NARS • Illuminator in Copacabana • Highlighters

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bbdollx on 3/23/2012 4:31:00 AM more reviews by bbdollx

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Grey    

LOVE this product! Gorgeous result, and so versatile! You can use it to highlight cheekbones, brow bones, cupid's bow, decolletage.. be creative :) It's rather pricey, but only the tiniest bit of product is needed per application so it lasts for a long time!

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eccentric on 3/20/2012 2:39:00 PM more reviews by eccentric

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I got this in a deluxe sample and started mixing a tiny bit with my foundation for a little healthy glow. Well, it turned out to be a acne-tastic nightmare. It broke me out really bad, hands down worst break out I've had in years. I had deep painful pimples all over my cheeks, and I never get acne on my cheeks! Obviously everyone's skin is different, but if you have acne prone/sensitive skin like me, be wary of this stuff. I'm giving it 2 lippies because it did look rather pretty mixed with my foundation. Bummer it didn't work out for me.

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katrinaviolet on 3/8/2012 10:26:00 AM more reviews by katrinaviolet

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I really like this product! When you calculate the price per volume, it is cheaper than buying one of the Benefit illuminators (at least where I live). I blend a little drop of this with my moisturizer for days when I don't wear foundation, or use it as a highlighter on cheekbones and on the brow bone when I do wear foundation. You only need to use a very small amount. I think if you feel it's not showing up on your skin... well, maybe that's a good thing? I can never really tell that I've put it on when I'm at home putting on my makeup but in pictures or when people see me in real life they are always complimenting my skin and how 'glowy' it is.
I find that the product in my tube starts to separate a bit with an oily look, but I just have to give it a good shake and it's fine again.

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ajwhite1003 on 1/24/2012 2:40:00 AM more reviews by ajwhite1003

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

I have long been searching for a good illuminator/highlighter and i honestly really love this product. I find it gives a healthy glow during the day when just on my cheekbones and the bridge of my nose. For nighttime wear I use it to highlight my brow-bone and cupid's bow as well as around the inner corner of my eyes. To apply to all of these areas you need less than a pin's head worth of product. It's very effective. I greatly recommend this product. I will buy it again, but I'm sure that won't be for awhile since you only have to use a little of it.

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*TOP REVIEWER* edgexofxdesire on 1/19/2012 8:00:00 PM more reviews by edgexofxdesire

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Olive, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I'm not sure where everyone is getting the glittery "disco ball" effect from, but I'd guess it's over application. Keep in mind that with something like this, less is definitely more. It is a very highly concentrated product. What I do is squeeze the tube so that the product is just peeking out over the tip, dab my finger on the tip and then use that for the cheekbone, temple and over my brow (that C shaped area) as a highlight. One dab for each cheekbone. Same for the eyes or the nose and the cupids bow. The tiniest bit can really cover all the areas you want to highlight, so you're definitely going to want to limit the amount you use. As for the product itself, it's definitely got a ton of shine. Not glitter, just a fantastic glow when it's applied right. I do love it, but I wouldn't buy it again. I don't think I'll need to anyway.

Edit: I returned this after about a week. I caught myself in natural daylight (one of the few sunny winter days we have up here) and I finally noticed the blinding cool pink sheen that this left on my cheeks. I looked like a corpse. Orgasm is definitely better. It has a better texture and a better look on the skin. Copacabana is just to pale and too pink for my skintone.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

internetgirl on 12/8/2011 5:19:00 PM more reviews by internetgirl

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Doesn't show up on my skin when I blend the product in. If I put more on, it looks too frosty and fake.

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*TOP REVIEWER* niclyf on 10/30/2011 12:05:00 AM more reviews by niclyf

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Definitely a winner from the NARS line! I've been a long time fan of the multiples, so when they came out with the illuminators, I was instantly intrigued. I was hoping this was a re-creation of the long discontinued face glows, and they're definitely almost spot on in terms of consistency and quality. I have Copacabana multiple, but always found it a tad difficult to work with since the consistency is thicker being a stick form. The illuminator is far easier to work with. Copacabana is a liquid version of the multiple, and is creamier, blends better and wears just as well while delivering a stunning glow. It is a bit more shimmery, so I find I have to use less of this .... but it creates such a beautiful luminosity to the skin. I blend this in with my foundation and it works beautifully. The only downside is the high price tag, but it's worth it for the gorgeous effect it delivers. Just $3 more for a better overall result vs. my previous "HG" (benefits High Beam).

