faded before the sheen did.
Pink blushes can be quite difficult for me to pull off, as they often clash with the yellow undertones in my skin, but there seems to be enough warmth in this shade that actually works on me – in that glowy-flushed-skin kind of way. That being said, it is quite sheer and required several passes with my brush to show up, but I don’t mind the extra effort, as this shade is not only very complimentary, but blends so seamlessly and easily along the skin. The shimmer is visible when light catches it, with the ultra-fine texture helping it to meld with the skin and not stand out. I actually prefer using Rose Ballerine more as a luminous booster over a more matte blush, as it serves to add depth and bring light to the skin, which makes this a very versatile product indeed. With the beautifully crafted rose on this palette’s surface, I found the bow on the exterior to be almost superfluous, but then again – I’m not all that fond of bows to begin with. But it is cute, I’ll give it that.
Lancôme – Rose Ballerine Highlighter Blush … and a bonus rose shadow on the palette!
Lancôme – Rose Ballerine Highlighter Blush, raised detail
Lancôme – Rose Ballerine Highlighter Blush (with flash)
Lancôme – Rose Ballerine Highlighter Blush (swatched heavily on the left, blended out at right)
I could have sworn that Rose Ballerine would be quite close to NARS’ Gaiety, but the swatches show how different they are, with Gaiety being more matte and pulling lavender (and bluer based) against my skin.
NARS Gaiety blush (left), Lancôme Rose Ballerine Highlighter Blush (middle & right)
This is definitely the year of pinks and nudes and all that is vibrantly pretty – and it seems that every single brand is on the same page with their collections; the French Ballerine Spring 2014 Collection from Lancôme oozes prettiness, but in a totally wearable (read: modern) way, as this gorgeous Rose Ballerine Highlighter Blush proves, and let’s face it; there’s something about the ballet (pointe shoes, tutus, pulled-back ballerina hair, and always, the effortless elegance) that is almost … magical.
Available as of February wherever Lancôme products are sold, this is a limited edition item – and sure to sell out FAST.
Find more information via:
*Disclosure: Product sample provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration
The NARS Spring 2014 Color Collection which offers an eclectic palette of hues, holds two decidedly softer-looking lip gloss shades – Bimini Larger Than Life Lip Gloss (sheer, pinky & a touch shimmery) and Années Folles (sheer milky lavender, not shown). NARS products have become synonymous with exceptional quality as well as unexpected & often quirky colour launches, but always oh-so-tastefully done. And modern. And fresh. And vibrant.
Bimini Larger Than Life Lip Gloss (CAN $32.00) – described by the brand as a “soft pink guava”, I might also add hints of pink, melon, pale coral, and warm nude – as well as ultra fine golden & prismatic shimmer. Sounds like there’s a lot going on, doesn’t it? But the reality is that this is a sheer lip gloss with multi-level sparkle. Unscented and non-sticky, Bimini is ultra-glossy with the shimmer laying down completely smooth – as well as having the ability to be easily layered over any other lip shade to provide an extra touch of sparkly shine.
Giving lips the lightest tinge of colour (darkly pigmented lips will in all likelihood not see any colour change whatsoever, although the shimmer will probably stand out more, with lightly pigmented lips standing a better chance of actually seeing more tint), this gloss comes with a tiny and densely bristled brush – which I’m happy to see appears larger than previous versions (see an example here) and either you’ll love it or not; I personally don’t mind a small brush, as I feel you don’t waste any of the product – unlike a sponge-tipped applicator that tends to soak things up, resulting in waste – although both do have their merits. You’ll need a few swipes with the brush for complete coverage, but the semi-flexible bristles provide enough rigidity (without compromising any softness, mind you) that it helps with a precision application. I received about 2.5 hours of wear, less after eating/drinking, but I must say that my lips felt quite soft & well-hydrated once all traces were gone.
