NARS Hardwired Eyeshadows (Fall 2016) Reviews, Photos, Swatches
NARS Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Hardwired Eyeshadow ($25.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a “new,” limited edition formula available in six shades for fall. NARS’ has used the term “Hardwired Eyeshadow” before, though they were more like typical powder eyeshadows and several were matte, and then two of the six shades (Outer Limits and Stud) were released in previous seasonal collections as regular eyeshadows (but were quite different from NARS’ standard powder formula!). NARS’ describes this formula as “high-pigment,” “high-shine,” and long-wearing. It’s a pressed eyeshadow with a high amount of metallic shine and reflective sparkle. The six in the launch are very similar in feel and application, and the two repeated shades are similar to their original launches (Outer Limits was a little lighter/less pigmented to me). The formula compares to MAC Pressed Pigments and Urban Decay Moondusts; they have similar almost-wet, smooth texture with lots of sparkle and shine but adhere better and have less fall out than traditional glitter/sparkle eyeshadows. NARS’ formula is semi-opaque to opaque with sparkle that varies from finer and smoother (like the latter three) to larger, chunkier, and looser, so the wear varies from minimal to moderate fall out.
NARS Earthshine Hardwired Eyeshadow ($25.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a light rose with warm undertones and larger, chunky dark pink and lighter pink sparkle and glitter over a metallic finish. It seemed to have a greenish shift in the pan, but I couldn’t find it when I swatched it (I felt like a contortionist trying to angle my arm to find it!). The texture of this one was noticeably sparkly, so it wasn’t as smooth or as refined, which made for messier application and definite fall out while worn. I think it performs better with even a damp brush, but this is one I’d still feel compelled to use with an adhesive base. The base color was semi-opaque and fairly blendable on the skin, and I didn’t have any creasing with this shade, just slight fading, but there was moderate fall out after eight hours. Estee Lauder Aubergine Dream #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). ColourPop Organza (PiP, $4.50) is darker (95% similar). ColourPop Boo-kay (P, $9.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). Too Faced Sugared Raisin (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). Dior Shimmer Lilac (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Melt Cosmetics Makeup Junkie (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Too Faced Mauvelous (LE, $16.00) is darker (90% similar). Urban Decay Provocateur (LE, $19.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Cool (Winter 2016) Eyeshadow #2 (LE, ) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Fenty Beauty Stone Cold (LE, $36.00) is darker (90% similar). Sydney Grace Immortal (P, $6.00) is lighter (90% similar). NABLA Cosmetics Mystic (P, $8.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Urban Decay Glitterrock (DC, $20.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Urban Decay Glitter Rock (P, $22.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). MAC In My Element (PiP, $17.00) is lighter (85% similar). ColourPop Mystery (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar). NABLA Cosmetics Glasswork (P, $12.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar). Too Faced The Strip (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Sydney Grace Spring Fling (PiP, $6.25) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar). Huda Beauty Sand Haze #4 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
NARS Lunar Hardwired Eyeshadow ($25.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a light-medium lavender with warm undertones and lavender and rose sparkle. This is supposed to be a new shade, but I found it very, very similar to the right side of a duo released previously, just a bit lighter and less metallic (the difference minute enough to be credited to normal variation). It had opaque color coverage that went on evenly and smoothly, and it blended out fairly well, though some of the reflects pull from the base color when blended. It wore well for eight hours with light fall out. NARS Parallel Universe (Right) (DC, $25.00) is lighter, cooler (95% similar). ColourPop So What (LE, $9.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). NARS Lunar (P, $22.00) is darker (95% similar). Urban Decay Dance It Out (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Moira Regal (P, $8.50) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Luna (Sailor Moon) (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). MAC Light Violet (LE, $32.50) is cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Mind's Eye (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Iconic Behavior (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). Stila Monarch (LE, $30.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Urban Decay Tonic (DC, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter, brighter (90% similar). Terra Moons Starlet (P, $6.25) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). Makeup Geek Blacklight (DC, $6.00) is less shimmery, lighter, brighter (90% similar). Huda Beauty Lilac #6 (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Joy (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Stila Sunset Cove (LE, $24.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Plumpy (LE, $4.50) is darker (90% similar). Give Me Glow Princess Pink (P, $7.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Oh So Dainty (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty TFX16 (LE, $36.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
NARS Outer Limits Hardwired Eyeshadow ($25.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a light-medium orange with warm undertones and pink and gold sparkle. It had semi-opaque color payoff with a lightly loose consistency, where some of the glittery bits separated from the base so it can be messier to use and has moderate fall out over time. It did not seem quite as loose as the original released, but it also appeared lighter and a bit less pigmented. The base color lasted for eight hours before creasing slightly. NABLA Cosmetics Mandarin (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar). Melt Cosmetics Frivolous (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar). ColourPop Alcove (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery (95% similar). Burberry Shell (003) (P, $29.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). ColourPop Tea Party (P, $6.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Natasha Denona Nude (P, $28.00) is darker (90% similar). NARS Outer Limits (DC, $25.00) is darker (90% similar). BH Cosmetics Club Tropicana #6 (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). ColourPop Don't Leaf (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). Give Me Glow Peach Glaze (P, $7.00) is lighter (90% similar). ColourPop Painted Lady (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Give Me Glow Sunkissed (P, $7.00) is cooler (90% similar). Glaminatrix Unveiled (PiP, $8.04) is cooler (90% similar). KVD Beauty Alexandra (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). ColourPop Side2Side (PiP, $6.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Urban Decay Jones (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Viseart Prosecco (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty African Violet #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). ColourPop The Leo (P, $4.50) is less shimmery, brighter (90% similar). Pat McGrath Solar Flare (LE, $25.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
