NARS Sheer Matte Foundation | Review

Hello Angels

Ever since Nars made a re-launch in Dubai, I've been wanting to try their Sheer Glow foundation and concealer. After 5 whole months, came the day i actually went into Sephora to get myself one. 

And as faith may have it, they were Out of Stock on my shade. The only match available was in Sheer Matte foundation. I like dewy finish anytime anyday but given no option plus i reallllyyy wanted to try their foundation, Matte it was. I can always use my highlighters to create a dewy look, right? So that was decided.

Coverage is medium to build-able. The texture strikes a perfect balance between not being too runny and thick however i find blending needs a 'lil work around.  The color though looks too light for me in the bottle was just right after application. Stays put all day and no creasing. 

I like the overall finish the product offers but it is not quite there. I find Dior Star foundation soo much better than this one. Perhaps NARS sheer Glow foundation is more my kind and is next on my list.

Those with oily skin should give it a try though. Not necessarily purchase, sample it out first. In Dubai, Sephora counters don't offer foundation samples. But buy or take with you a small container and ask them to fill. 

Another rather annoying thing about this foundation is it does not come with a pump. WHY? I mean why on earth would they cut out on providing a pump? Making it extremely difficult to take the product out. 

Let me know your thoughts about Sheer Glow foundation? 

Love

Favorite 5 Lipsticks (at the moment....)

Hello Angels

Am usually the kind to obsess over one particular color of lippy at a time and then move on to another! But recently my makeup pouch carried 5-6 lipsticks, which i frequently reached for. Extremely glad that i was subconsciously opting for variety of shades (plus they ranged from dark to nude!! Bravo me...)

I really cannot pick a favorite among these 5 lipsticks. So no specific order followed. 

Nars Deadly Catch (Hardwired collection) - A deep red with more of a maroon tone to it. The texture is not silky smooth but the same allows the shade to last more on my lips and not budge. It is quite BOLD for me but am extremely enjoying and being showered with compliments. Approved. (Detailed Review)

Nars Anita (Audacious Collection) - Nars again. Audacious lipsticks are one of my favorite launches this year. Texture is uber smooth and pigmentation is fab even the nude shades! This color can be defined as nude/muted dark pink. My Go-To when stepping out casually. (Detailed Review)

(L - R) Nars Deadly Catch, Nars Lip Pencil, YSL Rouge Volupte, Nars Anita and Clinique 01.

YSL Rouge Volupte in No.9 - I've used this lippy to the core (as you can tell....). YSL Rouge Volupte's are must haves. The fact i fell in love with them year back and still continue to obsess over it is a evidence in itself. From texture to pigmentation to color selection to luxurious packaging, this baby ticks all boxes. 

Nars Satin Lip Pencil in YU - Fuchsia Fuchsia...every body loves a good fuchsia. And this one is my favorite. Nars Lip pencils are great investments, trust me you will not regret buying them (coming from a girl who owns over 6 of them and counting...). I feel instantly glam in them. (Detailed Review)

Clinique Chubby Stick in 01 Curviest Caramel - Hydrating and pigmented. A throw on color when you can't be bothered to wear much makeup or when your lip need some extra moisture. (Detailed Review)

Since we are talking about lipsticks, 2 of my favorite lip tools are Zoeva portable lip contour brush (No.330) and Sephora sharpener. Reasonably priced, brilliant quality and will last you ages.  

If you wish to read detailed reviews on above mentioned lipsticks. Click on links given.

Love

NARS Virtual Domination Palette | Review

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Nars Again!! | Audacious Lipsticks

Hello Angels

Consumed by NARS products lately.. Hope you guys don't mind the over dose!

So jumping right into it - Nars Audacious Lipsticks. 

These babies were everywhere and created quite a rave. But given the price and the fact that i wasn't really in need of another lipstick, i resisted the urge! (Well done me!!). Now as my luck would have it, i was kindly invited to a Nars Master Makeup class last week. All attendees went back home with 3 Audacious lipsticks in our goody bag!!! 

