NARS Dead of Summer Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow Palette Review, Photos, Swatches
NARS Dead of Summer Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow Palette
NARS Dead of Summer Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow Palette ($49.00 for 0.13 oz.) includes four Dual-Intensity eyeshadows and a travel-sized Via Veneto eyeliner, which is part of the permanent range. The palette includes Subra, which is also part of the permanent range. The palette contains $69.60 worth of eyeshadow and $12.50 worth of eyeliner, making the palette worth $82.10. (Note: the back of the palette says 0.30 oz. worth of product, but each shade is 0.03 oz., which is what is written on the box packaging alongside the ingredient lists). I liked the palette, but the shades are on the dupable end, and Subra has been released previously in a palette, so seeing it again feels unnecessarily repetitive. The Dual-Intensity formula is supposed to give eight-hour, can be used wet or dry (dry for “sheer soft touch of sensual color” and wet for “high-impact finish”). They are sheerer applied dry, but I find them surprisingly buildable dry as well, so it takes two to three layers, and it doesn’t take real packing on, just going back for a little more product. They will be more intense right off the bat if applied with a damp brush, though, which is as described. The formula has a soft, finely-milled feel to it, and they’re very smooth and easily blended on the skin. The only downside is the wear varies anywhere from six to nine hours, and dry application seems to consistently wear between six and seven hours before creasing, whereas damp application lasts slightly longer with seven to nine hours of wear.
Studly is a light-medium, yellow gold with a frosted sheen. Applied dry, it was semi-opaque, and applied damp, it was opaque with a stronger sheen. The consistency was soft, smooth, and just a smidgen “dry” to the touch, but it didn’t seem to impede application or blending on the skin. It wore well for seven hours dry, eight hours damp.
Makeup Geek Karma (DC, $6.00) is lighter, brighter (95% similar). L'Oreal Eternal Sunshine (P, $7.99) is less shimmery (95% similar). Tarte Mermaid (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). Cle de Peau Golden Lace #4 (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). MAC Gogh Lightly (PiP, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Ardency Inn Sunday (DC, $21.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). Dior Phenix (545) (LE, $32.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). Natasha Denona Pearl (56P) (PiP, $29.00) is lighter (90% similar). Sephora Brass (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). BH Cosmetics Club Tropicana #7 (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). Divergent Golden Honesty (LE, ) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). Dior Contraste Horizon #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Anastasia 5th Ave (LE, $12.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Get Lucky (P, $6.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). NABLA Cosmetics Glitz (P, $8.00) is darker (90% similar). ColourPop Cursed (LE, $9.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Milani Bella Sand (02) (P, $4.49) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). NARS Hollywoodland (P, $28.00) is lighter (90% similar). Makeup Geek Magic Act (P, $9.99) is warmer (90% similar). Viseart Soleil (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Stag Film is a medium-dark taupe brown with rosier undertones that was neutral-to-cool (I think it may looker cooler-toned on those with naturally cooler undertones!) and a frosted sheen. Applied dry, it was semi-sheer and appeared a little warmer, while damp application yielded opaque coverage with a smoother sheen. It lasted for seven and a half hours when applied dry, and it wore well for eight and a half hours applied damp. Tarte Up Too Slate (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar). MAC Satin Taupe (P, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). MAC Phresh Out #4 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Tarte Ring-a-ling (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Sephora Free Hug (DC, $10.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Makeup Geek Prom Night (DC, $6.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). LORAC Silver Mauve (PiP, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Stroke My Ego (DC, $23.00) is lighter (90% similar). L'Oreal Pain au Chocolat (P, $5.99) is lighter (90% similar). Dior House of Pinks #4 (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Clarins Nude #3 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Natasha Denona Vintage (49M) (2019) (PiP, $29.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). Tarte Steel the Scene (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). MAC Fall in Lust (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Giorgio Armani Terra Sienna #2 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). Zoeva Delicate Acidity (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). BH Cosmetics Club Tropicana #8 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). Chanel Signe Particulier #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar). Laura Mercier Intense Amethyst (P, $29.00) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar). Clarins Silver Plum (07) (P, $24.00) is cooler (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Subra is a dark, purpled burgundy with warmer undertones and a pearly sheen. It had opaque coverage applied dry with richer, darker color payoff applied damp. On me, it lasted for seven and a half hours when applied dry and nearly nine hours when applied damp. bareMinerals Yoga (LE, $14.00) is lighter, cooler (95% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Mercurial #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (95% similar). MAC Round Midnight (LE, $20.00) is lighter, cooler (95% similar). Urban Decay Blackheart (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Tarte Boudoir Noir (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar). LORAC Cocoa (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). Make Up For Ever #311 (DC, $20.