The Nars Final Cut collection was a cheek and lip heavy collection in sweet pink shades that came out just before Valentine’s Day, ostensibly to capture the market for anyone looking for something sweet and pink. I have to say that as I rarely pay a lot of attention to Nars blushes these days (after poor experiences with their packaging) I overlooked this one.
I was however sent a blush in the titillatingly named “Sex Fantasy” along with a Satin Lip Pencil in “Villa Lante” so I thought I’d quickly tell you what I thought about them because one was a surprise hit and the other, a rather expected, washout. It’s also limited edition, so don’t pause for too long if you’re contemplating something from the collection.
The question of course, is which is which?!
Wouldn’t you like to know eh? 😀 A little tidbit of information re: naming of the rather more exotic Nars blushes here in Malaysia and I’m told in a couple more conservative countries, is that numbers maybe used in place of the name we know. So for example, Sex Fantasy will be labelled 4006 at the display. Less shocking, but if you know the name of the blush, the Makeup Artists will be able to help you 🙂
Another thing I learned recently also, is that the infamous Nars rubbery packaging has been reformulated and improved upon to withstand heat and humidity. Guess they were listening to us after all! Someone I know showed me her blush compact that she carries around in her bag and has been for the past 6 months and although a little dusty, it wasn’t yet sticky and melty so perhaps there is some truth in it after all! I do find that it feels smoother.
So onto Sex Fantasy and Villa Lante. Are these colours you’d wear?
Let’s just say that the Villa Lante Satin Lip Pencil (RM85) isn’t one I’d have picked for myself. I don’t generally fare well with pale sweet pinks like these for lips as they have a nasty habit of making my skin look sallow and my teeth yellow.
Granted, when I actually tested it, it doesn’t look too bad. I suppose I could top it up with a bolder gloss or apply it over a base of a deep toned lip pencil to warm up the colour a little. I’ll keep experimenting 🙂 The texture is quite nice, with a nice slip and I didn’t find it too drying.
I own a Satin Lip Pencil in Hyde Park that I bought a while ago and I might tell you about that at a later stage. They aren’t matte, but they aren’t glossy either. Satin is quite an apt description. It is also surprisingly quite small. All these close ups that I see online doesn’t help me manage my expectations at all! It’s quite small and short much to my surprise and it doesn’t come with a sharpener, which is sold separately. I bought the sharpener the last time so I already have one but if you don’t want to buy theirs, I suppose you could try a jumbo sharpener from a stationery shop 😀
I’ve got a swatch of this below, if you’d like to scroll a little further down. As I said, it’s not a pink I’d wear usually but I can make it work, as it doesn’t wash me out very much. But I have to make sure I wear something a little stronger on cheeks and eyes.
The moment I laid eyes on Sex Fantasy blush (RM120), I wondered aloud, just how this very pale cool pink blush could ever conjure up a Sex Fantasy. Maybe one filled with fluffy cotton-tailed rabbits? 😛 Hmm… maybe scratch that thought 😛
Sex Fantasy in pan is a very pale powder. Very very pale, cool, pink. Quite unexciting if you ask me. However, I found that when worn on skin, it translated into a lovely soft pink flush that was very alluring. The powder is pretty pigmented and quite true to what you see in the pan, except that I found that when I wore it on cheeks, it warmed up a little so it was much more flattering on skin.
However, the caveat is that this will likely work only for the fair skinned since it is so light. So if you have a fairly light skintone, I urge you to give this a try because you, like me, may end up being quite surprised at how sweet a look it gives you. I also caution against applying too much because it can look a bit powdery. But it looks nice even as the day wears on, giving you that “Look! I’ve got a sweet healthy glow… or is it blush? You can’t tell can you?!” sort of look. I did have it last for at least 6 hours without problems and even a little longer so that’s practically a whole work day. A surprise hit for me!
Note: As Legeeque has pointed out in her comment below, Sex Fantasy does appear to be the pink counterpart to Sex Appeal (permanent). That too is a very pale powder blush with peachier undertones that I’m assured looks better on skin than in pan.
I thought I’d show you a quick comparison with some other pale pink blushes I own. I didn’t have time to trawl through my whole stash but some pale pinks I have can be found here.
I’ve compared it here to Benefit Dandelion and Shu Uemura M Pink 33E (which I don’t know if it still exists because this one’s quite old). In terms of colour in pan, Sex Fantasy is closest to the Shu Uemura one. Dandelion has a little more peachy tones as you can see.
Here are the swatches then, swatched heavily as I these light blushes don’t show up very well otherwise.
Sex Fantasy isn’t similar to Dandelion at all, which as a slightly more peach cast. Shu Uemura M Pink 33E is a little brighter and warmer compared to Sex Fantasy.
You may also notice that Sex Fantasy doesn’t look very pale does it? It has a significantly cool toned base with a light pink tone that is sweet but anyone with deeper skintones will not appreciate it, that I will guarantee! You will likely appreciate colours like Love or Final Cut more, or New Attitude if you want something pink.
