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NARS Algorithm Bronzing Powder Palette Review, Photos, Swatches

NARS Algorithm Laguna Bronzing Powder Palette
NARS Algorithm Laguna Bronzing Powder Palette

NARS Algorithm Laguna Bronzing Powder Palette ($59.00 for 0.24 oz.) includes a bronzing powder and a travel-sized Ita brush. I was surprised by how little bronzer is included in this, because it is such a huge palette (I think it is unnecessarily large–feels bulky in the hand). It actually contains less than a full-sized version of Laguna (which has 0.28 oz. for $38). I don’t have a full-sized Ita brush to compare the travel-sized one with, but I didn’t like the feel of the travel-sized, as the bristles were cut unevenly and felt scratchy and prickly against the skin. I liked the shape, as it does work well to contour the cheeks. However, at $89, you could purchase a full-sized Ita for $55 and a full-sized Laguna for $93. For $4 more, you would get something a lot more lightweight, versatile, and possibly better quality (again, I can’t weigh in on how it compares to the full-sized). Update on 10/13/2014:  NARS sent out a correction via email regarding price, and the price is supposed to be $59.

Laguna is described as a “diffused brown powder with golden shimmer.” It’s a medium-dark brown with warm, yellow undertones and a golden shimmer-sheen finish. It has more buildable color payoff than full-on, rich pigment. The texture was soft, lightweight, and blendable, though it can be a smidgen on the powdery side (which it seems in this particular palette). NARS has a tendency to put this in many of its palettes, so you may find you already have one (or half a dozen), and it is part of the permanent range. See comparison swatches of dupes / view dupes side-by-side.

 

NARS Algorithm Laguna Bronzing Powder Palette
NARS Algorithm Laguna Bronzing Powder Palette

NARS Algorithm Laguna Bronzing Powder Palette
NARS Algorithm Laguna Bronzing Powder Palette

NARS Algorithm Laguna Bronzing Powder Palette
NARS Algorithm Laguna Bronzing Powder Palette

NARS Algorithm Laguna Bronzing Powder Palette
NARS Algorithm Laguna Bronzing Powder Palette

NARS Algorithm Laguna Bronzing Powder Palette
NARS Algorithm Laguna Bronzing Powder Palette

NARS Algorithm Laguna Bronzing Powder Palette
NARS Algorithm Laguna Bronzing Powder Palette

NARS Algorithm Laguna Bronzing Powder Palette
NARS Algorithm Laguna Bronzing Powder Palette

NARS Algorithm Laguna Bronzing Powder Palette
NARS Algorithm Laguna Bronzing Powder Palette

NARS Algorithm Laguna Bronzing Powder Palette
NARS Algorithm Laguna Bronzing Powder Palette

NARS Algorithm Laguna Bronzing Powder Palette
NARS Algorithm Laguna Bronzing Powder Palette

NARS Algorithm Laguna Bronzing Powder Palette
NARS Algorithm Laguna Bronzing Powder Palette

NARS Algorithm Laguna Bronzing Powder Palette
NARS Algorithm Laguna Bronzing Powder Palette

NARS Algorithm Laguna Bronzing Powder Palette
NARS Algorithm Laguna Bronzing Powder Palette

Makeup Look
On face:
  • Guerlain Parure Gold Foundation
  • Guerlain Les Voilettes Loose Powder
On eyes:
  • Sephora Good Mood Eyeliner
On lips:
  • NARS Soleil d'Orient Lipgloss

49 Comments

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Comments on this post are closed.
Jane Avatar

I pay a lot of attention to price-per-ounce when I shop, and I get paying extra for special packaging (and a highly sought-after brush) but holy moly what kind of fools does NARS think we are? Thanks for always pointing out the pricing when it’s newsworthy, Christine! It’d be easy to add this to the xmas wish list without realizing what a scam (maybe harsh but best word I have at the moment) this product is.

CeliaV Avatar

Ha! Never mind about what I initially said on the packaging. It just looks similar to the new Luminous Powder foundation except with the LE print. The powder foundation is .42oz Litttttle tiny bronzer, NARS!

Ginny Avatar

I just don’t get it… The huge size of the compact… the steep price… why? Maybe it’s supposed to be a collector’s item but I just find the whole thing unnecessary.

Deb Avatar

Wow, that is expensive. I got the glorious Guerlain Sun Celebration mega bronzer/blush this summer that offers twice as much of a superlative product for less cost. There’s no value in a small, inferior quality brush.

I really like that you pointed out that both items could be purchased separately for lower cost; that helps people make a good decision. Beyond that, I don’t know anyone who appreciates bulky packaging. Big skip on this one. When I saw the size I thought it was a take on last year’s huge NARS blush. Nope.

Mariella Avatar

I like that motto and think it’s a good one, especially at the prices that mid range and higher end products are now commanding. Sadly, while I want this as an anthem, not even just a motto, I am so weak when things look pretty so I often cave even when I shouldn’t…..

Quinctia Avatar

Uh, Nars, if you want people to shell out for special packaging, you might want to make it…pretty? Interesting? Not stupidly overlarge? …maybe it’s worth that much to get a Nars product that doesn’t have that horrible rubber coating?

I keep meaning to try Laguna just like I keep meaning to try Orgasm, which means one of these days I’ll probably pick up a Nars LE blush palette. 😉

xamyx Avatar

As much as I love the idea of this, I doubt I’ll be buying it for myself… The baby Ita is nice, and while the compact is “bulky”, the mirror seems like it’s a nice size, and still smaller than an entire palette. However, if I woke up Christmas morning and found this in my stocking, I’d be very happy!

xamyx Avatar

If only the Ita brush stayed in stock long enough, LOL!

Okay, at $59, this is even more tempting… Unless I can manage to grab the full-size Ita!

Christine Avatar

You know, it wouldn’t have been so bad, but they put Laguna in like three of the holiday palettes… basically all the palettes with cheek colors also included Laguna. The ones that didn’t were lip sets, LOL! At least Orgasm was given a cold shoulder this season…

Marie Avatar

Laguna … AGAIN. So disappointing! I’m trying to finish the full size one I have, it does not fit my skin 100%. Definitely won’t buy. I don’t know why they are not coming out with a few different shades! Warm toned bronzers don’t fit everybody…

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