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Viseart Carrousel (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Urban Decay Uncut (DC, $19.00) is lighter, brighter, warmer (90% similar). Dior Precious Embroidery #5 (LE, ) is darker, more muted (90% similar). Chanel Cristal de Printemps #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). MAC Brownluxe #5 (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). Too Faced Obsessed (PiP, ) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Fenty Beauty Nuts N Dates (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Gucci Beauty Fumé (Right) (DC, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Too Faced Sugared Violet (LE, $16.00) is lighter, cooler (95% similar). MAC Magic Moor (LE, $17.00) is lighter (95% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Ripe Plum (Right) (LE, ) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar). LORAC Black Violet (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Tarte Lavender Bubble Bath (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Blackmail is a muted, medium-dark gray-black with cool undertones and a satin finish. It had semi-opaque pigmentation when applied dry, and it was fully opaque and much smoother when applied damp. The texture is a little drier initially, but it seems to get softer and easier to blend over time. It wore well for six and a half hours dry, seven and a half hours damp. MAC Tall, Dark, & Handsome (LE, $20.00) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar). theBalm A4 (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty The Free Spirit No. 19 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). theBalm #26 (P, $6.50) is less shimmery (90% similar). Giorgio Armani Obsidian (01) (DC, $39.00) is darker (90% similar). KVD Beauty Siouxsie-sioux (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Rouge Bunny Rouge Volcano Fairy Wren (P, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty The Mod #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Ulta Night Sky (P, $10.00) is darker (90% similar). NARS Reykjavik (P, $28.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar). Chanel Fleur de Pierre (106) (P, $32.00) is lighter (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Dead of Summer
LELimited Edition. $49.00.
Studly
LELimited Edition. $29.00.
Stag Film
LELimited Edition. $29.00.
Subra
PPermanent. $29.00.
Blackmail
LELimited Edition. $29.00.
See more photos & swatches!
NARS Dead of Summer Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow Palette
NARS Dead of Summer Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow Palette
NARS Dead of Summer Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow Palette
NARS Dead of Summer Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow Palette
NARS Dead of Summer Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow Palette
NARS Dead of Summer Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow Palette
NARS Studly Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Studly Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Stag Film Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Stag Film Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Subra Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Subra Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Blackmail Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Blackmail Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Dead of Summer Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow Palette
NARS Dead of Summer Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow Palette
Happy to see a reasonably good review. I get that the shades are dupable, but I don’t have the dupes….and I did buy the NARS releases just for the packaging since I’m a packaging freak! (I did make sure to only buy pieces that I thought I could use though bc I heard my credit card screaming – LOL) Super happy to see the shades lean cool. I’m not a huge fan of applying shadows wet and typically only do so when I use them as or over an eyeliner. I may have to test this out and see if I need to extend the wear by applying wet as you recommend. Hoping NARS ships soon since they say orders are shipped in 1-2 days and today is day 2. I’m terrible at waiting esp. after I’ve seen your review and realize, yes, I really do want this! 🙂 Thanks for your review.
Fingers crossed your order arrives soon, Michele! Let me know how you like it 🙂
Such gorgeous shades! Only catch is that yet again I have very close dupes for all but one shade: Subra. I do have UD Rockstar, which while on the “possible dupes” list, I believe Rockstar to be a lot more purple-ish, so I may need a Subra single pan. Or possibly MUFE D830 Black Rose or ME828 Garnet Black would work?
I think Black Rose might do!
Thanks, Christine! Even it’s name sounds cool ?
I like this. But, I just don’t think I love it. I like the sound of the wet application best. But, I don’t find myself wetting my brush too often. I have the other Nars Dual intensity palette. I’m going to make a point to play with that some wet before this comes to stores to see how much “trouble” that actually is for me before I decide on this.
Definitely try using the ones you have wet and how you like ’em that way!
Gorgeous set of shades, great for moody evening looks!
Glad you liked it! 🙂
I got the 8-pan Dual-Intensity, so I’ll pass on this one.
Gotcha 🙂
This palette just screams fall and winter to me. I am in love!
Yay!
I’m a little underwhelmed by the lack of shades. I know they can be used two different ways, but there’s not much difference between the colors when you apply them differently. I love the image they used for the packaging, though! This is probably the most aesthetically cohesive item from the holiday collection. The colors in the palette itself reflect the colors found in the image, and the image seems to mimic the Dead of Summer name very well. If this were $39 instead of $49 then I think it would be a winner in my book . . . not that it matters haha!
