CCL |ˈsē ˈsē ˈel|
abbreviation
1 Short for Crazy Cat Lady. One who spends inordinate amounts of time talking to cats, taking pictures of cats, and wearing cat-themed attire: if you wear a t-shirt that reads, “Tabby, or not tabby — that is the question,” you might be a CCL.
This is going to sound totally CCL (what else in new?), but the main reason I’ve been dying to get my paws on the NARS Calanque Eyeshadow Trio ($45) is because the colors remind me of my favorite husky tabby.
That I know I’ll be able to wear each of the three powder eyeshadows — a sheer shimmery beige with silver glitter, a pigmented pearly golden beige and a shimmery brownish khaki — every day is just a bonus (I’m a ho for neutrals).
Yeah, $45… C’mon, Francois, give a girl a break. 🙂 Why so pricey? The darkest of the palette’s three shadows even drops a little fallout when I use it to give depth to the outer corners of my eyes, or when I’m lining my lash lines with it. Granted, it’s not as bad as the fallout from the brown shade in Clinique’s Milly Pretty for Prints Palette, which deposits an obnoxious amount of shadow on my cheeks, but it’s still noticeable enough to make me snarl (“hrmph!”) at the price.
Calanque swatches with the flash; for reference, I’m an NC35
Without the flash
The two lighter shadows, however, are straight outta my lusty neutral eyeshadow dreams — smooth and soft, like that first touch of skin against skin.
MAC fiends may recognize the lightest shade on the left. Doesn’t it look like a sheerer version of MAC Brule but with loads of delicate glitter? And the middle shade (LOVE IT) reminds me of a slightly taupe-ier version of MAC Ricepaper.
No doubt, NARS is asking a lot for Calanque ($45), but collectors and others who can live with a little fallout from the darkest shade might still want to take a look.
PRICE: $45
AVAILABILITY: At NARS counters and online
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B+/A-
You might like NARS Calanque if…
- You love NARS and neutral eye looks
- You can stomach the steep price
- You’re a die-hard fan of the brand
For more on the NARS spring 2011 collection, check out…
- NARS Spring 2011: A Few Lipstick and Gloss Combos to Consider
- NARS Spring 2011: Super Orgasm and Angelika Lip Glosses Usher in the Season Early
- Warming Up to the NARS Spring 2011 Collection
- A New Look at NARS Spring 2011 with Tzigane, Hollywoodland, Bateau Ivre and Nouveau Monde
- When NARS Springs for 2011, He Won’t Be Blushing
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. It’s Friday night. Do you know where your felines are? 🙂 Are you doing anything fun tonight? Come hell or high water, I am getting frozen yogurt tonight. That’s all I have to say. It is decided. THE END.
Heidi says
Shopping based on a cat inspiration? I see nothing wrong with that!
Those do look like gorgeous neutral shades.
Missy is currently waiting for me to light some candles. During the Christmas season I would light some candles on the coffee table every evening after dinner, and she would be absolutely fascinated by that ritual. Now she sits in front of the coffee table as soon as she sees I’m done with dinner and waits for me to come and light those candles! She is soooo weird!
Karen says
Cat are so funny with their rituals. 🙂
What are you up to this weekend?
Heidi says
Not sure yet. I’m going to postpone grocery shopping until after the Super Bowl. Can’t stand Trader Joe’s when crowds are stocking up on party food.
Karen says
That place was a madhouse. I drove by, looked at the parking lot and then was like, NOPE! We ended up going to Whole Paycheck instead.
Hope the rest of your weekend was great!
Meghan says
Oh that look is gorgeous, but like i said I wish it was a little more afforbable
Karen says
Me too!
stacie says
I;m loving that trio it looks like one you would use daily xoxox
Karen says
Totally!
Tasha says
Whahahah TABS!!!!
Karen says
<3
Lucie says
Boringgggg. I’m a total NARS hoe but this trio just isn’t doin’ it for me!
