I wish you could come over so we could swoon over swatches of the NARS Holiday 2011 collection and eat some Trader Joe’s Mango Bars (warm out here in Nor Cal today).
I guess a virtual visit will have to do. 🙂 Come on in, but please take off your shoes first, and um, excuse the knife near the front door.
I watched five minutes of American Horror Story last night (bad idea!), and now I’m afraid of strangers with bloody foreheads showing up on my doorstep.
NARS Holiday 2011 swatches
Swatches from the left: Mandchourie Duo Eyeshadow, Ponderosa Cream Eyeshadow, Campo De Fiori Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner and St. Mark’s Place Larger Than life Long-Wear Eyeliner
G-Spot Multiple (left) and Miss Liberty Highlighting Blush (right)
Joyous Red Lipstick (left) and Albatross Lip Gloss (right)
Endless Night Nail Polish (left) and Space Odyssey Nail Polish (right)
Wearing Mandchourie Duo Eyeshadow, Campo De Fiori Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner and St. Mark’s Place Larger Than life Long-Wear Eyeliner on my eyes; G-Spot Multiple and Miss Liberty Highlighting Blush on my cheeks; and Joyous Red Lipstick and Albatross Lip Gloss on my lips
At first I wasn’t sure how the pieces would fit, but once I swatched it and put it on, the entire collection as a whole made more sense to me.
I’m especially loving the lighter shade in the Mandchourie Duo Eyeshadow, which applies as a shimmery golden dove gray with hints of blue. Gorgeous!
More detailed reviews in the next couple of days, but for now, let me know what strikes your fancy.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Swatch And Learn says
October 13th, 2011 at 3:35 pmHaha, nice knife! But I thought you were happy to see me. 😛
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Karen says
October 13th, 2011 at 4:01 pmLOL!
Arianne says
October 13th, 2011 at 3:39 pmMiss Liberty is stunning! It’s one of those blushes that keeps you guessing if you’re actually wearing something or not. I like it! Subtle and glowy. 🙂
Scherbie is purring beside me so she must approve as well.
Arianne recently posted … Love Colour And Sparkle? Wong Kar Wai for shu uemura burning in water palette Is For You.
Karen says
October 13th, 2011 at 3:57 pmAww, Sherbie. Did she go outside for a walk today?
Arianne says
October 13th, 2011 at 4:08 pmYes she did. Well, she ran out when I opened the door as I was leaving for work. When I got home, she ran in. She gave me her “love face” and was purring. 🙂
Karen says
October 13th, 2011 at 4:10 pmShe such a good girl. <3
Right now your nephew Tabs is on my lap making biscuits like it's his JOB!
Arianne says
October 13th, 2011 at 5:41 pmLOL! I love deep cat lady conversations.
Is it chocolate chip? My favourite!
Karen says
October 13th, 2011 at 9:02 pmYes! With semi-sweet chocolate chips.
The Polish Jinx says
October 13th, 2011 at 3:46 pmIs there a chance you have Koh Lanta to compare to Endless Night? I’m wondering how similar they are. Thanks!!!
Karen says
October 14th, 2011 at 8:31 amI’m so sorry, Polish Jinx. I wish I had that shade but unfortch I don’t have it on hand for comparison.
April says
October 13th, 2011 at 3:48 pmDid you get a chance to see/swatch the Arabian Nights eyeshadow trio?
Karen says
October 13th, 2011 at 3:56 pmNot yet! Hopefully soon.
Chris25 says
October 13th, 2011 at 4:02 pmG-Spot Multiple looks a lot more color-infused than I thought it would be.
Guess what’s in the oven right now? Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies!!!
Karen says
October 13th, 2011 at 4:03 pmOh, that sounds so good! We need a virtual afternoon snack session. The kitties are also invited, of course. Tabs will bring the gravy!
Adrienne says
October 13th, 2011 at 8:30 pmOatmeal chocolate chip is the bomb. Everytime I see oatmeal raisin I’m disappointed. I don’t want healthy shriveled fruit in my cookies, I want chocolate!!
Joyce says
October 13th, 2011 at 4:13 pmI watched the premiere of American Horror Story and thought it was boring.
G-Spot, Orgasm, Deep Throat, what’s next? Nars’ marketing team sure knows how to name their products. heheh…
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Karen says
October 13th, 2011 at 4:17 pmWell you’re a lot tougher than I am, I guess. I was (and still am) freaked out!
Rae // theNotice says
October 13th, 2011 at 4:15 pmLove the look of these swatches, Karen! I was so determined to hate G-Spot (I mean, really? Did they HAVE to name it that?) but it actually looks quite pretty – eep!
Ponderosa looks incredible, too – I can’t wait until it’s available in-store so I can give it a swatch!