Oh and one more thing I liked about Sex Fantasy – it’s a matte blush! I have been warming up to using matte makeup in recent times (Is this a sign of age catching up, I wonder 😛 ) and I have and liked Angelika blush which is full of shimmer but a lovely pink. So having a matte pink blush that is easy to use and makes me look perky and sweet without having a face full of shimmer is a boon! 😀
Here’s how Sex Fantasy blush and Villa Lante Satin Lip Pencil looks on me. In terms of the blush, I applied it as I would to work, so I didn’t want to put on a lot. You may just see the hint of pink on the apples of the cheeks? I hope so 😛
The lip colour as I expected, wasn’t something I’d fancy. I can make it work but I’d prefer something that isn’t pink-pink 😛
In a nutshell
The Nars Final Cut collection has 4 blushes, 4 Satin Lip Pencils and an Illuminator. Of the 4 powder blushes, Sex Fantasy is the lightest colour and I am sure, will be hard to show up on deeper toned skin. On light skinned gals however, I’d say it’s worth a look. Or at least, a try on your skin to see if you like how it looks on you. I’m not saying it’s a must have. But if you are afraid of wearing blush and want something easy and fool proof, it’s worth giving Sex Fantasy a look. Villa Lante is a cool toned pink which is a colour I personally don’t wear a lot of as it doesn’t quite flatter my skintone as much as something with a bit more colour or warmth does. The texture is nice and easy to use but the pencil doesn’t come with a sharpener which I wish wasn’t the case.
Pros: Sex Fantasy blush despite the pale pink colour in pan goes on skin a surprisingly complimentary gentle pink that perks up the complexion, The Satin Lip Pencil applies smoothly and comfortably
Cons: Sex Fantasy blush will not show up on deeper skintones, Villa Lante lip pencil may not suit all skintones and will accentuate yellowness on teeth, Lip pencil doesn’t come with a sharpener
Who will like this: Anyone who wants a light toned matte pale pink blush, Anyone looking for a cool pink lip colour
Here’s an overview of the Final Cut collection for your viewing pleasure 🙂 Sex Fantasy in person is quite underwhelming but I’d say it’s worth asking one of the Makeup Artists to give you a test on your cheeks. I wasn’t impressed till I wore it and then I was quite happy to wear it for a week straight 🙂
Does anything from the Final Cut collection catch your eye? Would you wear something like Sex Fantasy blush or Villa Lante lip pencil?
I never thought I’d take to Sex Fantasy blush but I did! Did you check out anything from the collection? 🙂
Paris B
Nars Final Cut collection is available at the Nars Cosmetics store at Pavilion KL and is limited edition while stocks last
Aiyor I’m so attracted to the name of the blush! It looks very sweet on you, wondering whether if you wear a pink blush like that you have to have a similiarly pale pink lip too. It should at least be in the same familiy right?
Haha actually no, I wore this pale lip for the photo to show what it looks like but I switched it up later for a brighter, more berry lip. Looks much better to me 😛 I like wearing light pink blushes, but I never match them to my lips coz I look half dead in pale pink lipstick 😛
The blush is so similar in texture to Sex Appeal which is a pale pale pale peachy colour that I absolutely adore. On darker skintones, it might not appear or it might appear chalky but go easy on the hands and if you have light skintone, you’ll adore this one. Sorry to get sidetracked. I think Sex Fantasy is a pink version of Sex Appeal and I think this is one I’d love to get. I’ve hit pan on Sex Appeal and have been stopping myself from replacing it until I’ve used something else up.
Thanks for the headsup! *Dashing to make th epurchase*
Absolutely agree! I’ve hit the pan for Sex Appeal too~
Gosh, it looks like I have to check out this Sex Appeal!
You are absolutely right. Sex Fantasy is the pink version of Sex Appeal 😀 I matched them at the counter and I can see why you like Sex Appeal and I am definitely thinking of trying it one day. If it’s anything like Sex Fantasy, it’ll be fabulous! 😀
The blush looks pretty on you! I hate overdone blush where you can TELL that it’s blush. I always admire subtle almost-no-blush blush placement. It takes skills!
I can’t ever wear blush because of my permanent roseacean flush which skipped out on the sides of my cheeks but has chosen to affect the middle of my face. I’d do anything to look sallow and pale, as opposed to red lobster. :/
I have NARS matte pencil in Cruella, which is a deep red shade that I think you will love. I prefer to wear it sheer closer to the inner surfaces of my lips for a softer gradient look. Over my lipbalm, the finish is more juicy. I guess, I can make it darker and more matte for a modern finish. Stays put during eating too!
Thank you Firn 🙂 I always find that a fluffy blush brush does the trick better for me than a firm blush brush, because I’m not a big fan of the sculpted cheek look. I like diffused colour that looks more natural. It’s a pity you can’t wear blush and I’m sorry to hear of the roseacea flush. Hopefully your derm can help with that? Thanks for pointing me in the direction of Cruella. I recently picked up a Matte pencil in Never Say Never and it’s a pretty interesting colour! The gradient style of applying lip colour is really popular now isn’t it?! I see it everywhere! On Asian models that is
You actually look lovely in this blush. I am glad to know that NARS has changed the sticky rubbery packaging. Always wanted to own a NARS blush but got put off by the packaging. I am now more attracted to matte blushes too, I guess it is because it looks more natural and also I feel that shimmery blushes seems to emphasise pores? Your brows seem to be more thicker in your recent FOTDs. Is it due to the ZA eyebrow pencil you are using?