Karen says
What are your faves from Nars, Lucie?
Tasha says
Oh is there any vid of Tabs??? would love to see him in action!
Karen says
Hi Tasha,
He has a few! You can see him here:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/just-for-fun/sundays-with-tabs-the-cat-makeup-and-beauty-blog-mascot-vol-79/
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/just-for-fun/sundays-with-tabs-the-cat-makeup-and-beauty-blog-mascot-vol-65/
http://vimeo.com/2767962
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwzbTfrzadw&feature=channel
Rae says
LOL! Oh my god, the last photo makes my day 😀
The trio looks cute (alright, *super* cute), but for the price (and with the fallout), I’m not really feeling it. Any dupe rec’s for the darkest shade?
Karen says
The khaki side of the Cargo Eyeshadow Duo from the Voyages Safari Set looks a lot like it:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/cosmetics/get-free-shipping-on-cargo-the-cargo-cosmetics-collection-for-spring-2011/
snoopysteph says
Love it! But I’m on eyeshadow restriction…and after buying the Naked palette I don’t think I can justify buying any more neutrals anyway. 😀
Happy weekend, Karen!
Karen says
Happy weekend to you too, Steph. What are you up to today?
AnieJ says
Sounds like it would be more cost efficient to go pick out several MAC shades. Recently became addicted to Paint Pots, so I’m in!
Karen says
Love the Paint Pots! Which one’s your fave?
Tiffany says
lol, love that Tabs let you rest the box on his head 🙂
I decided today I should stop buying eyeshadows. I have enough for an army and don’t even wear it most days 🙁
Karen says
Aw, really? That’s no fun! Why don’t you wear it often? Is it a time thing?
Tiffany says
yeah, I’m usually too lazy before work, so I’ll just wear it on weekends/days off…
Karen says
Hmm. Maybe switch to cream shadows? That way you can just use a finger to apply and don’t really have to bother with blending…
As you can see I’m not gonna let you go down without a fight, LOL!
mela says
Hero and I are enjoying a quiet Friday night cuddle 🙂
Calanque is gorgeous, but too similar to a lot of things I own, but I plan on checking out the new NARS boutique next weekend when I go up to NYC for a job interview! I can’t wait to play with Okinawa trio…blue, white and gray? looks like Hero!
CCL <3
Karen says
Hi Mela,
Good luck with the job interview. I’m so jealous that you get to visit the boutique, btw.
Give Hero a kiss for me! She has the best kitty eyeliner…
Erin says
Thanks for the great swatches! I have been loving this since the first picture I saw, so I am going to get it. I have a Sephora gift card from Christmas, so when this shows up at Sephora, I’ll pick it up. Then I don’t even have to feel guilty!!
Karen says
You’re welcome, Erin! I know you were looking forward to this one. 🙂
Nazih says
Karen you look great with your hair up! 🙂
Karen says
Thanks, Nazih!
Nazih says
Btw Tabs is sooooooo adorable
Karen says
I’ll let him know you said that! 🙂
Crystal says
I am laughing so hard…”I’m a ho for neutrals”. You are so funny, I feel the same way! Thanks for the review, I’ve been waiting on this eyeshadow, that other one they came out with at Christmas wasn’t for me but this is!
Karen says
Oh yah, the Okinawa Trio. That one was cool but this one seems much more wearable. 🙂
Chris25 says
Must. Have. This.
Karen says
Love it!
Tracy says
“Lusty neutral eyeshadow dreams” hahahaha You are hilarious!
Tabs wears that NARS box well!
I so want this, but I’ve been such a bad girl this past month… 🙂
Karen says
He’s all about accessorizing with makeup… boxes. 🙂
What are you up to this weekend?
Tracy says
Not much-cleaning up a bit-at least going to try. 🙂
But Goonies is on right now. 😀
Karen says
I remember watching that movie so many times when I was a kid! It seemed like for a period of time everyone I knew had a pet named after Gizmo.
