NARS | Under Cover Summer 2016 Colour Collection

Picture a glamorous photo shoot along the shores of the French Riviera; the sun is blazing, the cameras are buzzing away, people driving by stop to stare … now take all that imagery and turn it into NARS’ Under Cover Summer 2016 Colour Collection, a limited edition group of beauty products that are loaded with lush colour, rich textures and packaging illustrated by Greek-born (yay!) contemporary artist Konstantin Kakanias, each item a witty behind-the-scenes snapshot that most definitely sets the tone for the treasures inside.

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Artist at work: Konstantin Kakanias

NARS | Under Cover Summer 2016 Colour Collection

NARS | Under Cover Summer 2016 Colour Collection (+ a matching desktop calendar for me!)

NARS | Under Cover Summer 2016 Colour Collection

Two blush shades in one compact that can be applied either dry for a sheer yet buildable wash of colour, or with a dampened brush for extra intensity & depth of tone. The geometric ridged texture is hard but not dry, offering total product control and absolutely no powdery residue upon swirling brushes across the surface. Made even more unique by the addition of a complex ultra-fine shimmer, the colour saturation on both duos is 100% off-the-charts amazing, lasting easily 8+ hours, more so when worn over foundation.

Liberation Dual-Intensity Blush (CAN $58.00) | The warmer-leaning of the two blushes, it’s described as a ‘Shimmering Light Pink’ (left side) and ‘Caramel Rose’ (right side) – both descriptions that happen to be totally spot on. As each pan is large enough to be able to apply either shade individually, there’s no fear of cross-contamination although I absolutely love the tone you get when both colours are indeed combined, sort of a ‘Dirty Orgasm’, so to speak (think: NARS’ iconic blush shade ‘Orgasm’, but slightly muddied up and with a smoother shimmer factor). And yes, it looks as good as that sounds.

NARS | Liberation Dual-Intensity Blush swatches

Sexual Content Dual-Intensity Blush (CAN $58.00) | Somewhat more cooler-leaning than Liberation (although warmer-complexioned folks can still wear this with total ease), it’s described as a ‘Sandy Peach’ (left side) with ‘Soft Raspberry’ (right side), and dang if NARS didn’t get both shades correct once again. Direct sunlight seems to bring out the warmer side of both hues, but deeper lighting cools things down a few degrees – while the combined version gives that perfect post-workout (wink, wink) glow.

NARS | Sexual Content Dual-Intensity Blush swatches

NARS | Topless, Tan Lines, Deep End & Pool Shark Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow

Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow (CAN $38.00) | Transformative eyeshadows in NARS’ revolutionary eyeshadow formula that offer unique interesting wear options: applied dry for a sheer wash of colour, or with a dampened brush for depth & high-voltage intensity.

All four Dual-Intensity Eyeshadows display an excellent level of pigmentation, whether worn dry or damp and each blends like a dream. Interestingly, the shimmery factor differs for each shade, with Pool Shark and Deep End having the highest levels – which I find makes them easier to wear as a sheer wash (TIP: try applying either shade dampened along the lash line – top or bottom – to give eyes maximum ‘check me out’ impact). Tan Lines and Topless make for excellent ‘neutrals with a kick’ and I can see myself getting major mileage all year round out of both shades. Staying power is easily 9+ hours on all, with no creasing or significant fading until removed (bear in mind that this is when worn over primer).

Topless – Seashell Pink, not as iridescent, works beautifully as an inner eye corner & brow bone highlight, amazing for just a sheer wash of colour on the lid
Tan Lines – Rich Hazelnut, warm chocolatey shade that works so well in the eye crease area to give depth as well as to ground either Deep End or Pool Shark (contrast love!)
Deep End – Shimmering Teal-Green (looks more aqua to me), iridescent flash especially when worn damp, drop-dead gorgeous beachy shade
Pool Shark – Iridescent Periwinkle, the most unique colour shift of the group, will look spectacular against all skin tones & will compliment all eye colours

NARS | Topless, Tan Lines, Deep End & Pool Shark Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow swatches

NARS | Lip Cover, Under Cover Summer 2016 Colour Collection

Lip Cover (CAN $36.00) | These are all liquid lipsticks that pack some serious pigmentation levels. The doe-foot sponge applicator picks up enough product for an effortless application with each swipe, while its slightly bevelled edge means you can easily outline lips before filling them in with the product. All three shades provide a long-lasting nourishing feel to lips both throughout and after wearing, without any sticky or overly slick effect. The finish is lush, glossy and long-lasting with the two darker shades leaving a slight stain behind after wear. Staying power is easily 7+ hours (not including drinking and/or eating), with both Do Not Disturb and Overheated going on significantly longer than Get Dirty.

NOTE: Apparently there’s a 4th shade called Members Only that’s showing available on the NARS website, but I don’t think that will be released here in Canada.

Overheated – Deep Dusty Rose, the deepest of the three with a brownish cast – a total 70s vibe going on, made modern with this new formula and glossy finish
Do Not Disturb – Vivid Orange-Red, a warm-leaning red made totally wearable by the citrusy tint in the base, gives a unique plumping effect to lips (or so it appears to me)
Get Dirty – Desert Rose, the most neutral of the three, gives a polished ‘my lips but better’ effect and the perfect shade to offset either smoky or colourful eye makeup

NARS | Overheated, Do Not Disturb & Get Dirty Lip Cover swatches

This Under Cover Collection has Summer written all over it; wearably vivid colour that won’t make you feel like there’s a neon halo around your face (not sure what that even means, but it’s the image that popped into my head). To say that I’m literally obsessing over everything, would be an understatement; I don’t remember the last time I fell so hard for every piece of a collection. The best part: it’s not so overwhelmingly large to choose from. The worst part? Two words: limited edition. You’ve been duly warned.

Available May 1st at all NARS counters (The Bay – already appearing online, Sephora, Holt Renfrew, Nordstrom and Murale) nationwide and now at www.narscosmetics.com