Review: NARS Joie De Vivre Cheek Palette

For Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale, NARS released an exclusive cheek palette, Joie de Vivre.  It is very similar to the Danmari palette that was released exclusively for Sephora last year.  I had skipped on the Danmari palette because only half of the shades appealed to me, but this year's offering made my heart skip a beat.  It is currently available for Nordstrom cardholders, but will be available to the public on July 20.  It retails for $65.00 and features 4 blushes (Gaiety, Orgasm, Luster, Angelika), one highlighter (Albatross), and one bronzer (Laguna) with 0.12 oz of product each.  A regular sized NARS blush retails at $27.00 for 0.16 oz of product, so you're getting quite a deal! :) 

The packaging itself is like all other NARS packaging -- it has a rubberized covering with the NARS logo across the front.  I find that anything left on your hands will stick to the cover and make it look very dirty.  

From L to R: Albatross, Laguna, Gaiety, Orgasm, Luster, Angelika

The formula is very dry and hard (especially when swatching), but the color is certainly buildable when applying on the face.  The only color that required very little work was Angelika since it was very pigmented.  If anything, I would be careful with Angelika and apply with a light hand.  I think that this palette is a very good palette for those who are looking to explore NARS cosmetics or for makeup artists.  While I already own two of the blushes and the Laguna bronzer, I think that it is a welcome addition to any travel bag with its wide variety of colors.  It'll help you with any kind of look you're trying to achieve while on vacation!