NARS The Multiple Duo Maldives/ Riviera ($45.00) is part of the new Multiple Duos NARS recently launched. The palette is actually pretty large–much larger than the eyeshadows, eyeshadow duos, or blushes.  I see the Multiple Duos as one way to reach a larger audience, because you get two for $45 rather than one for $37.  Admittedly, the Multiple itself has plenty of product to stretch out your dollar–it isn’t like you’ll run out in a week.

Maldives is described as “pink champagne with shimmer,” and the description is right on.   Same with the description of Riviera as a “sheer pink.”  Both of these shades are available in Multiple form, so if you love one but not the other, you don’t have to pick them up as a duo.  Both colors are fairly sheer, and on my skin tone (NC30), I really couldn’t get much color to show.  Riviera showed up better than Maldives, but it required a lot of building to get there.

Unlike the original Multiple, which comes in a stick form, you pretty much have to use a brush with these (the drawback is it may be harder to transfer color onto the skin and you may waste more product that gets caught in the bristles).  I know some will say to use your fingers, which is fine, but I just prefer not to use my fingers to apply makeup.  It kind of grosses me out, especially the idea of my finger oils getting all into the compact. Perhaps a sponge would be better, but I’ve always found sponges to be so wasteful.  Sigh!

What struck me the most was that the duo format didn’t feel as creamy as the original version.  I think that factor contributed to why I found it difficult to get enough pigmentation for these colors to show up on me.   I tried several brushes (187, 188, 190) with all mixed results.  Next time I’m at Nordstrom’s or Sephora, I definitely want to see how both these shades compare when in Multiple form, just to see if the formulations really are different–especially in pigmentation.  I do wonder if it’s like some other creamy products where the surface is firm, but once you’ve used it a few times, the product softens.

I also want to check out Maui/Palm Beach and Orgasm/South Beach duos, too.   I think those may be better for my skin tone!

Have you tried the new Multiple Duos? What do you think?  Which ones have you tried?

See another product photo and swatches…

Malaysia / Maldives / Riviera