NARS Hot Voodoo, Raw Seduction, Banned Red Lipsticks Reviews & Swatches
Hot Voodoo
NARS Hot Voodoo Lipstick ($26.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a medium, coppery brown with warm, orange undertones and a frosted finish. It had good color payoff in a single layer, but the bullet was quite firm and dense to the point where it felt stiff against my lips. I had the best luck applying it in short strokes rather than trying to apply it in a fluid motion.
The texture was very lightweight–it almost felt like I was wearing nothing at all–but there was some emphasize of lip texture and lines; even though it had a lot of shimmer, it wasn’t that shiny or glossy. It wore well for four and a half hours but felt a little drying over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Fenty Beauty Sunfrost (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- Smashbox Desert Rose (LE, $24.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Maybelline Copper Spark (P, $7.49) is brighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Guerlain #93 (LE, $36.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Milk Makeup Angel (P, $24.00) is darker, glossier (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Heatwave (LE, $18.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Anastasia Chrome Peach (LE, $18.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Bronze Shimmer (P, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- YSL Or Cuivre (340) (LE, $38.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Bobbi Brown Lantern Light (LE, $38.00) is cooler (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$26.00/0.12 oz. - $216.67 Per Ounce
NARS has reformulated their core lipstick range, which now includes 72 shades across three finishes: matte, sheer, and satin. The formula is supposed to go on "smoothly and evenly with a light feel" that is "long-lasting" and "resistant to bleeding and feathering." The sheer finish has "subtle, sheer color that shines," while the satin finish has "creamy rich color" and the matte finish has "intense color with a velvety finish."
The matte finish has a very thin, featherweight feel to it, but they didn't feel clingy or too prone to dragging during application, though they were definitely a firmer texture in the tube. There was enough glide from the inclusion of dimethicone (first ingredient for the matte finish) that went on evenly, felt velvety but didn't feel as powder-like as some of the other more silicone-heavy matte lipstick formulas that have been released in the last couple of years. Most shades were pigmented and nearly opaque to opaque. The wear ranged from three to six hours with deeper, richer shades staying on a bit longer and leaving slight stains. They were comfortable to wear but felt more non-drying than particularly hydrating.
The satin finish has more slip, feels thicker (though not actually thick or heavy) compared to the matte finish, and of course, there was subtle to light shine/sheen. They applied smoothly, comfortably, and for the most part, went on evenly and didn't sink noticeably into my lip lines but there was some variance between shades. They were typically semi-opaque to opaque in coverage with four to six-hour wear that was lightly hydrating.
The sheer finish had coverage that ranged from semi-sheer to true medium coverage but most had some translucency to them, which gave them a sheerer finish. I found most of the shades I tried were buildable to some degree. The texture was a bit firmer, but they felt more emollient and "melted" a bit more against my lips than I recall the original line of lipsticks doing. Some shades applied well with even application and were flattering on, but there were a few that sank more noticeably into my lip lines. This finish tended to wear between three and five hours.
I don't have many of NARS' original lipsticks in my stash (I have mostly Audacious as they haven't been releasing many in the core range) to compare to. The matte finish was definitely thinner, more matte, and had a velvetier look on lips compared to the original which had a subtle sheen to it. The satin finish seemed a bit more pigmented and not quite as luminous/glossy as the previous formula, while the sheer finish was creamier, more emollient, and was easier to apply. It didn't feel like a vastly different formula, but it felt a bit easier to work with (smoother, more emollient but still lighterweight and thin, far less slip than any of the Audacious range) and was more comfortable to wear across the board for me.
I didn't notice any scent or taste, though there is "fragrance (parfum)" listed in the ingredients--it smelled neutral, not waxy but I just didn't get any scent.
Browse all of our NARS Lipstick swatches.
Ingredients
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Synthetic Wax, Polyethylene, Dimethicone, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Hydroxyapatite, Diisostearyl Malate, Microcrystalline Wax/Cera Microcristallina/Cire Microcristalline, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Glyceryl Behenate, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Calcium Stearate, Tin Oxide, Simethicone, Bht, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum), Linalool, Citronellol, Limonene, [+/- (May Contain/Peut Contenir): Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Carmine (Ci 75470), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Mica, Red 28 Lake (Ci 45410), Red 33 (Ci 17200), Red 33 Lake (Ci 17200), 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.
Hot Voodoo
PPermanent. $26.00.
Raw Seduction
NARS Raw Seduction Lipstick ($26.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a light-medium, peachy coral with warmer, more orange-leaning undertones paired with a creamy finish. It had semi-opaque color coverage in one pass, which was hard to build up as the color was more likely to slide around and accumulate into my lip lines. It showed a clear line of demarcation when I pressed my lips together, too.
