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NARS Summer 2020 Collection Haul Picks

April 30, 2020

NARS Summer Bronzing Collection 2020

I have a NARS Summer 2020 Collection haul review and swatches for you today! NARS launched a mini summer collection with bronzers, eye pigments and lip balms. I ordered a few things that caught my eye including:

NARS Summer 2020 Collection Review

San Juan Bronzing Powder

NARS Bronzing Powder San Juan

I’ve loved the original NARS bronzers for years! The newer launches can be hit or miss on the formulas so I limited myself to 1 shade to try in San Juan. It’s a light warm golden brown-peach with a slight hint of shimmer. On my medium olive skin it’s sheer but buildable and warms up the skin. If you are lighter in skin tone than I am this will most likely look like a peachy blush on your skin rather than bronzer. Even on me it’s borderline blush material rather than bronzer, but still nice.

I swatched it next to a few other lighter tone bronzers I have including Tom Ford Soleil Glow in Terra (reviewed here), Fenty Beauty Inda Sun (one of the lightest/coolest toned bronzers I have) and Kosas Sun Show Bronzer in Light (review soon).

NARS San Juan, Fenty Inda Sun, Tom Ford Terra and Kosas Light

Wearing NARS San Juan Bronzing Powder and Afterglow Lip Tint in Laguna, Eyeshadow is Tom Ford Honeymoon Eyeshadow Quad

NARS San Juan Bronzing Powder

I think the San Juan Bronzer is a nice one. It applied smoothly and stayed put all day without budging. The color just didn’t really hit the mark for me in terms of what I was looking for in a bronzer. I do think the Kosas one in Light is similar but a lot more pigmented and shimmery on the skin.

Laguna Afterglow Lip Balm

NARS Afterglow Lip Balm in Laguna

The Afterglow Lip Balms are also favorites of mine so I was excited to see a new color (other shades swatched here and here). Laguna is a sheer brown with a hint of shimmer. Your mileage will vary on how this transforms/looks on your lips depending on lip pigment. On me it turned my lips into a rosy brown color after a few minutes. I really love the way it looks – like a flushed color but bronzey! (See above photo with the bronzer look for how the Laguna Lip Balm looks on me). These are easy swipe and go kind of balms to add moisture and slight hint of color.

New Oil Infused Lip Tints in Laguna and Reef

NARS Oil Infused Lip Tint in Laguna and Reef

I’m a huge fan of the Oil Infused Lip Tints (reviewed here and here) so I knew I had to try both of the new ones in Laguna and Reef. Formula is ultra smooth and cushiony. These have average lasting power for an oil and add moisture as long as they’re on the lips. Once they are off, there’s really not any remaining moisture left. Laguna is a sheer smooth sheer bronze, it has shimmer, but on my lips it pretty much looks clear. Reef is a sheer pink which I thought would also be transparent/sheer, but I actually see a soft pink wash on my lips!

NARS Lip Balm in Laguna Lip Oils in Laguna and Reef

Below wearing NARS Oil Infused Lip Tint in Reef and San Juan Bronzing Powder

NARS Oil Infused Lip Tint in Reef and San Juan Bronzing Powder

NARS Summer 2020 Laguna

Overall some nice additions to the NARS lineup. Everything performed well and I am happy with everything although I don’t think the colors are must-haves based on the other items I own from NARS. I still think the Lip Oil in the Orgasm color is the best one and for the Afterglow Lip Balms I think Dolce Vita, Torrid and Orgasm are my favorite colors.

I bought my picks from Nordstrom and Sephora.

 

Have you tried the collection yet? What is your current go-to bronzer or tinted lip balm?

Hauls Nordstrom

New Beauty Launches to Put On Your Radar

January 16, 2020

New Spring Beauty Launches at Nordstrom

I’m excited to share my first beauty haul of the year! I’ve been testing out some new products that recently launched at Nordstrom and I’ve partnered with them today to share my thoughts plus a new year beauty look. Nordstrom is truly one of my favorite places to shop for beauty – I’m constantly checking their New Arrivals page alongside their Gift With Purchase section. I hope you find today’s haul post helpful! Everything featured in this post are items I purchased myself.

Charlotte Tilbury Queen of Glow

Charlotte Tilbury Queen of Glow Eyeshadow Palette

Charlotte Tilbury Queen of Glow Eyeshadow Palette

One of the newest launches from Charlotte Tilbury is her Queen of Glow Eyeshadow Palette. There were several limited-edition quads over the holiday but I found them too warm for my complexion. Queen of Glow has a better mix of golds and champagnes for my complexion without the red tones. There are 3 shimmers and 1 matte. All the colors are ultra pigmented, smooth and long-lasting. I think it’s gorgeous!

