Review: NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadow in Subra

Sorry for the sparse updates and silence over here, I had stomache virus from goodness knows where, and I finally have energy to update again, but I’m still on a diet of chicken noodle soup. Bear with me! 🙁 Anyway, onwards with exciting blog posts instead! I’ve been taking some more adventurous steps in the eyeshadow area, and Subra from the new NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadow line is worth a peek!

NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadow was released couple months ago and has a texture “that goes on dry for a sheer soft touch of sensual color, or wet for a high-impact finish.” All in all – it’s an eyeshadow that can be applied either wet or dry. There are 12 shades in the range with some memorable names like “Andromeda” and “Sycorax.” They are available at Sephora, Holt Renfrew, or The Bay for $33 for 0.05 oz.

First- I think this packaging is adorable, it’s so small and I’m loving the square compact! Normally when I think of NARS, terms like “chic” and “sleek” come to mind with their simple matte black case and the company name NARS on it. The Dual Intensity Eyeshadow single is a bit boxier, and thicker than the NARS blush cases, and it’s a bit more rubbery to hold. I like the addition of a mirror in the eyeshadow single- yes it may not be inconvenient to store, but so handy to bring out. Sometimes when you know you have a last minute appointment with someone important, it’s handy to whip out a makeup product with a mirror as its partner in crime.

Subra is described as “black orchid.” It’s a stormy, metallic looking purple that looks a bit more browny when swatched, kind of like a raisin? The colour inside the pan isn’t the same as swatch, so I recommend checking them in store and playing around with them. You can see there is a definite difference between swatched wet and dry below. I love purple eyeshadow and this ultra rich, pigmented colour lets me bring out the bad, dark side of me XD. I wouldn’t call the formula buttery, but it applies so smoothly, with a brush or finger and easy to blend. Though you can apply it as a wet shadow- but it’s not waterproof itself; I washed them pretty easily off with water. Prime and prep those lids if you’re out on a hot day, ladies!

nars dual intensity eyeshadow subra-24 — chilling there, looking pretty

I am wearing Subra as a dry shadow on my lids, and wet on the undereye instead of eyeliner. I am happy to announce there is not much creasing after a day of wear, but it did fade a bit when I applied it at the corner of my eyes, where it is quite watery.