This classic offering from NARS gives me the perfect winter flush without looking ruddy on me. It is an easy one to work with as well, although I generally lack of skills and fancy brushes.
Being out there forever, Mata Hari isn't buzz worthy. But do check out this matte plum pink blush especially if you have neutral fair/light complexions. It is a unique beauty for sure.
NARS Blush Mata Hari
Mata Hari is not one of those super bright shades that stands out from the bunch.
However, having a nice mix of plum and red without loosing its cool undertones, it is quite distinguished from many pink blushes out there. A complex medium cool pink, if you will.
The silky smooth texture with clear pigmentation is consistent with other NARS matte blushes I've experienced.
Mata Hari was on my wish list for some time, but I hesitated because I already had NARS BLKR 413 (reviewed here), which is supposedly a deeper and brighter version of Mata Hari.
Next to each other, the color difference is enough to warrant having both (*sighs with relief*).
Mata Hari is definitely a tone or two lighter than BLKR 413.
BLKR 413 has a lot more red in the tones while Mata Hari leans more plum.
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Maybe BLKR 413 is more suitable for the "Snow White" makeup look, but I have to be more careful with application because rosy can easily become ruddy with this one.
Mata Hari is not exactly a light color like NARS Sex Fantasy (which I find the easiest blush to work with on earth), but at least I don't have to worry too much.
Here is how Mata Hari looks on me.
For this look,
Foundation - By Terry Sheer Expert 02 Neutral Beige
Powder - NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder (pressed) Translucent Crystal
Eye shadows - Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Sapphire, Lancome Erika F
Mascara - Dior Show Iconic Waterproof Mascara
Blush - NARS Mata Hari
Lips - Bite Beauty Lush Fruit Lip Gloss Popsugar
Hope you enjoyed this post.
(I can't believe I only got to blog once in January. I should try a bit harder rather than whining about the busy schedule! ;o)
Happy February, everyone!
Hooray, it's my favorite blush! I'm glad you like it too. It gives such a natural, easy flush, but it's a surprisingly unusual color--a "complex medium cool pink" indeed. :)
ReplyDeleteMata Hari look very pretty on you, AB!
DeleteI like that I finally have acquired a pink blush with some more depths and it is easy to work with, too. :)
Seriously stunning Lena! I've been loving brighter more cool toned pinks which this at first appears to be but it's still such a stunning rose pink...it looks fantastic on your complexion!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sharlynn. ;)
DeleteMata Hari is definitely easy color for neutral/cool complexions, but I actually think it would be universally flattering.
very nice. i always lean towards corals and pinks, but would love to see what a purple/plum would look like on my skin tone.
ReplyDeleteI think it would look great on you! With golden undertones, Mata Hari would be even sexier. If you like pink blushes already, you'd enjoy this, too. It is a pink blush after all. :)
DeleteLove this shade of blush! I imagine it would pair amazingly with any purply toned lipsticks.
ReplyDeleteTasha // shiwashiful.
I agree with you. I love wearing this with pale lip colors, too. It helps balance the look so I don't appear so washed out. :)
DeleteAhh now I want this! This type of shades is my latest obsession. I never really got into the Orgasm hype, but this I could totally love!
ReplyDeleteThis would make a good element for your tulip series, Sunny! ;D
DeleteAnd I think I know what you are saying. I love many different colors from NARS including all the shimmery ones, but I think he does matte blushes so beautifully. Do check this out and let us know what you think!
Oh this is one pretty plum blush! I have heard a lot about NARS MataHari but never saw the color until now.. I always expected Matahari to be red or orange as the name means sun in Indonesian xD
ReplyDeleteThe color is fall winter appropriate :D
Oh, I didn't know Matahari means sun in Indonesian. How interesting! :D
DeleteI think this blush is named after a famous german spy, though. I used to fantasize about her when I was a kid. LOL
It's lovely on you! I have a feeling it might pull too purple on me but it looks great on you. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteDo give it a try. On me, it pulls rose more than purple. :)
Such a classic cool-toned pink- very pretty on you :)
ReplyDelete-Jen
www.vibrantbeautyblog.com
Thanks, Jen!