Rae // theNotice recently posted … Sephora Moonshadow palette review, photos, swatches
Karen says
October 13th, 2011 at 4:18 pmLOL… they do have a penchant for cheeky names, it’s true.
How have you been?
Rae // theNotice says
October 13th, 2011 at 11:16 pmRidiculously busy! Still reading every day, but I feel like I never have time to comment on anything anymore,
More importantly, how have YOU been doing? Nerves still shot? 😛 (I can’t watch horrors AT ALL – True Blood is more or less my limit, and even then, there are always a few scenes that squick me out!)
Rae // theNotice recently posted … Sephora Moonshadow palette review, photos, swatches
Bing says
October 13th, 2011 at 4:47 pmThe red lipstick and subtle but fabulous. It suits you very very well. How’s Marin’s favorite Tabs doing? Say hi to him for me.
Karen says
October 14th, 2011 at 8:30 amHi Bing,
He’s being a very good boy, for once! I think it’s because he got extra gravy last night.
Have a great Friday!
Ruchita says
October 13th, 2011 at 5:11 pmVery pretty! I especially like the blush.
I only saw the first five minutes of AHS last night too before I fell asleep. Now I’m waiting for my husband to get home b/c there is no way I’m watching it by myself! 🙂
Karen says
October 14th, 2011 at 8:27 amMe too. It is really very subtle and so pretty!
Crystal says
October 13th, 2011 at 5:15 pmEverything looks so good, that eye duo is just gorgeous! I haven’t watched American Horror Story yet. I’m so scared my best friend and my husband love that stuff. It’s on my DVR waiting for me….
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Karen says
October 14th, 2011 at 8:26 amDon’t do it! Well, unless you wanna get really freaked out…
Happy Friday!
Let says
October 13th, 2011 at 5:22 pmThe Campo de Fiori eyeliner looks interesting 😀
The Joyous Red lipstick, too. But I don’t think I could pull off red lipstick. Even red lipgloss makes me look weird… 🙁
Ha. I haven’t subscribed to any cable TV provider right now, so I basically cannot watch anything. I don’t even know there’s a show called American Horror Story if not for reading your blog. I believe Asian horror TV programs or movies are even scarier though~ 😀
Karen says
October 14th, 2011 at 8:25 amHi Let,
This is a surprisingly wearable red. If you find the color too much, you could always do something like a stain by dabbing the lipstick lightly on your lips.
Hmm, also another red to consider is NARS Dolce Vita. It used to be scared of red, too, but it changed everything for me:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/cosmetics/nars-unsung-hero-dolce-vita-lipstick/
Let says
October 14th, 2011 at 8:33 pmHey Karen,
Thanks for your suggestion! I saw your swatches of Dolce Vita and I have to say, I’m interested 😀
I’ll check it the shade out when I visit Sephora (maybe next week? lol). I might get it during the F&F sale haha 😀
Liz says
October 13th, 2011 at 5:33 pmYou look *gorgeous*, Karen! I especially love the last pic, :). The Mandchourie duo looks kind of amazing! I’m kind of tempted to pick it up, even though I basically never buy NARS eyeshadows because they’re so expensive.
Karen says
October 14th, 2011 at 8:20 amHi Liz,
It is all sorts of gorgeous, especially the lighter shade. How often do you wear blues/grays? If they’re everyday colors for you, it might be worth the splurge.
Or… you could use the duo as a motivational tool to help reach a goal. You know I’m all about makeup bribery to get things done, LOL!
Heidi says
October 13th, 2011 at 5:46 pmThe St. Mark’s Place liner is STUNNING!
Adrienne says
October 13th, 2011 at 8:37 pmI told myself I wouldnt look at Karens swatches because I knew this would happen… I’m totally in love with it too! Unless this pencil performs truely phenomenally, someone needs to find me a cheap color dupe asap!
Heidi says
October 13th, 2011 at 11:15 pmYep, Karen’s swatches are super dangerous! But we love ’em!
Karen says
October 14th, 2011 at 8:18 am<3 <3 Thanks Heid!
Karen says
October 14th, 2011 at 8:18 amHi Adrienne,
The NARS Larger Than Life Pencils are really, REALLY phenomenal. Some of the best I’ve ever worn, even. I did a post a while back on another purple from the line:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/product-reviews/nars-larger-than-life-eyeliner-doesnt-stop-for-breakdowns/
Adrienne says
October 14th, 2011 at 8:26 pmWelllll… Sephora does have Friends & Fam coming up soon….
Karen, you devil you 😛
Kelly says
October 13th, 2011 at 5:56 pmVery pretty! That blush is really nice! I wanna check that duo eyeshadow out too
Kelly recently posted … Mini NYX Haul!
