Second Chances

My first NARS lip pencil was the Velvet Matte in Bolero which was absolutely horrific on my dry, cannot-be-saved lips. Emphasizing lines, increases flakiness, ack! It was not a pretty sight. So when the Satin lip pencils launched, you can’t blame me for not offering my lips to submission right away.

But just as in life, everything deserves a second chance. And that second chance materialized on that fateful day I said yes to that NARS SA for a free makeover. Why did I ever ignore you, Satin Lip Pencil? I was immediately sold on the first shade she put on me which was Lodhi. It wasn’t even a color I would go for if I had to pick one myself.

But the lightweight, creamy but doesn’t settle in lines nor emphasizes flakiness and equally long-lasting formula won me over that I didn’t care if the shade suited me at all. Gimme gimme. For more of my rave on this, check my Lodhi review.

I won’t blab too much on this post, instead will leave you with swatches and photos of these lip pencils. I also picked up Cruella, another velvet matte, to add to my collection because I’ve been eyeing it for a while. Another red to add to my small collection of red lipsticks! I really like this red on me, a rival to my MAC Viva Glam I loyalty.

It is unlike the Bolero formula that really is honestly ghastly on my lips. Cruella is ultra-pigmented, long-lasting, great when first applied but as time passes, it does eventually dry it out. Thankfully, not to the point of peeling and cracking. But still, proper prepping is needed to achieve optimal matte perfection. I like the color, though so I’m willing to do all the prep needed! But no more Velvet Mattes for me from now on. I’ll stick to the Satins.

Dont be afraid of Second chances

Yes, I had to end this in such cheesiness. Kidding aside, the NARS Satin Lip Pencils are lurve for me. I don’t really recommend the Velvet Mattes because they are painfully drying but since I rarely ever like a red, I still picked up Cruella despite my better judgement. The Pure Matte lipsticks (I have one in Carthage) fairs better than these matte lip pencils, so go for those if you’re adamant on mattes.

I also picked up Satin Lip Pencil Biscayne Park recently but failed to include it here because I forgot I had it. It’s a light peach that’s perfect for everyday!

The downside to these lip pencils? They’re lip pencils!!! Not a fan of the pencil form in terms of packaging. Plus, I hate the fact I have to sharpen and waste product in the process.