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* amyers2 on 10/19/2011 1:46:00 AM more reviews by amyers2

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

What it is: a cream cool tinted sort of a silverish pink highlighter with undertones of gold - if that makes sense.
- - -
Pros - Easy to blend, creamy, no offensive smell, flattering to cool skin tones, creates a 'glow'. Packing is simple and easy to use, not mention keeps product sanitary - squeeze tube. glowy not glittery
- - -
Cons - price (29.00 for 1.2 oz). needs to be applied with a light hand or else you won't look glowy so much as sweaty (not mention make up will look cakey and unnatural).
- - -
Over all - if applied correctly this creates a beautiful, natural glow. I mix a very small amount with foundation and apply it only to my cheekbones, but don't apply it anywhere else on my face. Extremely flattering to fair skin (I'm NW 20 ish). Not a must have but definitely nice to have. Would re purchase. I definitely prefer this over MAC's Strobe cream.

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nirvana9 on 10/18/2011 12:11:00 PM more reviews by nirvana9

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Tan   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

this was my first illuminator/highlighter. the one that got me into the glowy cheek look. i love the pearly effect it gives, and it lasts all day. even when my skin gathered oils throughout the day, this stayed put and didnt look greasy. probably my fave liquid highlighter but i do enjoy quite a few powdered ones too.

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*TOP REVIEWER* TacoFlavoredKisses on 10/13/2011 12:31:00 AM more reviews by TacoFlavoredKisses

Age: 30-35   Skin: Very Dry, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

This is some awesome stuff right here. I've been wanting to try NARS Multiples for years but it wasn't on the top of my list of priorities... Anyway, I read some reviews on here and of course, that compelled me to get over to Sephora and check out the Multiples- Particularly Copacabana- since I am fair skinned, and when I saw all the different Multiples swatched very nicely on Karla Sugars' arm, I was immediately drawn to Copacabana, being that it was light and cool... When I got to Sephora, I see these new illuminators in a squeeze tube, and picked up Copacabana. This little bottle was $29 but this bottle will last me forever. It only takes the tiniest bit to brighten up your face. And I remember in a lot of reviews for the Multiples, a lot of people didn't like how difficult they were to apply, because they were so solid and hard, and therefore didn't blend that well. This is definitely the solution. It is a creamy, fluid of the same beautiful color- it is a gorgeous beige-y color and looks awesome on my fair NC20 skin. Also, I am 33 years old and starting to get crows' feet and fine lines around my eyes, and was concerned that this might "magnify" my wrinkles, but it doesn't! Another thing- I usually run around without makeup on, and recently I've been chastising myself for not trying to look more "put together" when I'm in public (who knows when you might run into Mr. Perfect)? If I put this on my cheekbones and eyelids/browbone before running out the door, I instantly look like I have a glowing, flawless complexion! Yay! I'm glad I found these illuminators- Now I don't need the multiple- this seems a lot better :)

10 out of 10 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

amsparkles on 10/2/2011 11:27:00 PM more reviews by amsparkles

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Blond, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I LOVE this stuff!! It is such a great addition to my makeup routine! I'm obsessed with creating that dewy, fresh faced look, and this is what helps me to achieve that. It does come out quite shimmery looking, but once you blend it, it doesn't appear quite as obvious. I typically mix it with my tinted moisturizer which gives my skin a wonderful glow, and I will usually dab some between my eyes, under my eyebrows, on the bridge of my nose, and sometimes on my cheekbones (kind of like a blush!). A little bit goes a long way with this stuff, so I think that the expensive price tag is worth it. But overall, this stuff is great!

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*TOP REVIEWER* euroasian on 8/27/2011 11:19:00 AM more reviews by euroasian

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Other    

It pains me to give this product less than a four because I love all things Nars. Unfortunately this highlighted is too "shimmery" and not "glowy"; the particles are just too big and obvious. Even Benefit's Highbeam is better, and I hate Benefit. Lasting power is great and the blending isn't bad if shimmery is the look you're going for.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

bindagee on 8/13/2011 5:24:00 PM more reviews by bindagee

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Olive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

It blends nicely and leaves a nice glow. I wear it on my shoulders when I'm wearing a sleeveless top. However, it fades quickly on dry skin. Wear it over lotion-it will adhere better.

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Superfancy on 8/11/2011 8:27:00 AM more reviews by Superfancy

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I was planning to buy The Multiple in Copacabana, but bought this instead because I thought that a liquid would be more versatile.

I've been blending this with my concealer (Diorskin Nude Hydrating) and really like the results. I mix about two parts concealer with one part Illuminator. Adding the Illuminator makes my "mature" eyes look more awake. It doesn't diminish the effectiveness of the concealer and it doesn't creep into lines. The combination also does a better job concealing capillaries and blemishes than my concealer does alone. I suppose it's because of the light-reflecting qualities.

I apply foundation over this and still get a nice youthful glow. For my taste, Illuminator has too much glitter to wear alone or on top of foundation. Because this is highly pigmented, I recommend trying it before you buy. If the shade you chose didn't go well with your complexion or your makeup colors, you would end up looking very strange.

