I’m one of those people who are quite gullible when it comes to raving reviews of products. Especially when it’s a blogger I’d consider as my beauty twins like Karen of the Makeup and Beauty Blog. In the case of the NARS Narsissist Loaded Eyeshadow Palette, won’t be too hard given how much I actually like the brand. I’m rarely disappointed by NARS products, and I hope they will return to Germany again (with Sephora? please?)

NARS Narsissist Loaded Eyeshadow Palette: The Palette

NARS Loaded Eyeshadow Packaging and Booklet
NARS Loaded Eyeshadow Packaging and Booklet

 

The Packaging

It comes in a very sturdy palette, I like these new NARS palette series. It doesn’t collect greasy fingerprints and glitters too easily anymore. For me it looks modern and minimalistic (which I like). The palette comes with instructions for three looks, I’m not sure why. Because: if you’ve a palette with 12 colors and I’m a newbie, I’d expect a guide for more looks, and between them uses all the colors.

The Texture

Everything is excellent here. Nothing to complain (which is rare from such a range of colors). All of them are really good. The mattes are buttery soft and not chalky. The shimmery ones has the perfect kind of shimmer that doesn’t fall of my eyes. It’s totally a winner.

NARS Narsissist Loaded Eyeshadow Palette Swatch
NARS Narsissist Loaded Eyeshadow Palette Swatch: L-R Newbury Street, Windsor, Privilege, Dover, Foix, Castille, Alnwick, Beaumaris, Splendor, Versailles, Montaillou, Reale.

 

The Color Payoff

As you can see from the swatch, some colors really profit from using the base, especially the dark ones. I’m surprised to see the metallic ones hold up so well! That being said, I’m always using my trusty NARS Pro Prime Eyeshadow Base, so that’s not really an issue for me.

The Color Tone

It’s definitely a warm palette. I personally love the orangey shades (Castille & Alnwick), both are great for adding a bit more pop or doing the crease towards a warmer tone.

NARS Loaded Eyeshadow Palette Look: Great for Spring/Summer!
NARS Loaded Eyeshadow Palette Look: Great for Spring/Summer!

 

NARS Narsissist Loaded Eyeshadow Palette: The Look

Now, as much as I love all the single colors, and how I love how easy they applied, I have yet to find a combo that wowed me. I’ve been playing with this palette for over a week now, and while all of the colors are great, they are not super amazing IMO. I hope you understand what I meant… I’m not saying that these are not worthy products, I think it’s really nice for everyday looks (including daytime/nighttime). I’m just saying it doesn’t translate to super gorgeous pop of eye looks. Maybe I’m missing something here and if you actually have an idea, I’d love to hear all about it!

Here are the two looks using the booklet guide

The Gold Standard

NARS Narsissist Loaded Eyeshadow Palette look: The Gold Standard
NARS Narsissist Loaded Eyeshadow Palette look: The Gold Standard

This look is using Newbury Street across the entire lid, Alnwick on the crease, Privilege on the inner corners, Reale on lashlines. I added Beaumaris on the outer corners for more definition. Wearing the Kjaer Weis blush in Joyful and Charlotte Tilbury lipstick in Stoned Rose.

 

Strike It Rich

NARS Loaded Eyeshadow Palette - Smokey Look Strike It Rich
NARS Loaded Eyeshadow Palette – Smokey Look Strike It Rich

It looks heavier when my eyes looked down, obviously. But eyes open, it’s quite subtle and pretty.

NARS Loaded Eyeshadow Palette - Smokey Look Strike It Rich - eyes open
NARS Loaded Eyeshadow Palette – Smokey Look Strike It Rich – eyes open

This look is using Montaillou all over the lid, Beaumaris from lid to crease, and then diffusing the edges with Windsor. I’m also wearing NARS Liberte blush and MAC Liptensity in Smoked Almond.

 

NARS Narsissist Loaded Eyeshadow Palette vs Urban Decay Naked Palette

The benchmark of all the neutral palette! The colors are laid out quite similarly from light to dark.

NARS Loaded Eyeshadow Palette & Urban Decay Naked Palette
NARS Loaded Eyeshadow Palette & Urban Decay Naked Palette

There are a few shades from the Naked Palette I rarely use, like Gunmetal (such an awkward dulling grey on me), Sin (too much of a cool pink on me), and Virgin is way too ashy and light.  Sidecar is pretty but it has plenty of fallout.

So far I didn’t see any shade I won’t be able to use from the NARS Palette, so it’s 1-0 for NARS.

On the other hand, some combos from the Urban Decay palette are super pretty: Half Baked, Buck, and Darkhorse. Toasted & Hustle. I really like Toasted, so I think I would like a bit of play of color on the NARS palette (I’m difficult to please, I know).

NARS Loaded Eyeshadow vs Urban Decay Naked Palette Swatch
NARS Loaded Eyeshadow vs Urban Decay Naked Palette Swatch. NARS from bottom to top: Newbury Street, Windsor, Privilege, Dover, Foix, Castille, Alnwick, Beaumaris, Splendor, Versailles, Montaillou, Reale. URBAN DECAY from bottom to top: Virgin, Sin, Naked, Sidecar, Buck, Half Baked, Smog, Darkhorse, Toasted, Hustle, Creep, Gunmetal.

 

From the swatch, you could also see the Urban Decay shades are mostly needing the base to pop on my skin. I’m NC42-44 (medium dark neutral warm) for reference.

Verdict

Do I need the palette? If you look great in warmer eyeshadow colors, then this palette is a Must Have!

What if I have the Naked Palette? Yes, especially if you’re missing the warmer tones and have a similar / darker skintone than me.

What’s missing from this palette? Some color pop (although can easily be remedied by wearing colored eyeliner or mascara)

Overall, it’s a great palette for longer summer trips where I’d want versatility and more playtime with the colors (I’m one of those person who doesn’t like to wear the same look for two days in a row).

Looking for another opinion? Check out Rouge n Apples post on the NARS Palette too! Otherwise, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the palette. Do you have it? Are you interested in getting it?