In the midst of the endless sea of limited releases I try to ignore there is always something that catches my eye and starts my heart a-fluttering...
This time it was the NARSissist Dual-Intensity palette and after ignoring the single Dual-Intensity shadows for as long as I could, I got caught up in the hype. I watched some very persuasive YouTube videos, which aside from some incredible swatches, reasoned the better deal of getting 8 x 1 gram shades for just under the price of 3 full sized shades (which retail at $38AUD each down here) so I made up my mind then and there. Granted this set me back a whopping $98AUD but then again that's less than a Tom Ford quad right? *winks*
The mirrored palette comprises 7 shades from the permanent range of individual shadows plus an exclusive shade Ursa Major, which is a satin finish, deep grey-toned brown. While some of you may have been disappointed at the lack of limited edition shades I was pleased because I want to have the option of purchasing full sizes if I happen to fall in love with any shade in particular. On the other hand, if you were lusting after the palette and can't get your hands on it you still have the consolation of the majority of shades being available.
Looking at the range of colours I could be really picky and point out this palette lacks a matte transition shade but the positives outweigh that little negative. The arrangement of shadows in two tonal rows - one warm, one cool - makes it easy for me to create looks without straining the old brain and then again I like having the option to experiment across the colour families when I'm feeling adventurous.
The shadows feel quite buttery to the touch and are a mix of soft shimmers, metallics and satins with a sole almost-matte: the black Sycorax. Worn dry I've been able to get a pretty decent daytime smokey eye as these are easy to build and reasonably easy to blend (cue that need for a transition shade). Of course these are dual-intensity and they are something else when applied wet. Now for the dry and wet swatches as applied to unprimed skin.
Top row dry swatched left to right:
Europa, Himalia, Ursa Major (LE shade), Subra
Swatched wet in the same order:
Andromeda, Lysithea, Giove, Sycorax...
...and swatched wet in the same order:
Yes, this was expensive and it's not perfect but I don't regret it - I've always been a fan of shimmer and I like having the options of doing a soft shimmery daytime look or a liquid metal look for nighttime drama. It's all about the options with this palette.
Oh, and maybe a little about the sleek packaging too - even if it's a fingerprint magnet...
Have you been tempted by NARS Dual-Intensity?
Ahhh this looks stunning. The wet swatches are to die for..And the packaging is so chic too, love the whole mirrored concept ..
ReplyDeleteI haven't actually tried a look with the shadows applied wet yet but I might experiment on the weekend with Himalia!
DeleteI love this palette and don't regret purchasing it either! I could just use this and one matte transition shade for the rest of my life and I'd be a happy beauty junkie!
ReplyDeleteI've been revolving the rest of my makeup around the palette this week and enjoying it immensely! Since posting I've realised that by mixing Himalia and Ursa Major I have a decent transition option from within the palette actually so it's quite well thought out even if it's not perfect!
DeleteI rarely use shadows wet because I'm so, so lazy, lol! So I'm usually not swayed by things like this. I do have to say that the effect is so pretty, though, and it looks like a really nice set of shades! And you deserve a treat ;) No regrets! Haha.
ReplyDeleteI rarely do either so the wet effect was a secondary consideration for me - I just love a palette with good shimmers and I was curious to try these. Youtube made me do it! Haha!!!
DeleteAhhh...so pretty! I love the neutral shades in this palette and the swatch of when it's applied wet just drives the intensity of the shades!!
ReplyDeleteDouble the options right! I've been wearing this palette all week and have managed to come up with different looks every day - that's without trying them wet!
DeleteI was a little tempted at first but large size palettes rarely get me in the end. Weirdly I don't hanker for intense eye colours so the formula is passable as well. I'm so glad you splurged though! It's almost $100 here as well so you guys don't have it too bad considering the usual price of things. :)
ReplyDeleteWhoa! I just assumed you guys would have got a much better deal! Actually NARS used to be PROHIBITIVELY expensive in Australia (one of the reasons I stayed away for so long) but the prices have gradually dropped over the years so it's slightly less painful! Lol!
DeleteThere's a huge Canadian markup and it went up again this past quarter. I remember when their blushes were $25 each and now they're $35. :-/
DeleteWhat on earth? That's even weirder!
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