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Sabrina

NARS

NARSissist Eyeshadow Palette

April 30, 2014

The NARSissist Eyeshadow Palette ($79 for 0.03oz x 15 shades) is a glorious palette of 15 neutrals. It comes in a large mirrored compact and includes a wide range of colors, textures and finishes. I’m late to the party with the NARSissist Eyeshadow Palette (it launched back in January). I thought long and hard for months about purchasing this one because I already owned many of the colors individually and also thought the Urban Decay Naked eye palettes might be duplicates. The Sephora VIB sale earlier this month pushed me over the edge. I put it to the test for several weeks. It was also the only powder eyeshadow palette I brought with me on my recent trip to Dallas. I’ve been really happy with this palette, the versatility is impressive. This one palette has all the colors you need for a multitude of looks: natural, smokey, bronzey, etc. It will take you from day to night.
The colors in the NARSissist Eye Palette include (from left to right, from top row to bottom)


All About Eve (1 side) – shimmery champagne
Madrague (both sides) – matte cream and matte tan
Fez – shimmery copper
Bali – matte soft brown
Coconut Grove – matte brown
Nepal – shimmery peachy pink
Ashes to Ashes – soft grey shimmer
Brousse – shimmery soft plum
Mekong – dark blackened brown with gold flecks
Bellisima – white base with gold sparkle flecks
Lhasa – shimmery light grey mauve
Bad Behavior – shimmery gunmetal
Dogon – darker blue-grey metallic
Pandora – matte sheer black

There have been mixed reviews about the palette, some have reported a different quality and texture of the palette shades compared with individuals colors. Overall I found the palette to be very good quality on par with the individual colors. There were a couple shades I found to be sheerer in texture and harder to work with (my personal experience). Colors I found to perform different in this palette included:
  • the matte colors of Madrague (the regular duo applies smoothly, this palette’s version was a bit chalky)
  • Ashes to Ashes (the singles I have are more pigmented and smoother in texture, but the palette applies ok, just different texture)
  • Dogon (individual is creamier in texture while the palette is drier)
The palette still worked well with no issues for application from what I tested. The colors I noticed differences for still applied well, it just took a little bit more work for me. Close ups and swatches below of the NARSsissist Eye Palette:

Many have asked how this compares to the Urban Decay Naked and Naked2 Palettes. There are similarities in the concept – all have a mix of shimmer and matte neutral-ish colors. I find that my Naked Palettes (1, 2 and 3) are the ones I reach for the most frequently out of any of the eye shadows that I own. The differences between NARS and Urban Decay are mainly in packaging and texture. Both brands have distinct shadow formulas, I can’t say one is better than the other, they are just different.

I’ve swatched them below for your reference. There wasn’t enough room for labeling the swatches but the colors are in the order of the palettes. (To have enough room on my arm, I skipped one of the Madrague shades from the NARS palette because it didn’t show up on my skin in the photograph.)

Overall love. As you can see above there are similarities between the NARSissist and Urban Decay Nakeds. Your preference will depend on a number of factors, such as packaging preference, if you own a lot of the individual colors already, texture preference (Urban Decay is softer and more buttery, NARS is more like traditional shadows in texture with more complex shimmers).

I believe the NARSissist Palette is limited-edition. It may take a bit of hunting to find it in stores, but you can still find it now online at Sephora, Beauty.com and Saks.

Did you buy the NARSissist Palette? What did you think?
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NARS 413 BLKR Blush and Illuminator

April 29, 2014

NARS has extended their 413 BLKR Collection with two new items in a Blush ($30) and Illuminator ($30). Items are currently exclusive to NARS Boutiques and Narscosmetics.com. (If you missed it, you can check out my feature on the Melrose Boutique.) Both are lovely classic shades suitable for everyday wear.

413 BLKR Blush is a satiny rosebud pink color. It’s a neutral pink rose leaning slightly cool on the skin. It has a soft sheen but isn’t shimmery. The pigment is quite rich with this color but it is easy to blend. I’ve been applying with a super fluffy brush since it packs in a lot of color with a few swipes. It’s a soft rosy color compared to other NARS rose colored blushes which tend to have a darker undertone.

413 BLKR Illuminator is a champagne colored highlighter. The color is exquisite on the skin without being too frosty or pale. I have and use Copacabana on occasion but find it has a sharp contrast with my olive skin. This new 413 BLKR Illuminator has a bit of yellow/gold in it to make it a bit warmer on the skin.

