Product Reviews

NARS Copacabana Illuminator Review and Swatches

June 26, 2011

NARS Copacabana Multiple Stick used to be one of my favorite go-tos for a taller nose and killer cheekbones until I came across the new NARS Copacabana Illuminator.

NARS Copacabana Illuminator

NARS Copacabana Illuminator


Containing light-reflecting liquids that glide on to refresh and enhance the complexion for a shimmering incandescence, the Copacabana Illuminator is a liquid and in my opinion, better version of the original Copacabana Multiple.

Compared to the Multiple, the Illuminator was way more pigmented and all I needed was the tiniest drop to really get the glow going. The Multiple, while more buildable, needed a bit more layering to achieve the same effect. I also noticed that the colors differed slightly. The Multiple gave more of a pearly beige color whereas the Illuminator looked a tinge more pink on my NC30 skin.

One thing the Multiple and Illuminator have in common though, was they both created a gorgeous, dewy highlighting effect that lasted all day, especially when I layered a powder on top.

If you are thinking of picking up the Copabacana Multiple, check out the Illuminator instead!

NARS Copacabana Illuminator

NARS Copacabana Illuminator and NARS Copacabana Multiple swatch comparison

NARS Copacabana Illuminator vs NARS Copacabana Multiple

Wearing Copacabana Illuminator on the cheekbones and bridge of my nose from a makeover event

NARS Copacabana Illuminator is available at narscosmetics.com and Sephora for $29.

Disclosure: This review contains product that was purchased by us. It may also contain an affiliate link, which gives us a small commission if you purchase the item. Please see our Disclosure for more information on our posting policy.

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12 Comments

  • Reply Vijaya June 26, 2011 at 4:53 pm

    This is so hot looking. Wishlisting this for sure!

  • Reply Jamilla Camel June 27, 2011 at 2:53 am

    I’ve got the Multiple, and I just love Copacabana. Thanks for the review – you’ve made me feel better about the pinky tone – I’m an NC30 too.

  • Reply Felicia June 27, 2011 at 11:04 pm

    Wow I want it! I just found the perfect blush for me from MAC, if I top this off my look will be amazing!

  • Reply Phyllis June 28, 2011 at 12:18 am

    Glad to hear you ladies are liking this =)

  • Reply stella June 28, 2011 at 5:39 pm

    How do you make your nose look taller with this illuminator? I’ve always wanted to manipulate my nose with makeup so that it doesn’t look so flat but I can’t seem to do it. Tips??

    • Reply Phyllis June 28, 2011 at 6:29 pm

      You just apply it down your nose. I am also working on a step-by-step tutorial on how to contour/highlight the nose. Stay tuned!

  • Reply noniek June 28, 2011 at 9:46 pm

    It looks so great on your nose! Looks taller

  • Reply stella June 28, 2011 at 11:59 pm

    ohhh I can’t wait to see the tutorial! I’ll be waiting! Thanks Phyllis, keep up the good work!

  • Reply Charmaine June 29, 2011 at 6:18 am

    Hi Phyllis!

    This look great on you! A question, what’s the difference between the multiple and the illuminator in terms of texture?

    Thanks!

    • Reply Phyllis June 29, 2011 at 5:34 pm

      Thanks =) The Multiple and Illuminator are very different in terms of texture. The former is a cream in a stick and more solid while the latter is a liquid.

  • Reply tin July 20, 2011 at 9:10 am

    hi phyllis! what can i use to apply this?

  • Reply Phyllis July 20, 2011 at 5:40 pm

    Hi Tin! I just use my fingers to pat this on.

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