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Showing posts with label NARS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NARS. Show all posts

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Swatches + Review: Nars NARSissist Unfiltered I Cheek Palette (Limited Edition)


NARS Unfiltered I Cheek Blush Palette Limited Edition Review

Nars NARSissist Unfiltered I Cheek Palette ($59, Limited Edition) - The palette is made of plastic and comes with a full size mirror. Each pan is exactly the same size as the deluxe sample size and contains 3.5g/0.12oz of product. (Nars' full size blushers each contain 0.16oz/4.8g for $30; therefore the palette is valued at $131.25.)


Monday, August 8, 2016

Swatches + Review: Nars Nordstrom's Best Cheek Palette + Dior Intemporalle Blush Palette


Nordstrom Anniversary 2016 Beauty Haul Review Dior Label Glowing Color Blush NARS Best Cheek Palette

NARS Nordstrom's Best Cheek Blush Palette 2016 Limited Edition Review

Nars Nordstrom's Best Cheek Palette ($65, Limited Edition) - The palette has the standard Nars rubber packaging and is very sleek. It's valued at $124. Each pan is exactly the same size as the deluxe sample size

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2016 NARS Best Cheek Palette Orgasm Blush Laguna Bronzer Deluxe Sample Size

NARS Best Cheek Palette 2016 Packaging Review Travel Size

NARS Best Cheek Blush Palette 2016 Pan Size Packaging Comparison Laguna Bronzer

Scent: It's fragrance-free.

Shades: It comes with 4 blushes, a highlight and a bronzer. So, it basically has all the cheek products that you need and is great for travel. 
  • Orgasm (3.5g/0.12oz) is a peachy pink with gold shimmers.
  • Deep Throat (3.5g/0.12oz) is a soft pink with a golden sheen. When compared to Orgasm, Deep Throat leans more coral and is less shimmery.
  • Albatross (3.5g/0.12oz) is a pale ivory with gold shimmers. When applied to the tops of my cheekbones, it leaves a gorgeous golden sheen and does not look chalky at all. This is a shade that you have to try on your skin because swatches do not do it justice.
  • Luster (3.5g/0.12oz) is an apricot shade with a golden sheen.
  • Desire (3.5g/0.12oz) is a cotton candy pink with a matte finish. It looks bright when swatched on my arms, but when applied to my cheeks, it looks more wearable and flattering on my warm, NC30/35 skin tone.
  • Laguna (3g/0.1oz) is a brown with gold shimmers. The one in the palette looks more neutral toned compared to the deluxe sample, which looks warmer. 
Formula: The pigmentation is sheer, but can easily be layered. They also blend into the skin nicely and are very easy to work with.

Longevity: I generally don't have issues with cheek products in terms of longevity. The ones in the Nars palette last at least 8 hours without fading when worn over foundation + setting powder. (For reference, I have cheeks that are neither dry nor oily.)


Monday, July 18, 2016

Swatches + Review: Nars Long Hot Summer Eyeshadow Palette, Orgasm Blush, Audacious Lipsticks and Velvet Lip Liners


NARS Long Hot Summer Eyeshadow Palette Audacious Lipstick Velvet Lip Liner Collection Swatches Review

NARS Long Hot Summer Eyeshadow Palette Review 2016 Collection
(Direct Sunlight)
Nars Long Hot Summer Eyeshadow Palette ($45, Limited Edition) - The palette is about three-fourth the size of my hand and measures approximately 3.80 inches x 0.25 inches x 2.20 inches. It's very sleek and travel-friendly. Each shade contains 0.03oz/1g of product. Nars' individual eyeshadows retail $25 (with compact) for 0.07oz/2.2g and $18 in pan form.
  • Long Hot Summer I is a shimmering cream.
  • Long Hot Summer II is a bronze taupe with a shimmery finish.
  • Bellissima II is a matte gray-brown. This shade is also available in the duo compact
  • Long Hot Summer III is a shimmering copper.
  • Long Hot Summer IV is a shimmering warm brown.
  • Bengali is a matte rich chocolate brown. Out of all the shades in this palette, Bengali is the only one that's available individually. 
Formula: The eyeshadows have great pigmentation, layer well and blend easily. Just make sure to tap off any excess before applying so you don't experience major fallout. I usually apply my eye makeup before foundation so I can easily wipe away any shimmers that have fallen down my cheeks or underneath my eyes. 

Longevity: They last at least 8 hours without fading or creasing. (For reference, I have extremely oily lids and always wear a primer underneath as a base.)


