I hate to tell poeple that anything is a must have, simply because I’m not a big believer that anything is truly a must have. But now and again, something attempts to change my mind and it so happens I have come across that very one!
The one item I’m quite happy to tout as a “must have” is the NARS Malacca eyeshadow single. It was launched for Summer 2014 but is quite thankfully a permanent item so it’s still possible to go and get it, and the best thing is that it can quite easily transition you into Fall and Winter as well.
I’m not sure of the origins of the name, but knowing NARS’ predilection for naming their eyeshadows for places, I’m inclined to believe that Nars Malacca was named for Malacca, a state found right here in Malaysia 😀 Malacca was historically a large Sultanate in the region, and a key port on the spice route, where traders from the East and West would meet to trade in spices. Malacca was also where the first colonization of our country began, with the Portugese in 1511 for over 130 years before the Dutch and the English. It was the starting point for the growth of our country and is the most historical city we have. So, let’s just say I’m quite pleasantly surprised to see an eyeshadow with a name I can relate to. If it was intended to of course 😀
Malacca is described as a iridescent peacock shade, and in pan, looks like a blackened emerald green. It looks amazing in pan but it turns out that it is quite surprising when used.
You see, when worn, I don’t get that lovely blackened green on skin, but it turns out to be a cool toned plummy brown with a hint of green iridescence.
See what I mean? It doesn’t look green at all and for want of a better word, makes me think of ‘taupe’. Surprising? It was to me. I’ve read of it being compared to the very popular MAC Club eyeshadow that has a similar effect but I don’t have that one so I cannot compare.
So, what’s so special about Malacca that I’d call it a must-have NARS eyeshadow? For the very simple reason that it is a breeze to use, and is so special, you can wear it alone to dress up or dress down. There aren’t many products that do this!
It does come in the typical rubbery packaging, but the Nars single eyeshadow is quite small. Fits in my palm with lots of space to spare. But in terms of application, it packs a punch!
I’d ordinarily apologise for the rather messed up looking product in the picture, but I won’t because it is how the product looks when it is used. I only used a corner of it so you can see how the colour looks a little different in that corner. I only use a brush and I only used it dry (I don’t generally like using eyeshadows wet) so you can expect your pristine new Malacca shadow to look a little messy after a while.
Here’s how I wore Malacca.
I simply applied it all over my lid, blending it out around the edges so soften the colour and the harsh lines. You may notice the browned base and the dark green iridescence which is what makes the shadow interesting, and allows it to stand on its own. You can of course, blend it with other shades but I liked the standalone factor because this means I can tote this around for travel if I have to without hassling with other colours.
This is my first time using a NARS single eyeshadow and the longevity is quite impressive for me. Worn over the NARS eyeshadow primer, it lasted all day, but even without, it lasted me for most of the day. I liked how simple it was o use and how flattering it was even to wear to work in a slightly more serious setting.
Here’s how it looks in an overall look. Although the eyeshadow has a slightly cooler tone, I opted to pair it with slightly warmer lips and cheeks and hey, I think it works. It looks nice worn with a slightly vampy lip (keep the cheeks neutral) or with pink lips and cheeks too. It’s surprisingly versatile and I really like it for that too!
In a nutshell
NARS Malacca single eyeshadow is an interesting product that looks like a blackened green in pan, but which applies with a brown base and a hint of green iridescence. The colour shifts a little depending on how the light hits it, which allows for the product to be worn alone or paired with other colours. I like to wear it alone and I find it flattering and very easy to use whether to the office, or smoked out for an evening out. If you are Malaysian and love colour-shifting lid colours like this, Malacca is a must have! Actually, it’s a must have whether or not you are Malaysian 😀
Pros: Unique colour for eyeshadow, Can be worn alone due to the colour-shifting iridescence
Cons: The slight plummy undertones can make eyes look tired, Pricey
Who will like this: Anyone who likes browned based lid colours
I must say that few things surprise my anymore in the world of makeup but now and again, it is nice to have a surprise sprung on me. Nars Malacca is one such surprise and one which I would gladly tell you to get, if you get just one eyeshadow from NARS. I’m quite sure you won’t regret it 🙂
Have you seen the Nars Malacca eyeshadow? Do you like colour-shifting colors like this?
