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NARS Afterglow Sweet Sensations Collection

January 18, 2024

NARS Afterglow Sweet Sensations Collection Spring 2024

NARS launched their Sweet Sensations Collection for spring with new shade extensions in their Afterglow Collection lineup. They have a new Afterglow Irresistible Eyeshadow Palette ($60), six new Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipsticks ($32 each), and three new shades of Afterglow Liquid Blush ($32). I have swatches of the entire collection. Everything has launched at Nordstrom, NARS, Ulta Beauty and Sephora.

Afterglow Irresistible Eyeshadow Palette

NARS Afterglow Irresistible Eyeshadow Palette

The Afterglow Irresistible Eyeshadow Palette has 12 shades with a rosy theme. It has a good mix of mattes, soft shimmers and sparkles. Texture and pigment of shades is consistently good among all shades. Mattes are soft, easy to blend, smooth. Shimmers have a subtle sheen. Sparkles are really finely milled glitter toppers with a pretty finish that isn’t too sparkly or chunky.

The color theme has a similar vibe to many previous palettes so I don’t know that I’d call it a must-have based on the colors, but it performs well. It pulls very warm – there are a lot of rose or brown tones.

NARS Afterglow Irresistible Eyeshadow Palette swatches

Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipsticks

NARS Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipsticks Spring 2024

The standouts in the collection are the Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipsticks. I love this formula for the pigment, texture and feel. I already own most of the shades from the initial launch (review + swatches here) and still use them on a regular basis. The new spring shades are STUNNING! I think they have the perfect pop of color and are wearable even for neutral lip lovers. I am all about a natural lip, but I’m loving the tones of these spring shades. Three of the shades are similar in the brownish/reddish family but have differences in the undertone.

  • Voyeur is a peachy brown
  • High Gear is a coral red brown
  • Aragon is a brown red chestnut
  • Wild Ride is burgundy red with slight berry tones
  • No Inhibitions is a beautiful bright raspberry pink
  • All In is a pretty berry plum

NARS Afterglow Sweet Sensations Collection Spring 2024 swatches

Lip Swatches in action on Instagram Reels. Lip + Cheek combos below, also wearing:

Voyeur Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick + Orgasm Rush Liquid Blush

NARS Voyeur Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick + Orgasm Rush Liquid Blush

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High Gear Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick + Orgasm Rush Liquid Blush

NARS High Gear Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick + Orgasm Rush Liquid Blush

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Aragon Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick + Aragon Afterglow Liquid Blush

NARS Aragon Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick + Aragon Afterglow Liquid Blush

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Wild Ride Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick + Aragon Afterglow Liquid Blush

NARS Wild Ride Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick + Aragon Afterglow Liquid Blush

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No Inhibitions Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick + Secret Lover Afterglow Liquid Blush

NARS No Inhibitions Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick + Secret Lover Afterglow Liquid Blush

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All In Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick + Secret Lover Afterglow Liquid Blush

NARS All In Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick + Secret Lover Afterglow Liquid Blush

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Afterglow Liquid Blush

NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush Aragon, Orgasm Rush, Secret Lover

There are three new shades of Afterglow Liquid Blush. The formula is a lightweight almost gel-like liquid. These blend out to a sheer medium finish. The deeper shades like the new spring colors have more color payoff than the lighter colors but blend out to a more natural finish. (Swatches of other shades here.)

Aragon is a chestnut brown, Orgasm Rush is a brown with a subtle gold shimmer, Secret Lover is a watermelon pink. I love the pink one, I think it’s the perfect shade for spring.

Lasting power is very good, once they set they stay put and look fresh for hours without sliding off the face. I really like these for a liquid blush, but in general powder blush is still my formula of choice for cheek makeup.

That wraps up the NARS Spring Collection review. Have you checked out anything yet? What did you think?

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Available at Nordstrom, NARS, Ulta Beauty and Sephora.

NARS spring collection provided for review.

NARS

New Summer Launches from NARS

June 5, 2023

New NARS Launches Summer Laguna, Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipsticks and Afterglow Liquid Blush

I have a roundup of some new things I’ve been testing from NARS. It seems as though brands are doing more mini launches versus seasonal looks/collections and I’m not sure how I feel about it. I love the smaller edited launches but kinda miss having a more cohesive look for each season.

