NARS

Sun-Kissed Peach, Gold and Cocoa Colors Bask on the Beach That Is the New Limited Edition NARS Loves Miami Set

December 3rd, 2013 by Karen 14 Comments

Wearing the new NARS Love Miami set on my eyes, cheeks and lips

Even though I’m feeling like this because it’s hella cold here today…

Wearing the new NARS Loves Miami set makes me feel like this…

It’s one of those sets that makes you (me) wish you (I) lived someplace tropical during the winter — someplace where its golden shimmer and glitter and peach and brown shades (with a shot of violet) would play well with your perpetual tan, which, of course, you earned through regular after-work surf sessions…le sigh!

Um, did I mention that it’s cold here today?! Well…cold by Northern California standards (the high was 54 and the low was 30, and yes, I can hear you laughing from here).

I think the lack of warmth in my extremities right now might directly correlate with my sudden interest in makeup with a warm-weather theme.

NARS Love Miami: A three-piece set — Clockwise from the left: Eye & Cheek Palette, Orgasm Nail Polish and Orgasm lip Gloss

The three-piece limited edition holiday set contains some of Miami’s bestselling shades, like peachy pink Orgasm Nail Polish and Lip Gloss, and an Eye & Cheek Palette with glittery pink Fathom Eyeshadow, shimmery sugared cocoa Kalahari Eyeshadow, matte deep violet Daphne Eyeshadow, shimmery dark brown Cordura Eyeshadow, peachy pink Orgasm Blush and golden brown Laguna Bronzing Powder.

NARS Love Miami: Eye & Cheek Palette — Eye & Cheek Palette

NARS Love Miami: Orgasm Nail Polish — Orgasm Nail Polish

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The NARS Guy Bourdin Cosmetic Pochette and Bad Camera Timing

November 5th, 2013 by Karen 18 Comments

NARS Guy Bourdin Cosmetic Pouchette, $75 — Having a heart-to-heart with the new NARS Guy Bourdin Cosmetic Pouchette, ba-dum-bump!

This (above) is the face you make when you see the cute hearts on the new NARS Guy Bourdin Cosmetic Pochette…

And this (below) is the face you make when you hear your husband yell, “TABS, NO!” and you turn your head exactly when the camera’s timer goes off.

So El Hub and Tabs were out on the deck yesterday, and when El Hub wasn’t looking, Tabs jumped up on the railing — a strict no-no in our house.

That’s about 20 feet above the ground, and Tabs isn’t exactly an agile circus cat, if you catch my drift. He’s a husky tabby with slow reflexes, or let me put it this way: sometimes when he falls while climbing his cat tower, he does not land on his feet.

El Hub walked over and snatched Tabs up before anything else could happen, but it still gave us quite a scare…

Doesn’t have anything to do with this leather makeup pouch, but it does explain my look of surprise in that picture.

The pouch, which has a zippered closure and a small zippered pocket inside, is limited edition and $75 (yikes!).

I could just tell you the dimensions…but I’d rather tell you what it holds. (OK, I’ll do both. It’s 7.75 inches wide and 4.75 inches long.)

It holds…

Six full-sized NARS blushes, or
One standard-sized round pressed powder compact, three lipsticks and a blush, or
One Fancy Feast Appetizer package (“Tilapia in a delicate broth”) and a handful of Turkey Flavored Temptations Treats.

It’s not exactly cheap at all, but it is pretty cute.

It’s available now at NARS counters, stores and online.

What’s Small, and Yet Also Larger Than Life? The New NARS Voyeur Mini Larger Than Life Eyeliner Coffret

November 5th, 2013 by Karen 9 Comments

When Juliet asked, “What’s in a name?” girlfriend could have been talking about the new NARS Voyeur Mini Larger Than Life Eyeliner Coffret, because first of all, what’s a coffret? And second, what’s both mini and larger than life at the same time?

Weird. But also cool.

This $49 coffret is a satin and patent heart-embellished makeup pouch, and it comes with five little Larger Than Life Eyeliners.

It’s available now online and at NARS counters and boutiques as part of the Guy Bourdin collection.

What do you think? Good deal or bad? The website says it’s a $62 value.

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You Can’t Help But Notice This Beautiful, Bold Stranger: The New $35 NARS Beautiful Stranger Nail Polish Set

November 1st, 2013 by Karen 12 Comments

The new $35 NARS Beautiful Stranger holiday nail polish set, the only nail set in the Guy Bourdin collection, comes with four nail polish minis packed with pigment.

Shameless Red, my favorite of the bunch, could have been called Shameless Coral, and I would have liked that because I have no quarrels with corals. I love coral, and this one feels very tropical to me. It reminds me of hibiscuses.

The purplish shade, Dance Dance Dance, despite its awesome name, is probably my least favorite one. I had to apply three coats because I saw some streakiness after two.

Oh, I’m not wearing a base or top coat with these…only because I didn’t want to take the time. I would for normal wear to eek out as much longevity as possible.

