It’s always exciting reviewing NARS launches. I think their formulations are some of the best in the market.
Late last year they revamped their entire eyeshadow lineup and improved on their already impressive shadows which was exciting as a fellow ‘Narsisist’! See swatches/ first impressions of their single shadows here. Fittingly, I’ve been spotting a bunch of new palettes now out with this new formula.
One of which is this new neutral palette called Skin Deep, I knew I had to have it ASAP. The good ones really go out of stock FAST!
I love how the palette has some everyday basics in larger pans. It’s been designed in a way that the most used neutrals are set in a larger pan since they are most likely to be the first to be used up. In addition, these powders can be applied to any part of the face anyway, you don’t need to restrict yourself to using them solely as eyeshadows! Some shades make interesting blush colours (especially) for deeper skin tones, or work even as contour.
On the top row each contain 3.5g of product in comparison to the ones on the bottom two rows which are just 1.4g each (for reference their single shadows usually contain 1.1g but look much larger than these small ones, strangely). I have a feeling the numbers are a bit off on this unless the pans are deeper.. who knows.
At first glance I also noticed a couple of the shades are actually some of the older popular single eyeshadows sitting beside the new ones. Bali and Coconut Grove have been two of my OG faves. Newly launched Sophia is also included in the larger pan.
I honestly don’t mind the repetition. Overall the mix is really versatile and that’s all that matters in my opinion. In any case, a majority of the shades are new (although some can be very closely duped with existing NARS shadows).
The formula of these when swatched were on par with the new reformulated shadows from October. Some, such as Faster Pussycat, Basic Instinct were (almost) creamy to the touch and swatch like butter!
Here’s another swatch set in direct sunlight.
Taunt – is a matte cream beige
Sophia – is a medium rosy matte brown
Whipped – is warmer reddish matte brown
Undressed – is a medium cool taupe
Icon – is a lustrous champagne
Basic Instinct – is a warm rose gold
Coconut Grove – is a medium deep matte brown
Centerfold – is a lustrous taupe
Calender Girl – is a dull bronze
Faster Pussycat – is a rich coppery red
Unbuttoned – is a deep brown with red shimmer
Overall the eyeshadows are well pigmented and apply smoothly. Even the mattes blend like a dream. Honestly, I can’t pick a single dud in here. NARS really set the standard high with this palette.
Skin Deep, is one of those palettes that’s perfectly curated. There’s a matte highlighter/ base shade, a few transition options and shimmery pop colours. Literally no guess work with all the shades just laid out perfectly. I have to say it makes life easier to not have to fish for a neutral beige or dig out a matte brown.
For todays makeup I added a blue winged liner for some contrast inspired by my blue manicure. My aim was to not make this neutral eye look boring. And the blue really compliments the warm coppery lower lash line.
Also making an appearance is the latest NARS face palette Fireclay on the cheeks and highlight points. Hopefully reviewing this next.
Here’s a closer look. My hooded eyes make it a bit difficult photographing the lid space without looking sleepy. But here’s my best take! You see the eyeshadow placements more clearly.
Products used, Icon and Basic Instinct in the inner corner blended towards the center. Undressed and Whipped in the crease for depth and transition. Bali in the outer corner. Faster Pussycat on the lower lash line.
For eyeliner I used an old NARS navy blue eye pencil topped with the single shadow Outremer for extra pop.
On the lips i’m wearing a nude lip liner with Orgasm Afterglow Lip Balm.
Cheeks & subtle highlight via the Fireclay palette. It’s a 100% NARS look!
Bottom Line
Can’t recommend this palette enough! Even though the colours in here can be duped by other NARS singles in my stash, the convenience of having them all together, already curated and ready to go is money well spent. I know i’ll be packing this on practically every trip now on.
I love that there’s a good mix of mattes and shimmers which play very well together and the overall neutral tone makes for easy everyday eye looks since it doesn’t lean too red or warm.
If you already have a tonne of palettes, you probably won’t need this one. But I can’t hide the fact that it’s one of the best eyeshadow palettes i’ve seen in quite some time with really good quality & value for money and (i’ve tried a fair few to say the least)! PLUS it’s totally wearable for all skin tones, including the deeper complexions which is wonderful.
Bottom line, I’m enjoying it loads, and it’s something I wouldn’t want you to miss out on if you are thinking of grabbing this.
P.S – If you haven’t been to my Instagram, drop by and follow me there. All the latest makeup launches and makeup looks are always shared there first! xx
Available at NARS boutiques (Ngee Ann City) and Sephora Singapore (retailing at SGD90).