The NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencils aren’t really new to me, but now I’ve got this shade, Train Bleu to add to my meager collection of three. Prior to Train Bleu, I already had Bahama, Dolce Vita, and Damned, and I absolutely loved the formula of these. They are, as the name suggests, quite matte and it can feel a little drying on the lips. These will emphasize dry areas on your lips, so just a caveat.
Product Description
The application of a lipstick combined with the convenience of a pencil in a jumbo crayon design. Lips are instantly saturated with rich pigments and a velvety matte finish. The long lasting, non-drying formula is enriched with emollients for a creamy texture, while a combination of unique silicones ensures long-lasting, seamless color for hours. Use for lining, all-over lip color, or pairing with another lip product.
- Rich, vivid shades
- Enriched with Vitamin E
- Convenient, easy application
So, they do last long, they’re technically non-drying, but they’re not moisturizing or hydrating. And the colors are rich and vivid, and for a matte lip product, these are also quite creamy and go on easily.
Train Bleu is a “deep aubergine,” but the name literally translates to “blue train.” The most popular reference I could find for it is a French train, but I’m still not sure why this was chosen as the name for this beautiful lip shade. If you’re curious, this is the same exact shade as Liv from the NARS Audacious Lipstick range. I love that formula, too, but I prefer a shade as intense as this to be a matte one.
I’m not gonna lie, it looks a little scary, if you’ve got RBF like I do…
… but it’s not nearly goth enough to make me feel strange when I smile!
The reason why I bought this shade is because I felt like there’s this weird gap in my lipstick arsenal. I was looking for a dark lip that’s not quite as dark or as violet as ColourPop’s Feminist. I think this is still a “wearable” color in that I won’t get as much looks from people when I wear this as when I wear Feminist.
For my own peace of mind, I swatched what were, in my head, close shades to Train Bleu. THE RESULTS WILL SHOCK YOU. Just kidding.
Swatched, L-R: Guerlain Rouge L’Extrait (Orgueil), BITE Beauty Cashmere Lip Cream (Bordeaux), 3CE Lip Lacquer (Desert Flower), MAKE Matte Lipstick (Jakarta), Addiction by Ayako (Lady of the Lake), NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil (Damned), NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil (Train Bleu), ColourPop Lippie Stix (Feminist), OCC Matte Lip Tar (Pagan), Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick (Mötorhead), THREE Glam Touch Lipstick Color (Edith’s Whisper)
Train Bleu is closest to Feminist, like I originally thought, but it has a lot more red in it. Like, way more. Typical me, my only complaint is one that most people have: this lip pencils have to be sharpened. It’s a minor annoyance, however. But I’m telling you—Liv looks to be the exact same shade.
Anyway, I don’t regret it! I love this freaking lip color. It’s so dramatic without being black or red. If anyone asks what my power lip is, it’s not exactly the expected red.
It’s this.
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Softly Sometimes 
I was thisclose to buying NARS Damned during this latest Sephora VIB 15% off sale. I want it mainly because Pam uses it in a scene in True Blood, ha!
I have these pencils in Bettina, and this year’s birthday minis, Rikiguen and Cruella. Love them, even though I do wish they’d twist up!
I don’t watch True Blood, but Damned is way pretty! I really love it. 😀 I want more, too! I can’t seem to purchase from Sephora anymore so I’m super bummed about not getting the birthday minis this year!
I really like the colour! It looks fab on you! 🙂
Thank you! x
Power Aubergine! So much yes!
Good to know that you know what I mean! 🙂
I got Cruella for my birthday from Sephora and I’m kind of in love with this formula ever since. Great review.
Ack, now I’m REALLY wanting to try Cruella!
I love that shade but what I love even more is how you paired it with that eyeshadow? what color is it?
I’m pretty sure it’s Look 2 from my NARS Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow Palette Review!
Didn’t know Train Bleu and Liv are the same color. I wanted to get Liv but the shine puts me off (and that doesn’t apply evenly). Now I want Train Bleu even more.
Not too sure how they translate on lips, but I swatched them both at a NARS counter and they’re pretty much the same color. I get what you mean. I can’t with shiny statement lips!
I am very drawn to the dark side (of lipstick :)) and have Train Bleu – the formula feels harder to work with than the other two Velvet Mattes I have but I adore the colour. Liv on me isn’t as intense and has a slightly more claret tone.
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