NARS Parallax Hardwired Eyeshadow ($25.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a medium-dark silvery gray with cool undertones and a lightly sparkly, metallic sheen. This shade was intensely pigmented, and the consistency was much smoother and more finely-milled compared to the previous three shades. It applied well, blended out nicely, and wore for eight hours with almost no fall out. NABLA Cosmetics Luxuriance (PiP, ) is more muted, warmer (95% similar). Estee Lauder Cyber Silver (LE, $24.00) is darker (90% similar). Clionadh Char (P, $5.50) is warmer (90% similar). Urban Decay Aluminum (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Dior Black Bow #4 (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). Tarte Mystic (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar). MAC Silver Sleet (LE, $32.50) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Chanel Architectonic #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Too Faced Tin Soldier (LE, $16.00) is lighter (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Glitter Rock (LE, $28.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Too Faced Sugar Bells (LE, $16.00) is lighter (85% similar). Fenty Beauty Diamond Ball-Out (LE, $36.00) is warmer (85% similar). Urban Decay Glamrock (LE, ) is lighter (85% similar). Dior Black Night #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, more muted, warmer (85% similar). NARS Interstellar (P, $25.00) is lighter (85% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty The Parisienne #3 (LE, ) is lighter (85% similar). Sephora Iridescent Shell (110) (LE, $13.00) is lighter, brighter, warmer (85% similar). Give Me Glow Satellite (P, $7.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar). L'Oreal Primped & Precious (LE, $7.99) is lighter, cooler (80% similar). Giorgio Armani #22 (DC, $33.00) is lighter, cooler (80% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
NARS Pygar Hardwired Eyeshadow ($25.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a light-medium, tarnished gold with a lightly sparkly, metallic sheen that has a greenish cast. It was richly pigmented with a smooth, blendable, and lightly dense consistency that adhered well to the skin and wore for eight hours. I didn’t notice any fall out with this shade. Sydney Grace Fire-Butts (LE, $6.25) is warmer (95% similar). Dominique Cosmetics Wanderlust (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). JD Glow White Gold (P, $7.50) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar). Too Faced Shiny Happy (LE, $16.00) is lighter (95% similar). Sydney Grace Hellshire (PiP, $6.25) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). Terra Moons Caesium (P, $6.25) is warmer (90% similar). NARS Kauai I (PiP, $19.00) is darker (90% similar). Give Me Glow Icy Frap (P, $7.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Fenty Beauty Marrakush (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). ColourPop Right Hand Mando (LE, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Ardency Inn Heaven (DC, $21.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). NARS Kauai #1 (DC, $25.00) is darker, warmer (80% similar). Natasha Denona True Gold (20M) (P, $29.00) is more shimmery, lighter, brighter (90% similar). Tarte Marvel (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (85% similar). Makeup Geek Charmed (P, $9.99) is darker, warmer (85% similar). ColourPop Sleigh (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar). Too Faced Tinsel (LE, $16.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar). Pat McGrath Sinful (PiP, $25.00) is darker, more muted, warmer (85% similar). MAC Silver Sun (P, $20.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (80% similar). Cle de Peau Modern Era #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (80% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
NARS Stud Hardwired Eyeshadow ($25.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a medium-dark, taupe-brown with warm undertones and a sparkly, metallic finish. The pigmentation was fully opaque, while the texture was smooth, blendable, and soft without being too loose or too firm. The color applied evenly onto the lid, and it wore well for eight hours. NARS Stud (DC, $25.00) is darker (95% similar). ColourPop La Brea (LE, $4.50) is warmer (95% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Soleil Neige #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). Make Up For Ever ME554 Gunmetal (P, $17.00) is cooler (90% similar). Giorgio Armani Halo (46) (P, $30.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). Make Up For Ever ME554 Gunmetal (DC, $21.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Chanel Silver Screen (822) (LE, $36.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Fenty Beauty Risky Richez (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Sediment to Be (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery (90% similar). Give Me Glow Lavender Taupe (P, $7.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Chanel Desert Wind (28) (P, $36.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Sydney Grace Cliff Jumping (P, $8.00) is warmer (90% similar). Bobbi Brown Black Pearl (LE, $38.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). NARS Madrid (P, $22.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Natasha Denona Glam (321M) (PiP, $29.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Touch in Sol Aurora Taupe (7) (P, $18.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Her Style (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). Charlotte Tilbury The Rock Chick #3 (PiP, ) is darker (85% similar). Viseart Velvet (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Kaja Tiger's Eye (P, $16.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Earthshine
LELimited Edition. $25.00.