Closer look wearing: NARS Tinted Glow Booster in Simos + Tangsi mixed, Charlotte Tilbury Color Corrector Medium, Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Powder Medium, NARS Blush in Tempted + Orgasm X Mixed, Anastasia Brow Wiz in Soft Brown, Cle de Peau Liquid Eyeliner, Charlotte Tilbury Eyeshadow Palette in Queen of Glow, Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss in In the Buff

Charlotte Tilbury Queen of Glow Eyeshadow Palette

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Vanish! Color Corrector

Charlotte Tilbury Color Corrector Medium

I also ordered her Magic Vanish! Color Corrector in Medium which isn’t new, but new to me. It has a brightening peachy look to it and it’s super opaque. I found it a good color for my medium olive tone skin – a tiny little dab on the fingers patted under the eyes conceals any darkness and it blends without caking. Do note that a little goes a very long way so you don’t need a lot. I use this instead of concealer on days I need extra coverage or brightening. It’s very peach in color – it doesn’t match the skin. The colors are designed to counter darkness and pigment in the skin.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Vanish! Color Corrector in Medium

New NARS Blushes

New Nars Blush Orgasm X and Tempted

above left: Orgasm X, right: Tempted

There are some new blushes from NARS this season. I wanted to order all of them but limited myself to 2 colors in Orgasm X and Tempted. Orgasm X is a deeper brighter version of Orgasm and has that peachy gold shimmer to it. It’s quite opaque but easy to blend. Tempted is a pretty soft nude shimmer, on my medium olive skin it looks like a neutral highlighter with a bit of depth. It makes my skin glow! If you’re fair and are looking for a good nude blush to wear, I highly recommend looking into this one!

NARS Orgasm X, Orgasm and Tempted Blush swatches

Wearing Tempted + Orgasm X mixed together

NARS Blush Orgasm X + Tempted

New from Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss

For the lips I picked up some of the new Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Glosses in In the Buff (soft nude pink, one I’m wearing in this post), New Romantic (soft mauve) and Wild Card (bright coral peach). They’re sheer so the color is subtle. They feel wonderfully smooth with a cushiony feel and glide on the lips nicely. I find them hydrating but not heavy.

YSL lip love

YSL Rouge Volupte Rock n Shine

YSL also launched a new formula called Rouge Volupte Rock N Shine and as a huge fan of the original Rouge Volutpe Shines I knew I had to try some of the new ones. These have a silvery shimmer in the center in the shape of a star. The shimmer is visible and noticeable making the overall color look a bit lighter and more shimmery than what you see in the tube. 1 Nude Solo is a pale nude pink, 3 Pink Flow is a soft baby pink, 10 Pink Bass is a deeper rose pink. They’re glossy with a high shine finish. Pigment is sheer-medium.

NARS Tinted Glow Boosters

NARS Tinted Glow Booster vs Ginger Concealer and Vanuatu Foundation

Last but not least is my first look at the NARS Tinted Glow Boosters. There are four shades total and I picked up the two middle shades in Simos (medium) and Tangsi (medium-dark). My foundation match in their Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation is usually Vanuatu, but I’ve lost my tan this season and wear Punjab. My best concealer match is still the Radiant Creamy Concealer in Ginger. The Tinted Glow Boosters sheer glowy skin-toned bases with a very slight shimmer to them. The shimmer is very subtle and almost disappears on the skin.

I’m the closest match to Simos right now, but I tan very easily and to add a bit more color I’ll mix in a few pumps of Tangsi to blend all over.

Below left, one pump of Simos (top) and one pump of Tangsi (bottom)
Below right on the face, Simos

NARS Tinted Glow Booster in Simos + Tangsi

You can use these a number of ways but I like it best mixing Simos and Tangsi together then applying with a beautyblender all over like you would a sheer foundation. It offers minimal coverage and glow, almost like a tinted moisturizer without the moisturizer aspect.

I have mixed in equal pumps of the Tinted Glow Booster with foundation like the Armani Luminous Silk (I wear 6.5) or NARS Natural Radiant Foundation to give it a more translucent look. I have some swatches below to a few other shades. It’s thicker in texture than the Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow, it’s not nearly as luminous or opaque as the Hollywood Flawless Filter.

NARS Tinted Glow Booster swatches Simos and Tangsi

Nordstrom Beauty Haul Picks via The Beauty Look Book

I hope you enjoyed this haul post with some of thoughts and swatches! Have you tried any of these new launches yet? What did you think?

You can find all my haul picks now online at Nordstrom.

