My first NARS multiples were Malibu (a dusty brown pink) & Copacabana (a pale white frost). I loved combining them using the pink brown on the apples of my cheeks and the pale white dabbed on top blended up towards the temples for a dewy glow. Today there are 3 variations of the Multiple Stick: the regular Multiple, the Multiple Bronzer and Multiple Tint.
Discontinued shades include Waikiki (dark bronze), Ibiza (yellow), Sumatra (dark purple), Mauritius (deep brick red), Cannes (gorgeous plum mauve frost) and Antibes (shimmery pale lilac).
Shades that I have include: Antibes, Cannes, Malibu, Maui, Portofino, Riviera, Maldives, South Beach, Orgasm, St. Barts, Tuomota (Bronzer), Mustique, Copacabana, Luxor, Turks & Caicos Tint, Cadaques Tint & Beverly Hills Tint. I wear all on the cheeks or temples. I have used Luxor and Copacabana on the eyes before as a subtle highlight but prefer regular cream shadows.
The Regular Multiples: These are hit or miss with the creamy texture. I find Maui/Riviera/Orgasm to be drier in texture making them a bit harder to see the color. I have recently replaced a few shades that were near use-up (yes, it is possible to use one up) and it seems that the scent is slightly different but I cannot confirm if the formula has changed. My top 5 favorites are Antibes, Cannes, Mustique, South Beach and Portofino. The colors are visibly shimmery. I wouldn’t recommend them for oily skins.
The Multiple Bronzers: Being a huge fan of Laguna bronzer, I was excited to try the Bronzer Multiples. These however were a disappointment. The flat color makes my skin look ashy and fake.
The Multiple Tints: LOVE these! I reviewed each shade previously before and still love using them. My past reviews are linked here Beverly Hills and Cadaques and Turks & Caicos. I believe these were Limited Edition – I’m not sure if you can still find these instore?
Overall like, but the lasting power is not always the best for the regular formulas need work with layering/combining of powders to make them not disappear by lunchtime. Believe it or not I’ve used up an entire Malibu and South Beach =)
What are your thoughts on the multiples?
i was in love with these when i first purchased them mainly because of the texture. now, i'm not so sure about them anymore because they don't show up as well as i'd like.
i'm on the fence with Multiples! They are too shiny and oily to even dot on skin 🙁 Portofino looks gorgeous though! but I doubt if i'd buy any more multiples…
Thank you so much for this post!
I love this post! I really wanted to get Cap Vert Multiple Bronzer a few months ago but I'm glad I didn't because I ended up getting the Soleil Tan de Chanel bronzing base instead and I love it. If NARS ever brought back the Multiple Tints, I'll be all over it!
You have a multiplicity of multiples!
I only have tried the smaller ones from a coffret which I purchased in fall 2009 (Copacabana; South Beach; and Orgasm). I wanted to like them; I liked the concept and the ease of use. But my skin absorbed the pigment or, to be more honest, the pigment faded. It is very dry in my part of Calif. in summer so they do not stay moist but dry out.
I tried South Beach for a crease shadow, but it did not work without a base. For an idea which was supposed to be so simple, it did not work for me. But I still love looking at the colors. I stand in front of the display, in awe of the luscious shades.
Glad that you can enjoy them. They are one of the most unique products out there.
wow such a helpful post! i will def be snagging the copacabana and south beach one!
I wish I could wear these because the colors in the tube always look so beautiful. Unfortunately, on me the color fades away to nothing in way too short a time and I can't be bothered with reapplying during the day. For gals who can wear them, though, they provide a lovely array of colors and finishes.
wow look at the collection! multiples heaven! =) i initially liked the idea of it but decided to return it because it didn't show up on me at all and i just had no use of it, kinda sad… though they all look so nice =)
I prefer these over the MAC CCB's in terms of color/texture, but they slip off quickly. The silicone content is pretty high, and I'd prefer something with less slip. There seems to def. be a difference in the consistency. I've wanted these to work so badly for me, esp. the pinks. Copacabana is my favorite base for a softer, smokier eye (combine with a buffing of BB's Espresso e/s) but I just can't use these on my face.
I have 3 multiples myself and even though I find them very pretty, I have a hard time finding the best way to use them, I must say. Will try your techniques!
They all look sooo beautiful, but I guess cream formula is not for everyone. I would love to try one of them though, as I haven't had the chance yet 🙂
I have a multiple in orgasm and I'm not really in love with it. I think its to hard to get some color out of it and there is too much glitter for my taste. But after your post I'm going to give it another chance and try it again beauce in your pictures orgasm looks great.
xx Olga
I just started falling in love with these and I have oily/combo skin. I love how they melt onto the face and set. I have South Beach, Malibu and Portofino, which are peachy bronze, coral and deep rose, respectively. I recently went on a trip and these were the only blushes I needed.
I adore the colours of these and have gone through a South Beach myself! Sadly, I do notice that I break out on my cheeks when I wear them, which otherwise never happens. I have often wondered if the tints are less oily…I hope they are still available because I am now, thanks to you, obsessing over Cadaques and Luxor 😉
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Love your swatches and your posts in general..
A follower for sure 😉
I have luxor and I can't get it to work – when i put it over foundation it removes the foundation underneath or leaves my pores visible! I always see loads of love for the mutiples so wondering does anyone else have my problem? Thanks
You read my mind! I've just been thinking about multiples, particularly Luxor. I have Copacabana (in mini form) which I like a lot. Do you find it necessary to have both? In general, I like these a lot. I also have Cadaques & Beverly Hills. I like them a lot 🙂 I have the minis of South Beach & Orgasm but I don't use them much.
I have Maui and use it exclusively as blush since it's too drying for the lips. The stick is humongous and I am never going to finish it. Still, I think it got the rave reviews because it was the first of its kind as a multi-tasking product. We have other options now.
I have a NARS multiple in Malibu and I love it. I was lucky enough to randomly meet James Boehmer at a NARS makeup counter in December and it was the first item he grabbed. Eyes, lips, and cheeks; commenting that it was a coordinated polished and quick look. (He later built on it in layers to show and comment on other looks –). He used his finger-tips to grab colour and press it in. I think that may be the first "trick" and the second not to use too much product. Too much on the eyes causes more movement of product imo.
I hope that helps!
South beach look perfect for me. J'aime beaucoup:) Nice blog!
Turks & caicos 😉
These look great! I haven't used any multiples yet, but I really want to try one 🙂
As an older woman, I can't say enough about these. The creamy texture is perfect for my complexion, and I've used them for years. A+