NARS Powermatte Lip Pigments: Vain & You’re No Good Reviews & Swatches

Vain

NARS Vain Powermatte Lip Pigment ($26.00 for 0.18 oz.) is a rich red with warm undertones and a satin finish. It had rich color coverage in a single layer, which applied evenly and smoothly across my lips. The consistency was lightweight and fluid, though it seemed creamier and a little “denser” than other shades in the range, which may have resulted in the less-matte finish. It took two to three hours before the sheen and formula felt matte and totally set as there was slight transfer until that point. It was more comfortable to wear, as it had more flexible hold, though. On me, it stayed on well for six and a half hours and was neither drying nor hydrating.

Top Dupes

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Make Up For Ever M402 (P, $22.00) is darker, cooler (95% similar).
Tarte XOXO (P, $20.00) is more muted, less glossy (90% similar).
NARS Infatuated Red (P, $27.00) is less glossy (90% similar).
Colour Pop Mama (P, $6.50) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
MAC Viva Glam I (P, $18.50) is glossier (90% similar).
Maybelline Cruel Ruby (P, $7.49) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
Kat Von D Nosferatu (P, $20.00) is more muted (90% similar).
Tarte Vibin' (P, $20.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar).
NARS Fearless Red (LE, $28.00) is lighter (90% similar).
NARS Rouge Indiscret (LE, $28.00) is more muted (90% similar).
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Formula Overview

$26.00/0.18 oz. - $144.44 Per Ounce

The new formula is described as “liquefied pigments with infinite matte color saturation for lasting, weightless wear.” It’s supposed to have “full coverage in one swipe” that “dries down instantly” for “smudge-resistant, carefree wear.” The formula has a very fluid consistency that is thin, smooth, but not at all watery, and the majority of shades were nearly opaque or opaque in a single layer.

The dry down started quickly but was forgiving as I maneuvered around the edges of the lips but remained a bit tacky when I pressed my lips together for over a half hour later, though as long as I did not press my lips together until five minutes post-application, the color did not lift. I have found the wear to be comfortable so far–non-drying–but not the longest-wearing nor the most budge-proof in liquid lipstick, as just sipping water, tea, or coffee caused color to transfer onto my cups.

There was plenty of coverage, so it still lasted through drinking but did start to break down noticeably during a meal. Even just touching the color after a half hour of wearing it yielded color on my fingertips. The formula had a soft, vanilla scent but no discernible taste.

Browse all of our NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment swatches.

Vain

8.5

Product

Pigmentation

8.5

Texture

Longevity

Application

93%

Total

You're No Good

NARS You’re No Good Powermatte Lip Pigment ($26.00 for 0.18 oz.) is a bright, medium-dark pink with warmer undertones and a mostly matte finish. It had good pigmentation, though it wasn’t quite as opaque as other shades, and the consistency was a bit thinner and more prone to emphasizing my lip lines. It did not dry down as evenly nor did it self-level as other shades have, so I found that this was one of the least flattering shades once-applied compared to most of the shades in the formula. It wore well for six and a half hours and was a little drying.