Admittedly, I was less enamoured with Malacca before swatching it because I thought it would be your regular blackened emerald green. What makes it unique is how different (and wearable) it is on skin and that is what makes it special. Definitely worth taking a look at the counter, that’s for sure! I don’t always like iridescent colours like this because it isn’t always done right, but Francois Nars got this one spot on! 😀
Paris B
Nars Malacca Single Eyeshadow Price: RM90 Availability: Nars store (Pavilion KL)
Sze Ling says
August 11, 2014 at 9:03 amThe color is truly unique! I would have totally pass this if I were to just browse on their online store. Now I may have to seriously consider getting it. 😀
Paris B says
August 13, 2014 at 10:23 amAbsolutely Sze Ling! It looks like such a typical colour in pan doesn’t it? I was about to dismiss it as yet another emerald green until I swatched it and then, WOW! 😀 How have you been? Hope you’re keeping well 😀
Sze Ling says
August 15, 2014 at 10:48 amI’m doing great! I was just beginning to wonder what you’re up to (with the sporadic posts and such) until I saw the moving-post. 😀
Paris B says
August 28, 2014 at 9:59 amGood to know you’re keeping well 😀 Still keeping up with the sporadic posts, as it turns out, I’m now swamped with work and other things so am just doing my best to keep my chin above water! *dog paddling for my life*
Lily says
August 11, 2014 at 9:30 amHey Paris, yes this certainly reminds me of Club, but Club seems a little redder. This is definitely something I’d buy! I’m a sucker for duochrome finishes. I’m just torn because it’s by NARS and I absolutely loathe the packaging 🙁
Paris B says
August 13, 2014 at 10:40 amYep, I saw comparisons with Club and it’s definitely redder. Another one it’s similar to is the MAC blue-brown pigment which is quite close too. Definitely pick this up when you can, it’s a lovely addition, especially for lazy days 😉
Ting says
August 15, 2014 at 9:14 amLily, you could always depot it! :p
Tracy@Beauty Reflections says
August 11, 2014 at 11:50 amI wonder if I could wear this! I love Club, but it looks terrible on me! Maybe this one will work! It looks really lovely on you!
Paris B says
August 13, 2014 at 10:57 amThanks and I’m quite sure you could, Tracy! It’s much cooler toned than Club and I think more flattering 🙂
Parita says
August 11, 2014 at 1:09 pmThis definitely reminds me of Inglot pigment 85 and MAC Club eyeshadow! This one is more darker and has less warm undertones nevertheless gorgeous shade!
Paris B says
August 13, 2014 at 10:57 amYes, definitely a cooler toned shadow. Also similar to blue-brown pigment from MAC 🙂
casey23 says
August 11, 2014 at 2:13 pmIt looks like a MAC pigment which its name I can’t remember now but I’ve had it since the beginning of time 🙂 It looks gorgeous on you!
Paris B says
August 13, 2014 at 10:58 amI think you’re thinking of blue-brown pigment 🙂 That one is pretty too and thank you Casey 🙂
Rae // theNotice says
August 11, 2014 at 3:05 pmPARIS THIS IS SO COOL. I adore duochromes in general, but ugh, your pan shots of this are killing me. It’s mesmerizing!
Paris B says
August 13, 2014 at 10:59 am😀 Thank you Rae, much praise indeed coming from you who takes wonderful product shots!
Sunny says
August 11, 2014 at 3:37 pmHeeey that’s Dutch on that book! So funny 😉 Thanks for the little historical background about the region!
I never paid much attention to this shade till now, but now I find it truly interesting! Such a complex shade! You look especially lovely in the photo, too!
Paris B says
August 13, 2014 at 11:00 amYES! 😀 We had the Dutch here for about 100 years or so before the British came in haha 😀 This one is a lovely shade that I think you’d like. It makes for a good addition to any collection I think, because it’s just so easy to wear! Thanks lovely.
