Since my original NARS eyeshadow post, I have picked up a few more shades, including Ashes to Ashes, which is a great taupe shade. I love NARS shadows and they are such a special treat to get! At $24 a pop, they have to be, right!?

Ashes to Ashes is described as a “shimmery violet-based brown”. It is on the warm side compared to some of the other taupe shadows I like (particularly Cargo Yukon, which is more gray).

I compared Ashes to Ashes to some other shades in the same family.

Left to right (bright sun)- Ashes to Ashes, Maybelline Tastefully Taupe, Wet ‘n’ Wild Nutty, Urban Decay Sidecar, MAC Romantico

Same order, different lighting

As you can see, none of these are exact dupes for each other, but they are similar. Do you need NARS Ashes to Ashes? I would say no, despite loving this color and considering it a NARS classic. You can go to the drugstore and get Maybelline Tastefully Taupe for a fraction of the price, in the $2-$3 range. It has excellent pigmentation, smooth consistency, lasts all day with a primer, and doesn’t crease. I favor it over Wet ‘n’ Wild Nutty because it is a little cooler toned.