I have some of the new Afterglow Sensual Shine Hydrating Lipsticks, Laguna Collection and Afterglow Liquid Blushes reviewed today.

NARS Laguna Eyeshadow Quads

NARS Laguna Eyeshadow Quads

NARS launched a mini Laguna Collection with extended shades of their Laguna Bronzer in a talc-free formula and new eyeshadow quads. I picked up the two Eyeshadow Quad Palettes ($49 each) and think those are both worth checking out. It’s rare that I find new eyeshadow palettes where I truly love ALL the shades or that are unique enough to really like.

Laguna Eyeshadow Quad has the perfect mix of neutral tan bronzy tones. This quad has the colors I think of when I think of a good summer eye. It has a sparkling white champagne, a tan shimmer, soft warm tan matte and a soft deeper bronze. If you don’t wear a lot of eye makeup or want something super easy to apply for a soft polished look, GET THIS ONE. It’s neutral and slightly warm on my arm but on my eyes and skin tone it pulls more neutral.

Laguna Sunset has all sparkly shades I think are just beautiful. I was a little worried it would be too metallic or have tons of fall out. It pulls warm but it’s really very wearable and does look like a beautiful summer sunset. On my eyes there is minimal fallout with application but the shadows stick well to the eye lids.

NARS Laguna Eyeshadow Quad swatches

Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick

The Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipsticks ($32 each) have quickly become a favorite in my makeup stash. Formula is smooth, hydrating, glossy in finish. They have the perfect amount of pigment in them. I love that they’re not too sheer but at the same time they don’t look or feel thick. I reviewed a couple shades from a Sephora haul earlier this year. I immediately bought more colors. I do think they’re very small (product wise) for the price. They only have 1.5 g of product for $32 while the Afterglow Lip Balms are 3 g for $28.

Colors I have include Breathless (beige nude), Orgasm (pink gold), Devotion (mauve brown), Dolce Vita (rosy brown) and On Edge (bright coral).

NARS Afterglow Sensual Shine Hydrating Lipsticks

NARS Afterglow Liquid Blushes and Sensual Shine Lipstick swatches

Afterglow Liquid Blush

Last we have a look at the Afterglow Liquid Blush ($32 each). There seems to be a blush explosion on the beauty market right now. This is the first new formula I’ve tried but I will be testing out the ones from Pat McGrath and Makeup By Mario soon.

I really like the Afterglow Liquid Blushes but they will be hit or miss for you depending on how much pigment you prefer. These have a similar vibe to the Tarte Maneater Blushes which I love. They have a sponge tip applicator, they’re super easy to apply, blend and layer. They do sheer out quite a bit when you blend but I actually like the pigment level. They aren’t quite as sheer as the Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks (swatched here). If you’re a blush wearer that needs more pigment or color payoff the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blushes (review here) are more pigmented and the original NARS Liquid Blush formula also has a lot more color payoff.

Lasting power has been pretty good on my skin. It doesn’t fade or slip off quickly. On me it stayed put and lasted all day.

NARS Afterglow Liquid Blushes

NARS Afterglow Liquid Blushes

Behave is a pretty soft pink (on me it doesn’t really show up once blended out), Brazen is a coral peach (my favorite), Orgasm is a pretty pink gold, Dolce Vita is a plum brown.

On the face below wearing:

NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush Behave and Lipgloss in Chelsea Girls

NARS Afterglow Liquid Blushes Behave and Lipgloss in Chelsea Girls

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NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush Brazen and Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick in On Edge

NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush Brazen and Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick in On Edge

NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush Brazen and Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick in On Edge

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NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush Orgasm and Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick in Orgasm

NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush Orgasm and Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick in Orgasm

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NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush Dolce Vita and Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick in Dolce Vita

NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush Dolce Vita and Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick in Dolce Vita

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I bought my items from Nordstrom and Sephora. Have you tried any of the new NARS launches? What did you think? Hit or miss?