Nails Tale says
August 11, 2014 at 3:58 pmAlso looks similar to Inglot AMC 85
Paris B says
August 13, 2014 at 11:05 amThanks for the comparison 🙂 I’m not familiar with Inglot so that’s good to know
Evan Chang says
August 11, 2014 at 4:52 pmI am so buying this next time when I’m in KL!
I missed your posts Paris! Hope you’re doing fine =D
Paris B says
August 13, 2014 at 11:07 amHi Evan! Thanks, things are finally settling down at my end. Hope you’re doing well too! Definitely take a look the next time you’re in town. It looks nondescript in pan, but is quite WOW! 😉
Firn says
August 11, 2014 at 6:06 pmUnusually toned-down compared to how it looks in the pan! I rarelywear eyeshadow even for going out so will pass but your skin looks absolutely gorgeous! Your base is a perfect match and flawlessly executed!
Paris B says
August 13, 2014 at 11:08 amIndeed, Firn 🙂 I was surprised because I was expecting more green and not expecting the brown at all! Ah, wonders of a good base (MUFE HD foundation does the trick most of the time for me! 😉 )
Gerrine says
August 11, 2014 at 11:01 pmReally unique colour. Looks kinda similar to makeup geek pigment insomnia. I dont own this pigment. Any1 owns this pigment? Comment pls. Tnx
Paris B says
August 13, 2014 at 11:09 amVery much so. I’m afraid I’m not familiar with Makeup Geek’s products so I’ll take your word for it! Also looks similar to Inglot AMC 85, MAC Club and MAC Blue-brown pigment, based on previous comments 🙂
Shailja@BeABrideEveryday says
August 11, 2014 at 11:57 pmI prefer using creamy eyeshadows that have high pigmentation ! This one looks unique and apt to my taste.. will surely consider it in my next haul !
Paris B says
August 13, 2014 at 11:09 amIt’s a lovely colour, and I haven’t come across a cream shadow with this colour or complexity yet!
gio says
August 12, 2014 at 1:32 amWhat a cool, unique shade! I’m so checking this out.
Paris B says
August 13, 2014 at 11:09 amWould love to hear what you think of it Gio!
Anthea says
August 12, 2014 at 10:00 pmWhat lip colour and blush are you wearing? The combination looks wonderful! 😀
Paris B says
August 13, 2014 at 11:10 amThanks Anthea! The lip is Dior Addict Extreme in Riviera but I can’t remember the blush, sorry! 😛
Applegal says
August 13, 2014 at 9:09 amLovely colour! I like your top too! And your lipcolour. What’s the Malacca document in the background?
Paris B says
August 13, 2014 at 11:11 amThanks Applegal 😀 Lip colour is Dior Addict Extreme in Riviera 😉 The Malacca document was a random picture I pulled up online LOL! I think it’s an old Dutch map of Malacca 😀
Philippe says
August 13, 2014 at 3:15 pmHaha WHY is there an official Dutch document in your pictures? Where did you get that ancient stufff ? 😛
Paris B says
August 28, 2014 at 9:45 amThanks to the almighty Google! 😀 The Dutch were our colonial masters once, in the 17th century before the British came in hence the history 🙂
Ting says
August 15, 2014 at 9:16 amHello Paris, did you use a brush to apply it? I wonder if you use finger, would it pack more of the emerald green? 🙂
Paris B says
August 28, 2014 at 9:57 amYep, I used a brush. The emerald green doesn’t really show up very much actually even when you used fingers (the swatch is done with fingers) Have you checked it out yet?
Sam Still Reading says
August 17, 2014 at 6:25 pmAfter reading this while I was on holiday, I dashed around to try to pick this up – it’s gorgeous! Sadly no luck – I’ll have to try locally otherwise grab it online. Looks perfect for a quick eye look!
Paris B says
August 28, 2014 at 10:15 amOh you will LOVE this one! Definitely try to find a way to get it (but since it’s thankfully permanent, it won’t be as elusive!)
WondersReviews says
August 18, 2014 at 6:54 amThis color is gorgeous ! Need to check about it <3
Xoxo
Michelle
Paris B says
August 28, 2014 at 10:15 amIt is, Michelle! Absolutely worth checking out if you haven’t already 😉