Saturday, May 21, 2016

Swatches + Comparisons: By Terry Rouge Terrybly and Nars Sheer, Satin & Semi Matte Lipsticks


Nars Lipstick Collection Haul Swatches Review

I purchased a few items from Beauty.com during their 20% OFF Friends and Family Event, which is still going on now and ends May 28, 2016. It's one of my favorite online retailers because I get 5% back in the form of beauty.com dollars, which can be spent on a future purchase, on top of however much cashback I get from Ebates, Mr.Rebates or TopCashBack. ^_^


Friday, April 15, 2016

Swatches + Comparison: Loose and Pressed Matte Powders by Surratt and NARS


Nars Surratt Loose Pressed Matte Mattifying Setting Powders Collection Comparison Review

I already made a post about setting powders; however, most of the products mentioned have been discontinued. So, I decided to make an updated post about the powders that I have been enjoying. 

I have an extremely oily t-zone and normal (not dry or oily) skin on the rest of my face. I find that when I don't set my foundation with a powder, my skin gets more oily throughout the day and my makeup tends to move or fade. So, I always set my face with a powder.

Generally, in the winter, I'll pair a luminous powder with a mattifying foundation or a mattifying powder with a dewy foundation to prevent over drying my skin & emphasizing dry spots. In the summer, I'm more likely to pair a mattifying foundation with a mattifying powder to prevent my greasy t-zone from looking like it got attacked by a lump of lard.


Friday, April 8, 2016

Swatches + Review: NARS Laguna Tiare Bronzer, Mie Kabuki Brush + Goulue Blush


NARS Regular Laguna vs Limited Edition Tahiti Tiare Version Dupe Review

After trying out the NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint (review), I decided to check out more products from the brand. Besides the items mentioned in this post, I also purchased some of their loose and pressed powders, which I will review later. 


Friday, April 1, 2016

First Impressions: NARS Laguna Tiare Bronzer (Limited Edition)


NARS Laguna Tiare Bronzer Limited Edition Review 2016

The NARS Tahiti Bronze Collection 2016 has just launched at Nordstrom and Sephora. I just wanted to give you guys a heads up since the Laguna Tiare Bronzer ($59 for 10g/0.35oz) is limited edition. The one that comes in the single compact retails $39 for 0.28oz.

First Impressions: The plastic compact is embossed with a wood grain texture that looks absolutely gorgeous. It has a faint monoi scent during application and smells stronger when I sniff the pan.

The Laguna Tiare Bronzer is a rich brown and contains gold shimmers, which are only noticeable under direct sunlight. The shimmers are actually undetectable under artificial lighting. I've been really enjoying it as a bronzer. I like that it warms up my NC30/35 skin tone without looking orange. It also mimics the look of a tan that can look natural with a light hand or dramatic with a heavy hand. 

The bronzer also comes with a travel brush. The head of the brush is actually full size, while the handle is shorter compared to the regular Ita Kabuki brush ($55). I personally don't use it to apply the Laguna bronzer because I prefer a round, fluffy brush, such as the Sonia Kashuk #19 Tapered Powder brush, for that type of application. The shape of the travel Ita brush is actually more suitable for contouring when used with matte powder products. It's narrow enough to create a chiseled look with one sweep and fluffy enough to blend out harsh lines with barely any effort. 

A full review and swatches will be posted in a few days can be found here!
Will you be getting anything from this collection?

This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.

Saturday, February 20, 2016

Swatches + Comparisons - Nars Velvet Matte Skin Tint and Brushes


Nars Velvet Matte Skin Tint St. Moritz Alaska Groenland Brush Haul Review

I tend to gravitate towards foundations that provide medium coverage with a matte finish. Therefore, I usually stay away from tinted moisturizers, which often provide a luminous finish and minimal coverage. However, the Nars Velvet Matte Skin Tint is not your traditional tinted moisturizer, which is why I decided to give it a try. 


Friday, January 8, 2016

Swatches + Review: Dior Spring 2016 Forever Foundation + Powder

Dior Spring 2016 Makeup Collection Swatches

The Dior Forever Flawless Perfection Fusion Wear Makeup SPF 25 has been one of my favorite foundations for the past few years and I'm so sad that's it's being discontinued; however, it's being replaced with the Forever Everlasting Wear Pore-Refining Effect Foundation SPF 35, which sounds promising (and a mouth full).


Sunday, January 3, 2016

Swatches + Comparisons - Collective Haul (Guerlain, Nars, Urban Decay, MUFE)


Chanel Small Eyeshadow Brush #15 Review

I had some of these products for a few months and others for a few years. -_-
I decided to group them together in one big post with mini reviews instead of making separate posts.


Sunday, November 25, 2012

NARS Coupon Code 2012: 20% OFF Friends + Family Sale


NARS is having  20% OFF Friends + Family Sale* with free shipping on any order. Offer valid on Monday, November 26th at 12:00am ET and ends on Tuesday, November 27th at 11:59pm ET. Enter coupon code NARSFF2012 at checkout.

