NARS Extreme Effects Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches
Extreme Effects
NARS Extreme Effects 12-Pan Eyeshadow Palette ($59.00 for 0.48 oz.) is a new, limited edition palette featuring eight shimmer eyeshadows and four matte eyeshadows. The palette’s performance was better than the usual for NARS’ eyeshadows, in my experience. The shimmer formula was creamier, denser, and a bit thicker on average, too, but they paired just fine with the included mattes (which are thinner but still more pigmented and more velvety than most of the brand’s matte eyeshadows from the past).
I only had a bit of trouble with Endowed, which was sheerer and prone to fallout, and Uncensored Black, which was firmer and not as blendable.
Ingredients
Look Using this Product
Extreme Effects
LELimited Edition. $59.00.
Endowed
Endowed is a soft, light peach with strong, warm orange undertones and a sparkling finish. The consistency was denser and slightly thick with a fair amount of sparkles, which did result in fallout during application as well as during wear.
It had more semi-opaque, buildable coverage, but the more I tried to build it up, the more fallout was a problem. The color wore well for seven and a half hours with fallout over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop The Cancer (P, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Tarte Glaze (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- theBalm #18 (P, $6.50) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- LORAC Soft Pearl (PiP, ) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Amanecer (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Angelfire (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Tarte Sweets (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Cle de Peau Calm (Right) (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Exquisite Ego #1 (LE, $21.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- NARS Full Moon (LE, $19.00) is 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.
Look Using this Product
Endowed
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Roleplay
Roleplay is a medium peach with strong, warm orange undertones and a matte finish. It appeared a few shades darker on me than it did in the pan.
The texture was soft, finely-milled, and somewhat powdery, though it didn’t seem to be an issue during application as it did not appear dry. It had nearly opaque color coverage that lasted nicely for eight hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Gnarly (PiP, $4.50) is darker (95% similar).
- Huda Beauty Coral #5 (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Laugh (LE, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Bonjour (PiP, $8.00) is darker, cooler (95% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Cinna'butta (LE, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Bellini (429CM) (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Darlin' (PiP, $4.50) is darker (90% similar).
- Viseart Crescendo (LE, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Sephora Biscotti (LE, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Tragic (LE, $4.50) is 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.
Roleplay
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Take Control
Take Control is a deep, reddish-copper with subtle, warm undertones and a matte finish. The eyeshadow had excellent pigmentation in a single pass, which adhered well to bare skin and blended out easily along the edges but did not lose its opacity.
The consistency was soft, silky, and finely-milled without being overly powdery. It stayed on well for eight hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Dose of Colors Rose Berry (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Coloured Raine Iberis (LE, $6.99) is cooler (95% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Gemelas (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Wink Wink (LE, $4.50) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Devoted to Chili (P, $20.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Heat Culture (LE, $4.50) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Pipers Piping (P, $5.25) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Flaming Femme (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Drizzled (LE, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar).
- Kaja Velvety Mauve (PiP, ) is 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.
Take Control
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Private Eye
Private Eye is a deep plum with moderate, warm undertones and a pearly sheen. It was intensely pigmented with a creamy consistency that was smooth to the touch, dense but picked up well with a dry brush, and blendable. This shade wore well for eight and a half hours before showing signs of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sydney Grace Blood Orange (PiP, $5.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Woo (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, brighter (90% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Daphne No. 2 (P, $8.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Weirwood Leaves (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Chanel Pourpre Brun (58) (LE, $30.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop All Smiles (PiP, $4.50) is warmer (85% similar).
- Sleek MakeUP A Vow in Venice (LE, $9.99) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Viseart Tuileries (Paris Edit) (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Morning After (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Chameleon (LE, ) is more 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.
Look Using this Product
Private Eye
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Pulsing
Pulsing is a bright, lighter copper with strong, warm orange undertones and a sparkling, metallic finish. The texture was denser, lightly creamy and a bit thicker compared to most of the shades in the palette.
