NARS Dolce Vita Unwrapped Mini Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches
Dolce Vita
NARS Dolce Vita Mini Eyeshadow Palette ($25.00 for 0.12 oz.) included four shimmery eyeshadows and two mattes housed in an ultra-compact palette (some might be surprised at just how mini this palette really is). The top row of shimmers was excellent–pigmented, blendable, and luxuriously smooth–while the bottom row was drier with the mattes being particularly thin, sheerer, and dustier.
Ingredients
Dolce Vita
$25.00.
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Bikini
Bikini is a bright, light copper with moderate, warm orange undertones and a metallic sheen. The texture was soft, smooth, and lightly emollient with good adhesion and glide, which helped it apply with full coverage and sit well on bare skin. It wore nicely for eight hours before fading visibly on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Video Nite (LE, $4.50) (100% similar).
- Hourglass Aura (P, $29.00) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Rose Gold (P, $32.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- NARS Rigel (P, $29.00) is darker (95% similar).
- NARS Basic Instinct (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Celestial Pearl #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- NARS Earthshine (P, $22.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Celestial (LE, $4.50) is warmer (95% similar).
- Natasha Denona Rhea (118M) (2020) (PiP, $29.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Giorgio Armani Stellar (5) (P, $36.00) 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
ISODODECANE · TALC · MICA · OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE · SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE · 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.
Bikini
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Everlasting Love
Everlasting Love is a darker, rosy copper with subtle, warm undertones and a sparkling, metallic finish. It had rich color coverage paired with a soft, lightly creamy texture that was dense without being thick. It stayed on well for eight hours before fading a bit.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Enchanted Rose (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Moon Phase (LE, $25.00) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Too Faced Razzle (PiP, $16.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Call U Mine (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Hourglass Rapture (P, $29.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Rose Gold 005 (PiP, $25.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Purple Haze #4 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Nude Rich #4 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Milani Desert Getaway (PiP, $5.99) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- Stila Rose Gold Retro (P, $24.00) 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
ISODODECANE · DIMETHICONE · MICA · SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE · TALC · DIISOSTEARYL MALATE · CETYL DIMETHICONE · PHENOXYETHANOL · TIN OXIDE · [+/-(MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR): BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE (CI 77163) · 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.
Everlasting Love
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Luscious
Luscious is a darker peach with moderate, warm undertones and a metallic sheen. The eyeshadow was richly pigmented with a smooth, almost cream-like texture that picked up well with a brush and deposited even coverage that lasted well for eight hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Infinity (LE, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Magellan's Light (PiP, $6.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Smoky Quartz (PiP, $4.50) is warmer (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Twilight Bronze (LE, $25.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Silk Teddy (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Shine On (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, warmer (80% similar).
- Sydney Grace Marvel (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- ColourPop Rumored (PiP, $4.50) is 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
ISODODECANE · SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE · DIMETHICONE · TALC · DIISOSTEARYL MALATE · CETYL DIMETHICONE · SILICA · PHENOXYETHANOL · TIN OXIDE · [+/-(MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR): BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE (CI 77163) · IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) · MANGANESE VIOLET (CI 77742) · 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.
Luscious
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Sunbathe
Sunbathe is a pale, rosy mauve with subtle, warm undertones and a matte finish. It had a very thin consistency that was harder to apply and build up as it was semi-sheer. It wore for five hours on me before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Wet 'n' Wild Petalette #1 (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Too Faced Sweet Fig (PiP, $16.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop On the List (LE, $4.50) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Ciate Toon Kisses (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop R and R (PiP, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar).
- Pretty Vulgar Unruffled (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Stone Age (PiP, $4.50) is darker (90% similar).
- MAC Quite Spoiled (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Crash (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Viseart Embrace (PiP, ) is lighter, 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 · OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE · OCTYLDODECYL STEARATE · CAPRYLYL GLYCOL · MAGNESIUM MYRISTATE · PHENOXYETHANOL · [+/-(MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR): IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) · MANGANESE VIOLET (CI 77742)] ·
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.
Sunbathe
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Sweet Escape
Sweet Escape is a darker pink with warm undertones and a matte finish. It had medium color payoff that was prone to sheering out as the texture was thinner, somewhat dusty, and drier overall. It showed signs of fading after six hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sydney Grace Darcy (Light) (PiP, $5.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Secret Eden (PiP, $25.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Lolli (LE, $5.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Huda Beauty Gratitude (PiP, ) is darker (85% similar).
- ColourPop Warm Hugs (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Ciate Bijou (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (80% similar).
- NARS Endless Party (LE, $25.00) is darker, warmer (80% similar).
- ColourPop Fly By Night (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (80% similar).
- ColourPop Mixer (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (80% similar).
- Chanel Noir Supreme #3 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (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
TALC · MICA · OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE · OCTYLDODECYL STEARATE · CAPRYLYL GLYCOL · MAGNESIUM MYRISTATE · PHENOXYETHANOL · [+/-(MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR): CARMINE (CI 75470) · IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)] ·
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.
Sweet Escape
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Pointe Noire
Pointe Noire is blackened plum with warm, brownish undertones and flecks of lighter copper-red sparkle over a pearl finish. It had opaque color payoff paired with a soft, slightly drier and somewhat powdery texture. There was light fallout during application, but it blended out well and lasted nicely for eight hours overall.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Dose of Colors Hot Mesh (P, $20.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (95% similar).
- Dior Olympe (871) (LE, $31.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Something Special (LE, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Anastasia Not Today (P, $12.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Extragalactic (DC, $20.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Giorgio Armani #27 (DC, $33.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Metropolis (LE, $25.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Dior Fever (794) (P, $29.50) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Drama Queen (DC, $6.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Rare Find (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$22.00/0.04 oz. - $550.00 Per Ounce
The formula "can be applied dry or with a dampened brush for stronger intensity." It is a very glittery formula, and naturally, it performed significantly better when used with a dampened brush or an adhesive base.
Applied dry, they were typically sheer to semi-sheer with light to moderate fallout when blended out on my lid. They lasted between five and seven hours with light to moderate fallout. Applied wet, they were typically semi-opaque to opaque with minimal fallout when blended out and minimal to slight fallout during wear (about eight hours).
The consistency was soft, slightly drier/chunkier, but they the base colors were blendable and easy enough to use. I did find that they applied decently over primer when applied dry compared to on bare skin.
Browse all of our NARS Hardwired Eyeshadow (2018) swatches.
Ingredients
ISODODECANE • CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE • DIMETHICONE • DIISOSTEARYL MALATE • TALC • POLYETHYLENE • CETYL DIMETHICONE • PHENOXYETHANOL • [+/- (MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR): BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE (CI 77163) • CARMINE (CI 75470) • IRON OXIDES (CI 77491) • IRON OXIDES (CI 77492) • IRON OXIDES (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.
I really like the colour story of this palette too, it’s only the mattes that bring the palette’s rating down and I wouldn’t use those. I know that this is a very popular set of shades, courtesy of CP and CT, but I still like how handy this little gem is.