NARS Climax Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches
Climax
NARS Climax 9-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($49.00 for 0.45 oz.) is a limited edition earthy, neutral color story that included four matte eyeshadows and five shimmer eyeshadows housed in a red, plastic compact. The quality was higher than is typical for NARS (at least, in the last couple of years) with excellent shimmer shades and more pigmented and velvety matte shades that were, at worst, powdery but blendable and easy to work with.
Ingredients
Look Using this Product
Climax
LELimited Edition. $49.00.
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Open Wide
Open Wide is a darker peach with moderate, warm undertones and a matte finish. The texture was finely-milled and smooth, though somewhat powdery, and yielded mostly opaque, buildable color coverage that seemed to darken slightly in practice. It lasted well for seven and a half hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC No Curfew (LE, $17.00) is darker (95% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Narciso (P, $8.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Iced Mocha (P, $5.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- bareMinerals Come True (LE, ) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Razzle (LE, $4.50) is cooler (85% similar).
- Inglot J329 Taupe (LE, $10.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- Sephora Chou a La Creme (353) (P, $9.00) is cooler (85% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Covets (LE, ) is cooler (85% similar).
- Dior Undress #3 (PiP, ) is warmer (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Calling Birds (DC, $5.00) 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.
Ingredients
TALC · MICA · SILICA · POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE · DIMETHICONE · TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE · CAPRYLYL GLYCOL · HEXYLENE GLYCOL · DIISOSTEARYL MALATE · HEXYL LAURATE · ZINC STEARATE · PHENOXYETHANOL · [+/-(MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR): CARMINE (CI 75470) · IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) · 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
Open Wide
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Private Show
Private Show is a dusty, rosy mauve with strong, warm undertones and a matte finish. It had nearly opaque color payoff that applied well to bare skin with a smooth, even laydown of product that blended out well. The texture was smooth, finely-milled, and somewhat powdery in the pan but wasn’t prone to sheering out too readily on skin. It stayed on nicely for eight hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- KKW Beauty Tree (PiP, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- NARS Dirty Deeds (LE, $19.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop T-Cup (LE, $4.50) is darker (90% similar).
- MAC Blanche Cloud Nine (LE, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Dominique Cosmetics Chai Tea (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Anastasia Dusty Rose (P, $12.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Chanel Warm Memories #1 (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- Viseart Fusion (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Chanel Contour Mauve (36) (P, $34.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Sephora Chestnut (LE, ) 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.
Ingredients
TALC · MICA · SILICA · POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE · DIMETHICONE · TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE · CAPRYLYL GLYCOL · HEXYLENE GLYCOL · DIISOSTEARYL MALATE · HEXYL LAURATE · ZINC STEARATE · PHENOXYETHANOL · [+/-(MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR): CARMINE (CI 75470) · IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) · 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
Private Show
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Passion Play
Passion Play is a light brown with warmer undertones and lighter, slightly less warm-toned shimmer that gave it a metallic finish. It was richly pigmented with a smooth, almost cream-like texture that was dense without being overly firm or too thick. It wore well for eight hours before showing signs of fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Chanel Codes Subtils #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Huda Beauty Please Me (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Dior Nude Dress #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Soleil d'Hiver #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Rose Cashmere #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Tarte Malibu (LE, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Aesthetic (PiP, $8.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Caving In (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Persona Seductive (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Soleil et Lune #2 (LE, ) is 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
CALCIUM ALUMINUM BOROSILICATE · MICA · OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE · DIISOSTEARYL MALATE · POLYBUTENE · ALUMINUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINATE · SILICA · ZINC STEARATE · HYDROGENATED POLYCYCLOPENTADIENE · TIN OXIDE · DIMETHICONE · TOCOPHEROL · COPERNICIA CERIFERA (CARNAUBA) WAX/CERA CARNAUBA/CIRE DE CARNAUBA · POLYETHYLENE · C10-18 TRIGLYCERIDES · CAPRYLYL GLYCOL · HEXYLENE GLYCOL · CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE · PHENOXYETHANOL · SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE · POTASSIUM SORBATE · [+/-(MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR): ALUMINUM POWDER (CI 77000) · CARMINE (CI 75470) · IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) · 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
Passion Play
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Envious
Envious is a medium copper with moderate, warm undertones–not too orange, not too red–with a metallic sheen. It had opaque color coverage that applied well to bare skin and diffused easily along the edges. The texture was smooth, lightly creamy but not too dense, and it seemed to “melt” for a more seamless look on my skin. It lasted well for eight hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sydney Grace Blushed (P, $6.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop The Twins (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Boardwalk (P, $8.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Phytosurgence Potent Petal (P, $17.07) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Boardwalk (DC, $8.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- LORAC Mirage (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- KKW Beauty West (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Don't Be Koi! (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Give Me Glow Copper Rose (PiP, $7.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Gemini (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (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
CALCIUM ALUMINUM BOROSILICATE · MICA · OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE · DIISOSTEARYL MALATE · POLYBUTENE · ALUMINUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINATE · SILICA · ZINC STEARATE · HYDROGENATED POLYCYCLOPENTADIENE · TIN OXIDE · DIMETHICONE · TOCOPHEROL · COPERNICIA CERIFERA (CARNAUBA) WAX/CERA CARNAUBA/CIRE DE CARNAUBA · POLYETHYLENE · C10-18 TRIGLYCERIDES · CAPRYLYL GLYCOL · HEXYLENE GLYCOL · CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE · PHENOXYETHANOL · SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE · POTASSIUM SORBATE · [+/-(MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR): ALUMINUM POWDER (CI 77000) · CARMINE (CI 75470) · IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) · 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
Envious
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Hooked
Hooked is a darker, olive green with warm undertones and a high-shine, metallic finish. The eyeshadow felt almost like butter as it was creamy, smooth, and yielding without being powdery or too thick–the best textured shade in the palette and one of the brand’s best. It had rich pigmentation that applied evenly to my lid and blended out well without losing its intensity. It stayed on nicely for eight and a half hours before fading a little.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Rare Beauty Passion (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Pear Tree (P, $6.00) is darker (95% similar).
