First Look| NARS Narsissist Dual Intensity Eyeshadow Palette

*DROOL*

I've had my eye on the NARS Narsissist Dual Intensity Eyeshadow Palette ($79) the moment it was announced to release at Sephora. There's 8 pans (.03 oz each) curated from their single eyeshadow pans which are a whopping $29 each for .05 oz of product. I knew they would eventually appeal to the plebes and release a more affordable (albeit limited edition) palette. 

The entire front of the compact is a mirror (narcissistic indeed) and there's another full sized mirror inside with a small flat shader brush. The compact clicks resoundingly shut. I can already see dog hairs and fingerprints on the cover. 

I already know that the formulation is much better foiled (that is, applied with a damp brush) and has little to sheer color payoff when used dry. They may appear on your fingers when swatched dry, but when packed on with a dry brush you may be disappointed. 

I also don't view this as a stand alone palette because of this issue. I would only use some shades are transition colors in the crease dry and the low pigmentation prevents an even blending that defeats the purpose. Once wet, the "mattes" adapt a gleaming sheen. However, each stand alone color is unique and complex enough to be used as a wash of color on the lids if you have the patience to dampen your brush each morning or pat the colors on with your fingers. 

Color name from left to right, top to bottom: 

Europa- A frosty pinky peach. I had been eyeing this single since its release.

Himalia- A golden brown that can shift depending on the light. It looks perfect as a wash of color.

Ursa Major- A dark brown. It swatches much lighter than in pan.

Subra- Another lemming I've had: a lovely burgundy.

Andromeda- A golden beige that swatches much lighter when dry. Its golden sheen appears when applied wet.

Lysithea- One of my favorites in this palette: a complex grey-green with gold shift (you could say pewter) that that turns blue when swatched wet.

Giove- A dark navy that turns purple-black when wet. I was underwhelmed with this shade.

Sycorax- A sheer black that doesn't darken too much when wet.

Below are wet swatches in direct flourescent lighting. 

In this picture you can further see the sheen/glitter that most of them gives off when applied wet. This is natural sunlight.

Swatched wet on the left and dry on the right, in direct sunlight. 

I think this is a great value for the abject lazy, the eyeshadow beginner, or even an experienced eyeshadow collector who enjoys a neutral palette that isn't, by definition, bland and flat on the eyes. There's only one brown in this palette, yet the colors are all very flattering, making the Dual Intensity palette a versatile addition to your stash.

An important note: when using the included brush, make sure that it is DAMP and not WET when you're trying to pack on pigment. Imagine the pan as your easel and you're simply mixing the water into your pigment before you apply on the lids. If your brush is wet, you'll pack on color but then take it right off. 

Overall, while it's not the most convenient palette if you want a truly opaque color payoff from each color, this is the most unique neutrals palette I've ever owned. Each shade has an interesting shift when applied wet or dry, though their dry performance is lacking. Some shades are very patchy and have minimal to no color payoff if you attempt to pack them on with a dry brush! Used wet, however, you will fall in love with the formula as I did. 

TLDR: Don't buy this if you have a problem with taking an extra second to dampen your brush. The dry pigmentation is lackluster but all is well when you use a glycerin spray or water. 

xo Be