Neat and New to Me
Unlike my Unsung Heroes series, which features permanent collection products I’ve known and loved a long time, the Neat and New to Me series showcases permanent collection products that slipped under my radar for a while, but then I discovered them! — and now I think they’re neat and new to me.
NARS Mekong has been making me smile! 🙂 And rhyme!
That was a rhyme, right? (Mekong making…?)
It has a dark brown espresso matte base with golden micro glitter, and it’s take-your-breath-away gawgeous with warm reddish browns and purply browns on the eyes, and reds, burgundies and plums on the lips.
I recently discovered it, which means that I finally gave it a try, and I feel like such a goofball for waiting so long. Give it a swatch if you can before the end of winter, but I warn you — brace yourself. It’s a total knockout.
I’ve been wearing it for smoky eyes, and also as a liner, and when I use it for smoky eyes, I pack it on my lids with a flat eyeshadow brush, and then blend out the edges, drawing just a smidgen up into the crease, before incorporating a couple of matte transition shades.
Then, to offset the heaviness on the top area, I line and smudge a purple or warm reddish brown pencil liner, usually MAC Prunella or MAC Teddy, both of which I think really complement Mekong well, along my lower lash line.
As a liner, oh! — so beautiful. First, I’ll wet my brush head to incentivize Mekong’s golden glitter and make the shadow look almost glossy (I’ve always wanted to use “incentivize” in a sentence, LOL!), dip it into the pan, then gently pat the brush on a tissue a few times to unload some of the excess water. Then I’ll line my upper lash lines and promptly gasp. Oh! 🙂
It’s a glossy look, but not overly glittery, so I feel like it’s still appropriate for regular day wear.
For gals and guys who play on #teamneutrals with me, this one’s a NARS must-have. You can find it now at NARS counters, boutiques and online for $25 for a single eyeshadow with a compact and mirror, or $18 for a refill like the one shown here.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Woah I love how pigmented it is. Looks great!
So great!
I have Mekong and it really is everything you say it is. Wet n Wild Comfort Zone palette has a good dupe for it.
http://themakeuptrain.com/2012/03/05/more-money-more-makeup-cheaper-dupe-for-nars-mekong/
Thanks, Chris!
I knew it reminded me of something, but I couldn’t think of what. That’s it! Thanks for your link.
Such a pretty shade. I have been really into dark brown shades recently! I will put in on my makeup wishlist!
I love them so much! They seem like they wouldn’t be interesting but when you find the ones with something special (like this one) they’re really great. 🙂
That smoky eye is gaaaw-geous, Karen! What were the other crease shades used with Mekong?
Hi Katie,
Thank you! I used NARS Blondie as a transition shade and NARS Bengali to deepen the crease. HTH! Let me know if you have any other questions. 🙂
How do you store/organise all your makeup? You must have a ton of it. Could you do a post on that?
Hi Mimibelle,
I’ve done a few posts on this in the past. Here are some links if you’re interested!
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/makeup-tipshow-to/diy-makeup-storage-hacks-3-ways-repurpose-packaging/
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/daily-beauty-cat/current-makeup-storage-situation/
That’s a very sexy shade on you!
Thanks, Rachel! It’s one of my current faves at the moment. 🙂
That one is very pretty. I wonder if it would look to harsh on me.
It’s super pretty. I think you could wear it!
OMG are we eyeshadow soul sisters? I just finally ordered this shadow in the NARS sale and am eagerly awaiting its arrival. So glad to see your swatch shows it is as beautiful as I recall. Heee! It looks perfect on you!
Hi Michou,
We just might be! What else did you happen to pick up during the sale?
I also ordered the Audacious lipstick in Charlotte and blush in Taos. They take FOREVER to ship though… Ordered it the 27th and it is still processing. It’s so hard to be patient for great makeup…
Mekong is one of my go-to for a quick smoky lid. Right up there with Cordura which just goes to show I have a thing for that color family 🙂
Honestly, I love me some brown eyeshadow, especially when it has a little something extra to it, and NARS do so many great browns! How do you feel about gold? Mekong looks amazing with gold pencil liner smudged on the lower lash line. 🙂
This is so pretty! I love the idea of doing a brown smokey eye with this shadow. Definitely great for every day wear!
I had a feeling you’d like this one, Ruchita. All you have to do is pair it with your favorite matte crease color and bam! Easy everyday smoky eyes. 🙂
Ooooh it’s gorgeous!
It sure is!
It’s calling my name! 😮
I was just looking at that color! Do you use the Nars primer with it? Is there much fallout?
The subtle gold sparkle is so pretty! If you worked with me, you could use “incentivize” on a very regular basis. 🙂
I’ve always meant to try this shade. It looks gorgeous on you!
I always like how it looks on others but I’m worried it might pull more warm on me. I’ll have to re-swatch next time I’m at a NARS counter.
What a gorgeous shade. I’ve been passing by the NARS counter more and more lately. So many colors I don’t have that I want. Sigh. Mekong looks beautiful on you paired with Prunella. I need to keep this combo in mind.
Absolutely amazing color! I’ve been thinking I need to utilize my coppers & bronzes more; this would fit right in. You look wonderful! ❤
Love this smokey-eye look! I have Cordurra which is my go to. I have finally hit pan and was looking around for similar shades and hit on your review on Mekong, gwhich I love:)
Btw, I am a regular and check for your reviews quite often and I love Tabs!
Cheers from Singapore,