Get in line: Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon

Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayons from top to bottom: Intro(Vert), Plum(Age), Blacquer, Obey-Ge and Ro-Cocoa

In the lead up to Sephora's opening on the 5th of December in Sydney I'll be featuring some of my must-haves you seriously need to consider tossing in your cart upon darting across the threshold on day dot.

Marc Jacobs' Highliner Gel Eye Crayon, a never fade, long-lasting liner that you just can't quit. While it's not the sharpest tool in the shed with its sub-par built-in sharpener, a negative attribute I am willing to look past; its intense, true colour payoff and bombtastic performance is where it's at.

Highliner Gel Eye Crayon swatches from left to right: Intro(Vert), Plum(Age), Blacquer, Obey-Ge and Ro-Cocoa

In terms of application I prefer to tight line with Blacquer or Ro-Cocoa (reviewed here), highlight the inner corners of my eyes with Obey-ge and add a pop of colour along my upper lash line with Intro(Vert) or Plum(Age).

Other colours under serious consideration: Luna(Tic), Th(Ink) and Brown(Out).

In the States Marc Jacobs' Highliner Gel Crayon retails for $25 USD or you could shell out $45 USD for the Sky-Liner Seven Piece Petite Highliner Collection which features O(vert) (forest green), Brown(out) (bronze with shimmer), Th(ink) (deep navy), (Plum)age (vivid purple), Blacquer (black), Sunset (golden bronze shimmer) and Midnight in Paris (inky indigo blue).

Curious about the other brands available for your makeup hoarding ways? Elle has the complete list.

Here's hoping Sephora's pricing promise rings true.

Eyes to mesmerize: NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadow

NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadows

When we last visited these I was in the midst of testing -- I really wanted to see where the sparkle filled road would take me. And you're not imagining things, Desdemona crossed the Pacific late last week with other bits and bobs from Sephora :) 

In short, these eyeshadows are shimmery, sparkly and for some, might even ignite bokeh magic. Be sure to get past the Creme Brûlée-like exterior in order to capitalise on these pigmented sparkle bombs. NARS newest formula is a massive improvement as some of his older eye palettes and eyeshadow singles left a lot to be desired; pretty in the pan, but impossible to work with. Then along came Kauai, which whet my appetite while I waited for the next course to arrive.

Here's a recap of six of the twelve shades, starting with the swatches.

NARS Dual Intensity swatches (dry on the left and wet on the right for each shade) from left to right: Europa, Himalia, Dione, Callisto and Phoebe

Late arrival: Swatches of Desdemona dry (left) and wet (right)

Europa

Europa in the pan seemed like it was filled with endless possibilities, but I think I had my blinders on when I selected this particular shade and I might even blame it on my excitement at the beauty counter. Europa is the base of the pyramid, a supporting player that looks more intense when applied wet.

Himalia

Not to be confused with Dione, colour-wise, Himalia is an excellent multi-tasker. Equal parts brown and beige, Himalia adds depth without closing your eyes in.

Dione

Dione is a cool, taupe-y beige with glints of silver, which are further enhanced just by adding water. Think wet, shiny sand.

Callisto

The apple of my eye. Callisto is an icy pink that immediately perks your eyes up without having to catch a few Zzz's.

Phoebe

I can't really disagree with Nars' bang on description of Pheobe, a deep shimmering amethyst that's waiting to dazzle your eyes.

Desdemona

Desdemona isn't tragic like her namesake, this rich burgundy is bold and makes no apologies. Definitely not for the faint of heart. Expect warm embers, not flickering flames.

Here are two different looks I put together for you to mull over.

Light, bright and glowing

Close up

This soft look is coupled with glowing skin, pink cheeks and neutral lips.

Colours used: Himalia, Dione and Callisto and a hint of Phoebe.

Dark magic

Close up

Another look, cuz I'm so proud of my blending 

Neutral skin and lips to maintain focus on my hazel eyes.

Colours used: a matte taupe and vanilla from Bobbi Browns' Bobbi & Katie Palette, Desdemona, Callisto and Phoebe.

Tip: Temper the shimmer by using a matte eyeshadow as your base and work from there.

NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadows are like miniature Energizer Bunnies and will easily multiply if you're not careful at the cash register. Kindly pair these with an eye primer and you'll most certainly be set for the evening.

Want a tutorial, just say. I'd be happy to throw one together.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadow:

• $38.00 AUS / $29.00 USD - I bought five colours prior to Mecca's price decrease and paid $45.00 AUS per compact. Call it karma for my impatience.

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 10 out of 10 bags — LOVE.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• On my 'to buy' list: Cassiopeia, Lysithea, Subra and maybe even Sycorax.

Picking the best flavours: NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadow

NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadow

At first touch I was skeptical. The pan felt dry, too dry.

My hopes were dashed, so I walked away empty-handed. Then I thought about the reviews, the rave ones, "...felt like a dream." "So blend-able." "From meh, to wow." These aren't actual statements, but I think you might be picking up what I'm laying down here.

So I went back, had a chat with a sweet gal from Mecca first thing last Saturday morning and dug my grubby paws into the sample pans. Side note: I have no qualms about poking and prodding the display models, especially when the sales girl was doing the same exact thing only moments before.

Then I swayed from side to side, weighing my options, wondering which ones I was willing to wait for and eventually settled on not one, not two, but five shades --  so much for that first taste just a few days before.

NARS Dual Intensity eyeshadows from left to right: Phoebe, Europa, Dione, Callisto and Himalia

Because it's practically Saturday night, let's get a little drunk on these. Shall we?

NARS Says: "metallic champagne beige"

NARS Says: "deep shimmering amethyst"

NARS Says: "shimmering topaz"

NARS Says: "icy pink silver"

NARS Says: "gossamer pink peach"

NARS Dual Intensity swatches (dry on the left and wet on the right for each shade) from left to right: Europa, Himalia, Dione, Callisto and Phoebe

Despite being slightly tipsy, I can still decipher the commonality. *hiccup*

• icy
• shimmering
• metallic
• textural

Each of the twelve shades are like a layer cake or an onion in their own right, but man, they really open up -- make certain to pair them accordingly.

If you love a blingtastic eye look, then you've come to the right place. I'm still testing, layering, playing, painting and tasting -- should be ripe for a proper review come next Saturday ;)

Pricing: $45 AUS / $29 USD

Cheers to the rest of your weekend!

*raises glass*