It had a lightly creamy consistency, and while it felt lightweight and didn’t feel as creamy as it looked, it emphasized my lip lines, sank into them over time, and was more prone to catching on imperfections. I’d recommend applying a lip primer or wearing this over a lip liner to alleviate the product’s issues. It wore well for four hours and felt lightly moisturizing while worn.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Natasha Denona Alison (13NB) (P, $25.00) is lighter, more muted (95% similar).
- MAC Down to an Art (P, $19.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Super Cindy (P, $37.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Uno Mas (P, $10.00) is darker, warmer, less glossy (90% similar).
- Chanel Highway (LE, $45.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Jeniffer (22P) (P, $25.00) is cooler, glossier (90% similar).
- Bobbi Brown Juicy Date (P, $27.00) is lighter, glossier (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Chic Pink (P, $37.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Tantalize (Left) (LE, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Kinda Sexy (P, $19.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$26.00/0.12 oz. - $216.67 Per Ounce
NARS has reformulated their core lipstick range, which now includes 72 shades across three finishes: matte, sheer, and satin. The formula is supposed to go on "smoothly and evenly with a light feel" that is "long-lasting" and "resistant to bleeding and feathering." The sheer finish has "subtle, sheer color that shines," while the satin finish has "creamy rich color" and the matte finish has "intense color with a velvety finish."
The matte finish has a very thin, featherweight feel to it, but they didn't feel clingy or too prone to dragging during application, though they were definitely a firmer texture in the tube. There was enough glide from the inclusion of dimethicone (first ingredient for the matte finish) that went on evenly, felt velvety but didn't feel as powder-like as some of the other more silicone-heavy matte lipstick formulas that have been released in the last couple of years. Most shades were pigmented and nearly opaque to opaque. The wear ranged from three to six hours with deeper, richer shades staying on a bit longer and leaving slight stains. They were comfortable to wear but felt more non-drying than particularly hydrating.
The satin finish has more slip, feels thicker (though not actually thick or heavy) compared to the matte finish, and of course, there was subtle to light shine/sheen. They applied smoothly, comfortably, and for the most part, went on evenly and didn't sink noticeably into my lip lines but there was some variance between shades. They were typically semi-opaque to opaque in coverage with four to six-hour wear that was lightly hydrating.
The sheer finish had coverage that ranged from semi-sheer to true medium coverage but most had some translucency to them, which gave them a sheerer finish. I found most of the shades I tried were buildable to some degree. The texture was a bit firmer, but they felt more emollient and "melted" a bit more against my lips than I recall the original line of lipsticks doing. Some shades applied well with even application and were flattering on, but there were a few that sank more noticeably into my lip lines. This finish tended to wear between three and five hours.
I don't have many of NARS' original lipsticks in my stash (I have mostly Audacious as they haven't been releasing many in the core range) to compare to. The matte finish was definitely thinner, more matte, and had a velvetier look on lips compared to the original which had a subtle sheen to it. The satin finish seemed a bit more pigmented and not quite as luminous/glossy as the previous formula, while the sheer finish was creamier, more emollient, and was easier to apply. It didn't feel like a vastly different formula, but it felt a bit easier to work with (smoother, more emollient but still lighterweight and thin, far less slip than any of the Audacious range) and was more comfortable to wear across the board for me.
I didn't notice any scent or taste, though there is "fragrance (parfum)" listed in the ingredients--it smelled neutral, not waxy but I just didn't get any scent.
Browse all of our NARS Lipstick swatches.
Ingredients
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Synthetic Wax, Polyethylene, Dimethicone, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Hydroxyapatite, Diisostearyl Malate, Microcrystalline Wax/Cera Microcristallina/Cire Microcristalline, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Glyceryl Behenate, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Calcium Stearate, Tin Oxide, Simethicone, Bht, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum), Linalool, Citronellol, Limonene, [+/- (May Contain/Peut Contenir): Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Carmine (Ci 75470), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Mica, Red 28 Lake (Ci 45410), Red 33 (Ci 17200), Red 33 Lake (Ci 17200), 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.
Raw Seduction
PPermanent. $26.00.
Banned Red
NARS Banned Red Lipstick ($26.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a muted, rusty brown with warmer undertones and a satin finish. It had rich color coverage that delivered even, smooth color in a single stroke that never dragged or tugged on my lips.
The consistency was lightweight, creamy enough to glide on, but it had a thinner feel–it looked creamier than it actually felt. The color didn’t emphasize my lip lines, and the formula felt lightly hydrating over the five hours it lasted for.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Rose Inc Poised (P, $28.00) is lighter, glossier (95% similar).
- Hourglass I Feel (P, $34.00) is lighter, warmer, glossier (85% similar).
