FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.
- ColourPop Big Bang (P, $9.00).
- Pat McGrath Elson 4 (P, $30.00).
- Guerlain Ruby Red (880) (P, $36.00).
- MAC PhillipeBlond (LE, $21.00).
- Anastasia Ruby (P, $18.00).
- ColourPop Take a Bao (LE, $9.00).
- ColourPop Evil Queen (LE, $8.00).
- MAC Rouge en Snow (LE, $19.00).
- ColourPop Hi Striker (P, $7.00).
- Bite Beauty Hot Tomato (P, $28.00).
Formula Overview
$30.00/0.08 oz. – $375.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have a matte finish with “12-hour” wear with “one swipe, instant color” that is comfortable to wear and “transfer-proof.” I think they’ve improved upon the longevity compared to the brand’s Velvet Matte Lip Pencils of many years ago, as even the lighter shades are long-wearing, but 12-hour wear is a stretch (that’s not a surprise, though).
The formula featured a soft setting process where the initial texture was more emollient, creamier, and easy to maneuver with along the curves of the lips, but it set to a lightly tacky finish that was transfer-resistant and remained flexible, so it was comfortable to wear. Most shades wore between five and six hours with a couple of the deeper hues lasting over six hours. It was a non-drying formula to wear over time.
The shades were pigmented in a single layer, and I felt like they were quite easy to use to get a nice, even line of color along the edges of my lips. It was also a more forgiving and flattering finish as it didn’t emphasize lip lines or lip texture for the most part.
Browse all of our NARS Powermatte High-Intensity Lip Pencil swatches.
Ingredients
Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Caprylyl Methicone, Octyldodecanol, Synthetic Wax, Lauroyl Lysine, Dicalcium Phosphate, Phenylpropyldimethylsiloxysilicate, Diisostearyl Malate, Polyethylene, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cera Carnauba/Cire De Carnauba, Stearyl Heptanoate, Stearyl Caprylate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Propylene Carbonate, [+/-(May Contain/Peut Contenir): Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Red 6 (Ci 15850), Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Yellow 6 Lake (Ci 15985), Red 28 Lake (Ci 45410)].
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you’re purchasing, or the brand or retailer’s website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
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