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NARS Glass Metropolis Mini Audacious Lipstick Coffret Review, Photos, Swatches

NARS Glass Metropolis Audacious Lipstick Coffret
NARS Glass Metropolis Audacious Lipstick Coffret

NARS Glass Metropolis Audacious Lipstick Coffret ($125.00 for 0.64 oz.) contains eight miniature sized Audacious Lipsticks (each is 0.08 oz., while a full size is 0.14 oz.) housed in a frosted glass box with a mirrored edge in the middle. There’s a lot to love about the set–a decent value (particularly for NARS, which doesn’t have the most value-packed palettes/sets usually), great formula that is seen through all eight shades, and unique, keepsake packaging–but the downside is that the shade range is very narrow with six shades being darker and more autumnal in look and feel. If you’ve been a longtime fan of the Audacious range and have been picking up shades since the launch, you may already have a few from this set, as only one shade, Sarah, is new (and exclusive to the set). I would have loved to have seen more variety in undertone, depth, and overall color selection, which I think would make it more splurge-worthy for more people. It’s a nice set in terms of quality, but I’m not sure if this is going to appeal to as many people as it could with just a few shades switched out. I’d also have loved them to include one or two of their new (and permanent) shades that were recently added to the permanent line-up.

Value

  • Audacious Lipstick: $32.00 for 0.14 oz. or $214.29/oz.
  • Value: $137.15

Bette is a rich, deep red-burgundy with subtle, warm undertones and a creamy, lightly glossy finish. It had very nearly opaque pigmentation that covered the lips with smooth, even color. The texture was lightly creamy with moderate slip with a thinner feel than most of the Audacious range, but I didn’t experience any feathering with this shade. The color lasted for six and a half hours, left a stain behind, and was just a touch hydrating. Maybelline Smoking Red (DC, $7.49) is less glossy (95% similar). ColourPop Tiana (LE, $10.00) is lighter, cooler (95% similar). Lancome Pigeon Blood Ruby (481) (P, $32.00) is cooler (95% similar). NARS Josephine (LE, $34.00) is lighter (95% similar). Smashbox Brick Trick (P, $24.00) is lighter, glossier (95% similar). Bite Beauty Liquorice (DC, $26.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Urban Decay Hex (DC, $18.00) is darker, cooler, glossier (90% similar). MAC Runner (LE, $19.00) is less glossy (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Bad Behavior (LE, $30.00) is darker, less glossy (90% similar). MAC Diva (P, $19.00) is lighter, less glossy (90% similar). MAC Dionysus (DC, $21.00) is darker, more muted (85% similar). YSL Topanga Sunset (150) (P, $38.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). Tarte High Dive (P, $21.00) is cooler (90% similar). MAC Cheers Dears (LE, $26.00) is cooler (90% similar). Bite Beauty Black Cherry (LE, $24.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). Dior Ultra Poison (883) (P, $37.00) is cooler (90% similar). NARS Ginette (LE, $34.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). NARS Ingrid (P, $34.00) is cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Cashing Out (PiP, $7.00) is cooler, less glossy (90% similar). Sephora Me First (38) (P, $13.00) is lighter, cooler, glossier (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Charlotte is a muted, deep red with soft, warm undertones and a natural finish. The pigmentation was fantastic–opaque and even–that wore for over six hours and left a stain behind. The consistency was light-medium in weight, creamy, and comfortable to wear and to apply. The formula was neither drying nor hydrating on me over time. ColourPop Tiana (LE, $10.00) is cooler, glossier (95% similar). Bite Beauty Liquorice (DC, $24.00) is darker (95% similar). MAC Dreaming of You (LE, $19.00) is cooler, less glossy (90% similar). NARS Eva (LE, $34.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Bite Beauty Mistletoe (LE, $26.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Urban Decay Hex (DC, $18.00) is warmer (90% similar). Sephora Me First (38) (P, $13.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). Bobbi Brown Crimson (DC, $37.00) is glossier (90% similar). Bite Beauty #001 (Reformulation) (LE, $36.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Pat McGrath 35MM (DC, $40.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Bite Beauty Black Cherry (LE, $24.00) is warmer (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Nikita (Right) (LE, )(90% similar). Chanel Blast (146) (P, $45.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). Guerlain #23 (P, $36.00) is lighter, glossier (90% similar). NARS Josephine (LE, $34.00) is glossier (95% similar). Bobbi Brown Red Berry (DC, $37.00) is cooler (90% similar). Bobbi Brown Your Majesty (DC, $37.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar). Smashbox Brick Trick (P, $24.00) is glossier (90% similar). Sephora Goddess (30) (P, $13.00) is darker, cooler, glossier (85% similar). Bite Beauty #001 (LE, $36.