NARS Rio de la Plata, Pattaya, Fez, Tulum, Mekong Eyeshadows Reviews & Swatches
Pattaya
NARS Pattaya Hardwired Eyeshadow (2018) ($22.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a light-medium copper with warm, orange undertones and a sparkling, glittery finish. It was jam-packed with glitter and sparkle, so I found it hard to use it dry without getting a fair amount of fallout. It had semi-sheer coverage applied dry, and it intensified to opaque coverage when applied dampened (which is as described). It didn’t have fallout when applied with a dampened brush, and it was easier to blend out without losing coverage, too. There was slight fallout over the eight hours it lasted for when applied with a dampened brush, but it had much more noticeable fallout over time when used dry.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Huda Beauty Do It (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Guerlain Golden Stars #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Becca Sandstone (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Isamaya Brass (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Relic (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- Touch in Sol Golden Tangerine (3) (P, $18.00) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Arrow (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Full Circle (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Bad Habit Cosmos (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Anastasia Bellini (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, 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.
Ingredients
Talc, Isododecane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Dimethicone, Diisostearyl Malate, Polyethylene, Cetyl Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- (May Contain/Peut Contenir): Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Carmine (Ci 75470), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)].
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.
Look Using this Product
Pattaya
LELimited Edition. $22.00.
Rio de la Plata
NARS Rio de la Plata Hardwired Eyeshadow (2018) ($22.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a pale gold with warm, peachy undertones and a sparkling, glittery finish. It had sheer to semi-sheer coverage when applied with a dry brush and slight fallout over bare skin; it had less fallout just applied over a primer than I expected, but it was best applied using a dampened brush. Applied with a dampened brush, it had opaque pigmentation with a shiny, sparkling finish that was instantly brightening wherever I put it. It had a touch of fallout over time but held up rather well over eight hours with a wet application whereas dry application had moderate fallout over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Goodnight (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Soul-cialite (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Haus (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Sephora First Light (29) (P, $9.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Metallic Denim #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Blanc de Blanc (LE, $9.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Give Me Glow Cream Lace (P, $7.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Dior Jungle #2 (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Gander (LE, $6.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Kaja Gold Dust (PiP, ) is warmer (95% 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.
Rio de la Plata
PPermanent. $22.00.
Tulum
NARS Tulum Eyeshadow (2018) ($19.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a muted, medium brown with warm, yellow undertones and a matte finish. The pigmentation was fantastic, while the texture was smooth, velvety, and finely-milled without being powdery (nor too firmly-pressed in the pan). It applied evenly, blended out with ease, and stayed on well for eight hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Too Faced Mousse (PiP, $16.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- LORAC Nude #4 (LE, $19.00) is darker, warmer (95% similar).
- Tarte Marina (LE, ) is more muted, warmer (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Tyranny (LE, $19.00) is darker, warmer (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Bucked (PiP, $19.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Rubbish (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar).
- MAC Socialite (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Tiki Hut (DC, $6.00) is more muted, warmer (90% similar).
- NARS Your Move (DC, $25.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Flutes (LE, $6.00) is 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.
Tulum
PPermanent. $19.00.
Mekong
NARS Mekong Eyeshadow (2018) ($19.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a deep brown with neutral-to-cool undertones and a matte finish with micro-sparkle on top. The sparkles actually adhered to my skin better than anticipated, though the texture didn’t feel overly dense or cream-like; definitely more of a traditional powder eyeshadow. It had opaque pigmentation with a smooth, velvety texture that wasn’t powdery but was fairly blendable on my skin. It stayed on well for eight and a half hours on me before fading slightly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Estee Lauder Desert Dunes #3 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- NARS Mekong (DC, $25.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Illicit (LE, $25.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild Silent Treatment #3 (PiP, ) is darker, more muted (90% similar).
- MAC Midnight Hour (LE, $17.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Lifestyle (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Surratt Beauty Chocolate Noir (P, $20.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC BLK (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Roundhouse (DC, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Smut (P, $17.00) 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.
Look Using this Product
Mekong
PPermanent. $19.00.
Fez
NARS Fez Eyeshadow (2018) ($19.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a medium bronze-shimmered brown with warm undertones and a pearly sheen. It was richly pigmented with a smooth, soft (without being powdery) consistency that applied evenly to bare skin. The eyeshadow blended out effortlessly and had noticeable shine without emphasizing lid texture–I really feel like the market could use more shades in this finish. It wore well for eight hours on me before fading slightly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Fenty Beauty Desert Baked (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Bobbi Brown Tiki (LE, $22.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Dior Lucky Star #4 (LE, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- NARS Cordura I (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- MAC Coil (LE, $22.00) is more shimmery, brighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Dior Sienna #5 (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- Anastasia Gilded (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Something's Fishy (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever ME644 Iced Brown (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Zoeva Subtle Blend (PiP, ) is more 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.
Totally untreated, but I’m loving your hair Christine, it looks gorgeous!
Thanks, Carrie!
The description of Fez sounds like an old Nars single I have, Lola Lola. It’s my oldest eyeshadow and even though it still works, it’s crumbled and could probably use a replacement. It’s a similar brown, maybe slightly warmer, but has an amazing finish that makes the lid look smooth and shiny. I haven’t let myself part with it because not many eyeshadows have that finish!
So many of these NARS eyeshadows I’ve tried thus far are SHINY!
Hi Ginny, if you want another one of Lola Lola, if you live in the US you can order it from the NARS website. It’s under their Pro Palette items where you can order just the pan (for cheaper than the packaged single). They brought back a few old favorites for the Pro Palette — I snagged Lola Lola and the blush shade Douceur which has long been discontinued! ?
Thank you! I wish I could buy one in the compact, though! If they were still selling it in the compact I would have bought one, but haven’t seen it listed for a few years. Also I’m trying to ignore that hoarding tendency of like, thinking I need to snag it before it disappears. Trying to trust that Nars must have done so much testing for these new shadows—so they must be better!
Much more impressive than I was imagining these would do. As in, I really love this set! Favorites are Fez, Mekong and Rio de la Plata. But, I have far too many dupes for Fez to justify getting that shade. Mekong and Rio de la Plata are perfect enhancers/boosters for my newly acquired UD Naked 1, I’m thinking!
Fez is a good one! 😀
Mekong looks a little cooler than I remember it being!
Just barely, more likely a lighting thing, I think.
The first two shades are pretty ordinary in terms of their quality, but the last three shades are excellent. However these are all fairly common and popular shades that are abound in lots of palettes and these are quite expensive for singles.
Beautiful eye look Christine.
Thank you, Genevieve!
Christine!!!!! I LOVE YOUR HAIR COLOR!! What did you have done???? I must know!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I just showed some pictures of random red/purple ombres to my stylist who did it. I don’t have any specifics or anything!
Very beautiful!??
Now you need to photograph your hair from the back and sides. ? we need to see that gradient!!!!!! Pleeeeaaasssee????
Your hair colour looks stunning!
Thanks, Ash!
Nice bunch of eyeshadows from NARS. I really like Rio de la Plata, but I have a lot of similar shades.
Many have already commented, but I must join in, I love your haircolour.
Mekong is gorgeous!!
It is an intense brown!
OMG, l love your new hair, Christine! You look even more gorgeous.
Thank you, Rachel!
Beautiful! I bought Pattaya as a dupe for Charlotte Tilbury ‘s Dolce Vita pop shade. The other shades in that palette are too reddish for my NC20 skin tone so I found this instead! It is a gorgeous coppery-gold which looks great especially with a plum liner.