I was so excited to see that this year’s Sephora Beauty Insider birthday gift featured NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencils as I’ve been wanting to try them but never really got around to it. The gift includes two mini pencils, Rikugien and Cruella. I haven’t tried Rikugien yet but let’s talk about the gorgeousness that is Cruella. Every girl needs at least one red lipstick in her collection. Red lips are bold yet classy. Sexy yet sophisticated. NARS Cruella is all of that and more.
NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencils are lipsticks in jumbo crayon form. The pencils are extremely pigmented and as the name suggests, have a velvet matte finish. Enriched with Vitamin E and silicones, the creamy texture glides on smooth leaving long lasting color that doesn’t dry out the lips.
Cruella is described as a Passionate Scarlet Red and that’s exactly what it is, a scarlet red with cool undertones. Here it is compared to a few of my favorite red lipsticks…
NARS Cruella, MAC Ruby Woo, Milani Matte Confident
Ruby Woo and Cruella can pass for dupes. Matte Confident is very close, just a smidgeon darker and more cool toned.
(Peep my new haircut… more on that later.)
Cruella has great pigmentation and wears well for at least five hours. You will need to touch it up after having a drink or eating anything greasy. It feels extremely comfortable on the lips and doesn’t leave a stain when removed. I’m impressed and think that I need to try a few more of the NARS Matte Velvet Pencils… particularly Dragon Girl and Train Bleu.
Available at NARS & Sephora $26
Have you tried the NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencils? Which is your favorite?
5 Responses
I was pleasantly surprised that this was the birthday gift from Sephora this year. I hope the next year is just as good or better! I like them. The other color was more nude on me but I’m a red lip kind of girl. lol. and purple! It looks good on you!
Lol thank you. You know I love me a purple lip as well. I assume the other shade would like a shimmery nude on dark skin.
I love Cruella! I don’t own Ruby Woo just yet but this is my perfect inbetween until I do lol.
Lol you’re right. They are very similar, but Cruella definitely feels better on the lips.