NARS Cosmetics NARSissist Unfiltered Cheek Palette in Unfiltered I – Swatches, Review and Photos On A Woman of Color

For Cyber Monday, NARS and Sephora decided to snatch more money from our wallets and release these NARSissist Unfiltered Cheek Palettes that were available for that day only and for early access for VIB rouge members. I purchased the Unfiltered I palette ($59) because it looked like it would compliment my skin tone based on the initial photos that I saw. So let's jump into my photos and a bit more of the information that I received from the press release.

From the press release - Sculpt, shape, and glow with a covetable wardrobe of high-impact matte and seductive shimmer blushes, customized to you with NARS Unfiltered Cheek Palettes. These are blush palettes that are a curated selection of six must-have shades in each limited-edition mirrored palette. You can warm up your face with hot bronzes and reds in Unfiltered I; or choose to cool down your look with soft pinks and golds in Unfiltered II.

NARS’ unparalleled powder blush formula is richly pigmented and micronized to deliver sheer, buildable color. This season’s lineup takes style to the next level with five limited-edition blushes and one iconic shade in each palette. Wear individually or blend together to customize your look.

UNFILTERED I SHADES (Left to Right): WATCH ME: Opalescent gold (sheen)* ME FIRST: Apricot (sheen)* TAKEOVER: Copper rose (sheen)* OUT THERE: Deep russet (matte)* CHIC: Rich raspberry (matte)* EXHIBIT A: Red (matte)

UNFILTERED II SHADES (Left to Right): CONQUEST: Pastel peach (matte)* UNDEFEATED: Pale pink (shimmer)* POWER PLAY: Vivid pink (matte)* HOT SAND: Peach champagne (sheen) FAME: Pink amber (sheen)* CANDID: Mauve raspberry (shimmer)*

*New limited-edition shade

As mentioned above, I purchased the Unfiltered I palette because it looked like it would compliment my skin tone based on the initial photos that I saw and I wanted to give you the scoop before its released again. (I uploaded the photos as a gallery to save scrolling space. Please click the gallery to view the photos larger). My friend from @Manniefique was also kind enough to swatch this palette on her skin tone as well as she is a bit darker than I am. 

[embed]https://youtu.be/KJdznUQYmyg[/embed]

Shades (Left to Right): WATCH ME: Opalescent gold (sheen), ME FIRST: Apricot (sheen), TAKEOVER: Copper rose (sheen), OUT THERE: Deep russet (matte), CHIC: Rich raspberry (matte), EXHIBIT A: Red (matte)

Overall: Both @Manniefique and I agree that this palette is a stunner. The shades are buttery soft and blend like a dream. The only one shade that has me questioning "but why NARS" is Watch Me - the opalescent gold (sheen). I'm definitely not wearing that shade on my cheeks (not on this skin tone) but maybe as a highlight for an eyeshadow? I'll let you know how it turns out...

AVAILABILITY: December 6, 2016 at Sephora.com December 15, 2016 at narscosmetics.com and Sephora stores February 1, 2017 at department and specialty stores

Reta:

No filter. No limits. #NARSissist.

-Purchased- -Press Release- -Affiliate Links-

NARS Cosmetics Andy Warhol Kiss Larger Than Life Lip Gloss Set Blog Giveaway

Are you ready for the upcoming holiday season? It's probably my favorite time of the year - oh heck let me be honest; it is my favorite time of the year!

As promised, I want to help as many of you celebrate in some sort of Candy Coated Closets style so this time I wanted to hook you guys up with this NARS Cosmetics Andy Warhol Kiss Larger Than Life Lip Gloss Set Giveaway! Check out this video below so you can see the can, colors and basically everything you have a chance at winning.

https://youtu.be/2XESBugF-dU

How to enter:

1. Simply follow/subscribe to this blog and leave a comment on this post telling me why your thoughts on this collectible. Scroll down to find my subscription box or look to the to right of your screen to follow/subscribe. *Please note – Don’t worry if you don’t see your comment right away. I have to approve most of them :-)*

Contest ends on Thursday, November 3rd, 2016. The winners will be selected and verified at random from our subscriber list within 48 hours of the contest end date. You can only be eligible able of winning if you have completed both steps (followed blog and commented).

Open internationally; 18+, to enter. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received.

Good luck!

