COLLECTION: NARS Lipsticks & Swatches

I've finally have had time to write this post and as promised, it's lipstick related! Horay!  So as I mentioned previously, I am a lipstick collector/ junkie/ hoarder (you can say whatever you want, it really doesn't bother me because I know it's true!). This post is all about my NARS lipstick collection *squeal*  

I have tried and tested numerous lippies across the board and have narrowed down my pre-requisites to: - 

1.  MUST be highly pigmented; this means I can choose to wear the lipstick as a sheer stain or in between sheer and heavy or very heavily as a statement lip (the option I tend to lean towards more);

2.  MUST not be over drying but rather, hydrating enough that it feels comfortable on the lips - let's face it...it ain't a good look when your foundation base, eye shadow and cheeks look perfect and then you have some flakey lip action going on - EW;

3.  Lipstick packaging needs to be practical - meaning the lid must "click" into place securely. I don't want my lipsticks rolling around at the bottom of my handbag making marks all over the insides of my Alexander Wang hand bag. That would be in all honestly, a real nightmare for any Alexander Wang handbag owner;

4.  Matte lipstick formulations (some satin formulations are an exception in my books, just not the super glossy ones). I personally am not one for a very glossy lipstick look and the only time when I sport a sheen on my lips is when I am simply wearing lip balm (with nothing else underneath or on top);

5.  NO glitter in the lipstick formulation. I don't know about you, but I feel a bit weird with frosty lips :\

Also, in my opinion, it would be an added bonus if the lipstick packaging looks sleek and pretty (purely aesthetic I know). This leads me onto my next point. You probably either get the gist or already know that I am a self-confessed NARS fanatic, however in all honesty - NARS lipsticks tick all the boxes for me including the additional bonus criteria (the black sleek and chic packaging gets me every time!). Thus my favourite lippies are in fact, all NARS. But in case you were wondering, I do enjoy other non-nars lipstick items every now and then.

*drumroll* it's time for the swatches! 

NOTE: I have swatched the the Satin & Semi Matte Lipsticks separately from the Satin & Matte Lipstick Pencils.

Nars Lipsticks

(From left to right: Pigalle, Scarlet Empress, Afghan Red, Jungle Red, Red Lizard, Heatwave, Manhunt, Schiap, Funny Face, Goodbye Emmanuelle [limited edition], Niagra & Barbarella)

 (Taken with flash)

Something I recommend doing prior to any lipstick application is applying a very thin layer of your lip balm or my personal favourite, the Egyptian Magic balm/ Elizabeth Arden 8 hr cream all over the lips. Then using a cotton tip, gently roll over your lips and push away any loose bits of skin. This will not only remove excess dry skin, but also work as an additional hydrating layer. If I really had to choose a favourite from the swatches above, then I'd have to say "Heat Wave" and "Schiap" are hands down my go-to lipsticks. Both have a beautiful semi-matte finish, and can be matted down even more by blotting the lips with tissue or by applying a 1ply tissue layer over the lips and lightly dusting some finishing powder on top of it. I love how vibrant both lipstick colours are and I often receive a lot of compliments when wearing them. 

Nars Lipstick Pencils

(From left to right: Never Say Never, Mysterious Red [limited edition], Dragon Girl, Red Square, Bolero, Torres Del Paine [limited edition] & Biscayne Park)

(Taken with flash)

Please excuse the extremely messy swatches for the lipstick pencil collection. I had to swatch the lipsticks on my right arm using my left hand as my left arm still had lipstick stains from previous swatches done above. Oh and for reference I am right handed.

At first I was a bit hesitant to venture into this range, purely because it came in pencil form and it meant I had to sharpen the lipstick pencils after continued use. But alas, I had convinced myself it was worth a try and I am so glad I did! Having the lipsticks in the form of a pencil makes application so much easier to apply and take around with me. I should probably add that since I've started my NARS lipstick collection, I've never had to use any lip liner (for reals!). I guess don't feel a need for them anymore. The lasting power is simply divine. I kid you not, I have worn each and every one of these bad boys out on dinner dates with the boyfriend and I am constantly amazed at how well they wear and last (even through pasta and pho). And sometimes touch ups aren't even necessary! My most used lipstick from the Pencil Lipstick range would definitely have to be "Dragon Girl" although "Red Square" is definitely making it's way up on the list as well.  They are both matte formulations and are super comfortable to wear on the lips. I've never had any dry lips problems or any feathering whilst wearing them.  The satin lip pencils by NARS provide high levels of pigment but with much more hydration compared to the matte formulations (you can see from the swatches above that Torres Del Paine and Biscayne Park have more of a sheen to them compared to the rest).

Wow - I really can go on about lipsticks...but I will leave it there for today. So case in point, I definitely think NARS lipsticks are a worthwhile investment! Go on, you know you want to!

Hugs and kisses from my house to yours!

Twin #1