NARS Daphne Eyeshadow Review, Photos, Swatches (Fall 2010)
Friday, July 23rd, 2010
NARS Daphne Eyeshadow
Don’t Judge an Eyeshadow by a Swatch?!
NARS Daphne Eyeshadow ($23.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a rich shade of night violet purple. It’s dark and deep and bright. But I have to warn you: don’t judge by a mere swatching on your arm. I’ve often found that matte eyeshadows don’t swatch well on the arm but perform phenomenally when used on the eyes. A truly outstanding matte shade will do both well, but I’ve simply learned that you cannot judge a poor swatched matte without trying it, too.
When swatched with a sponge-tip applicator, I get a patchy mess of violet — it’s more of a red-based purple than blue-based, but it seems to flicker between the two depending on the lighting situation. (Sidenote, photographing this eyeshadow was a pain in the behind–it constantly wanted to photograph BLUE!) My arm wasn’t exactly the most moisturized environment to be sure, but wow! Daphne made it look like a desert. Even when I tried to use my finger to smooth out the color, it didn’t work out well (as reflected in the swatch).
Now, I say all this to show you that I did not get good results when I simply swatched for color. In fact, I had a sneaking suspicious this was going to be an issue. Nevertheless, I trudged on, and I tested it out by wearing it in a look. AND WE HAD LIFT OFF! Daphne looked as vibrant as pictured in the pan, but it applied smoothly, evenly, and it didn’t need much product at all–so it went on quite pigmented.
It’s similar to Make Up For Ever’s #92 Eyeshadow, but #92 is brighter and a little lighter–it’s not quite the darkened violet that Daphne is. #92 is also more pigmented and thicker/smoother, though they perform similarly on the eye–with Daphne having less fall out. You can see a couple of looks I did using #92, and you’ll notice it’s definitely not quite as dark.
Initially, they seem very comparable, but in use, they’re really not. Daphne is a several shades darker and not the bold, vibrant shade of violet that #92 is. They’re both nice shades to own that don’t dupe each other. I do, of course, wish Daphne was a little smoother, so it would swatch well even on skin.
P.S. — The first mini lipgloss set ran out, but NARS set y’all up with another set featuring Turkish Delight, Greek Holiday, and Gothika — use code TEMPTALIA at checkout, expires 8/15. 
Where to Buy: NARS, $23
The Glossover
Give it a try in a look before dismissing it purely based on swatching--that is the biggest tip I can give you. If I had only swatched in-store, I would never have thought about picking it up, but after using it in a look, I'm much more inclined to recommend it.
See more photos & swatches!
NARS Daphne Eyeshadow
NARS Daphne Eyeshadow
NARS Eyeshadow: Coconut Grove, Daphne
See? Rich, lush, and smooth color.
Disclosure
This review contains a sample product sent for consideration by the brand or its PR firm. Our priority is to you, and we honor that commitment by being honest! We don't do paid reviews or guarantee reviews. We're going to give you the truth and nothing but! For more information, please read our editorial/review policies.
This post contains an affiliate link, which will give us a commission (often 2-5% of the purchase price) when you click-through the link and make a purchase. When you shop through affiliate links, you help to support the site!
I wish you brought Daphne more towards the inner corner or at least put a lighter shade of purple to break it up.
I love this eyeshadow! It does swatch horribly, but I've never had trouble with it on the eye... I love using it wet as an eyeliner, too, it's dark and matte enough that it doesn't look too juvenile, but it's still noticeably purple.
I love the look but not the swatch. I always dismiss shades based on theil initial swatch I do.. I don't know how to avoid that seeing as though forerunner impressions are so,impactful. Only reason I got mangrove and daphne were because of your reviews/swatches.
I completely understand! If I hadn't received it as a sample, there's no way I would have bought it to try at home based on the way it swatched!
Hey! I just wanted to know if this is or will be a permanent color(:
Daphne is LE I believe!
ok daphne really reminds me of mac's climate blue is it close?
I find Daphne much more purple and darker than Climate Blue, which runs a little more blue-toned.
Christine, comparing this to mac's new Shock-a-holic (which I LOVE!!!) How similar would you say? Still on LOVE with your blog, btw :)
They're not alike - Daphne is blue-based, Shock-a-holic is red-based! Thanks!
wow, i love that look, what others products/colors did you use to create it?