Karen says
October 14th, 2011 at 8:17 amIt’s gorgeous! Especially the light shade.
Ange says
October 13th, 2011 at 6:10 pmThe shades are gorgeous– Especially the duo
Vancouver’s cold and rainy already, I envy the warm weather you have there because my cold topped off the gloomy days here D:
Karen says
October 14th, 2011 at 8:16 amHi Ange,
I just thinking of your lovely city. I watched an episode of No Reservations featuring Vancouver a few weeks back and am longing to go back!
How long have you lived there? Do you like it?
Makeupandbeautyjunkie says
October 13th, 2011 at 6:27 pmThe lippie is calling my name!
Karen says
October 14th, 2011 at 8:14 amIt’s a beautiful red. I think you should answer the call!
Anna says
October 13th, 2011 at 6:28 pmI need that lipstick! Especially today- need the extra makeup love to cheer me up. My baby kitty was meant to arrive yesterday but her interim (human) mama has decided she can’t let her go just yet, so now I’m waiting to hear if she’s coming home with me at all 🙁
Karen says
October 13th, 2011 at 9:11 pmHi Anna,
Think positive thoughts. She’s just spending extra time getting ready to meet you. I hope your kitteh comes home soon!
Anna says
October 15th, 2011 at 4:10 pmAw, thanks Karen! I really hope so too! She’s the spitting image of a much tinier Tabs, you know!
Anna says
October 20th, 2011 at 5:30 pmShe arrived yesterday morning 🙂 I am so in love.
Phyrra says
October 13th, 2011 at 6:45 pmG-Spot Multiple is gorgeous!
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Karen says
October 13th, 2011 at 9:09 pmYes! Do you think you might pick it up?
Hboo says
October 13th, 2011 at 7:00 pmMandchourie Duo Eyeshadow. I will own you 🙂
Karen says
October 13th, 2011 at 9:09 pmThe lighter shade in the duo is really, REALLY beautiful. You will love it.
Hboo says
October 13th, 2011 at 7:06 pmI wish g-spot didn’t have that name!
Karen says
October 13th, 2011 at 9:06 pmHaha. Nars is naughty like that!
mn says
October 13th, 2011 at 7:09 pmi think the delivery guys are going to think twice before ringing that doorbell.
I like both eyeliners- I’m a sucker for gold/bronze and also of purple so this is right up my alley.
Karen says
October 13th, 2011 at 9:06 pmMe too! Hmm… do you have MAC Powersurge? If you like gold/bronzy shades you might really love it.
mn says
October 14th, 2011 at 4:28 amThanks for the tip- will check it out next time I’m at the counter.
Karen says
October 14th, 2011 at 8:13 amI did an Unsung Heroes on it a while back:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/mac-makeup/mac-unsung-hero-powersurge-eye-kohl/
It’s seriously my fave MAC shade. I’d freak out if was ever discontinued!
peach_ says
October 13th, 2011 at 7:19 pmLove this look on you, Karen! Are the polishes one coat in the photos? I’m curious how Space Odyssey looks when fully opaque.
peach_ recently posted … Dior Vernis Camel 622 (Mitzah Collection Fall 2011)
Karen says
October 13th, 2011 at 9:05 pmHey Peach,
They’re both two coats!
Alex says
October 13th, 2011 at 7:21 pmThat duo and new multiple are tempting but I saw pictures of Arabian Nights and I fell in love
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Karen says
October 13th, 2011 at 9:04 pmYeah, the trio looks cool. I can’t wait to see it in person.
Christy says
October 13th, 2011 at 8:39 pmooh all looks so pretty! can’t wait for holiday 😀
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Karen says
October 13th, 2011 at 9:01 pmMe too. Love the makeup during this time of year!
Vonvon says
October 13th, 2011 at 10:12 pmI like both eyeliners!
Yea, what’s with that G-spot name? If I purchase it, then probably I would just laugh like crazy each time I use it. I am not prudish but really….. Lol!
Vonvon recently posted … Swatches & Review: Estee Lauder Elizabeth Hurley Pink Ribbon Collection – Lavish Pink Lipstick
Karen says
October 14th, 2011 at 8:12 amNARS is famous for their cheeky names. 🙂
Katelynn says
October 13th, 2011 at 10:36 pmI just heard a noise by the door and thought the SAME THING! I watched both AHS episodes today!
Karen says
October 14th, 2011 at 8:10 amAre you liking the series? I don’t know if I can handle watching the rest of it.
gio says
October 13th, 2011 at 10:55 pmThe blush looks beautiful!
gio recently posted … QOTW: Do you wear eyeshadow that matches your eye color?