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Some more photos, swatches and comparisons. 413 BLKR Blush and Illuminator:

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413 BLKR Blush

Blush comparisons, left to right:
NARS 413 BLKR, Angelika, Oasis, Outlaw, Tom Ford Wicked, Chanel Emotion (review here)

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Illuminator

Illuminator comparisons: Koh Gen Do Beige (review here), Estee Lauder Tom Pecheux (discontinued), Giorgio Armani Belladonna (discontinued, review here), NARS 413 BLKR, NARS Copacabana, Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer #2 and Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer #13 (discontinued, review here)

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Overall lovely classic pieces that are luminous but glitter/frost-free you can easily wear everyday. The 413 BLKR blush swatches warm on my arm but applies cooler and more neutral on the face. It’s a good medium rose pink without being too cool toned or dark. It stays put all day and I like that there is no brown in the color – it doesn’t darken or turn muddy like some rosy colors do on me.
The 413 BLKR illuminator will probably give you a very similar effect to other highlighters, but I like that this one has a very fluid texture that dries to a non-dewy/moist finish (perfect for warmer weather). This prevents it from sliding around. I’ve been using the illuminator a number of ways – on the eyes, under blush, over blush, dabbed over bronzer, and as a regular highlighting product. I own a lot of highlighters already and could probably have skipped this one but I really like it for a liquid.
These are a bit harder to find and test in person if you’re not near a NARS boutique (I ordered mine online) but these two are versatile and neutral enough that I think most skin tones will find these flattering in a good way. They are classic colors with a bit of a kick.
Both are part of the 413 BLKR Collection. The Blush and Illuminator are both in NARS Boutiques now and online at Narscosmetics.com.

Have you tried anything from the 413 BLKR collection? I have the eyeshadow single and love it but haven’t looked into anything else.

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Packing Travel What's In My Bag

Travel Beauty | April in Dallas

April 28, 2014

I was so excited to be invited to the rewardStyle conference this year in Dallas, Texas. They hosted an incredible event and I felt so lucky to meet so many talented individuals. Personal highlights (and fan-girl moments for me) included meeting the lovely ladies from Beauty Professor, Liana Beauty, Essie Button, Fleur de Force – all of whom I’ve followed and admired for years. I didn’t get as many pictures as I had hoped during all the excitement but if you search for #rsthecon on Instagram you can see snapshots of the past weekend’s events from those who attended.

Many have asked for me to share what I brought with me on my trip. For me packing is somewhat of an ordeal and I’m in awe of those who travel frequently. I usually bring what will fit into my Bobbi Brown travel case which helps me limit what I bring and keeps everything organized. This case was one of the first gifts my husband gave to me when were dating in our early 20’s. (Black version is not currently available, but there is a gold Bobbi Brown Old Hollywood Train case version available.) All liquids are usually stored in a clear quart sized bag. If you have any travel beauty tips I would love to hear what they are. It always pains me that I can’t bring what I love for hair and skincare. My skin often turns into a nightmare-ish wreck by the end of my trip (no matter how short).

For this 4 day trip I was totally unorganized with my beauty. I packed in a rush, didn’t plan in advance and ended up with duplicate brushes, tools, way too many eyeliners and highlighting products. How this fit in one case is a mystery to me, but it did. Be warned this is a lot. I’ll be sure to tell you which items I actually used.

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  1. Giorgio Armani Regenessence Lotion – I keep a mini sized container from one of the many gift with purchase events, I use it to refill with the full-sized version of toner when I travel
  2. Caudalie Lip Conditioner – easy to apply without having to use fingers (review here)
  3. Caudalie Cleansing Water – part of the favorites set (review here)
  4. Moroccan Oil – a must-have for me, although it didn’t quite help with the Texas humidity (review here)
  5. Chanel Makeup Remover decanted into a mini size container
  6. Ole Henriksen Truth Serum – part of The Works Set, I’ve been testing this for several months now and have added it to my daily skincare routine, I apply under moisturizer and found the serum helps extend the wear of my foundation and keeps moisture in better
  7. Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation – also part of The Works Set, love these travel/trial sized sets (review on the full set to come soon, more value deal and trial sized beauty options here)
  8. Caudalie Divine Oil – mini version (review here)
  9. Lancome Visionnaire Blur (press sample tube) – helped blend out my skin freak outs from travel a bit smoother (see review here)
  10. SK-II Facial Treatment Cleanser squeezed into a small container
  11. Chanel minis of Le Weekend and Sublimage Texture Fine

  1. Edward Bess Bronzer in Daydream (original version)
  2. MAC Skinfinish in Fairly Precious – the perfect pink glowy highlighter, so surprised that it is still online at Nordstrom! (review here) 
  3. Tom Ford Flush Blush – bright but natural coral peach with a hint of shimmer
  4. Chanel Les Beiges 20 – review here
  5. Edward Bess Mousse Foundation in Light scooped into a small recycled container (now available at Neiman Marcus)
  6. Dolce and Gabbana Powder Foundation in Warm 100 – my holy grail of all powder foundations (review here)
  7. By Terry Cellularose Blush Glace in Frozen Petal 3 – the perfect natural glowy peachy color in a gel blush formula with long wear (these sell out on a weekly basis both online and in store, it took me several months to track down all three shades)
  8. Cle de Peau Concealer in Beige – the only concealer I’ve ever repurchased
  9. Tom Ford Foundation Stick in Bisque 04 – check out my review and swatches here
  10. Chanel Perfection Lumiere Foundation in 30 – detailed swatches and review here
  11. NARS Matte Multiple in Vientiane – swatches on contouring discoveries here
  12. Edward Bess Afterglow Illuminator Compact – my all time favorite glow product, I’ve hit pan multiple times with this one
  13. NARS 413Blkr Illuminator in a mini Chanel sample container 
  14. Tom Ford Fire Lust in a mini Chanel sample container (another one I didn’t use, but review from last year’s version here)

