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You’ll Be a Picture of Bronze Perfection with the NARS Portrait of Paradise Collection

April 22nd, 2011 by Karen 38 Comments

nars portrait of paradise

Odes and sonnets couldn’t capture the wonder that is NARS Laguna Bronzer. A sky writing note that reads, “NARS Laguna is the mutha truckin’ shizz!”, might come close, but I dunno. It’s pretty epic. 🙂

I love that golden brown Laguna doesn’t appear orange on me because so many bronzers do, and I use it almost every day to contour my cheeks and give myself a subtle golden bronze glow.

I’ve been wearing Laguna for years, and like some people are with their America Express cards, I never leave home without it. Intentionally. Once on a trip to Hawaii, I realized on the plane ride over that I’d left Laguna at home. Before I regained my composure, it actually crossed my mind to ask the pilot to turn the plane around.

When I heard that NARS was doing a Laguna-inspired collection for summer, I lost my composure again! Only this time for all the right reasons. The three limited edition items in the new NARS Portrait of Paradise collection (available now online) were each inspired by the shade.

nars portrait of paradise

Orgasm, Albatross and Laguna Blush/Bronzer Trio, $55
This trio teams Laguna with two classic NARS blushes in a stylish fabric, zippered case for a portable island glow. I apply Orgasm (a shimmery peachy golden pink) on the apples of my cheeks for color, then Albatross on my upper cheekbones to highlight, and then Laguna below my cheeks to contour. LOVE this look, but I do wish the pan of Albatross was wider. It’s such a thin strip that sweeping my regular blush brush across it also picks up color from the adjacent pans. I still think it’s a good value, though, as purchasing the three products separately would run a steep $87. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A-

Laguna Multiple, $39
Freak out! I had conniptions looking forward to this piece. It’s the one I was looking forward to the most. I’m addicted to NARS Mutiples (creamy stick highlighters with a thin consistency), and to my knowledge this marks the first time NARS has ever released one inspired by Laguna. This shimmery golden bronze also highlights and contours. Pricey, yes, but I can already see it becoming a summer staple. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+

nars portrait of paradise all
Here they are beside an iPhone for scale…

nars portrait of paradise
Orgasm, Albatross and the Laguna Blush/Bronzer Trio

nars portrait of paradise

nars portrait of paradise multiple
Laguna Multiple

nars portrait of paradise multiple

nars portrait of paradise illuminator
Laguna Body Illuminator

nars portrait of paradise swatches
Swatches from left to right: Orgasm Blush, Albatross Blush, Laguna Bronzer, Laguna Multiple, Laguna Body Illuminator (unblended) and Laguna Body Illuminator (blended)

nars portrait of paradise

Laguna Body Illuminator, $45
This scented (lightly of Tiare flower) golden bronze liquid illuminator makes skin glow with golden shimmer and a hint of brown. Wear it on your legs, your neck, shoulders and basically anywhere else you’d like to like to have a shimmery golden glow. According to NARS, it won’t transfer onto clothing, but I’d still wait a good 10-15 minutes before slipping into those summer whites. I’ve noticed that if I don’t wait for it to thoroughly dry, some of the color does transfer to my shirts and skirts. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: B

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Well, that about does it for Friday. 🙂 I hope you had a great week. Do you have any plans for the holiday weekend?

Right now I’m just getting ready to take a shower, but then I plan to finish watching the movie I rented online. It’s an older one called Best Laid Plans from 1999 starring Reese Witherspoon, and I have absolutely no recollection of it ever coming out in theaters. I wonder if that means it went straight to DVD…

You’ll Be a Picture of Bronze Perfection with the NARS Portrait of Paradise Collection / Originally published April 22nd, 2011

There are 38 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Makeup, Product Reviews Keywords: nars

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Comments

  1. Vijaya says

    April 22nd, 2011 at 10:10 pm

    I wish Orgasm wasn’t in everything. It reminds me of an episode of American Dad, where the CIA was programming sleeper agents and they picked a trigger phrase that no one in their right mind would ever just say. It was “I’m getting fed up with this orgasm.” I totally am. xP
    Vijaya recently posted … Linnaeus Cosmetics Review- The Maned Wolf Collection

    Reply
    • Jessi says

      April 22nd, 2011 at 10:30 pm

      Hahaha, that’s so funny… I love that episode. I never would have connected it to NARS Orgasm but it totally fits!
      Jessi recently posted … More 69 cent Wet n Wild Lipstick Swatch Spam!

      Reply
    • Marie says

      April 24th, 2011 at 4:42 am

      I totally agree. There are tons of amazing blush shades, but they always pick this one to put in every single gift set and palette. Same goes with nail polish and lipgloss.
      For me it’s not an incetive to buy, it’s a deterrent! It’s the safe choice, and it’s intended for the newcomers. I wish they’d make a “bold” move and put another shade to the forefront, for those of us who are sick of this Orgasm shade.

