NARS Lhasa Shimmer Eye Shadow for Spring 2012

I was eager to try a couple of pieces from the new NARS Spring 2012 Collection. I had seen photos of the Lhasa Shimmer Eye Shadow ($24) and thought it looked pretty. Once I saw it on my eyelids, it was unmitigated love. This is an eye shadow that's going to work beautifully for everyone - not just pale-face blondes.

Here's the NARS product story for Shimmer Eye Shadow...

Highly pigmented, velvety-matte, ultra-fine powders for shading, creating depth, and lining eyes. Long-wearing, crease-resistant colors glide on smoothly and evenly and blend effortlessly.

• Can be applied sheer or layered for a more dramatic effect
• True color application
• Can be applied dry or with a dampened brush for heightened intensity
• Multifunction use: shading, lining, and brow color
• Rich, vivid shade range, from neutrals to high-fashion hues
  

My photo of Lhasa immediately above was taken in full sun, giving the shadow a lighter look than it has in the NARS photo. The shade is described as lavender grey. I suppose that's true, but it doesn't flatter this stunning shade. I'm thrilled that I can wear Lhasa during the day. It's a dashing color that's unlike any other shadow in my current rotation. Lhasa is much like a Lancome shade that was my go-to eye shadow about 25 years ago, one that I eventually had to stop wearing because I developed an allergy to the red pigment in it. I've waited a long time to find a flattering replacement. Lhasa is it!

I swatched it heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator and took my photos in full, very late afternoon sun. Look at the color! As advertised, it's a lavender-toned grey, but that doesn't tell its full story. I see a cool-toned taupe-grey that leans lavender. It shimmers without glitter - just enough to draw attention to the eyes. I could gush, but it's probably not necessary. If you've seen it, you'll know how gorgeous it is. If you haven't seen it, I think you should. Lhasa is destined to become a super-hit. Fortunately, it's not a limited edition.

We've all had some occasional issues with the pigmentation and texture of NARS eye shadows. This one is absolutely perfect. It applies evenly and easily with any tool you select. For me, it's a new everyday neutral that provides an alternative to brown tones. I've noticed that it blends perfectly with other favorite NARS shadows and any other shadows I choose to wear. You can't ask for more than that.

I'm going to digress from the incredible eye shadow to tell you a little story that frustrated me. As soon as the spring collection popped up online, I tried to place an order in mid-January, using a Gilt voucher I had purchased. The voucher was a great deal: $80 worth of product for $50. Consistent with my recent issues with "certain" online sites, I had a problem. The NARS site wouldn't take my Gilt voucher. It was a weekend, and no one staffs the NARS customer service phone on weekends. I guess NARS assumes that all your needs can be met on weekdays during bankers' hours. So, I waited until Tuesday (Monday was a federal holiday), and no one answered the phone - or returned my voice mails. I finally called the corporate offices, and I was told that the one person who handles phone queries was in meetings that day, all day. She would call me back the next day. She didn't call the next day, nor the day after. In fact, she never returned my multiple messages. Fortunately, on a lark I tried my Gilt voucher again on a weekday, and it worked. However, the site calculated my order incorrectly, overcharging me by charging for shipping. Even though I had spent over $80 and should have received free shipping, I let it go. At some point, you decide you've invested too much time. I gave up.

I did let Gilt know (I knew they would care) about the difficulties I had using their voucher. They are a stand-up company and responded with an apology. My takeaways? If you use the NARS online site in any unusual way, all bets are off. If you place an uncomplicated online order, you'll have no problems. I've been ordering that way successfully for years. If you need customer service? Good luck.

Back to Lhasa (end of rant). The Non-Blonde featured Lhasa two weeks ago. Gaia loves it too. Her coloring and mine are different, proof that Lhasa can suit everyone. Café Makeup also featured Lhasa. You can find comparison swatches at both blogs.

You can purchase Lhasa at NARS online and at all NARS counters. The weekend before last, I had a makeover at the NARS counter at Neiman Marcus at Tysons Galleria. This coming weekend I hope to find time to tell you about it. Istvan Hrichak does amazing work. He used Lhasa on me, although he created the focal point of my eyes with Dark Rite Soft Touch Shadow Pencil, another amazing NARS color. Stay tuned.

Photo at top courtesy of NARS; other photos by Best Things in Beauty