NARS

NARS Orgasm Collection Spring 2023

January 25, 2023

NARS Orgasm Launch for Spring 2023

NARS launched some new additions for spring with their 2023 Orgasm Collection in some stunning pink packaging and I have a review + swatches for you today. The collection was launched early to Ulta Beauty and NARS Cosmetics. It’s now also available at Sephora. There are 5 new pieces including:

NARS Orgasm Collection Spring 2023

Orgasm Rising Eyeshadow Palette

NARS Orgasm Rising Eyeshadow Palette

I’ll start with my favorite item in the collection which is the Orgasm Rising Eyeshadow Palette. This is a stunning palette with 9 shades. It has a good mix of textures and tones. To me this seems like an updated take on their Wanted Palette from several years ago (which I really loved). This palette has:

  • Hotwired is a metallic champagne
  • High Speed is a shimmery beige peach with sparkles
  • Orgasm is a pink gold shimmer
  • Seven Heaven is a matte soft light brown
  • Seduced is a medium rosy sparkle loaded with gold and silver and pink flecks
  • Reckless is a warm satin brown with tiny gold shimmer
  • Push It is a medium matte warm brown
  • Faster Pussycat is a deeper copper shimmer
  • Galapagos is a matte dark chocolate with gold flecks

I love the tones, pigment, color payoff and wearability. It’s warm but not too warm/red for my skin tone. It’s one I can easily see myself wearing this year. It is similar to what we’ve seen from NARS in the past but I still really like this one.

NARS Orgasm Rising Eyeshadow Palette

NARS Orgasm Rising Eyeshadow Palette swatches

The Multiples

NARS Multiples Orgasm and Orgasm Rush

NARS has two Multiple Cream Sticks in the new limited-edition packaging. Orgasm is their classic pink gold shimmer. This one seems to be more emollient in texture than I remember but not dewy. On my skin tone it’s almost invisible. The gold and pink tones almost match my skin (NARS Light Reflecting Foundation in Santa Fe + Sahel right now) so all you see is a slight gold pink sheen.

Since it has a very emollient finish this has minimal lasting power on me. I think it could be used as a nice highlight for special date nights or going out, but it’s not going to be an all-day wear kind of product, especially if you have combo/oily skin.

NARS Multiple in Orgasm

NARS Multiple in Orgasm

NARS Blush in Orgasm

I did another look with their regular Powder Blush in Orgasm which shows up a lot better on me. If you want this tone but no shimmer then I highly recommend checking out the Liquid Blush in Orgasm. This is one of the best liquid blush formulas and I wish they would launch more colors in this!

NARS Blush in Orgasm

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NARS Multiple in Orgasm Rush

Orgasm Rush is a deeper almost russet color. It has a less emollient finish, almost thinner in texture and better dry down. I’m undecided on this. I’m at my palest right now (almost 2 foundation shades lighter than I normally am) so it pulls a bit orangey. If I had a tan I think I would like this more, however due to the sheerness I’m not sure how well it would show up.

NARS Multiple in Orgasm Rush

Orgasm Four Play Blush Quad

NARS Orgasm Four Play Blush Palette

Last we have a look at the Orgasm Four Play Blush Quad. This has that pressed metallic finish. It’s not as frosty as I had anticipated and on me it did not emphasize texture (huge plus!). It’s a nice intro to the line if you’re new to NARS and the colors blend out nicely on the skin. Love the compact size (easy to fit in my hand) and the pan size is pretty good. Convenient, pretty and glowy.

Colors include:

  • Swinger pale metallic gold
  • Orgasm metallic pink gold
  • Orgasm X deeper pink with gold shimmer
  • Orgasm Rush copper russet shimmer

On the face:

NARS Orgasm Four Play swatches

Swatches of the cheek items in this launch:

NARS Orgasm swatches

However I can’t help but feel this is a boring repeat of what NARS has launched in the past so many times. To me isn’t new or innovative so if you already own a lot of NARS you can safely pass.

NARS Orgasm Launch 2023

That’s my take on the new NARS Orgasm Collection for spring! I think the new eyeshadow palette is a winner. In the Orgasm color lineup I still think the Afterglow Lip Shine, Original Powder Blush and Liquid Blush are the best shades they’ve launched to date.

You can find these out now at Sephora, Ulta Beauty and NARS.

