NARS Blindfold & London Clinic Velvet Matte Lip Pencils Reviews, Photos, Swatches
Blindfold
NARS Blindfold Velvet Matte Lip Pencil ($27.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a dark, berry red with cooler undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-opaque color coverage that applied evenly on the lips. The pencil felt smooth, velvety, and thin, which gave it a lightweight feel but made it “cling” a little compared to the typical lipstick. The color was still going strong after six hours of wear, though it started to feel a bit drying after five hours of wear. This shade also left a stain behind.
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.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop More Better (DC, $6.50) is darker (95% similar).
- Burberry Damson (No. 425) (P, $35.00) is darker, glossier (95% similar).
- KVD Beauty XO (LE, $20.00) is less glossy (95% similar).
- Smashbox Jam On It (P, $21.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Guerlain #80 (P, $33.00) is more shimmery, warmer, glossier (90% similar).
- Makeup by Mario Amanda (P, $24.00) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Tulip Season (LE, $10.00) is glossier (90% similar).
- MAC Burning Love (P, $22.00) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Main Character (LE, $9.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- NARS Under My Thumb (P, $26.00) is darker (95% 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, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Lecithin, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Aroma (Flavor), Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Citric Acid, Dicalcium Phosphate. May Contain: Mica, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), CI 77492 (Iron Oxides), CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 15850 (Red 6), CI 15850 (Red 7 Lake).
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.
Blindfold
LELimited Edition. $27.00.
London Clinic
NARS London Clinic Velvet Matte Lip Pencil ($27.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a muted, medium pink with warm undertones and a matte finish. It had rich, opaque pigmentation that applied evenly on the lips. The texture was smooth, velvety, and thin, so it never dragged on the lips but felt lightweight on. This particular shade seemed slightly chalky on the lips and “cracked” faintly along my deeper lip lines. It wore well for five and a half hours and was slightly drying after four hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Lucky Strike (P, $10.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Secret Salma (P, $37.00) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Little League (P, $7.00) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Paint Me (LE, $5.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Lovecraft (P, $19.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Echo (P, $22.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Guerlain Fleur de Givre (LE, $30.00) is warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Fresh Cut (DC, $6.50) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Pussycat (04) (P, $55.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Milani I Am Fabulous (P, $6.99) is lighter, cooler (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, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Lecithin, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Aroma (Flavor), Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Citric Acid, Dicalcium Phosphate. May Contain: Mica, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), CI 77492 (Iron Oxides), CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 15850 (Red 6), CI 15850 (Red 7 Lake).
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.
Blindfold is a pretty color!
It is!
Both look very velvety in their finish, so I’m not surprised to read that they feel drying after several hours. Even so, I really love how London Clinic looks!
London Clinic is an interesting shade!
I actually love London Clinic, although it’s not getting the best grade! It’s such a perfect color for spring.
The color of London Clinic is gorgeous!
I’m kind of into both though of course Blindfold is more my speed. The drying part really deters me but at the same time, the colors are sooo good 🙁
Maybe try a dupe that’s more hydrating!
Christine the eye look is spectacular !!!!
Thanks, Janine!
Blindfold is a lovely shade, but they still look pretty drying to me and would certainly feel that way after a few hours.
They aren’t a hydrating formula for sure!
Blindfold is totally my jam.
Nice pick!
Christine, would you wear this and top or touch up with Guerlain Gigolo to deepen the colour?
I’m not sure which shade you’re referring to, but I don’t normally layer two lipsticks that are opaque myself so I’m not sure!
I was speaking of Nars Blindfold. I have paired this colour with Chanel Cassis for moisture and a little shine. They wear well together. Thank you for keeping us up to date and educated.