If I’d moved to New York all those years ago when the idea seemed like the greatest idea in the world, the NARS Fall 2011 collection would have been like my cool city friend. She would have strut down streets late at night wearing Helmet Lang dresses, black lace tights and sky-high stilettos, guiding us to all the best underground clubs and bars (long before they were written up in the New York Times).
I think there’s something very urban about this latest collection from NARS. While Summer 2011‘s carefree golds, greens and teals made me want to spend the day at the beach, these fall shades make me want to dress up and meet friends at a trendy restaurant downtown.
The nine piece collection for eyes, lips and nails (no blush this time) sets dark, bold hues against soft, subtle tones. I’m thinking gals with skin that sings in cool-toned dove gray, silvery taupe, rich plum and true blue will really like what they see when it arrives on NARS counters July 15.
I’ll post a few looks and detailed reviews soon, but for now, here’s a quick look at the entire collection, along with some swatches.
NARS Fall 2011 Collection
Outremer Single Eyeshadow, $23
Grand Palais Duo Eyeshadow (Limited Edition), $33
Delphes Trio Eyeshadow (Limited Edition), $45
Oasis Lip Gloss (Limited Edition), $24
Train Bleu Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, $24
Pago Pago Lipstick, $24
Montego Bay Pure Matte Lipstick (left) and Mascate Pure Matte Lipstick (right), $25 each
Galion Nail Polish (Limited Edition), $17
NARS Fall 2011: Swatches on NC42 skin
Eyeshadows from the left: Outremer Single Eyeshadow (first swatch), Grand Palais Duo Eyeshadow (second and third swatches), Delphes Trio Eyeshadow (fourth, fifth and sixth swatches)
Lip products from the left: Oasis Lip Gloss, Train Bleu Velvet matte Lip Pencil, Pago Pago Lipstick, Montego Bay Pure Matte Lipstick, Mascate Pure Matte Lipstick
Galion Nail Polish
Outremer Single Eyeshadow, Grand Palais Duo Eyeshadow (taupe side) and Delphes Trio Eyeshadow on eyes
Oasis Lip Gloss on lips
Train Bleu Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
Pago Pago Lipstick
Montego Bay Pure Matte Lipstick
Mascate Pure Matte Lipstick
Well, what do ya think? I see a few things that will probably behave a little better on gals with cooler skin tone than mine, but I see some really pretty pieces here. I’m definitely drawn to the eyeshadow trio and the duo’s silvery taupe. And even though the blue shadow looks sheer in the swatches, it’s awfully easy to build with a brush.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Hope the rest of your Monday went well. I can’t believe it’s already after eight! Seriously, where the heck did today go?
Oh, remember that dress I mentioned I ordered late last week from Lulus.com? It just arrived (that’s fast shipping!). Hmm… I wonder what makeup looks and accessories might go well with it.
What are you up to tonight? How was your day?
mariagrace says
Great post!
Q: How do you like their lip glosses? Do you find they glop up?
Karen says
Thanks, Mariagrace!
I like the consistency of their glosses and don’t usually have any problems with them glopping up. They do have a very strong plasticy scent, though, that might be an issue for you.
Erin says
I’ve been looking forward to swatches of this! I will be getting the eyeshadow trio and Oasis l/g!
Karen says
Great choices, Erin! Both are gorgeous.
Andrea says
Love the nail polish and your necklace is it heavy?, It surprising but the blue of the eyeshadow box looks so marine blue on you. I also like the matte lipstick.
Karen says
LOL, yeah, the necklace is pretty heavy. There’s lots of chains and beads and random stuff!
Paris B says
The Delphes trio looks pretty (and I like how cool the collection is which is great for me) but the middle shade in the trio looks a little chalky. Is it smooth or do you need to layer to get it to show?
Karen says
Hi Paris,
Here I used it as a liner on the lower lash line, and I didn’t have any issues with it. I’m gonna play with it a little more today, but from what I’ve seen so far it’s smooth and not chalky.
Jamie says
Pretty pieces for fall…I like those matte lippies…
Karen says
Both are great colors that could easily transition into other seasons. 🙂
Ann says
really want to try the Delphes trio!
Karen says
That’s a good one!
