NARS Summer 2016 Dual Intensity Eyeshadows Review, Photos, Swatches
NARS Deep End Dual Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Deep End Dual Intensity Eyeshadow ($29.00 for 0.05 oz.) is described as a “shimmering teal-green.” It’s a muted, medium-dark teal with subtle, cooler undertones and a metallic sheen. It had semi-sheer coverage dry, while damp application yielded mostly opaque coverage that had a stronger, smoother sheen. The texture was fairly smooth but slightly firm in the pan, and I had trouble getting true-to-pan, opaque coverage out of this (even when used with a damp brush) as it kept fading down and didn’t blend out evenly. It lasted for six hours before creasing on me. KVD Beauty Ignite (DC, $21.00) is warmer (95% similar). Tarte Dream (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar). NARS Bavaria (DC, $25.00) is darker (95% similar). Anastasia Seychelles (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (95% similar). NARS Chiang Mai (Left) (DC, $25.00) is warmer (95% similar). Sydney Grace Fin (DC, $5.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar). Hello Kitty Kawaii (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar). Natasha Denona Flow (377M) (PiP, $29.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Natasha Denona Ice Blue (143CP) (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). NARS Inception (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Anastasia Venice (P, $12.00) is warmer (90% similar). Anastasia Venezia (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). MAC Steamy (P, $17.00) is warmer (90% similar). NYX Savage (P, $6.00) is darker (90% similar). Too Faced Dusk Teal Dawn (LE, $16.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar). Makeup Geek Glass Slipper (DC, $6.00) is lighter (90% similar). Too Faced Spoiled (Clover) (LE, $16.00) is warmer (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Shoshanna (414) (P, $28.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Flower Shop (LE, $6.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Tarte Art Deco (LE, ) is warmer (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
NARS Pool Shark Dual Intensity Eyeshadow ($29.00 for 0.05 oz.) is described as an “iridescent periwinkle.” It’s a bright, medium periwinkle blue with cool undertones and a frosted finish. It had sheer coverage that leaned purpler when applied dry. The color was brighter and bluer when applied damp, and the coverage level was nearly opaque. It applied decently to the lid, but it seemed to fade some as it dried down (from damp application). This shade lasted for seven hours on me. MAC Moon's Reflection (DC, $17.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). MAC Hopper Blue (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Dior Rivage #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Giorgio Armani #19 (P, $32.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). ColourPop Billie Jean (PiP, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop REM (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). MAC Big Bad Blue (LE, $22.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar). Makeup Geek Chit Chat (DC, $6.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Urban Decay Dive Bar (DC, $19.00) is darker, more muted (80% similar). Anastasia Mediterranean (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar). Inglot #429 (P, $7.00) is less shimmery, lighter, brighter (85% similar). JD Glow Sky (P, $7.50) is warmer (85% similar). ColourPop So Surreal (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). Sydney Grace Cool Breeze (P, $8.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar). ColourPop Stunt Santa (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). Anastasia D2 (Norvina Vol. 1) (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). Linda Hallberg Cosmetics Abstract (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Glaminatrix Blue Jeans (P, $8.04) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (80% similar). ColourPop Shining Star (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery, warmer (80% similar). BH Cosmetics Club Tropicana #22 (LE, ) is darker, warmer (80% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
NARS Tan Lines Dual Intensity Eyeshadow ($29.00 for 0.05 oz.) is described as a “rich hazelnut.” It’s a medium-dark brown with soft, warm undertones and a frosted sheen. It had good color payoff both dry and damp–it became a little darker and more opaque damp. The texture was soft, smooth, and blendable, while the eyeshadow lasted for seven and a half hours. Tarte Gingerbread Mansion (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). Guerlain Ors et Merveilles #1 (LE, ) is darker (95% similar). MAC Quiet Type (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). MAC Trusted Instinct #4 (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Good Girl & U Know It (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar). elf Sand Dune (P, $5.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty The Free Spirit No. 12 (LE, ) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Tarte Too Haute to Handle (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). MAC Winsome Lose Some (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Too Faced Cold Brew (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Sephora Brown Sugar (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Dior Shimmer Brown (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). Tarte Reef (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Too Faced Power Couple (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). MAC Bronze (P, $17.00) is warmer (85% similar). Smashbox Stare (PiP, ) is darker (85% similar). MAC Dangerously Elegant (LE, ) is cooler (85% similar). Urban Decay Snakebite (DC, $19.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar). Guerlain Coque d'Or #4 (DC, ) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Laura Mercier Burnished Rose (LE, $23.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
