NARS • Habanera Duo • Eye Shadow

*TOP REVIEWER* toyarosie on 1/5/2010 8:00:00 PM more reviews by toyarosie

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Dark   Hair: Black, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Sadly, I am not a fan of this product as many other reviewers are. I should have tried it on before buying it, but I am friendly with the SA at my local NARS counter so I trusted his opinion. I really like the shimmering purply shade of this duo, although like the previous reviewer mentioned, it isn't easy to blend and the color payoff isn't ideal. But it gives a nice subtle smoky look nonetheless. My real issue is with the highly metallic pale aqua shade - I cannot figure out how to wear this for the life of me. I apply it soft, heavy, well-blended - but it just isn't for me (and my skintone). It definitely has that 80's feel for sure. I am going to try it in my inner corners and see how that pans out...but to spend $15 (one half) for a rare inner highlight...just not worth it, for me. A shame, since this is my first NARS shadow too!

Note: Whoever put up their picture for this product, is a genius - your picture was what sold me on this product in the first place! Unfortunate that I can't replicate your look :)
EDIT: Ok, so I tried the inner highlight - not bad, certainly created some interest in what could be a regular old smoky eye - however, I tried it layered over an electric blue shadow last night and YOW! Totally awesome. It gave it a great iridescence that made my eyes totally pop. I'm not giving up on this duo yet! Up to 4 lippies :)

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kjerstihagen on 12/15/2009 9:59:00 PM more reviews by kjerstihagen

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

I'm very drawn to NARS shadows in general . . . I feel like just the look of them in the pan whispers promises of incredible pigmentation and buttery application. Sadly, the cool-toned dark plum half of this duo lives up to neither of these expections. It is absolutely beautiful as a swatch, but I don't wear eyeshadow on my hand. On my eyelids it skipped considerably and was downright painful to blend, and it the color didn't show up very well either. The other side is a shimmery, very buttery, and HIGHLY pigmented pale teal. I could see this teal color being gorgeous on someone with brown eyes, which is the only reason that I gave it 2 lippies instead of 1. But on my nw-20 skin and green eyes, it did nothing but put me in the eighties.

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ireney on 12/15/2009 4:41:00 PM more reviews by ireney

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination   Hair: Other   Eyes: Hazel    

I wanted to get Brousse duo, but Sephora was sold out of that, so SA suggested this one instead. I was extremely hesitant because I never use any shades of green and I already own a ton of dark purple shadows, plus I couldn't for the life of me see wearing both these colors together. But eventually I caved in and purchased this. Boy, am I glad I did!!! This is my new HG shadow! It looks gorgeous on my NW20 skin and really brings out my hazel eyes. It may be a bit too much for the office, but I love the look so much I don't care and wear it anyway. Will put this on a bit heavier for a night look. I love the texture of NARS shadows and this duo is a wonderful surprise for me. Give it a chance, try it.

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*TOP REVIEWER* callmecordelia on 11/30/2009 4:21:00 AM more reviews by callmecordelia

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

Oh Habanera, you are fabulous. I've owned a few NARS duos, most of which were good but not great. Pigmentation tends to vary wildly. Habanera, though, has great pigmentation. The dark purple shows up smoky-greyish on my NW15 skin, but that's ok. And the other shade? It's beautiful, a mint/aquamarine with lots of shimmer (not glitter, I hate glitter). The thing I find impressive about this duo is that it flatters a variety of people. It looks lovely with golden Asian skintones, but it also works on my classic redhead-with-freckles skin and green eyes, and a friend of mine with Snow White colouring -- porcelain (NC5) skin, blue eyes, dark brown hair -- borrowed it from me, and it was so lovely on her that I would have given it to her if I weren't kind of selfish. Maybe I'll buy it for her for Christmas.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Violet912 on 11/1/2009 1:07:00 PM more reviews by Violet912

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair, Cool   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Other    

It's interesting reading the other reviews and seeing that 90% of people seem to be describing the left side as a "mint green" and the other 10% are saying "blue." Because when I bought this, I saw green and after trying it on - it's definitely blue. On me at least.

I always wear Nars shadows over Painterly as a base because I find that they don't wear as well over TFSI. I don't know whether the color of the base is influencing the final color, but swatched over Painterly, the left side of Habanera is very similar to Mac Fashion (which was also described as a green that looks blue to me). Habanera looks less sparkly and slightly more silvery, but I still see a dirty blue in it.

The plum side is gorgeous. It's similar to Ondine, but darker and with a blue-green shimmer that matches the first color in the Habanera duo, rather than the golden shimmer of Ondine. Honestly, it's what I really wanted Ondine to be.

As everyone else has said, the pigmentation and texture is nice in both shades of this duo.