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NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer Review, Swatches & Photos – Crème Brulée, Cannelle, Macadamia, Chestnut, Amande, Hazelnut, Cafe, Cacao & Dark Coffee

NARS Cosmetics recently launched 6 new shades to their Radiant Creamy Concealer line. Crème Brulée, Cannelle, Macadamia, Chestnut, Hazelnut and Dark Coffee ($29 each). This is my go-to concealer for covering up my dark circles without it creasing on me so I wanted to make sure that you had swatches of the new shade as quickly as possible.

Crème Brulée - Fair with a light pink undertone Cannelle - Light with a peachy undertone Macadamia - Medium with a peachy undertone Chestnut - Medium with a pink undertone Hazelnut - Medium Dark with a warm red undertone Dark Coffee - Dark brown with an olive undertone

Also, while I was at it, I rounded up some swatches of the 5 darkest shades for give women of color a better comparison.

NARS Cosmetics Summer Instagram Giveaway

Ohhhhhhhhhhhh -insert my finger snaps- Summer summer summer time, Time to sit back and unwind! I swear every time I look at these products from NARS, I instantly want to throw on a pair of shorts, my rollerblades and skate around looking for the ice cream truck while listening to DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. Isn't it funny how makeup can transport your mind and make you feel nostalgic?

Anyway, so I teased you all too much. It's time to announce the next NARS giveaway!

Two Instagram followers will win (one of each):

• NARS Blush in Taos ($30) — The ultimate authority in blush, NARS offers the industry's most iconic shades for cheeks. Natural, healthy-looking color that immediately enlivens the complexion. A light application of even the highest-intensity hues delivers a natural-looking flush.
• NARS Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow in Phoebe ($29)— A mesmerizing Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow features a luxuriously smooth transformative texture.
• NARS Lip Gloss in Priscilla ($26) — Serious shine and sexy color in sheer, semi-sheer and creamy formulas.

Here's how to enter:

1. You must follow @candycoatedclosets on Instagram.

2. In the comments on this Instagram photo, tag a friend and tell them something uplifting; something positive. Tell them why you absolutely love makeup!

3. You can enter as many times as you want – just make sure that you comment and tag a new friend with a new message that will make them understand the addiction.

That’s it! Contest runs from Friday, July 29, 2016 and ends Friday, August 5, 2016 at 11:59pm est. Two winners will be randomly chosen from those who commented (not those tagged within the comments) and announced within 48 hours of the contest ending.

No giveaway/spam profiles & profile must be set to public by the end of the contest so we can ensure that you are following @candycoatedclosets. Open internationally; 18+, to enter. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received.

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Enter to Win: Yves Saint Laurent, NARS & Marc Jacobs Cosmetics Instagram Giveaway

Are you guys sick of these giveaways yet? I hope not because it's time to launch the next one! I hope you're following me on snapchat (@Candy_Closets) because I always post sneak peeks and ask questions as to what you want to see next - plus there's our awesome giveaway song which I can't get enough of :-D. Also, I wanted to let you guys know that in addition to the regular giveaways that we have going on, I'm going to randomly start giving away prizes to people who are engaging on the blog and all of my social media channels. Not for nothing, but I read every comment and see everyone who constantly shows support or engages on the channels/posts and I want to make sure to show you all love whenever I can. So just keep an eye out. This will be going on...Forever -insert my Cardi B. face- :D.

But seriously, this is another way that I can thank you guys for constantly supporting Candy Coated Closets, so the more that you comment, like, share, engage etc. the more that I actually get to know you and it increases your chances in winning a prize (makeup, fragrances, shoes, gift cards or whatever it is that I think you may like). #RandomActsofCCC is going to be the hashtag for this.

Anyway...now onto the next Instagram giveaway!

GIVEAWAY ALERT It’s time to giveaway this high end cosmetics prize pack to one lucky Instagram followers! The pack includes:

• Marc Jacobs #InstaMarc Contour Powder in 60 Hi-Fi Filter (warm peach/deep bronze) ($49)
• NARS New Order Highlighting Blush ($30)
• Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils in color Black 1 ($32)
• Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat - Radiant Touch in color 1 Luminous Radiance ($42)

That's over $150 in prizes!

1. You must follow @candycoatedclosets on Instagram.

2. In the comments on this Instagram photo, tag three friends so they can learn about all of the fun we have on here.

3. You can enter up to 5 times with a new set of tagged friends in each comment.

That’s it!

Contest runs from Tuesday, June 28, 2016 and ends Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at 11:59pm est. One winner will be randomly chosen from those who commented (not those tagged within the comments) and announced within 48 hours of the contest ending.

No giveaway/spam profiles & profile must be set to public by the end of the contest so we can ensure that you are following @candycoatedclosets. Open internationally; 18+, to enter. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received.