Instant Karma (formerly L) says
Aww, Tabs-themed eye shadow! My cats always get excited whenever I wear black eyeliner. They think I’m trying to look more like them (I am).
The shadows are really pretty, but not worth it if there’s fallout. Ah well!
Karen says
How are Aisha and Tigger doing? Give them both a big hug for me.
Oh — I watched a movie last night and totally thought of you called “Nowhere Boy.” It’s about the John Lennon’s teen years and the founding of the Beatles.
The kid who plays Paul McCartney looks just like him!
Instant Karma (formerly L) says
They’re good! Tigger was super snuggly today, and really happy because I gave him some of my chicken at dinner. Aisha spent the day on her cat bag being lazy. Okay, she’s lazy every day, but she has to adhere to a strict training schedule for the upcoming 2011 Sleep Championships if she wants to win gold this year.
Oh man, I’m jealous! I have wanted to see that so much, but I haven’t gotten the opportunity to go. Only one theater in DC was playing it, and it disappeared really quickly. Was it good?
Amee says
hmmm… interesting colors…
Karen says
Yes they are! Love neutrals!
Makeup Morsels says
Have fun getting your fro-yo! The middle shade is my absolutely favorite, mmm I love my neutrals too.
Karen says
I think that’s my favorite shade out of the three!
gio says
I usually love Nars eyeshadows but I’m not digging this. I don’t use these colors enough to justify the price..
Tabs is so adorable!
Karen says
I figured this wouldn’t be bright enough for you. 🙂
Tabs sends you kitty purrs!
Tavi says
Just had taro fro-yo from tutti frutti, soo good!
Karen says
GURL, taro is my favorite flavor! I like it with strawberries on top, how about you?
Dhariane says
You look gorgeous! May i ask what you used on your cheeks/lips?
As for the eyeshadow trio, it’s pretty, but definitely out of my budget 🙁
Karen says
Hi Dhariane,
That’s Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Tipsy on my cheeks and NARS Super Orgasm Lip Gloss on my lips. Here are a couple of links:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/daily-beauty-cat/tarte-amazonian-clay-12-hour-blush-in-tipsy-for-the-coral-lovahs/
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/product-reviews/nars-spring-2011-super-orgasm-and-angelika-lip-glosses-usher-in-the-season-early/
Dhariane says
Oooh, thanks Karen! I just saw your review on the Tarte blushes and I’m definitely going to be picking up tipsy now 🙂
Karen says
You’re welcome! 🙂 I think you’ll love it.
Advah says
WANT! The colours look gorgeous on you and I’m a sucker for that fancy sleek Nars packaging. It is super pricey though, might try and get in at an airport the next time I’m flying.
And boy, is Tabs one gorgeous cat! Can’t blame you for getting matching makeup 🙂
Karen says
Hi Advah,
Do you travel a lot? You might want to keep your eyes peeled for some travel exclusives. 🙂
Tabs is sitting right next to me as I type this and demanding I give him the attention he so richly deserves, LOL!
Have a great weekend.
Advah says
I used to visit my parents every 3 months or so, but I’ve stopped that so I can afford 2 big trips a year (SXSW in just a few weeks!). That way I get to take more time off and really enjoy it. 🙂
And good point about the travel exclusives, I’ll add that to my list!
Have I said before how I’m fascinated by Tabs gorgeous nose? It’s perfect looking and makes me wish I had a cat nearby to pet every single time. Life would be very dull if it weren’t for cut showing us how to live it.
Having a lovely Saturday so far, have a great weekend too!
Karen says
Oh fun! I’ve always wanted to go to SXSW! If you have your computer with you you’ll have to give me the skinny on all the fun things you’re doing so I can vicariously live through you.
Er, I’m a little obsessed with Tabs’ nose too. I’ll give it a pet for you…
Hope the rest of your weekend was fabulous. I’m not ready for Monday!
