NARS Spring 2017 Wildfire Collection: Review & Swatches

Although many of us have just celebrated Christmas and winter’s wrath is still in full-effect, I decided to start the New Year by sharing the pretty spring collection from NARS. The range features an eclectic mix of finishes including: vivid shadow sticks, bright blush palettes, metallics and neutrals.

The Satin Lipstick in the shade Kiss Me Stupid is a beautiful burnt sienna. The texture glides on creamy and supple for a wash of sheer to medium color and the neutral orange-brown undertone softens my entire look. Breaking Free is not a shade I usually go for but the vibrant pop of neon coral with flashy peach tint is a little retro and perfect for spring. This hue has a creamy semi-matte texture that is moist and rich but it took a bit of blending and some well placed layers to achieve consistent coverage. Like the satin finish, this formula is nicely pigmented and quite hydrating with an infusion of antioxidants and conditioners that nourish and prevent dryness. The lipsticks retail for $35.00 each.

I’ve never been one to choose an eye shadow stick over pressed or loose pigment but the new Velvet Sticks glide on smooth and creamy without skipping or dragging. The color is vibrant, beautifully saturated, blendable and non-creasing with a lightweight formula that can also be layered under other shadows. The packaging is convenient for travel and the rounded tip allows you to accentuate the lash lines for a dramatic effect. There are 8 shades available in both matte and multidimensional shimmer finishes and once set the color is long-lasting and smudge-proof. I also like that the sticks twist-up without the need to sharpen and the deep, jewel tone purple is stunning on all complexions. If you want to get really creative you can even use these on the lips! The Velvet Shadow Sticks retail for $35.00 each.

Siros (shimmery gold) & Usbek (deep purple satin)

The Eye Shadow Duo in - Thessalonique contains an iridescent seashell pink and soft violet smoke that complement each other beautifully. On me the pink undertone is very faint and I get more of a shimmery champagne hue which illuminates and highlights. The purple swatches a bit deeper than it appears in the pan with a light dusting of glitter that makes it feel more textured and slightly drier than the silky silver. Both shades are nicely pigmented and can be enhanced from sheer to fuller-coverage with some layering and a good primer. The palette retails for $43.00 and is also available in an assortment of other color combos.

Left to right: eye shadow, Breaking Free, Kiss Me Stupid, Usbek & Siros

NARS Cosmetics is available at Sephora, Hudson's Bay, Nordstrom, Murale and Holt Renfrew.

NARS Velvet Lip Glide Review

Hold onto your seat makeup junkies because today I’m introducing scintillating fall trends! You know the feeling of excitement you get when you spot an amazing color or product that suits your style perfectly? Well when I unwrapped the stunning Velvet Lip Glides I knew it was a match made in makeup heaven. As the crisp autumn weather inspires us to experiment with provocative new shades, NARS is taking lips to a whole new level with show-stopping pigment.

Of course I chose the richest, sexiest colors available to transition my look for the season and get myself red carpet ready for the film festival. If you prefer something tamer you can always go with a few of the neutrals which come in a variety of soft pinks, nude and beige tones or keep it classy with vibrant red, fuchsia and berry.

Le Palace is a deep cherry red that will make your pout look totally irresistible!

These full coverage liquid lipsticks drench lips in rich, saturated color with cushiony plumpness and layers of lightweight, non-sticky moisture. You get the perfect balance of softness and strength laced with a nourishing oil infusion complex that prevents dryness and enhances comfort. The formula is creamy, lush and supple with a brilliant high-shine finish for maximum poutiness - perfect for parties and selfies!

Among these vivid red-based pigments, Deviant (deep burgundy) is my personal favorite! This is the perfect autumn shade!

These gorgeous hues look great on all complexions and their boldness definitely inspires confidence! The doe foot applicator is quite standard but you can use the tip to define and the flatter surface to fill-in and intensify. The color builds up nicely but if you really want to dull them down for sheerness, one light layer should suffice.

Toy is a deep aubergine that plays into that tantalizing vampy trend. When paired with soft eye makeup it makes lips look amazing!

The longevity is about normal for a cream pigment as they do tend to transfer a bit but they don’t stain which makes it easier to apply a fresh coat after eating or drinking. I would have loved to see a few hydrating mattes thrown in for textural versatility but overall I predict that these beauties will quickly become fan favorites.

No. 54 is a raspberry red that is bright, classic and fun!

The Velvet Lip Glides retail for $34.00 each and are available at all NARS retailers (Sephora, Hudson’s Bay, Holt Renfrew, Nordstrom, Murale and at narscosmtics.com.

NARS Contour Blush Palette Review

Contouring the face can add shape, define and enhance. Although I don’t take the time to contour every day I do occasionally contour my cheeks, around my jaw line and down my nose. Today I have a review on the new contour blush palette by NARS. There are 3 different palettes with different combinations of colors to choose from. The palette I have is called Paloma which seems to be the second lightest set of colors in the line.

The light shade in the palette is meant to create “natural dimension and a luminous finish,” while the dark shade enhances and defines. I am a bit confused as to why NARS decided to refer to any of these colors as “blush” since the palette I have and the palette called Olymipa consists of a bronzer and highlight while the other palette (Gienah) has two dark bronzer shades. Nevertheless I do like this bronzer.

The darker shade is quite subtle for a bronzer especially for deeper complexions and if you want definition without a grey tone you may prefer the darkest palette. 

I prefer a lighter bronzer like this one because it doesn't  leave a heavy shadow in the hollows of my cheeks. It contours subtly and appears less noticeable. If you have a medium complexion like me and you want contour without dark, sharp lines then this product is wonderful. I like that it adds a natural looking shadow to the face while creating definition, I also think it would work well for fair skin tones. The powder is easy to blend and the texture is smooth and soft. It is also buildable and helps sculpt.

For $42 per palette I really wanted to like the highlight but it didn't work for me. When blended into my skin It appears white and it does not have enough pigment to create much illumination. When applied lightly and blended in it can also appear translucent and disappear so I don’t know how well it would show up on fair skin. I might be able to use it as a brow highlight or to blend shadow.

Although I like the bronzer and use it all the time I would have preferred a better highlighting product or an actual blush, something more usable. Because of this I would recommend the bronzer but you should test the highlight to see if it works for you.

If you would like to check out these palettes you can find them HERE

*Disclaimer: I received this product from The Makeup Show L.A in the Press kit. I was not obligated to provide a review. All opinions are my own and based on my experience with the product. Results may vary based on individual use.*