Pages

▼

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

NARS Grand Palais Duo Swatches, Photos, Review

Dustin once asked me, if I was given a chance to create a color, what would it be? At that time, I just looked away and muttered something about not being around counters long enough to know what's already in the market. And then I mumbled something about "the perfect rose" but wished I insisted on having a week's notice so as to form a sufficiently sophisticated answer. I mean, what can be more unexciting than a ROSE? 

Many bloggers I read are in love with taupe, which is self-explanatory if you have a tiny inkling of just about how many variations of taupe there are in existence (for information on said taupes, please refer to Pink Sith and Beauty, Bacon, Bunnies). Colors like pink seem mundane in comparison to that all-flattering neutral, just because pink is pink and can really only be pink - brighter or lighter. Veer off the hue a little and it'll start looking like a peach or a coral. In comparison, the very definition of taupe is wedged between gray and brown. This is why it's the cool color, and the color I wish I pledged my life to.

However, as interesting as taupe or any other color might be, I have this thing about finding a perfect rose. I have inexplicable urges to purchase every rose-hued blush I see even though they all look the same. And perhaps it's exactly because they all look the same that I feel like I haven't found my unique rose. But again, how unique can a rose really be? 

As you can see, it's a conundrum.

Anyway, for the reasons above, NARS Grand Palais Duo ($33) is an instant buy for me. 

NARS Grand Palais Duo

NARS Grand Palais Duo

NARS Grand Palais Duo Swatched


I love how the silvery taupe and dusty rose comes together. Above, I placed a light wash of the rose all over my lids and swished the silvery taupe over the full length of my crease. The resulting look is quite natural, and seems to widen my eyes (always a plus to this tiny-eyed blogger). For those wary of pinks, the dustiness within the rose I identify as a tinge of brown makes it more approachable to the lids.  

On a side note, this look was inspired by Pat McGrath's ethereal creations for the Valentino Fall/Winter 2012 Haute Couture runway.


The Grand Palais Duo is everything you would expect from NARS (let's ignore Outremer). It boasts a buttery soft texture and is a clear winner in terms of pigmentation. I can see it becoming a palette I reach for in mornings when my brain splutters like a 30-year-old car, and takes as long to start.


Do you like what I did with my cheeks? I hope you approve, because I have a mini contour/highlight tutorial planned for the end of this week!
at

20 comments:

  1. SidneyJuly 20, 2011 at 10:58 AM

    So pretty! I love the combination and it looks great on you :)

    <3 Sidd

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJuly 20, 2011 at 11:41 AM

    Gorgeous! Would you be able to swatch the 2 shades mixed? That's the only thing I'm waiting to see before I jump in Grand Palais.

    ReplyDelete
  3. kellyyesJuly 20, 2011 at 12:35 PM

    i would never imagine this dusty rose would look good on the lids but you stand corrected with your look! and i love the contour...cant wait to see what you used. this duo looks lovely and smooth

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jill of All TradesJuly 20, 2011 at 2:17 PM

    I so understand the rose thing! My obsession is with the perfect rose lipstick and lip gloss! I just can't find it! Grand Palais was definitely on my 'to buy' list and I can't wait to get it! BTW- Your cheeks look terrific, can't wait for the tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
  5. MickiDJuly 20, 2011 at 6:16 PM

    I always love your posts! The rose is truly beautiful. I have to wonder what it would look like on the cheeks. And I can't wait for the tutorial.

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownJuly 20, 2011 at 8:41 PM

    Your cheeks look great. Looking forward to the tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
  7. tiffyamaJuly 20, 2011 at 9:00 PM

    Love this look! I really like the duo~ both shades are so pretty and yes, I think they do bring out your eyes more. Great job with your cheeks as well! Can't wait to see your upcoming tutorial. :D

    ReplyDelete
  8. xiaoJuly 20, 2011 at 9:32 PM

    @Sidney Thank you :)

    @Alex Kay Ah I should have thought of that! I'll try to work on it this weekend and update the post next week.

