Hi there! And welcome to a NARS post!
If you’re a Narsissist like me and a friendly stalker on IG, YU’d you’d already know what today’s post is all about. It’s dedicated to one of my favourite NARS products of all time, the jumbo lip pencils.
For summer, NARS has yet again cleverly packaged a trio each of these lovely lip pencils with gifting in mind (yay!). Personally it’s almost unacceptable picking one up purely for gifting without getting an extra for oneself, but if you are considering a purchase, hopefully my review would come handy!
The two gifting sets up for discussion today are the Ultimate NARS (left) & the True NARS (right) Lip Pencil kits. Each set containing two Satin Lip Pencils and one Velvet Matte Lip Pencil.
The lip pencil sets come in a very sturdy, hard plastic box with three individual slots to hold a pencil each. The novelty cover adorned with painterly graphics also comes fitted with a functional large mirror inside. In addition to all that prettiness, you also receive a handy NARS sharpener (jumbo pencil size) so you won’t need to bother yourself buying your own if you don’t already have one.
Overall the packaging doesn’t feel too bulky but probably not something you’d want to pop into your handbag for day to day use. I’d say it’s more of a collectible case to store your lipsticks on your vanity rather. However they make a lovely to addition to your holiday beach bag if you want to show off a stylish lip kit.
Swatches!
Ultimate NARS Lip Pencil Kit
*Stourhead (cream finish) – Is a soft cotton candy pink with a hint of lavender. More of a lilac on the lips, it’s pale colour is more suited for the fairest of complexions. Stourhead applies sheerer (than regular Satin Lip Pencils) and achieves a semi opaque coverage at best. The formula was consistent with the usual Satin Lip Pencil standard and was very comfortable and hydrating during wear.
Biscayne Park (cream finish) – Is a warm nude with pink tones, one of the more popular shades of the NARS Lip Pencils. The colour payoff of this was impressive while delivering full opacity in two passes with a high gloss finish. The extra creamy formula keeps lips feeling supple during wear, never drying. Of course this meant less wear time, so expect to see these last for 3- 3.5 hours max.
Sex Machine (satin finish) – A medium mauvey rosy pink. The formula didn’t feel drying even though it was a matte finish. But I did notice my lip lines were emphasised very slightly. Sex Machine makes for a gorgeous everyday pink perfect for work and is a colour that would suit most medium and light complexions.
True NARS Lip Pencil Kit
*Provocative Red – A medium, muted red with brown tones in a Velvet Matte Finish. This particular shade is a box exclusive and isn’t part of the permanent line up. Provocative Red is velvety when worn (as the name suggests), lightweight and comfortable. A gorgeous shade for evenings and dinners.
Luxembourg – Is a bright strawberry red and my favourite Satin Lip Pencil of all time. This applies beautifully without any tugging and opaque in two passes. It’s a gorgeous colour for summer especially and a must have in my opinion.
Yu – A bright fuchsia. This too an ultra smooth and creamy formula to achieve a juicy summer pout.
Bottom line
The NARS Satin Lip Pencils are one of my favourite lipsticks of all time. They have great payoff and are never drying on the lips. The wear time is a little under in comparison to other lipsticks I own (usually 3-3.5 hrs), but the convenient packaging and the beautiful colour choices make these pencils a favourite.
The Velvet Matte formula is just as lovely and isn’t your typical matte lipstick. It goes on pretty smooth ending with more of a semi matte finish. One of the most lightweight, comfortable matte lip products that I own!
Overall the set itself is great value for money and particularly attractive as they both contain one LE colour each (Stourhead & Provocative Red) in addition to the highly collectible box. If I were to pick, I’d go for the True NARS set, I feel all three shades were wearable across most skin tones unlike the other set which seemed to suit fairer complexions better.
Other Info
Both sets are currently available at the Tangs NARS counter and retails at SGD 85 each.
Usual retail price per pencil is SGD 37.
