I stalked the makeup counters for weeks so much I had become a fixture at my local Myer store. It got to the point where I've been asked how much something costs; please keep in mind I was shopping as well and I had my purse in my hand. I think those are pretty good indicators of my being a patron. Perhaps I handled myself in such a way that made the young girl think otherwise; I really should've asked. You know the saying "curiosity killed.." But I digress. Late one Sunday afternoon I made a random visit (stalking session, if you will) to Mecca inside of Melbourne Central with the hope of spying something new; I think I've become a local celebrity there, because the artists pick me off from the review I wrote months ago. All kidding aside, the manager was nice enough to give me a sneak peek at the NARS Spring release which hit the shelves in late February. My stalking officially paid off; I got to see everything in person and I was told when to come back in order to stock up.

Within a week, I walked away with Mexican Rose and Gaeity.

Mexican Rose is a fiery and bold fuchsia pink. The colour builds up over time, so what you walk out of the house sporting is far different than what people see on your lips minutes later. It starts soft and subtle and leaves you inclined to apply more, but don't - give it time to bloom. The finish stays glossy for the first half hour and then turns matte; if you're looking to rejuvenate that glossiness, just add chapstick. Wear time is insane; I put Mexican Rose on at eight in the morning and by my seven o'clock that night there was still a hint of colour. Casey, my trainer, even told me that I didn't need to wear lipstick for her :)

NARS Gaeity reminded me a lot of a cotton candy pink blush I purchased from Benefit back in 2003. Yes, way before they switched to only selling boxed blushes. I think I was trying to recapture a makeup memory of mine. Whenever I purchased makeup during my college years, I was too afraid to use my makeup too often - I didn't want it to run out. In the end, I spoiled the makeup experience for myself; after all, it's meant to be worn and enjoyed.

Gaeity didn't translate as well as my Benefit blush once did. My facial skin is so fair (thanks to wearing 30 SPF) at the moment that the colours I end up swatching look much different on my arm than they do on my cheeks. The end result is still nice, but not what I was hoping to achieve.

If you're in the mood to pair two vastly different pinks, then this duo is for you. Neither one overpowers, but Mexican Rose wins out due to the simple fact that it's a conversation starter.

"Oh my Nicole, what are you wearing?!"

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for NARS Mexican Rose and Gaeity:

$45.00 AUS for the Velvet Lip Gloss Pencil and $49.00 AUS for the blush - both are currently sold out via Mecca Cosmetica's online store

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

10 out of 10 bags for Mexican Rose - the colour alone pays for itself.

7 out of 10 bags for Gaeity - keep your own colouring in mind at time of purchase, plus there has to be a cheaper dupe out there. I think Christina of Temptalia might be able to help.

Likelihood to purchase: