NARS Flamenco Lipstick Review, Photos, Swatches
Thursday, December 8th, 2011
NARS Flamenco Lipstick
NARS Flamenco Lipstick
NARS Flamenco Lipstick ($24.00 for 0.12 oz.) is described as a “sheer candy apple red.” It’s a faded watermelon red. Milani Bing Cherry is a bit more vibrant and redder but similar. It is very close to Guerlain Grenade with less of a creamy finish.
It’s not really sheer–you can see my lip freckle peeking through, but it’s still hidden a fair amount. This lipstick’s color coverage is closer to semi-opaque, so it’s not the sheer it’s described as. It’s part of the Sheer Lipstick formula, which is designed to be sheer and long-wearing with a healthy shine in the finish. This is my only issue with the product; it’s great in every other way, and ultimately, whether it’s not sheer enough or just pigmented enough for you, is just part of your rationalization process.
For me, however, I have to look at what the product is supposed to do, because personally, I love more opaque lipstick, but this just shouldn’t be, since it should be sheer as described. While we often have pigmented products that are sheer, this is a sheer product that’s too pigmented! It’s not totally opaque, and there is some translucency to the finish, but if you’re wondering why the pigmentation score is low, now you’ll understand. Thankfully, the extended wear of this shade helps this shade bounce back.
The formula is lightweight, comfortable to wear, and surprisingly long-wearing for as sheer as some of the shades can be. The wear with Flamenco was six hours, which is great wear, though not entirely unexpected with the redness of the shade. While it’s not very moisturizing (and it does claim to be), it’s also not drying, and you can always tell just how bad a lipstick is if you only wear that for six hours! It stains ever-so-slightly after wearing for more than a couple of hours. I did not notice any scent or taste, which is such an improvement from NARS’ lipsticks a couple of years ago that had a very waxy scent. Flamenco should be flattering across skin tones; the pinkness will make it workable on cooler complexions while the red will be workable on warmer complexions.
Where to Buy: NARS, $24
The Glossover
The formula is lightweight, comfortable to wear, and surprisingly long-wearing for as sheer as some of the shades can be. The wear with Flamenco was six hours, which is great wear, though not entirely unexpected with the redness of the shade. While it's not very moisturizing (and it does claim to be), it's also not drying, and you can always tell just how bad a lipstick is if you only wear that for six hours!
See more photos & swatches!
NARS Flamenco Lipstick
NARS Flamenco Lipstick
NARS Flamenco Lipstick
NARS Flamenco Lipstick
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Product & Review FAQ
Where can I purchase it? How much is it?
NARS, $24.
Is it limited edition?
No.
Any dupes?
It's a faded watermelon red. Milani Bing Cherry is a bit more vibrant and redder but similar. It is very close to Guerlain Grenade with less of a creamy finish.
This post read like a NARS TRAVELOOOGUE IN BRAZIL OR SOMEWHERE.
I love this on you, Christine!
Thank you, Simone!
Hmmm... I have Grenade and love it, so I don't know if I need this one, but it is really lovely!
the color look AMAZING on you
Thank you, Christina!
looks so pretty! that;s the kind of red i like..semi opaque
What a pretty color! It kind of reminds me of Viva Glam Cyndi-- how do the two compare?
They don't - Viva Glam Cyndi isn't nearly as dark or red - it's also warm. http://www.temptalia.com/mac-from-our-lips-collection-lady-gaga-cyndi-lauper-for-viva-glam-swatches-product-photos
This is the only red I found that I can wear. I think because of the semi-sheerness of it.
I LOVE your entire look! What other make-up are you wearing in this post Christine? I'm seriously gawking at how pretty and simple your make-up looks :)
Tarina Tarantino Parasol blush, Bare Escentuals Pug eyeshadow
I think I'm gonna buy this like tomorrow. It'll be my 2nd Nars lipstick. Joyous Red was my first, which I love. A decision that was also influenced by you. Thanks, Christine! Your reviews rule!
Thank you, Lucy!