My heart skipped a bit or two. The bullet is Sexy! Heavy, black metallic body with magnetic closure. The texture is smooth and creamy. Super pigmented, even nude shades. One swipe is all it takes. 

Among the 3 i love love 'Anita' the most, a muted rose color. Annabelle is a gorgeous bright red. Claudia is too bright for my skin tone but the color is beautiful. Nars just gained 1000 brownie points for launching these absolute stunners.

Tip - For a lasting effect set using powder and then go for a second coat. 

The collection houses 40 shades from nudes to brights. I love how they named each lipstick. You are sure to find either yours or a friends name in the collection. With Christmas around the corner, they would make a lovely gift to a dear one.  

I totally get you if you treat yourself with these babies (just saying!!!). Yay or Nay???!!

Available at Sephora approx AED165/USD38

Love

Nars 2014 Holiday Collection | Laced with Edge

Hello Angels

Nars releases are always looked forward to with much anticipation. The 2014 Holiday and Gifting collection especially seemed very appealing to me! 

Nars Laced with Edge... 

The floral design on the packaging makes this collection very unique. Whenever brands do special edition packaging, i simply got to have them.

The range is vibrant and chic. My absolute favorite from the collection is the Almeria Blush (a tan rose color), Deadly Catch Lipstick (Crimson Red) and Femme Fleur (Brick Red with little shimmer).

Am a pink-blush lady but this one color looks stunning and very Autumn-y. Paired with Femme Fleur, you get the perfect bronzed kinda look. Femme Fleur is a gorgeous daily wear nude, that will be much loved for sure. 

The eye shadows are glittery, which goes with the 'Holiday' theme, but on the other hand makes them suitable for special occasion to someone like me. 'Gabon', the shimmery black is apt for smokey eye.

L -R, Femme Fluer, Deadly Catch and Adriatic

Opal Coast (Pearl white shimmer), Canberra (Lilac) and Gabon (Golden shimmer infused black)

I would definitely recommend testing out the blush and 2 lipsticks mentioned. What do you think of the collection? Have you checked out the Virtual Domination Cheek Palette from their gifting collection?? Am debating over placing an order...Help

Love

Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Balm | Review

Hello Angels

Whilst slipping a Chubby Stick into my shopping basket, i was thinking in my mind ' mmm...let's see what all that fuss about you is, doll!!'

The shade i picked, Curviest Caramel is a nude pink. 

Lip Balm infused with Lipstick, is perhaps the best definition. Thumbs up on a  moisturizing and pigmentation front. Past 3+ hours it leaves a hint of color behind. I love when lipsticks does that, completely serves the purpose right?

The shade has a slight sheen to it but since am a 'no shine on lips' person, i dab my fingers after application to create a matte look.

All shades available are on the darker side except for this one i picked. So girls who love their light pinks and light nudes, this collection may let you down tad bit. It contains Castor seed oil, Shea butter and Mango seed butter, which explains the good moisture lock. 

I would definitely recommend the product and this shade especially, which is soon becoming my favorite after Nars Cruella.

Cost AED102/USD17

Are you a chubby stick fan? Let me know your fav shade if so......

Love

Nars Dual Intensity Eye Shadows | O My My!

Hello Angels

I am not an eye shadow person neither do i experiment with different colors. I go for 'Safe' choices. Versions of Brown, light gold, taupe is what I've ventured into till date. Last month when invited to the Nars Dubai launch event, a product that caught my attention was the Dual Intensity Eye shadows.

The makeup artist generously gave me a full fledged Demo and since then I've been waiting for the official launch. After spending a decent amount of time, i settled for Himalia (lighter shade) and Subra (dark shade) 

Can we start with the packaging? How ADORABLE do these mini Nars boxes look! The boxes are magnetic and you can stack them up too. Cool! 

The texture is smooth and creamy. The dark shade looks intense in the pan but when applied is much sheer and build-able. The lighter shade is more shimmery/ but well pigmented at the same time. Moving on to the best part, using them wet. Holy Moly, am impressed. Simply wet your eye liner brush and take a generous amount of the product. No it doesn't transform into a gel liner consistency. Think of a gel cream eye shadow texture but 3x better. 