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*TOP REVIEWER* suzannaelektra on 8/27/2009 12:28:00 AM more reviews by suzannaelektra

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I always get compliments when I wear this color (mind you, I only wear the purple shade)...It is such a smokey grayish, purply shimmer and like all of Nars's eye shadows, it is stunning! Love the texture...wearability..the combo of colors is good. Lovely...I rarely use up eye shadow and I'm definantly hitting pan on this one :)
Try it ladies!!

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*TOP REVIEWER* Jaysta1985 on 8/1/2009 6:46:00 AM more reviews by Jaysta1985

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

Another one of my fav eyeshadow duos from NARs. After reviewing all the great reviews on this eyeshadow I feel like I have nothing to add. Everyone has already mentioned the great pigmentation of this quality eyeshadow, the decent staying power etc..
This eyeshadow works really well for my dark coloured eyes, it really opens up my eyes and sometimes I love using the dark plum colour for a sexy smokey eye look.
If I ever run out.. or if I don't finish in 24 months I'll def be repurchasing, this is one duo I love having in my makeup collection.

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keavy on 7/11/2009 6:09:00 PM more reviews by keavy

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

Nars seriously makes some of the most beautiful shades with awesome texture. I'm truly amazed by the quality.
The shade on the left kind of reminds me of Mac's Brill. The purple-ish shade is just as lovely, though I'm having trouble thinking of a shade that resembles it. A lot of Nars' shadows are original, and not as dupable as other popular brands.
Both shades compliment my eyecolor and has enough depth to contour and bring out my deep-set eyes. Another winner from Nars!
Reference: NC25-35(when tanned)

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nomihappy on 6/22/2009 3:19:00 AM more reviews by nomihappy

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

Edit: Not in love anymore. The purple side got GRITTY!!!! My (much, much) cheaper Majolica Majorca plum-taupe color is softer by miles. I find this quality unacceptable for the price. Although the silver-blue and the plum look great together, they don't really blend so it's not really for those who want a more "gradation" look.

- Versatile
- Really, really does look great on its own, in pairs, in pairs in different combination of "locations" on the eye, it goes on...

My fave:
- dot mint on the inner corners, slight wash of plum on the rest of the lid, line lower lashes with KYOTO eyeliner.
- Actually I like the combination of this eyeshadow with kyoto in any form :P

Only complaint:
- mint is a little too silvery, sometimes when you blend the two the result is a silver sheet... maybe it's just cuz I'm not pro enough.
- Price is a little high so I'm hoping this pan lasts me a lifetime (jk)

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Elle_B on 6/21/2009 12:52:00 AM more reviews by Elle_B

Age: 44-55   Skin: Sensitive, Medium, Cool   Hair: Grey, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

There have been so many great reviews on this eyeshadow that I feel I have little to add, but this...

I love the versatility and blendability of these colors. When I applied the plum with a subtle wash of mint on top, I was left with a lovely not-quite-as-boring-as-gray smokey shade.

My favorite way to wear it is with the plum on the upper eyelid, and the mint in the inner V of my eyes. When I want to amp it up a bit, I'll wear the mint as a subtle 'wash' under my lower lashes. A good mascara ensures it won't look too 1980's.

I have hazel eyes and this combo makes the gold 'pop.' I have a medium skin tone, very oily skin. It's not the most longlasting shadow I own, but I can usually pat it back in place after several hours.

So easy to blend, much more 'wearable' than one might initially guess. Love this eyeshadow - I'm impressed with the versatility.

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*TOP REVIEWER* northernwinterlude on 5/25/2009 7:59:00 AM more reviews by northernwinterlude

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

This is my favourite e/s duo from Nars. Who would have thought that a minty green and a deep purple shade would look good together but they do! The minty green shade really has good pigmentation, however the deep purple shade is less pigmented. Nars shadows are usually less pigmented compared to other lines (MAC, UD, Stila). The best way to wear Habanera, is to apply the shimmery green colour on the lower lid and the purple in the crease. A really fantastic duo that would look good on many skintones!

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dmaried81 on 5/12/2009 10:08:00 PM more reviews by dmaried81

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I absolutely love this color combination! It looks really nice on dark eyes. The color pigmentation is amazing and it blends oh so nicely. I would definately recommend this eyeshadow duo to anyone. So far it is my favorite!

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sarahfeeni on 5/10/2009 2:31:00 AM more reviews by sarahfeeni

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

For those who are having trouble with the mint green side of this duo, try lining the lower lids with a thick swash of the green, all the way into the inner corners of your eye. use the plum on top lids and and just a slight amount on lower but really accentuate the thicker line of green on lower lid (under eye-lashes not on the inner eye). It looks awesome like this trust me. this is my favorite NARS duo eye shadow EVER. I was concerned about the green as well and was just going to buy it for the plum but the MA showed me the trick with the green on the undereye and it looks incredible. especially for a evening look. a little much for day time. looks amazing with "female trouble" lip gloss

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*TOP REVIEWER* niclyf on 4/15/2009 10:38:00 PM more reviews by niclyf

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

This duo is AMAZING! The colors are both incredibly pigmented. The green shade is a very icy mint green that is tremendously pigmented. The smokey plum shade has an almost duo-chrome sheen to it! I've tried them together, I've worn them separately with other shades, and they both just rock either way! HUGE rave, killer on my brown eyes, and apply like a dream!!! One of the better NARS duos!