DeleteIt gives enough colors to the complexion but is easy going! :)
Classic pink blush! I have to be careful with these shades too, but just the right amount really looks pretty! Like it does on you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tracy!
DeleteMy cheeks are already pinkish but not evenly so, and it is quite challenging to pick a right shade. I still love BLKR 413 but Mata Hari is so much easier to work with.
The color looks a little intimidating in the package but this blush wears beautifully on you Lena! Glad to see you back to blogging.
ReplyDeleteLooks like we avoided another big snowstorm today. Hope you're staying warm. Maybe we will run into each other at Arcade Bakery one of these days :) Btw I've seen croissants still available there as late as 2pm.
Thanks, Rowena!
DeleteAnd thank you letting me know about the Arcade Bakery. Maybe they are baking a little more to keep up with the demands! LOL. Yeah, it would be lovely to bump into you somedays! ;)
I'm actually obsessed with this sort of rosy-magenta on my lips right now! I don't have a lipstick that matches exactly so it's been a fun adventure in mixing a bunch of colours in the morning haha
ReplyDeleteAnd I envy you for being able to mixing your own lip colors! You might just have enabled me to find a lip color that matches this blush, though. Oh...;o
DeleteAh, so pretty, Lena! These kinds of shades are definitely perfect for winter and spring. So romantic :)
ReplyDeleteI think everyone slowed down, lately. Worn out by the holidays!
Thank you, Larie!
DeleteMy schedule has calmed down, but it was kind of difficult to get back on the horse, you know?
And selfishly, I wanted all my favorite bloggers keep posting more so that I have more to read. Haha. ;D
It's gorgeous! And so pretty on you! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cathy! :)
Deletethe cool tone has such a unique effect! :D
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree with you, Stephanie! :)
DeleteI'm surprised Mata Hari isn't a glowing coral or warm orange since it actually means "Sun" in the Malay language. I love how it looks on you, Lena. And what do you think of the By Terry foundation?
ReplyDeletePamela just told me the same thing. I learned a new thing!
DeleteIn this case, however, it is named after a famous German spy. I think the name suits the color. ;)
I love how the By Terry foundation goes and stays on me. Madam Terry knows how to work silicones for sure. The closest color match is still not good enough. I've used so many sample packets but still am not sure if I have to commit to a wonderful foundation with color match issue.
Very, very pretty on you! I tend to stick to my light pinks that barely show up ahah. But I am looking to branch out to something cooler like Mata Hari this year! Everyone seems to have at least one NARS blush in their collections - I just might have to pick one up of my own!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm quite happy with this shade. I worried if it would be too similar to BLKR 413, but it's not! :)
DeleteNARS really does beautiful blushes. I'd recommend looking at the color colors if you're interested.
Good to see another post, missed you! My cheeks have gotten super red and ruddy this winter and I have sadly been avoiding blush. Need to amp up my skincare... This looks gorgeous on you!
ReplyDeleteHi, Meiko! Thank you. I miss blogging regularly, too. I think I am going to try a bit harder. I see it is hard to get back to it once you leave.
DeleteI'm sorry to hear your skin suffers this winter. Cream blushes are good options but if you prefer powder, mineral blushes are much nicer to use in winter. Have you tried Bare Minerals blushes? They don't hurt my cheeks even in the coldest wind. :)
That's a really lovely shade Lena, it's beautiful on you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Emma! :)
DeleteUgh, this is such a beautiful colour. I like that it's bright but still has a moodiness about it. I'm trying not to look at any more NARS blushes (or any more blushes actually)............ I think Chanel Vivacite is similar actually! Phew. ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Liz! I almost didn't get this but I'm happy that I finally decided to pick it up. ;)
DeleteI shouldn't buy any more blush, either! Hey, as long as you have something similar in you stash, right? You did make me wonder about Chanel Vivacite, though. ;p
It looks beautiful on you! There's something so pretty about a deeper cheek color like this on lighter skin - it looks like you've been out playing in the snow!
ReplyDeleteThank you! :)
DeleteI've always adored flushed winter cheeks but it is darn hard to find something that doesn't look clownish on me. I think I've finally found one, though. :)