I prefer using them wet and then blending them out. When used wet, the color resembles more to what they appear in pan, the application is more even and creates a subtle metallic look. 

The product is yet to launch in Dubai. But available online at Nordstrom for AED114/USD29. Look out for the color Giove. This shade looks amazing too.

Love

The Ultimate Shimmer Brick | Bobbi Brown

Hello Angels

Several brands have launched versions of shimmer/blush brick palettes this year. I've been mostly an observer and never really bothered to test one. Until Bobbi Brown's shimmer brick caught my eye and was instantly sucked in! The shade i went for is called Pink Quartz

Now let me tell you, when i first tried it out on myself, the amount of shimmer that accumulated on the brush did create panic wave in me. But after application, i was far far from looking anywhere close to a disco ball. It doesn't really appear as an extra layer of shimmer or highlighter but looks very much a part of your blusher. For a bronzed goddess look concentrate more on the brown shades.

What it does : 

• It leaves a luscious layer of shine not glitter!
• Lifts your cheekbones, and gives a very dewy look.
• Adds a touch of pink to your cheeks, giving it a healthy glow.
• Works really well as eye shadow too

I've had my fair share of favorites among highlighters (Mary Lou by The Balm and Devotee by Nars). However, this one from Bobbi Brown being a color infused highlighter, definitely gets a few bonus points.

 

So, if your in the market for a shimmer, not for the regular golden or pearl white shade, but for a more pink tone, dewy one, this product will beautifully serve the purpose. The product comes in a standard but lush Bobbi Brown palette with a pretty huge mirror. Cost AED255. Available online for US$45.

That being said, i am very much intrigued to know how a drugstore shimmer brick will perform in comparison. I will keep you guys posted on worthy substitutes, if any!

Tried any of the Shimmer bricks? What is your favorite product for highlight?

Love

NARS in Middleeast | Review

Hello Angels

This header would make all those living in the middle east extremely happy. The rest of you, were long blessed with Nars at local stores unlike us, who had to ship them all the way to this part of the world. 

Starting October, Nars will be available at Sephora Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates. Woop Woop....

I've used their Narsissist Cheek Palette and 2 Lipsticks (and i sooooo love them). Nars products are not only known for their amazing quality, the Brand as managed to create a unique identity of its own in the beauty world.

So let's get cracking on some of their most popular products...

Nars Satin Lip Pencil/Crayon - Yu (Bright Pink)

Nars Lip Pencils are one of their Must Have products. These are (take my word) Ah-Mazing!.  The packaging is super cute. I love the Crayon Pencil feel. Texture wise buttery smooth satin finish with fantastic pigmentation. Glides easily over your lip and blends in smoothly. Dryness you ask? Nope i say.

The color lasted me long ( i.e. battled a heavy Lunch at cheesecake factory, coffee and a sinful piece of cake). By end of day, it did fade away but left a lovely hint of color behind. Am definitely bagging MORE of these for sure, perhaps when am at London next week. I don't think i can wait until October!!

Cost - US$25

Lip Gloss - Priscilla

This shade is the perfect lip gloss for Yu Lip Pencil.
Non sticky - This is the most important, qualifying criteria when it comes to lip glosses. These glosses are slightly (very slightly) sticky. Nothing disturbing. The pigmentation is excellent, no fragrance and can i say i LOVE how lush these glosses look in their packaging. The coverage differs from sheer to creamy mostly based on colors. Enriched with Vitamin E.

Available in over 20 shades. Next on my wish list is Turkish Delight and Orgasm. Cost US$26

Duo Eye Shadow Palette - Kauai

Moving on to Duo eye shadow releases by Nars. This one called Kauai, comes with 2 lovely shades  - Gold and Purple. The 2 colors can be used in combination or individually. Creamy, non greasy, fantastic pigmentation and build-able.

When used wet, these can be used as eye liners!! Now that totally sold me out. Wet your brush and dab into the product. I personally use the purple one more as an eyeliner.

Multi purpose products are complete value for money. Cost US$35

So how Nars crazy are you? Got any recommendations for me?

Love

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