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Monday, March 4, 2013

$1 alternative to NARS California

Notice I didn't say this was a "dupe"? That's because it's not. BUT, if you are a shimmery copper eyeshadow fan like me, then I do want you to know about a very nice (and ridiculously affordable) alternative to the gorgeous NARS California eyeshadow single ($24 at on the NARS website).

NARS Shimmer Eyeshadow in California (retail: $24, 0.12 oz)
Sally Girl Eyeshadow in Brick (retail: $0.99, 0.04 oz)

The Sally Girl Connecting Eyeshadow Singles are available at Sally Beauty stores and also online. They retail for $0.99 each ($0.94 for Sally Club members).

I picked up the shade Brick a little while back from my local Sally store because, well, I can't resist shimmery copper shadows (I have hazel eyes and colors like this really bring out the green). I've had very good luck with these little shadows in the past, but I have to say that I think Sally has improved the formula (and it was great before). The shade Brick is wonderfully pigmented, applies easily and has decent staying power (much better with primer, of course). I've been wearing Brick as an all-over wash of color and also to line my lower lashline and I just could not be more pleased with it--especially for $0.99!

But let's get to the real reason for this post. NARS California is my "gold standard" when it comes to shimmery copper eyeshadows. I love it more than any other. But, it's expensive. I've heard over the years from many of you that NYX and CoverGirl have some pretty good dupes of this shade (I'm sure that's the case; I just haven't tried them out yet myself) but I did want to let you know that if you're looking for a very low-cost alternative to NARS California, you might want to check out Sally Girl Brick.

Keep reading for side-by-swatches...


 Left: Sally Girl Brick
Right: NARS California

Here are some swatches done WITHOUT primer:


You can see that Sally Girl Brick has more pink to it,  but I think the level of shimmer is quite comparable  and I think it has the same general "feel" as NARS California.

And here are some swatches done over eyeshadow primer:


Like I said: not a dupe, but in the same general ballpark.

I hope this helps those of you looking for a good shimmery copper shadow. You can't beat $0.99!
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18 comments

  1. I actually like Sally Girl Brick better. Thanks for the post!

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  2. Based on your swatches, I think I actually like the Sally Girl version better! It's a bit more toned-down and less red, which I like :)

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  3. It also reminds me of MAC Amber Lights.

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  4. It also reminds me of Amber Lights by MAC.

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  5. I love the Sally Girl eyeshadow! It looks pretty similar to UD Toasted, actually.

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  6. I am excited! I have a trip to Sally coming up this week and I have been wanting a linkup copper e/s for my Summer look. Hopefully I want to do burnished coppery/linkup/tanned look. This is going on my list!

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  7. I love love love copper eye shadows! Thanks for sharing :)

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  8. Ooh. I bet this would look great with blue eyes.

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  9. Oooh, I will have to check this out! Thanks, G!

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  10. I got NARS California from their warehouse sale for $8(I think) but I have never ever used it. :(

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  11. I actually like the Sally Girl color better. I am going to have to take a trip on over to Sally's to pick up this little beauty! Thanks!!

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  12. I LOVE copper shadows too! I find that both MAC Coppering and Stila Terracotta are similar to this too, but not much cheaper. Stila Terracotta is one of my favorite shades ever! Thanks for posting!

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  13. I actually prefer Brick over California!

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  14. wow, Is this a new & updated sally girl single?i have some of the older ones, i havent looked in sallys for a little while now, this post makes me want to go on a sally haul!

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  15. There's a single eyeshadow from Jordana that looks similar to California also :)

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  16. I have a set of shimmer bricks (4 little cubes of shimmer eyeshadow) from The Body Shop, and there is a copper color in there that I think might be a dupe for the Nars. It might be worth checking out! Body Shop makeup isn't the cheapest, but the store goes on sale a lot!

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  17. I have this shade and love it! Really nice pigmentation :)

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