NARS Manic Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Set Review & Swatches
Manic
NARS Manic Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Set ($45.00 for 0.32 oz.) contains four full-sized Velvet Matte Lip Pencils, in all new shades, giving it a total value of $108, and it is exclusive to Sephora. All four shades were pigmented and wore well for at least four hours; one shade, Vicious, could have had a more flattering finish, but from a normal viewing distance, its flaws weren’t visible.
Ingredients
Manic
LELimited Edition. $45.00.
Vicious
Vicious is a soft, medium pink with warm undertones and a matte finish. The color payoff was opaque in a single layer that applied evenly without tugging on my lips. It had a lightweight, smooth consistency that glided easily across my lips, but I noticed that the texture seemed a little more powdery than most shades in this formula have been in my experience. There was slight separation along my deeper lip lines as a result. It lasted well for four hours and was neither drying nor hydrating over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- NARS Lovin' Lips (P, $26.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- L'Oreal Le Mauve Indomptable (P, $13.99) is lighter (95% similar).
- NARS Mayhem (LE, $27.00) is darker, cooler (95% similar).
- NARS American Woman (P, $26.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Coloured Raine May She Raine (P, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Lovecraft (P, $20.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Divine Rose (P, $30.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar).
- Sephora Day Dreaming (81) (P, $14.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Comeback (P, $18.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M205 (DC, $22.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$27.00/0.08 oz. - $337.50 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be “long-lasting” with “rich” and “seamless color.” The texture has a more velvety feel: smooth, thinner but glides on easily, and doesn’t have a lot of wetness/creaminess. The pigmentation varied from shade to shade with most shades having semi-opaque coverage. They were easy to apply along the lips and comfortable to apply, as they did not tug. The formula lasted anywhere from three hours to six hours, and some shades were somewhat drying and others were non-drying.
Browse all of our NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil swatches.
Ingredients
C12-13 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate, Synthetic Candelilla Wax, Polyethylene, Caprylyl Methicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Silica, Dimethicone, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Lecithin, Flavor (Aroma), Dicalcium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Anise Alcohol. [+/- (May Contain/Peut Contenir): Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Mica, Red 28 Lake (CI 45410), Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140)].
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Vicious
LELimited Edition. $27.00.
Bondage
Bondage is a medium, rosy brown with warm undertones and a matte finish. It had opaque pigmentation with a smooth, velvety consistency that glided on easily but didn’t feel wet or cream-like–more waxy but still with excellent coverage and adherence. The lipstick stayed on well for five hours and was mostly non-drying.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Charlotte Tilbury Super Model (P, $37.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- KVD Beauty Lolita II (DC, $21.00) is lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- Anastasia Spice (P, $18.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- NARS Pigalle (P, $26.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Fade (P, $22.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Spellbound (P, $30.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Maybelline Nude Nuance (P, $7.99) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Chanel Ambiguite (834) (P, $45.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Strip Me Down (LE, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Smashbox Safe Word (P, $21.00) is lighter, cooler, glossier (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$27.00/0.08 oz. - $337.50 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be “long-lasting” with “rich” and “seamless color.” The texture has a more velvety feel: smooth, thinner but glides on easily, and doesn’t have a lot of wetness/creaminess. The pigmentation varied from shade to shade with most shades having semi-opaque coverage. They were easy to apply along the lips and comfortable to apply, as they did not tug. The formula lasted anywhere from three hours to six hours, and some shades were somewhat drying and others were non-drying.
Browse all of our NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil swatches.
Ingredients
C12-13 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate, Synthetic Candelilla Wax, Polyethylene, Caprylyl Methicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Silica, Dimethicone, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Lecithin, Flavor (Aroma), Dicalcium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Anise Alcohol. [+/- (May Contain/Peut Contenir): Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Mica, Red 28 Lake (CI 45410), Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140)].
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Bondage
LELimited Edition. $27.00.
Spike
Spike is a deep, reddened plum with subtle, warm undertones and a matte finish. The pencil had a lightweight, thin consistency that was waxy, which gave it excellent glide across my lips but packed a punch of pigment so I was still able to even, nearly opaque coverage in one layer. This shade wore nicely for five and a half hours and was non-drying.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Burberry Damson (No. 425) (P, $35.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Lisa Eldridge Velvet Myth (LE, $36.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar).
- Tarte Killin' It (P, $20.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Makeup by Mario Daniela (P, $24.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- NARS Trashed (LE, $27.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- YSL Violet Conviction (15) (P, $36.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Tarte Hangry (P, $20.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Anastasia #5 (Vol. 1) (PiP, ) is cooler (85% similar).