NARS – Bimini Larger Than Life Lip Gloss
NARS – Bimini Larger Than Life Lip Gloss
NARS – Bimini Larger Than Life Lip Gloss
NARS – Bimini Larger Than Life Lip Gloss (direct sunlight)
NARS – Bimini Larger Than Life Lip Gloss (natural light)
NARS – Bimini Larger Than Life Lip Gloss
I don’t have the second shade of this collection to compare, but from what I’ve seen of the two, Bimini is definitely the better option as it offers the versatility of either being worn solo or layered, bearing a light-reflecting sparkle, and will not settle into any lines or pool around lip edges as I’ve seen swatches of Années Folles do. I do love me some nude lip shades, and what makes this one unique is the fact that A) it’s a gloss, meaning a mirror-free application, B) there’s shimmer for visual interest and to provide depth, and C) it’s so darn pretty. I mean, just look at it? The only downside, is the hefty price tag, but the way I see it, when a product meets all my requirements and makes me feel confident while wearing it, that makes it all worthwhile.
Available now across Canada through Holt Renfrew, The Bay and Sephora stores. Find more information on NARS products via:
*Disclosure: Product sample provided by the company for my unbiased consideration
The Spring 2014 Color Collection from NARS introduces 2 new eyeshadow duos, and I confess to some heart fluttering the instant I laid eyes on Kauai. Something about the combination of purple and gold is just so right – not to mention regal, and if there’s one thing I’ve come to love about this brand, it’s their unique shade pairings. Then there’s the name: Kauai, a place I would so much rather be in right now than here.
Damn you, Polar Vortex.
NARS – Kauai Eyeshadow Duo
NARS – Kauai Eyeshadow Duo
NARS – Kauai Eyeshadow Duo
Kauai Eyeshadow Duo (CAN $39.00) – Described by the brand as ‘gold lamé/smoky orchid‘, this duo is soooooo much more than that. To begin with, the finely milled texture is superb; highly pigmented, silky soft, almost creamy feeling, and with basically no powdery residue to speak of. The gold shade is ridiculously complex, appearing more platinum at some angles, then morphing into an antique gold at others. The purple hue has a perfect mix of blue & red pigments, so that the colour appears rich & lush, with an absolutely gorgeous iridescent flash. As these shades are quite colour saturated, you won’t need much to begin with, but layering them for a deeper tone is effortless as well. When applied wet (using a product like MAC’s Fix+ or just plain old water), the intensity of each shade is significantly magnified while the wear time increases as well. Over primer (which I always apply first, as my eyelids do tend to get oily) I’m able to get a minimum of 10 hours’ wear (worn dry), with the colour lasting until I physically remove it (when applied wet).
NARS – Kauai Eyeshadow Duo
NARS – Kauai Eyeshadow Duo
NARS – Kauai Eyeshadow Duo
NARS – Kauai Eyeshadow Duo, with flash
NARS – Kauai Eyeshadow swatches, each shade applied heavier (left), blended out (right)
No one does eclectic colour combinations with the same finesse as NARS, and while the theme of some collections leave me puzzled, it’s always interesting to see what this makeup genius will be inspired by next. After having swatched the two eyeshadow duos at the counter, I must admit that China Seas – a turquoise/burgundy duo – left me somewhat unimpressed (and I so wanted to like it, as the colours are gorgeous), but Kauai blew me away. Definitely pricey, there’s no denying – but when the payoff is THIS good, it seems to cancel out that particular negative. That’s what I tell myself, and it works.
Available now through all NARS counters – I picked mine up at Holt Renfrew, Montréal
NARS introduces their newly reformulated and revamped nail polish collection – 42 shades in all (CAN $23.00 each), with 19 new colours included in the lineup. For years now, the nail lacquers of this brand have flown under most peoples’ radar, overshadowed by the sometimes overwhelming releases of both mass-market and other high end labels. That being said, there have been several NARS shades launched in the past that have almost inspired a frenzy, such as the iconic Zulu (reviewed here), a drop-dead gorgeous deep emerald jellyesque shade, and totally deserving of its by-now legendary cult status (which reminds me to wear it again … soon).
This new formula is said to have polymers that both lengthen wear time (helping it stay chip free), as well as add a brilliant glossy finish. The other changes include a new removable outer square cap which reveals a smaller ridged inner cap (a feature that is much appreciated, as the former cap was a little too bulky to comfortably hold), and a wide & flatter brush with a shorter wand – another improvement over the longer wand of the past, that had significantly thinner and floppier bristles. Even though there is much to recommend the new range, there are also a few points you should be aware of.
