NARS Isolde Duo Eyeshadow (2018) Review & Swatches

Christine — Fri, 31 Aug 2018 20:00:00 +0000

Isolde

NARS Isolde Duo Eyeshadow (2018) ($35.00 for 0.08 oz.) features two metallic hues–mid-tone copper and warm bronze–that can be popped out of the compact for mixing and matching. Both shades had opaque pigmentation, long-wear, and were easy to apply and blend out on bare skin. Isolde I seemed half of a shade darker (not quite as golden) compared to the original duo, while the texture of both shades was slightly denser (less yielding) compared to the original, though I didn’t notice any actual difference in quality or application.

Look Using this Product

A Smoky, Gold & Bronze Look with NARS Eyeshadows

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Isolde

PPermanent. $35.00.

9.5

Product

Pigmentation

9.5

Texture

8.5

Longevity

Application

94%

Total

Isolde I

Isolde I is a medium-dark copper with warm undertones and a metallic sheen. It had a smooth, lightly creamy texture that was firm but not dense or thick, so it didn’t have any powderiness in the pan but picked up easily with a brush. The pigmentation was opaque in a single layer and applied evenly and blended out beautifully. It wore well for eight hours on me before it started to fade noticeably.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

Top Dupes

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Sephora Break the Bank (386) (P, $9.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
MAC A Glimmer of Gold #2 (PiP, $21.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
Laura Mercier Tiger's Eye (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar).
Milani Just Bronzing Around (PiP, $5.99) is less shimmery (95% similar).
Too Faced Bon Bon (Semi-Sweet Palette) (PiP, $16.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
Viseart Boheme Dream #5 (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
Too Faced Jingle All the Way Eyeshadow #7 (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
MAC Luscious (LE, $17.00) is brighter, warmer (95% similar).
Pat McGrath Gold Rush (LE, $25.00) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
Givenchy Palette Ors Audacieux #4 (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).

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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

A Smoky, Gold & Bronze Look with NARS Eyeshadows

Read How-To

View all Photos

Read How-To

View all Photos

Isolde I

PiPPermanent in Palette. $19.00.

9.5

Product

Pigmentation

9.5

Texture

8.5

Longevity

Application

94%

Total

Isolde II

Isolde II is a medium bronze with soft, warm undertones and a metallic sheen. It had rich color payoff that applied evenly and smoothly across my lid, almost blending itself as it went. The consistency was smooth to the touch, lightly creamy, and soft enough to be yielding without being powdery. It sat beautifully on the lid with a high-shine finish but did not emphasize my lid’s natural texture, which gave it a more “melted” appearance on my skin. This shade lasted for eight and a half hours on me.

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

Top Dupes

View Swatches View All Dupes

MAC Her Cocoa #3 (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
Chanel Charming #3 (LE, ) is darker, warmer (95% similar).
Too Faced Tiger's Eye (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
MAC La Vida Mocha (PiP, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
NARS Isolde #2 (DC, $25.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
Guerlain Electric Look #6 (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
Persona Goddess (PiP, ) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
Make Up For Ever D652 Celestial Earth (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
Viseart Splendor (Solstice) (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
NABLA Cosmetics Danae (P, $12.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).

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Formula Overview

$19.00/0.04 oz. - $475.00 Per Ounce

Browse all of our NARS Eyeshadow (2018) swatches.

Ingredients

TALC · ISODODECANE · CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE · DIMETHICONE · SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE · DIISOSTEARYL MALATE · MICA · PHENOXYETHANOL · CETYL DIMETHICONE · [+/-(MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR): BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE (CI 77163) · 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.