Last night, I had the absolute pleasure of attending the launch of NARS’ reimagined The Multiple at the Nasdak in Cape Town — and what a night it was! High above the city on the 26th floor, we were treated to sweeping views of Table Mountain as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades almost as vibrant as those inside the new collection. The setting couldn’t have been more fitting for the unveiling of a product that’s all about versatility, light, and effortless beauty.

For those who aren’t familiar, The Multiple is one of NARS’ most iconic products. First launched years ago, it quickly became a cult favourite for its ability to work across cheeks, lips, and eyes, all in one sleek stick. This latest relaunch takes everything people loved about the original and elevates it into something even more modern, wearable, and undeniably beautiful.

François Nars once said: “I think less is more when it comes to make-up; this really helps achieve a lighter complexion. Heavy make-up creates a canvas and can dull the skin.” That philosophy is baked into the DNA of The Multiple. It’s not about masking — it’s about enhancing, accentuating, and making your skin look like the very best version of itself. And last night’s event truly brought that vision to life.

The Star of the Show: The New Formula

So, what makes this revamped version of The Multiple so special?

New Formula, Next-Level Payoff: With a cream-to-powder texture, it glides on like silk and melts into the skin before setting to a soft-focus finish that visibly blurs and perfects.

One-Swipe Impact: The payoff is impressive — bold, vibrant colour in a single swipe, but still totally buildable and customizable.

All-Day Wear: On cheeks, you can expect up to 16 hours of wear without fading. Perfect for long days that turn into nights out.

Versatility at Its Core: With 8shades available locally, designed for cheeks, lips, and eyes, there’s truly something for everyone — whether you want a monochrome look or just a pop of colour.

It’s a product that invites play, experimentation, and self-expression, while still keeping things simple and streamlined.

Monochrome. Minimalist. Yours.

The campaign line — “Monochrome. Minimalist.” — really struck me. It captures the essence of what The Multiple is about: one product that can do it all. It’s perfect for anyone who loves makeup but also craves ease and efficiency. In a world where beauty routines can often feel overwhelming, The Multiple reminds us that you really don’t need a dozen different products to create something beautiful. Sometimes, less really is more.

A Night to Remember

The launch event itself was every bit as glamorous as you’d expect from NARS. From the chic setting at the Nasdak to the buzzing energy in the room, there was an undeniable sense of excitement. Guests swatched, played, and experienced the new formula firsthand — and let’s just say, there were a lot of oohs and aahs.

The product feels luxurious yet effortless, exactly the kind of item that slips seamlessly into your daily routine while still feeling like a treat.

By the end of the night, one thing was clear: if you only try one product from NARS, it has to be The Multiple. It’s not just a makeup item, it’s a beauty philosophy — one that encourages us to embrace colour, enhance our natural features, and do it all with ease.

Marco Louis, PRO Makeup Atrists for NARS South Africa gave us a demo on how to use The Multiple

I left the event feeling inspired, not just by the product itself but by the reminder that makeup should be fun, freeing, and uniquely personal. NARS has reimagined an icon and, in the process, created a must-have for anyone who loves beauty.

So whether you’re a minimalist at heart or someone who loves to play with colour, trust me on this one: make it monochrome, make it minimalist, make it yours.

The Multiple by NARS retails for R965. Shop the collection HERE