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Sandra is a bold, coppery brown with warm, red undertones and a lightly glossy, cream finish. It was intensely pigmented with full color coverage in a single stroke. The consistency was smooth, creamy, and comfortable to wear, as it was thick enough to keep from pulling into lip lines and left my lips looking plumper and smoother. The color lasted for five and a half hours and was hydrating over time. Pat McGrath Strange (DC, $40.00) is darker (95% similar). Bite Beauty Cognac (DC, $24.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Bite Beauty Clove (DC, $24.00) is darker, more muted, cooler (85% similar). MAC DGAF (P, $23.00) is more muted, warmer (90% similar). MAC Legendary (LE, $19.00) is more muted, less glossy (90% similar). Bobbi Brown Blackberry (P, $29.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Urban Decay Nighthawk (DC, $18.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar). Pat McGrath Unnatural Natural (DC, $40.00) is cooler (90% similar). Makeup Geek Witty (P, $15.00) is cooler (90% similar). Pat McGrath Flesh 3 (P, $38.00) is lighter (90% similar). NARS Jeanne (P, $34.00) is lighter, brighter, warmer (90% similar). MAC Camden Chic (LE, $19.00) is lighter (85% similar). Fenty Beauty Shawty (P, $18.00) is more muted (85% similar). Revlon Raisin Rage (P, $8.49) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). Chanel Rouge Ascendant (872) (P, $55.00) is cooler (85% similar). Maybelline Coffee Addiction (DC, $7.49) is more muted (85% similar). NARS Deborah (P, $34.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). Make Up For Ever Ignited Lava (120) (P, $23.00) is darker (85% similar). Sephora Yum Yum (10) (P, $8.00) is lighter (90% similar). Bite Beauty #011 (LE, $36.00) is darker (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Olivia is a bold, brighter, medium-dark red with warmer undertones and a glossy, creamy finish. The pigmentation was fully opaque with a creamy, light-medium weight texture that was comfortable to wear. The formula was lightly hydrating, long-wearing at six and a half hours, and didn’t feather on me. Marc Jacobs Beauty Miss Scarlet (208) (P, $30.00) is darker (90% similar). YSL Black Red (71) (LE, $38.00) is less glossy (95% similar). NYX Alabama (P, $6.00) is lighter, less glossy (90% similar). NARS Shirley (P, $34.00) is darker, more muted, cooler (90% similar). Bite Beauty Crushed Chili (LE, $26.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Shiseido Scarlet Rush (204) (P, $26.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Urban Decay Callback (P, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar). NARS Lee (LE, $34.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). MAC Hearts Aflame (LE, $19.00) is lighter, more muted (90% similar). Revlon Raisin Rage (P, $8.49) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). NARS Golshan (P, $25.00) is lighter, less glossy (85% similar). MAC Dubonnet (P, $19.00) is lighter, less glossy (90% similar). Bobbi Brown Rare Ruby (P, $40.00) is darker (90% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Rose Wish (LE, $37.00) is lighter, warmer, less glossy (90% similar). Bite Beauty Cherry Truffle (LE, ) is lighter, cooler, glossier (90% similar). Bobbi Brown Ruby (P, $40.00) is lighter (90% similar). KVD Beauty Misfit (P, $19.00) is lighter, less glossy (90% similar). NARS Fire Down Below (P, $26.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). MAC Camden Chic (LE, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Gallop (P, $10.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Rita is a bright, medium red with warm undertones and a cream finish. The color coverage was fully opaque, while the texture was smooth, creamy, and glided on without tugging. I felt like the thicker texture of this shade pulled into lip lines slightly, though. On me, it wore well for five and a half hours, left a stain behind, and was comfortable to wear.
Maybelline Dynamite Red (DC, $7.49) is darker, more muted, less glossy (95% similar). NARS Margot (LE, $34.00) is more muted, cooler (95% similar). YSL Midnight LA (149) (P, $38.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (95% similar). MAC Ruffian Red (LE, $19.00) is darker, more muted, cooler (90% similar). Urban Decay F-Bomb (DC, $18.00) is cooler, glossier (95% similar). Chanel Imperial (73) (DC, $45.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). Hourglass Visionary (P, $32.00) is more muted, cooler (90% similar). Givenchy L'Interdit (333) (P, $36.00) is lighter, brighter, cooler (90% similar). Urban Decay Bad Blood (P, $19.00) is cooler, less glossy (90% similar). MAC Night to Remember (LE, $19.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). Bite Beauty Holly (DC, $24.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). NARS Jungle Red (P, $26.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). NARS Marlene (P, $34.00) is lighter, warmer, less glossy (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Rouge Fatal (LE, $57.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). YSL Rouge Vinyle (401) (P, $36.00) is glossier (90% similar). Giorgio Armani Burn Red (418) (LE, $38.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar). MAC Audacious (P, $23.