Aida says
The colours are ok, but I already habe Brule and the price tag is a bit too much right now as I really want to try the new primer Nars is launching this month, the one you talked about in the blog. I should save for that, I love Nars primers
Karen says
Hi Aida,
Have you tried the NARS Eye Primer yet? It’s the best!
mint says
i think it looks really good on you! and i totally agree, i really don’t understand why these things are so expensive. especially when there’s so much competition and alternatives around.
Karen says
Word. I wouldn’t mind if NARS knocked off a good 10 bucks!
Rosa says
Forget the eyeshadow, your foundation looks great! Please tell us what you’re wearing!
Karen says
Hi Rosa,
I’m wearing Chanel Mat Lumiere. Here’s a review:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/product-reviews/chanel-mat-lumiere-soft-matte-makeup-with-spf-15-helps-combo-skin-face-the-day-for-54/
I also layered MAC Strobe Cream beneath it and then topped it with MAC Blot Powder. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Paintthetownscarlet.wordpress.com says
This combination is gorgeous! Really subtle, yet striking all the same.
Karen says
Nars is good at that. 🙂
karo says
wow! amazing!
I like it!
Karen says
Yay!
Nina says
that is lovely! i want!
Karen says
So pretty, right?
What are you up to today, Nina? Has the weather gotten better?
Nina says
bipolar weather – i tell ya! its actually sunny and bright and nice today.
we went to the grocery store, had brunch and now were home contemplating if we should check out the lunar new year celebrations around town! 🙂
Karen says
Weird! Well, I hope it was nicer today.
It was warm and sunny! Ah, summer needs to come already. 🙂
Alka says
Oooh this is lovely but a little too steep for my wallet to be dupes for brule and ricepaper (which I use daily). Thanks for posting the swatches, look and of course the pic of your handsome man, Tabs!
Karen says
Hi Alka,
I loooove Brule and Ricepaper too. What do you like to pair them with? I use Soba, Sable, Saddle, Soft Brown and Brownscript.
Alka says
For day I like to pair them with Remotely Grey (limited edition), Scene, or Brownscript. For a more dramatic night look I like them with Sketch, Contrast or Satin Taupe.
How do you use Soba? I just haven’t felt the love for that one yet. I bought it hoping that it would replace my fave Camel that was discontinued but it just looks like I have dirt on my eye. Not a good thing.
Karen says
Ah, Sketch and Satin Taupe! I have a love/hate relationship with both (I’m convinced they make me look like I’ve gotten into a bar fight).
As for Soba, I usually do Ricepaper over the entire lid and then pop Soba into the crease. But if it looks like dirt on your eye, then you probably don’t want to go there!
Sexy Sadie says
Boring and expensive.
Karen says
I take it you like color, Sadie!
Kimberly says
I love the colors, I love the fact that it’s a Tab-inspired post, but that price? I’m not so much in love with that.
Karen says
It is quite painful. I’m not crazy about it, either.
Melanie says
I love your hairstyle Karen!
Karen says
Thanks, Melanie!
Olga says
Tabs looks cute again! aaaww
xx Olga
Karen says
He does that sometimes, LOL!
Ariel says
This looks like a must-have for me. Love neutral colors with shimmer and this will be absolutely perfect for travel!
Karen says
You’ll love this then, Ariel!
Bonny Y says
What brush do you use to line your bottom lids? I can never get it as defined as you do — the shadow usually goes flying. Btw, these colors look really good on you.
Karen says
Hi Bonny,
Here ya go!
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/mac-makeup/which-brush-do-you-use-to-line-your-lashes/
Bonny Y says
Thanks for the link! I only recently found your blog, so I hadn’t seen this post before. Time to take a closer look at this brush!
saku says
Aww Tabs is sleepy. I thought I would like it, but I’ll pass.
Karen says
It’s what he does best. 🙂
Gilby says
You can never go wrong with NARS. This is the perfect trio for a bravo 1950’s style eye. Slap some red lipstick on and a little black gel liner for that cat wing you’re ready for a night out on the town. *Meow*