*affiliate link

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Review + Comparison: Royal & Langnickel SILK Pro Synthetic Hair 12 PC Brush Set

case measures 10" x 0.45" x 8.75" when opened

The Royal & Langnickel SILK Pro 12pc Brush Set comes with 12 brushes, all of which are made from synthetic material and feel very soft like a bunny's bum. (Don't worry, no animals were harmed during the manufacturing process.) The bristles retain their shape very well and they do not splay, even without using the plastic brush guard that comes with the set. Also, I did not experience any shedding with any of the brushes.

case measures 4.75" x 0.85" x 8.75" when closed 

The C101 powder brush and C111 blush brush come with their own plastic brush guard.

Packaging: The 12pc set comes with a faux leather case, which is very slim, lightweight and travel friendly. It may seem like there are only 12 brush slots inside, but there are actually 14 brush slots because there is a tiny slot on each end of the case, which is perfect for storing brushes with a thin handle, such as the Royal & Langnickel C212, C441 and C491. Other brands of brushes will fit nicely in the case too.

The handles are attached to a nickel ferrule and are matte black, which looks attractive, classy and professional. They are also full-size, which is a major plus for me because (1) I like my brushes to look uniform and (2) they won't get lost or be hard to find if I store them in my brush holder.

Scroll down to find out how they perform individually!

Sonia Kashuk Large Powder Brush ~ C101 ~ C111 ~ Studio Gear #13

Sonia Kashuk Large Powder Brush ~ C101 ~ C111 ~ Studio Gear #13



Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C101 Powder Brush is ideal for applying setting powder and bronzer to the face, neck and decollete. The brush head is bigger, wider and denser than the C111 and Studio Gear #13 brush (review). The Sonia Kashuk brush is slightly wider at the tip and is not as dense. I find that the C101 gives me better control because of its density, but it also provides a light application of product because of its synthetic bristles. (Synthetic hairs tend to apply products more lightly than natural hairs.) For this reason, it always makes my makeup look natural and not cakey. (The brush takes about 11 hours to dry, but if you use a paper towel to absorb the excess water, then it'll take about 4.5 hours to dry. It measures 7 inches in total length. It can be purchased individually for $24.99.)

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C111 Blush Brush is ideal for applying blush and bronzer. The brush head is slightly longer and less dense than the Studio Gear #13 brush, but it is by no means flimsy. I love using it to apply highly pigmented blushers because it deposits the right amount of product without making me look like a clown. The tip of the brush has a wide oval shape and it's great for sweeping the product back and forth, upwards towards the hairline. The side of the brush can be used in a tapping motion for a precise application of product on the apple of the cheeks. (The brush takes about 11 hours to dry, but if you use a paper towel to absorb the excess water, then it'll take about 4 hours to dry. It measures 7.25 inches in total length. It can be purchased individually for $19.99.)

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C201 Foundation Brush is ideal for applying liquid and cream foundation. The brush head is thick and the bristles are not too flimsy, which allows it to apply the product evenly without streaking. It is also a great size for the face and it can get under the eye area really well when using the flat side of the brush. When using the tip, it fits nicely around the nose area and the small crevices of the face. (The brush takes about 5.5 hours to dry. It measures 7 inches in total length.)

C411 old version ~ C411 new version ~ C212 ~ C601

C411 old version ~ C411 new version ~ C212 ~ C601



Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C411 MD Eye Shader Brush is ideal for applying and blending eyeshadows. This brush comes with the 12pc set, but I also purchased it individually about a year ago and the handle is slightly longer and not as matte. The brush head is also thinner and firmer than the new version, which is thicker and fluffier, but it's by no means flimsy. It still offers great control and I actually prefer it over the old version because it's more multi-functional. It's great for (1) spot concealing and for applying cream eyeshadows because the bristles don't absorb as much product as natural bristles do and it distributes the product evenly, (2) for applying a sheer wash of color onto the lids or an intense amount when layered, (3) for defining the eye when using the tip of the brush, and (4) for softening harsh edges. This is definitely a must-have for me because I can kill at least 4 birds with this one brush. Ha! (It only takes about 3 hours to dry and measures 6.70 inches in total length. It can be purchased individually for $10.99. )

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C212 Concealer Brush is ideal for spot concealing and for applying eyeshadow on the upper & lower lash line. The brush is thin, firm and small, which allows it to provide excellent control. I love using it to apply powder eyeshadow on my upper lash line to set my eyeliner. It also works well for filling in the eyebrows because it deposits a light amount of product, thereby creating a more soft and natural appearance to the brows. Those with a smaller eye shape will find this brush to also be great for applying cream eyeshadows. (The brush only takes about 2 hours to dry. It measures 6 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C601 Lip Brush is ideal for applying lip products & eyeliner and for filling in the brows. Because the brush is thin and firm, the tip is great for shaping the mouth, while the side is great for filling in color. I also like using it to apply eyeliner because it allows me to create a line that's not too thick or too thin. It can also be used for applying eyeshadow on the lower lash line or upper lash line to set eyeliner and for filling in the eyebrows. When compared to the C212 brush, the C601 brush offers a more precise application and leaves a more concentrated amount of product. (The brush only takes about 2 hours to dry. It measures 6.75 inches in total length. It can be purchased individually for $4.99.)

