NARS has just released a capsule collection to celebrate the 2021 Chinese New Year, and I’m most definitely here for it. What I love best about this collection? In one word: EVERYTHING.
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When external packaging is as detailed & gorgeous as this, it most certainly deserves a shot, wouldn’t you agree?
Happily, that aesthetic is carried over to the actual product packaging as well, and if anything, it’s even more stunning.
Deep Sunrise Quad Eyeshadow (CAN $68.00) | A bold red case silkscreened with a floral motif, the inside reveals 4 complimentary shades in a range of finishes that include matte, satin, and multi-dimensional shimmer. Each pan is large enough to accommodate a variety of brushes so there’s no worry of accidental cross-contamination, and each hue displays a highly pigmented, non-powdery, and absolutely buttery smooth texture. Effortless to blend out (or you can always go for more drama by using a dampened brush), staying power — when worn over primer — is excellent, with all colours staying true until removed.
Lipstick (CAN $33.00/each) | It’s all in the details; notice how the cases have been designed so that you can seamlessly spell out ‘NARS’? Yeah, I’m a beauty nerd. But I digress … housed in the same gorg red packaging, there are 2 brand new shades in this collection (Wen Wo and China Rose) while both Intrigue and Banned Red already exist in the permanent lineup (albeit, given a new wardrobe here). The formula contains a blend of Moringa and Passion Fruit Seed Oils for enhanced colour vibrancy and to provide an ultra-comfortable lip feel. Highly pigmented and delivering opaque colour from the first swipe, the texture is also quite smooth and definitely feels hydrating throughout wear.
- Wen Wo (new) – warm nude
- China Rose (new) – warm peach-brown
- Banned Red – satin mulled wine
- Intrigue – scarlet red
Crystal Light Reflecting Setting Powder (CAN $49.00) | Stunning packaging aside, this is the brand’s cult-fave setting powder but don’t let the stark white shade fool you; it definitely applies translucently. This weightless powder provides a light-reflecting soft-matte finish that is virtually undetectable once applied — which means no cakey-ness seen upon the skin, helping to keep excess oils at bay (not forever, but a good amount of time) and locking your makeup in place (again, not permanently). Is it just me, or doesn’t the look of this powder with its vibrant case give off major ‘geisha‘ vibes?
You can see swatches of it here from last year’s collection.
From the packaging (both external and internal) to the products, and all the way to how everything performs (SPECTACULARLY), I find this entire collection a hit. I was also not expecting how wearable each lipstick shade actually is — so that’s another bonus. As to the eyeshadow quad, it strikes the perfect balance: I can indulge in my obsession with red eye shades, without going overboard … not that I ever would, mind you. Of course, the entire collection is limited edition, so you know the drill.
Available online, Sephora, The Bay, and other retailers nationwide
Kindly provided by NARS for my unbiased consideration
