12 Daring Beauty Products to Try in 2012

Nars Matte Eyeshadow in Outremer

Editorial assistant Talie Tebbi's first reaction to this electric blue matte shadow was "whoa!" She thought it would make her normally unshadowed lids (she wears concealer, foundation and mascara only) look too bright. But with a bit of convincing and an angled eyeliner brush, she worked this shade into the base of her upper lashline and smudged it over her lids with her finger for a dramatic—but not garish—finish. For more intensity, dampen (don't soak) your brush with water before applying this shadow along your upper lids for an effect similar to liquid liner. Although Tebbi says she wouldn't wear a color this shocking every day, she'll save it for her next night out.

$23, NarsCosmetics.com