Lunar
LELimited Edition. $25.00.
Outer Limits
LELimited Edition. $25.00.
Parallax
LELimited Edition. $25.00.
Pygar
LELimited Edition. $25.00.
Stud
LELimited Edition. $25.00.
NARS Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Earthshine Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Earthshine Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Earthshine Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Earthshine Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Earthshine Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Lunar Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Lunar Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Lunar Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Lunar Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Lunar Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Outer Limits Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Outer Limits Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Outer Limits Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Outer Limits Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Outer Limits Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Parallax Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Parallax Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Parallax Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Parallax Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Parallax Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Pygar Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Pygar Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Pygar Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Pygar Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Pygar Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Stud Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Stud Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Stud Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Stud Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Stud Hardwired Eyeshadow
NARS Hardwired Eyeshadow (Sephora Baby Blue Eyeliner)
NARS Hardwired Eyeshadow (Sephora Baby Blue Eyeliner)
NARS Hardwired Eyeshadow (Sephora Baby Blue Eyeliner) over NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Primer
NARS Hardwired Eyeshadow (Sephora Baby Blue Eyeliner) over NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Primer
Pygar definitely stands out for me, nice shade!
Agreed!
I like Parallax and Pygar. The others are just too sheer and chunky glittery.
Totally understand!
YESSS! After seeing your initial swatches of Pygar, I grabbed it right away, knew it was a dupe for Too Faced Shiny Happy, a color that I love, but has tons of fallout and comes in a big kit that I can’t lug around. So I glad it scored an A. And despite my misgivings about the swatch for Earthshine, I ordered it because it’s harder to dupe and such a versatile color. I will apply it damp with TF Glitter Glue and see if I can stop the fallout, and if not, will return it. Already have Stud, that’s how I fell in love with these. And I was eyeing Lunar, Outer Limits, Parallax but have dupes already (whew!). Thanks for the review and swatches-you’re the BEST!
Woohoo! Earthshine is more unique for sure 🙂
Clarins SIlver Pink mono eyeshadow seems to be a good dupe without sparkle, it is not on the list.
Thanks for the rec! Will check it out if Earthshine doesn’t work out
Love these!!!!I already had Stud.The other day I ordered Outer Limits,Earthshine,and Pygar.I plan on getting Lunar and Parallax asap!These are so pretty.They eye look you did with these Christine is gorgeous!!
Hope you love ’em all, Nika!
These shades are soooo pretty in person but I just don’t have the $32 to drop on each of them. *_* Need dupes.
They are pricey for singles for sure 🙁
Stud and Pygar look amazing! I’m not much of a glitter girl myself, but these look more metallic than sparkly. Very pretty!
Yes, they are more metallic than full-on glitter!
I purchased Pygar and Stud. There was no tester of Parallax (I think someone had walked off with it) and I was hesitant to buy it without swatching first but may still pick it up if I can find it in a Sephora with a tester!!!! I have to say, I was really surprised by just how SHINY these shadows are….I mean, REALLY shiny but I love them. And I was also surprised that Pygar wasn’t as green as it looked in the photos I’d seen – it’s much more golden. What’s funny is that in the store lighting, both shadows looked SO similar and it was only when I went to a less garishly lit part of the store that I could see the difference in the swatches. I’m also pleased by how close both of them are to UD Maui Wowie, but without the annoying fallout that shadow has.
