Saturday, March 26, 2011

Nars Mekong Eyeshadow Review, Photos and Swatches!

nars mekong review

NARS Mekong Eyeshadow

NARS Mekong Eyeshadow ($24) is a deep-dark brown infused with gold shimmer.

Like many of Nars Eyeshadows, Mekong is extremely pigmented. In fact, it's probably the most pigmented eyeshadow I own next to Nars Night Clubbing. In fact, it's a bit like Night Clubbing in that they are both very shimmery in the pan, but apply to the lids almost black with minimal shimmer.

In some ways, it's intimidating to use because it's so pigmented and dark. It works very well for a liner, and will probably be my main use for this shadow.

I don't at all find it difficult to blend using a soft brush and it looks excellent in the crease and applied as a liner. On my lids, its a blackend brown with a slight golden/brown sheen. Applied wet, it is darker (almost black), but the shimmer shows up much more. It makes for a beautiful, rich liner applied wet. 

nars mekong swatches

I find that when using this shadow, I have fallout on my cheeks - so when using this, it's best to tap off excess product before applying it to your lids. You literally barely have to touch the shadow with your brush for great color payoff. 

Also, you can guard your cheek with a piece of paper (I like using a business card) or you can apply your foundation after your eyes. I can see why only 57% say they would repurchase, as I don't think I'll ever finish this eyeshadow. With daily use - I think it would take me a few years to finish.. and by that time, I'd probably find something else I love.

This shadow has a rating of 4/5 on makeupalley, with a 57% re-purchase rate. So, the overall rating is quite good, but only half of the reviewers would repurchase. The major complaints about this shadow is that even though it is richly pigmented, the shadow looks black on the lids rather than the beautifully shimmery brown. The shimmer doesn't transfer too well on the lids, making it look like an almost matte black-brown with very little sheen. Some say it's difficult to blend with poor lasting power. Some say it's perfect in every way. (Read reviews here)

So what do you think of Mekong? Is it a love it? Or leave it??

16 comments:

  1. I love Mekong! I use it primarily as a liner though :) When I saw your post on Coconut Groove I wish I would have bought that instead of Mekong... but I'm glad they are similar when worn!

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  2. i got this shadow a little while ago and it is my FAVORITE!! i use it in so many looks to smoke it out or as a liner. its just perfect for me. i like using it over a tacky base and patting it on so the shimmer shows up more! i've been wanting galapagos because of your blog, but i'm not sure if it's too similar to mekong?

    http://beautiesinbloom.blogspot.com/

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  3. thats such a unique shadow! it looks immensely pigmented :)

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  4. I decided to get NARS's eyeshadow duo in "Cordura" instead of purchasing Mekong (I had heard some great things about Mekong too). I like the duos better simply because like you said, it would take forever to finish one of NARS's single shadows..so I figure with duos you get to try two shades for just a small price increase!
    I swatched all my NARS duos in my last blog post, check it out if you are interested!
    http://obsessionstolivefor.blogspot.com
    xx

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  5. It looks so pretty, love that color.

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  6. I love this color! Nars shadows are amazing!

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  7. Gorgeous gorgeous! Im considering buying it! Looks a bit similar to MAC Beauty Marked

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  8. Love that shade!
    You make me go out and get one now, too!!!

    XOXO

    http://missymargaret.blogspot.com/

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  9. stunning colour + pigmentation . definitely looks like one of my colours i would swear by sort of looks like a darker version of twinx :)
    <3
    www.simplynaturale.blogspot.com

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  10. that looks pretty!

    www.vikki-gabrielleworld.blogspot.com

    x

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  11. Wow, gorgeous colour. Looks very thick and long wearing too.

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  12. I have this eyeshadow and it is one of my favorites! The color is fabulous!
    I agree with you, of all the eyeshadows I own, the NARS ones are probably the most highly pigmented ones! Bali is another one of my absolute favorites from NARS! =)

    Andrée xx

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  13. GORGEOUS!! Would be so pretty to do a smoky eye look with!

    -Diana
    www.glamappetit.blogspot.com

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  14. I love mine and I agree that it's a great shade to use as a liner! Me, I'd definitely repurchase - such nicely pigmented colours aren't so easy to come by!!!

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