NARS Ashes to Ashes Shimmer Eye Shadow

Today we're looking at an eye makeup classic: NARS Ashes to Ashes Shimmer Eye Shadow. I finished a full pan bought long ago, and this new one was sent to me from NARS so I can show you how it compares to other much beloved shades . Ashes to Ashes is a complex neutral color that NARS calls a "Shimmery violet-based brown", and I'm not going to argue with that, only add that Ashes to Ashes appears different depending on the light: both type of light and its direction. In yellow artificial light the eye shadow appears significantly more warm and brown, while it can also have a very cool gray cast.

I love using NARS Ashes to Ashes with a bold eyeliner, paired with green or blue or solo, as the main feature of an understated elegant look. The texture and finish is among the best in this NARS range-- delicate and blendable, shimmery without visible particles.

I pulled out several comparable classic eye shadows that play the taupe field. Truth be told, I could have kept going, but that would have been an embarrassment of riches taupes. The bottom line is that Ashes to Ashes is unique, both in finish and in color. Depending on the light, it may be closest to Laura Mercier Topaz, though it still has more brown. It's a staple, but so are the other eye shadows you see here (Chanel Taupe Grise, Rouge Bunny Rouge Delicate Hummingbird, Kjaer Weis Wisdom, Le Metier de Beaute Jojo, and Urban Decay Underground). I love them all.

NARS Ashes to Ashes Shimmer Eye Shadow ($24) is available at the counters, from Sephora and on narscosmetics.com. The product was sent to me by NARS free of charge.