- UOMA Beauty Trinidad (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Makeup Geek Venom (DC, $6.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Cadet (P, $6.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Fyrinnae Elf Owl (P, $7.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Wicked Envy (PiP, $25.00) is less shimmery, more muted (90% similar).
- NARS Hellcat (P, $22.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Chanel Quintessence #6 (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Buxom Dusk 'Til Dawn (P, $12.00) 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.
Ingredients
CALCIUM ALUMINUM BOROSILICATE · OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE · DIISOSTEARYL MALATE · POLYBUTENE · MICA · SILICA · SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE · ALUMINUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINATE · ZINC STEARATE · HYDROGENATED POLYCYCLOPENTADIENE · TIN OXIDE · DIMETHICONE · POLYETHYLENE · COPERNICIA CERIFERA (CARNAUBA) WAX/CERA CARNAUBA/CIRE DE CARNAUBA · TOCOPHEROL · C10-18 TRIGLYCERIDES · CAPRYLYL GLYCOL · HEXYLENE GLYCOL · CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE · PHENOXYETHANOL · SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE · POTASSIUM SORBATE · [+/-(MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR): BRONZE POWDER (CI 77400) · FERRIC FERROCYANIDE (CI 77510) · IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) · 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
Hooked
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Next Level
Next Level is a deep bronze with warmer, reddish undertones and a metallic sheen. It had opaque color payoff paired with a lightly creamy, moderately dense consistency that picked up readily with a dry brush but had no fallout. This shade showed signs of fading after eight hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Buxom Bronzed Bod (P, $12.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Lazarus (PiP, $25.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- LORAC Dance 'Til Dawn Eyeshadow #5 (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Double Life (PiP, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Riot (LE, $19.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Soleil d'Hiver #4 (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Ember (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar).
- Dior Reflection (684) (P, $29.50) is more shimmery, cooler (85% similar).
- ColourPop Plain Jane (LE, $7.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Dominique Cosmetics Iced Coffee (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (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.
Ingredients
MICA · OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE · SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE · TALC · PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRAISOSTEARATE · MAGNESIUM MYRISTATE · CAPRYLYL GLYCOL · HEXYLENE GLYCOL · PHENOXYETHANOL · [+/-(MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR): IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) · 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
Next Level
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Up in Smoke
Up in Smoke is a muted, medium-dark olive green with warm undertones and a matte finish. The texture was smooth, velvety, and a little powdery in the pan, but a light hand was all that was necessary to minimize fallout. It had opaque color payoff that lasted well for eight hours before fading a bit.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sydney Grace Ivy League (P, $5.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Enchantment (LE, $5.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Radikal (P, $8.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Emerald #7 (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Scrap (339CM) (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Trust Me (LE, $4.50) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Chronic (LE, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Bravo (P, $5.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Savanna (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Hot Toddy (LE, $4.50) 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.
Ingredients
MICA · TALC · SILICA · POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE · DIMETHICONE · ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE · TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE · CAPRYLYL GLYCOL · HEXYLENE GLYCOL · HEXYL LAURATE · DIISOSTEARYL MALATE · ZINC STEARATE · PHENOXYETHANOL · [+/-(MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR): IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) · TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891) · ULTRAMARINES (CI 77007) · YELLOW 5 LAKE (CI 19140)] ·
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.
Up in Smoke
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Public Eye
Public Eye is a rich, ultra-deep brown with subtle, cool red undertones and a matte finish. It was intensely pigmented with a smooth, almost velvety texture that was slightly powdery in the pan but adhered evenly and wasn’t prone to sheering out on my eye. It stayed on nicely for eight hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sydney Grace Infinite Echoes (Deep) (PiP, $5.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Dior Mitzah #5 (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- Give Me Glow Salem (P, $7.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Ethereal (LE, $5.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Dior Wild Brown #5 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Anastasia Rowdy (DC, $12.00) is cooler (85% similar).
- Sephora Canvas (Smokey Jewels) (PiP, ) is cooler (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Beyond (P, $5.00) is lighter, more muted (80% similar).