NARS Shameless Red Nail Polish, a bright pink — Shameless Red Nail Polish, a bright pink (two coats)

NARS Lost Red Nail Polish, a bright red — Lost Red Nail Polish, a bright red (two coats)

NARS Dance Dance Dance Nail Polish, a bright purple — Dance Dance Dance Nail Polish, a bright purple (three coats)

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A One Night Stand With the NARS One Night Stand Cheek Palette

October 31st, 2013 by Karen 22 Comments

Filed under “Conversations I Have With My Pan of NARS DOLCE VITA Blush”:

ME: We have to talk.

NARS DOLCE VITA: OK. About what?

ME: Our relationship.

NARS DOLCE VITA: Alright, that was ominous… Should I sit down?

ME: If you want.

NARS DOLCE VITA: Are you breaking up with me? Is this a breakup?

ME: Oh, gosh, no! I still think we should see each other. It’s just… I dunno. I need more…

NARS DOLCE VITA: Space?

ME: No! Excitement. I was going to say “excitement.”

NARS DOLCE VITA: So what — are you a swinger now? You want to start seeing other blushes?

ME: No. I mean, I want to stay together, but it’s been 12 years. I just think we should…re-evaluate our status. Maybe switch to something more fluid? Like an open relationship?

NARS DOLCE VITA: Oh, I get it. Open. OK, just don’t tell me about your one night stands.

ME: Not even the one I’m having right now with the new NARS One Night Stand cheek palette?

NARS DOLCE VITA: Wait — what? Are you? Is he that limited edition holiday palette?

ME: Yes. Six blushes total, and three of them are new.

NARS DOLCE VITA: Oh, great.

ME: I actually think you two would get along.

NARS DOLCE VITA: Right! So, tell me about him.

ME: Well, the new ones are shimmery alabaster Devotee Highlighting Blush, bright pink Mistinguette Blush and fleshy pink Goulue. You already know the others — golden brown Laguna Bronzer, golden peach Orgasm and sheer peach Deep Throat.

NARS DOLCE VITA: Do you…love this palette?

ME: I don’t know. I mean, I probably would if all of its shades were new. I do really like the highlighting blush. It reminds me of NARS Albatross, only more pinkish beige? If I could have it in a single…

NARS DOLCE VITA: OK, stop. Fine, I’m willing to try. If this means that much to you, we can try sharing, but I’m not making any promises.

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Dolce Vita Takes Center Stage in the NARS Splendor in the Grass Cheek Palette

October 29th, 2013 by Karen 27 Comments

It’s hard to say what’s more splendid about the new NARS Splendor in the Grass Cheek Palette ($49) — the fact that it comes with one of my favorite NARS Blushes, Dolce Vita…

…or the fact that it doesn’t come with Orgasm.

Don’t get me wrong — I love NARS Orgasm, but sometimes it’s like the Kardashian sister of the NARS Blush family. It’s everywhere! And you just can’t escape it no matter how hard you try. (SIDE NOTE: anyone else out there convinced that Kris Jenner is a Svengali marketing genius?)

As the largest pan in the palette, dark rosy pink Dolce Vita takes Orgasm’s place on center stage, but truth be told, I can see how it might look a little dark and scary at first glance.

Give it a chance, though, ’cause it’s all kinds of awesome. When my default blush, MAC Blushbaby, is out of reach, I’ll often grab Dolce Vita.

It’s easy to blend, I barely have to use any of it at all, and it works with almost every eye and lip color combination.

And I think the other two blushes in the palette — Sex Appeal, a subtle, appealing peach matte and Angelika, a sheer pink with golden glitter — are just as fab.

Oh, and psst! You can blend them with each other and Dolce Vita to create custom cheek colors.

Last (but not least), the highlighter, golden Albatross. If you’ve ever felt like you’re just not a prime candidate to wear highlighter because of how shimmery they are, sweep this one on your upper cheekbones and down the bridge of your nose. It just might change your mind.

NARS Splendor in the Grass swatches from the left: Sex Appeal, Angelika, Dolce Vita and Albatross — From the left: Sex Appeal, Angelika, Dolce Vita and Albatross

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For the Lipstick Commitment-Phobes, Introducing the New NARS Guy Bourdin Promiscuous Lip Pencil Holiday Set

October 25th, 2013 by Karen 41 Comments

When it comes to lip products, “I’m not a player, I just crush a lot,” she said, quoting Big Pun as she poured her 40 on the ground (RIP).

This does not, however, apply to other aspects of my life, although it briefly did when I was in my early 20s. That’s when I had my YOLO moment and tried being a player. The results were…disastrous. (This was around the time I dated that boy I met dancing in the cage. Oh, gawd!)

I quickly learned that I’m built for long-term monogamy when it comes to real relationships, but I’m kind of a ho as it pertains to lip products. 🙂 I’ve been known to have a new crush every day!

Enter the cheeky new $45 NARS Guy Bourdin Promiscuous Lip Pencil set, which kisses lips this holiday season with five NARS Lip Pencil mini faves (all existing colors).

