NARS Madrid, China Blue, Goldfinger, Goa, Hellcat, Night Clubbing, Blondie Eyeshadows Reviews & Swatches (2018)
Madrid
NARS Madrid Hardwired Eyeshadow (2018) ($22.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a dirty, taupe-brown with warm gold and lavender sparkle. It had medium coverage when applied dry and opaque coverage when applied with a dampened brush. The dampened brush also yielded a better consistency, as it was smoother, adhered more evenly, and resulted in less fallout, though this shade was somewhat usable–at least over an eyeshadow primer–dry for a subtle, sparkling effect. It lasted for six hours dry (with some fallout) and eight hours wet (with minor fallout).
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Daydreamer (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Huda Beauty Jaguar #1 (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Stila Substance (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Dior New Look #4 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- NARS Splendor (DC, $25.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Tarte Grind (LE, $14.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Tiara (P, $6.25) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Moondust (DC, $6.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Drunk Text (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Jaguar #6 (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$22.00/0.04 oz. - $550.00 Per Ounce
The formula "can be applied dry or with a dampened brush for stronger intensity." It is a very glittery formula, and naturally, it performed significantly better when used with a dampened brush or an adhesive base.
Applied dry, they were typically sheer to semi-sheer with light to moderate fallout when blended out on my lid. They lasted between five and seven hours with light to moderate fallout. Applied wet, they were typically semi-opaque to opaque with minimal fallout when blended out and minimal to slight fallout during wear (about eight hours).
The consistency was soft, slightly drier/chunkier, but they the base colors were blendable and easy enough to use. I did find that they applied decently over primer when applied dry compared to on bare skin.
Browse all of our NARS Hardwired Eyeshadow (2018) swatches.
Look Using this Product
Madrid
PPermanent. $22.00.
China Blue
NARS China Blue Eyeshadow (2018) ($19.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a deep, navy blue with cool undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-opaque, buildable pigmentation with a soft, silky consistency that wasn’t too thin or too dense in the pan. There was slight powderiness in the pan, but it did not translate on the lid–no dryness and no fallout. It blended out fairly easily–not as nicely as the best of warm neutrals but for this type of shade, it was a welcome respite from troublesome deep, matte hues! It darkened slightly on my lid, though, so it appeared a bit more like a blackened blue. It wore well for eight hours on me before fading a touch.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Anastasia D5 (Norvina Vol. 2) (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Style and Ease (LE, $6.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- About Face Lost Unfound (P, $16.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Blue Hour (PiP, $8.00) is brighter (95% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Blue Velvet (P, $8.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Giorgio Armani #02 (P, $32.00) is more muted, warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Stunner (LE, $4.50) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Super Blue #4 (LE, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Midnight Courage (PiP, $5.25) is darker (90% similar).
- Viseart Cool Matte #9 (PiP, ) is 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
China Blue
PPermanent. $19.00.
Goldfinger
NARS Goldfinger Eyeshadow (2018) ($19.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a light-medium gold with strong, yellow undertones and a frosted finish. It had opaque pigmentation in a single layer that adhered fairly evenly to bare skin, though the texture was somewhat powdery and had a touch of fallout during application. The eyeshadow stayed on well for eight hours before starting to crease on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Dior Expose #4 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever S404 Straw Yellow (DC, $21.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Makeup Geek Yellow Brick Road (DC, $6.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Dior Mellow Shade #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Reborn (DC, $25.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever S516 Sand (P, $17.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Bright-Sided (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Big Kahuna (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Memories of Space (P, $17.00) 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
Goldfinger
PPermanent. $19.00.
Goa
NARS Goa Hardwired Eyeshadow (2018) ($22.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a medium, olive-leaning green with strong, warm brownundertones and a sparkling, metallic finish. Applied dry, it had semi-opaque pigmentation with a warmer, browner appearance and slight fallout during application, but it applied better dry than a lot of the other Hardwired shades. Applied wet, it had opaque coverage where the green sparkle and shimmer came through more noticeably; it adhered smoothly to bare skin and stayed on well for eight hours with slight fallout over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Natasha Denona Antheia (286DC) (LE, $29.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Fyrinnae Elf Owl (P, $7.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Dose of Colors Jackpot (P, $20.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury The Rebel (2020) #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Emerald #8 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Coloured Raine Side of Olives (DC, $6.99) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Lisa Eldridge Daphne (P, $27.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Dream Glow (Smoke) (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Hourglass Vivid (P, $29.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Venom (DC, $6.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$22.00/0.04 oz. - $550.00 Per Ounce
The formula "can be applied dry or with a dampened brush for stronger intensity." It is a very glittery formula, and naturally, it performed significantly better when used with a dampened brush or an adhesive base.
Applied dry, they were typically sheer to semi-sheer with light to moderate fallout when blended out on my lid. They lasted between five and seven hours with light to moderate fallout. Applied wet, they were typically semi-opaque to opaque with minimal fallout when blended out and minimal to slight fallout during wear (about eight hours).
The consistency was soft, slightly drier/chunkier, but they the base colors were blendable and easy enough to use. I did find that they applied decently over primer when applied dry compared to on bare skin.
Browse all of our NARS Hardwired Eyeshadow (2018) swatches.
Look Using this Product
Goa
PPermanent. $22.00.