If you like Pygar, you’ll like the texture of Parallax for sure!
Said it before, but wish that Hardwired actually meant something. Usually a name denotes/connotes a formula, so you know what to expect, but not in this case. That’s a neg from my POV. (My inner ocd and slp showing.)
I totally get what you mean, KJH!
Parallax is the winner here for me. If I get one, that will be it for sure.
Yay!
So glad Pygar performed well, it’s such a gorgeous colour and I think it would work well on me. I’m hesitant to buy single eyeshadows at this price, but I don’t think I can resist in this case!
Hope you love it if you get it, A!
I do really like how you do your eyes with multiple shades. I modeled today’s eye look after that, with MAC pigment in tan on my lid, a dark antique pink in my crease, purple in outer v and waterline and a lighter pink on my lower lash line. Oh, and Aqua liner on my upper lash line plus falsies. Sounds circus-like but it came out really nicely!
It sounds gorgeous, Dianne! 😀
Glad I waited for your reviews! Looks like I have dupes for all of these except Parallax! Surprising, I thought I’d have a dupe for sure for that shade, it seemed like one of the most dupe-able to me!
Money saved!
Wow seeing Earthshine swatched was like finding out about Santa Claus all over again. What a bummer!!! It looks so unique and complex in the pan but I totally lol’d at you being a contortionist looking for the shift! So many times I’ve done the body twist pretzel arm swatch “can you see it now?” contortions ?
P.S. Totally off topic, but I don’t think I told you that I ended up ordering Sun’s Out Buns Out as my 1 troll collection purchase. It was tough deciding!!
LOL! Right?? And I kind of figure if you angle yourself in 10 different ways and can’t see it… it’s not really there, haha!
Yay for Sun’s Out, Buns Out!
I have the LE Stud and really like it; swatched other shades at Sephora yesterday and purchased Parallax and Pygar because they swatched so beautifully. Wearing Pygar today as a one-color wash, really pleased with it 🙂
Nice! So glad you’re loving Pygar!
Even though I know how many times I’ve said how much I hate cool grays, bluish-grays and anything smacking of those tones on myself, I am drawn to Parallux! That is a beauty for this family of shades, which can so often look “cheap”. This looks lux! Loving Stud as well, but do own MAC Superwatt, so I might be alright there.
Parallax is a very interesting color, I think, and reflects what it is with – so it can lean a little warmer or cooler!
I really thought I’d want at least one of these, but none of them are really appealing to me. That’s a good thing!
Yay then 😀
I really love Parallax, Pygar and Stud colours – they are a little different and suit cool tones. Just beautiful. And a lovely eye look Christine.
I love the finish on those three!
Christine, I know you almost always test WITHOUT an eyeshadow primer. Why did you use one this time? (I didn’t see an explanation about but I may have missed it) I’m just curious.
I’m working on a large primer post. If I’m lucky, I will write before the year’s end, but I’m testing a lot of primers across multiple brands so I can write out the results.
Christine, if it makes sense, can you include this in your eye shadow primer post – the WNW Fergie one vs. the new one without the Fergie name? I heard the ingredients are the same, but so many people have said the old one was better. Just curious what your thoughts are on that. I have both the old and new formula, but I’m waiting to finish up my tube of the old one before I try the new formula.
Unfortunately, I don’t have new one!
Hey what do you use for brows?
Anastasia Dipbrow.
I love to read the responses you leave to the comment sections, Christine! You have really positive, maybe ironic right on the spot replies! I have to learn me some of that :).
Thank you, I think! 🙂
Pygar looks close enough to the gold side of the NARS Kauai duo for me, which is good because its the only one I was interested in. Parallax looks awesome but I doubt I would get much use out of it.
Kind of like a dirtier version of it to me 🙂
Fantastic review, as always, Christine! I have Stud from the Steven Klein collection but Tarababyz says that’s it’s a tiny bit different in texture. Do you agree? Also, I can’t seem to locate them on the Nars or NM website. Will they be released there at a later date? Sephora says “Sephora Exclusive”, but you list a bunch of stockists. (I’m sort of boycotting Sephora due to poor customer service atm.), so I’m hoping to find them somewhere else. Any insight? Thank you!!
It is exclusive to Sephora. Unfortunately, “Where to Buy” is a button for ALL NARS products, so it is populated for retailers that carry NARS in general.
Hi Christine, do you know when these will be out in Europe?
Thank 🙂
I don’t!