No need to commit to just one color when you have…

Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in New Lover, a golden strawberry pink
Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Never Say Never, a pink lilac
Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Sex Machine, a pink mauve
Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dolce Vita, a dusty rose
Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella, a scarlet red

And the minis come in their very own black zippered makeup pouch, complete with shiny blue lips.

Um…weird! They look like my lips do after I have a blue raspberry Icee (I was craving one today).

I kind of wish the lips were red, though, like the box in the Fling set, but maybe that seemed too matchy-matchy to the peeps at NARS.

Whatevs, I think the set’s still more fun than Fling. It has more intense brights, like Cruella and Never Say Never.

The bulk of the set is comprised of colors from the Velvet Matte collection and ooh! — I love the textures. The pencils feel smooth on my lips, not heavy at all, and they aren’t the least bit drying. We’re talking very comfy mattes, and they last from 4-5 hours.

The Velvet Lip Gloss in the set, New Lover, has a shorter wear time of 2-3 hours, but I’m cool with that because I really like how it looks. It sure is shiny, and it’s nowhere near as thick or heavy as some glosses. It’s one of those great neutrals you can just throw on when you have to get up early for work but didn’t sleep well the night before.

But here’s a brief warning from one cat lady to another: if you’re wearing this, kitty fur will definitely cling to your lips. Yes, it’s kind of sticky.

I really like this set and can see myself wearing these glosses down to nubs, but since there are no new colors here, you may already have some of these shades in your kit.

I recommend it more for NARS newbies who want a grand tour of some of the brand’s greatest Lip Pencil hits. All in all, it’s full of win, even with the weird blue lips.

PRICE: $45
AVAILABILITY: Coming November 1 exclusively to Sephora and sephora.com
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A-

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

In the High Court of Holiday Makeup, What’s the Verdict on the New NARS Guy Bourdin Crime of Passion Palette?

October 25th, 2013 by Karen 34 Comments

THE SCENE: A crowded courtroom.

PARTIES PRESENT: The Honorable Judge Karen presiding, with Attorney-at-Law Tabs the Cat representing his client, the new NARS Guy Bourdin Crime of Passion palette.

NARS Guy Bourdin Crimes of Passion — Limited edition packaging

Judge Karen pounds her gavel (which incidentally looks like a lint roller) repeatedly.

JUDGE KAREN: “Order! Order in the court!

“Counselor Tabs, your client, the limited edition NARS Guy Bourdin Crime of Passion Palette for eyes, lips and cheeks, stands before the High Court of Holiday Makeup today to be judged on its shopping worthiness this holiday season.

“On the count of eyeshadow fallout in the first degree, how does your client plead?”

COUNSELOR TABS: Mrrrow. (“Not guilty, Your Honor.”)

JUDGE KAREN: “And on the count of weird color combinations in the first degree, how does your client plead?”

COUNSELOR TABS: Mrrrow. (“Not guilty, Your Honor.”)

JUDGE KAREN: “And on the count of brief wear time in the first degree, how does your client plead?”

COUNSELOR TABS: Mrrrow. (“Not guilty, Your Honor.”)

JUDGE KAREN: “Lastly, on the count of difficulty blending eyeshadows, how does your client plead?”

COUNSELOR TABS: Meeee-ow. (“Guilty, Your Honor.”)

The crowd collectively gasps…

JUDGE KAREN: “Order! Order! I will have order in my courtroom!

“Thank you for your service to the court, Counselor. You may now approach the bench, so that I may feed you turkey-flavored Temptations.” 🙂

What’s the verdict?

I’m this close to saying that the only crime the new Crime of Passion palette commits is AWESOMENESS because it has so many great things going for it, like excellent wear time (all day for the eyeshadows, bronzer and blush, and 4-5 hours for the lipgloss), super wearable colors that should suit most skin tones, and eyeshadows that stick like electromagnets to my lids.

I’m talking zero fallout — zilch — even when I packed it on, and not one grain of powder appeared beneath my eyes, not even when I used the dark black shade.

The $59 palette, which arrives at NARS counters, boutiques and online next month, comes with useful basics you can easily dress up or down.

The palette includes…

Larger Than Life Lipgloss in Deep Throat, a new shade in a shimmering sheer peach
Eyeshadow in Jezebel, a new shimmery reddish brown
Eyeshadow in Naiade, a new metallic light rose
Eyeshadow in Pandora, a re-promoted matte black
Blush in Deep Throat, a re-promoted sheer peach
Bronzing Powder in Laguna, a re-promoted brown bronzer with golden shimmer

But there’s one big catch (at least for my right wrist), and that’s blending these eyeshadows together.

I guess that’s the tradeoff (sigh). These latch on to skin so well that, yes, there’s no fallout, and they stay put a solid 10-12 hour with very little creasing or fading, but they also take near Herculean effort to blend into smooth gradients.

I definitely feel like I have to swoosh with my blending brush back and forth more than I do with other NARS eyeshadows.

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