I didn’t know what to expect when we received a very understated invitation from NARS Cosmetics to their holiday collection launch. All I knew was their theme was disco, as the collection was named Studio 54.

Sam Gallardo, NARS brand manager, kicked things off by reminding us what NARS was all about. More than beauty, NARS is all about crossing boundaries, defying rules, and inclusivity. As their founder Francois Nars once said, “I like beauty to be a bit edgy, not typical. For me, the only rule is looking good.” Sam shares that they wanted this attitude to be more relatable, so they decided to get local brand ambassadors who embody the brand.

NARS Brand Ambassadors

Celebrity stylist Liz Uy and TV host Mond Gutierrez truly fit the bill as NARS ambassadors, as both credit their success to making bold choices. Mond shares, “I’ve been in a few industries, whether it’s television, publication, and now, producing events. Everything that I do takes risks and I think that’s really at the core of how I push myself. That’s how I resonate with NARS as well.” Their representation of NARS is yet another breakthrough for the local beauty industry, being the first NARS brand ambassadors for the Philippines. Add to that the fact that Mond is the first ever male to endorse a beauty brand in the country! NARS truly hit the mark here as I can’t think of anyone else who can better represent the bold, audacious signature of the brand.

Studio 54 for NARS (2019 Holiday Collection)

I was pleasantly surprised to see so much glitter in NARS’ holiday collection this year! The brand is, after all, known for its timelessly modern, minimalist packaging. These shining, shimmering, and decadently splendid limited-edition offerings are all the more covetable with all the sparkle!

The first thing that caught my eye was the sparkly lipstick (of course)! The Disco Dust Lipstick (P1,850 for 4g) comes in six shades and IS disco in a tube. I swear: the glitter in the lipstick swatches on my arm were dancing in the light! The way they sparkle can’t be captured properly in photos. Just swipe on your lips and you’re ready to party - perfect for all the holiday gatherings this season.

Star Scene Cheek Palette (limited edition)

Face palettes have always been my weakness, and the Star Scene Cheek Palette (P3,000) got me excited. Aside from its literally star-studded packaging, it boasts a unique powder-to-cream formula that can be used dry or wet! It contains one highlighter (Instant Replay) and two blushes (Divine and Hard Party).

Instant Replay is a gorgeous champagne highlighter with peach undertones courtesy of very fine pink, silver, and gold glitters. Divine is a shimmering candy pink shade, while Hard Party is described as a mid-tone raspberry shimmer. Using a wet brush to apply definitely shakes things up! I anticipated that the colors would show up more intensely, but I was surprised to find that doing so changes the finish and overall color as well. Instant Replay went from natural to blinding highlight. The sparkle also amped up with the blushes, with Hard Party transforming into a coral shade. Star Scene may look like a 3-color palette, but it actually contains six gorgeous colors when you vary application.

Studio 54 Audacious Lipstick in Barbara (limited edition packaging)

The Studio 54 Audacious Lipstick (P1,850 for 4g) also comes in NARS’ best-selling shades: Mona, Carmen, Barbara, and Jane. Barbara is described as a tan rose that works as a light pinkish nude on my light to medium complexion.

For my Studio 54 FOTD, I put the Star Scene Cheek Palette to hard work. I used a dry brush to apply Divine and Instant Replay on my cheeks. I love that the formula is pigmented, but blends out with very little effort. I also felt like it kind of melts into the skin, like other cream cheek products would. In short, I got the natural look and long wear of a cream blush, applied with the ease of a powder product!

I had a hunch that the palette would work for the eyes, too. So I used Divine as an all-over lid color and took a risk by using Hard Party as an eyeliner. I sprayed my wing liner brush with my setting spray, dipped into Hard Party, and applied it over my usual brown gel eyeliner for a colorful winged eye look. My instincts were right—by the end of the day, my long-wearing gel liner had succumbed but Hard Party was still 100% on! I even rubbed my finger across the colored wing, and it didn’t budge. Applying with a wet brush doesn’t just intensify the finish, but also makes it even more long-wearing.

I finished off the look by applying Barbara on my lips. I find that the creamy formula paired with the gorgeous color makes my lips look plumper than usual. It’s also one of the few lipsticks I can wear comfortably without a priming layer of lip balm!

To be frank, I was a bit apprehensive to make a look out of the very glam holiday collection. I don’t usually work with such bright colors (except for the highlighter) so I was honestly astonished to find the end result to look so fresh! I’m very happy with how the products performed. I found a new nude fave in Barbara; it’s a versatile color that can go with just about any look. I’m also in love with the powder-to-cream formula of the Star Scene Cheek Palette. I found myself wishing NARS would include it in their permanent line, and add more color options. If this formula is available for a bronzer, I would totally buy it!

Aside from the limited-edition lineup, NARS also curated gift sets and stocking stuffers with their best-selling items, some of them in super cute minis! Starting at P900, NARSissists can enjoy little bundles of fabulousness this Christmas. We recommend the VIP Room NARS Essentials Set (P4,000 for the 7-piece box kit). It contains NARS cult faves: full-size Climax Mascara in Explicit Black, full-size Velvet Matte Lip Pencils in Dolce Vita and Dragon Girl, mini The Multiple in Orgasm, mini Powder Blush in Orgasm, mini Bronzing Powder in Laguna, and a dual pencil sharpener.

All in all, NARS’ Studio 54 Holiday Collection is a home run for me. It’s everything the holiday season is about: fun and sparkle topped off with a dash of boldness. There’s something for NARS newbies and fans alike. Get your disco on when you check the collection out at NARS boutiques and Rustan’s Beauty.

Are you a #NARSissist? What are faves from the brand? Are you eyeing anything from the Studio 54 for NARS collection?