 

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

NARS

NARS Afterglow Collection Review

January 3, 2020

Beauty Look Book NARS Afterglow Collection Review

Happy New Year! I’m starting off 2020 with a review of some new launches from NARS. They launched the Afterglow Collection for spring which has a gorgeous color palette for eyes, lips and cheeks. In the collection we have:

Afterglow Eyeshadow Palette

NARS Afterglow Eyeshadow Palette via The Beauty Look Book

The Afterglow Eyeshadow Palette has 12 shades with a mix of textures in mattes, shimmers, sparkles and pearls. The overall vibe of the palette is warm and on the skin resembles a pink sunset. There are some neutrals mixed in making it more wearable than other warm/red/orange eyeshadow palettes. I ended up hauling the holiday Studio 54 Hyped Palette over Christmas and find it more wearable and neutral for my neutral-loving self compared to this spring’s Afterglow Eyeshadow Palette. At this point I will not have time to review the holiday one but if you can check it out I highly recommend doing so!

The Afterglow Eyeshadow Palette has colors that are all pigmented and easy to blend. I was really pleased with the quality of all the shades. Some of the warmer yellow ones were nice to layer and warm up other shadows even if I don’t see myself wearing alone. Lasting power was excellent and no fallout after it set:

  • First Taste is a soft satin ivory cream with subtle shimmer
  • Shadow Hill is a matte medium neutral soft brown
  • Hot Line is a shimmery copper orange with gold micro flecks
  • Whipped is a deeper medium matte brown
  • Crushed is a matte light orange
  • Mad Love is a warm pink matte
  • Push It is a sparkly metallic multi-chrome pink opal shimmer
  • Riding High is a sparkling mauve with highly reflective sparkle
  • Bayadere I is a chunky copper sparkle
  • Trouble is a warm pink smooth shimmer
  • Deep Cut is a bright but semi-sheer magenta shimmer
  • Guayaquil is deep warm bronze smooth shimmer

NARS Afterglow Eyeshadow Palette Swatches via The Beauty Look Book

Overlust Cheek Palette

NARS Overlust Cheek Palette Review via The Beauty Look Book

The Overlust Cheek Palette is like the palette of my dreams. It has three gel-to-powder shimmer highlighters and three matte blushes. The overall look and vibe is very natural, easy to wear and fresh. The three gel-to-powder highlighters are a new formula from NARS. They look and feel like second skin with a unique almost dry feel. I applied with fingers or a smaller brush like the MAC 133S (small cheek brush) and it applied/blended easily to look like a natural glow. Since it is a dry finish I found it adhered well to my skin without looking or feeling emollient or greasy.

The three powders are soft mattes and look very natural on my skin. They showed up well on my medium skin although I’m at my lightest right now since we haven’t been at the beach much this winter and I’ve lost my tan.

To apply I’ve been using 1 highlighter and 1 blush each time I wear although you can certainly mix/layer colors. I found it lasted long on my skin and I had no issues with any powdery look or darkening/oxidizing.

NARS Overlust Cheek Palette Swatches via The Beauty Look Book

Colors are:

  • Tied Up Highlighter is a shimmering warm champagne
  • Deep Down Highlighter is a soft medium bronze
  • Drift Highlighter is a soft pink shimmer
  • Let it Burn Blush is a soft matte pink
  • Get Lost Blush is a soft peach matte
  • Body Talk Blush is a neutral rose pink brown matte

The only downside is there is no separator for powder and cream. Any kick-up or debris from the powders will most likely eventually mix into the gel-to-powders but so far the powder blushes seem to have minimal powdery residue and I haven’t had any issues yet.

Afterglow Lip Balms

NARS Afterglow Lip Balm Review Spring 2020 via The Beauty Look Book

The Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm has been a favorite of mine for a long time now. They released minis in a new color during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale last July and three new ones at Sephora for holiday. The New Shades now come individually in full size and I could not be more thrilled. The Afterglow Lip Balms are sheer in color and will add a slight hint to your natural lip. I did see a slight color shift after they set on the lips although it’s not as dramatic as some other color-changing balms. I love them all. Your mileage will of course vary depending on your natural lip color.

  • Deep Throat is a shimmery peach pink
  • Torrid is a orange coral
  • Dolce Vita is a soft rose
  • Fast Lane is a pale mauve pink
  • Wicked Ways is a deep plum
  • Turbo is a soft red

NARS Afterglow Lip Balm Swatches Spring 2020 via The Beauty Look Book

NARS Afterglow Lip Balm Lip Swatches Spring 2020 via The Beauty Look Book

Three looks wearing the Afterglow Collection below. Right now I’m a match to NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation to Punjab. Most of the year I’m Vanuatu. I did a review a few years ago with swatches here in case you don’t know your shade. Sweatshirt worn from Madewell.