 

 

Did you check these out? What did you think? Love or pass?

NARS

NARS Summer Unrated

May 3, 2022

NARS Summer Unrated 2022

NARS launched a few new items recently including their Summer Unrated Collection with an eyeshadow palette, three cheek duos and a lip balm called the Orgasm Lip Mask. I have swatches for you today!

Summer Unrated Blush & Bronzer Duos

NARS Summer Unrated Blush Bronzer Duos

There are three Blush and Bronzer Cheek Duos, each with a blush and bronzer in a large mirrored compact. I have the Orgasm + Laguna and Orgasm X + Casino variations. Colors are repromotes and quality with these palettes is very good (just like the singles). They’re nice for a summer glow. Texture is smooth, pigment is medium but buildable, lasting power is great.

Orgasm is a peachy pink with gold shimmer and Laguna is a medium tan. Below wearing:

NARS Summer Unrated Blush Bronzer Duo Orgasm Laguna

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Orgasm X is a deeper coral pink with gold shimmer and Casino is a deeper bronze. Wearing the same base as above but with different eyeshadows in the lighter/golden/bronze tones instead and with the Orgasm Lip Mask on lips (goes on clear).

NARS Summer Unrated Blush Bronzer Duo Orgasm X Casino

NARS Summer Unrated Blush Bronzer Duo swatches

Summer Unrated Eyeshadow Palette

NARS Summer Unrated Eyeshadow Palette

The Summer Unrated Eyeshadow Palette is a stunning one! It has a beautiful mix of mattes and shimmers with a couple sparkle shades. Every single color performed well on me. They’re smooth, pigmented, apply beautifully and are buildable. I love that there are warm shades but they don’t look too warm or red on the skin. There are enough neutrals to balance it all out and with 16 shades the combinations are endless!

NARS Summer Unrated Eyeshadow Palette

NARS Summer Unrated Eyeshadow Palette swatches

Orgasm Lip Mask

NARS Orgasm Lip Mask

Last we have a look at the Orgasm Lip Mask. I hauled this from Sephora and like it, but don’t think it’s a must-have. It’s better than the Laneige Sleeping Lip Mask (which didn’t work for me) but you can find other balms that give you the same hydration. It’s thick but not too goopy. It does hydrate but I get better results from the Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask or Summer Fridays Lip Butter.

The NARS Orgasm Lip Mask has a pale pink tint to it, but it pretty much goes on clear.

NARS Summer Unrated 2022 Review

Overall everything performed really well. The cheek duos are nice to have if you don’t own any of the colors already. I love the eyeshadow palette. The lip mask is ok for me, but didn’t wow me.

You can find the NARS Summer Unrated Collection out now. Available at NARS, Nordstrom, Sephora and all other NARS retailers.

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Did you check out anything from this launch yet?

Summer Unrated Cheek Duos + Palette provided for review. Lip Mask purchased by me.

Base Makeup NARS

NARS Light Reflecting Foundation Review

January 21, 2022

NARS Light Reflecting Foundation Review

The latest from NARS is their Light Reflecting Foundation ($49, available in 36 shades) and new shades of the Light Reflecting Setting Loose Powder ($39, now in 4 shades). I posted a video on my Instagram Reels showing the application of the foundation in Sahel and so many of you had more questions about the formula I thought I’d do a full review!

NARS Light Reflecting Foundation Sahel Review

The new NARS Light Reflecting Foundation is a foundation with skincare benefits described as a formula that will blur, smooth, conceal and maintain moisture. According to NARS the formula is 70% skincare. The NARS team sent a few shades and I found my best match to be either Santa Fe M2 or Sahel M2.5. I’m at my lightest right now, most of the year I’m usually a match to Vanuatu M3.5 or Barcelona M4.

In case you missed the tutorial you can watch it below:

The foundation finish has a natural glow and an easy to blend formula with medium coverage. I found it covered most of my sun spots and freckles without looking too heavy. I really don’t need concealer with this foundation! It has a lightweight feel I don’t feel it on my skin.

I would say texture is the biggest difference between this one and other NARS foundations. It has a more natural look and lighter texture compared to the Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation (reviewed a few years ago here).