      Reply
  2. shusheshe says

    April 22nd, 2011 at 10:25 pm

    I’m seriously eying the Laguna multiple!

    Reply
  3. Jessi says

    April 22nd, 2011 at 10:29 pm

    I wish I could wear bronzers! You tan girls are so lucky!
    Jessi recently posted … More 69 cent Wet n Wild Lipstick Swatch Spam!

    Reply
    • steph b says

      April 23rd, 2011 at 7:18 am

      I know exactly what you mean. These look gorgeous but would make my fair skin look clownish.

      Reply
      • Liz! says

        April 23rd, 2011 at 10:24 am

        Have you gals ever giveLaguna a shot? It seems to be pretty universally flattering. I didn’t think I’d be able to wear it either, but with a light hand, the right brush and application I too can pull them off. Now I love it!

        Reply
    • Emma says

      April 23rd, 2011 at 11:36 am

      Oh, please don’t say that, you can wear bronzer. Trust me, I’m NC 20, or Siberia in Nars and I wear bronzer. It’s all about the application. You just have to have a light hand. Go into your local Sephora and insist on doing the bronzer yourself to try it. Then you can control what it looks like and layer more on if it’s too light.

      Reply
  4. Tracy says

    April 22nd, 2011 at 10:30 pm

    Laguna in a multiple??? Mine!
    Tracy recently posted … Becca Beach Tints

    Reply
  5. Heidi says

    April 22nd, 2011 at 10:32 pm

    That multiple looks great. I always have better luck with bronzers that are in a cream formula.

    Got all my errands done today so I don’t have to do anything practical for the rest of the weekend. Tomorrow I’m going out for brunch with my Mom. Then on Sunday I’ll just go for a drive with a friend after church. There are some really nice backroads close by to see some nice, quiet scenery. So, planning on a relaxing weekend.

    Reply
  6. dani@callitbeauty says

    April 22nd, 2011 at 10:41 pm

    i want this trio SO BAD! do you know if this will be available in sephora or just on the nars website?
    dani@callitbeauty recently posted … All About Eyes- Runway Edition- Oscar de la Renta

    Reply
  7. Siena says

    April 22nd, 2011 at 10:48 pm

    Can I just have all of this? I LOVE the nifty little trio, but the laguna multiple looks more my style.

    Reply
  8. Makeup Morsels says

    April 22nd, 2011 at 11:02 pm

    You look so fresh and summery! I really like your earrings too, are they from F21? I’ve been curious about Albatross for a long time now. I’m just worried the Laguna would be too dark for my skintone, but I’m tempted to buy the set of 3 for the price 🙂

    Reply
  9. karo says

    April 22nd, 2011 at 11:12 pm

    I LOVE the little TRIO & LAGUNA multiple too!
    WOW! they are so amazing!
    We have Easter Holidays:
    Today visit us some friends,tommorow we go to my mum.
    And is soooooo warm hier in Germyny/ Hannover (today 26 grad C )
    So wonderful! 🙂
    xoxox
    karo recently posted … CHANEL WHITE SATIN 459 – REVIEW

    Reply
  10. Vonvon says

    April 23rd, 2011 at 2:51 am

    The blush/bronzer trio is just perfect to bring along for a summer vacation! I wonder when will we get it here….
    Vonvon recently posted … Lipstick Of The Week- Review &amp Lip Swatches Of Sleek MakeUp True Colour Lipstick in OMG! – Orange Lips Trend &amp Some Looks

    Reply
  11. Erin says

    April 23rd, 2011 at 6:55 am

    Oooo, Laguna multiple! I was going to buy Laguna powder bronzer for this summer. Would you suggest the powder or multiple for someone just getting the hang of bronzers?

    Reply
  12. TheMissTrious says

    April 23rd, 2011 at 7:38 am

    Hey ! I think I’m going to buy a Nars powder bronzer. Should I get Laguna or Casino ? I’m Vietnamese, my skin has yellow undertones and I tan very easily. You look gorgeous BTW !

    Reply
    • Nadia A. says

      April 23rd, 2011 at 11:50 pm

      Hi, I am Mexican and have a lot of yellow undertones. I went ahead and bought both. I figured I would use Casino for the summer when my skin is more tanned and Laguna for the rest of the year. If you are just wanting a subtle glow, I would go with Laguna.

      Reply
      • TheMissTrious says

        April 24th, 2011 at 8:46 am

        Thanks ^^

        Reply
  13. Grace says

    April 23rd, 2011 at 8:53 am

    Hi Karen,

    Can you possibly do a tutorial on this look? Your make up looks amazing. Also, what lip gloss are you wearing?

