NARS NIGHT PORTER Single Eyeshadow - THOUGHTS and SWATCHES...

NARS NIGHT PORTER 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.

Nighlife Collection - Ultra velvet shades with tone on tone sparkling effects and high pay-off.

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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 after all. However, I think these are priced right where they should be as a mid-high-end brand. After all 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 & Performance
The Night Porter Eyeshadow is a matte black infused with green shimmer. This eyeshadow is a part of the Nighlife Collection which has 'ultra velvet shades with tone on tone sparkling effects and high pay-off'.

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 matte black 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 Night Porter 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.
TIP: Spritzing your brush with a bit of water or MAC Fix + after picking up the NARS Eyeshadows helps to intensify the shimmer and keep it in place

Overall
While I love the color of this eyeshadow, I am not too fond of having to work harder for the green sheen to show up. It is richly pigmented but without the green shimmer it comes of as plain black. This is great for smoky looks but you keep a little work to keep the green shimmer. If you love smoky looks and you don't mind spritzing your brush for more intense green sheen then this is the perfect smoky green for you!

NARS MEKONG Single Eyeshadow - THOUGHT and SWATCHES...

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

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.

Performance
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!

'China Blue' Look

'China Blue' Look

So I had a dream last night about a dark navy and silver look so Ihad to try it out today. LOL. I reached for my fave navy shade which is of course NARS China Blue eyeshadow and a couple of MUFE eyeshadows. Now I was never into the whole 'Shop Your Stash' kind of thing but I may need to do it more often. I ran into the most beautiful blue ever from MUFE that I have but never really used...and it was LOVE - MUFE #167! What have you ever re-discovered in your stash that was just FAB? Share your great finds with us please : )

Eyes:

PRIME:

I started off with NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base all over my lid up to the brow bone. I applied MAC Layin' Low Paintpot (matte beige) all over my lid and on my brow bone as my primary base. I then applied MUFE Aqua Cream Color #20 just on the middle of my lid as my secondary base.

COLOR:
For the inner tearduct area I applied MAC Blanc Type Eyeshadow (matte ivory).
On the inner lid I applied MUFE #170 Eyeshadow (iridescent pearl grey).
On the middle of the lid I applied MUFE #167 Eyeshadow (iridescent true blue).
For the outer lid I used NARS China Blue Eyeshadow (matte navy blue).
On the crease and brow bone area I applied Smashbox Nude Eyeshadow (matte nude).
For highlight I used MAC Blanc Type Eyeshadow (matte ivory).
For my lower lashline I used MUFE #167 Eyeshadow (iridescent true blue).

BROWS:
My brows are filled in with MAC Eyebrow Pencil in Stud.

DEFINE:
I lined my upper lashline with Wet 'n' Wild Gel Eyeliner in Black.
I lined my lower waterline with L'Oreal HIP Cream Eyeliner in Black.
I used MAC Haute & Naughty Lash Mascara for my lashes with Beautee Senses Erotica false eyelashes for effect.

Lips:

POLISH:
For my lips I used MUFE #39 Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick (orange coral) topped with MAC Melt In Your Mouth Cremesheen Glass (creamy pink).

Face:

FINISH:
I prepped my skin with MAC Oil Control Lotion. I used MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation in NC45 for my face set with MAC Blot Powder in Dark. I used MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW35 under my eyes set with Benefit Powderflage.

I used MAC Melba Blush (matte peach) for my cheeks and MUFE #2 Sculpting Kit for contour and highlight.

'Blue Bayou' Look

'Blue Bayou' Look

So it's raining and it's cold and I am not happy about it! LOL! I need sun in my life. I'm so sad that summer is drawing to a close so I wore the brightest yellow top I could find (with long sleeves of course) and pulled out my bright yellow eyeshadow to add some color to this gloomy day.

Eyes:

PRIME:
I started off with NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base all over my lid up to the brow bone. I applied MAC Layin Low Paintpot (matte beige) all over my lid and on my brow bone as my primary base and Inglot #84 Gel Eyeliner (matte yellow) just on my lid as a secondary base.

COLOR:
For the inner lid and tear duct area I applied MAC Wild by Nature Eyeshadow (matte mid-tone camel).
On the lid I applied Inglot #60 Eyeshadow (matte yellow).
For the outer lid and crease I applied Inglot #371 Eyeshadow (matte bright blue).
To deepen the outer V I used NARS China Blue Eyeshadow (matte navy).
For highlight I used MAC Blanc Type Eyeshadow (matte ivory).
I used NARS China Blue Eyeshadow (matte navy) and Inglot #371 Eyeshadow (matte bright blue) for my lower lashline.

BROWS:
My brows are filled in with MAC Eyebrow Pencil in Stud.

DEFINE:
I lined my upper lashline with NARS Stylo Eyeliner in Blue Bayou.
I lined my lower waterline with L'Oreal HIP Cream Eyeliner in Black.
I used MAC Haute & Naughty Lash Mascara for my lashes with MAC #7 false eyelashes for effect.

