Don’t you hate it when someone else shows up to the party wearing the same outfit? That’s probably how the neighbor’s Russian Blue felt today when she saw that I was wearing the new NARS Mandchourie Duo Eyeshadow.
I’m all up in your catnip!
You know how cats are… Divas. They think they’re the sh*t, especially when it comes to the color of their coat, and until today, my Russian comrade held the undisputed title of Smokiest Blue on the Block.
But things have changed. Now, with the shadows in this powder duo on my lids, old blue has some serious competition.
MEOW! 🙂
The duo, my new go-to girl for sultry, smokey eyes, hails from the new NARS Holiday 2011 collection, a bizarrely cohesive mix of browns, blues, plums, peaches and golds, with a smattering of red, silver and black.
“Its French name conjures the geographical region in northeast Asia, as this golden-infused denim paired with a rich navy delivers a yin and yang effect to the lid. Each hue can be worn on its own, but when applied together — the darker shade in the crease or as a liner; the lighter color on the lid or as a highlight — the result is one of perfect balance.”
— NARS Cosmetics
For me, blue isn’t the first color that comes to mind when I think of quick smokey eyes, because with it there’s usually some extra patting and blending involved (and sometimes extra time for cleanup). But Mandchourie makes blue surprisingly easy.
To my eye the lighter shade resembles a shimmery greenish denim blue with flashes of shimmery gold. I like to apply it with a firm eyeshadow brush, and then buff that out with a fluffy domed brush, which transforms the color into a soft, smokey gray.
Pretty!
The darker shadow, a matte navy, is the more reserved of the two, and I think it compliments its lighter sibling well.
Both shades live up to the high standard set by NARS, applying with loads of pigment while resisting creasing and fading for hours. I was, though, a little surprised to find some fallout from this duo. Not a lot, but still.
For a swift, sultry look, I load the lighter shade onto my lids with a firm eyeshadow brush, smoke out the edges with a domed brush, and then, for added definition, line my upper and lower lash lines with the darker denim shade. About 10 minutes from start to finish, which for me is practically light speed for a blue smokey eye.
PRICE: $33
AVAILABILITY: Coming soon to NARS counters and available now online
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B+
Strike averted! My roots had been planning to go on strike this weekend, so I stopped by the salon this afternoon for a quick dye touchup and bang trim.
That reminds me — ya know what would be really cool? A salon that combined hair cutting/coloring with socially sanctioned napping. Don’t get me wrong — I love chatting and catching up with my stylist, but if I were able to sneak in a nap too? Oh, that would take the salon experience to the next level.
In other news, I’m off to the airport! See you soon from Santa Monica. Have a great night. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. For more on the NARS Holiday 2011 collection, check out…
Chris25 says
Haha, the Russian Blue is like “try and stop me from taking your catnip!”. LOL. That’s totally a Rocky n Roll move.
I love these blues on you. 🙂
Joyce says
Both eyeshadows compliment each other very well! <3
and I hope you have a safe trip. =)
Nina says
that gray looking shade – i must own!
AnieJ says
I’ve never had a Nars eyeshadow before but this is both something I don’t own and DESIRE now…I mean, like, right now.
Dovey says
What a beautiful cat! I can’t wait until my Mandchourie comes in now =)
Let says
The duo is so pretty. I’m such a sucker for blues and greys. 😀
Jen says
I’m not a big fan of blue or grays, seeing as how I’m a fair NC20, but this duo caught my attention right when they were released. And seeing how gorgeous these are on you, I might have to splurge and buy my first Nars eye shadow!
Naj says
Omg, that cat is seriously smokey blue. So pretty. And the duo is nice too.
Nivedita says
The eye makeup looks amazing.. but I am more drawn to your sculpted cheeks
Karo says
Amazingd duo! I like this colours. Nars is so cool!
xoxo
artemis says
i loooove smoky blue eyes tho that doesn’y really look blue more teal-grey
i love that cat awww
Vonvon says
10-minute smoky eye…gotta check this duo out.
YadiQ says
Aww that kitty looks just like my kitty Diva. It’s funny how all cats are such divas but we actually named ours diva says a lot abt her character I guess! Jaz is a diva too lol! Love this shadow duo you look lovely!
Christy says
love the pretty shades! Must have 🙂
Leila says
This duo is exactly the colour combination I have wanted for a long time, but now I have something similar, I won’t be getting it.
I created a MAC quad that contains Scene, Prussian and Deep Truth, so I think the effect is similar. What do you think of these colours as (non-perfect) subsitutes?
Very pretty look by the way.
Christina says
I LOVE your hair in the first shot!
Rene Groyer says
Loved your article and the Russian Blue cat picture
gio says
What a pretty duo! Love the colors.