    Reply
  14. Nina says

    April 23rd, 2011 at 9:00 am

    lovely kit … im in love with the proportions … its logical and makes sense!

    Reply
  15. Mehak says

    April 23rd, 2011 at 9:05 am

    I want that laguna multiple AND the duo..purrrttyyyyyy!!!
    Mehak recently posted … Royal Wedding Dresses Over The Years- What Will Kate Wear

    Reply
  16. Addie says

    April 23rd, 2011 at 9:33 am

    Do you know if this well be available at sephora? I hope it will be.

    Reply
    • mandy says

      April 23rd, 2011 at 12:42 pm

      I was wondering the same thing 🙂 *crossing fingers*

      Reply
  17. Susan Guerra says

    April 23rd, 2011 at 10:20 am

    What eye and lip makeup are you wearing in these pictures Karen? You look gorgeous! I’m totally snagging the trio asap!

    Reply
  18. Danielle says

    April 23rd, 2011 at 10:28 am

    Oohhhh! I want that Laguna Multiple! It’s be more of a highlighter for me, but it’s gorgeous! LOVE the look on you, Karen 🙂

    Reply
  19. ZeinabD says

    April 23rd, 2011 at 10:37 am

    You. Look. Amazing.

    Reply
  20. Emma says

    April 23rd, 2011 at 11:38 am

    Trio looks pretty but I just bought Too Faced French Rivera so I think that I’ve got enough bronzer for now.

    Reply
  21. Myr says

    April 23rd, 2011 at 12:15 pm

    I wonder how many oz of each powder are in this trio compared to buying each separately? Love the packaging!

    Reply
    • Dora says

      April 30th, 2011 at 4:10 pm

      Hi Myr,
      I just got mine today. Here are the gram weights of each in the trio:
      Laguna-7.3 grams Orgasm-5 grams Albatross-2.7 grams

      Individually purchased, the Laguna is 8 grams, Orgasm is 4.8 grams, and Albatross is 4.8 grams.

      I already had all three (and use them every day), but bought the trio for travel. I haven’t done the math, but I believe this would be a good way to purchase them if you wanted all three. The ratios are great for me since I use the Laguna to contour, the Orgasm as blush, and use very little Albatross as a highlighter. I would definitely purchase this trio again.

      I hope this helps.
      Dora

      Reply
  22. michelle says

    April 23rd, 2011 at 3:01 pm

    i LOVE the zipper case, im totally a sucker for packaging, regardless of the product, ha. karen, i think you look so pretty and fresh and summery, esp with your hair up! someday i would love to live in san diego (oceanside to be exact) where i can wear summer clothes for more than 3 months a year (i live near boston, and for a girl who absolutely abhors cold weather, it friggin sucks to live in new england)! i have a random question: aside from going to sephora and having one of the girls do your face, how would i find out which “color” i am, in regards to people saying they are nc20 and such. i assume those are mac skintones?

    Reply
  23. Lucie says

    April 23rd, 2011 at 6:14 pm

    OHEMGEE LAGUNA MULTIPLE! *jizzes pants*

    But seriously, I think every NARS fan has been waiting for Laguna in multiple form for years. Can’t wait to get my hands on it! Thanks for the heads up Karen!

    Reply
  24. Lizzie says

    April 23rd, 2011 at 7:53 pm

    Completely unrelated, but I love your earrings!
    Lizzie recently posted … Dupe test- Naked Palette

    Reply
  25. Dora says

    April 24th, 2011 at 7:53 pm

    Thanks for letting us know about the trio–I just bought it! I have light skin and these three are my favorites. I already own each, but it will be great to have one portable package for travel. I always thought paying this much money for makeup was crazy, but I have found the quality and longevity of these products well worth the investment.

    Reply
  26. Landers says

    April 24th, 2011 at 8:53 pm

    ohh, I want that trio! It’s exactly the three NARS products I have been meaning to purchase!

    Reply
  27. Advah says

    April 27th, 2011 at 11:39 am

    Ack. I have Orgasm which I love but rarely wear blush, I have the Copacabana multiple which I love but will last me for about ten years, and I never contour.
    Somehow, though, I want this very very badly.

    Reply
  28. Clint says

    April 27th, 2011 at 6:06 pm

    LAGUNA MULTIPLE. I think I had a heart attack. I’ve had multiple conversations with girls in sephora bitching because they never made a Laguna Multiple. I do NOT care that I just bought a new Laguna powder. Laguna Multiple order – placed.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 27th, 2011 at 6:17 pm

      It is TO DIE. Seriously.

      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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