NARS Topless Dual Intensity Eyeshadow ($29.00 for 0.05 oz.) is described as a “seashell pink.” It’s a very light, pinky-peach with warm undertones and a pearly sheen. It had semi-opaque pigmentation applied dry, while damp application yielded opaque coverage. The powder had a soft, smooth, blendable consistency that was easy to use on the lid. The color lasted for seven and a half hours on me. MAC Sugar Rush (LE, $21.00) is cooler (95% similar). Cle de Peau Stardust #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). Maybelline Pure Nude (80) (LE, $6.99) is more shimmery (95% similar). Make Up For Ever I526 Pearl Beige (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery, brighter (95% similar). Make Up For Ever S522 Pinky Nude (DC, $21.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). MAC Shroom (P, $17.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar). IT Cosmetics Transforming Pearl (P, ) is darker (90% similar). Guerlain Les Precieux #2 (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar). Cle de Peau Marmalade Sky #2 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar). LORAC Dream Girl #10 (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, brighter, warmer (90% similar). Tarte Champagne Bubble Bath (LE, ) is darker, warmer (85% similar). LORAC Nude (PiP, $19.00) is darker (85% similar). Dior Rose Garden #4 (LE, ) is darker, warmer (85% similar). MAC Bouffant (LE, $17.00) is darker (85% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Madame (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). Urban Decay Sellout (DC, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). Urban Decay Bribe (PiP, $19.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). MAC Jest (P, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (80% similar). MAC MACnificent Me (LE, $17.00) is darker (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Deep End
LELimited Edition. $29.00.
Pool Shark
LELimited Edition. $29.00.
Tan Lines
LELimited Edition. $29.00.
Topless
LELimited Edition. $29.00.
See more photos & swatches!
NARS Deep End Dual Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Deep End Dual Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Deep End Dual Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Deep End Dual Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Deep End Dual Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Deep End Dual Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Deep End Dual Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Pool Shark Dual Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Pool Shark Dual Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Pool Shark Dual Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Pool Shark Dual Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Pool Shark Dual Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Pool Shark Dual Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Pool Shark Dual Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Tan Lines Dual Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Tan Lines Dual Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Tan Lines Dual Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Tan Lines Dual Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Tan Lines Dual Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Tan Lines Dual Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Tan Lines Dual Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Topless Dual Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Topless Dual Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Topless Dual Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Topless Dual Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Topless Dual Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Topless Dual Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Topless Dual Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Pool Shark Dual Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Pool Shark Dual Intensity Eyeshadow
Pool Shark is soooo beautiful and I have nothing like it. But if anything I will get Moon’s Reflection now that MAC has reduced their prices 🙂
Good idea 🙂
I’m just not feeling these.
I liked them before I tried using them on the eye.
Wow, Pool Shark looks totally purple in your eye look! Topless looks a lot like the top shade in my HG WnW trio Silent Treatment! It’s a very eye-brightening shade.
Oh, that is good to know!
I think these all look pretty blah but then… I really love the look you created.
Thanks, Jen!
Topless was my favorite but I think I can safely skip them all.
Money saved!
That is one softly shaded, but killer look you pulled together into this look! Beautiful!
I really loved how all of these looked when you previewed them for us. But what I now realize is that I already have far more dupes for these than I had thought! Including Dive Bar, and that was a huge surprise. Although Pool Shark doesn’t seem to have a shift. Still a gorgeous shade, and the only one still tempting me.
Dive Bar is better, I think! 🙂
Tan Lines is so gorgeous! It may actually make me splash out and try one of these eyeshadows.
Ohh, nice! 🙂
For not so great rated shadows, you really got a gorgeous eye look out of them! Pool Shark and Deep End were on my wish list for the release date this Friday. Now…not so sure. Thanks for your review!
You are too kind, Michele!
This review is legit breaking my heart today. I want these new Dual Intensity colors so bad but the performance WHHHYYYYYY???? ???
