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NARS Holiday 2011 Swatches

October 13th, 2011 by Karen 90 Comments

nars holiday 2011

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).

nars holiday 2011

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

nars holiday 2011 swatches eye products
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

nars holiday 2011 swatches g spot miss liberty
G-Spot Multiple (left) and Miss Liberty Highlighting Blush (right)

nars holiday 2011 swatches lip products
Joyous Red Lipstick (left) and Albatross Lip Gloss (right)

nars holiday 2011 swatches nail polish
Endless Night Nail Polish (left) and Space Odyssey Nail Polish (right)

nars holiday 2011
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

NARS Holiday 2011 Swatches / Originally published October 13th, 2011

There are 90 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Makeup Keywords: nars

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Comments

  1. Swatch And Learn says

    October 13th, 2011 at 3:35 pm

    Haha, nice knife! But I thought you were happy to see me. 😛
    Swatch And Learn recently posted … AQUIESSE Luxe Linen Candle Review & Pictures

    Reply
    • Karen says

      October 13th, 2011 at 4:01 pm

      LOL!

      Reply
  2. Arianne says

    October 13th, 2011 at 3:39 pm

    Miss 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.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      October 13th, 2011 at 3:57 pm

      Aww, Sherbie. Did she go outside for a walk today?

      Reply
      • Arianne says

        October 13th, 2011 at 4:08 pm

        Yes 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. 🙂

        Reply
        • Karen says

          October 13th, 2011 at 4:10 pm

          She such a good girl. <3

          Right now your nephew Tabs is on my lap making biscuits like it's his JOB!

          Reply
          • Arianne says

            October 13th, 2011 at 5:41 pm

            LOL! I love deep cat lady conversations.

            Is it chocolate chip? My favourite!

          • Karen says

            October 13th, 2011 at 9:02 pm

            Yes! With semi-sweet chocolate chips.

  3. The Polish Jinx says

    October 13th, 2011 at 3:46 pm

    Is there a chance you have Koh Lanta to compare to Endless Night? I’m wondering how similar they are. Thanks!!!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      October 14th, 2011 at 8:31 am

      I’m so sorry, Polish Jinx. I wish I had that shade but unfortch I don’t have it on hand for comparison.

      Reply
  4. April says

    October 13th, 2011 at 3:48 pm

    Did you get a chance to see/swatch the Arabian Nights eyeshadow trio?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      October 13th, 2011 at 3:56 pm

      Not yet! Hopefully soon.

      Reply
  5. Chris25 says

    October 13th, 2011 at 4:02 pm

    G-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!!!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      October 13th, 2011 at 4:03 pm

      Oh, that sounds so good! We need a virtual afternoon snack session. The kitties are also invited, of course. Tabs will bring the gravy!

      Reply
    • Adrienne says

      October 13th, 2011 at 8:30 pm

      Oatmeal 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!!

      Reply
  6. Joyce says

    October 13th, 2011 at 4:13 pm

    I 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…
    Joyce recently posted … Giveaway Reminder + Another Giveaway!!!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      October 13th, 2011 at 4:17 pm

      Well you’re a lot tougher than I am, I guess. I was (and still am) freaked out!

      Reply
  7. Rae // theNotice says

    October 13th, 2011 at 4:15 pm

    Love 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

    Reply
    • Karen says

      October 13th, 2011 at 4:18 pm

      LOL… they do have a penchant for cheeky names, it’s true.

      How have you been?

      Reply
      • Rae // theNotice says

        October 13th, 2011 at 11:16 pm

        Ridiculously 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

        Reply
  8. Bing says

    October 13th, 2011 at 4:47 pm

    The 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.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      October 14th, 2011 at 8:30 am

      Hi 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!

      Reply
  9. Ruchita says

    October 13th, 2011 at 5:11 pm

    Very 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! 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      October 14th, 2011 at 8:27 am

      Me too. It is really very subtle and so pretty!

      Reply
  10. Crystal says

    October 13th, 2011 at 5:15 pm

    Everything 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….
    Crystal recently posted … OPI Muppets Collection Nail Polish-My Picks!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      October 14th, 2011 at 8:26 am

      Don’t do it! Well, unless you wanna get really freaked out…

      Happy Friday!