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Look 1 wearing: Afterglow Eyeshadow Palette, Overlust Cheek Palette with Tied Up + Let it Burn, Afterglow Lip Balm in Deep Throat

NARS Afterglow Makeup Look

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Look 2 wearing: Afterglow Eyeshadow Palette, Overlust Cheek Palette with Deep Down + Get Lost, Afterglow Lip Balm in Torrid

NARS Afterglow Makeup Look 2

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Look 3 wearing: Afterglow Eyeshadow Palette, Overlust Cheek Palette with Drift + Body Talk, Afterglow Lip Balm in Dolce Vita

NARS Afterglow Makeup Look

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Beauty Look Book NARS Afterglow Collection Review

That wraps my review of the NARS Afterglow Collection. I love the overall look and vibe of the palettes and balms. I feel like they were made for my natural glow makeup loving self! I did feel a little overwhelmed with all the options in the eyeshadow palette especially since it pulled more on the warm side. I do think it is a nice one and even though I don’t love every single color I think they are easy to mix and layer. So many of you have asked whether the NARS Afterglow Lip Balms are better than the Dior Addict Lip Glows. I think it’s hard to pick one over the other because they’re both great, although I have found myself reaching for the NARS more.

I have also been testing out the new Tinted Glow Boosters as well so stay tuned for a review soon!

 

You can find the NARS Afterglow Collection out now at Sephora and NARS.

NARS Afterglow Collection provided for review.

 

NARS

NARS New Lipstick 2019 Lip Swatches

August 8, 2019

NARS New Lipstick Swatches and Review 2019

I have 34 shades of the new NARS Lipstick Matte, Satin and Sheers swatched on the lips today. You can see the arm swatches, color descriptions and product shots in this post here.

Overall thoughts on the formulas are that they seem pretty consistent across each finish with the exception of a couple shades here and there. Sheers are my favorite because they have a glossy finish with lots of shine. Satins are the most traditional classic color – if you want something more creamy and opaque though opt for the Audacious Lipstick Formulas. Mattes have a semi-dry matte lightweight feel. They’re not going to glide on the lips effortlessly like the Pat McGrath MatteTrance but the new NARS mattes will adhere well to the lips and on me they don’t dry the lips out even though they feel a little dry at first swipe. If I layer/blend a few times the color evens and smooths out perfectly and it truly is a lightweight matte with a soft finish that doesn’t look dry.

Pigment is medium to full coverage and buildable. There were a few of the Satin shimmers I felt were on the sheerer side such as Orgasm and Cool It, but the color can be built up.

Colors are lip swatched in the same order as my arm swatch post. All done on bare lips. Note that I have pigmented lips and if there is any transparency to the color my natural lip will show through, particularly around the edges. I do think some of the shades made my lips look extra full/plump but the lipstick formula itself is not plumping.

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Set 1: Miramar, Orgasm, Niagara, Raw Seduction, Barbarella

NARS LIPSTICK new launch 2019

NARS Lipstick lip swatches

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Set 2: Boukhara, Chelsea Girls, Dolce Vita, Tolede and Tonka

NARS LIPSTICK new launch 2019

NARS Lipstick Lip Swatches: Boukhara, Chelsea Girls, Dolce Vita, Tolede and Tonka

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Set 3: Sex Shuffle, Cruising, Belle de Jour, Rosecliff and Pour Toujours

NARS LIPSTICK new launch 2019

NARS Lipstick Lip Swatches: Sex Shuffle, Cruising, Belle de Jour, Rosecliff and Pour Toujours EDITED

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Set 4: Raw Love, Instant Crush, Cool It, Jolie Mome, Afghan Red

NARS LIPSTICK new launch 2019

NARS Lipstick Lip Swatches Raw Love, Instant Crush, Cool It, Jolie Mome, Afghan Red

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Set 5: License to Love, Living Doll, Start Your Engines, Rouge Insolent, Bulgarian Rose

NARS LIPSTICK new launch 2019

NARS Lipstick Lip Swatches License to Love, Living Doll, Start Your Engines, Rouge Insolent, Bulgarian Rose

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Set 6: Dominatrix, Fire Down Below, Impulse, Fast Ride

NARS LIPSTICK new launch 2019

NARS Lipstick Lip Swatches Dominatrix, Fire Down Below, Impulse, Fast Ride

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Set 7: Damage, Candy Stripper, Soul Train, Hot Channel, Full Time Females

NARS LIPSTICK new launch 2019

NARS Lipstick Lip Swatches Dominatrix, Fire Down Below, Impulse, Fast Ride

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Overall impressions are positive! I love how glossy the sheer lipsticks are, I think they have a beautiful sheen and they feel comfortable on the lips. Satins are a little thicker but they don’t feel heavy or too thick. Even though the mattes tug a little when you apply it’s not a deal breaker – if I feather them on more like a lip liner colors blend out really well.

As mentioned in my arm swatch/first impressions post there were only a few shades I did not like because I found them streaky on the lips (Sex Shuffle, Fast Ride and Hot Channel). I did not try all 72 colors but did give them a quick look over at the counter. While I truly appreciate the wide color selection I feel like 72 shades is a little overwhelming to look through. That being said NARS did an excellent job at trying to cover every color family so I do believe there will be something for everyone. They’ve launched a lot of colors with variances in undertone, so if you like corals but look better in warm vs cool you’re bound to find something that will fit your taste.

