NARS Laos Matte Multiple ($39.00 for 0.26 oz.) is described as a “rose coral.” It’s a brightened, medium-dark pink-coral with a satin-matte finish. theBalm Pie (P) is lighter, warmer. Chanel Intonation (69) (LE, $38.00) is also lighter, less pink, but sheered out, they’re very similar applied. NARS Soulshine #3 (LE, $29.00) is more shimmery, darker. MAC Simmer (LE, $25.00) is more shimmery, slightly lighter. MAC Mocha (P, $21.00) is less warm-toned, pinker, powder. See comparison swatches.

Laos is another really richly pigmented, intense shade of blush, so it’s absolutely a blush that will show up on all skin tones. The consistency is lightly creamy with a silicone-heavy texture, which gives it a velvety feel when applied to the skin. It blends out really well, which is key when you’re working with such a bold shade, so you can adjust the intensity to the level you’re looking for. Of course, I recommend applying less rather than more initially, and then building up the color as needed to get the opacity you’re after, as a little goes a long way (which seems to be a recurring theme within the Matte Multiples!). It sets in a few minutes, and I had enough time to work with the color and blend and sheer out to get the right look without having to work furiously to do so. This shade wore well for nine hours, and it still looked pretty good at that point. I have very light staining after removal, but it was gone in a couple of hours. Again, as a lip color, it was less impressive, as the consistency ended up feeling clingy, and the formula was drying over the four and a half hours the color wore. I noticed some settling into lip lines as it faded. For more of an overview of the Matte Multiple formula, check out this post.

NARS Laos Matte Multiple

NARS Laos Matte Multiple

NARS Laos Matte Multiple

NARS Laos Matte Multiple

NARS Laos Matte Multiple

NARS Laos Matte Multiple

NARS Laos Matte Multiple