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). Smashbox Get Fired (P, $21.00) is darker, glossier (95% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Scarlet Rouge (P, $55.00) is lighter, brighter, warmer (90% similar). Sephora Deep Water Bay (24) (P, $8.00) is darker (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Marlene is a bright, medium-dark rusty orange with warm, red undertones and a cream finish. It had full color coverage with a smooth, light-medium weight consistency that applied with even color. The texture was comfortable to wear and neither drying nor hydrating. It wore well for five and a half hours on me. Bobbi Brown Flame (DC, $37.00) is darker, more muted (95% similar). Make Up For Ever M300 (DC, $22.00) is darker, glossier (95% similar). Bite Beauty Hot Harissa (LE, $26.00) is lighter (95% similar). Dior Ultra Trouble (436) (P, $37.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Habanero (DC, $21.00) is brighter, cooler (90% similar). YSL Lost in Marais (145) (P, $38.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Foolish (P, $10.00) is lighter (95% similar). Chanel Rouge Feu (57) (P, $45.00) is lighter, less glossy (90% similar). YSL Take My Red Away (120) (LE, $38.00) is darker (90% similar). Bite Beauty Purée (DC, $24.00) is lighter (90% similar). Dior Ultra Spice (641) (P, $37.00) is cooler (90% similar). NARS Rita (P, $34.00) is darker, cooler, glossier (90% similar). Urban Decay Olvera (P, $19.00) is cooler, glossier (90% similar). Bite Beauty Mimosa (DC, $24.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). Shiseido Lantern Red (220) (P, $26.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). NARS Carmen (P, $34.00) is lighter, brighter (80% similar). MAC Strange Journey (LE, $19.00) is darker, more muted (85% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Showstopper (134) (DC, $30.00) is lighter, brighter, glossier (95% similar). Urban Decay Temper (DC, $22.00) is darker (90% similar). Bite Beauty Aries (LE, $26.00) is lighter (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Anita is a light-medium pink with warm, yellow undertones and a cream finish. It had rich color payoff with a creamy, light-medium weight consistency that was easy to glide on. The lipstick sunk into lip lines slightly initially, and then it was worse after two hours of wear. On me, the color wore for just over four and a half hours and was a touch hydrating. Guerlain Cashew Brown (819) (P, $36.00) is darker, warmer (95% similar). Make Up For Ever Brazen Pink (154) (P, $23.00) is cooler (95% similar). Smashbox Primrose (PiP, $21.00) is cooler (95% similar). Hourglass I Woke Up (P, $34.00) is darker (90% similar). bareMinerals Heaven (PiP, $20.00) is less pigmented (90% similar). Bite Beauty Pepper (DC, $24.00) is darker (85% similar). Givenchy Rose d'Exception (206) (LE, $36.00) is darker (90% similar). Pat McGrath Realness (DC, $40.00) is darker (90% similar). Pat McGrath Christy (P, $38.00) is warmer (95% similar). Giorgio Armani Blush (500) (P, $38.00) is darker, glossier (90% similar). KVD Beauty OG Lolita (P, $19.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar). NARS Vanessa (P, $34.00) is darker, warmer (80% similar). LORAC Belle-ieve (LE, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Pat McGrath Sextrology (DC, $40.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Guerlain Milky Beige (360) (P, $36.00) is darker, cooler, less glossy (90% similar). MAC Laissez-Faire (P, $24.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). bareMinerals XOX (PiP, $20.00) is darker (85% similar). Bobbi Brown Uber Pink (DC, $37.00) is cooler (90% similar). Bite Beauty Café (LE, $24.00) is darker, glossier (80% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Pink Dusk (P, $57.00) is lighter, cooler (80% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Sarah is a medium-dark peach with hints of warmer, brown undertones and a satin finish. The pigmentation was fully opaque, while the texture was smooth, velvety, and felt a touch heavier than most Audacious shades (and it had less slip). The color pulled into lip lines a bit initially but was more noticeable after three hours of wear. It wore for just over four and a half hours on me and was neither drying nor hydrating. Giorgio Armani Granite (101) (P, $38.00) is glossier (95% similar). Smashbox Recognized (P, $24.00) is darker (95% similar). NARS Bella (LE, $34.00) is lighter (90% similar). ColourPop Appy (P, $10.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Urban Decay Fuel (LE, $18.00) is lighter (85% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Best Actress (P, $34.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Natasha Denona Judith (14NB) (P, $25.00) is darker (90% similar). Makeup Geek Beach Bunny (P, $12.00) is lighter, brighter, cooler (85% similar). MAC Date-Maker (P, $26.00) is lighter (90% similar). Sephora Brunch Date (01) (P, $8.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Mocha (P, $19.00) is darker (90% similar). ColourPop Simon Says (LE, $10.00) is darker (90% similar). Estee Lauder Discreet (P, $32.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). MAC Care to Share (LE, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar). Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Marion (DC, $18.00) is darker (90% similar). ColourPop What's Your Sign (LE, $10.00) is lighter (90% similar). Maybelline Punchy (P, $12.99) is darker (90% similar). Patrick Ta She's Confident (P, $24.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Pinch (LE, $7.00) is darker (95% similar). Tarte Colada (P, $21.00) is lighter, warmer, glossier (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