How does it compare to Viva Glam Cyndi? (:
It doesn't - Viva Glam Cyndi isn't nearly as dark or red - it's also warm. http://www.temptalia.com/mac-from-our-lips-collection-lady-gaga-cyndi-lauper-for-viva-glam-swatches-product-photos
Your teeth look so white here! (they always do) I tried to find it in the FAQs but I couldn't see it anywhere, so what teeth whitening products do you use?
I don't have anything I use consistently - I use whatever I have at home or what's on sale. I whiten teeth... maybe once a year.
Thanks Christine
Hi Christine, would you say this is similar to Mac's Viva Glam Cyndi lipstick? I'm always looking for something to replace that when I use mine up.
No, Viva Glam Cyndi isn't nearly as dark or red - it's also warm. http://www.temptalia.com/mac-from-our-lips-collection-lady-gaga-cyndi-lauper-for-viva-glam-swatches-product-photos
Wow, Flamenco looks so different on you than it does on me! It's most definitely a sheer "candy apple" red on me. It's way more pink on you. Looks lovely :)
This color is absolutely gorgeous, and it looks lovely on you! I love that this is a cherry red that doesn't lean hot pink or fuchsia. No, another NARS red, this was my answer to the recent "Kryptonite" post... I am powerless!
Aww!!
hey Christine, loving this colour on you! one question, is it similar to mac's viva glam cindy? because i didn't get to get a back up (it's my daily red :P) this looks a bit similar on my laptop screen!
Viva Glam Cyndi isn't nearly as dark or red - it's also warm. http://www.temptalia.com/mac-from-our-lips-collection-lady-gaga-cyndi-lauper-for-viva-glam-swatches-product-photos
This actually looks quite wearable.
Gorgeous color and you look stunning as always! 6 hours is great wear and I prefer pigmented formulas anytime so I will def be checking it out!
Thanks, Harshleen!
I've been eyeing this color since last year..i love it!Thanx christine you work so hard how. you manage to do anything else is a miracle!
No prob, Lameka!
What foundation are you wearing in this photo? It looks great.
Guerlain Lingerie de Peau
You know, almost every time I've asked what foundation you have on, it's this one. I should stop asking and realize when your skin looks amazing it's Lingerie de Peau. ;) I actually went to my Guerlain counter to try this very foundation on and the lightest color wasn't a match. :(
Oh no! :( I wish Guerlain's color range was better!
I like it, looks good on you! What really makes me smile, though, is how you are able to describe opacity based on how it does or doesn't cover your lip freckle. It's totally cute AND useful, lol
Haha! Glad it helps!
Such a pretty color on you Christine :)
Thanks, Lilastar!
Christine, is it by any chance close to Viva Glam Cyndi? I have been wanting a dupe for it since forever.
No, as Viva Glam Cyndi isn't nearly as dark or red - it's also warm. http://www.temptalia.com/mac-from-our-lips-collection-lady-gaga-cyndi-lauper-for-viva-glam-swatches-product-photos
I'm slooowly easing into more colorful lipsticks, so I'm glad for a sheer-ish red formula to check out. I bought NARS Damage the other day because of your review! I'd have never thought purpley shades would work for me, but then I saw it on you and had to have it! It turned out so flattering (I have almost the same skintone as you, slightly lighter and less warm). So, thanks! :D
I'm so happy to hear it worked out for you!!
I love this shade on you. Would it suit NC40 (MAC) skin tone?
Sure!
Thanks Christine!
I like pigmented lipsticks, so I wouldn't be bothered if this is not sheer enough on me. :)
Totally understand, just unfortunately, this is supposed to be sheer :(
Oooh! Pretty. I prefer semi-opaque lipstick on my pigmented lips (sheer ones don't do much). I'll have to check out Flamenco.
Honestly you're so efficent and brutally honest if you have to be. You may get paid but you deserve all your readers due to your reliability. When a new product comes out, I always wait for your reviews before I go for them. Do keep it all up, Christine. Love you!
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