Hellcat
NARS Hellcat Hardwired Eyeshadow (2018) ($22.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a medium, army green with warm, olive undertones and a sparkling, metallic sheen. It had a more muted, dirtier appearance when applied dry, where it was also more frosted (less metallic). The texture was soft, more loosely pressed with some excess product that kicked up in the pan when used with a dry brush. Applied wet, the eyeshadow went on with opaque coverage that adhered well to bare skin for a smooth, even finish that lasted well for eight hours with slight fallout over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sydney Grace Cadet (P, $6.25) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Good for U (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Rare Beauty Passion (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury The Rebel #3 (DC, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Fyrinnae Elf Owl (P, $7.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Coloured Raine Side of Olives (DC, $6.99) is darker (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Mildew (DC, $19.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- NARS Hooked (LE, $19.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Chanel Quintessence #6 (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- UOMA Beauty Trinidad (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$22.00/0.04 oz. - $550.00 Per Ounce
The formula "can be applied dry or with a dampened brush for stronger intensity." It is a very glittery formula, and naturally, it performed significantly better when used with a dampened brush or an adhesive base.
Applied dry, they were typically sheer to semi-sheer with light to moderate fallout when blended out on my lid. They lasted between five and seven hours with light to moderate fallout. Applied wet, they were typically semi-opaque to opaque with minimal fallout when blended out and minimal to slight fallout during wear (about eight hours).
The consistency was soft, slightly drier/chunkier, but they the base colors were blendable and easy enough to use. I did find that they applied decently over primer when applied dry compared to on bare skin.
Browse all of our NARS Hardwired Eyeshadow (2018) swatches.
Look Using this Product
Hellcat
PPermanent. $22.00.
Night Clubbing
NARS Night Clubbing Hardwired Eyeshadow (2018) ($22.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a deep black with subtle, warm brown undertones and a faint, golden sheen. It had nearly opaque color payoff that applied evenly and smoothly to bare skin. The texture was soft, a smidgen powdery in the pan, but the eyeshadow went on evenly and blended out with ease. It wore well for eight and a half hours on me before it started to fade noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Guerlain Metal Butterfly #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty The Parisienne #6 (LE, ) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Thunderbird (DC, $19.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Too Faced Hot Fudge (PiP, $16.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Jouer Midnight Swim (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Dior Fahrenheit (781) (LE, $31.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Anastasia Dark Chocolate Shimmer (P, $12.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever ME614 Graphite Brown (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- MAC Smokeluxe #2 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Pretty Baby #4 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$22.00/0.04 oz. - $550.00 Per Ounce
The formula "can be applied dry or with a dampened brush for stronger intensity." It is a very glittery formula, and naturally, it performed significantly better when used with a dampened brush or an adhesive base.
Applied dry, they were typically sheer to semi-sheer with light to moderate fallout when blended out on my lid. They lasted between five and seven hours with light to moderate fallout. Applied wet, they were typically semi-opaque to opaque with minimal fallout when blended out and minimal to slight fallout during wear (about eight hours).
The consistency was soft, slightly drier/chunkier, but they the base colors were blendable and easy enough to use. I did find that they applied decently over primer when applied dry compared to on bare skin.
Browse all of our NARS Hardwired Eyeshadow (2018) swatches.
Look Using this Product
Night Clubbing
PPermanent. $22.00.
Blondie
NARS Blondie Eyeshadow (2018) ($19.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a soft, yellowed taupe with subtle, warm undertones and a matte finish. It had opaque pigmentation with a soft, smooth consistency that was a smidgen dusty in the pan but applied evenly and blended out well on bare skin. It lasted 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
- Natasha Denona Fay (462CM) (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Chanel Road Movie #4 (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Harlow (277CP) (PiP, ) is brighter, cooler (90% similar).
- LORAC Unwind (PiP, $19.00) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Pebble Beach (LE, $4.50) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Soleil, So Lovely (LE, $17.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Lethal Cosmetics Wilted (P, $6.50) is cooler (90% similar).
- Zoeva MT030 (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Lucy (464CM) (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Omega (LE, $17.00) is darker, more muted, 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.
Because I am a major sucker for smokey green eye looks, you know I’m loving these shades and this look you put together with them! So. I definitely am eying Hellcat and Night Clubbing to add to my consortium of green and green friendly e/s’s….?
Even though they’re not all As, this is a really pretty collection of shades.
Quite a collections of gorgeous autumnal shades and your eye looks are stunning Christine.
A comment on a couple of shades – China Blue – I love blue eyeshadows, but this one I don’t because it is not a true navy and the swatch looks like it would come across as too thick to use easily.
Both the olive greens shown are fairly similar to each other too.
And I love the Madrid shade, but I don’t understand how a brand can get Stud (which is a dupe for Madrid) so right and yet get this one a tad wrong.
The Madrid/China Blue look is absolutely stunning. The brain is saying “no” with your grade but the eyes are saying “yes yes yes”!
beautiful look! goa & hellcat are my kind of shades!
These are gorgeous looks. My only real question is, are they worth paying almost double the price for?
Hey CK,
While it is irritating to feel like one is paying more or for less, I don’t finish products so I’d rather pay less than get more and pay more, if that makes sense. For the duos, I don’t know why there wasn’t a bigger drop in price, but the singles are cheaper now than before.