NARS Ashes to Ashes, Sophia, Noumea, Nepal Eyeshadows Reviews & Swatches
Ashes to Ashes
NARS Ashes to Ashes Eyeshadow (2018) ($19.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a soft, golden taupe with warm undertones and a pearl finish. The texture was smooth, soft, and blendable without being powdery nor too firmly-pressed in the pan. It had good pigmentation that adhered well to bare skin. It wore well for eight hours on me before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Dior Poncho #3 (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- MAC Sweet Satisfaction (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- NARS Mahe #1 (PiP, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Dior Cruise Look #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Dior Parisian Sky #1 (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Dusk (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever S560 Taupe (P, $17.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Chanel Elemental #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar).
- NARS Yucatan (DC, $25.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty White Suede (Nordstrom) #2 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$19.00/0.04 oz. - $475.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "rich, high-impact color" that is "lightweight" and has "increased blendability." Like most larger ranges, there are winners and losers, and some of how they perform can be related to the type of finish. The mattes are soft, slightly dusty in the pans (or not at all) with medium to opaque, often buildable, color coverage. The satin and metallics tend to be smoother, more blendable, and more pigmented with less effort; NARS does the these lower shimmer finishes particularly well, which just looks "melted" on the skin as they lay down so smoothly and have a great shine.
Most shades applied better on my lid than swatched on my arm, which has been something seen across NARS' eyeshadows for years and didn't change with the recent update to their powder eyeshadow formula. On average, they lasted between seven and nine hours on me without primer. They did apply well over primer and stayed on well for 14 hours with minimal fading.
Worth noting: the updated formula and packaging resulted in a product decrease from 0.07 oz. per pan to 0.04 oz. The single eyeshadows received a more noticeable price drop (from $24 to $19) but the duo eyeshadows could be priced better (from $36 to $35).
Browse all of our NARS Eyeshadow (2018) swatches.
Look Using this Product
Ashes to Ashes
PPermanent. $19.00.
Sophia
NARS Sophia Eyeshadow (2018) ($19.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a muted, light-medium taupe with subtle, warm undertones and a matte finish. The texture was soft, a smidgen dusty but very blendable without losing its intensity. It had rich color coverage in a single layer that lasted nicely for eight hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Chanel Candeur et Experience #1 (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- MAC Finjan (LE, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Makeup by Mario Ethereal Eyes #4 (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Sephora Sweet Brownie (339) (P, $9.00) is darker (90% similar).
- By Beauty Bay Prohibition (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- Sephora Cocoa (LE, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Viseart Jasper (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Aristocracy (PiP, $8.00) is darker (90% similar).
- NARS Sophia (DC, $25.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Charades (LE, $4.50) is warmer (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$19.00/0.04 oz. - $475.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "rich, high-impact color" that is "lightweight" and has "increased blendability." Like most larger ranges, there are winners and losers, and some of how they perform can be related to the type of finish. The mattes are soft, slightly dusty in the pans (or not at all) with medium to opaque, often buildable, color coverage. The satin and metallics tend to be smoother, more blendable, and more pigmented with less effort; NARS does the these lower shimmer finishes particularly well, which just looks "melted" on the skin as they lay down so smoothly and have a great shine.
Most shades applied better on my lid than swatched on my arm, which has been something seen across NARS' eyeshadows for years and didn't change with the recent update to their powder eyeshadow formula. On average, they lasted between seven and nine hours on me without primer. They did apply well over primer and stayed on well for 14 hours with minimal fading.
Worth noting: the updated formula and packaging resulted in a product decrease from 0.07 oz. per pan to 0.04 oz. The single eyeshadows received a more noticeable price drop (from $24 to $19) but the duo eyeshadows could be priced better (from $36 to $35).
Browse all of our NARS Eyeshadow (2018) swatches.
Ingredients
Talc, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearate, Magnesium Myristate Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol. May Contain (+/-): Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Carmine (Ci 75470), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891).
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Sophia
PPermanent. $19.00.
Noumea
NARS Noumea Eyeshadow (2018) ($19.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a medium brown with warm undertones and a matte finish. The texture was smooth, silky, and blendable with a thinner texture that managed not to feel dry. The pigmentation was opaque and adhered evenly to bare skin. It stayed on well for eight hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Hot Glam (LE, $4.50) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Sea Stars (P, $4.50) is warmer (95% similar).