To start with and from the shades I was sent to test, I can honestly say that the formula on each was consistently easy to apply, self-levelling, and ending with a ridiculously glossy shine. The issue lies with a few of the more pigmented shades, and their potential staining factor – something that can be greatly reduced by simply doubling up on your base coat first, and thus making even these troublesome beauties worth wearing.
The brush, while significantly improved over the earlier version, can still use some tweaking; the flat wide shape means a quicker application in fewer swipes, which is great for eliminating any potential brushstrokes, and there is a perfect balance of rigidity & flexibility to the new bristles that should ensure a super smooth application, but as it is rather wider than usual, those with narrow and/or small nail beds may find it challenging to use. One way around that, is by turning the brush on its side and therefore exposing less of the brush’s width to the surface of your nail. Another tip is to ensure you don’t load up too much product on the brush, and then start your application by placing the slightly rounded tip near (but not touching) the cuticle area of your nail, followed by quickly pulling it downwards while applying very little pressure – this will keep the bristles from splaying out too much and will help prevent any polish from running down the sides into the surrounding skin.
NARS | Nail Polish 2014
NARS | Nail Polish 2014
NARS | Nail Polish 2014
NARS | Nail Polish 2014
NARS | Nail Polish 2014
NARS | Nail Polish 2014, showing removable outer cap with new ridged inner cap
NARS | Nail Polish 2014 (old vs. new brush)
La Notte | (Holt Renfrew exclusive) Inky navy hue with strong purple undertones in the base (that being said, the purple colour doesn’t translate that visibly upon the nail, but adds a lush depth), in a pigment-rich crème/jelly hybrid formula – can almost be a 1-coater. NOTE: this shade can be quite staining, so doubling up on base coat first is an absolute MUST. Coats applied: 2, no top coat
*One of my nails broke right after I swatched La Notte (insert major swearing here), which is why the other swatches are shown on my NOW much shorter nails.
NARS | La Notte
Ithaque | A seashell pink in a crème/jelly hybrid formula, that bears a medium thick flow. While not overly opaque, Ithaque still applies with decent overall coverage and while a third coat can always be added, I prefer it looking slightly translucent (think: sea glass). Coats applied: 2, plus top coat
NOTE: Ithaka, Greece, for which this shade is named, is an island in the Ionian Sea on the western coast of Greece, facing Italy (my Greek pride is showing – couldn’t resist this little nugget of information!)
NARS | Ithaque
Zakynthos | A nude crème hue with pink tints in the base, and quite possibly my most favourite neutral/nude shade ever as of right now. The formula is superb: creamy and incredibly even, with good opacity from the very first layer. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat
NOTE: Zakynthos, Greece, is another island in the Ionian Sea and slightly more south that Ithaka, on Greece’s western coast which faces Italy, and beyond spectacular. Known for its amazing beaches such as Navagio Beach (pictured below), this is a place that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Zakynthos, Greece | Navagio beach (source)
NARS | Zakynthos
Obscura | (Holt Renfrew Exclusive) A shadowy dusky purple with grey undertones (gives it that ‘murky’ factor) in a crème formula with intense colour saturation – this can literally be a 1-coater with ease. BONUS: non-staining upon removal. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat
NARS | Obscura
Fearless | An electric orchid/fuchsia shade with slight blueish undertones, in an über-glossy and jelly-like formula that nonetheless applies with excellent coverage (no translucency, as most jellies are prone to). BONUS: non-staining upon removal. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat
NARS | Fearless
Dovima | A unique red that can look both cool and warm leaning; some angles show it to be more tomato red (warm), while others bring out a cooler maraschino cherry red tone. A highly colour saturated crème formula, but as there is a good possibility of staining, do double up on base coat first. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat
NARS | Dovima
Jungle Red | A slightly translucent ruby hue with blueish undertones (which by default makes this shade more cooler-leaning), in a crème-jelly hybrid formula that is so lushly pigmented, it can be a 1-coater. Once again, doubling up on base coat first can help avoid any light staining issues. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat
NARS | Jungle Red
Overall, all the shades shown here have something to recommend them – from the jewel-like tones of the deeper hues, the super glossy finish each one bears, to the ease of application on every single one. From this grouping, I was originally drawn the strongest to La Notte (me & my brooding colours), and while I think it’s an absolutely stunning navy, I can’t help but be a little disappointed at how strongly it stains – won’t stop me from wearing it again with extra base, I’ll tell you that. Zakynthos was a surprise as well, as nude shades can be tricky against my skin tone, but there’s the right mix of warm & cool tones here to make it a universally flattering shade. I’ll be showing a few more shades in an upcoming post, but do yourself a favour and check out this re-launch: it will be incredibly difficult to choose just one.