I usually like the Dual Intensity eyeshadows, but these were a miss once I started using them 🙁
That’s too bad, although we wouldn’t know it how beautifully you wear the shades.
I had totally planned on buying all of these. Well at least Deep End, Pool Shark and Tan Lines. I finally broke down and ordered a bunch of Dual Intensity shadows from Nordstom last week and just got them yesterday!!! I gave up on waiting for Nars to come out with my dream DI 2 palette with pasephae in it lol! I got Pasephae, Kari, Tarvos, Phoebe and Casseopeia!! I’m going to stop by a Nars boutique Friday and see these in person before I decide. I feel like I NEED pool shark no matter what. Le sigh. Christine would you say MAC’s moon’s reflection is really a good alternative and dupe?
Yes, I think Moon’s Reflection’s a good alternative – it isn’t quite as periwinkle/blue, but I think it is a lot easier/better to use.
Pool shark is so gorgeous. Also, I love the packaging. Those illustrations are adorable!
The illustrations are great! I wish it was on the actual packaging though!
I guess it’s a good thing for my wallet that the blues are kind of weak. But I’m disappointed because they could have been so pretty.
Same here, Rachel! I expected more 🙁
I was really hoping Deep End would perform well! Ugh!
Me too 🙁
What a shame Deep End wasn’t as good as it could/should be as it is a lovely colour. I am just wondering why Nars decided to add in Tan Lines to the collection – the brown doesn’t seem to fit in with all the other pastel colours.
Beautiful eye look you have created Christine.
The brown shade is the odd one out!
Tan Lines is a nice color, but perhaps a bit too cool for me? The eye look you put together is beautiful, though.
Thanks, Chris!
I am sooo in love with Pool Shark! And your eye look is just stunning! Luckily I already have dupes for Deep End and Topless (Tan Lines is too warm for me), so I can justify a splurge on Pool Shark lol! I love the little illustrations that show the eyeshadow colours on the women.
Enjoy Pool Shark! 🙂
The look you made is beautiful. Pool shark is amazing
Thanks, Jessica!
Oh no, I know a lot of people including me was looking forward to Pool Shark, too bad the formula isn’t better. And I was eyeing Deep End too, but I already have the Hello Kitty dupe, and it scored higher.
I wish it was better, too!
I am REALLY loving Tan Lines!! Can never have too many browns…
Nice!
I really wish NARs would scrap these dual intensity eyeshadows. Great idea but from my experience, I hate how they perform. Pretty to look at but not really good eyeshadows imo. Too expensive to perform so disappointing.
Sorry to hear that, Erica! I actually have liked quite a few of them from my own experiences, but they aren’t all winners. I do like them a lot better than NARS’ regular eyeshadow range – do you like NARS’ powder eyeshadows? They are pretty different in formula, so I could see one liking one formula but not the other.
I have never tried the NARS reg e/s. I really don’t know how they perform. I just feel any e/s where you have to work so hard to make it work, is not worth it. I wasn’t overly impressed with the dual intensity e/s. I have heard good things about their reg e/s. Might have to give them a try!
I usually find their powder eyeshadows to be a miss, but they have some nice shades. Some of the more recent duos have been better for sure!
What a shame that those new shadows perform poorly on the lid because the color would are beautiful. I admire your dexterity to get such a beautiful eye look with of them!
Thank you, Marie-Estelle!
Tan Lines is a lovely brown.
It is!
So disappointed by Pool Shark’s performance–I was absolutely going to buy this shade if it tested well. I noticed MUFE’s periwinkle was not listed as a dupe. I looked it up but I can’t tell if they are close.
I wouldn’t consider Periwinkle similar at all! It is darker, warmer, and more of a satin finish. Pool Shark is brighter, lighter, cooler in tone, and more frosted. Pool Shark looks almost purple compared to Make Up For Ever I212 Periwinkle.
Oh my gosh….LOVE LOVE LOVE ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Awesome!
Wonder if you can order just the boxes? ;P
Was hoping they might have a bag or something, but it doesn’t seem like it!
Pretty colors. Already have two deep drawers of just eyeshadow.
Surely plenty of dupes in your stash then! 🙂
The eyesgadow look you did is soo pretty! I might try and do it with some mac dupes for like 5 times cheaper:)
Thanks, Aditi!