NARS Carthage Pure Matte Lipstick Review, Photos, Swatches
Tuesday, May 10th, 2011
NARS Carthage Pure Matte Lipstick
NARS Summer 2011: Carthage Pure Matte Lipstick
NARS Carthage Pure Matte Lipstick ($25.00 for 0.07 oz.) is described as a “matte, hot pink hue saturates lips with rich, bold color.” It has a slight sheen to it–I wouldn’t say it’s completely matte–and really rich, vibrant fuchsia pink with blue undertones. The color coverage is excellent, and it really takes no more than a pass and a half or so to get even, full color coverage.
my thoughts on the formula: Pure Matte lipsticks have a matte finish, and while they’re not moisturizing, they don’t rob my lips of moisture. Mattes do, however, last longer on lips, and NARS’ Pure Matte lipsticks last between four and five hours on me, though deeper shades like Carthage last five to six hours.
Where to Buy: NARS, $25
The Glossover
It's a bright pink that still brings depth to the table--and that isn't always easy to do. The cooler undertones in this lipstick will make it slightly more flattering on those with pink undertones, but the brightness should enable it to be workable on warmer complexions, too.
See more photos & swatches!
NARS Carthage Pure Matte Lipstick
NARS Carthage Pure Matte Lipstick
NARS Carthage Pure Matte Lipstick
NARS Carthage Pure Matte Lipstick
NARS Carthage Pure Matte Lipstick
NARS Carthage Pure Matte Lipstick
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Product & Review FAQ
Where can I purchase Carthage? How much is it?
NARS, $25.
Is it limited edition?
No.
Any dupes?
It's a slightly deeper pink than MAC Girl About Town.
Did you need to use a lip liner as well?
Nope!
This looks great on you! Do you know how it compares to smashbox Electric Pink Matte lipstick?
I don't have that, so sorry!
I just got this after reading this and I am super disappointed to the point I want to cry :'( In the pics it looks slightly similar to MAC's Full Fuschia... I mean its intense, rich and perfectly yummy fuschia with bit blue tone in the pics! However when I got it, i couldn't see the blue tone in it. In fact it was warm pink and looked more similar to a mixture to MAC's Gulabi, Girl About Town and Catherina Marcel Wanders (I dont own these mac lipsticks but Nars Carthage looks like these MAC colors from the pics on Temptalia!). Also, i was hoping for nice matte finish like MAC. However, I have to say the color payoff isnt too great (regardless of how many times i glided the lipstick back and forth). really reall sad :'( :'( :'( ps. I'm still looking for the perfect fuschia lipstick (matte preferably) which looks exactly like the ones in the pics on this page!
Hi Christine- is this close to Chanel Super from Les Pops De Chanel from spring 2010?
No, not at all.
How does Carthage compare in color to Bobbi Browns Rich Color Mod Pink or Cosmic Raspberry?
such a gorgeous colour! i'm considering buying this, although i don't know if i could pull this bright colour off. :/
does this lipstick run, do i still need to use a lip pencil with it or will it be ok without?
I didn't have any bleeding with this lipstick!
I cannot get away with this bright of a shade. And I adore fuchsias! I can wear it in clothing - not lipstick or blush. I do like matte however. When BE came out with their natural lipstick - most of those were matte and I was a happy camper - matte lasts longer on me. But right now a huge sucker for Josie Maran Birthday Suit really nude look with various pops of high contrasting gloss over it depending on my mood. This shade looks great on you Christine. I don't have any Christina Agulara in me to be able to go for that full make up look I would need. I have her coloring - only not the faux bleached hair - rather natural blond with bleached highlights scattered into that.
how different is this from schiap? :)
So pretty, but I don't know if I could find something suitable to wear it with. It looks a lot like Candy Yum Yum, except maybe a bit darker and bluer. I may just have to order some when I put in my next Sephora order!
Would you reomend for NC 55 skin christine?
Sure! :D
Gorgeous! Love it!
Dear Christine, you don't know how long I've been searching for this shade. Thank you so much for posting this. :D
This looks AMAZING!!! It looks so smooth on your lips and that color is 'for your nerves'!! *I got that quote from the guy on the TV Show Color Splash =)
Absolutely beautiful!
This Carthage is pure hotness!
I love it!
The colors is awsome. I love matte lips and bright pink lips.
What a pretty color! I like how this doesn't make your lips look dry.
Christine, this is one of the best lipsticks I have ever seen on you. It's just a great color for you, and the finish looks amazing.
Gorgeous. Do you think this would look nice with Mac Hot House on top?
Sure!
This is such an amazing fuchsia! I'm not even a fan of pinks that are this bright, but this is just a great color. And it looks awesome on you! I'm so glad I like this, the rest of this collection was kind of falling flat.
so buying this now.. it's so lovely on you..
Hot pink that will leave you reeling from it's sheer ka-POW! factor. Love it~!
Hi christine, loving this color on you ! I'm really interested with this lipstick ever since seing it on Emma Stone . However , I have Mac Candy Yum Yum & Milani Rose Hip , do you notice the difference of carthage color to them ?
When I first moved to TN I lived in a tiny town called Carthage. No one there would EVER wear this color. So, I'm thinking they were inspired by maybe the Biblical Carthage. As a matter of fact, I'm hoping!
Thanks Christine for reviewing this. I've been really waiting for this one. Good thing for my wallet though, i didn't think the color is unique schiap is much lovelier. How does it compare by the way to mac's full fuchsia lipstick?
Darker pink!
nice! looks very bright yet wearable... this might work better for me than candy yum yum did. but i seem to end up not really wearing any of my bright fuchsia pinks out of the house so maybe i will hold off...!
Now that I'm off MAC I think maybe I need to take a break from NARS as well. I'm wondering if my MAC Immodest mattene is similar to this gorgeous color. I'm not prepared to spend $25 on a new lippie as I think, and trust me this was a difficult decision, I would rather have my rent check go through then expand my already ludicrous makeup collection. I also just bought Bateau Ivre and South Pacific duos so that will have to hold me.
How do you think the color compares to MAC's Candy Yum Yum, from the quite cute collection?
It doesn't, not at all.
It's the same lipstick that Emma Stone wore at MET Ball but the color is so much different on her. It frustrated me... =/
NARS Schiap might be closer to what you're looking for?
I can definiely see the coolness you mentioned, and it scares me! Lol. I think I'd rather purchase OCC Anime.
This color is really gorgeous on you!
P.S. I'd kill to have those nice full lips you have. LUCKY!! LOL!:)
It appears you are wearing a cool-gray eyeshadow with this..am I right? It's a great combo, whatever the case!
It's NARS Dogon!
This shade would terrify me in the tube..and even the swatch. But seeing on you I think I might be able to pull it off! It looks gorgeous with your eyes and dark hair. So glad you do these swatches and looks!
Would you say other than being a different finish it is like MAC's Gulabi LE l/s ? Gulabi turns out a rich medium fuchsia on my lips.
This is more blue-based.
I was waiting for you to review this, thanks Christine, now I can skip this because I think I prefer my lovely Schiap over this one. Good news for my wallet!
How does this color compare to MAC Rebel?
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