A number of you asked how these compare to previous formulas. I can’t recall all the variations at this point, but I do know approximately 2 to 3 formulas ago some of the shades made my lips go numb and caused an allergic reaction. I don’t know what the ingredient was but this round they’ve removed it and I had no issues with any of the colors. They aren’t hydrating but at the same time none of the colors caused them to dry out or peel by the next 2-3 days. I did not need a lip primer or pencil with any of these, but if you are looking for a good lipstick primer to help smooth and prime the lip, the MAC Prep + Prime Lip is my holy grail. You can use lip balm underneath but the emollient quality often times diminishes the lasting power with the oils, jelly etc. The MAC primer smooths and helps extend wear.

Bottom line: lots to love. I cannot pick a favorite – there are so many good shades! If I had to narrow down my top five though I’d pick: Chelsea Girls (although this pulls more pink on me compared to what I see in the tube), Bulgarian Rose, Living Doll, Instant Crush, License to Love, Barbarella, Raw Seduction and Dolce Vita (oops that’s eight).

You can find the new NARS Lipsticks out now available at Nordstrom, Sephora, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s and NARS Cosmetics and all NARS retailers.

 

NARS lipsticks gifted by NARS for review. Colors I purchased are Chelsea Girls, Dolce Vita, Barbarella and Raw Seduction.

Lips NARS

NARS 25 Years New Lipstick Launch

August 6, 2019

NARS Lipsticks 2019 Launch New Shades

NARS celebrates 25 years this year! To celebrate the team has revamped their entire iconic Lipstick line with 72 shades in three finishes: Matte, Satin and Sheer ($26 each for 3.5 g/0.12 oz). His original 12 are packaged in special red and white tubes that are currently exclusive to NARS Cosmetics online (and in boutiques). The remaining 60 are in his signature black and white tubes available at all NARS retailers and counters such as Nordstrom, Sephora, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s and more. I am so grateful to have received 30 shades in a press kit. I bought 4 more shades at the counter as I had to track down some of the classic iconic colors I loved in the past.

I have my post split into two parts since there are so many colors. Today’s post are close ups of all the colors plus arm swatches. I’ll have the lip swatches in a separate post.

NARS Lipsticks 2019 Launch New Shades

The formulas do appear to be new and finishes/textures are different from the originals. This is not the first time NARS has revamped the lipstick formula and each variation has new and improved benefits. There’s no detectable strong fragrance in these although there is a very subtle earthy natural scent to them. They have Passion Fruit Seed Oil and Moringa Seed Oil which seems to make them non-drying on the lips. After testing for several days and even after 34 lip swatches straight in a row my lips have not dried out, peeled or become irritated.

The three formulas include:

  • Sheer is sheer and glossy, pigment is buildable and varies across the color range, some of the brighter ones have more color payoff
  • Satin is a classic lipstick finish with bold coverage, texture/feel is medium – not heavy but not quite weightless
  • Matte is almost a lumious matte, most have full coverage that is easy to smooth and blend out, it is a weightless matte

I’ve split the swatches by color family, color descriptions below with each grouping. Colors I bought include Chelsea Girls, Barbarella, Dolce Vita and Raw Seduction. Other colors are press samples.

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Miramar, Orgasm, Niagara, Raw Seduction and Barbarella

NARS Lipsticks Miramar, Orgasm, Niagara, Raw Seduction, Barbarella

Colors shown above, swatched below:

  • Miramar (satin) is metallic gold shimmer (on me it looks like a matte gold)
  • Orgasm (satin) is a sheer shimmery pink peach
  • Niagara (satin) is a bold pink coral cream
  • Raw Seduction (satin) is a perfect peach pink neutral
  • Barbarella (sheer) is a sheer peach

NARS Lipstick Swatches Miramar, Orgasm, Niagara, Raw Seduction, Barbarella

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Boukhara, Chelsea Girls, Dolce Vita, Tolede and Tonka

NARS Lipstick Boukhara, Chelsea Girls, Dolce Vita, Tolede, Tonka

Colors shown above, swatched below:

  • Boukhara (matte) is a matte nude pink with mauve tones
  • Chelsea Girls (sheer) is a sheer beige pink (on my lips it pulls more pink)
  • Dolce Vita (sheer) is a classic soft rose (I haven’t found my original one but this new version seems a bit more on the neutral side/less warm)
  • Tolede (satin) is a warmer pink rose
  • Tonka (matte) is a matte soft brown rose

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Sex Shuffle, Cruising, Belle de Jour, Rosecliff and Pour Toujours

NARS Sex Shuffle, Cruising, Belle de Jour, Rosecliff, Pour Toujours

Colors shown above left to right, swatched below:

