NARS Afghan Red Lipstick

NARS Afghan Red Lipstick ($24.00 for 0.086 oz.) is described as a “garnet.” It’s a muted, medium-dark raspberry red with a subtle sheen. MAC Rebel is purpler and more intense. Guerlain Guet-Apens is lighter, less opaque. MAC Deliciously Forbidden is pinker. Milani Sexy Rose is frostier. Guerlain Bee is just slightly purpler. YSL Forbidden Burgundy is redder.

It is part of the satin finish range, which is supposed to be “a lustrous, long-wearing lipstick infused with conditioners to provide comfortable wear and sumptuously, silky color.” Afghan Red applies opaque with little product, and the texture is soft, lightly pliant, and barely creamy. It glides across the lips with nary a pull or a tug. The wear is good, though not as outstanding as some of the other reds by NARS; I get a solid five hours with some lingering color after six hours. It’s comfortable to wear, and it doesn’t cling as much to the lips as a true matte finish would. I found it marginally hydrating but no substitute for a good moisturizing gloss or balm, so it didn’t dry out lips or leave me fishing for gloss as soon as this wore off. It’s scent- and taste-free.

NARS Afghan Red Lipstick

NARS Afghan Red Lipstick

NARS Afghan Red Lipstick (Diffused Flash)

NARS Afghan Red Lipstick (Studio Lighting)

NARS Afghan Red Lipstick