NARS Glass Metropolis Mini Audacious Lipstick Coffret (Holiday 2016)

NARS Glass Metropolis Mini Audacious Lipstick Coffret (Holiday 2016)

NARS Glass Metropolis Mini Audacious Lipstick Coffret (Holiday 2016)

NARS Glass Metropolis Mini Audacious Lipstick Coffret (Holiday 2016)

NARS Glass Metropolis Mini Audacious Lipstick Coffret (Holiday 2016)

NARS Glass Metropolis Mini Audacious Lipstick Coffret (Holiday 2016)

NARS Glass Metropolis Mini Audacious Lipstick Coffret (Holiday 2016)

NARS Bette Audacious Lipstick

NARS Bette Audacious Lipstick

NARS Bette Audacious Lipstick

NARS Bette Audacious Lipstick

NARS Bette Audacious Lipstick

NARS Bette Audacious Lipstick

NARS Charlotte Audacious Lipstick

NARS Charlotte Audacious Lipstick

NARS Charlotte Audacious Lipstick

NARS Charlotte Audacious Lipstick

NARS Charlotte Audacious Lipstick

NARS Charlotte Audacious Lipstick

NARS Sandra Audacious Lipstick

NARS Sandra Audacious Lipstick

NARS Sandra Audacious Lipstick

NARS Sandra Audacious Lipstick

NARS Sandra Audacious Lipstick

NARS Sandra Audacious Lipstick

NARS Olivia Audacious Lipstick

NARS Olivia Audacious Lipstick

NARS Olivia Audacious Lipstick

NARS Olivia Audacious Lipstick

NARS Olivia Audacious Lipstick

NARS Olivia Audacious Lipstick

NARS Rita Audacious Lipstick

NARS Rita Audacious Lipstick

NARS Rita Audacious Lipstick

NARS Rita Audacious Lipstick

NARS Rita Audacious Lipstick

NARS Rita Audacious Lipstick

NARS Marlene Audacious Lipstick

NARS Marlene Audacious Lipstick

NARS Marlene Audacious Lipstick

NARS Marlene Audacious Lipstick

NARS Marlene Audacious Lipstick

NARS Marlene Audacious Lipstick

NARS Anita Audacious Lipstick

NARS Anita Audacious Lipstick

NARS Anita Audacious Lipstick

NARS Anita Audacious Lipstick

NARS Anita Audacious Lipstick

NARS Anita Audacious Lipstick

NARS Sarah Audacious Lipstick

NARS Sarah Audacious Lipstick

NARS Sarah Audacious Lipstick

NARS Sarah Audacious Lipstick

NARS Sarah Audacious Lipstick

NARS Sarah Audacious Lipstick

Makeup Look
On face:
  • Guerlain Lingerie de Peau Foundation
  • Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder
  • NARS Give In Take Blush II
  • Anastasia Amber Glow Highlight Powder
On eyes:
  • NARS Give In Take Dual-Intensity Eye & Cheek Palette
  • Sephora Eccentric Diva Eyeliner