Chanel #19 ~ NARS #12 ~ C422 ~ Inglot 80HP ~ C441


Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C422 Smudger Brush is ideal for highlighting the inner corner of the eye, applying eyeshadow on the outer corner of the eye and smudging. The Chanel #19 (review) is bigger and more suitable for crease work, while the C422 is firmer and more suitable for detail work. However, those with a small eye shape will find the C422 to be a more appropriate for crease work. The NARS #12 is flimsier and doesn't offer as much control. When compared to the Inglot 80HP, the C422 is just as firm, but it has a pointed tip, so it allows for a more precise application. It is one of my favorite brushes from this set because it's so versatile. (The brush only takes about 2 hours to dry. It measures 6.85 inches in total length. It can be purchased individually for $7.99.)

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C441 Liner Brush is ideal for detail work, lining the eyes, defining the outer v, and applying eyeshadow on the lower lash line. The bristles are densely packed and feel very firm. It's thinner and offers more precision than the C422. I thought that the C441 was going to be too thick for applying eyeliner, but it actually creates a line that's not too thick or too thin because it has a thin pointed tip. This has become another one of my favorites from this brush set. (It measures 6.50 inches in total length. It can be purchased individually for $5.99.)

C501 ~ C491 ~ C451 ~ C521

C501 ~ C491 ~ C451




Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C501 Angle Fluff Brush is ideal for crease work, blending eyeshadows and applying a sheer wash of color onto the lids. The bristles are not as densely packed as the C411 brush, but it's not too flimsy and still offers great control. The tip of the longer end of the brush fits perfectly right above the crease area and I love using it to apply my transition color. It's also great for defining the crease and for blending out light colors. (The brush only takes about 3 hours to dry. It measures 7 inches in total length. It can be purchased individually for $5.99.)

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C491 Angled Brow Brush is ideal for applying eyeliner and for filling in the brows. The brush is very thin and firm, so it allows you to get close to the lash line and to create a very thin & natural looking line. It also has an angled shape, so the tip of the longer end of the brush makes it easier to reach the inner corner of the eye. Therefore, I love using it to set my eyeliner with a powder eyeshadow. It's also great for shaping the brows if you prefer a more precise application. (The brush only takes about 2 hours to dry. It measures 6.25 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C451 Flat Eyeliner Brush is ideal for tightlining and for applying eyeshadow & eyeliner on the lower lash line. The brush is thin and firm, and it offers great control. It creates a line that's not too thick or thin; however, it's difficult to get into the inner corner of my upper lash line because I have hooded eyes. I prefer to use the brush to apply eyeshadow on my lower lash line because it gives a precise application and it doesn't tug or irritate my skin. (The brush only takes about 2 hours to dry. It measures 6 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro C521 Brow Lash Groomer Brush is ideal for shaping the brows and separating the lashes. I love using the metal comb to remove mascara clumps because it can easily separate each and every one of my lashes. The plastic ones just don't compare. Just be careful not to poke your eyes out with it because the metal teeth are really sharp. The spoolie end of the brush grooms the eyebrows into place and softens the color of your brow product to create a more natural appearance. (The brush measures 7 inches in total length. It can be purchased individually for $9.99 and it also comes with an additional brow comb that's attached on the back of the metal comb.)

Bottom Line: The 12pc brush set is a great addition to any brush collection and it's also very travel friendly. It has everything that you need for a perfect makeup application! Also, it comes down to about 10 bucks per brush, which is extremely reasonable for the quality that you're getting. I highly recommend it, especially for those who are an avid user of cream products or for those who are just starting out with makeup and want a well-rounded brush set.

Note: The Royal & Langnickel SILK Pro Synthetic Hair 12 PC Brush Set retails for $119.99 and some of the brushes can be purchased individually on their online store. Also, for a limited time, you can get 40% off using coupon code ROYAL40 at checkout. The 40% discount can be applied to ALL Royal & Langnickel products and will expire by the end of this week.

*This post contains affiliate links and the products mentioned were provided by the manufacturer for consideration. This does not affect my opinion about the products. I don't do paid or guaranteed reviews. My reviews are based on my own honest opinion.

Have you tried any brushes from Royal & Langnickel's Silk Pro Line?
Do you prefer to buy brushes individually to tailor to your needs
or in sets for a better value?

 
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