NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Mandchourie is probably one of my favourite eyeshadow duos from NARS. NARS makes many eyeshadow duos, from neutrals to brights and anything in between. You can now check out their wide array of colours at TANGS Orchard – how wonderful.

Retails at S$51 for 4g of product, made in Canada.

I believe Mandchourie came together with last year’s holiday collection and I have done a look featuring this duo here.

One of the reasons I love Mandchourie is because it contains an iridescent, shimmery shade and a matte – and they both compliment each other really well. I could use them separately or together in many different ways.

I find the iridescent, shimmery blue-grey shade very attractive and complex – there are specks of gold, copper, green and blue in it, making it as gorgeous as it can be. On the other hand, the matte deep navy blue, being less complex, is a great binding shade.

Both shades are incredibly pigmented. However, they are slightly powdery thus using a primer or cream base may help.

Swatches taken under natural day light, without flash – on dry arm without primer.

Together with this short review, I would like to share three simple ways you can wear this eyeshadow duo. The methods apply to all other shades too. I hope you find them helpful.

THREE WAYS TO WEAR MANDCHOURIE

1. Apply eyeshadow primer and pat matte navy over entire lid. Use shimmery blue-grey as an accent over matte navy. This will create an interesting smoky eye look especially when you blink.
2. Apply eyeshadow primer and pat shimmery blue-grey all over lids. Line upper lids with black or dark blue eyeliner, use matte navy to soften eyeliner and create a subtle wing. This will create a sparkly yet subtle smoky eye look with a little drama.
3. Apply eyeshadow primer and pat shimmery blue-grey to inner 1/3 of lids and darken corners of the eyes with matte navy. This is a very traditional way of creating smoky eyes, especially great for those with define crease to show off.

Overall, I really appreciate the depth and simplicity of Mandchourie. I can look as made up or as subtle with this duo and it lasts well on my lids. It’s also a great substitute to traditional black smoky eyes. And since NARS is conveniently available on our island now, I think this duo is totally worth a swatch.

Thank you for reading.