Make sure that you click on the links above if you want to learn more about these amazing products from the giveaway!

GOOD LUCK!

-Affiliate Links-

Enter to Win a Dream Prize of NARS Cosmetics - Blog Subscriber Giveaway

It's time to finally announce our NARS Cosmetics giveaway and this one is solely for you blog subscribers! For this giveaway, I really wanted to celebrate all of the new content that we have on the blog that was created to help you find the very best in fashion and beauty.

Two blog subscribers will win one (1) set of the following:

• NARS Audacious lipstick in Angela — Modern lipstick so shamelessly seductive in touch and texture the sensation is audacious. Unadulterated luxury glides on like satin across skin with single-stroke coverage.
• NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadow in Dione  — Mesmerizing Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow features a luxuriously smooth transformative texture.
• NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Never Say Never  — The application of a lipstick combined with the convenience of a pencil in a jumbo crayon design. Lips are instantly saturated with rich pigments and a velvety matte finish. The long lasting, non-drying formula is enriched with emollients for a creamy texture, while a combination of unique silicones ensures long-lasting, seamless color for hours. Use for lining, all-over lip color, or pairing with another lip product.

To enter, just make sure that you are subscribed to (or following) this blog — Candy Coated Closets. If you need help figuring out how, just leave me a comment and I'll be sure to swing by to help! Two winners will be selected at random from our subscriber list on Tuesday, June 14th, 2016. Open internationally; 18+, to enter. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received.

NARS Cosmetics Summer 2016 Collection

Oh well hello NARS Summer collection 2016. I'll have one of each and a back up please! AVAILABILITY: Available April 15, 2016 at NARS Boutiques and Narscosmetics.com. Available May 1, 2016 at Sephora, department, and specialty stores.

For Summer 2016, NARS makes a getaway with this limited-edition collection—high-fashion moments steeped in exclusivity and ease. New, rich Lip Covers saturate lips with coastal color, while Dual-Intensity Eyeshadows transform sheer tones and glistening shades for eyes. Dual-Intensity Blush completes the look with a touch of the sun – an insatiable rush of blush.

François Nars’ love of the lens meets the glamorous glare of the French Riviera. Inspired by the sensational whirl of an editorial photo shoot, each lush vignette captures the wit and wonder of his behind-the-scenes world. Original illustrations by contemporary artist Konstantin Kakanias bring each moment to life on covetable, limited-edition packaging. A total departure in every aperture.

LIP COVER: $28

Overheated Deep Dusty Rose

Do Not Disturb Vivid Orange-Red

Get Dirty Desert Rose

Members Only Crimson (Members Only is available exclusively at NARS boutiques and on Narscosmetics.com)

DUAL-INTENSITY EYESHADOW, $29

Deep End Shimmering Teal-Green

Tan Lines Rich Hazelnut

Topless Seashell Pink

Pool Shark Iridescent Periwinkle

Liberation Left: Shimmering Light Pink Right: Caramel Rose

Sexual Content Left: Sandy Peach Right: Soft Raspberry

-Press Release-

NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation Review For Cadiz and Macao

How many of you struggle to buy a new foundation online? Yes, brands do their best to provide high resolution photos of the shades in their true form alone (liquid, cream, powder) however, most of the time, the images that are used online are product images (packaging) or CGI images.

Let's take the NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation as an example. This foundation comes in a 1 fl oz (.30mL) glass bottle and is a full coverage and luminous/natural looking foundation that is very light weight on the skin. On Narscosmetics.com, Cadiz and Macao are shown as: While on Sephora.com, they are shown as:

This can get kind of confusing right? As a woman of color, it's already hard enough to find a foundation to suit my skin tone along with my undertones but now, I have to fight against stock photography. So I wanted to show you live swatches of Cadiz and Macao to help you.

  First, make sure that you shake each bottle very well before using it. The foundation is a very loose liquid which may cause it to run on your hand and waste product if you do not shake it up well.

Cadiz is described as a medium-dark foundation with caramel & red undertones while Macao is described as a medium-dark foundation with yellow undertones. Neither of these foundations match me perfectly because I have more golden undertones, however, I can mix these two shades together (by adding one pump of Macao to 2 pumps of Cadiz) or just wear Cadiz on its own and warm up the perimeter of my face with a bronzer or my contour shade. 

So you guys can see exactly what I'm talking about and to see live swatches of these two foundation shades in action, make sure to watch this video:

[embed]https://youtu.be/J4TAbyJw8Y8[/embed]

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