Apr 19, 2014

Review, Swatch - NARS Duo Eyeshadow Violetta

It was rather heartbreaking to find out the color of the year 2014 was not meant to be on my lids, but did I despair? I think not.
I was glad to see that Chanel brought out a spring collection consisting of muted plum and neutrals this year, which, by the way, saved us from drowning in the sea of pastels. However, I thought the colors from the Quadrille quadra was too warm for me although this would be a satisfying neutral quad to many.
NARS Duo Eyeshadow Violetta was the one I picked up as I realized I was looking for more of "hazy violet" colors.


NARS Duo Eyeshadow Violetta





For a minute there, I had thought I must be lacking a "beauty blogger" gene or two. Otherwise why would I keep buying these dated buzz-lacking shades?
Violetta is not one of those visually stunning duos from the pan. I've even read some less than glowing reviews complaining about the sheer color payoffs. Yet, I see there is something very alluring about this "blah" looking eyeshadow duo.


NARS Violetta has a "Smoky lavender" and a "Soft metallic violet"


I think I am mainly attracted to the lighter matte shade in Violetta. The silky neutral color almost has this foggy linen-like quality, and to me, that looks so chic. The metallic violet shade has a good amount of grey in it, which prevents it from being a gaudy shimmery orchid.



Surprisingly, the color payoffs are not bad at all! Both colors in Violetta go on quite smoothly and evenly. Again, I was very impressed with the quality of the matte shade as I find it has the identical creamy powder texture I see in the Sex Fantasy blush (reviewed here). 

Each color works great as a sheer wash to nicely pair with defined eye lines and more dramatic lips, but my favorite way to wear Violetta is layering it over a dark cream base, which results in a rather decadent smoky look.

Here is how Violetta looks on me.

In this look, I based the lids with L'Oreal Voluminous Smoldering Liner in Brown and added the metallic violet shade all over, then blended out the harsh edges using the smoky lavender.


"Violetta" is a diminutive of "violet" in Italian (viola), but I like to think that NARS has visioned the beautiful heroine from the opera "La Traviata" when he created this duo. 
Although I almost abhor the melodramatic storyline and this particular music of Verdi, I can totally daydream about Violetta wearing NARS Violetta on her delicate eyelids and a dark red on her rather provocative lips.






Products used in this look




Join the conversation!

  1. Wow the eyeshadow is gorgeous and it looks stunning with your big brown eyes!

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    1. Thank you, Iona! :) I love purple and blue colors in eyeshadows.

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  2. This is such a special duo - I want some NARS stuff so badly :)

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    1. I agree. This duo is prettier when worn, which is better in my book. :) I really like NARS blushes and eyeshadows!

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  3. Hey Lena, Violetta is GORGEOUS on you! Definitely worth looking into!

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    1. Thank you, Sunny! I'm glad I bought this duo. It is perfect for spring in my opinion. :)

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  4. So pretty on you Lena! I need to add more purples to my shadows, so I'll have to look at this one!

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    1. Thank you, Tracy. :)
      I think this duo would look gorgeous on you. Very subtle and sophisticated purple/mauve duo. :)

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  5. such a lovely shades ^_~

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  6. all your purple posts are making me purple crazy! I need more purple in my life now!

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    1. Haha, I feel the same way whenever I go over to your blog! ;p

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  7. Lena, this duo looks so gorgeous! I adore purple and when I read about this year's colour of the year, I could not be more excited! Just like you, i have issues with how some purples just look way off on me! The colours in this duo look gorgeous though! Love how it complements your skintone ;)

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    1. Thank you, Stephanie :)
      I love deeper and cool toned purple so I have a ton of them. These lighter colors are perfect for warmer months, though! I'm glad I've found this duo. ;D

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  8. A very interesting duo, I although I own no nars shadows have sort of brushed their shadows off my radar because they seem to be inconsistent with pigmentation and with their super high price here in singapore I couldn't justify it in my mind to try any of their products yet! I really love how you've worn it yet, as you have a very good point, sheer shadows aren't a bad thing, they do look beautiful too and I've begun to love with japanese eyeshadows are they sometimes and often very sheer or lightly pigmented and I completely understand! I really think this purple duo looks great on you, purple looks amazing with brown eyes and dark hair!

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    1. I agree. I am fond of the NARS eyeshadow texture in general as I prefer sheer and hard formula over buttery soft ones. Interesting thing is that I find their duos and singles are better quality than their occasional palettes. They are very unique and even evoke our imaginations, but do test them out if you are to buy them! I always try to take advantage of sales for them. I'd definitely hesitate myself with the marked up price!

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  9. Pretty, Lena! :D I find NARS's color combos to be really interesting and not intuitive, but they are often striking together anyway!

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    1. Thanks, Larie! :)
      I think NARS's eyeshadow colors are rather complex and make us think for a bit. I think I'd buy their singles and duos only from now on cause it is quite clear (at least in my experience) they are better quality then the palettes.

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  10. This is a pair of sexy smoky purple and they look great on you, Lena! I don't own any NARS eye shadows mainly because I'm not a fan of their packaging. Sooty purples are the way to go :-)

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    1. Thank you, Lily! :)
      I pretty much use all eyeshadow colors in the same way, so I'm glad this duo works out for my routine. I also like wearing them alone when I wear vampy lips.

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  11. I think this duo is super pretty and spring-like -- I love that pale, dusty lavender even though I feel it's very unwearable on myself. But it's perfect on you!

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    1. Ah, the much-needed justification! Thank you. ;D
      I think the dusty lavender would look nice on you, of course. It is universally flattering shading color. :)

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  12. The duo looks beautiful on you! Perfectly named too - I think you're right, Violetta would have worn eyeshadow like this: feminine, but smokey and sexy. Love that opera!

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    1. Thanks, Marianna! :)
      Sometimes I do wish the story or even the music was less cheesy, but Violetta is really beautifully portrayed in the opera. ;)

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  13. Lena,
    Holy moly! You are looking particularly beautiful with these violet shades. I love how gorgeous it looks on your skin.

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    1. Aww thank you so much, Jane! :)
      This is probably the only eyeshadow duo that is with lighter colors, which justifies another purple purchase for me. ;p

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  14. Radiant orchid can be a little too much for most people but it looks like you found a beautifully wearable alternative. It makes for a really pretty smoky look on you!

    Rowena @ rolala loves

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    1. I agree! I was totally bummed with the L'Oreal Infallible shade, but I'm really glad I've found this instead. I usually wear deep purple in fall/winter time. This duo is lovely for spring/summer, though! :)

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  15. it looks lovely on you. I have a similar shade from Lancome and I do love it from time to time.

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    1. Thank you! I've been reaching for this quite often lately. :)

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  16. You are amazing in purple hues! Just gorgeous! xx

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    1. Thank you! I really like purple eyeshadows. :)

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  17. Love this ^^ Mysterious look!


    恵美より ♥
    www.emi-doll.blogspot.jp

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    1. Thank you, Emi! The smokey violet has that very effect. :)

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