Here's a breakdown! http://www.temptalia.com/nars-look-mangrove-daphne
UAU!!! I never thought that eyeshadow would look that gorgeous with yellow-gold and brown!!!!Definetly I will never dimiss products based on swatch ever again!!! I will try to see with a whole look first! Thanks for the tip! xo
No problem!! :) Yes, when it comes to mattes... they can be AMAZING but must be used rather than swatched.
hmmm you're totally right, i swatched it instore and it made me want to cry because i ordered it online first w/o swatching. but your post is giving me hope! i'm glad at least it's not going to be a complete waste of money.
I would just get MUFE #92 eyeshadow. It's a few dollars cheaper.
The shadow reminds me of MAC Atlantic Blue because in the pot/pan it looks so bright and vivid and the swatch is unappealing, but once you use it its fine.
You're so right with your description haha. I looked at your swatch and said "...ick." Then I looked at it on the eye and went "Oooohh!!" It's lovely deep shade like you said, but so bright!
I might give this a shot. I've also noticed that mattes swatch horribly. How would you compare this to Mac's Violet Trance? I actually love that one and unlike most, I have no problems with application, but how do they compare in color?
Darker!
Hi christine How does this purple compare to sugarpill's purple???
Daphne is much, much darker... http://www.temptalia.com/sugarpill-cosmetics-burning-heart-eyeshadow-quad-review-photos-swatches
This is beautiful on! This seems like it's everything I wanted Violet Trance from MAC to be..
I dont like mattes. I was really looking forward to this eyeshadow too
My first response when I saw it in the pan was "WOAH!" Looks like it wears well though.
Gorgeous color on you, Christine! The arm-swatch method is really tricky. I've got NW20-25 skin but my t-zone is goldish-yellow. Chanel's Enigma was awful on the hand/forearm/wherever but incredibly lush and beautiful when I used it, really brought out my blue eyes. Sometimes ya gotta wear it to know. I do think Daphne is best for paler gals than myself.
Oh, and one question: How does this compare to MAC's Violet Trance?
Darker! They're in the same family, but this is darker.
How does this compare to MAC Grape pigment?
Darker, matte.
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for the pictures and the review. I HAVE TO BUY IT NOW!!! IT WILL BE MINE!!!
No prob, Vanessa!
Christine, Is this color similar to Mac Violet Trance?
Similar, but much, much darker.
Ooh, Daphne is just gorgeous! I have 92, but this does seem like a moodier violet (exactly what I wish MUFE 92 was...) Tempting!
Thanks for the swatch and review. I was wondering how this compared to MUFE #92, so this info is perfect. What a rich color. I love it!
Are there any mac dupes for this color? Or that maybe come close?
Nope :/ Vibrant Grape is the only one that would come close, but it's really not that close.
I LOVE IT! I think you rock it too. But whats the shadow Coconut grove in the picture? It has me mesmerized! Lol....I will be buying so much of NARS Fall (and Burberry beaute..) because of you!
It's new for fall from NARS, too :)
I'm not a fan of NARS matte eye shadows but this one looks good on you Christine. Do you know how similar this is to MUFE's #92 e/s?
Hi Michelle, Did you check out the second half of the review? I wrote a whole paragraph comparing the two :)
God I'm such a bonehead.....LOL. For some reason my brain totally skipped that part. Thanks!
No prob :)
That's an absolutely gorgeous purple colour, although I'm going to pass - I don't usually wear dark mattes! Maybe if it were a top...=)
I'm on the fence with this one. I'll need to do my own swatch. I think I'm passing on Mangrove.
I tried using your promotion code... but it didn't work =[... it said its expired You have entered an expired promotion code. Please try again.
Did you check your cart? It gives me an error message but the product shows up in the cart!
could it be because I'm buying the NARS 'Hopelessly Devoted' Set (Nordstrom Exclusive) ?
Are you using the code at Nordstrom then? It only works on NARS' website!
Discussion and debate are highly encouraged, and we expect community members to participate respectfully. When asking a question, please check the FAQ section (above) for information about purchasing, price, dupes, and the like. If you have general feedback or need technical support, please contact us.
Comments that include advertisements, self-promotion, insults, etc. may be in violation of our comment policy and subject to deletion. Please see our comment policy for more information.