The NARS lip pencils have always intrigued me, and Krysty’s review of the Satin Lip Pencil in Sex Machine convinced me to finally go ahead and check them out. I was originally set on getting that, but I went with my gut instinct that told me I wouldn’t like a cool blue pink on myself, so I looked for a different color.
The first one I got was a warm, deep brown with red undertones called Bahama. Here it is in action.
I rather like it, though it’s a bit too dark a brown than I prefer. I do love wearing it, though with fresh, clean eyes and strong brows, like in this look.
The Velvet Matte Lip Pencils glide on with an effortless smoothness, carefully coating each inch of lip with a beautiful opaque shade. I loved this so much, I decided to get myself another matte shade, this time in Dolce Vita, which is a deep pinky red.
This is another color that seems to be great for everyday wear, if you are not me. I don’t know why I can’t seem to wear and pull off shades like this.
Dolce Vita is really, really pretty, though. It’s a great shade to “practice wearing red” with, as it’s not too bright or intense. It’s sort of a transition shade if you’re more used to wearing browns or muted shades.
At first glance, Bahama and Dolce Vita may not seem all that different from each other, but you can see from the lip swatches above and the hand swatches below that the difference is quite significant, as is the resulting effect.
One of the only downsides to this is that you have to sharpen them, whereas it’s more efficient to have it in a retractable pencil type, like the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains.
Still, though, that’s not a lot to mope about. I just don’t sharpen them to a point. I dropped Bahama and broke of the tip. I sharpened it just until a bit of product peeked through. Still works, still capable of coloring within the lines.
I just used a NYX sharpener, if you were wondering. I know people say you should buy the sharpener of the same brand, but frankly, I can’t justify that purchase when this one works just as well.
This is a really good product if you’re looking for a matte lip, but don’t want to deal with the tugging issues of some matte lipsticks. The finish is very matte, but the application process is a breeze!
NARS Cosmetics is cruelty-free.
Softly Sometimes 
Dolce Vita is my lips but better color, I’m really morena!
But these velvet matte lip pencils are my favorite! The sharpening does feel wasteful, so I do it very carefully–scraping off the pigment and putting that into a small jar. Especially for this shade. Heehee.
Hahaha I didn’t realize people did that! Someone gave the same tip. How awesome
Very pretty colors, and costly too. Hehe
Thanks, Juvy!
I’ve been reading your blog for awhile now and I really enjoy it!
I have these colors too and I think that dolce vita looks great on you, in the picture at least :]
Sometimes i like to wear NYX soft matte lip cream in Abu Dhabi on top of bahama/dolce vita, or any other nudeish lip color to lighten them up and give them a different finish. its very brightening!
The darker shades in this line are amazing too! Cruella is beautiful and stays on all night if you apply it in a certain way.
The sharpening can be a pain in the butt, but i also like to save the remnants to mix with my lip balm on the days that i just want a tiny bit of color.
Thank you so much, S! 🙂
I wanna see Cruella and see if it suits me. Sounds like the kind of color I’d like! And thanks for the tip!
Bahama looks pretty … but I hate sharpening lip liners or colors …
Hate it, too. 😦 but thank you!
Dolce vita looks super pretty on you!! The fact that these aren’t retractable is the only thing deterring me from getting them. The shades and finish look lovely though!
AHHH, they are such a good formula, which is why I really can’t write them off. Such a smooth matte!
Dolce Vita, objectively, looks nice on you. It brightens you up so much and gives you that extra youthful, glowing vibe. Guuurl idk why you are insecure in it :<
Bahama on the other hand, is a more mysterious, grown up shade. Equally radiant on you, and I'd say an everyday kind of vampy shade 😛 I always love your lip color selections, GAH!
Lol I have weird insecurities, or I guess it’s just a preference? Idkkkk it looks weird. :<
Yay, thanks! 🙂 I think I am extra picky with lip stuff since it's SO NOTICEABLE!
I reaaally think it’s in your head cause they look lovely 🙂 Dolce Vita peps your face up!
Thank you! Maybe I’m just not used to it! 🙂
I am liking those pencils lately, both colours look so natural and wearable. dolce vita is my fav on you though 😉
Thank you! They are pretty standard colors, though, I think. What colors do you have?
I love these! There is something about the pencil form that speaks to me. I’m loving Bahama on you also. One of my faves is the vampy shade, Damned which just seems to work for me. I also love Bettina and Dolce 🙂
Did you say vampy? Now I’m really curious! Thanks, Taylor. 🙂
Dolce Vita is so pretty! I currently have two: Sex Machine and Dragon Girl. I love them so much I’m thinking of getting Yu, too, but I’m being all financially responsible right now
Lol is Yu from the satin line? I am REALLY not financially responsible right now. I should change that.
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