First Impressions & Swatches: NARS Pleasures of Paris Eyeshadow Palette

 I went back and forth with myself about whether or not to even post anything about the NARS Pleasures of Paris Palette because it is so hard to get a hold of! The last thing I want to do is ramble on about how amazing a product is that no one can buy. However, I am going to justify this review because all of the shadows in this palette are in fact available in either single eyeshadow form or in one of the NARS duos. So, if a particular swatch tickles your fancy, it is still possible to find. Phew, all hope is not lost! 

Although this was originally released a few years back with a collection in department stores, at the moment, I believe this is an exclusive Artist Palette available only on the NARS website. I ordered this during the Friends & Family sale and unfortunately checking back on the website, I now see it is sold out. However, I'm hoping they will restock it soon and make it available to anyone else who would like to purchase it.

The NARS Pleasures of Paris Palette, or Douceurs de Paris (so chic!), is a beautiful mixture of neutral and plum tones in shimmering, matte and even glittery formulas. I find that these colors work harmoniously together to create anything from a glowing neutral eye all the way up to a sultry smoked out look. For the most part, the quality of these shades are classic NARS standard: very creamy, pigmented and finely milled. I have thoroughly enjoyed using it the past few days, ever since it came in the mail. Not only do these shades work well with each other, they also play well with my other NARS eyeshadows. This is just a great staple to have in your makeup wardrobe!

Nepal (top) is a medium shimmering  pink. It has a rose gold, slightly coral appearance to it, once applied on the lid. A very warm color. Works great as a wash across the lid. Available in single eyeshadow form.

Fez (bottom) is a gorgeous shimmering bronze. It is very pigmented and buttery. Many have compared this shade to MAC's Mulch, but I find that Fez is much more warm toned and is everything I had hoped Mulch would be. Whereas Mulch appears more grey or cool toned once applied to my eyes, Fez remains a true bronze. Nepal and Fez are ah-mazing together. Blended across the lid, they create such an illuminating effect. If I were to recommend any shadows out of this palette to purchase,  it would be Nepal and Fez to use together. Available in single eyeshadow form.

Violetta (top) is a muted matte lavender-grey. Of all the shadows, this is the only one I was disappointed with. There is not much color payoff and once applied to the eyes it turns into a chalky grey color. On my complexion, I find it makes me look very tired and weary. Matte shade from NARS Violetta Eyeshadow Duo.

Abyssinia (bottom) is a wonderful highlight shade. As most NARS shimmery shades, it is very finely milled and has a glowing quality to it. The color is similar to MAC's Phloof, although I much prefer the NARS version. Available in single eyeshadow form.

Demon Lover (top) is a deep matte eggplant color. This makes for a beautiful liner with hardly any fallout. I also enjoy using this color in conjunction with my NARS Kalahari Eyeshadow Duo to deepen up the outer V. This color is so creamy and pigmented that you hardly have to tap your brush in the pan for intense color payoff. Purple shade from NARS Demon Lover Eyeshadow Duo.

Cordura (bottom) is a deep grey-black with multi-toned glitter particles. This shade is incredibly pigmented and also works well as a liner. As with other glittery shades from NARS, I did experience slight fallout with this shade, so I recommend using a damp brush to minimize this. Darker shade of NARS Cordura Eyeshadow Duo.

For complete eye looks and more swatches from this palette, please visit this post from the lovely Delicate Hummingbird!

Thanks for reading! Hope you all have a great start to your weeks!

Lots of Love,

Louise