Available now through The Bay & Holt Renfrew stores (Canada), as well as Sephora. Find more information via:
*Disclosure: Product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration
To celebrate their 20th anniversary, NARS has recently released the Audacious Lipstick Collection – 40 intensely colour-saturated shades in a wide variety of red, berry, pink, orange and nude tones, in a formula that is meant to provide deep and ultra-creamy coverage by the first stroke. The colour I was sent to review, Raquel, falls well within my comfort zone of neutral lip shades and even though I usually lean towards a sheerer formula, I appreciate that this particular nude gives my lips not only perfect opacity, but does so without washing out the rest of my makeup. Like a fully dressed nude lip … how’s that for an oxymoron?
Please note that in Canada, 10 of the 40 shades released are exclusive to Holt Renfrew, namely:
NARS | Audacious Lipsticks
NARS | Raquel Audacious Lipstick
NARS | Raquel Audacious Lipstick
Raquel Audacious Lipstick (CAN $37.00) | The lightest hue of the entire collection, this is a pink nude shade that can lean both cool & warm, making it suitable for a wide variety of complexions (although it could appear too ashy on those with very dark skin). The exterior is a matte black casing with the NARS name in glossy lettering along the bottom half, along with a magnetic closure for ease of use (I’m obsessed with magnetic closures on lipsticks – like a child, they can keep me amused for hours). The lipstick bullet bears an etched NARS logo at the top and the chiselled & pointed tip is useful for precise application. Extremely pigmented, you can literally get full and opaque coverage on your lips with just one swipe of Raquel, but you may want to do a little prep work beforehand; a good lip exfoliation and/or hydration with a balm before application of this lipstick, will go a long way to giving you the best coverage and prevent the colour from sticking to or emphasizing any unwelcome bits. I get about 4 hours of solid wear time (a little less if food and drink are involved), with my lips feeling fairly well hydrated after the majority of colour has faded away.
I pulled out the recently reviewed YSL shade #210 Nude Acoustic for comparison (review), and while the two are obviously in the same colour family, the difference is mainly in the formula – with the YSL bearing a semi-matte finish compared to the creamier and slightly glossier look of Raquel.
NARS | Raquel Audacious Lipstick
NARS | Raquel Audacious Lipstick
NARS | Raquel Audacious Lipstick
NARS | Raquel Audacious Lipstick vs YSL #210 Nude Acoustic (review)
I honestly was unprepared for exactly how opaque as well as creamy Raquel turned out to be, and if I were to compare it to other full-coverage crème lipsticks, I would have to say that there’s something very unique going on here. If this is any indicator, then the newly revamped NARS lipstick formula is quite formidable in many respects and while this particular shade does need some lip TLC before applying, it’s a universally flattering neutral just the same and perfectly on-trend for the mod revival look seen sweeping the runways.
Available now, find more information via:
*Disclosure: Product sample provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration
NARS Cosmetics is once again playing a major role at several shows this year for NYFW (New York Fashion Week), where many new products are first premiered. For the Alexander Wang SS/15 show held on September 6th, lead makeup artist for NARS, Diane Kendal, created a look that was “strong & energetic – the look is clean with moisturized skin, paired with accentuated highlighting and contouring to bring out the strength of the girls’ features”. The key products used:
FACE:
CHEEKS:
EYES:
All products, except where noted, available at www.narscosmetics.com
Lead Artist for NARS Cosmetics, Diane Kendal in action
Images credit: NARS/Rob Latorre
