NARS 'Makeup Your Mind: Express Yourself' Cheek Kit (Nordstrom Exclusive)

Makeup Your Mind Nordstrom Exclusive Cheek Kit (without flash)

As a continuation of my NARS-issistic weekends series, today I'm sharing the Nordstrom Exclusive 'Makeup Your Mind: Express Yourself' Cheek Kit. To celebrate the release of Francois NARS's new book, Nordstrom has three exclusive sets: a cheek kit, and eye kit, and a lip kit. I pre-ordered the cheek kit to get signed at the 'Meet Francois NARS' event that I blogged about earlier, while my friend Ponyo ordered the lip kit. I still can't believe I got to meet him!! But I digress...

Makeup Your Mind Nordstrom Exclusive Cheek Kit (with flash)

The NARS cheek kit had a full size Laguna Bronzer, full size Copacabana multiple, and Duo Blush in Orgasm and Angelika. I chose this set because all the products are quintessential NARS basics that I didn't have yet, with the exception of Orgasm. I did almost buy the lip set, but lip colors are a bit more personal and I figured I'd rather just buy the exact colors I wanted. I've only used the products for a couple days now, but here are my initial thoughts and swatches:

1. NARS Laguna bronzer- it's a lot lighter than I thought it would be, which for me is an awesome thing for my light skin ( NC20-25? / NARS Gobi / Bobbi Brown 2.5 Warm Sand). It's a golden brown that has shimmer, but isn't too apparent. I used Bobbi Brown's Face blender brush, which is a very light fluffy blush to contour my cheeks and add some color to my temples and jawline. It was just the perfect amount of color: noticeable, but not too subtle or dirty looking. I was pleasantly surprised! I think I do need to give some credit to my brush though, which does seem to work well for light application.  With the right brush, this bronzer seems hard to overdo, however it likely looks good thanks to the golden tones in my skin. I imagine Laguna might be more stark against cool-tones (but that's just my guess). I can also see why darker skin tones would favor NARS casino, since this bronzer is a lot lighter than I'd imagined! So far, I'm really liking this. The size is huge, and it'll take forever to make a dent in this pan!

2. NARS Multiple in Copacabana- I'll admit, I was a little scared to take the jump and get a multiple after reading reviews about poor lasting time and oiliness, as well as the possibility that it might make me break out.  However, so far I'm pleased, and happy to have this in my stash. Copacabana gives such a nice subtle sheen that really is un-noticeable unless the light is hitting my face. When light does hit my face, it looks really pretty. It's described as being a "silvery sheen", however it looks completely natural against my light olive/yellow skin. I apply using clean fingers to my upper cheekbones, nose bridge, and under the arches of my eyebrows. It's really fun, and easy. I tend to have an oily T-zone, however I don't think the multiple disappears too quickly, and it doesn't look oily either. Perhaps this is because I'm applying lightly with fingers instead of directly rubbing the stick on my face. I can't see how setting it with powder would help ---sometimes having too much powder + cream works against you and causes more sliding. So, so far thumbs up. I don't think it's worth the nearly $40 price tag, but I'm happy to buy it in my kit. I haven't noticed severe break out problems yet, but I'll definitely edit this post if I do.

3. NARS Blush in Orgasm and Angelika - I don't need to write much about the blush. If you follow my blog, you know that Orgasm is my HG blush. Despite already having Orgasm, I purchased this because I didn't have Angelika yet (and wanted it), and I figured a duo would be convenient for travel. I've only worn Angelika once because I've been using NARS Sex Appeal lately, however I'm 100% sure I'll like it.

Swatches of NARS Laguna bronzer, NARS Orgasm blush, NARS Angelika blush, and NARS Copacabana illuminator.

All in all a really nice set of NARS basics for face, if you don't have the products yet. Although, only real makeup junkies would feel the need to add bronzer, blush, and highlighter as a part of their daily routine =P. If you're a "simpler is better" person, I'd probably recommend checking out the other two kits (eye and lip) instead.

I hope you enjoyed reading! There's still more NARS to come.

Love, Dovey.

P.S. Be sure to check out my I met Francois NARS!' post if you missed it. It's the root of my NARS-issistic obsession.