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NARS Etrusque Eyeshadow Review, Photos, Swatches (Holiday 2010)

NARS Etrusque Eyeshadow
NARS Etrusque Eyeshadow

NARS Holiday: Etrusque

NARS Etrusque Eyeshadow ($23.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a rich, metallic true yellow gold with a flashy shimmering sheen.   Ooh, I’m all over it!  It’s similar to MAC’s Goldmine, but it has more depth, and the finish is more metallic-sheen than frosted-sheen.  The texture is phenomenal–soft, smooth, nearly buttery–with rich pigmentation.  This is easily NARS’ best gold eyeshadow to-date; finally, a gold eyeshadow that’s not also accompanied by flecks of glitter.

It’s a bit pricey for high-end eyeshadows, but it is a shade that actually merits the hype often accompanying NARS eyeshadows, not just in color, but in the texture and application.

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  • Product: 29/30
  • Value: 8/10
  • Ease of Use: 4/5
  • Packaging: 4/5

RECOMMENDATION: Yes, yes, and yes if you love gold, though not the most unique shade ever, the texture is fab.

AVAILABILITY: NARS

NARS Etrusque Eyeshadow
NARS Etrusque Eyeshadow

NARS Etrusque Eyeshadow
NARS Etrusque Eyeshadow

NARS Etrusque Eyeshadow
NARS Etrusque Eyeshadow

NARS Etrusque Eyeshadow
NARS Etrusque Eyeshadow

NARS Etrusque Eyeshadow
NARS Etrusque Eyeshadow

67 Comments

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Lauren Avatar

How close is this to Bobbi Brown’s Metallic Eyeshadow in Gold from last winter’s limited editions? I just got it at a CC0, and I thought it was beautiful. I seem to be on a Gold “kick”, though. Are they similar?

Sara Jean Avatar

Ohhhh I want it!
I’ve never used a gold e/s but its so pretty.
What colors would you suggest wearing with it?
(Ive pretty much only used pinks,purple,blue and black. im clueless when it comes to neutral and non wild colors)

michelle Avatar

Wow! Gorgeous! Definitely putting this one on my Christmas list. Does anyone know how it compares to MAC Amber Lights? Christine – can you please do a look with this color?

Taquana Avatar

OMG! This shade is absolutely gorgeous. This is definitely a must have. This shade would add a nice punch to some neutral looks. I have to get this! Once again, another great review Christine!

Katie Avatar

This is a HUGE must-have for me. It was the first thing that popped out to me. I went to buy it at my NARS counter this past Saturday, but the lady said they’re not getting it until Monday or Tuesday. I’m too busy this week so I’ll have to wait until the weekend to pick it up. It’s so gorgeous though!

Edani Avatar

I LOVE gold shadows! They make my blue eyes really stand out. I haven’t tried NARS e/s before, but I may splurge on this. It reminds me a lot of UD’s deluxe e/s in Honey. Does it seem similar to you?

Lady Slatternly Avatar

PBI– I actually wore Etrusque today with Honey e/l on my lower rim. They are very, very similar– similar enough to wear together. I wouldn’t call them dupes though. Honey is a BIT more mustardy, Etrusque more of a true gold (though it’s on the copper side for a gold). HTH!

Lucie Avatar

Sooooo gorgeous. The perfect gold. Oh thank god it’s not limited edition, I was worried for a moment there!
Gonna pick it up as soon as I come in to some money. 😉

I wouldn’t call this a ‘dupe’ really for UD Honey..honey is lighter and seems to have a very different texture.

Alexis Avatar

I love the closeup shot of the pan – it looks like wool fabric. Yes, I will take a closer look at this baby at the counter. I love me some gold shadows!

polarbelle (shelley) Avatar

Christine, you said it’s a true gold. Would you say it has any of the following undertones, or hint of them: olive, brown, orange or wheat? My monitor makes it look a little wheatish, like tan undertone. I guess I can’t really tell.

Rosanna Avatar

I can’t justify buying it since I have already 3 gold eyeshadows (includes MAC Goldmine) but I’m glad is not limited edition! Etrusque is truly gorgeous!

GinaTheresa Avatar

How do you think this compares to the gold in NARS Balthazar duo? That one was next on my list, but then I saw this! Is Balthazar more of a greenish-gold? And Etrusque a yellow-gold?

skybluesky Avatar

Must. resist. urge. to buy.

I just bought a ton of makeup…

I’m just glad it’s not limited edition! I’m going to a black tie event this weekend and I’m thinking about getting it!

Does anyone know if it’s in physical stores yet?

Aarti Avatar

Thanks so much for posting!
I bought this in the friends and family sale and I was a little bit scared it would be chalky.
Sometimes I feel scared when I buy products without hearing you opinion!

Coco Avatar

This eyeshadow reminds my of Urban decays Honey eyeshadow. Its a wonderful goldy-yellow. Not an anicent gold. No giltter flakes either. A even more simulur one is Lancome’s Bikini Gold eyeshadow. its an anicent gold woth me flakes. The NARS one is fabulous looking, but I dont want to spend too much. Thanks for the review!

skybluesky Avatar

Christine! I headed to my local makeup store that carries the NARS line, and I bought this as well as the eyeshadow duo in Caravaggio. I knew I was going to love it, but they put it on me just so I could make sure. Thank you so much for reviewing and swatching it! I have a weakness for gold eyeshadow/eye products but your post totally convinced me! If the store didn’t have it I was gonna buy it online.

They also used the eyeshadow pencil in Skorpios (scorpios?); I didn’t buy it, but it was beautiful…I’m headed back there for a Shellac manicure tomorrow so I might as well as get it, too.

Skybluesky Avatar

You know what, I did on Saturday! They know I can’t resist pretty things! The color is totally in the color family (gold, brown, bronze) I have a weakness for!

Things like that were why my salon/makeup store gave me the manicure for free!

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