  • Sex Shuffle (sheer) is a pale shimmery icy cool pink
  • Cruising (sheer) is a sheer light nude pink
  • Belle de Jour (sheer) is a perfect sheer beige
  • Rosecliff (sheer) is a medium rose beige pink
  • Pour Toujours (matte) is a dusty neutral pink

NARS swatches Lipstick Sex Shuffle, Cruising, Belle de Jour, Rosecliff, PourToujours

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Raw Love, Instant Crush, Cool It, Jolie Mome, Afghan Red

NARS Lipstick Raw Love, Instant Crush, Cool It, Jolie Mome, Afghan Red

Colors shown above left to right, swatched below:

  • Raw Love (matte) is a matte cool light mauve
  • Instant Crush (sheer) is a sheer pink with a hint of shimmer
  • Cool It (satin) is a semi-sheer shimmering light raspberry pink
  • Jolie Mome (matte) is a bright blue based plum
  • Afghan Red (satin) is a classic cool-red

NARS Lipstick Swatches Raw Love, Instant Crush, Cool It, Jolie Mome, Afghan Red

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License to Love, Living Doll, Start Your Engines, Rouge Insolent, Bulgarian Rose

NARS Lipsticks License to Love, Living Doll, Start Your Engines, Rouge Insolent, Bulgarian Rose

Colors shown above left to right, swatched below:

  • License to Love (sheer) is a sheer semi-bright peach
  • Living Doll (sheer) is a sheer bright coral with slight pink tones
  • Start Your Engines (sheer) is a sheer orange
  • Rouge Insolent (satin) is a bold orange red
  • Bulgarian Rose (sheer) is a sheer bright pink

NARS Lipsticks License to Love, Living Doll, Start Your Engines, Rouge Insolent, Bulgarian Rose

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Dominatrix, Fire Down Below, Impulse, Fast Ride

NARS Lipstick Dominatrix, Fire Down Below, Impulse, Fast Ride

Colors shown above left to right, swatched below:

  • Dominatrix (matte) is a matte brown
  • Fire Down Below (matte) is a classic deep bold red
  • Impulse (satin) is a semi-sheer wine
  • Fast Ride (sheer) is a sheer brown plum

NARS Swatches Lipstick Dominatrix, Fire Down Below, Impulse, Fast Ride

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Damage, Candy Stripper, Soul Train, Hot Channel, Full Time Females

NARS Lipstick Damage, Candy Stripper, Soul Train, Hot Channel, Full Time Females

Colors shown above left to right, swatched below:

  • Damage (sheer) is a sheer purple
  • Candy Stripper (matte) is a bold bright purple
  • Soul Train (matte) is a dark purple
  • Hot Channel (satin) is a deep plum brown
  • Full Time Females (matte) is a bold fuschia

NARS Lipstick Damage, Candy Stripper, Soul Train, Hot Channel, Full Time Females swatches

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The Beauty Look Book NARS Lipsticks 2019 Launch New Shades

I’ll have more thoughts on the formulas and colors in the lip swatch post coming very soon. I had a really good experience across all the formulas with the exception of 3 shades. There are times when a lipstick won’t swatch well on the hand/arm but blends out better on the lips, and then there are times when it fails no matter how you swatch it. Ones I had issues with include Sex Shuffle, Fast Ride and Hot Channel – the swatched streaky and uneven on the lips for me. There are some mattes that look a little streaky on the arm swatches but the rest of the ones I tested blended and layered nicely once on the lips. So far I’ve been impressed with lasting power and texture and even happier that they don’t make my lips peel.

Lip swatches to follow very soon! Let me know if you have any questions on the colors or formulas. I’m going to try to see if I still have any of the older Dolce Vita or Chelsea Girls colors to compare, but I’m not sure if I will find them in my stash still. First impressions are overall positive – if you’re looking for a no-fuss kind of lipstick the NARS ones have a wide range of colors and finishes to suit all skin tones. For quick skin tone reference I’m a NARS Radiant Foundation in Barcelona and Radiant Creamy Concealer in Ginger or Praline.

 

 

You can find the new NARS Lipsticks out now available at Nordstrom, Sephora, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s and NARS Cosmetics and all NARS retailers.

Have you checked out the new formula yet? What did you think?

Eye Makeup Lips NARS

NARS Oil-Infused Lip Tints (New Shades) + Wanted Mini Eyeshadow Palette

July 2, 2019

NARS Oil-Infused Lip Tints Primal Instinct, High Security, Disco Infernal and Mini Wanted

NARS launched a few new products at Sephora with new shades of the Oil-Infused Lip Tints ($26 each 0.17 oz/5.7 ml) and a pocket-sized eyeshadow palette called the Wanted Mini Eyeshadow Palette ($25 for 6 colors 0.02 oz/.7 g x 6). I have swatches plus thoughts on all the new launches. Per the NARS team everything is limited-edition.

