NARS Big Sur, Bali, Lahore, Kingston, Kashmir, Pyrenees, Banquise Eyeshadow Review & Swatches
Big Sur
NARS Big Sur Eyeshadow (2018) ($19.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a medium-dark, navy blue with subtle, cool undertones and a satin finish. It had nearly opaque pigmentation with a smooth, lightly creamy texture that was dense without being thick or too stiff to easily pick up with a brush. It wore well for eight hours on me before fading a bit.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Princess Sparkle (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Anastasia Dragonfly (P, $12.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Kevyn Aucoin Impulse (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- YSL Scandal #5 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Deep Pacific (03V) (PiP, $29.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever S226 Abyssal Blue (DC, $21.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Rhinestone (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Radio (PiP, $19.00) (90% similar).
- ColourPop Effect (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- Dior Jardin #5 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker (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.
Big Sur
PPermanent. $19.00.
Bali
NARS Bali Eyeshadow (2018) ($19.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a medium-dark, taupe-brown with subtle, warm undertones and a matte finish. The texture was soft, lightly powdery but blendable and easy to build up coverage from semi-opaque to opaque with two layers. It seemed a little lighter, marginally less pigmented but more buildable/blendable than the original shade I have. This shade stayed on well for seven and a half hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sydney Grace Java (PiP, $6.25) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Nuts 4 U (LE, $4.50) is warmer (95% similar).
- MAC Subtly Elegant (LE, $17.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild Sweet as Candy #1 (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Tan Linez (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Nutty (LE, $4.50) is darker (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M558 Dark Taupe (DC, $21.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Tarte Power Player (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Terra Moons Decadent (P, $6.00) is darker, brighter (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Robert (Deep) (PiP, $5.25) is darker, 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), IronOxides (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.
Look Using this Product
Bali
PPermanent. $19.00.
Lahore
NARS Lahore Eyeshadow (2018) ($19.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a soft brown with warm undertones and a satin sheen. It had opaque pigmentation that adhered well to bare skin with smooth, even coverage. The texture was soft, firmer but not too dense or stiff in the pan, so it was easy to work with and blended out nicely along the edges. It wore well for eight hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Sweet Satisfaction (DC, $21.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Anastasia E2 (Norvina Vol. 2) (LE, $12.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Stila Metallic Taupe (LE, $18.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Sax Appeal (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Dior Parisian Sky #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Buxom Mink Magnet (P, $12.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- KVD Beauty Dusk (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Sandy (P, $8.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Burberry Rosewood (202) (P, $29.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Bad Habit Ascension (PiP, ) is more shimmery, 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.
Look Using this Product
Lahore
PPermanent. $19.00.
Kingston
NARS Kingston Eyeshadow (2018) ($19.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a pale taupe with neutral-to-cool undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-opaque, buildable pigmentation with a soft, slightly dusty texture, but it blended out easily and adhered well without sheering out too readily. It lasted stayed on well for seven and a half hours before fading noticeably on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Dior Golden Reflections #5 (LE, ) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Frisk (PiP, $19.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Camel Coat (DC, $23.00) is darker (85% similar).
- MAC Cozy Grey (P, $17.00) is warmer (85% similar).
- Buxom Trendsetter (LE, $12.00) is darker (85% similar).
- Natasha Denona Sculpture (226CM) (PiP, ) is darker (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Cold Brew (Light) (PiP, $5.25) is warmer (85% similar).
- LORAC Sugar Cookie (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- ColourPop Epic (LE, $4.50) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- MAC Naked Lights (LE, $17.00) is darker, 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.
Kingston
PPermanent. $19.00.
Kashmir
NARS Kashmir Eyeshadow (2018) ($19.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a soft, golden taupe with warm undertones and a pearly sheen. It had excellent color payoff with a soft, smooth consistency that was blendable and easy to work with. The eyeshadow seemed to “melt” a little onto my lid after a few minutes giving it a really smooth sheen. It stayed on nicely for eight hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- KVD Beauty Dusk (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Gucci Beauty Tuscan Storm #2 (DC, ) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- NARS Centerfold (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- MAC City Beat (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar).