48 Comments

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Mo Merrell Avatar

Too many reds for me. I’d have liked a variation of colors to get a feel for the entire range of colors. This is like one long color minus the two quite obvious shades however it’s an adorable set. I love mini lipsticks.

Katherine T. Avatar

(Sigh) Wow, I love mini lip sets, especially ones that score all A’s, but I have way too many red lippies already, and the 2 lighter shades are zombie colors on me, so will skip. Between this and the Sarah Moon collection, it looks like NARS went crazy with the red lippies this holiday, wish they had switched out some of the reds and put in some browns, purples, rose, etc to mix it up.

Jules Avatar

Very nice, but I totally disagree with the price point and won’t be buying it solely for that reason. I feel that it’s way overpriced, it’s not a value set, and that annoys me!

Christine Avatar

Thanks for sharing! Just as a FYI, NARS doesn’t really do “value” sets in the sense of giving you $400 worth of product for $50, but the set, if I didn’t screw up the math as I normally do, is still providing more product (by the oz.), so it technically is a value set ($137 value vs. $125 price tag). It is an expensive set, of course, so I understand that you might want even more for your money.

Andrea Avatar

Do you think there is a difference in the formula of Bette (mini vs full size)? When these were released in 2014 you gave Bette a B and now the grade is an A! Did they revamp the formula as well? Thanks!

Deborah S. Avatar

Boy when everyone was talking about this being the year of the lipstick they weren’t kidding. Your poor lips must be so tired of testing. These are lovely colors but as many have said, I have a lot of reds already so I will save the money for something else.

Lea Avatar

I actually like the box the most out of this set. I did actually wear a red lip all day today (and an orangey red one at that), but I have a long way to go to need this many reds at once.

Bonnie Avatar

Totally getting this, despite the red lipstick overload!!! Really 6 out of 8 in the same color family is a little much. And I’m not a big nude lipstick wearer. But I do LOVE reds like these and a few of them have been on my wishlist for ages. (And I dont own any of these shades yet!) I figure I’ll give the nudes to my two besties who love nudes and pinks so they don’t go to waste! This isn’t my ideal lipstick set but I’m still digging it.

Ginny Avatar

Very vampy and then the pinks seem a bit thrown in. Even if this was to be a “wardrobe of vamp” it’s… So very burgundy. Surprised they didn’t include purpler ones like Kate or even Janet. Can’t be too mad, though, I adore this formula.

kjh Avatar

Cher Francois, I know you had me in mind, but I still haven’t worn down the first six yet, and I haven’t decided on a pied a terre in Paris yet. Sorry, I will have to forego these. Yet another embarrassment. But if the stash caught fire, or I had a vacay home, I’d snap this in a nanosecond. Periodically try Anita, but have 2 dupes, and 2 for Sarah as well. Lest I fail to repeat myself for the 100th time, I’ve never met a NARS red I don’t adore. What a set! But already snagged. He really knows how to rope me in!

Helene Avatar

I love all the reds, the two lighter ones are on no-no land for me. Lovely as the packaging is, with two colours I don’t really like (on me) and one I already have (Olivia) I’ll not buy this set. I do however think I must buy Charlotte and Rita, two lipsticks I often stand staring at, thinking, “next time”. Maybe next time will be here soon.

AB Avatar

Too many darker shades for me. Hope they come out with lighter shades, as a set of mini-lipsticks would be a fun way to sample across the line (I haven’t tried this formula yet).

We try to approve comments within 24 hours (and reply to them within 72 hours) but can sometimes get behind and appreciate your patience! 🙂 If you have general feedback, product review requests, off-topic questions, or need technical support, please contact us directly. Thank you for your patience!