NARS Subra & Desdemona Dual-Intensity Eye Shadows

I told you that Giove and Callisto were only the beginning. The texture, finish and performance of the new Dual Intensity eye shadows by NARS completely won me over, so I had to add several more to my collection. Today we're looking at Subra and Desdemona, and some time next week I'll feature two others (there will also be several new items from NARS fall collection, which is even more stunning in person than the campaign photos hinted, not to mention easy to wear and incorporated into day-to-day looks).

Subra and Desdemona are probably the most stunning of the Dual-Intensity line. The colors are unique and the finish, especially in Desdemona, is a beautiful duo-chrome. They can be applied dry or damp for extra impact, but the level of pigment and color intensity is impressive enough even as a wash of color. Of course, you can really go to town with a fine damp brush and create a graphic liner. In any case, these colors are the focal point of any makeup look.

Desdemona is a burgundy with an orchid duo-chrome cast visible under certain light. It requires some planning and a careful execution to avoid a bruised look (which is actually quite in for this coming fall). I can't stop looking at the effect it creates; the superb finish in this new NARS formula  is breathtaking. It's incredibly smooth and easy to work with. I never felt more like apro than when playing with these eye shadows.

Subra is more muted, but don't let first impression of "brown" fool you. NARS describes Subra as a "black orchid"; I see a very dark earthy brown that flashes lilac. The duo-chrome effect is not quite as bold as in Desdemona, but it;s there, it's beautiful, and it's wonderfully wearable.

Bottom Line: jaw-dropping gorgeous.

NARS Subra & Desdemona Dual-Intensity Eye Shadows ($29 each) are available at the counters and from narscosmetics.com.