NARS Coucher de Soleil Highlighter Palette Review, Photos, Swatches
Coucher de Soleil
NARS Coucher de Soleil Highlighter Palette ($49.00 for 0.36 oz.) contains a rich gold, medium copper, and dark plum with frosted to metallic finishes. All three were rather pigmented with smooth, blendable textures that were easy to work with on my skin. They lasted for eight and a half hours on me, too, which was great to see.
They’re not listed as part of the Dual Intensity formula, though they felt a lot like it (firmer but not stiff, a little dry to the touch but very blendable and don’t appear dry or dusty on the skin), and the description of the formula was similar–use dry for “shimmering veil of second-skin color” or wet for a “high-impact glow.” All three shades were quite shimmery applied dry, and they were metallic when applied with a damp brush. I’d disagree with these being “a shimmering veil” or “second-skin color” in any way dry–all three were mostly opaque to opaque dry, which is where the palette fell “short.”
Coucher de Soleil I
Coucher de Soleil I is a rich, medium gold with strong, warm orange undertones and a metallic sheen. It had opaque pigmentation both wet and dry, though dampened application was definitely more metallic on the skin. The consistency was smooth, blendable, and easy to work with, but I noticed it emphasized my skin’s texture slightly. It wore well for eight and a half hours on me.
Top Dupes
- Dose of Colors Fuego (LE, $28.00) is darker (95% similar).
- NARS Ibiza (P, $38.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Colour Pop Bigger and Better (LE, $8.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Catrice Warm Embrace (P, $6.99) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Becca Topaz Flashes Gilt (LE, $34.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- The Estee Edit 14K Glow (LE, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Makeup Revolution Gold Addict (P, $6.00) is less shimmery, darker, brighter (90% similar).
- Colour Pop Meet Me on the Other Side (LE, $10.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Becca Champagne Pop (P, $38.00) is more shimmery, more muted (90% similar).
- Maybelline Molten Gold (P, $9.99) is darker (90% similar).
Formula Overview
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They’re not listed as part of the Dual Intensity formula, though they felt a lot like it (firmer but not stiff, a little dry to the touch but very blendable and don’t appear dry or dusty on the skin), and the description of the formula was similar–use dry for “shimmering veil of second-skin color” or wet for a “high-impact glow.” All three shades were quite shimmery applied dry, and they were metallic when applied with a damp brush. I’d disagree with these being “sheer shimmer” or “second-skin color” in any way dry–all three were mostly opaque to opaque dry, which is where the palette fell “short.”
Browse all of our NARS Highlighter swatches.
Coucher de Soleil II
Coucher de Soleil II is a medium, rosy copper with warm undertones and a metallic sheen. It was slightly deeper when applied with a dampened brush, but the shimmer level wasn’t much shinier. This particular shade became more and more metallic as I buffed and blended it out. The finish did accentuate the texture on my cheeks noticeably, which I know is a deal-breaker for some. The consistency was smooth and blendable, though. It lasted for eight and a half hours on me.
Top Dupes
- Smashbox Rosemantic (LE, $39.00) is darker (90% similar).
- MAC Perfectly Lit (LE, $34.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- YSL Rose Or (P, $42.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Laura Mercier Spellbound (LE, $45.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Flesh Beauty Promise (P, $28.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Tarte Daygleam (P, $28.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Anastasia Taffy (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- MAC Highlight the Truth (LE, $34.00) is darker (90% similar).
- NARS Maldives (P, $38.00) is lighter, more muted (85% similar).
- Cover FX Golden Peach (LE, $34.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
Formula Overview
-
They’re not listed as part of the Dual Intensity formula, though they felt a lot like it (firmer but not stiff, a little dry to the touch but very blendable and don’t appear dry or dusty on the skin), and the description of the formula was similar–use dry for “shimmering veil of second-skin color” or wet for a “high-impact glow.” All three shades were quite shimmery applied dry, and they were metallic when applied with a damp brush. I’d disagree with these being “sheer shimmer” or “second-skin color” in any way dry–all three were mostly opaque to opaque dry, which is where the palette fell “short.”
Browse all of our NARS Highlighter swatches.
Coucher de Soleil III
Coucher de Soleil III is a deep plum with subtle, warm undertones and a frosted sheen. It had opaque pigmentation applied wet and dry with dampened application yielding a slightly more metallic finish and richer color on the skin (but opacity was the same). The texture was soft to the touch, smooth without being powdery, and blendable on my skin without emphasizing my skin’s natural texture. It wore well for eight and a half hours before fading noticeably.
Top Dupes
- Lancome Rosegold Lights (P, $30.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Becca Raspberry/Opal (P, $27.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Laura Geller Roseberry (P, $28.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Hourglass Surreal Halo (LE, $40.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- NARS Isadora (LE, $30.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Laura Geller Tropic Hues (P, $28.00) is brighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Laura Geller Pink Buttercream (P, $28.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Incandescent (Bottom) (PiP, $75.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Surratt Beauty De Cherubique (P, $32.00) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- MAC Corol #2 (LE, $24.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
Formula Overview
-
They’re not listed as part of the Dual Intensity formula, though they felt a lot like it (firmer but not stiff, a little dry to the touch but very blendable and don’t appear dry or dusty on the skin), and the description of the formula was similar–use dry for “shimmering veil of second-skin color” or wet for a “high-impact glow.” All three shades were quite shimmery applied dry, and they were metallic when applied with a damp brush. I’d disagree with these being “sheer shimmer” or “second-skin color” in any way dry–all three were mostly opaque to opaque dry, which is where the palette fell “short.”
Browse all of our NARS Highlighter swatches.
Yes. Just yes.
Oh my goodness, I really wanted this trio so badly! And then I saw that I have super close dupes of #II and #III. Honestly, I never would have thought about MAC Highlight The Truth being a dupe for #II, or Laura Geller Pink Grapefruit for #III. But, it would appear to be that I’m already covered. 😓
I really don’t need another highlighter, but this NARS palette looks unique and muted, like I could use it for blush. Might try it out and then see. Thanks!
How did this formula (and the other, lighter palette) compare to last year’s Banc de Sable?
It’s the same formula as far as I’m aware, as they were described similarly (how to use, what it’s supposed to do) and had a similar texture/feel/performance as I have experienced with that one as well as the brand’s Dual Intensity formula. NARS’ ingredient lists do tend to differ from shade to shade, so it’s hard to compare at that level. The big difference seems to be that they’re labeled “highlighter/blush” instead of just highlighter.
Beautiful colors! Christine, this looks like it’s sold out for Nordstrom already 🙁 Do you know if and when it will be available at Sephora or NARS direct? Thanks, as always, for your thorough and timely reviews 🙂
Nordstrom exclusive as far as I’m aware!
Oh no! I may have to rush to a store after work 😉
Lovely, lovely shades.
I think this palette is utterly beautiful, though II and III would be blushes on me.
I was hoping these would be like the Bird de Plage palette. In that case, I would have snapped them up. For the first time in awhile I am no longer interested in highlighters anymore unless they are stunning.
Lovely! This would all be blush on me!