NARS Lamu The Multiple

I love NARS The Multiple ($38) - so much that I purchase almost every one that comes along. The Multiple is the original multipurpose cream-to-powder stick for cheeks, lips, eyes, and body.

I love The Multiple sticks - they are so convenient - even though I often use a foundation brush to apply them. I love their creamy texture, natural look, and blending ease. Then, there are the gorgeous shades.

Lamu was introduced with the NARS Summer 2010 Collection, inspired by the character Séverine Serizy, played by Catherine Deneuve, in Belle de Jour. The publicity photos alone had me eagerly anticipating its introduction. When the collection appeared in the stores, I got my first up-close and personal look at Lamu, a Multiple in a juicy, fresh glazed-apricot shade. I tested it on my arm and noted how pretty the shimmering accent shade appeared. At the time, I wondered how it would look on my face, but I was rushing to an event. It wasn't the time to test makeup.

Months passed, and I realized I still needed to try Lamu. Even though it's not a natural shade for me, I continued to be intrigued. I finally ordered it online. I wore it on multiple days this week, and I'm very happy with my purchase. Lamu is a perfect summer blush shade - even for my fair, cool-toned skin. It gives me a bright warmth that conveys "summer."

I wanted to show you how pretty it is. I swatched it on my arm (which is lighter than my face), and I swatched a NARS Multiple Bronzer, Toumota, under it to show you that Lamu is shimmering and Toumota is matte. I applied each straight from its tube, without blending at all. The photo on the right was taken in filtered early morning sun; the one on the left was taken in the shade.

If you have been "on the fence" about Lamu, as I was, wondering if it's too apricot, I can assure you that Lamu is a very wearable and flexible shade. When applied with a brush, it provides sheer, buildable color that warms the complexion while offering a slight pop. The amount of shimmer is just right. I'm loving it!

You can purchase Lamu at the NARS Web site, in stores that carry NARS (such as Neiman Marcus), and Sephora (where you will find the closest square rendition of the shade online).

Top photo courtesy of NARS