Nars is a brand that really do palettes well. Every new palette release gets me excited and it takes all my strength not to hit the ‘buy’ button. I’ve gotten really good at resisting, but when I saw the Nars Bord De Plage palette, I knew I needed to take a closer look. So when I headed into Birmingham on my birthday, I stopped off at Selfridges and this happened…
*This post contains affiliate links. All monies made from affiliate links will go towards funding power assist wheels for my wheelchair. Please find more information in my disclaimer.
As soon as I swatched the four highlighter shades, I knew I had to own this palette. They’re buttery, smooth and so pigmented! I really like the shade selection too; off white, champagne, soft pink and light gold. These type of highlighter shades are easily my most reach for. The highlighters are deemed to be ‘water activated’ though I’ve no idea what this means and there’s no explanation on the NARS website! My swatches are all done dry and are super pigmented.
When I saw the Nars Bord De Plage palette, I immediately thought it would be the ideal palette for me to take on holiday. The combination of highlighters and bronzers seemed perfect to me, and a great way to compliment my (recently made) MAC blusher palette.
The packaging is absolutely gorgeous! I love the golden bronze and black prink and the embossed NARS logo. I was initially surprised that the palette opens to a portrait view, but actually this makes total sense with how the shades are laid out. The highlighter pans are a great size, but the bronzers are going to be a little small for some powder brushes. I’m not going to be able to use my usual bronzer brush (the Real Techniques Powder Brush) as it’s too large and round. Instead, a MAC 168 or similarly shaped brush will be more suitable.
Top shade is Laguna, bottom shade is Casino. Both in the Sun Wash formula.
The bronzers included in the Nars Bord De Plage palette are Laguna and Casino and are from the sun wash diffusing bronzer range, which means that they’re both matte. The subtle difference between Laguna and Casino wasn’t something I was expecting. This may be because I’m a little behind the times with bronzers and hadn’t clocked that NARS have a second formula.
On the right is the Blame It On Nars palette. Casino is the top right shade. In the Nars Bord De Plage Palette, the Sun Wash version of Casino is the bottom right shade.
I thought I’d compare the Diffused bronzer with the Sun Wash version. I have Casino in the original version in my Blame It On NARS palette. From the pans, these two look vastly different, which is probably why I was surprised how close the two bronzers in the Nars Bord De Plage palette are. But, when swatched, the two Casinos are very similar, it’s just the finish that gives them a different look.
On the right is the original Casino bronzer. On the left is the sun wash version.
Initially, I was disappointed that the two bronzers in the Nars Bord De Plage palette are so similar. I knew I’d use them both, they just weren’t what I was expecting. Knowing that I now have both bronzers in the Sun Wash version (and so haven’t doubled up on products I already own) has made me much happier. Especially seeing how the finish changes the look of the browser.
The limited edition Nars Bord De Plage palette isn’t cheap at £45, but I feel it’s a great investment piece and is perfect for travelling. I’m blown away by the highlighters! The Nars Bord De Plage palette can be purchased from lookfantastic.com.
What are your thoughts on the Nars Bord De Plage palette?
Have you tried the Sun Wash bronzers? Do you prefer the original or sun washed version?
Find me on:
Bloglovin’ | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Snapchat | Google+ | YouTube
You can also sign up for my newsletter!
I’ve always wanted to try NARS palettes but felt like they were pricier. But I’m already spending a lot on Too Faced Palettes (and the quality has gone downhill) so I figure, what’s an extra $$? NARS never disappoints (except for that they are now animal testing). The shades remind me of the CT Glow Look in a Palette (which I’ve been eyeing for). Hope you have a great week!
Hannah
Floraful
The NARS palettes are certainly not cheap, but I’d say they’re in line with most other high end brands. I love the quality, formula and shade range of NARS products, but I’m disappointed that they’ve decided to sell in China. I’ve not seen the Glow Look In A Palette in person yet, I’ll have to check it out. Xx
This looks something I would be interested in, I do have some Nars, which I like, but saddened to read about their change in thier animal testing tendancies.
love the blog, first time here and definatly not the last!
Thank you so much Julie! That’s very kind of you to say. I’m disappointed to learn of the decision to sell in China. I often found myself gravitating towards NARS because they were a cruelty free brand. I certainly won’t be buying as much from them going forward. Xx
its annoying especially when yo enjoy thier products :) Urban Decay are cruelty free!
They are, but unfortunately their parent company, L’Oreal, isn’t. Xx
This looks like such a gorgeous palette. I don’t own any of these NARS palettes and would love to invest in one. I need to swatch this next time I’m in Sephora as the shades are so pretty. x
Ann-Marie | http://facetocurls.com
It’s absolutely stunning! I’m so glad I was able to get it. Definitely swatch it when you’re next in Sephora. Xx
This palette looks amazing! I love Nars products. Great pictures!
It’s absolutely gorgeous! I can highly recommend it. Thank you, that’s very sweet of you to say. Xx
I still haven’t used mine, I almost forgot I had it.
I never buy NARS palettes, not for lack of finding them beautiful, so this one seems all the more special. The bronzer shade is my favourite so far!
slovesautumn.com
I hope you’ve pulled it out and shown it some love now. NARS palettes really are stunning! i’m loving the sun wash formula. Xx