      Reply
  11. Let says

    October 13th, 2011 at 5:22 pm

    The 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~ 😀

    Reply
    • Karen says

      October 14th, 2011 at 8:25 am

      Hi 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/

      Reply
      • Let says

        October 14th, 2011 at 8:33 pm

        Hey 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 😀

        Reply
  12. Liz says

    October 13th, 2011 at 5:33 pm

    You 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.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      October 14th, 2011 at 8:20 am

      Hi 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!

      Reply
  13. Heidi says

    October 13th, 2011 at 5:46 pm

    The St. Mark’s Place liner is STUNNING!

    Reply
    • Adrienne says

      October 13th, 2011 at 8:37 pm

      I 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!

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        October 13th, 2011 at 11:15 pm

        Yep, Karen’s swatches are super dangerous! But we love ’em!

        Reply
        • Karen says

          October 14th, 2011 at 8:18 am

          <3 <3 Thanks Heid!

          Reply
      • Karen says

        October 14th, 2011 at 8:18 am

        Hi 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/

        Reply
        • Adrienne says

          October 14th, 2011 at 8:26 pm

          Welllll… Sephora does have Friends & Fam coming up soon….
          Karen, you devil you 😛

          Reply
  14. Kelly says

    October 13th, 2011 at 5:56 pm

    Very pretty! That blush is really nice! I wanna check that duo eyeshadow out too
    Kelly recently posted … Mini NYX Haul!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      October 14th, 2011 at 8:17 am

      It’s gorgeous! Especially the light shade.

      Reply
  15. Ange says

    October 13th, 2011 at 6:10 pm

    The 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:

    Reply
    • Karen says

      October 14th, 2011 at 8:16 am

      Hi 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?

      Reply
  16. Makeupandbeautyjunkie says

    October 13th, 2011 at 6:27 pm

    The lippie is calling my name!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      October 14th, 2011 at 8:14 am

      It’s a beautiful red. I think you should answer the call!

      Reply
  17. Anna says

    October 13th, 2011 at 6:28 pm

    I 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 🙁

    Reply
    • Karen says

      October 13th, 2011 at 9:11 pm

      Hi Anna,

      Think positive thoughts. She’s just spending extra time getting ready to meet you. I hope your kitteh comes home soon!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        October 15th, 2011 at 4:10 pm

        Aw, thanks Karen! I really hope so too! She’s the spitting image of a much tinier Tabs, you know!

        Reply
        • Anna says

          October 20th, 2011 at 5:30 pm

          She arrived yesterday morning 🙂 I am so in love.

          Reply
  18. Phyrra says

    October 13th, 2011 at 6:45 pm

    G-Spot Multiple is gorgeous!
    Phyrra recently posted … Philosphy on Hautelook

    Reply
    • Karen says

      October 13th, 2011 at 9:09 pm

      Yes! Do you think you might pick it up?

      Reply
  19. Hboo says

    October 13th, 2011 at 7:00 pm

    Mandchourie Duo Eyeshadow. I will own you 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      October 13th, 2011 at 9:09 pm

      The lighter shade in the duo is really, REALLY beautiful. You will love it.

      Reply
  20. Hboo says

    October 13th, 2011 at 7:06 pm

    I wish g-spot didn’t have that name!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      October 13th, 2011 at 9:06 pm

      Haha. Nars is naughty like that!

      Reply
  21. mn says

    October 13th, 2011 at 7:09 pm

    i 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.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      October 13th, 2011 at 9:06 pm

      Me too! Hmm… do you have MAC Powersurge? If you like gold/bronzy shades you might really love it.

      Reply
      • mn says

        October 14th, 2011 at 4:28 am

        Thanks for the tip- will check it out next time I’m at the counter.

        Reply
        • Karen says

          October 14th, 2011 at 8:13 am

          I 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!

          Reply
  22. peach_ says

    October 13th, 2011 at 7:19 pm

    Love 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)

    Reply
    • Karen says

      October 13th, 2011 at 9:05 pm

      Hey Peach,

      They’re both two coats!

      Reply
  23. Alex says

    October 13th, 2011 at 7:21 pm

    That duo and new multiple are tempting but I saw pictures of Arabian Nights and I fell in love
    Alex recently posted … And Even Though We Let It Go It’s Better That You Know I Still Got It For Ya

    Reply
    • Karen says

      October 13th, 2011 at 9:04 pm

      Yeah, the trio looks cool. I can’t wait to see it in person.

      Reply
  24. Christy says

    October 13th, 2011 at 8:39 pm

    ooh all looks so pretty! can’t wait for holiday 😀
    Christy recently posted … Mat Lumiere vs. Perfection Lumiere

    Reply
    • Karen says

      October 13th, 2011 at 9:01 pm

      Me too. Love the makeup during this time of year!

