NARS Full Vinyl Lip Lacquers: Abruzzo & At First Sight Reviews & Swatches
Abruzzo
NARS Abruzzo Full Vinyl Lip Lacquer ($26.00 for 0.17 oz.) is a medium-dark plum with subtle, warm undertones and a shimmery finish. It had semi-opaque pigmentation that applied evenly across my lips as it spread easily. There was a faint amount of product that settled into some of my deeper lip lines, but it wasn’t noticeable from a normal viewing distance as the finish was quite shiny and reflective. The consistency was smooth, light-medium in thickness, and lightly tacky. It wore well for five hours and was lightly hydrating on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Space Bubble (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Snapped (P, $20.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Smashbox Foiled Brat (P, $24.00) is darker (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Disco Queen (P, $20.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Venomistress (P, $30.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Warp Speed Ahead (LE, $21.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Gal on the Moon (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Make Me Mercurial (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- MAC Deep Set (LE, $21.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- MAC Star Memoir (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$26.00/0.17 oz. - $152.94 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "patent shine" and "high-octane color," which is further translated into "mirror-like shine" and "intense color" and has a "moisturizing feel." The applicator is made with two distinct sides; one side "features a reservoir to deposit the ideal amount of color" (it's slightly indented) and the other side "evenly distributes the formula." I actually felt that the applicator often over-applied the product, and I'd expect someone with thinner lips may find they need to wipe some off prior to applying to their lips.
The texture was plush, moderate in thickness but lighter weight (not heavy but I knew I was wearing gloss) and had light to moderate tackiness, which became more noticeable over time. I felt that the shimmery shades applied the best--more even, better coverage, and sat well on my lips--while the cream shades were inconsistent though often quite pigmented. The lighter cream shades (like Santo Domingo) almost appeared bubbled on my lips, not streaky or uneven per se, but the finish wasn't as flattering or as smooth as it was for deeper, richer hues (like Red District). Both finishes were very shiny--dare I say, mirror-like!--and glossy.
Most shades were pigmented, and the majority lasted at least four hours with some lasting as long as six hours on me. The formula was comfortable to wear and lightly to moderately hydrating over time. They were scented with something sweet and syrupy, not typical vanilla, but didn't seem to have a discernible taste to me.
Browse all of our NARS Full Vinyl Lip Lacquer swatches.
Abruzzo
LELimited Edition. $26.00.
At First Sight
NARS At First Sight Full Vinyl Lip Lacquer ($26.00 for 0.17 oz.) has a clear base with a subtle amount of larger gold sparkle and finer pearl. It translated to a sheer, “white gold” on my lips, and by the brand’s description, it was designed to be clear. I wish it had packed with more shimmer in it, which I think would distinguish it from a slew of other, barely-shimmered, translucent glosses. The consistency was smooth, lightly tacky but spreadable and comfortable to wear. The gloss stayed on well for four hours and was lightly hydrating over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Sunshine Required (LE, $8.00) is less glossy (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Gold Allure (P, $30.00) is more shimmery, less glossy (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Blitz Gold (P, $30.00) is more shimmery, darker, more pigmented (90% similar).
- Becca Pearl x Gold (LE, $22.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Stella (LE, $10.00) is darker, more pigmented (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Starcrossed (LE, $18.00) is more shimmery, more pigmented (90% similar).
- YSL Gold Track (15) (LE, $38.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Goldfinch (P, $21.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- MAC Kindness (LE, $20.00) is more shimmery, more pigmented (90% similar).
- Dose of Colors Over the Top (LE, $17.00) is warmer (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$26.00/0.17 oz. - $152.94 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "patent shine" and "high-octane color," which is further translated into "mirror-like shine" and "intense color" and has a "moisturizing feel." The applicator is made with two distinct sides; one side "features a reservoir to deposit the ideal amount of color" (it's slightly indented) and the other side "evenly distributes the formula." I actually felt that the applicator often over-applied the product, and I'd expect someone with thinner lips may find they need to wipe some off prior to applying to their lips.
The texture was plush, moderate in thickness but lighter weight (not heavy but I knew I was wearing gloss) and had light to moderate tackiness, which became more noticeable over time. I felt that the shimmery shades applied the best--more even, better coverage, and sat well on my lips--while the cream shades were inconsistent though often quite pigmented. The lighter cream shades (like Santo Domingo) almost appeared bubbled on my lips, not streaky or uneven per se, but the finish wasn't as flattering or as smooth as it was for deeper, richer hues (like Red District). Both finishes were very shiny--dare I say, mirror-like!--and glossy.
Most shades were pigmented, and the majority lasted at least four hours with some lasting as long as six hours on me. The formula was comfortable to wear and lightly to moderately hydrating over time. They were scented with something sweet and syrupy, not typical vanilla, but didn't seem to have a discernible taste to me.
Browse all of our NARS Full Vinyl Lip Lacquer swatches.
Abruzzo is gorgeous! Thankfully, I hate the feel of glitter on my lips, so I’m safe from temptation.
It is a pretty one!
Wow, Abruzzo is such a pretty color!
It is!
While I neither love, nor hate At First Sight, it seems just too….generic? At least for $26, I would say.
Abruzzo, on the other hand, is just right for me! (as evidenced by my already owning a few 80-85% dupes!) I say this because I don’t think Astro-naughty is *that* close. It’s burgundy, whereas this shade screams sparkling Berry.
Oh, yeah, for the price point, you’d just have to love NARS’ formula overall – like it just has the right feel/weight/texture/wear/hydration – but there’s not much to it, so it is easy to find 234987234 other options at any price point.
Abruzzo is a beautiful shade.
Abruzzo is ever so slightly too purple for me, but damn if it isn’t quite pretty.
Must get Abruzzo. Beautiful
Abruzzo is stunning! I love the color and the shimmer. It’s pretty perfect.
Wow, Abruzzo. NARS seems to be killin’ it with most of these.
Are these fragrance free?
Please read “Formula Overview.”