NARS MEKONG Single Eyeshadow - THOUGHTS and SWATCHES...
Longwearing, crease resistant color in sheer wearable formulas. All NARS eyeshadows can be applied sheer or layered for a more dramatic effect. These richly pigmented powders blend effortlessly and can also be used wet for precisely lining the eyes.
- Richly pigmented, micronized powder formula provides improved wear and feel
- Effortless blending
- Multifunction: use as eyeshadow, eyeliner and on eyebrows
Size: 0.07 oz
Price: $23.00
Availability: NARS, Sephora, Nordstrom, Lord and Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys, etc.
************************
My Four Ps
Price
NARS Single Eyeshadows retail for $23 each for 0.07 oz of product. This is only $2.70 more than a M∙A∙C Eyeshadow per ounce which is not too bad if you think about it. But if I compare these to MUFE Eyeshadows which cost $19 for 0.08 oz then they are not such a bargain afterall. However, I think these are priced right where they should be as a mid-high-end brand. Afterall high-end brands have $30+ eyeshadows. They are indeed an investment but are worth the price for quality.
Packaging
Price
NARS Single Eyeshadows retail for $23 each for 0.07 oz of product. This is only $2.70 more than a M∙A∙C Eyeshadow per ounce which is not too bad if you think about it. But if I compare these to MUFE Eyeshadows which cost $19 for 0.08 oz then they are not such a bargain afterall. However, I think these are priced right where they should be as a mid-high-end brand. Afterall high-end brands have $30+ eyeshadows. They are indeed an investment but are worth the price for quality.
Packaging
These eyeshadows come housed in a sleek velvety black compact with a mirror inside the lid. Inside the eyeshadow is protected by a clear plastic sheet with the NARS logo print. The drawback to the packaging is that you will not know the color without opening the compact or at least memorizing the color by the label on the back. also, the sleek black velvety texture of the case tends to get dirty with fingerprints and makeup residue. So if you are a clean-freak (present company included) then be prepared to wipe the package after use.
Product
The Mekong Eyeshadow is deep espresso infused with golden/bronze shimmer. The eyeshadow is velvety smooth and soft with fantastic pigmentation. When swatched the finish is shimmery but when applied to the eyelid it translates as more of a satin finish with low-impact shimmer. The eyeshadow blends easily but since it is a dark, pigmented color you must be careful not deposit too much color. Also, if you use an eyeshadow base, the stickier the base then the trickier blending will be...but the more shimmer will show up on the eyelid.
The Mekong Eyeshadow holds up very well through 8+ hours of wear but I must say the shimmer/glitter fades after just a couple of hours. If you want strong glitter then you will need to use a stickier base for the eyeshadow and/or apply a sealer (such as MUFE Eye Sealer) over the eyeshadow. That is a lot of work for the eyeshadow to look the way it does in the pan.
Overall
Personally I love the deep rich color of this eyeshadow and I am not worried about the glitter/shimmer aspect. But if you want the eyeshadow to look the way it does in the pan then it will take a little bit more work than usual. I find this is true for most glitter infused eyeshadows. However, this may be the make/break in your decision on whether the eyeshadow is worth it. If you want full on glitter then maybe this color is not for you. If you want a deep chocolate brown with subtle shimmer then go for it!
this is my current favorite shadow, love it!!
ReplyDeletehttp://beautiesinbloom.blogspot.com/
When i swatched this eyeshadow I felt in love. the colour is gorgeous. great review :-)
ReplyDeleteMaria
http://makeupblah.blogspot.com/
I bought this before, but returned it because of how hard it was to work with & I felt like it faded & developed "bald spots" on my lids after a full day of wear. But, I truly adored the color & I almost feel like giving it a second chance. Especially after seeing the beautiful smokey eye you created with it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review sweetie :) I don't know why I never have picked this up (give I'm a Nars freak). Would you say it's similar to the dark side of Cordura duo?
ReplyDeleteGirl, you are the BOMB!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post--I just asked you about it yesterday. I love NARS products and I own the Day & Night Palette which has Night Breed (which I rarely use) and Fathom (which is so light you don't really see the color, but you do see the sparkles--great under the brow as a highlighter but only for dramatic or nighttime looks), but after looking at that smokey eye look you created I may just go ahead and fork over the $$$ to get Mekong for the beautiful color alone.
Thanx doll!
This is really nice! Do you feel it is comparable to "The Family Crest" from Tartan Tale?
ReplyDeleteI love the way the colour looks on you! I wonder how it would translate on my darker skin tone...I'm definetly going to check it out next time I'm in Sephora. Great post =)
ReplyDelete@Blazeno, they are very similar. I think Mekong is just a little deeper though.
ReplyDeleteThe Mekong shadow is just the shade I've been looking for. Very Pretty. I'll try to find a dupe when I get my Inglot palette at IMATS next month.
ReplyDelete@Mastered I have darker skin as well, I'm hoping this will just be a nice shimmery neutral for me.
http://thecpw.blogspot.com/
I am with u Amanda. I love this eyeshadow.
ReplyDeleteIt's a gorgeous shade Maria and it swatches beautifully!
Deanna girl u better give this sweet eyeshadow a 2nd chance. I would love to see u use this in a smokey look. U always have gorgeous smokey looks! Thanks girl.
No prob Saadeh. I thought u would have had this one. I know u love ur NARS my sweet. I never tried the Cordura duo but from swatches it looks more like a blackened brown while Mekong is more warm toned.
Thanks Felicia girl. No prob! I actually love this color and I have been searching for a really rich dark brown for smokey eyes. I think this is perfect. And the shimmer is subtle enough for a glitter-phobe like myself to deal with it. Hahahahaha!
Blazeno I agree with Deanna. They r very close. The shimmer/glitter in Family Crest is more pronounced though.
ReplyDeleteThx Mastered. I think the golden sheen would show up more on darker skin. This would probably give a lovely effect.
It was the shade I was looking for Lycra. Inglot has some nice dark browns too so u may be able to find ur dupe easily.