6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

lalu on 7/26/2011 11:07:00 AM more reviews by lalu

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I didn't purchase it but i tried it on the counter. The liquid seems like it has no glitter but it definitely is a shimmer bomb and i highly doubt whether it can be used with a light hand. Avoid if you look for something more subtle.

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*TOP REVIEWER* galai_curryqueen9830 on 7/18/2011 1:34:00 AM more reviews by galai_curryqueen9830

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

First off, I didn't purchase this - I got a small sample (8oz) from Sephora. I've never been a big fan of liquid highlighters/illuminators, but after trying this out, I love it!

Color:
Described as a "glistening pearl". It's a blue based highlighter that has a pinky pearl sheen. When applied to the skin, there are no apparent glitters, just really glowly. Its great for my skin since I'm NC30, but if you are warm toned then apply it with a light hand, or use it underneath a blush.
It's quite pigmented, granted you don't want a harsh glowly streak on the top of your cheeks. When you blend the the product, it fades, however the pinky colour still remains.

Packaging:
Simple, and sleek! I like how the tube will let you get every ounce of product out! It's also travel efficient, no glass bottles!

Lasting power:
I have dry skin, and so this lasts pretty long on my cheeks. I'm assuming if you have oily skin, this might just slide off or won't last long. It might make you look greasy too..

There's no obvous smell to it, as I did smell it once. It just smells like an average make up product.

I really like it, gives me a glowly look and now I understand why people like NARS' illuminators so much - however, I just can't justify spending $36 CDN on a 1.2 oz product.
It's worth it, seeing how long it will last if you use it everday. But I don't wear highlighters often, so for me to spend this much money is painful.

I'm pretty sure you can buy a product that's similar to NARS for a lot cheaper which is why I rated this a 2 on the price lippie.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

olystacy on 7/15/2011 12:01:00 PM more reviews by olystacy

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I LOVE THIS PRODUCT. It gives me a dewey glow that people often comment about. I use it as an illuminator under my eyes and sometimes mix it into my foundation for an allover dewey look. I am 41 so anything to make my skin look youthful is much appreciated.

A little bit goes a long way so I think the price is an ok price. This will be an item that is ALWAYS in my makeup set.

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laurajones on 6/16/2011 8:19:00 AM more reviews by laurajones

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

I hate to be the bringer of bad news. but i dont like this product that much.

The shimmer is almost a "glitter". If i stand in front of thr natural light of my window i look like a discoball with this as i highlight. It has alot more "glitterly" particles than high beam by benefit, which is what i was expecting this product to be similar too.

When you blend it into the skin, the colour of the product also totally dissapears, and you are left with just silverly glitter.

However, it looks really pretty as an inner corner highlight, and i think mixed with foundation this will look pretty too. So i will find some use for it.

EDIT: I have now found another use for this i actually quite like. If you blend it down the centre of the face it looks okay...but again...DISCOBALL!!!

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yajuwen on 5/22/2011 11:06:00 PM more reviews by yajuwen

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Black    

I love this illuminator. I don't use it over powder makeup but use it only as/mix with a primer. I'd say this illuminator is adding shimmers instead of any color. On my yellow-undertoned fair skin, it's transparent with very subtle shimmers. I love the glowy look I got with a powder foundation followed up. I'm not a big fan of the multiple sticks because I have to spend $39 for a product I don't use that much. For this illuminator's price ($28) and such watery consistancy, it's much more acceptable. However, it's not a versatile product for me. I would not used it other than a primer.Though the shimmer is subtle, it makes anything oily without powdered, even eyes. Also, it's drying, so I won't use it on my lips. For the packaging, it's probably the best quality nars can ever, ever have. I can easily squeeze out whatever amount I want and this packaging does NOT gather fingerprints, dirts or makeup residues. One last thing, Copacabana is lovely shade and has wonderful texture and shimmers, but, for now, I am not considering to purchase any other shades because these illuminators don't really add enough color but lots lots of shimmers, and somehow the glitters (super orgasm) make me feel scratchy while applying.

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*TOP REVIEWER* MiaGator on 5/22/2011 6:20:00 PM more reviews by MiaGator

Age: 36-43   Skin: Oily, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

If you have cool-toned skin and love the NARS Multiple highlighter, RUN RUN RUN out and get this product. I have had the Copacabana Multiple for years, and yeah, it's nice, but it sees limited use with me.

When I heard this would make a nice eyeshadow base, I jumped on it. I have greasy eyelids, and I usually use some frosted white MAC shadows on the inner eye corner and browbone.

I thought it would be "just OK" since I've used the Multiple (albeit sparingly) for years. No, it's awesome. I use it as an eyeshadow base, and for random highlighting (on cupid's bow of lips, on chin), and instead of looking shiny or greasy, it just looks awesome. YAY, new HG.

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No