    @kellyyes it's definitely one of the better NARS duos out there

    @Jill Yay let me know if you ever find one, I'll check it out. I'm obsessed! (but NARS Dolce Vita really is quite close...)

    @MickiD Thank you :) I thought about using it on the cheeks do. If I do it over the weekend I'll write about it

    @PerilouslyPale Thanks!

    @tiffyama I'm actually pleasantly surprised with how well the duo worked out. Yay I can't wait to write my tutorial too :D

    ReplyDelete
  9. makeup magpieJuly 21, 2011 at 3:51 PM

    Oooh pretty! This duo looks great on you. I tried it with the taupe on the lid and rose in the crease, but I LOVE how it looks the way you applied it :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. xiaoJuly 21, 2011 at 7:39 PM

    @Makeup Magpie I love your way too! And the trio looks amazing on you. I'm still debating on getting that...

    ReplyDelete
  11. IdaJuly 22, 2011 at 11:00 AM

    You look absolutely stunning. What a beautiful face!

    ReplyDelete
  12. D...July 22, 2011 at 4:25 PM

    I think you are gorgeous and I am loving this duo. I think I need to check this out. Thanks for posting.

    ReplyDelete
  13. xiaoJuly 22, 2011 at 10:12 PM

    @Ida You're too kind to say that. Thank you!

    @D... Thank you, it's my pleasure!

    ReplyDelete
  14. shushesheJuly 23, 2011 at 12:49 PM

    I was on the fence about purchasing this duo but you've pretty much convinced me that I should buy it~

    ReplyDelete
  15. xiaoJuly 24, 2011 at 4:12 AM

    @shusheshe hehehe

    ReplyDelete
  16. KristieJuly 25, 2011 at 12:28 AM

    Thanks for the swatches. I really like the taupe shade but not sure how to use the red. You look beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  17. AnonymousJuly 26, 2011 at 9:40 PM

    you have such perfect skin, soo glowy, what are you wearing on it in this picture?

    ReplyDelete
  18. xiaoJuly 27, 2011 at 1:48 AM

    @Kristie Temptalia recently reviewed this and posted a different look (http://www.temptalia.com/quick-eyes-with-nars-grand-palais-eyeshadow-du) from mine. Makeup Magpie has a good one for it too (http://makeupmagpie.blogspot.com/2011/07/nars-fall-2011.html)! The rose shade really isn't as intimidating as it looks on the pan. I will be posting a look soon that utilizes it as a cheek shade!

    @Anonymous Thank you! Ooh boy, that's a loaded question.

    I would say more important than what I'm wearing here is what I have underneath. I have a pretty robust skincare routine, which goes toner>serum>eye cream>moisturizer>sunblock without fail every day. As well as thorough cleansing every night.

    As for the rest of my face, I actually outlined what products I used (and how to get that glow!) in this post (http://messywands.blogspot.com/2011/07/mini-contourhighlight-tutorial-with.html).

    ReplyDelete
  19. MeJuly 27, 2011 at 8:49 AM

    First, the combination looks stunning on you. I agree with Kristie, though. I love the look of that taupe, but I do not think I could pull off the rose. I already have too much pink in my face, and I am afraid I'd end up with the lab rabbit EoTD.

    And, yes, love your cheeks and look forward to the tutorial.

    ReplyDelete
  20. AnonymousAugust 1, 2011 at 4:31 PM

    I just found your blog through the Cafe Makeup link, and I love it. Your photos are just lovely. I also like that your writing is clear, and you tell an engaging story without rambling. I'm subscribing!

    Both sides of Grand Palais are stunning. I can't wait to see how they will look on my dark skin...I hope the taupe doesn't go all reflective-silvery on me.

    ReplyDelete

Hi, lovelies. Due to excessive spam, I would appreciate it if you refrain from including self-promoting links in your comments! This ensures that your comment will be visible and keeps the section clean. I look forward to hearing from you!