- NARS Thessalonique II (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- LORAC Navy #5 (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- MAC Sax Appeal (LE, $17.00) is warmer (85% similar).
- MAC Fabness (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Dior Parisian Sky #1 (LE, ) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- MAC Sweet Satisfaction (DC, $21.00) is darker, 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
Kashmir
PPermanent. $19.00.
Pyrenees
NARS Pyrenees Eyeshadow (2018) ($19.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a deep gray with cool undertones and a frosted finish. It had semi-opaque pigmentation paired with a slightly drier, dustier texture, so it didn’t apply as evenly initially as a lot of other shades. There was also a bit of fallout; it was a shade that needed primer underneath it. On me, it wore well for seven and a half hours.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Dior Volcanic #4 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Dior Golden Snow #5 (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Falcon Noir (LE, $32.00) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Chanel Douceur et Serenite #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Viseart Cool Matte #8 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Tink (LE, $6.00) (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Bold Generation (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Graphite (07M) (PiP, $29.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Too Faced Chimney (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Anastasia Claudia (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, 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.
Pyrenees
PPermanent. $19.00.
Banquise
NARS Banquise Eyeshadow (2018) ($19.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a bright silver with a metallic sheen. It had good pigmentation with a slightly drier, more loosely pressed texture–it seemed like it was going to apply better than it actually did. It went on somewhat patchy and had to be buffed onto my lid to even out. It lasted well for eight hours on me before creasing faintly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Inglot #447 (P, $7.00) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Indica (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (95% similar).
- Viseart Sterling (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- Dior Eclectic #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Dior Moonlight #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Buxom Pure Platinum (P, $12.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC High Concept (LE, $17.00) is more muted (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever ME202 Iceberg Blue (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery, brighter, cooler (90% similar).
- BH Cosmetics Foil Eyes 2 #16 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever D118 Platinum (DC, $21.00) is less shimmery, 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.
Banquise
PPermanent. $19.00.
NARS Big Sur Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Big Sur Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Big Sur Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Big Sur Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Big Sur Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Bali Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Bali Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Bali Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Bali Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Bali Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Lahore Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Lahore Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Lahore Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Lahore Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Lahore Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Kingston Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Kingston Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Kingston Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Kingston Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Kingston Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Kashmir Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Kashmir Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Kashmir Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Kashmir Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Kashmir Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Pyrenees Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Pyrenees Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Pyrenees Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Pyrenees Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Pyrenees Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Banquise Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Banquise Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Banquise Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Banquise Eyeshadow (2018)
NARS Banquise Eyeshadow (2018)
These are really gorgeous shades, especially Big Sur. I do wish Pyranees was of better quality, as that light grey shade is so versatile.
Genevieve, if you have Urban Decay Pistol, it’s a fairly close dupe, and definitely better quality.
I’m such a sucker for shades like Lahore and Kashmir, but that also means I’m covered by enough dupes to pass on these. Big Sur is also a beautiful color.
Kingston is the perfect contour shade for me.
Ooh! Thanks for circling back to this release! Might this be all of them done now? I have Kingston and it’s been a good workhorse type shade, very interested in Big Sur and Kashmir!
Ps I think your autocorrect has betrayed you, Christine — in the title of this post it says “NARS Big Sugar, Bali, Lahore…” Should be Big Sur like the rest of the post! ??
Thank you for pointing out – unfortunately, just my stupidity there, not auto-correct!
Kashmir is my favourite out of the lot. I also liked the grey and silver ones, but when I think about it, I rarely use the greys I already have. Maybe I will, tomorrow. (Today is a gold day.)
Some nice colors here. Can’t convince myself to buy any of these given all the other choices in really great, reasonably-priced individual eyeshadows out there in the world.