Sonya says
GAH love the duo! Love the lipsticks! LOVE Nars and will definitely have to pick up some of these beautiful products!!!
Karen says
Awesome, Sonya! Glad to hear you like this release. 🙂
Ariel says
That trio looks SO awesome for fall.
Karen says
Right? Love the dove gray, especially.
Jessi says
Whew, i don’t see anything I HAVE to have.
I can’t get over how amazing you look in red lipstick Karen. No one can pull it off like you.
Karen says
Thanks, babe! Are you a red lippie kinda girl, too?
Happy Tuesday!
Jessi says
I try to be, but I need to find the right red llipstick. I’m so pale a lot of them just wash me out and overwhelm my face. So you know any you think would work?
Heidi says
Wow, loving the shadow duo and trio, as well as the lip gloss!
Karen says
The lip gloss is one of my fave pieces. 🙂
Glosslizard says
Mmmmmm, Delphes and Train Bleu! Nom! 😀
Karen says
Train Bleu would look amazingly goth on you!
jessica says
When is this coming out?
jessica says
Oh,nevermind,sorry I saw July 15!
jessica says
oh nevermind I saw the date
Jessica Leigh says
*SWOON*
Karen says
That happens to me when I see NARS, too!
Aleksis says
Mmmmm fall…:) You look great with a dark lip!
Karen says
Thanks! I feel kinda gothy, but dark lips are fun every once in a while.
meimei says
Ooo, I want Oasis and Train Bleu Velvet now!
Karen says
They’d both look great together!
terry says
If only if Outremer is as bright and vivid as it looks in the pan…=D
Karen says
It actually builds really well — you can get it to look that bright, it just takes a few layers. I’ll do an post w/it soon! 🙂
Stephanie says
OMG.. this is bad for my wallet. This collection has all of my favorite colors in it.
Karen says
Aren’t the shades fun? I love that dove gray.
gio says
Love the eyeshadow trio. The shades are perfect for fall.
Karen says
They are! I almost want to bust out my fall clothes!
raquel says
Pago pago lipstick is a winner for me!Thanks Karen for the swatches
Karen says
Hi Raquel,
It should be a fantastic everyday sort of shade!
Rae says
Ohh my god, this entire collection looks absolutely stellar!
Karen says
It’s gorgeous, right?
Sally says
I always love fall collections and especially the plummy colors but I can never justify enough reasons to get it because of the price. I’ll be eyeing that Grand Palais Duo Eyeshadow though. 🙁
Karen says
The taupe side in that duo is amazing! It’s worth a swatch when you hit up the NARS counter next month. 🙂
Lulle says
Mascatte Pure Matte lipstick really looks gorgeous on you! I’m not really convinced any shade would be suitable for me though… Maybe the Train Bleu pencil.
Karen says
That pencil is so fun! The look is kinda ’90s but I love it. 🙂
Jennifer says
what kinda color is montego bay? is it just pink or berry?
(it looks similar to pure matte bangkok at some point.)
Karen says
Hi Jennifer,
Montego Bay is a rosy pink. I have Bangkok, and Montego Bay has more rose and less blue.
Candace says
Hey Karen, just wondering what colour the Galion nail polish is (or is described as) – kind of a navy blue, or dark gray, or something else entirely? Is it a creme? It looks gorgeous!
Karen says
Hi Candace,
It’s a deep gray with a creamy finish.
Advah says
Oh Nars. They get me every time with that pretty, oh so satisfying packaging.. And as someone with a cooler skintone I might have to go take a closer look at the collection!
Karen says
These shades should pop on you, Advah!
Advah says
Me again. I can’t stop staring at those eyeshadow duo and trio. Damn you Nars!
Bun Bun Makeup Tips says
My goodness! The Outremer Single Eyeshadow was glaring out of my screen into my eyes! What a bright blue!
Karen says
Yup, it’s bright!
Vonvon says
Loving the duo and trio.
And love the last look you did with the red lipstick!
Karen says
Thanks, Vonvon!
kalcedon says
This collection is soooo me. I mean, Grand Palais, Delphes and Oasis are just screaming my name and calling me… and I need to save money :S… :D.
Karen says
Great picks, Kalcedon! You’ll be able to do some lovely looks with those three.