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Oil-Infused Lip Tints

NARS Oil-Infused Lip Tints Primal Instinct, High Security, Disco Infernal review

I’ve been a huge fan of the Orgasm Oil-Infused Lip Tint and Orgasm Afterglow Balm so I was excited to try the new lip oil shades. There are three colors and they have the same emollient feel and packaging as the Orgasm oil: hydrating, smooth, not sticky, comforting and offer just a slight hint of color. On me pigment is barely there and sheer. I don’t get a shift on the lips in color like I did with the Orgasm color (review here). They are formulated with raspberry seed oil and pomegranate extracts to hydrate and protect.

  • Primal Instinct is a sheer beige
  • High Security is a fuchsia
  • Disco Infernal is a purple berry

For me I think Orgasm is the best color as it transforms to a healthy soft pink on me. The new ones are nice if you can’t do the color-shifting lip products. I know some of you find they turn into a super unflattering bright pink – these look different on everyone. The new ones are so sheer and have a similar vibe on me, I’d recommend opting for just one if you want to try them. Even though they look practically the same on me, I’ve still been loving the formula for the beach or warm weather days. I wore the beige one out kayaking with my niece and nephew who were visiting in town last week. It stayed put for 5 hours straight without budging or sliding. Lips felt good the entire time.

NARS Oil-Infused Lip Tints Primal Instinct, High Security, Disco Infernal swatches

Swatches are done on bare lips:

NARS Oil-Infused Lip Tints Primal Instinct, High Security, Disco Infernal swatches

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Mini Wanted

NARS Mini Wanted Eyeshadow Palette

NARS launched a pocket size version of one of their best selling palettes Wanted in a super mini version called the Wanted Eyeshadow Mini Palette (originally reviewed here). The mini has 6 shades while the full size has 12. I think the full-size is the better buy and you get more color options for a complete eye look. The mini is one of the smallest palettes I think I’ve ever seen. Quality of the mini is the same as the full large option you can still find at Ulta or Macy’s. Colors applied smoothly without any issue and layer beautifully. The customer reviews online are pretty bad but to me it seems it’s all based on the size and price. I think it’s all based on the packaging presentation – one look at this in person and it’s fairly unimpressive just based on the size. The Natasha Denona Mini Eye Palettes are the same price $25 and are also similar in weight per pan for the shadows but seems to have more positive reviews even though it’s tiny too. Also by comparison the NARS Voyageur Eyeshadow Palettes have 6 shades just like the Mini Wanted, is priced higher at $32 yet has less product (pans are .6 g each). The packaging and presentation looks so much better even though these are small pans as well.

I think the Mini Wanted might be nice if you want to gift something at that $25 or under price point and still have it be from a luxury brand. I do think there are better options out there, but a quick price filter just on Sephora alone shows that most of them will be over the $25 mark.

NARS Mini Wanted Eyeshadow Palette review via the beauty look book

NARS Mini Wanted Eyeshadow Palette swatches

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NARS Oil-Infused Lip Tints Primal Instinct, High Security, Disco Infernal and Mini Wanted review and swatchesQuality-wise everything performs well. The eyeshadows are smooth, nicely pigmented, layer beautifully for a soft rosy eye look. They stay put and don’t have a lot of fall out and blend well. The palette is too small for my taste even though I do love a good mini. I think the full size is a lot better  for the price and more versatile.

The Oil-Infused Lip Tints are lovely for that smooth hydrating feel and soft wash of color to tint the lips. They do make the lips look lush and glossy in a really pretty way, but I’m still partial to the first one they launched in Orgasm.

You can find these new launches available now at Sephora.

 

 

Have you tried these yet? What did you think?

NARS items featured provided courtesy of NARS for review.

Highlighters NARS

NARS Orgasm Collection – Summer 2019 Review + Swatches

May 1, 2019

NARS Orgasm Collection 2019 Review | The Beauty Look Book

NARS launched another Orgasm Collection this year with new additions to the line. I have swatches of everything plus a few makeup looks to share today! The collection is available at Sephora and NARS Cosmetics:

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Orgasm Blush 2019

NARS Orgasm Blush 2019 Review and swatches | The Beauty Look Book

This year’s Orgasm Blush is similar to last year’s version in the sense that it has a slightly deeper rosy sheen than the regular compact. It also looks a little more glowy on the face but isn’t overly frosty. For me this kind of rose warm gold color is really easy to wear to add warmth and glow to the face. I’ve swatched 3 different powder Orgasm blushes and to me they’re all slightly different in color and shimmer. When viewed at arm’s length they may look pretty much the same. If you can’t do the NARS blush texture (some of you have told me you’re allergic) you might want to check out Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic in Ecstasy which is similar but slightly warmer (also softer in texture and not as shimmery).

