Okay, I’ll admit it, I didn’t exactly need a new blusher, bronzer or highlighter. But I had to have the NARS Virtual Domination Cheek Palette, especially after missing out on the NARS Guy Bourdin Palette last year. Plus, it’s just so pretty.
The palette which is exclusive to Space NK was released just before Christmas last year as part of the NARS 2014 Holiday Collection. The palette costs £45.00 and frankly is fantastic value for money with a combined retail value of £117, which is a saving of 62%! You receive more than a full sized laguna bronzer, which alone would cost you £27 and for the cost of just over two full-size blushes, you’re getting five shades. So really, I have no complaints in terms of cost. It’s worth every penny.
The packaging is just beautiful, with a white pattern overlay, a large mirror and not an ounce of rubbery NARS packaging in sight. It’s timeless and looks very pretty on my vanity (may I add). It’s also compact and will fit into the average makeup bag. But I would note it is a little weighty, so maybe not as travel friendly as I would have originally thought (but I can look past that). What is so great about this palette, is that is covers all bases, as it includes not one, but three blushers, a bronzer and a highlighter.
I love all the shades in this palette and I’m certain I will put them all to good use. However, the quality of the blushers just isn’t as amazing as their stand alone blushers (which can I just add are possibly my favourite blushers!). I’m not saying the quality of this palette isn’t up to scratch, however they are a little more faded. Why this is I am not sure, the palette could have been made in a different factory, or by different machinery? Who knows?! But nevertheless, the blushers have a lovely soft, creamy texture making them blendable and easy to work with and look beautiful on the skin. They also last a good 6 hours. The Miss Liberty Highlighter although a little glittery, looks lovely when worn on top of the cheekbones and on the eyelids. And NARS Laguna Bronzer is an oldie but a goodie, which featured in my 2013 favourites. It is great for both warming up the face and as a contour shade.
Miss Liberty Highlighter (Permanent): is a very light, golden peach with white flecks
of glitter.
Deep Throat Blusher (Permanent): is a medium, pinky coral with a slight golden
shimmer. It’s a popular shade and one of which I have always wanted to try
and I’m not disappointed.
Laguna Bronzer (Permanent): is a medium-dark brown bronzer, with a golden
sheeny finish. It looks quite scary in the pan, but is actually quite light and
buildable. This bronzer works best with a big fluffy brush. Denser brushes can
make it appear a little muddy on the skin.
Sex Fantasy Blusher (Limited Edition): is matte cool-toned dusty lavender/pink. The
texture is soft and finely milled, but it is powdery. It is super flattering on
the skin a lot like MAC’s ‘Well Dressed’ blusher.
Final Cut Blusher (Limited Edition): is a softened, medium coral-orange with warm
undertones and a matte finish. It has good color payoff and the
texture isn’t as powdery as ’Sex Fantasy’. It’s more on the
silky side. It reminds me a little of Tarte’s ‘Tipsy’ blusher - the
perfect blusher for this spring.