It picked up fairly well with a dry brush but a fingertip did a better job at getting an even layer of product on. It lasted well for eight and a half hours but had slight fallout over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Tarte Sassy Bun (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Too Faced Golden Light (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Huda Beauty Topaz #4 (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- LORAC Honey (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury The Queen of Glow #1 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Becca Sandstone (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Lunar Legend (LE, $25.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Olive Blend #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Sephora Tiger Eye (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Clarins Brown Sugar #2 (PiP, ) 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.
Look Using this Product
Pulsing
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Full Potential
Full Potential is a darker plum with subtle, warm undertones and a matte finish. It had nearly opaque color coverage in a single layer, which easily built up to full coverage with less than half of a layer. The consistency was soft, finely-milled, and blendable but lightly powdery so care had to be taken to avoid light fallout. 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
- Natasha Denona Koi (187CM) (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Huda Beauty Tease (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Aura (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- About Face Vintage Granada (P, $16.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Raisin (182CM) (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Sephora Talisman (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Big Mood (PiP, $4.50) is warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Trophies (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Kaja Deep Jam (PiP, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Up in the Air (LE, $6.00) 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.
Look Using this Product
Full Potential
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Blow
Blow is a brighter, medium pink-coral with moderate, warm undertones and a matte finish. The texture was silky-smooth, finely-milled with light powderiness that was present in the pan, but the eyeshadow applied evenly, didn’t appear dry nor did it sheer out too readily, and blended out well. It had rich color coverage that wore nicely for eight hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Fire Nation (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Sun Poisoning (PiP, $5.25) is cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Be Cool (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Too Faced Peach Punch (PiP, $16.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Give Me Glow Tequila Sunrise (P, $7.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Pokey Oaks (LE, $4.50) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Love and Warhol (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Abuelita (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Anastasia Bloom (LE, $12.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Dear (LE, $4.50) is more muted (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.
Look Using this Product
Blow
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Tantric
Tantric is a darker peach with strong, warm orange undertones and a metallic sheen. It had opaque pigmentation that adhered evenly to bare skin and blended out without difficulty along the edges.
The texture was soft, smooth, and blendable without being overly dense in the pan. The eyeshadow lasted well for eight hours before showing signs of fading.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- UOMA Beauty Kush (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Designer Duds (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Faze (LE, $6.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Guardian Angels (DC, $5.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Makeup by Mario Ethereal Eyes #6 (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- NARS Silk Road II (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Bad Habit Sofia (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Olivia Palermo Desert Sand (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Love Glow (Prime) (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Tarte Medium (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (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.
Look Using this Product
Tantric
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
All the Way
All the Way is a vibrant, medium-dark coral-red base with strong, warm orange-gold shimmer that gave it a smooth, metallic sheen. It was richly pigmented with a creamier, denser consistency that felt firmer on the first use (or swatch) but was soft and yielding on the second use and going forward. The color stayed on nicely for eight and a half hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sydney Grace Destination Wedding (LE, $8.00) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- Natasha Denona Aura (379DC) (PiP, $29.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Louie (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Turntables (P, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Alegria (PiP, ) is brighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Viseart Bronzed Peach (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop As You Wave (P, $6.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Free Time (P, $6.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Lethal Cosmetics Echo (P, $6.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Lumbre (PiP, $19.00) is more shimmery, 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.
Look Using this Product
All the Way
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Code Red
Code Red is a light-medium brown with strong, warm undertones and fine, pink and gold shimmer over a more metallic finish. The consistency was creamy, dense, and smooth to the touch but not overly firm, so I didn’t have an issue using dry brushes with it. The eyeshadow had opaque color coverage that wore well for eight hours before fading a bit.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Pat McGrath Naked Bronze (LE, $25.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- MAC La Vida Mocha (PiP, $17.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Glare (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- Huda Beauty Smokey #3 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Bronze Desire (PiP, $25.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Too Faced Bake It Til You Make It (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Basic Instinct (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild My Glamour Squad #9 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Star Bronze (139CP) (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Milli (P, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (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.