  1. NARS Narsissist Eye Palette – the only eyeshadow I brought with me, this palette did it all for me, I didn’t use all the colors, only 7 of the shades were used during this trip, but I found it served me well as a one palette to do-it-all kind of thing, many have asked if I found issues with pigment or application, I found them to be very good in quality, the matte shades were a bit difficult to get a large brush in but I swished it around (let me know if you want a full detailed review in the comments)
  2. NARS Larger Than Life Eyeliner in Via Appia – part of my eye essentials post here
  3. Chanel Le Stylo Yeux in Ambre Dore (new for spring, review soon)
  4. Chanel Le Stylo Yeux in Santal – swatched here
  5. Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara Stretch – part of my eye essentials post here
  6. Edward Bess Illuminating Eye Base in Suede – reviews here and here
  7. RMS Cream Shadow in Solar – review here and here
  8. Chanel Illusion d’Ombre in New Moon – new for summer, review soon
  9. Chanel Illusion d’Ombre in Initiation – review here (note it’s being discontinued)
  10. Chanel Tutti Frutti Le Vernis for Summer – review soon

  1. YSL Rouge Volupte Shine in Pink in Confidence – swatches here
  2. Tom Ford Pink Lust Lip Lacquer – limited from last year, swatches here
  3. Dior Addict Fluid Stick in Frisson – recent review/swatches here
  4. Dior Addict Fluid Stick in Tiny Pink – recent review/swatches here
  5. Dior Addict Gloss Bed of Roses – recent swatches here
A few more snapshots of my makeup mess scattered throughout the week, let me know if you want the breakdown of the tools I brought, I kinda just threw a bunch of random clean tools into my makeup box before I left.

Recap of what I used: Aside from the staples (mascara, foundation, powder, skincare) I found I got plenty of use of the NARS Eye Palette, Chanel Illusion d’Ombres, MAC Fairly Precious, Edward Bess Daydream and Tom Ford Flush blush.
What I could have skipped: I could have skipped all but one eyeliner, most of my tools were redundant, I probably only needed 5 brushes at most. I had highlighter overload as well and grabbed a bunch of minis that I had made over the past few weeks.
What I wish I brought: More skincare, more hair care products. Next time I need to do better planning with finding or collecting small sample containers that I can use for travel. Also I rarely use mattifying products – the warm humid weather wasn’t something I was used to in Dallas and definitely needed something to help keep the face more matte.
Do you travel a lot for work or fun? What are your beauty travel packing tips? Do you have a checklist to help plan or a travel pouch that helps organize and limit what you bring with you? Or are you the kind of person that checks bags so contents/limits don’t matter?
I’m all ears for your tips, tricks and experiences. I haven’t had to travel frequently in the past but it’s on my list to do this year (for fun of course). If you want to see what I brought on past trips, click on the TRAVEL tag below the post.

Quick update for those who asked about my Bobbi Brown train case, there is a luxury Gold Old Hollywood version available now (quite pricey), the one I have is from over 10 years ago, keep an eye out for similar versions around holiday or seasonal releases. For now a few other suggestions below.

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On My Radar/New in Beauty

April 24, 2014

I hope everyone is having a great week. I’m in Dallas right now for the rewardStyle conference, I will try to get in a couple reviews before the end of the week (fingers crossed). Right now, some new items on my radar right now:

  • Chanel Summer has hit stores with an amazing collection this year, I splurged on almost the entire collection (sneak peek above of the glossimers), highlights for me: 4 new shades of Le Vernis in Pink Tonic, Sweet Lilac, Mirabella, Tutti Frutti and 1 repromoted color Eastern Light, 4 new shades of Glossimers in Hello, Sexy, Happy, Sunny and 1 repromoted color in Glaze, 3 new to die for Illusion D’Ombres, in Mirage, New Moon, Utopia
  • Tatcha has a gorgeous Okasan Mother’s Day Set this year, they are running a campaign on their Tatcha Facebook Page where fans share advice from their mom to enter for a chance to win the Mother’s Day Kit, (also online you can get a free deluxe sample Revitalizing Eye Cream with orders over $50. Code: AGELESS).
  • Hourglass has made their Ambient Lighting Palette permanent, it’s now back online at Sephora (review from a few months ago here)
  • Bobbi Brown summer is a Raw Sugar theme with nudes and bronzes, the Eye Shimmer Brick looks amazing, I can’t wait to check it out!
  • Guerlain has released a Terracotta Perfume among some other summer shades of Nail Lacquer and Lip Gloss (have you seen them yet?)
  • YSL seems to have quite a few new releases with blue Summer Nail Lacquers, Rouge Volupte Gloss and the Baby Doll Kiss and Blush stains, I haven’t seen these yet but so many have been raving about them, tell me what you think
  • Tory Burch has the cutest cosmetic bags right now with a gorgeous spring floral print
What’s on your radar right now?
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