A lot of you also asked how it compared to the Sheer Glow Foundation formula and I wish I could compare but can’t. I used it for a while when it launched, loved it, and then suddenly developed an allergic reaction to it so I stopped using it. I have no issues with the new Light Reflecting Foundation though.

I haven’t used this new formula enough to notice skincare benefits but I like the way it looks, blends out and feels on the skin. It does have a natural light reflecting quality to look like my skin but better. It is a long wear foundation that adheres to the skin so I find it essential to double cleanse at the end of the day. It’s not challenging to remove like a waterproof mascara but with all newer longer wearing foundations and powders these days you will need to take a little extra care at the end of the day to remove all of it at night.

NARS Light Reflecting Foundation swatches Santa Fe, Sahel and Vanuatu

Bare Skin vs a swipe of Sahel below

NARS Light Reflecting Foundation Review

Side by side with Foundation vs No Foundation (applied with a beautyblender)

NARS Light Reflecting Foundation Sahel Review

The Light Reflecting Loose and Pressed Powders used to be in heavy rotation when they first launched in the translucent Crystal shade. Both are stark white in the compact but smooth and set foundation without adding any white tint. I’m thrilled they decided to add more shades which I think will be better for tan to deeper skin tones.

Both the pressed and loose powders have NARS’ light reflecting complex. It diffused light, blurs out fine lines and has a soft look without any flashback in flash photos.

NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Powder in Crystal

You can see the Light Reflecting Pressed Powder in Crystal in action in my Reel (linked above). I highly recommend giving it a try! It has a very stiff texture in the pan. If you swipe a brush you will almost think no product is being picked up on the brush but once you apply to the face you will see the transformation!

Here’s a closer look at the Light Reflecting Loose Powder in Shore for medium to medium-deep skin tones. It looked a little dark in the jar but I am pleased to report it doesn’t darken my foundation. This one has a mesh sifter cover and a lid to prevent spilling/leakage. It has a superfine light feel, almost like air.

NARS Light Reflecting Loose Powder in Shore

NARS Light Reflecting Loose Powder in Shore

One more quick look at one of my favorite concealers in the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Ginger. Right now I find Macadamia a better match for spot concealing/brightening. I could probably use Custard too, but most of the year I’m either Macadamia or Ginger. In the summer I go as deep as Praline.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Ginger

Makeup look NARS, Huda Beauty, Too Faced

Full makeup look wearing:

NARS Light Reflecting Foundation Review

Overall I really like the new NARS foundation! I like how it blends, wears and feels. You can find it now at Sephora and NARS Cosmetics. Have you tried this one yet? What did you think?

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NARS Foundation + Powder provided for review. Press samples also have a * next to them.

NARS

NARS Air Matte Lip Color, Blush + Soft Matte Tinted Lip Balm Review

March 16, 2021

NARS Air Matte Lip Color, Blush + Soft Matte Tinted Lip Balm Review

I’m late to the game in reviewing these NARS launches but thought I’d review them in case you still haven’t tried these and wanted more thoughts! NARS released several new products this year in mini collection launches. Reviews I’ve read have been very mixed and based on what I’ve tried, I think there are some hits and misses.

Air Matte Blush

NARS Air Matte Blush Review

The Air Matte Collection features a mix of matte finish products for lips and cheeks. I had high hopes for the Air Matte Blush as many of the YouTubers and bloggers I follow loved this! The formula is a soft whipped matte with a bouncy texture. The concept is really interesting to me but I found they weren’t easy to work with. The size of the pot made it difficult to dip my finger in without getting my nails in the product and they’re a little to small in circumference for a cream style brush applicator. Once applied on the skin the product didn’t really show up well on my skin (with the exception of a couple colors). Any blending caused product to drag and then disappear as it tugged with my foundation + powder. I tried these with fingers and a brush.

A couple of the colors were hits for me including Gasp (tan brown) and Darling (pink). I had high hopes for Orgasm as I love the powder blush version but it barely showed up on me.

Color-wise I think NARS created beautiful naturally flattering colors and I really wish the formula was easier to work with! They swatched nicely on the arms – I wish they blended nicely on the face for me.

