NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadow ($29.00 for 0.05 oz.) is supposed to be a wet/dry formulation that yields sheer color when applied dry, “intense, opaque color” when applied with a “dampened brush.” Some of the shades are fairly sheer applied dry, others are more opaque but aren’t as intense as when applied with a dampened brush. The wear when applied dry is between six and eight hours, and when applied with a dampened brush, the wear is between seven and nine hours. They remain blendable when applied with a dampened brush, but they can be applied dry and are rather buildable. They’re actually not as sheer as I’d expect for a formula described as “sheer.” The texture is soft, finely-milled, not at all powdery, and smooth. In general, they are smoother, richer, and wear better when applied wet, which may or may not be a step you want to incorporate into your routine.

The formula is very comparable to Estee Lauder Pure Color Gelee Powder Eyeshadow and MAC Extra Dimension Eyeshadow in regards to finish and application. NARS’ formula seemed much smoother and more finely-milled–a little more refined in texture, but it was a difference that I only felt like I could feel if I had the two in front of me and less so when applied to the eye with a brush.

I think NARS’ biggest obstacle with this formula is really the price; they’re more expensive than their current singles ($25.00 for 0.07 oz.) and contain less. Their regular eyeshadows are also supposed to be a wet/dry formula, but the textures are different. NARS’ single eyeshadows run $357/oz., compared to these at $580/oz. Chanel’s single eyeshadows are $29.50 for 0.05 oz., which makes these on par with Chanel, but the NARS’ brand and its general price points aren’t comparable to Chanel.

NARS Cassiopeia Dual Intensity Eyeshadow ($29.00 for 0.05 oz.) is described as an “iridescent electric pink.” It’s a cool-toned, pink-shimmered white with a bluish-violet sheen. Applied dry, it was sheer, and applied with a dampened brush, it was semi-opaque but was one of the least pigmented shades in the range. This is the kind of shade and finish that I think works particularly well on the inner tear duct and lower lash line. It can also be applied to the middle of the lid for a spotlight effect. It wore well for seven hours applied dry, eight hours applied wet. bareMinerals Skinny Dip (LE) is very similar. NARS Tropical Princess #2 (LE, $24.00) is cooler-toned, lighter, less pink. MAC Great Beyond #3 (LE, $21.00) is slightly darker. Dior Rosee (141) (LE, $30.00) is a cream product. Fyrinnae Unicorn (P, $8.25) is similar. Disney by Sephora Sick of Swimmin’ (LE) is less lavender. Urban Decay Aura #2 (LE, $18.00) is similar. MAC Fresh Ice (LE, $21.00) is lighter. MAC Young Venus (LE, $19.50) is darker. MAC Triple Impact (LE, $19.50) is very similar. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

NARS Phoebe Dual Intensity Eyeshadow ($29.00 for 0.05 oz.) is described as a “deep shimmering amethyst.” It’s a medium-dark, plummy purple with warm, reddish-brown undertones and a metallic finish. Applied dry, it was semi-opaque but had a lighter, softer look, as when it was applied with a dampened brush, it was deeper, richer, and fully opaque. This shade lasted for eight hours applied dry, nine hours applied wet. Chanel Diapason (92) (P, $36.00) is a cream product. Makeup Geek Drama Queen (P, $5.99) is darker. Makeup Geek Sensuous (P, $5.99) is lighter, warmer. MAC Circa Plum (LE, $21.00) is lighter. MAC Rare Find (LE, $21.00) is less metallic. MAC Rich Core (LE, $19.50) is darker. Giorgio Armani #27 (LE, $33.00) is lighter. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

NARS Desdemona Dual Intensity Eyeshadow ($29.00 for 0.05 oz.) is described as a “rich shimmery burgundy.” It’s a medium, warm-toned plum with reddish-brown udnertones and a pearly sheen. Applied dry, it had more opaque color in terms of coverage, but it had a more faded, lighter look than when it was applied wet, where it was slightlyd arker and smoother–but the difference is very slight between the two types of application here. This shade wore well for seven hours dry, seven and a half hours damp. NARS China Seas #2 (P, $24.00) is darker, more muted. Anastasia Pink Sapphire (LE) is similar. Makeup Geek Burlesque (P, $5.99) is browner, less shimmery. Makeup Geek Enchanted (P, $6.99) is similar. Chanel Seduction #1 (LE) is less shimmery. theBalm Alice Copper (P, $16.00) is darker. MAC Brazenly (LE, $15.00) is darker. Inglot #452 (P, $6.00) is darker. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

NARS Subra Dual Intensity Eyeshadow ($29.00 for 0.05 oz.) is described as a “black orchid.” It’s a blackened burgundy with soft, warm undertones and a pearly finish. Applied dry, it was semi-sheer and had a softer, kind of faded look–it brought out the brown tones, rather than the burgundy ones. When applied with a dampened brush, it was richer, darker, and looked smoother. This shade wore well for seven and a half hours dry, almost nine hours wet. bareMinerals Yoga (LE, $14.00) is similar. MAC Magic Moor (LE, $15.00) is similar. Urban Decay Uncut (P, $18.00) is purpler. MAC Rich Core (LE, $19.50) is lighter. Giorgio Armani #2 (P, $33.00) is darker, more shimmery. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

See more photos & swatches!

NARS Cassiopeia Dual Intensity Eyeshadow

NARS Cassiopeia Dual Intensity Eyeshadow

NARS Cassiopeia Dual Intensity Eyeshadow

NARS Cassiopeia Dual Intensity Eyeshadow

NARS Cassiopeia Dual Intensity Eyeshadow

NARS Phoebe Dual Intensity Eyeshadow

NARS Phoebe Dual Intensity Eyeshadow

NARS Phoebe Dual Intensity Eyeshadow

NARS Phoebe Dual Intensity Eyeshadow

NARS Phoebe Dual Intensity Eyeshadow

NARS Desdemona Dual Intensity Eyeshadow

NARS Desdemona Dual Intensity Eyeshadow

NARS Desdemona Dual Intensity Eyeshadow

NARS Desdemona Dual Intensity Eyeshadow

NARS Desdemona Dual Intensity Eyeshadow

NARS Subra Dual Intensity Eyeshadow

NARS Subra Dual Intensity Eyeshadow

NARS Subra Dual Intensity Eyeshadow

NARS Subra Dual Intensity Eyeshadow

NARS Subra Dual Intensity Eyeshadow

NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadows: Cassiopeia, Phoebe, Desdemona, Subra