New NARS Illuminators

I have always felt like one of the top cheerleaders for NARS Orgasm Illuminator. I adore it. It's a highlighter, a blush, and a foundation enhancer - all in one tube! I bought three Orgasm Illuminators when they launched, two for myself and one for a giveaway.

You can imagine my excitement when I learned that NARS would be introducing a Copacabana Illuminator. I use the Copacabana Multiple, and I love it. I was thrilled to think that the same quality and characteristics that NARS brought us with Orgasm Illuminator would be extended to Copacabana. What I didn't realize at first was that the treat would be multiplied. NARS also launched Super Orgasm and Laguna Illuminators, which I saw (and ordered) when I went online to purchase Copacabana.

NARS Illuminators light the skin from within (that is not just marketing hype). With the addition of new shades, this collection of light-reflecting liquids gives you multiple ways to shine. The Illuminators glide on to refresh and enhance the complexion to create a shimmering incandescence. Giorgio Armani Beauty's Fluid Sheers are among my holy grail beauty products. I have every shade. NARS Illuminators ($29) will take their place alongside my Fluid Sheers.

You can go gorgeously nude with the original peachy pink Orgasm or up the ante with Super Orgasm’s extra glow. Super Orgasm is so much nicer than its namesake blusher. I'm too old to use Super Orgasm on my cheeks. It's a sparkle fest, so I gave it away to a teenager. Super Orgasm Illuminator is sheer perfection. I love the color, and the shimmer level is flattering. The pearlescent Copacabana Illuminator is a beautiful highlighter or foundation enhancer for fair skin. The shade is white, with a hint of pink on my skin. I can't anticipate until I try it on a friend how it will look on chocolate skin. It might be too bright and white. Or, I might be surprised; it's possible it will blend into a sunbeam. Laguna Illuminator is a perfect bronzing shade, and as with the other Illuminators, you can mix it lightly with your foundation to add a summer glow or use it as a fast-application bronzer. Laguna can turn me into the bronze goddess I'll never be naturally.

I've had totally miserable weather for photography since these arrived. Even today, when I got this swatch photo, it's very cloudy. Earlier, I noticed that the sky had brightened - still cloudy, but more high overcast than the low-hanging clouds we've had for the last two days. I applied each Illuminator with my finger, and I blended them only slightly, hoping to get a decent representation of each shade. While this photo isn't great, it's the best I got out of nine.

Super Orgasm is shown at the top. Hopefully, you can see that its peach with a perfect shimmer - so much prettier than its namesake. Copacabana is white - very light. I'm not sure whether the hint of pink is my arm or the product. It's perfect for me; will it be for you? Laguna, shown at the bottom of the photo, has much less shimmer, making it ideal for a natural bronzer. I would describe the shade as a light, golden bronze. I'm happy to report that it does not leave an orange look on my skin.

If you would like to see additional swatches, head over to Café Makeup, where Amy did a nice job showing comparisons to other brands and products. Looks like Amy's a Fluid Sheer fan too.

The multipurpose nature of these Illuminators is magical. I lust after makeup that serves more than one purpose - all the better to lighten my overburdened handbag. These are great for on-the-go pick-me-ups. The flip cap is a secure one, and the hole through which you squeeze the product is small and ideal for dispensing buildable color. You are unlikely to waste these with a liquid spill on your vanity or in your bathroom or purse.

NARS advertises that the colors are deceptively sheer and decidedly luminous. That says it all. I can't wait to see what colors they have in store for us next! Isn't that funny? I have three new goodies, and I'm already anticipating the next lust-worthy shades, the sign of a true addict.

You can purchase the new Illuminators, as well as the original, at the NARS Web site. NARS counters also have them available. They arrived at Neiman Marcus about a week ago. I couldn't wait; I purchased mine from NARS. If you purchase at Neiman Marcus now, though, you might score a Beauty Event gift.

Photos at top courtesy of NARS