Anyway, thanks for your work!
It did seem like it was a little more expensive than it needed to be! Especially since one is a typical black eyeshadow!
It’s a pass for me just because it’s LE but I do LOVE this formula!!! The original NARS
NARSissist Dual Intensity Eyeshadow Palette I have I basically double the amount of product for 1/3 more of the price. 😉
I like the formula a lot, too!
Glad this got a good score, but I’ll be skipping. I have enough dupes in my stash, wish they had done a more unique color, like Pasiphae. And I find the Dual Intensity formula doesn’t last as long on my lids (wet or dry) as other shadows. With primer, it wears fine for about 8 hours, which isn’t bad, but I can get +10-12 for with other brands. But if there was a more unique color or duo chrome finish, I would buy
They are more dupable, sadly! 🙁
I was really interested in this but repetition of Subra and blackmail as the generic dark grey/black shade leaves me disappointed, as well of course I wish they’d have skipped the mini liner and gone with a mini 49 brush instead.
So far nothing about this collection still calls to me! I really liked the reddish brick shade of the dual intensity blush duo but since you’ve mentioned it’s similar to last year’s Almeria why bother. Looks like I’ll be saving money this holiday season :/
I don’t know whether to be happy you’re saving money or not, lol! There is still time left to be tempted!
Hey Christine, I’m sorry to be off topic, but I was wondering if you knew about this:
http://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/guerlain-parure-gold-radiance-foundation_397-77002296-G042009/?previewAttribute=01+bei+pal
Apparently Guerlain has brought back (and supposedly improved) Parure Gold? I’m curious, but I haven’t seen it anywhere but Selfridge’s yet. I hope it’s as good as the old formula!
PS: Saw the Guerlain Holiday Meteorites post… and lasted about 10 minutes before buying them. They’re stunning. Have you gotten your hands on the limited edition Holiday lipstick? It would be my first Rouge G, and I’m trying to decide between that or one of the permanent colors. The packaging is so gorgeous.
PPS: Thanks for all that you do for the makeup commmunity 🙂 When I need true-to-life swatches and honest reviews, I come here.
Seriously, thank you.
I do, but I haven’t seen it in the U.S. yet! 🙂
I have the new Rouge G, but I haven’t used it yet!
The shades are dupable for sure, but I have been curious about the dual intensity formula. Decisions, decisions…
You’ll have to let me know if you try it, Tiffany!
You’ve made these look so lovely.. I’m not a big fan of this particular eyeshadow formula (have the Narcissist palette and never reach for it). At the same point, I want a few things from this collection because the packaging is so freaking spot on for my wacky kinda smart ass thumbing my nose kinda sensibility. I seriously want the entire collection for the packaging alone. Sadly, must narrow down choices.
What are you thinking of getting so far, Wendy?
Pretty for sure, but I think I’d rather have a single of Subara. All the shades are pretty though.
Thank goodness you can get it as a single!
The colors in this are pretty, and I’ve been a fan of this eyeshadow formula overall, so I’m happy to see it receive a good grade… but that image on the cover… ugh, it just creeps me out… the look on that horse’s face… just no
Let’s hope they release another one soon that has a different cover!
omg this is gorgeous!!! *want*
It is!
Lovely but it’s an easy pass for me.
Happy wallet 😀
Generally I love the colours, but wished that Nars had not included blackmail but a charcoal grey instead. Of course an olive green would have been lovely too. But I can see how this palette would appeal to a lot of people. Your eye look is beautiful Christine.
Thank you, Genevieve!
I was planning on getting this, but I have Naked 3 and the dual intensity palette so I think I’ll skip. Might pick up a dupe for Studly though!
JK, I have UD Interstellar, which is a close dupe. No wonder I liked this palette!
I wish they hadn’t repeated Subra!
This looks like a great little “treat” for those who love or want to try the Dual Intensity shadows. The only thing keeping me from getting it is that I already have the larger Dual Intensity palette and that once contains Subra (so I don’t need another) and Sycorax is close enough to Blackmail to make that shadow a bit redundant. Christine, what did you use under your lower lashes? Is that Blackmail or a liner?
Blackmail as a liner! 🙂
Stag Film is perfect, but the per ounce price on this is too high. I fell for the last one and hope I can resist this.
Here’s hoping you can resist! 🙂
Great review! Thank you so much. This color pallete is amazing!
I really, really love this palette!