Lips:
POLISH:
For my lips I used MUFE #39 Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick.

Face:

FINISH:
I prepped my skin with MAC Oil Control Lotion. I used NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Tahoe mixed with MUFE All Mat Primer. I used MUFE Full Cover Concealer in #12 under my eyes set with Benefit Powderflage. I set my foundation with MAC Blot Powder in Dark.

I used MAC Utterly Game Mineralize Blush (light coral) for my cheeks and MUFE #1 Sculpting Kit for highlight and contour.

Who else is cuckoo for cocoa puffs??!!

'Tequila Sunset' Look

'Tequila Sunset' Look

I implore all of you, do NOT get NARS Daphne Eyeshadow! What a pain to work with! This is one of those eyeshadows that give mattes a bad name. The color payoff is just awful even with a base. It applies patchy and takes packing and building like no other. I was intrigued by the color and thought for sure that the dry swatch was just being unfair but...geez! I would substitute MUFE #92 or Sugarpill Poison Plum for this. Anywho...onto the look...

Eyes:

PRIME:
I started off with NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base all over my lid up to the brow bone. I also applied MAC Painterly Paintpot (matte pinky beige) all over my lid and up to my brow bone as my primary base.

COLOR:
On the first half of the lid and inner tear-duct area I applied MAC Blanc Type Eyeshadow (matte ivory).
For the outer half of the lid I applied NARS Daphne Eyeshadow (matte purple).
In the crease I applied Sugarpill Dollipop Eyeshadow (matte bright pink).
On the browbone I applied Sugarpill Buttercupcake Eyeshadow (matte yellow).
For highlight I used Bare Escentuals Clear Radiance All Over Face Color (shimmery light pink).

BROWS:
My brows are filled in with MAC Eyebrow Pencil in Spiked and MAC Showstopper Eyeshadow (matte blackened brown).

DEFINE:
I lined my upper lashline with Stila Stay All Day Eyeliner in Black.
I lined my lower waterline with L'Oreal HIP Cream Eyeliner in Black.
I used MAC Landscape Green Chromagraphic Eyeliner Pencil (matte grass green) on my lower lashline.
I used MAC Haute & Naughty Lash Mascara for my lashes with Beautee Senses Princess false eyelashes for effect.

Lips:

POLISH:
For my lips I used MAC English Accents Lipglass.

Face:

FINISH:
I prepped my skin with MAC Oil Control Lotion. I used I used Lancome Teint Idole Fresh Foundation in Suede 1N mixed with MAC Prep and Prime Skin. I used MUFE Full Cover Concealer in #12 under my eyes. I set with MAC Blot Powder in Dark. I used MAC Stark Naked Beauty Powder Blush (pink with gold pearl) for my cheeks.

Another GREAT day at work...

'Coconut Chamomile' Look

'Coconut Chamomile' Look

It's me again! Yippee! And with a neutral look at that. This look uses one of the new eyeshadows from the NARS Fall Collection - Coconut Grove. This eyeshadow is truly a great dark dark matte brown (I do mean dark) eyeshadow that is perfect for smokey looks and even for filling in eyebrows.

And....I had a very unfortunate Nanny McPhee weekend...don't mind the scar on my nose.... : (

Eyes:

PRIME:
I started off with NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base all over my lid up to the brow bone. I also applied MAC Groundwork Paintpot (satin neutral taupe) all over my lid and up to my brow bone as my primary base.

COLOR:
On the inner lid and inner tear-duct area I applied MAC Chamomille Eyeshadow (satin light yellow beige).
For the middle of the lid I applied MAC Modelette Eyeshadow (satin medium brown).
On the outer lid and crease I applied MAC Cross Cultural Eyeshadow (matte medium-dark brown).

To darken the outer V I used NARS Coconut Grove Eyeshadow (matte dark brown).
For blending and highlight I used Smashbox Nude Eyeshadow (matte nude).

BROWS:
My brows are filled in with MAC Eyebrow Pencil in Spiked and NARS Coconut Grove Eyeshadow (matte dark brown).

DEFINE:
I lined my upper lashline with MAC Dipdown Fluidline gel eyeliner (dark brown).
I lined my lower waterline with L'Oreal HIP Cream Eyeliner in Black.
I used NARS Coconut Grove Eyeshadow on my outer lower lashline.
I used MAC Haute & Naughty Lash Mascara for my lashes.

Lips:

POLISH:
For my lips I used Kat Von D Lipstick in Mi Vida Loca (dark orange brown).

Face:

FINISH:
I prepped my skin with MAC Oil Control Lotion. I used NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Tahoe mixed with MUFE All Mat Primer. I used  MUFE Full Cover Concealer in #12 under my eyes. I set with MAC Blot Powder in Dark. I used MAC Melba Blush (matte coral-peach) for my cheeks.

Curse all pimples to hell!!!