Chris25 says
I love the Oasis lip gloss. Lately I have been layering glosses over lipsticks, and this looks like it’ll pair well with NYX Doll or Wet n Wild Wine Room.
I am getting ready to take the Columbia Admissions Exam today. Wish me luck!
Karen says
Sending you sooooo much good luck today, Chris! I know you’ll kick ass on your exam!
Ali says
Hi Karen,
Could you show the shadows with the Smudgeproof eyeshadow base; especially the trio and outremer? Much thanks!! And I know the girls on Specktra are enjoying this post!!!!!!!!!! This collection is very downtown. The Mascate on you is a great Fall look!!!!
Karen says
Hi Ali,
Sure. The lighting here is kinda BLAH since it’s raining right now, but I plan on doing more reviews of the eye makeup later on today and will make a note to add pics of the products on top of Smudgeproof.
BTW, I heart Specktra! It’s a really great source of info and the ladies there are THE BEST!
Nina says
i would like both matte lip lipsticks plzzzz! 🙂
you look sooo pretty in that picture, Karen!
Karen says
I think you’ll really like both of those shades. They’re classics you can wear forever!
How’s the weather out your way? Believe it or not, right now it’s raining her in Nor Cal!
Nina says
its weird – really hot but feels like rain. 🙂
Karen says
I’d rather have hot than cold! I’m wearing a sweatshirt and long pants, boo.
Nina says
im in a dress, a sleeveless one! i hardly wear sleeveless stuff to work but its just too too hot for anything more.
jen says
That Delphes Trio Eyeshadow looks gorgeous! The light color looks like Smasbox’s Nectar in the photo?? Is it peachy or champagney?
Karen says
Hi Jen,
It’s more peachy, and it has tiny bits of silver glitter. SO CUTE!
Kim says
Wow, Outremer in the pan makes me want to do the electric slide. 🙂 There are a lot of nice lip options here, but I’m currently loving my new MAC lipglass that came in yesterday. I think I’ll wear it every day for, oh, I don’t know… ever? 🙂 Love, love, LOVE the EvRev!!!
Karen says
GURL, you went there! I actually can still do the electric slide, haha!
Ooh — when you get a chance, put on a layer of EvRev outside and check it outside in the sunlight. The little sparkles are amazing! I like to think of it as the “secret shimmer.”
Kim says
HAHA! I thought you’d like that!
I’m loving it in every light. I put it on yesterday and then made kissy faces at the Hubs until he said it was lovely. I was then like “ooh, and smell.. it’s divine”. He did. He’s a patient fella; and, let’s be honest, it smells great! I like it so much that I’ve reapplied twice today. And this from the girl who only uses lip products once a month at best. 🙂
Becca says
That red lip is perfection. I think I might need it.
Karen says
Hi Becca,
You can never go wrong with red lips. I think that shade would look especially pretty paired with Outremer applied wet as a cat eye liner.
Rene says
Oh fantastic!
I see 2 things i’d love to get already.
Thanks for the post and swatches Karen. Always so helpful!
Karen says
Hi Rene,
What pieces are you thinking of picking up?
Jen in VA says
In love with this collection, nude lipstick but the Delphes eye palette is a must have!!!
Karen says
That one’s really pretty. There’s a little bit of fallout with the peach shade, but if you use a flat eyeshadow brush and really pack it on it’s not a problem.
Julia says
Oh for love of Pete, I haven’t had my Wonder lip gloss a month, and already NARS is throwing new stuff at me? I’m a warm toned one like you, Karen, and I think the Montego Bay lipstick and the eyeshadown trio (OMG!) are purrrrrrfect for us! 🙂 Have a great Tuesday!
Saffron says
Whew, lovely but not for redheads! AMAZING photos tho Karen, when I was first reading the post I thought they were press photos and then I saw the swatches – dang! Thanks for the review, what a weird fall it will be when I of the infinitely autumn complexion buy the clinique shadow but not the nars. Also: DYING to see Johnny Weir’s fall MAC collection!
Karen says
I saw that! He’s a good fit for the line, and I can totally see him rocking some crazy eyeshadow.
BTW, did you know I interviewed him last year?
