With all the hype about NARS summer collection(s) it's sometimes easy to forget the hardworking constants in the permanent line. The eye shadow duo in India Song is a good example. Yes, I admit it's not exactly the most exciting or innovative color combination- a matte vanilla and a satin low-shimmer rich brown. It's a classic, something that everyone needs for minimalistic days and the quality and finish are exactly the reason NARS eye shadows have earned a cult of collectors who rely on them to deliver every time.
The matte ivory color is an excellent base. Unlike many similar shades (Bobbi Brown Navajo, Bone, Banana and several others) it actually has a color and a texture that makes it more than just a base. This eye shadow subtly lightens the lid and opens up the eye without looking too made up. I find that NARS matte formula often requires a good primer both for longevity and for even application, and India Song's lighter half is no different. It's also a bit crumbly, but a good brush is enough to keep things under control and I have no real issue applying and making the color look pretty. The walnut brown with its shimmery texture is superb. The color can be packed and intensified or applied lightly. It's easy to blend and has a surprising depth and dimension for such a simple shade.
Bottom Line: Have I said a classic already?
NARS India Song Eye Shadow Duo ($33) is available from narscosmetics.com.
All photos are mine.
Thanks Gaia, I'll be adding this to my collection that seems to reproduce all on it's own. I'd like to compare this to the Exotic Dance summer duo.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post. I really like the boring classics, and NARS India Song looks very pretty (and India is one of my cats' names). The richness in that walnut brown really appeals to be but I have to be careful of red. I think you are cool toned? I don't know what my obsession is, but I can never seem to have enough neutral eyeshadows.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking for a nice brown to replace an old now-discontinued Stila eye color-this looks like it might do the trick!
ReplyDeleteLexi, NARS shadows have this habit... like bunnies ;) My wishlist includes a couple more duos, because we all know I need more eye shadows.
ReplyDeleteZP, India is a lovely name for a cat!
ReplyDeleteI have a weird olive skin tone that allows me to wear some cool and some warm colors (and look utterly hideous in others). Also, my eyes are deep set, which creates extra shadow and I have quite a bit of lid space that allows some creativity. I do avoid anything that's red or pink around my eyes and can never do orange.
Elizabeth, India Song is as nice a classic brown as they come. Oddly, while there are so many neutrals around, very few have this brown velvet look.
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