Look Using this Product
Code Red
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Staredown
Staredown is a brighter, medium-dark plum with subtle, warm undertones and cooler pink and purple micro-sparkle over a pearl finish. The texture was dense, lightly creamy, and blendable with good adhesion to bare skin. The eyeshadow had opaque color payoff that lasted well for eight and a half hours before fading visibly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Pat McGrath Plum Eclipse (LE, $25.00) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Adventure (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop So Healing (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Forbidden Fruit (LE, $25.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Sweater Weather (PiP, $6.25) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Thackery Binx (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Dior Rouge Trafalgar #4 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Sumptuous Serendipity (PiP, $6.25) is darker (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Amethyst #2 (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Punk Rock (LE, ) is warmer (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.
Look Using this Product
Staredown
LELimited Edition. $19.00.
Uncensored Black
Uncensored Black is a dark black with neutral undertones and flecks of silver micro-sparkle over a satin finish. The eyeshadow had rich color coverage in a single layer, which had good adhesion to bare skin but could have been more blendable.
The consistency was dense, slightly firmer and not as yielding as other shimmers in the palette. It stayed on well for eight and a half hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Charlotte Tilbury Super Nudes Date Eye (Smoke) (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Double Indemnity #4 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- NARS Matira (DC, $25.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Hibernating (LE, $4.50) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Defiant (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Black Star (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Chanel No 5 #4 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Fallen Angel #4 (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild Lights Out #3 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Makeup by Mario Master Mattes #12 (PiP, ) is less 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.
Quite nice, especially for iffy Nars. I think it would benefit from a do-over by that palette rearrangement queen on youtube.
Kinda thought I might want this one, but dupe swatches to the rescue! ?
*Gasps* What a perfect fall/winter palette! At least for me, that is. Which gives me a feeling of deja Vu….I likely have similar shades around here. But very scattered around and not in just one or even two of my palettes.
I am just not excited by this palette or any palette from Nars, recently. Just rather blah. I have been bored by most name brand makeup lately and it has been coming on for quite a while. I am blaming it on the current political and world strife! I am much more excited about Indie brands and small brands. They are really stepping up their game.
Decent overall rating but not for me at all.
Even though it is better overall quality than what we have traditionally seen from Nars, this is an easily dupable palette of one’s favourite shades. I liked Pulsing and Code Red the best, but otherwise this leans far too warm for me.
I wonder why they called it “Extreme Effects”. Maybe it would have been some 5-10 years ago, now it seems to me a lot of palettes have these colours and finishes.
It seems OK but it’s not for me, I have by far too many eye shadows like these, though I have to admit I like All the Way, but it wouldn’t make me look all that good. I think the colour could bring out a bit of the green in my eyes, but it would look odd against my skin.
By the way, I can’t see the grades for All the Way.
Thanks for reviewing, I don’t think you know how much I save, thanks to your excellent reviews! 🙂
Fixed, so sorry!
No need to be sorry, you do such a great job. Where would we and our money be if you didn’t do all the hard work? Poor, with loads of bad makeup! 🙂
These colors are well represented in my collection, but it is a cohesive set of colors. Lately I feel like their palettes come out at the end of a trend rather than at the beginning, so by the time the NARS version is released, I already own the colors. Nars also just released a Nordstrom exclusive that was somewhat summery looking that appealed to me much more.
Well my biggest shock today is that this Nars palette scored higher than the Coloured Raine palette! That Coloured Raine palette still calls to me though lol. This Nars one just seems very dupeable, though I will say I do really enjoy their shadow formula when it’s done well.
I just want this. I probably have reasonable dupes. I just love NARS and the names and that he reminds me of France and references so many pieces of art and movies and these seemingly lost things.
Hey, what can I say? Sometimes a color story carries the day.
I loved this pallet, at first glance, because of the mattes. Glad you like it too. Love the fall colors and the red, burgandy, purplish undertone shades.
Love your reviews and just read the Allure article about you and your background. Impressive. You are overqualified and good on you to carve out an amazing makeup loving niche for yourself.