- Chanel Beige Secret (83) (P, $45.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Makeup by Mario Cinnamon Glow (P, $22.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Stellar Beauty Dark Matter 04 (P, $22.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Passion Kiss (P, $34.00) is warmer, glossier (90% similar).
- Dior Taupe Ispahan (076) (LE, $40.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Hourglass Let Me (P, $34.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- YSL Brown No Way Back (302) (P, $45.00) is brighter, cooler (85% similar).
- ColourPop La Lady (P, $10.00) is less glossy (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$26.00/0.12 oz. - $216.67 Per Ounce
NARS has reformulated their core lipstick range, which now includes 72 shades across three finishes: matte, sheer, and satin. The formula is supposed to go on "smoothly and evenly with a light feel" that is "long-lasting" and "resistant to bleeding and feathering." The sheer finish has "subtle, sheer color that shines," while the satin finish has "creamy rich color" and the matte finish has "intense color with a velvety finish."
The matte finish has a very thin, featherweight feel to it, but they didn't feel clingy or too prone to dragging during application, though they were definitely a firmer texture in the tube. There was enough glide from the inclusion of dimethicone (first ingredient for the matte finish) that went on evenly, felt velvety but didn't feel as powder-like as some of the other more silicone-heavy matte lipstick formulas that have been released in the last couple of years. Most shades were pigmented and nearly opaque to opaque. The wear ranged from three to six hours with deeper, richer shades staying on a bit longer and leaving slight stains. They were comfortable to wear but felt more non-drying than particularly hydrating.
The satin finish has more slip, feels thicker (though not actually thick or heavy) compared to the matte finish, and of course, there was subtle to light shine/sheen. They applied smoothly, comfortably, and for the most part, went on evenly and didn't sink noticeably into my lip lines but there was some variance between shades. They were typically semi-opaque to opaque in coverage with four to six-hour wear that was lightly hydrating.
The sheer finish had coverage that ranged from semi-sheer to true medium coverage but most had some translucency to them, which gave them a sheerer finish. I found most of the shades I tried were buildable to some degree. The texture was a bit firmer, but they felt more emollient and "melted" a bit more against my lips than I recall the original line of lipsticks doing. Some shades applied well with even application and were flattering on, but there were a few that sank more noticeably into my lip lines. This finish tended to wear between three and five hours.
I don't have many of NARS' original lipsticks in my stash (I have mostly Audacious as they haven't been releasing many in the core range) to compare to. The matte finish was definitely thinner, more matte, and had a velvetier look on lips compared to the original which had a subtle sheen to it. The satin finish seemed a bit more pigmented and not quite as luminous/glossy as the previous formula, while the sheer finish was creamier, more emollient, and was easier to apply. It didn't feel like a vastly different formula, but it felt a bit easier to work with (smoother, more emollient but still lighterweight and thin, far less slip than any of the Audacious range) and was more comfortable to wear across the board for me.
I didn't notice any scent or taste, though there is "fragrance (parfum)" listed in the ingredients--it smelled neutral, not waxy but I just didn't get any scent.
Browse all of our NARS Lipstick swatches.
Ingredients
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Synthetic Wax, Polyethylene, Dimethicone, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Hydroxyapatite, Diisostearyl Malate, Microcrystalline Wax/Cera Microcristallina/Cire Microcristalline, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Glyceryl Behenate, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Calcium Stearate, Tin Oxide, Simethicone, Bht, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum), Linalool, Citronellol, Limonene, [+/- (May Contain/Peut Contenir): Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Carmine (Ci 75470), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Mica, Red 28 Lake (Ci 45410), Red 33 (Ci 17200), Red 33 Lake (Ci 17200), 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.
No surprise here, I suppose, I really love Banned Red for autumn and beyond! Reminds me of the leaves changing back in the Northeast! ?
The other two shades aren’t seeming to be as good as my dupes of them, so money saved.
It is my favorite too, Nancy. Such a beautiful fall shade and will look beautiful on you.
Voodoo is another word I wish people would stop using. It’s widely misunderstood and using it is disrespectful. I’d encourage people to read more about it. There’s a lot of info in the link below and a lot more info out there to learn about it.
It “…originated with slaves who combined elements of their West African traditions and beliefs with the Roman Catholicism imposed upon them by their masters… Haitian slavery ended in the early 1800s, followers of (voodoo) were often persecuted by authorities who demonized their religion… Many fundamentalist Christians still regard voudon and voodoo with suspicion, associating it with the occult, black magic and Satanism.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.livescience.com/amp/40803-voodoo-facts.html
These are lovely autumnal lipsticks, especially Hot Voodoo and Banned Red.
HV had a sister shade that was bronze, rather than copper, called King Kong. I find myself wishing that FN had made other choices in his overhaul. Tangier is/was iconic and seminal in the development of multi use products. I would have liked another King Kong.