As I strolled through Mecca Cosmetica I spotted this...

NARS, I love you, but you make me feel like I'm looking at Urban Decay's Naked Palette.

Working clockwise from the upper left corner, let's breakdown the striking resemblance:

Belissma = Virgin (shade #1)

Alhambra = Half Baked (shade #6)

Silk Road = Sin (shade #2)

Galapagos = Smog (shade #7)

Bali = Dark Horse (shade #8)

Tzarine = Gunmetal (shade #12)

Please feel free to draw your own conclusions. I didn't buy American Dream, because I couldn't rationalise shelling out $85.00 AUS for something which closely resembles to what I already own.

Want to check out swatches of American Dream? Sabrina of The Beauty Look Book reviewed it on her blog recently.

So, what do you think? Coincidence, inspiration or a carbon copy?

Do you LOVE Burberry's Pale Barley, but hate the price tag? Then look no further than Maybelline's Silken Taupe. I'm a sucker for neutrals; they are easy to apply, forgiving, can be worn alone or used to enhance an overall eye look. Maybelline's version retails between $3.00-$7.00 AUS, whereas Burberry shadows sell for $45.00 AUS. If you're looking for a steal, get ye to your local Priceline.

Can you tell how much I love that champagne shimmer? Honestly, I was surprised to see how they looked next to each other after swatching; beige can be complex, if you want it to be.

MAC's Shroom - light cream satin shadow with a subtle shimmer
Gorgeous's Sand Shimmer - beige loose powder with peachy undertones
Burberry's Pale Barley - brownish taupe shadow peppered with gold
Maybelline's Silken Taupe - see above :)
MAC's Palladium - Silvery beige cream shadow with a hint of gold

So, where do you draw the line? Does it come down to quality, price, brand, performance or all of the above? With Burberry, I know I paid for quality and the name; their shadows are finely milled, soft to the touch and last well with primer. Maybelline is soft and silky, but I had to work hard for the colour payoff seen above.

What would you do if you had to choose?

College Nicole would say "Maybelline!"

Adult Nicole ponders "why not buy both?!"