New from NARS: Review of the Claudette Collection, inspired by Nars's muse and mother
Product Photography by Perkin Gohio
I always watched my mom do her makeup as I was growing up. I love how she would always take her time in applying lipstick. When she was ready for blush, she would smile in front of the mirror, exposing her dimple, which I find so beautiful. This is why the new NARS Claudette Collection is so personal to me. It is inspired by Claudette, who is the mother and muse of François Nars.
The NARS Claudette Collection is a representation of a mother and son relationship that is strengthened by beauty. “I am very lucky to have an extremely beautiful, glamorous and elegant mother on whom I was always able to practice makeup,” François Nars said.
It felt like it was created for me. Okay, that might have been quite dramatic, but haven’t you felt that way over makeup before? Anyway, I had to have it and now that I thankfully do, I knew I had to review it for all of you!
Before going in detail with the collection, let’s talk about the packaging first. Since we’re dealing with NARS here, it’s no surprise that the packaging is stunning. Its red, black, and gold color story, and heart, butterfly, four-leaf clover, and star prints just exude elegance, style, and love!
Now that’s packaging out of the way, let’s dive into the collection, shall we?
St Germain Des Prés Eyeshadow Palette (P3,000/2g x 6)
Featuring six warm and neutral shades in matte, satin, and shimmer finishes, this eyeshadow palette is a good complementary palette to your existing ones. Although the palette lacks a transition shade, the top row is perfect for a quick sweep on the eyelids while the mattes on the bottom row are good alternatives to black when lining your eyes.
I didn’t have any issues with blending the eyeshadows. Personally, I prefer applying the satin and shimmer with my fingers to reduce fallout, and the matte shades with a brush. I also appreciate how the matte shades are not too creamy and overly pigmented, which make them easier to work with. I have oily lids so I’m proud to report that the shadows stayed on for 4-6 hours. I used an eyeshadow primer, of course.
Swatches (from L-R): Envie (shimmering taupe), Joie (satin champagne), Rue de Tournon (shimmering bronze), L’éphémère (matte rust), Nostalgie (matte cinnamon brown), and Libération (deep matte brown)
Claudette Blush Duo (P2,700/22g)
Can you believe how huge this blush duo is? You get 11g per blush! In addition to the size, what I love about it is how sophisticated and natural the shades are! They’re very wearable! NARS is known for the top-notch quality of their blushes, and this palette is no exception. This blush lasted for 8 hours on me.
Swatches (from L-R): Croisette (matte bright peach), Ninotchka (matte toasted amber), and Croisette and Ninotchka swirled together
Audacious and Audacious Sheer Matte Lipsticks (P1,850/4.2g and 3.5g, respectively)
One of my all-time favorite lipstick formulas is the NARS Audacious, so I was really happy when I found out that the collection has four new Audacious lipsticks. The Audacious formula is so comfortable and hydrating, and its pigmentation is intense! It’s the epitome of full coverage in one swipe! Because of its pigmentation, the Audacious lipstick lasts for more than 8 hours. It can even survive a meal and multiple glasses of water. Personally, I love how it looks more matte over time. If it feels too intense for you upon application, all you have to do is blot it with tissue.
New to the NARS lipstick lineup is the new Audacious Sheer Matte Lipstick, which made its debut in this collection with six shades! Like the Audacious formula, the Audacious Sheer Matte is so comfortable and hydrating despite its powder finish. Its medium-sheer coverage allows it to be buildable. I prefer full coverage lipsticks, which is why it was such a pleasant surprise that I love the Audacious Sheer Matte formula so much! By the way, it lasted for 4 hours on me.
Firas in Rust Red
Firas in Rose Beige
Swatches (from L-R): Audacious Lipstick in Claudette (rust red) and Audacious Sheer Matte Lipstick in Mathilde (rose beige)
For my look above, I applied Envie all over my eyelid and lined my lower lash line with L’éphémère. I mixed Croisette and Ninotchka for my blush, and wore both the Claudette and Mathilde lipsticks.
If you have the budget, then I highly recommend getting a piece or two from the Claudette Collection. If I had to choose which two, it’s either the Claudette Blush Duo or the Audacious Sheer Matte Lipstick!
Now, if you need more motivation to splurge, think of it as a Valentine’s Day gift to yourself. You better hurry, though. The NARS Claudette Collection is available for a limited time only.
Shop the NARS Claudette Collection on NARS Beauty Butler and rustans.com, and in NARS stores.
P.S. Please watch this NARS Claudette Collection ad, which I instantly fell in love with. It features a mother who lets her son put makeup on her. Plus, it showcases how beautiful the Claudette Collection is!