- ColourPop So Emo-tional (LE, $9.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M102 (DC, $22.00) (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$27.00/0.08 oz. - $337.50 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be “long-lasting” with “rich” and “seamless color.” The texture has a more velvety feel: smooth, thinner but glides on easily, and doesn’t have a lot of wetness/creaminess. The pigmentation varied from shade to shade with most shades having semi-opaque coverage. They were easy to apply along the lips and comfortable to apply, as they did not tug. The formula lasted anywhere from three hours to six hours, and some shades were somewhat drying and others were non-drying.
Browse all of our NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil swatches.
Ingredients
C12-13 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate, Synthetic Candelilla Wax, Polyethylene, Caprylyl Methicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Silica, Dimethicone, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Lecithin, Flavor (Aroma), Dicalcium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Anise Alcohol. [+/- (May Contain/Peut Contenir): Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Mica, Red 28 Lake (CI 45410), Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140)].
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Spike
LELimited Edition. $27.00.
Chaos
Chaos is a deep burgundy with subtle, warm undertones and a matte finish. The pigmentation was good, though it needed a second layer for truly full color coverage. The pencil had a smooth, velvety consistency that was more wax-like than cream-like, so it had good glide but didn’t feel slippery on. It was very lightweight and comfortable to wear for the first few hours but then it felt a touch drying toward the end. It lasted well for five and a half hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Anastasia Bohemian (P, $20.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Disturbed (P, $18.00) is lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Pencil Me In (LE, $7.00) is brighter (95% similar).
- MAC Carnivorous (P, $21.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Sephora Autumn Wind (54) (P, $14.00) (90% similar).
- ColourPop Thousand Percent (LE, $6.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Sephora Auburn Prestige (98) (P, $14.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M500 (DC, $22.00) is warmer, glossier (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Griselda (P, $18.00) is darker, glossier (90% similar).
- Makeup Geek Risque (P, $15.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$27.00/0.08 oz. - $337.50 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be “long-lasting” with “rich” and “seamless color.” The texture has a more velvety feel: smooth, thinner but glides on easily, and doesn’t have a lot of wetness/creaminess. The pigmentation varied from shade to shade with most shades having semi-opaque coverage. They were easy to apply along the lips and comfortable to apply, as they did not tug. The formula lasted anywhere from three hours to six hours, and some shades were somewhat drying and others were non-drying.
Browse all of our NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil swatches.
Ingredients
C12-13 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate, Synthetic Candelilla Wax, Polyethylene, Caprylyl Methicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Silica, Dimethicone, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Lecithin, Flavor (Aroma), Dicalcium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Anise Alcohol. [+/- (May Contain/Peut Contenir): Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Mica, Red 28 Lake (CI 45410), Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140)].
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
I need to keep telling myself the following:
It would be kinda dumb to purchase four lipsticks that I don’t need just because of that very cute zippered case.
(P.S. Vicious, though pretty, is not very vicious-looking at all.)
Maybe it’s Vicious as in Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols? It would be in keeping with the safety pin motif of the case, and the punk photo on the box.
A very unexpected result just happened; that I really love this set! Will I get it, though…? I just don’t know yet. But I’ll be thinking about it, since it’s a really good deal and all wearable shades.
In general, I get along with Nars Velvet Matte Lip pencils pretty well. I have quite a number of them and will likely pick up this set also. I could do without some of the names again but at least it is better than the last one I purchased which was, P****Y Control. I had vowed not to purchase anymore if the name wasn’t something I wanted to say at a makeup counter or when having lunch with a friend and they asked what lipstick I was wearing, LOL. Bondage is the one name I could live without but since it has become so mainstream I guess I need to go with the times. I don’t know about the other names. They seem fine to me but then they could be slang for something sordid, who knows these days.
Anyway, likely to get two of these as my daughter loves those deep vampy shades.
I just ordered this set based on the swatches and reviews. I think it’s a great deal (yay for full-size products), and I’m optimistic that the shades will all work on my NC30/35ish yellow/olive skin. The only one I’m not confident about for me is Vicious. Which, if it doesn’t appeal to me, will probably look very nice on my daughter.
I really like the shades, but the matte finish and pencil format is off putting to me. Chaos is lovely.
? I can’t help wondering how this set stacks up to Bite Beauty Four Little Bites Amuse Bouche Lipstick Set. Which one would be a better value and color options?
It really comes down to which one you would use more – the colors/finishes/formulas are quite different that I think who might prefer one over the other is extremely subjective.
These are nice fall colors but this particular item sucks the life out of my already chronically dry lips. Still coming to terms with the fact that my lips + a matte product = failure of epic proportions. Ugh, off to cry into my pillow!
I do love the shiny ode to the safety pin (partly as my life seems to be held together by them, certainly lots of my clothes are). The makeup I could take or leave!
I like the colors of this set (minus Vicious), but there’s something about Nars lip pencils that are just a miss for me. Cruella is a magically beautiful red on me but I can count on one hand how many times I’ve worn it in the last five years.
I’m torn on these, they are awesome but I’m not sure how those two shades would look on me.