      Reply
  25. Vonvon says

    October 13th, 2011 at 10:12 pm

    I 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

    Reply
    • Karen says

      October 14th, 2011 at 8:12 am

      NARS is famous for their cheeky names. 🙂

      Reply
  26. Katelynn says

    October 13th, 2011 at 10:36 pm

    I just heard a noise by the door and thought the SAME THING! I watched both AHS episodes today!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      October 14th, 2011 at 8:10 am

      Are you liking the series? I don’t know if I can handle watching the rest of it.

      Reply
  27. gio says

    October 13th, 2011 at 10:55 pm

    The blush looks beautiful!
    gio recently posted … QOTW: Do you wear eyeshadow that matches your eye color?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      October 14th, 2011 at 8:10 am

      Super pretty. 🙂

      Reply
  28. Advah says

    October 14th, 2011 at 2:03 am

    Hm 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..

    Reply
    • Karen says

      October 14th, 2011 at 8:09 am

      Hi Advah,

      I really liked this one once I got it on. What colors are you digging so far?

      Reply
      • Advah says

        October 14th, 2011 at 8:37 am

        The lipstick, multiple and blush! I expected the blush to be peachier and the multiple lighter though. That lipstick remains drool-worthy.

        Reply
        • Karen says

          October 14th, 2011 at 8:41 am

          I built up the Multiple for this swatch — you can easily take it down by dabbing it lightly on cheeks. It looks very natural on!

          Reply
          • Advah says

            October 14th, 2011 at 1:43 pm

            Theeeeen…it’s going straight on my must-check-that-out list! 😛

  29. Kim says

    October 14th, 2011 at 6:28 am

    Damn, 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). 🙁

    Reply
    • Karen says

      October 14th, 2011 at 8:08 am

      If 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?

      Reply
  30. amy says

    October 14th, 2011 at 11:18 am

    I 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?
    amy recently posted … Holiday Bling with American Apparel Metallic Nail Lacquers: Silver Jazz, Gold Flash, Bronze Dash

    Reply
  31. s says

    October 14th, 2011 at 11:22 am

    Love 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.

    Reply
  32. Phyllis says

    October 14th, 2011 at 11:24 am

    OMG 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!

    Reply
  33. thepaigest says

    October 14th, 2011 at 11:46 am

    Very pretty stuff!!! Do you open the door sharpening the knife lol

    Reply
  34. Millie says

    October 14th, 2011 at 1:58 pm

    Wow, 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?

    Reply
  35. Nina says

    October 14th, 2011 at 2:27 pm

    super awesome FOTD, Karen! and this is another awesome collection from NARS!

    Reply
  36. Pumps and Gloss says

    October 14th, 2011 at 3:53 pm

    Thanks 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/
    Pumps and Gloss recently posted … Friday Footwear – Kate Spade Karolina

    Reply
  37. JCz says

    October 14th, 2011 at 3:55 pm

    Damn 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!

    Reply
  38. Jenna says

    October 14th, 2011 at 9:40 pm

    Do 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!

    Reply
  39. berries says

    October 15th, 2011 at 5:47 am

    Miss Liberty reminds me of Sex Appeal blush, but with sparkles~
    I love your blog btw 😀

    Reply
  40. Cristina says

    October 15th, 2011 at 9:58 am

    Ha! 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

    Reply
  41. Maeve says

    October 15th, 2011 at 4:40 pm

    Am 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!

    Reply
  42. Nicole says

    February 27th, 2015 at 3:39 pm

    How did you get those gorgeous blonde highlights in your hair? It makes your tan skin really pop!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      February 27th, 2015 at 4:10 pm

      Hi 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. 🙂

      Reply

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About Makeup and Beauty Blog

Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog
Hi there! I’m Karen, your friendly neighborhood beauty addict, and I’m a Bay Area girl who hoards brown eyeshadow and covets coral lipstick. Every morning, I wake up and say, “I’m going to do something other than a smoky eye today.” Then…I end up doing a smoky eye anyway (most days). When I’m not putting on makeup, taking pictures of makeup or writing about makeup, which I’ve been doing daily since 2007 (!), you’ll find me hanging out with my hubby (“El Hub”), my four-year-old daughter (Connor Claire) and my torbie girl cat (Pretty Girl Rosie, a.k.a. PGR).

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