Eyes to mesmerize: NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadow

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NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadows

NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadows

When we last visited these I was in the midst of testing -- I really wanted to see where the sparkle filled road would take me. And you're not imagining things, Desdemona crossed the Pacific late last week with other bits and bobs from Sephora :) 

In short, these eyeshadows are shimmery, sparkly and for some, might even ignite bokeh magic. Be sure to get past the Creme Brûlée-like exterior in order to capitalise on these pigmented sparkle bombs. NARS newest formula is a massive improvement as some of his older eye palettes and eyeshadow singles left a lot to be desired; pretty in the pan, but impossible to work with. Then along came Kauai, which whet my appetite while I waited for the next course to arrive.

Here's a recap of six of the twelve shades, starting with the swatches.

NARS Dual Intensity swatches (dry on the left and wet on the right for each shade) from left to right: Europa, Himalia, Dione, Callisto and Phoebe

NARS Dual Intensity swatches (dry on the left and wet on the right for each shade) from left to right: Europa, Himalia, Dione, Callisto and Phoebe

Late arrival: Swatches of Desdemona dry (left) and wet (right)

Late arrival: Swatches of Desdemona dry (left) and wet (right)

Europa

Europa

Europa in the pan seemed like it was filled with endless possibilities, but I think I had my blinders on when I selected this particular shade and I might even blame it on my excitement at the beauty counter. Europa is the base of the pyramid, a supporting player that looks more intense when applied wet.

Himalia

Himalia

Not to be confused with Dione, colour-wise, Himalia is an excellent multi-tasker. Equal parts brown and beige, Himalia adds depth without closing your eyes in.

Dione

Dione

Dione is a cool, taupe-y beige with glints of silver, which are further enhanced just by adding water. Think wet, shiny sand.

Callisto

Callisto

The apple of my eye. Callisto is an icy pink that immediately perks your eyes up without having to catch a few Zzz's.

Phoebe

Phoebe

I can't really disagree with Nars' bang on description of Pheobe, a deep shimmering amethyst that's waiting to dazzle your eyes.

Desdemona

Desdemona

Desdemona isn't tragic like her namesake, this rich burgundy is bold and makes no apologies. Definitely not for the faint of heart. Expect warm embers, not flickering flames.

Here are two different looks I put together for you to mull over.

Light, bright and glowing

Light, bright and glowing

Close up

Close up

This soft look is coupled with glowing skin, pink cheeks and neutral lips.

Colours used: Himalia, Dione and Callisto and a hint of Phoebe.

Dark magic

Dark magic

Close up

Close up

Another look, cuz I'm so proud of my blending 

Another look, cuz I'm so proud of my blending 

Neutral skin and lips to maintain focus on my hazel eyes.

Colours used: a matte taupe and vanilla from Bobbi Browns' Bobbi & Katie Palette, Desdemona, Callisto and Phoebe.

 

Tip: Temper the shimmer by using a matte eyeshadow as your base and work from there.

 

NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadows are like miniature Energizer Bunnies and will easily multiply if you're not careful at the cash register. Kindly pair these with an eye primer and you'll most certainly be set for the evening.

Want a tutorial, just say. I'd be happy to throw one together.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadow:

  • $38.00 AUS / $29.00 USD - I bought five colours prior to Mecca's price decrease and paid $45.00 AUS per compact. Call it karma for my impatience.

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

  • 10 out of 10 bags — LOVE.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

  • On my 'to buy' list: Cassiopeia, Lysithea, Subra and maybe even Sycorax.