There are eight colors total in this formula. I have five that I tested and swatched:

  • Hushed is a pale peach nude, it did not show up on my skin tone
  • Orgasm is a pale peach with gold shimmer, also did not show up on me
  • Darling is a soft cool matte pink
  • Rush is a coral peach
  • Gasp is a tan brown, looks dark in the pan, but shows up a tan nude on my skin

NARS Air Matte Blush swatches

Air Matte Lip Color

NARS Air Matte Lip Color

For the lips NARS launched the Air Matte Lip Color, similar in concept to the blushes in a whipped matte finish. These have a weightless mousse-like texture with saturated pigment. The finish was smooth and blended nicely without drying out the lips. If you don’t mind reapplying every few hours these are nice. Color selection seemed limited to me with a lot of super bright bold colors and only a handful of neutrals. I like the look of All Yours (peach nude) and Shag (medium pink brown). The others weren’t really my cup of tea. If you’re looking for a long-wear matte finish lip, this isn’t the formula for you.

  • All Yours is a peale peach nude
  • Shag is a pink brown with mauve tones
  • Knockout is an electric coral
  • Total Domination is a neon red
  • Power Trip is a bold red

NARS Air Matte Lip Color swatches

Three of them on the lips below: All Yours, Shag and Power Trip

NARS Air Matte Lip Color All Yours, Shag and Power Trip

Soft Matte Tinted Lip Balms

Last we have a look at the Soft Matte Tinted Lip Balms. I ordered these from Sephora sight unseen. I bought nearly all the colors and they are a huge hit for me! They are a smooth matte lip balm with a diffused wash of color. Although lasting power isn’t long since it’s a balm, I love the way these feel and the pigment level is perfect. Neutrals and nudes can be tricky because the undertones don’t always work on me but I love every single one.

  • Intimate is the lightest shade, a your lips but better beige nude
  • Brief Encounter is a medium nude
  • Unrestricted is a cool light pink
  • Whip Lash is a medium brown nude
  • Touch Me is a cinnamon plum

NARS Soft Matte Lip Balms

Four of the lip balms colors on the lips with some of blushes applied as well:

NARS Air Matte Blush in Gasp, Soft Matte Lip Balm in Intimate

NARS Air Matte Blush in Hushed, Soft Matte Lip Balm in Whip Lash

Laura Mercier Blush in PassionFruit, Soft Matte Lip Balm in Unrestricted

NARS Air Matte Blush in Rush, Soft Matte Lip Balm in Brief Encounter

NARS Air Matte Lip Color, Blush + Soft Matte Tinted Lip Balm Review

Overall for me I found the Air Matte Collection a miss for the blushes. I think the Air Matte Lip formula is a nice one, but there are better colors with other brands. The Soft Matte Lip Balms are a hit for me. I really like the formula and colors!

You can find the Air Matte Collection available at most NARS counters now (many of the colors are limited-edition). Available online at NARS, Ulta, Nordstrom and Sephora.

The Soft Matte Tinted Lip Balms are available online at NARS and Sephora.

 

 

Have you tried these yet? What did you think?

Select items provided for review. All Yours, Shag, Gasp, Hushed, and all the lip balms purchased by me.

Beauty Favorites Nordstrom

Beauty Favorites to Kick Off Summer

June 22, 2020

Summer Beauty Essentials | The Beauty Look Book

above: summer hat / sunnies / lace-up strappy sandals

It’s officially summer so to celebrate I’m rounding up some of my summer beauty favorites to kick off the season! I’ve been putting quite a few new makeup launches to the test for eyes, lips and cheeks. Today I’m partnering with Nordstrom to share my top picks for bronzers, peachy lips and shimmery eyeshadows.

NARS Laguna + Laguna Matte

NARS Laguna Bronzer and Laguna Matte | The Beauty Look Book

So many of you have asked for bronzer recommendations! I have several tried-and-true favorites but always like playing with the new launches. NARS Laguna Bronzer has been a go-to for years. This year they launched an extensive collection with shimmers and also added a Matte Version. I prefer shimmer in my bronzer for a bit of glow but the NARS Laguna Matte is a really nice true brown/bronze alternative for those who need something without any shine.

