February 29, 2012

NARS Gaiety Blush NARS Douce France Trio Eyeshadow Review & Swatches

I’m feeling more like Valentine’s Day than Spring with some of the new NARS Spring 2012 Collections on my face today. What did you love from NARS Spring? Any keepers?

I personally get excited when they launch new blush shades but sadly Gaiety, the shade introduced for Spring, is matte. Matte, not where it’s at for me.

Damn.

But let’s take a look and see what sort of NARS deliciousness is brightening up my otherwise rainy day.

I love that NARS continues to introduce Trio Eyeshadows but sad they are only ever limited edition. You’d think they would have added these to the general catalog by now.

The NARS Trio Eyeshadow in Douce France is a trio of pinks. Not necessarily Spring shades in my opinion but quite elegant none the less however not recommended for those with dark circles as these shades can look mighty unflattering reflected off dark circles so be sure to conceal well prior to application should you indulge.

Shades include a soft cream pink, a baby pink, and a deeper rosy pink. All the colors contrast and play nicely together so you aren’t left with a mismatch of shades that don’t work well together. I think almost all the Trio Palettes I’ve tried have a nice formula but aren’t exactly up to par with shades from NARS’ original collection. Pigmentation and quality isn’t quite up the NARS’ standard and colors are a bit lacking. Douce France is a nice selection of mattes with a silky formula that blend seamlessly together however they could prove disappointing if you compare them to single or duo shades you already own and love from the brand.

As I mentioned above the shades are very Valentine-ish. They create a soft romantic look and paired up with liner border on very elegant however they don’t speak Spring to me in the long run. I love trending seasonal shades and typically expect pastels or some gorgeous warm shades of color for Spring, typically brands associate Spring Collections with Spring Break thus releasing an array of warm peaches and corals however pinks, well, they don’t speak Cancun to me and/or rebirth/renewal either.

In a matchy-match situation NARS also released Gaiety, a bright cotton candy shade of pink blush. I’m surprised they went with pink on eyes and cheeks. I’m one for matching cool shades with cool and warm with warm and rarely intertwining the two but I was surprised NARS decided to embrace the same technique. Gaiety goes nicely with the shades of shadow in the Douce France Trio however the brighter pink might not be everyone’s bag plus add matte to the bag and it proves disappointing for me, a little shimmer always makes for a happy Muse. However, the formula proves easy to blend and doesn’t come nearly as cotton candy pink as it does in the pan on my cheeks. Depending on your undertones the shade will look cooler or warmer. It’s not my favorite shade of blush from NARS to be honest but those who wanted a matte version (this is way brighter) of Angelika this might prove suitable.

NARS never rarely disappoints in terms of quality and performance and the only issues I had with these products was the shades. They just weren’t eventful or exciting enough for Spring for me. However, if you can put aside associating the colors with Spring there might just be a gem worthy of your indulgence here.

What did you get from the NARS Spring 2012 Collection?

Do share!

Available now at Sephora, Sephora.com, or online at narscosmetics.com

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Suzie

    Oh funny, I just purchased Gaity and it is my first Nars blush, and I love it! Granted, I love matte, shimmer is pretty but on my skin I like matte better. Now that I bought one Nars blush though, I kind of want to run out and buy more. 🙂

  • Victoria

    I love gaiety – it looks so fresh for spring. I think it would be gorgeous in a cream formula too. X

  • Dominique

    I purchased Gaiety and Douce France. This is it for the spring collection ! I tried the new gloss Larger than Life in Place Vendôme, great colour and very good texture.

  • electronicfly

    You know, I think I’ll get that trio eyeshadow to use as a blush palette instead! 😛

  • Prairie Peg

    I have the Gaiety bluch and Douce France already and now I NEED to get the Mexican Rose lip pencil (it’s so gorgeous!!). The Lhasa single e/s is also a mush have for me!