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/beauty-tips/makeup-tips-from-olympic-skater-johnny-weir/
Saffron says
Aweeesome! Thanks for sharing the link! Yeah winter collections tend to be sparkle heavy so I live in hope for this one, and hope Mac does something equally awesome for fall as I’ve been unimpressed with fall collections so far. (Where unimpressed = they wouldn’t look good on yours truly, and you know, it’s all about me. 😛 )
Chynna says
Oasis gloss is back! I lost my LE Sephora exclusive and was so bummed. I’m thrilled to see it back, even if it’s still LE. I guess I’ll have to get 2.
Karen says
If it’s a fave then be sure to stock up. 🙂 I always do when it comes to LE stuff that makes it back on the shelves.
Have a great Tuesday!
Amanda says
Very nice! I love the eyeshadows and the Montego Bay matte lipstick. Thanks for the swatches!
Larie says
That last red lipstick looks awesome on you, Karen! The dark velvet lip pencil, too. Different, but beautiful!
Karen says
Thanks, Larie. Do you think you might pick anything up?
Emma RZ says
Wow! In love with almost everything in that collection especially the eye shadows and nail polish. Not quite so in love with the prices though. And releasing a fall collection in July?! Summer’s barely started in some states and it’s only just starting to get meltingly hot here in the mid-West.
Jae says
ooooh, i’m liking the outremer e/s, grand palais duo, oasis l/g and mascate matte lippy! with the boo boo weather we’re having right now, i’m definitely dressed for fall…wool slacks, black l/s sweater, BOOTS! i was really sad when I had to drag it out of my winter box in the BACK of the closet this morning. can summer please come back though?! ;p
Karen says
I know! I can’t believe I’m wearing long pants, a sweatshirt and socks! It’s freezing here in the bay today.
Makeupbyti says
Lovely post! Looking forward to checking the fall collection out from Nars!
Karen says
Thanks! What are your faves from the collection so far?
Makeupbyti says
Outremer Single Eyeshadow, such an gorgeous blue color! Also, Mascate Pure Matte Lipstick, a great color on you. What’s your fav?
Meta says
Hi Karen!
I think you’re wanting to type ‘Helmut” Lang as opposed to Helmet Lang. 😉
Celia says
Hmm. So Oasis l/g is a continuing trend of making l/g or l/s to match their blushes (ie Oasis blush)? Looks really pretty, though I do love Oasis blush too.
I wonder why no blush, but maybe they’ll repromote existing/permanent?
I love all the e/s, especially the Grand Palais duo & Delphes trio.
Brooke says
I’m really liking the Oasis gloss and Montego Bay lipstick! I also like the lighter color in the Grand Palais Duo, but I’m not sure if I could pull of the darker shade. Ugh, I wish NARS wasn’t so expensive!
Olivia T. says
Need that gloss! To bad I’m broke.
Linda R says
OMG Woman!…………….you look terrific in all these gorgeous colors. My wishlist will consist of;
Oasis gloss, Montego Bay lipstick, Delphes Trio and the Grand Palais Duo. Thats it for now, I’m gonna have to figure out how to pay for all of this. You are such an enabler!!!!!! Luv it though.
nelle says
I love the outremer eyeshadow that electric blue color is popping! But the Oasis gloss reminds me of Fashion Fair Lip Teasers in Vex, very similar color and shimmer.
The Shoptometrist says
Hi Karen! I have very similar coloring to you and I’ve been wearing the Outremer eyeshadow as an eyeliner since it came out. I have never gotten so many compliments on an eyeliner. I prep with the Nars eyeshadow base (no eyeshadow) and use a fine, angled eyeliner brush (Trish McEvoy #11). I dip the tip of the brush in a little bit of water before putting the color on it (not so much that it goes on watery, but somewhere between a liquid and a powder), and then line my eyes three quarters of the way, making a thin line as close to the lashline as possible, and winging upwards very slightly at the ends. Head on, you can’t see that it’s an electric blue (it just seems black) but when you get up close, you get a flash of blue from certain angles. I can even get away with it for work. It’s great when paired with just a polished, light lip and minimal makeup, and pin straight hair or bangs. I love wearing it with navy blue clothing – very chic.