Below wearing the classic NARS Bronzing Powder in Laguna, Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss in Wild Card, Chantecaille Luminescent Eye Shade in Lion + Giraffe. Brush is the Laura Mercier Blending Brush (but I also love their bronzing brush for a larger fluffy option).

NARS Laguna Bronzer + Bobbi Brown Crushed-Oil Infused Wild Card

MAC Bronzing Collection Picks

MAC Summer Bronzing Beiging Beauty, Totally Taupeless and Bronzelite

Although I love shimmery bronzers I just hauled the new MAC Radiant Matte Bronzing Powders in Beiging Beauty and Totally Taupeless and think I’ve found my new holy grail mattes. They have a very tiny bit of radiance in the powder but apply on the skin like a matte. The formula is creamy powder with a natural super smooth buildable finish. Beiging Beauty is the lighter slightly warmer option while Totally Taupeless is a deeper neutral-cool toned bronze.

Wearing MAC Beiging Beauty below and Tom Ford Ultra-Shine Lip Color in Veridique

MAC Radiant Matte Bronzing Powder Beiging Beauty and Tom Ford Ultra Shine Veridique

A number of you had the new MAC Strobe Body Lotion in Bronzelite on your radar and when it finally popped up online at Nordstrom I ordered it immediately! I find it challenging to find a good smooth body shimmer that isn’t too glittery. The MAC Strobe Body Lotion has an ultra fine glow so it leaves your skin looking skin is radiant versus looking like a disco ball. It has a soft light peachy glow with a hint of bronze pearl. It’s a lotion so it is hydrating but lightweight and also has the signature strobe cream scent.

MAC Strobe Body Lotion Summer Bronzelite

Peachy Lips

Best Peach + Coral Lip Colors for Summer

I love a good peachy lip of any undertone, intensity and finish. There are so many variations for light peach, coral, shimmer, cream, sheer, gel etc. I pulled quite a few to swatch and compare for you. Everyone seems to have a different color in mind when they think of a peachy color!

Best Peach Lip Colors Swatches Tom Ford, Bobbi Brown, Chanel

Ones I love along with a few new ones:

Below wearing Armani Ecstasy Mirror Gloss in 101 Beyond (pulls peachy pink on my complexion) with MAC Radiant Matte Bronzer in Totally Taupeless

Armani Ecstasy Mirror Lip Gloss in 101 Beyond

Below wearing Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss in Wild Card – I find it still has a lot of color even though it’s a sheer tint!

NARS Laguna Bronzer + Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss in Wild Card + Celine 50mm sunglasses

Bronze-Gold Luminescent Eye

Best Bronze and Copper Eyeshadows Laura Mercier, Hourglass and Chantecaille

Last but not least, a bronzey shimmery eye for summer is an absolute must-have for me. I love layering and mixing coppers and bronze shades over regular powder eyeshadows for added depth and glow. Sometimes I can just use one of these all over the lid and then add a liner + mascara for an easy everyday look. My favorites include:

  • Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Stick in Copper for a nice all over wash of warmth + shimmer, once it sets and dries it does not budge
  • Hourglass Scattered Light Eyeshadows are my most-worn eyeshadows as toppers! I sometimes mix colors together or layer them with other powders, Foil is a metallic gold, Burnish is a pretty bronze, Ray is a sparkling taupe bronze
  • Chantecaille Luminescent Eye Shades are some of the prettiest eye shimmers I’ve tried! I like applying these with a finger to pat and blend, Lion is a pretty golden shade and Giraffe is a deeper bronze shimmer (I want to order all of them!)

Best Bronze Copper Eyeshadows Laura Mercier, Hourglass and Chantecaille

Summer Beauty Essentials

That wraps up my beauty favorites to kick off summer! I hope you found some inspiration for new beauty launches to try or add to your routine. Do you have any favorite bronzers, shimmery eyeshadows or peachy lips?

You can find all of my picks available at Nordstrom. Don’t forget to check out their Gift With Purchase page if you’re shopping online!

Shop my summer beauty favorites:

 

Summer sandals, favorite sun hat + sunnies below:

 

Many thanks to Nordstrom for partnering to sponsor this post. As always all opinions are my own.