- Makeup Geek Cocktail (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- MAC Shady Santa (P, $17.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% 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
MICA · SILICA · POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE · TALC · DIMETHICONE · TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE · CAPRYLYL GLYCOL · HEXYLENE GLYCOL · DIISOSTEARYL MALATE · HEXYL LAURATE · ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE · ZINC STEARATE · PHENOXYETHANOL · [+/-(MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR): CARMINE (CI 75470) · IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) · ULTRAMARINES (CI 77007) · YELLOW 5 LAKE (CI 19140)] ·
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.
Public Eye
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Night Rhythm
Night Rhythm is a deeper, charcoal gray base with lighter, silvery-blue shimmer that gave it a steely, gray hue with a metallic sheen. It had rich color coverage with a soft, lightly powdery texture that picked up evenly with a dry brush and had minimal fallout when pressed/patted into place, then blended. It wore well for eight hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Light of the Silvery Moon (LE, $20.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Slayed (P, $6.00) is darker (90% similar).
- BH Cosmetics Foil Eyes #18 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Clionadh Narwhal (P, $6.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever ME108 Steel (DC, $21.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Chanel Au Fil de L'Eau #4 (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Sorcery (P, $9.99) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Sephora Sketch (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Purple Sky (P, $6.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Time (LE, $19.00) is less 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.
Ingredients
CALCIUM ALUMINUM BOROSILICATE · OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE · DIISOSTEARYL MALATE · SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE · POLYBUTENE · SILICA · ALUMINUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINATE · ZINC STEARATE · HYDROGENATED POLYCYCLOPENTADIENE · TIN OXIDE · DIMETHICONE · TOCOPHEROL · POLYETHYLENE · COPERNICIA CERIFERA (CARNAUBA) WAX/CERA CARNAUBA/CIRE DE CARNAUBA · C10-18 TRIGLYCERIDES · CAPRYLYL GLYCOL · HEXYLENE GLYCOL · CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE · PHENOXYETHANOL · SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE · POTASSIUM SORBATE · [+/-(MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR): ALUMINUM POWDER (CI 77000) · IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) · 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.
Well dang, this particular Nars palette is excellent looking! But I know that I have dupes for most of the shades, so I have to think long and hard about getting it.
These are my colors. Love seeing your application and will definitely look into purchasing the palette.
I thought passion plays were, like, when you re-enact the crucifixion?
Right? 😆
This palette was made for me. I love the colors. I love the finishes. I love the story.
But the container is so ugly I can’t bring myself to spend the money.
Love all the pops of olive rolling in. Fall lends itself to beautiful color stories.
Same. Just give me that olive!
I have a real soft spot for NARS and have for years, even though they have tested my love often of late. Almost exactly a year ago, I got the Suede Voyageur palette which is set up very much like this one (but is only 6 shadows, not 9) and which also has excellent shadows – every one is a winner. I hope this one turns up at Sephora (in the past years, they’ve had such a paltry # of NARS shadows) because I’m sure to grab this if they do. Open Wide, Passion Play, Hooked and Next Level are shadows I especially love in this palette.
A little bit more interesting than the typical neutral palette! Warm greens are really underrated as “natural” shades, I think.
Wow, Nars finally actually did a good non-cream eyeshadow? If I wore warm-toned colors (I don’t, and one highly dupe-able steel blue-grey isn’t worth $50) and wasn’t SO, SO OVER their attempts to be “edgy” by giving their products sex-related names (I very much am) I might actually consider buying this.
I haven’t purchased anything Nars in sooo long. I do like the palette, but I have just purchased 3 e/s palettes within a relatively short period of time (for me) so I’m feeling flush atm.
Love the color story of the palette, but this immediately made me think of BH Cosmetics Smitten in Switzerland palette. And I hear it’s excellent quality and a really good price.
I think this is one of the best Nars palettes I’ve seen for awhile. Whilst there are too many matte shades for me and I do have dupes for the shimmery shades I like….this one is jolly good. And a beautiful eye look too Christine.
These are my colors. Love seeing your application and will definitely look into purchasing the palette.
Huh. I thought this was a Huda palette at first glance.
Hooked is my favourite out of all shades in this palette. I also like Night Rhythm but have more than one dupe.
I’ll not get the palette as I have by far too many warm neutrals as it is, I might get a dupe for the lovely olive green though.
This is a really beautiful and compact palette.
I love the color story. But the palette reminds me of the Huda beauty 9-pans which sell at $29 for the exact same configuration and eight (0.45 Oz). In fact, it’s probably made in the exact same factory with the same formulation (I’m too lazy to compare formulas at the moment) but at the higher $49 for the name.
I strongly dislike when brands do this. Reminds me of the TFord rebranding of MAC paint pots as Emotionproof eye color, which was literally double the price for a cap with the TFord logo. I love old school TFord but that was just egregious. Why dilute a brand like that with a highly recognizable item from another brand?
So that’s my issue with this. Also, I can dupe this palette with Motherships 3, 6, and 7. Except for the olive matte. That I could get from Natasha’s Triochrome palette.
I saw Mel Thompson’s video using this. It looked really beautiful. I’m glad to see NARS do something a little different.
I’m currently waiting for this. Idk something about this little guy is really calling to me!