- Too Faced Cinnamon Swirl (LE, $16.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Subscribe (LE, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Apple Spice (DC, $6.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Too Faced Gingerbread (LE, $16.00) is darker (90% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Burnt Sienna (PiP, $8.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Kaleidos Promenade (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- LORAC Sepia (LE, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Fur (P, $4.50) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$19.00/0.04 oz. - $475.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "rich, high-impact color" that is "lightweight" and has "increased blendability." Like most larger ranges, there are winners and losers, and some of how they perform can be related to the type of finish. The mattes are soft, slightly dusty in the pans (or not at all) with medium to opaque, often buildable, color coverage. The satin and metallics tend to be smoother, more blendable, and more pigmented with less effort; NARS does the these lower shimmer finishes particularly well, which just looks "melted" on the skin as they lay down so smoothly and have a great shine.
Most shades applied better on my lid than swatched on my arm, which has been something seen across NARS' eyeshadows for years and didn't change with the recent update to their powder eyeshadow formula. On average, they lasted between seven and nine hours on me without primer. They did apply well over primer and stayed on well for 14 hours with minimal fading.
Worth noting: the updated formula and packaging resulted in a product decrease from 0.07 oz. per pan to 0.04 oz. The single eyeshadows received a more noticeable price drop (from $24 to $19) but the duo eyeshadows could be priced better (from $36 to $35).
Browse all of our NARS Eyeshadow (2018) swatches.
Ingredients
Talc, Magnesium Myristate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol. May Contain (+/-): Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Carmine (Ci 75470), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492) Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742).
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Noumea
PPermanent. $19.00.
Nepal
NARS Nepal Eyeshadow (2018) ($19.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a light brown with warm undertones and a satin finish. It had semi-opaque pigmentation with a drier, dustier texture that did not sit as smoothly on my bare skin as other shades in the range have. It blended out easily but was hard to build up, even over primer. It wore well for seven hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Anastasia Spoiled (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- LORAC Button (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Anastasia Party Dress (P, $12.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- MAC This Love (LE, $21.00) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- Makeup Atelier Nude #2 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Too Faced Peach Fuzz (LE, $16.00) is lighter, brighter, warmer (85% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Incense (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Smashbox Fresh Take (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Too Faced Spread the Love (LE, $16.00) is lighter, brighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Make Up For Ever S718 Salmon (DC, $21.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$19.00/0.04 oz. - $475.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "rich, high-impact color" that is "lightweight" and has "increased blendability." Like most larger ranges, there are winners and losers, and some of how they perform can be related to the type of finish. The mattes are soft, slightly dusty in the pans (or not at all) with medium to opaque, often buildable, color coverage. The satin and metallics tend to be smoother, more blendable, and more pigmented with less effort; NARS does the these lower shimmer finishes particularly well, which just looks "melted" on the skin as they lay down so smoothly and have a great shine.
Most shades applied better on my lid than swatched on my arm, which has been something seen across NARS' eyeshadows for years and didn't change with the recent update to their powder eyeshadow formula. On average, they lasted between seven and nine hours on me without primer. They did apply well over primer and stayed on well for 14 hours with minimal fading.
Worth noting: the updated formula and packaging resulted in a product decrease from 0.07 oz. per pan to 0.04 oz. The single eyeshadows received a more noticeable price drop (from $24 to $19) but the duo eyeshadows could be priced better (from $36 to $35).
Browse all of our NARS Eyeshadow (2018) swatches.
I’m disappointed that Nepal isn’t better….oh, well!
Have to admit that very I’m very surprised by how much I actually like Ashes To Ashes and Sophia! If that was a duo, I would have to get it. Not the most exciting of shades, but I could see them pairing up beautifully for a well put together “quickie” eye look. Sometimes that’s all I need or want, really!
Ashes to ashes is on my WL! I have none of the dupes which are either LE, DCed or in a quad (Chanel).
These are really popular shades and they are OK – but I think I prefer Colour Pop’s versions better – especially price wise.
What is that green liner you’re wearing? It’s gorgeous.
Hi Delyn!
Underneath the photo, there’s a link “Look Details” that gives you all the details on what was used and where! https://www.temptalia.com/look/a-warm-brown-eye-with-nars-eyeshadows/
The question is whether Ashes to Ashes is more durable than the previous formula. I had the older one. I used to use it almost daily for a quick one color eye look but it was notorious for breaking easily. I finally had to throw mine away after repressing it numerous times in under a year. It’s the only eyeshadow that I have ever had that problem with.