NARS Cruella, Infatuated Red, Consuming Red Velvet Matte Lip Pencils Reviews, Photos, Swatches
Cruella
NARS Cruella Velvet Matte Lip Pencil ($27.00 for 0.08 oz.) is dark red with cool, blue undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-opaque pigmentation that applied evenly to the lips. The texture was thin, velvety, and smooth enough to glide on without tugging on the lips but still appear flat and matte. This shade wore well for six hours, was somewhat drying, and 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
- Makeup Geek Flamenco (LE, $12.00) is brighter (95% similar).
- MAC Wild Memories (LE, $19.00) is brighter (95% similar).
- MAC Self Esteem (LE, $19.00) is brighter (90% similar).
- Maybelline Cruel Ruby (P, $7.49) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Weekender (LE, $6.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- NARS Immortal Red (P, $26.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Anastasia Primary #3 (Vol. 1) (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Chanel Pivoine Noire (136) (P, $40.00) is lighter, brighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Too Faced Cinnamon Bear (LE, $21.00) is brighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Too Faced Lady Balls (P, $21.00) is 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.
Cruella
PPermanent. $27.00.
Infatuated Red
NARS Infatuated Red Velvet Matte Lip Pencil ($27.00 for 0.08 oz.) is a medium-dark red with warm undertones and a matte finish. The color coverage was nearly opaque, and it was easily built up to full coverage with just a touch more (not even a full layer). The pencil felt smooth going on–thin and velvety but not clingy–and was fairly comfortable to wear over the six hours it lasted for. I found this particularly shade to be just a smidgen drying after five hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- NARS Rouge Indiscret (LE, $28.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- KVD Beauty Nosferatu (P, $20.00) is warmer, less glossy (90% similar).
- ColourPop Avenue (P, $6.50) is cooler, less glossy (90% similar).
- NARS Vain (P, $26.00) is glossier (90% similar).
- MAC Viva Glam I (P, $19.00) is glossier (95% similar).
- ColourPop Goldie (P, $6.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Just Push Play (P, $26.00) is brighter (90% similar).
- Milani I Am Motivated (P, $6.99) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- YSL Conflicting Crimson (27) (P, $39.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Impassioned (P, $55.00) is darker, cooler, glossier (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.
Infatuated Red
PPermanent. $27.00.
Consuming Red
NARS Consuming Red Velvet Matte Lip Pencil ($27.00 for 0.08 oz.) is a deep red with subtle, warm undertones and a mostly matte finish. The consistency was creamier, not quite as thin as most shades in the range, but it did seem to sit better on the lips and was non-drying while it was worn. It had good color coverage, which was buildable to full coverage in two layers. This shade wore well for six hours and left a slight stain behind.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Viva Glam I (P, $19.00) is glossier (90% similar).
- Tarte Vibin' (P, $20.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Anastasia Currant (P, $20.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Amsterdam (P, $28.00) is glossier (90% similar).
- ColourPop Avenue (P, $6.50) is less glossy (90% similar).
- NARS 413 BLKR (DC, $28.00) is glossier (90% similar).
- NARS Infatuated Red (P, $27.00) is brighter, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Deeply Adored (LE, $19.00) is lighter, brighter, glossier (80% similar).
- NARS Rouge Indiscret (LE, $28.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- KVD Beauty Nahz Fur Atoo (P, $19.00) is darker, 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.
Nars always does red well..
So true — though how many brands do red poorly? LOL
I’m glad Consuming Red is permanent, as soon as I make a dent in my red lipstick stash, will grab it
Awesome!
I love Cruella. Cat Marnell name dropped it in her memoir and literally 10 minutes later I was on Sephora ordering it. And I don’t regret it at all, it’s become one of my go-to reds. It always has a place in my purse!
But I noticed it has a weird sickly-sweet scent…does anyone else notice that or just me?
I haven’t noticed any scent!
The scent kind of reminds me of Sweet Tarts…it’s pretty faint though I think
Cruella is a favorite of mine and it’s one of my top choices for going out. It wears very well even with eating and drinking. I find it drying if I wear it a few days in a row. I’ve gotten past the drying effects for a single wear mostly by using an oil remover and a coat of balm after. I’ve yet to find someone who looks bad in it too. It pulls warmer on me than some people due to my odd coloring but it’s still pretty perfect.
Thank you for the tips on how to make it less damaging!
I fondly remember Cruella as my first statement lip: the resistance to fading and bleeding of the formula gave me the confidence to wear a stronger lip. It really sucks that over the years, my lips developed a reaction to the formula so I can no longer wear it. I am really glad this shade is now in the swatch gallery: makes it easier to go dupe hunting.
Last night’s question? Haha! I am not only duped to the gills with MAC VG I and Chanel Rouge Vie, but received Cruella as a BD gift a couple of years ago! (I may possibly have a red lipstick addiction?)
That said, I definitely love how well Consuming Red applies. It is a gorgeous shade!
Addicted to red lipstick? No way 😉
Looking at the dupe lists, I have dupes for all three, add in the slightly drying texture of these, I’m not buying. So I’m good!!
Glad you have some dupes, Shannon!
To die for. But I own Cruella and Viva Glam I is a favorite of mine, so…..
Viva Glam I is so classic!
Beautiful colors. If NARS would take the parabens out.
Hopefully, one day the ingredient deck will work for you!
I love the look/feel of these. Just wish they had added some more mauve and brown shades among the new additions.
Hopefully, they’ll do it next time!