NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Is One of My Favorites

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil is a cult favorite for a reason.

I’m always on the hunt for a long lasting, matte lipstick that doesn’t dry out my lips, and is easy to apply. That’s not too much to ask for, right? NARS says their Velvet Matte Lip Pencil does all of those things, and provides intense, full coverage pigment. There’s some rave reviews from over the years about this pencil, including love from Byrdie, Vogue, and Allure. Could this be the matte lipstick that fulfills all my hopes and dreams? With 29 shades to choose from, I have high hopes for this one.

Quick Rating Rundown

This Product

(4)

:NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil

Price: $27.00

0.086 oz

Value

(4.5)

Pigment

(4)

Finish

(4.8)

Longevity

(4)

Extra Benefits

(2.5)

Drugstore Option

(4)

:Neutrogena Color Stick

Price: $8.49

0.11 oz

Value

(4.8)

Pigment

(4.5)

Finish

(5)

Longevity

(3)

Extra Benefits

(2.7)

MILABU PICKS

(4+)

:Best Lipsticks Of All Time

Price: $6 – $45

various sizes

Value

(4+)

Pigment

(4+)

Finish

(4+)

Longevity

(4+)

Extra Benefits

(4+)

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Promises vs. Performance: This is a nondrying matte lipstick. But is it long wearing?

NARS is home to “the original jump lip crayon,” according to their website. Velvet Matte is said to have the performance of a lipstick with the convenience of a pencil. The formula is said to be long lasting and non drying, thanks to nourishing Vitamin E and emollients that provide a creamy texture, while silicones ensure it stays put for hours. NARS Velvet Matte is said to be richly pigmented, providing medium to full coverage, and have a velvet matte finish (as the name suggests). You can line, define, and fill in lips with the ease of one product.

Convenient, rich pigment that lasts? Sign me up! NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil sounds über promising. I have a few shades of this lipstick, including cult faves Walkyrie, Cruella, and Dolce Vita. These pencils are exactly what NARS claims them to be. They are long wearing, nondrying, and have great pigment that gives a near full coverage in just one swipe. And, all in a convenient crayon packaging that makes it easy to use this product to line, define, and fill in lips. I will say, I think they could be a bit more long lasting (for a matte lipstick, that is), but for one that doesn’t dry out my lips, I’ll take a bit of fading after eating and drinking. It also helps that they are easy to throw in any bag and make reapplying a breeze!

How It Compares: There’s no comparison, NARS lip pencil is a true winner.

There’s a reason these lip pencils from NARS are a cult classic: they are good. In my mind, there’s no question whether these are the standard lip crayon in prograde beauty. They have a high performance to include richly pigmented, nondrying long wear. The creamy texture glides smoothly over the lips without accentuating any dryness. They replace the need for a lip liner and lipstick – talk about convenient! Add these to your basket next time you’re shopping at Sephora, and thank to me later.

Comparison to Top Lipsticks

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Performance Rating

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Milabu Beauty Method: Skip the liner with this easy to use lip crayon.

1. I like to prep my lips while I do my makeup so that they are nice and hydrated before applying any lip color. One of my favorite balms is the Laneige Lip Mask ($22).
2. Starting with the outline of your lips, draw the lipstick directly on. I recommend starting with your bottom lip, working your way up.
3. These are pigmented in just one swipe, but layer if you desire a bolder color.
4. If you want some shine, top off your lip with some gloss. I love the Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly in Magic Hour ($15).