Steven Klein X NARS | One Shocking Moment Cheek Palette (Sephora Exclusive)

The collaboration between NARS and controversial photographer Steven Klein has resulted in a collection of many outstanding pieces, with several limited edition palettes thrown in for good measure. The One Shocking Moment Cheek Palette (CAN $92.00/a value of over $191.00 in total – exclusive to Sephora) might bear a provocative name, but is surprisingly … wearable. Consisting of 7 face products – a contour/highlight duo, bronzer, and 4 blush shades (2 of which are brand new) in one portable compact, there are endless combinations to work with and which will suit a broad range of skin tones.

Then there’s the limited edition packaging with the Steven Klein reproduction on the cover; it’s like carrying around wearable art, I tell you.

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Also reviewed from this collection:

Vengeful Dual Intensity Blush (Steven Klein X NARS)

Steven Klein X NARS | One Shocking Moment Cheek Palette

Steven Klein X NARS | One Shocking Moment Cheek Palette (detail)

Steven Klein X NARS | One Shocking Moment Cheek Palette (top tier)

Paloma Contour Blush Duo |

Paloma I – highlighter shade, warm leaning, bone/ivory hue with a subtle sheen
Paloma II – contour shade, warm undertones, almost matte finish

This duo is versatile enough to be worn in so many ways; Paloma I is not only a soft highlight shade (and perfect for those who prefer a less shimmery face product) but also makes an excellent eyeshadow base as well as a brow bone hue. Paloma II works beautifully as a contour with its ultra fine texture lending itself to an easy blendability, and can also double as a bronzer – especially if applied with a fluffy brush for a proper diffusion. Note that this is already available as a duo & part of the NARS permanent range.

Steven Klein X NARS | Paloma Contour Blush swatches, applied heavy (left) & blended together (right), shown in sunlight and in alternate light

Laguna Bronzing Powder | Is there anyone who HASN’T heard of this iconic bronzer? Laguna was actually the first NARS product I ever picked up many, many years ago and I’ve also managed to accumulate a few more versions of it since then that were part of specialty sets (although I have noticed some variances in tone – guess it’s a batch thing). This finely milled powder with its slight yellow undertones and incredibly fine shimmer (more of a glow, really) has become a staple in every makeup artist’s kit and with good reason; it has the magical ability to suit basically all skin tones and manages to look as good at the end of the day, as when first applied.

Steven Klein X NARS | Laguna swatches, applied heavy (left) and blended out (right) shown in direct sunlight and in alternate light

Steven Klein X NARS | One Shocking Moment Cheek Palette (bottom tier)

Robotic – cool leaning white based pink, soft sheen
Blasphemy – warm rose pink with slight peachy hints, satin sheen

Both Robotic and Blasphemy are new to the NARS blush lineup (and exclusive to this palette), but are completely in line quality-wise with the rest of the range. Displaying finely milled powders with a buttery and almost suede-like texture, I experience no powdery kickback when swirling my brushes through them. Displaying excellent blendability as well, both powder are easily buffed into the skin for a seamless finish and can also be combined for a customized shade.

Luster – apricot coloured, soft shimmer with a slight peachy shift, warm leaning
Dolce Vita – mulberry hued with reddish undertones, satin shimmer, warm leaning

Part of the permanent lineup, both shades are new in my collection and absolutely beautiful. Luster looks totally amazing on darker (as well as tanned) skin, and can even go the extra mile worn as an eyeshadow shade or in a pinch, applied as a highlighter. Dolce Vita is that hue your cheeks take on when you blush, meaning it provides a sultry (think arousal) flush of colour. Once again, no kickback residue to be seen and both with killer blendability.

Steven Klein X NARS | blush swatches, shown in direct sunlight (left) and in alternate light (right)

Steven Klein X NARS | One Shocking Moment Cheek Palette

Steven Klein X NARS | Limited Edition Palettes

If the packaging didn’t grab you, then the contents most definitely will, and if there’s one palette you should put on your radar for Christmas, it’s NARS’ One Shocking Moment. I’m beyond impressed with the generously sized portions of each shade that make it an effortless task to dip or blend into any of them with ease AND without fear of cross-contamination, while the well-curated colour selection offers something for every taste and skin tone. Quality-wise, each and every shade is a stellar performer and when you factor in the savings of having them all gathered in one travel-friendly compact, well … why are you still reading this? Go grab this palette before it’s too late!

The Steven Klein X NARS One Shocking Moment Cheek Palette is available exclusively at Sephora and through sephora.com