Karen says
October 14th, 2011 at 8:10 amSuper pretty. 🙂
Advah says
October 14th, 2011 at 2:03 amHm I think I like the colours better in the pots than swatched.. It all seems a bit darker than I expected? Still veeery pretty though..
Karen says
October 14th, 2011 at 8:09 amHi Advah,
I really liked this one once I got it on. What colors are you digging so far?
Advah says
October 14th, 2011 at 8:37 amThe lipstick, multiple and blush! I expected the blush to be peachier and the multiple lighter though. That lipstick remains drool-worthy.
Karen says
October 14th, 2011 at 8:41 amI built up the Multiple for this swatch — you can easily take it down by dabbing it lightly on cheeks. It looks very natural on!
Advah says
October 14th, 2011 at 1:43 pmTheeeeen…it’s going straight on my must-check-that-out list! 😛
Kim says
October 14th, 2011 at 6:28 amDamn, woman! Are you cutting down sugar cane with that thing? Zombies and strangers with bloody foreheads, take notice! HAHA! I’ll have to check out AHS. My ghosty friend watches one of the Paranormal shows and she said she had to close her bedroom curtains with a clothespin in the middle of the night because she was convinced some evil was watching through the tiny crack.
I think the G-spot and highlighter combo looks really good on you. How did you find the wear time on G-spot? I only have one cream blush and it seems to fade after a couple of hours (I only break it out in the winter when my cheeks get a little dry, but it’s definitely not long-lasting). 🙁
Karen says
October 14th, 2011 at 8:08 amIf you watch it don’t do it before going to bed!
I had really good wear with G-Spot; it stayed on all day yesterday on my uber dry cheeks. I know what you mean about some cream blushes not lasting long, though. Some of the really slippery ones can disappear like THAT. What’s the name of the cream blush you currently have?
amy says
October 14th, 2011 at 11:18 amI love the silver and charcoal eyeshadow swatch, it looks like it could produce a lovely smokey eye. The Space Odyssey polish looks lovely too. Is it possible for you to do an opaque swatch of it or is the polish naturally sheer?
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s says
October 14th, 2011 at 11:22 amLove the colors! Would you do a tutorial for this kind of look sometime? As much as I love makeup, I’m still a newbie and can’t figure out how to do a subtle smokey eye like this one.
Phyllis says
October 14th, 2011 at 11:24 amOMG love the colors on you! Are you getting Arabian Nights too? I ordered that and Mandchourie yesterday and I can’t wait to see them in person!
thepaigest says
October 14th, 2011 at 11:46 amVery pretty stuff!!! Do you open the door sharpening the knife lol
Millie says
October 14th, 2011 at 1:58 pmWow, I am so blown away by how pretty your FOTDs are, esp. how beautiful your skin is. BTW are you still using the MAC Studio Sculpt foundation and your combo of Mineralize Skinfinish Natural and Careblend Pressed powders?
Nina says
October 14th, 2011 at 2:27 pmsuper awesome FOTD, Karen! and this is another awesome collection from NARS!
Pumps and Gloss says
October 14th, 2011 at 3:53 pmThanks for the pics and swatches. It seems the colors are similar to a couple of years ago. Would love to see the Arabian Night swatches and how they compare to the Night series shadows/
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JCz says
October 14th, 2011 at 3:55 pmDamn girl, all those NARS goodies look awesome on you! Especially the cheek and lip.
I really, really want the multiple and the cheek highlighting blush, can’t wait til these are available!
Jenna says
October 14th, 2011 at 9:40 pmDo you think Miss Liberty would make a nice blush for fair ladies? The term “Highlighting” and “Blush” together equal a little confusion for me! Many “highlighters” for most people are blush on me! haha, I don’t want disco cheeks though!
berries says
October 15th, 2011 at 5:47 amMiss Liberty reminds me of Sex Appeal blush, but with sparkles~
I love your blog btw 😀
Cristina says
October 15th, 2011 at 9:58 amHa! Ha! I can’t stop laughing!!! You are so hilarious!! I love reading your blog! Tx for making my day! Now got a work! MU actually 😉 Xoxo
Maeve says
October 15th, 2011 at 4:40 pmAm new to your blog and I love it! Particularly appreciate all the swatches you do, it is incredibly helpful and you have a great sense of humour!
Nicole says
February 27th, 2015 at 3:39 pmHow did you get those gorgeous blonde highlights in your hair? It makes your tan skin really pop!
Karen says
February 27th, 2015 at 4:10 pmHi Nicole,
Thank you! This was a while ago, and I wish I could say that I did it myself, but my friend (who does hair) worked her magic. If you live the SF Bay Area I’d be happy to give you her contact info! She’s in the North Bay and totally worth crossing the bridge for. 🙂