OMG – Has the Nars Ita Been Killed?

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UPDATE NO. 2: YES, IT’S SOLD OUT AGAIN. FOLLOWUP STORY HERE.

UPDATE NO. 1: AS OF MARCH 1, THIS BRUSH IS BACK IN STOCK AT THE NARS COSMETICS WEBSITE. BE FORWARNED: THE PRICE HAS BEEN INCREASED TO $55. THE ARTICLE BELOW ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN JANUARY 2014.

 

nars-ita-kabuki-brushThe Nars Ita, with its unique sleek modern design and uber-soft goat hair, has always been difficult to purchase, despite its relatively hefty price of $39.

The Ita (ee-ta) is always in a vicious circle of being available and backordered, and even if you are actually able to place an order with some retailers, oftentimes you are placed on a waitlist. (I waited many months for mine!)

Why is this contouring brush so hot? Aside from its actual application attributes (more on that later), let’s just say it’s one sexy piece of art. And most of the photos don’t even show the cool side view, with the split handle and unique threading.

photo(1)But NOW … the brush is listed as unavailable virtually everywhere.

What’s more, Nars has REMOVED IT FROM THEIR WEBSITE! This cannot be good, right?

As you might expect, this is causing panic in some circles.

photoBut, lean in, because we have a little secret for you … or actually two:

One, our sources tell us that Nars is actually revamping its entire brush line, which be available in March. (Although one other source says April). And, yes, the Ita will be there, although it will likely be modified. Our sources tell us that the matte black rubberized handle could change.  (Also, please keep in mind that this is not the first time the Ita has changed. They used to have a #28 Ita before the most recent #21 Ita that’s gone missing. This is why you always stock up on items that you love … )

And now, for secret No. 2:

The Nars Ita brush is completely overrated, unless you have extremely sensitive skin. And we insist this is true even though the Nars Ita gets nearly five stars from everyone, wherever it used to be sold. Art attributes aside — and we’re not completely discounting those — you can find many, many capable dupes for this brush.

Let Us Explain

DallasMany contouring brushes of this flat and thin style tend to feature relatively stiff brush hair or tightly packed toes.

The thing that makes the Ita unique is that the goat hair is on the longer side for a brush of this style and so it splays a bit more when applied to the face. This results in a less precise, or more muted, contouring line. In turn, this requires less blending. So, it’s more goof-proof.

You can find many other brushes that rival the Ita, although you are not likely to find one so soft. For women with sensitive skin, who don’t do well with stiffer brush hair, this may be the ultimate choice for contouring.img_1084_itahakecloseup Aside from maybe a fan brush, which is an excellent choice, BTW.

But if you have normal skin, you can find many other options, most of which are more affordable.

Among them:Napolean Perdis contouring

Still Want the Nars Ita?

If you still insist on getting next-gen Ita brush when it comes out, we advise checking for it repeatedly on the Nars, Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus sites. Like every single day, starting in March. If you don’t get the first round of inventory, chances are good, you’ll be waiting for it again …

But we worry that after all that waiting, you’ll just find yourself siding with these Nordstrom reviewers:

“Not really loving this brush, I bought it after watching the amazing Jaclyn Hill video on you tube and I was so sure I was gonna love it since every single thing she recommends I also end up loving it…however, this one I was not so impressed …”

Or this one:

“For the price I expected a little more. It’s good for contouring but it’s not as dense as other lesser priced brushes. Overall it’s okay but if had to do it again I would skip it!”

Even More Information

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVc01a7lsgc

Even More Reviews

http://maddisondeni.com/2014/02/24/nars-ita-21-brush-first-thoughts/

7 comments on OMG – Has the Nars Ita Been Killed?

  1. BeachBoheme
    May 3, 2014 at 12:26 am (10 years ago)

    Blank Canvas Cosmetics also carries a Nars Ita dupe ~ the F 30 Contour brush! Its $27.41 before any discount codes. The only drawback being that it ships from Ireland. Still, its an option!

    Love your site! Hugs! {heart}

    Reply
    • SarahAWebster
      May 6, 2014 at 7:22 am (10 years ago)

      Hi Beach Boheme! Thanks for pointing out the Blank Canvas Cosmetics F30 Brush! It looks interesting. … But, wow, that brush is sold out, too! People are crazy-crazy for contouring brushes. The best ones are seriously sold out nearly everywhere. … (For others reading, Blank Canvas Cosmetics is an online retailer in Ireland.)

      Also, some people have been buying this Sonia Kashuk Smokey Eye Set for $13.49 for the small flat brush that can be used for contouring. The good news: it’s still in stock.

      Reply
  2. Sofia
    May 10, 2014 at 3:01 pm (10 years ago)

    I heard it comes out again this month but at nars they’re keeping it hush on the exact date!

    Reply
  3. Kelly
    June 27, 2014 at 10:29 pm (10 years ago)

    Coastal scents also has a brush similar to the mac one!

    Reply
  4. veronika
    July 10, 2014 at 9:26 pm (10 years ago)

    Ebay it is one of the options…..I’ve just ordered mine and I cross my fingers to be the original one. I just picked a seller with 100% positive feedbacks and now the brush it’s on the way from Australia 🙂

    Reply
    • veronika
      July 10, 2014 at 9:31 pm (10 years ago)

      The seller is “mondupe” in case someone is interested about it

      Reply
  5. Channing
    July 24, 2014 at 4:51 pm (10 years ago)

    Wanted to let you know that it’s available again on the NARS website!!!

    Reply

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