NARS Orgasm Blush swatches

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Liquid Highlighter

NARS Liquid Highlighter

There’s a new product called the Orgasm Liquid Highlighter. It’s a warm rose gold shimmer in the bottle but on my face applies more neutral – the sparkles show up more making it a little more neutral. The shape of the bottle is similar to the Orgasm Liquid Blush, but the highlighter comes with a dropper and is quite sheer. It has a thin texture that is very fluid. One drop applied with fingers will give you a very pretty shimmery soft glow. I really love this on the face for that barely there glow. Some of you will find it too sheer in which case I’d recommend you try a few other colors I’ve swatched below including the NARS Highlighting Powder, CoverFX Custom Drops or Hourglass Vanish Flash Highlighter. Colors aren’t quite the same but I found the closest ones I could.

NARS Liquid Highlighter comparison swatches

Extra glow with the Liquid Highlighter and Orgasm 2019 blush layered together. For a more wearable look with less intense glow all you need to do is take a clean powder brush and buff/blend out the color. Also wearing the:

  • Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in 6.5
  • Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Powder in 2
  • Anastasia Brow Wiz in Caramel
  • Endless Orgasm Palette on eyes
  • Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Zero
  • Orgasm Oil-Infused Lip Tint
  • Top from J.Crew (actually a beach coverup)

 

NARS Orgasm Liquid Highlighter and 2019 blush

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Oil-Infused Lip Tint

NARS Orgasm Oil-Infused Lip Tint Review

My favorite item in the collection is the Orgasm Oil-Infused Lip Tint. This applies clear on the lips but adjusts to a really pretty pink within 2-3 minutes. I have it shown on the arm after a few minutes and also applied on the lips. There’s no scent or taste. It has a very slight gold shimmer but isn’t frosty. It transforms into such a pretty flushed pink on my lips. I love that it is super hydrating without feeling like it’s going to slide off the lips.

NARS Orgasm Oil-Infused Lip Tint Review

NARS Orgasm Oil-Infused Lip Tint Review Makeup Look

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Endless Orgasm Palette

NARS Endless Orgasm Palette review

Finally I have a look at the Endless Orgasm Palette. There are six cream shimmers that are sheer and emollient giving a very dewy finish. To the touch these creams feel very slippery. I have such mixed feelings about this palette. It looks so so pretty on the skin if you apply it with the right touch. I tested it on both the face and eyes alone and then layered with powder products. Alone it feels so emollient I don’t think it would last on my skin more than an hour without getting super dewy and sweaty looking. The products give a wet skin effect with how creamy they are. As soon as I swatched it I knew I would have to add powder to set and tone down the glow. I can improve the look when layered with any kind of powder blush or eyeshadow. The powder helps set the product and makes it grab onto the skin better. Indoors the product with powder layering lasted for a good 4-5 hours without budging but this makes it higher maintenance than I prefer.

I think it’s workable and beautiful as a soft dewy finishing highlight for either the eyes or cheeks. But it’s going to be either a strong hit or very strong miss for most of you. If you’re one who adores dewy products like the RMS Living Luminizer or the Chanel Baume Essentiel Stick I think you’ll really enjoy this palette. As much as I love the colors I don’t think it will be an easy one to wear outdoors for me especially in the Florida heat.

Colors include a shimmering pearl, shimmery rose mauve, shimmery pink, frosted pale pink, frosted copper and rosy gold shimmer.

NARS Endless Orgasm Palette review

Wearing the entire 2019 collection on the face, eyes and cheeks. Same breakdown for base,  liner etc. as listed in the above makeup look photo.

NARS Orgasm Collection 2019 Makeup Beauty look

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NARS Orgasm 2019 Collection Review via The Beauty Look Book

Overall really pretty, but formulas aren’t going to be for everyone. The liquid highlighter and palette will especially tricky for those with oily skin. The liquid highlighter has a nice dry down but it does have a glowy finish which I think will emphasize oily skin’s glow. The palette is so creamy and if you can’t do that extra dewy look this will be too glowy for you.

I really like this year’s Orgasm Blush although if you have previous launches it’s not a must-have. The Lip Oil is my favorite item in the whole collection. It gives a more flushed look compared to the Afterglow Balm for me (which I still love).

You can find the NARS Orgasm 2019 collection out now. Available at Sephora and NARS Cosmetics. Quick note I took a look online and a lot of items are sold out on Sephora’s website but if I click the store locator option and type in my zip code there’s still a lot of stock in stores near me. I’m hoping they restock online soon for those who don’t have a store near them!

 

Have you checked this collection out yet? What did you think? By popular request I will be reviewing the Charlotte Tilbury collection to test and compare. I’m ordering the products as soon as they hit the Sephora website!

NARS collection provided for review.