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emwo12 on 4/15/2009 2:10:00 PM more reviews by emwo12

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium, Warm   Hair: Blond, Wavy   Eyes: Blue    

IF YOU HAVE BLUE EYES YOU NEED THIS EYESHADOW DUO. seriously, there isn't anything to think about, go get it. I saw this at sephora and fell in love with the dark plum side and decided to buy it just for that color. On the way home i was feeling kind of iffy about it because i don't really care for bright eye shadow colors (i usually stick to browns or golds) and thought the blue side would never get used. To prove myself wrong i actually tried the blue side first and WOW. I paired it with a navy blue color (from the Stila smokey sapphires quad) and the combination makes my med/dark blue eyes look neon. i really have never seen my eyes look this blue. absolute love and now i can't wait to try the dark plum side (another great compliment for blue eyes). again, if you have blue eyes, you will not regret this eyeshadow duo.

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marezeedoats on 3/9/2009 6:13:00 PM more reviews by marezeedoats

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

I'm conflicted! I truly love the dark plummy side of this duo, I just don't like it blended with the light shimmery side--at least not on my eyes. I have seen some gorgeous looks on other ladies using both sides, though, so it may be just me. I prefer to wear it blended with MAC Vex to make a very unique smoky eye that makes my green eyes P-O-P!!! The texture of this duo is to die for! Very buttery, I wish ALL NARS shadows were of this quality. I don't have a complaint with the rubber packaging as I have found a damp cloth sufficiently cleans any scuffs or marks away. Will probably repurchase since I have not found a dupe for the plum side, just wish it was available as a single. =)

***5/8/09 - I'm upping this to a 5. I've discovered that the brushes you use to apply this make quite a difference. I've currently been using the Ecotools mineral shadow brush from the mineral brush set, and it makes this duo look flawless and makes my green eyes the primary focus. Habanera is the best NARS duo that I have tried so far, although Earth Angel comes in a close second. I will definitely repurchase***

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*TOP REVIEWER* Tigrou on 3/5/2009 6:32:00 AM more reviews by Tigrou

Age: 36-43   Skin: Oily, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Green    

I bought this duo without really wanting it. I was in Sephora, looking for a NARS duo that I didn't already own, and I decided on Habanera. I first tried it with the green shade on the lid and the purple in the crease, and I HATED it! The green was way too frosty and I looked like I was wearing grandma eyeshadow. It looked really awful. And despite the fact that they tell you green eyeshadow works with green and hazel-green eyes, the green did nothing for my eyes. So then I decided to try it with the purple on my lids and the green in the crease, as a last resort. This combination worked a lot better! The purple color brought out my eyes, and the green in the crease made it look extra pretty. These colors might be too much for a daytime look, depending on how daring you are. But I pair it with a light lip (NARS Catfight) and it looks really nice. So if you don't like this duo at first, play around with it a bit.

EDIT I don't really like this one at all. It was gathering dust so I decided to use it and I just find the green so hard to wear. I can use it as a liner or in the inner corners, but what a waste. The brownish plum color is nice as a liner tho.

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sammi1029 on 2/3/2009 1:13:00 AM more reviews by sammi1029

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

My very first NARS eyeshadow duo and I LOVE IT!!! Before putting it on the colors doesn't look like they go together, but they do and they look awesome! I will for sure buy more of NARS duos in the future.

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hailey0675 on 2/2/2009 4:11:00 AM more reviews by hailey0675

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Tan, Neutral   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Black    

I loved the thought of this duo more than what it actually does for me. It's so pretty and the colours are gorgeous (before I put them on my eyes that is!) I've been wanting to try out purple for a long time, so I got really exciting when I discovered this. I love NARS anyway, so I didn't need much pursuading. To be honest I love the purple more than the mint green, which scares me as I don't know how I'd where it. The SA said I should think of the colour as a silver highlighter but I haven't brought myself to wear it. All I know is that the silver side is very pigmented, much more than the purple side, so be careful. I've worn the purple about three times now. It makes for a lovely soft smokey eye, but this is nothing special. It's almost as if the colour becomes a blah muddy colour when put into contact with my skin. I'll perservere though. I'm a junkie and I'll keep going until someone tells me it looks horrible. I'll end by saying that if you're NC45 like me, don't expect too much. Normally I'd say that NARS is worth the price, but this time I think NOT. I'll keep the product and continue to wear it, but I won't be re-purchasing.

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nujnong on 1/20/2009 4:36:00 AM more reviews by nujnong

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

I wans't really into some colors like green and dark plum. Also, the two colors didn't look to get along well. However, this product turns to be one of my favorite eyeshadows. I get compliments every time I wear these two colors together!

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