I was glad to see that Chanel brought out a spring collection consisting of muted plum and neutrals this year, which, by the way, saved us from drowning in the sea of pastels. However, I thought the colors from the Quadrille quadra was too warm for me although this would be a satisfying neutral quad to many.
NARS Duo Eyeshadow Violetta was the one I picked up as I realized I was looking for more of "hazy violet" colors.
NARS Duo Eyeshadow Violetta
For a minute there, I had thought I must be lacking a "beauty blogger" gene or two. Otherwise why would I keep buying these dated buzz-lacking shades?
Violetta is not one of those visually stunning duos from the pan. I've even read some less than glowing reviews complaining about the sheer color payoffs. Yet, I see there is something very alluring about this "blah" looking eyeshadow duo.
NARS Violetta has a "Smoky lavender" and a "Soft metallic violet"
I think I am mainly attracted to the lighter matte shade in Violetta. The silky neutral color almost has this foggy linen-like quality, and to me, that looks so chic. The metallic violet shade has a good amount of grey in it, which prevents it from being a gaudy shimmery orchid.
Surprisingly, the color payoffs are not bad at all! Both colors in Violetta go on quite smoothly and evenly. Again, I was very impressed with the quality of the matte shade as I find it has the identical creamy powder texture I see in the Sex Fantasy blush (reviewed here).
Each color works great as a sheer wash to nicely pair with defined eye lines and more dramatic lips, but my favorite way to wear Violetta is layering it over a dark cream base, which results in a rather decadent smoky look.
Here is how Violetta looks on me.
In this look, I based the lids with L'Oreal Voluminous Smoldering Liner in Brown and added the metallic violet shade all over, then blended out the harsh edges using the smoky lavender.
"Violetta" is a diminutive of "violet" in Italian (viola), but I like to think that NARS has visioned the beautiful heroine from the opera "La Traviata" when he created this duo.
Although I almost abhor the melodramatic storyline and this particular music of Verdi, I can totally daydream about Violetta wearing NARS Violetta on her delicate eyelids and a dark red on her rather provocative lips.
Products used in this look
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