NARS One Shocking Moment Palette

One thing that NARS is renowned for is its cheek products, and they sure can put together a killer palette. I really regretted not picking up last year's seasonal release, the Virtual Domination palette, so when I saw this year's line up, it was game on. For their 2015 Holiday collection, NARS have collaborated with iconic fashion photographer Steven Klein. The result is an aesthetically pleasing collection of products, even if the design is a little 'out-there' but that's what Steven Klein is known for; pushing the boundaries of what everyone believes fashion photography to be. NARS have even uploaded a short artistic film entitled Fantascene, to immerse the consumer fully into the eccentric mind of Steven Klein.

narscosmetics,co.uk

The limited edition NARS X Steven Klein collaboration comprises a range of collectible products, with the highlights being the Killer Heels set of 5 mini lipsticks, An Abnormal Female set of lip pencils and of course the cheek palettes. There are two to choose from this year, Despair which contains 3 blush shades and a highlight, and One Shocking Moment. I went for the latter as I thought the shades looked more wearable and was better value for money.

The NARS One Shocking Moment Cheek Studio Palette (£49) is housed in sturdy black casing, emblazoned with the NARS/Steven Klein logo and an uber-cool futuristic print. Most of my products are housed in pretty packaging, with perhaps a touch of rose gold. Pretty this is not, but it sure makes a statement on my dressing table, and will become a collector's piece for sure. I've always wanted to start collecting limited edition products, and what better place to start.

Diving into the palette, and on the top row we have the contour duo Paloma (I and II). These are both matte shades, one to highlight, and one to sculpt. The contour shade is just the right balance of cool and warm, and is actually a tricky one to describe in terms of tone. It almost has a pinky mauve running through it, rather than getting its coolness from grey pigments (it is described at being a pink beige). I'm pleased that the highlight is actually lighter than my skin tone, which is pretty rare. It is really blendable, and adds such a flawless finish to the skin. Both of these shades also work well as eyeshadows. I used Paloma I over the lid with II in the crease. This adds extra value to the palette if you are travelling.

The other shade on the top row is a full size of the cult Laguna Bronzing Powder. This is a golden bronze shade with gold shimmer running through. It is a bit of departure from my usual matte bronzer but I actually quite enjoy it. It gives a healthy glow to the skin, which is much needed in the cooler months. I was particularly pleased that the powder wasn't overly dusty like Benefit's Hoola. It is pigmented without being too much so, meaning you can build the colour up to just the right level of tan. I don't think I've ever really fallen for a bronzer, so this could be the one!

The bottom row showcases the four blush shades in the palette. I was surprised at how shimmery all the shades were, and a little worried about how these would translate onto the skin. I picked up this palette because the blush shades are so versatile. The first on the left is the exclusive shade Robotic, a cool-toned pink. This adds a lovely radiance to the skin when you don't want to go too OTT with your blush.

Next up we have Blasphemy. This is a warmer pink, and a lovely everyday shade for autumn. It adds such a gorgeous flush to the cheeks, like you've been outside on a chilly day, and I can tell that this will become one of my go-to shades this season. Like Robotic, Blasphemy is also exclusive to the One Shocking Moment palette, so I better not get too attached to it!

Luster thankfully is part of NARS' permanent range, and is more of a peachy tone, with burnt orange undertones. This stands out in my collection as most of the peach shades I own have more of a coral pink vibe, whereas this is warmer with more earthy tones. Again this shade is just made for this season, and really adds a healthy glow to the cheeks.

Finally we have Dolce Vita. I've heard a lot of bloggers talking about this shade this season, and rightly so. It is a warm plummy shade, which is just autumn encapsulated. This would be amazing paired with a rich raspberry lip against pale skin, and a bronzey eye, a look that I can't wait to try out.

For £49, I feel like there is a lot of product to play around with. It is also fab to not only to try the NARS blushes, but also their contouring powders and Laguna, which is loved by pretty much every single blogger. I think that the One Shocking Moment Cheek Studio Palette has earned it's place in my makeup bag, and will get a hella lotta use over the next few months. I've barely reached for any other blush shades since I got this as there's pretty much a shade for every look in here. The only downside is that the amount of shimmer in the blushes and bronzer isn't what I'm used to. It's almost Christmas, a bit of shimmer never hurt anyone...

What blush are you loving for Autumn?

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