Thank you Victoria! I was told it’s been a while since they changed the packaging, which might explain why a couple of my eyeshadow duos that are a few years old haven’t melted and turned sticky yet! There must be some truth in it 🙂 The packaging will still attract dust and dirt though so if you like it to look pristine all the time, it’s probably not something you’d like 🙂 Shimmer blushes definitely accentuate pores and they make me look oily too which isn’t a flattering look is it? LOL As for my brows, I’ve been pencilling them in thicker but I use the ZA and Shu Uemura pencil interchangeably 🙂
NARS always upping the ante on their name game.
“I want a SEX FANTASY, please. Oh, and add in an ORGASM, too.”
“How about some DEEP THROAT, Ma’am?”
I love the shades on you, though, PB! The lip pencil is too pale for my yellow-y Asian skin but perfect for cool-toned fair ladies. I would love to rock that pink if I weren’t so limited by my skintone. The blush… meh. I’d rather go for the peachy Final Cut one, that looks kinda boring too but more up my boring alley 🙂
Thanks for sharing these goodies!!
HAHAHAHA! You know, last time I saw a friend of a friend who was wearing Orgasm blush, and I complimented her on that and asked her what it was. She came very near me and whispered “Orgasm by Nars”, worried that others around us may hear what she said. It was funny. We were at a tech show so I suppose uttering Nars and Orgasm together would not make much sense to others that we were actually chatting about makeup names… :p
Hahaha too true Shari! It can get embarrassing if you’re not talking to someone who is already familiar with NARS’ naming system 😛 Final Cut is pretty as is Love so definitely give those a look!
I love you in pinks my friend! I think you should wear them more often! I was going to pass on this collection when it came here, but I might have to take a look at it now!
Thank you Tracy, am slowly learning to embrace the pinks LOL! I personally think it’s quite safe to pass on unless the colours really grab your fancy. There’s so much newness out there isn’t there? How on earth do we decide?! 😛
The blush looks stunning on you Paris! its too light for my skin tone but I think its gorgeous shade for fair skin tones!
Thank you, lovely! 🙂 You might enjoy New Attitude or even Love. They’re quite lovely colours too!
I was just wondering, how does Sex Fantasy compares to Dior’s Rosy Glow. I like the Rosy glow!
Sex Fantasy is much lighter than Rosy Glow and Rosy Glow is supposed to be able to adapt to different skin tones so it looks flattering on everyone. I find Rosy Glow more pink while Sex Fantasy is a bit more subtle 🙂
But I’ve got my hands on Clinique Plum Pop, hahaha!!! You make me want to buy this again…
If there’s still stock, or if you can get Sex Fantasy, I can tell you safely that it’s quite different from Plum Pop so go on, feel free to get both haha! 😉
I got my hands on Super Orgasm and although the SAs mentioned about the reformulationg of the rubber packaging to withstand heat, it is still rubber-y enough to catch dirt from fingerprints easily, and I dont quite like that for something I have just bought. Maybe it’s just me since my fingers do tear and the packaging catches the skin peels. Anyway, i was contemplating to get Sex Fantasy and the illuminator for a month now, and I still cant decide. Hhhmmmm
Oh yes, while it won’t melt it’s still a dust catcher which I know doesn’t sit well with many people. I find it rather puzzling whey they persist with this strange packaging. Gotta admit it differentiates them from the rest out there but still…
Hey Paris, I actually think you’re totally pulling the lip pencil off! I like shades like these against dark hair. It really makes them stand out. Admittedly I might want all the CORALS more than this particular combo tho, but you know me 😉
Thanks lovely! 🙂 I guess I’m just not used to wearing pink anything haha! 😀 But coral, now that’s something to love!
Ohh I bought the Love blush! Absolutely pretty colour. I’ve always loved their wide range of blush colours and the interesting names of course hehe 😀
I tried Love and it’s quite nice! I think you made a good choice 🙂
I was at NARS Pavilion over the weekend and the entire range is sold out. 🙁
Yikes! I was there recently and they still had minimal stock 🙁
Hi Paris, this look isn’t as bad as you thought. It’s actually really pretty 🙂 Definitely something different, and you pulled it off brilliantly!
Thanks Lily! One of those that takes some getting used to I think – I’m not good with looking sweet and girly hehe
The lip shade looks good on you. Brighten up the whole look me think. 🙂 The blush as well! It’s great for a little pinch-the-cheeks look.
Oh yeah, you mentioned about the sharpener for the lip pencil. Isn’t this the standard size? Some sharpener comes in both sizes so will it fit into the jumbo sized hole for sharpening?
Thanks Ting! 😀 I’m still on the fence about the lip shade but I love the cheek colour! The pencil isn’t quite standard I think, I didn’t check 😛 I bought the sharpener when I was in Bangkok before Nars was available here. Felt a little dumb but as I’d just bought a pencil, I didn’t want to be caught without a sharpener 😛