NARS Immortal Red, Trans Siberian, Transeurope Express Lipsticks Reviews & Swatches
Immortal Red
NARS Immortal Red Lipstick ($26.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a medium-dark red with moderate, warm undertones and a satin finish. It was richly pigmented with a smooth, lightly emollient texture that felt more velvety than creamy as it glided across my lips without tugging.
It had a very lightweight, thin feel applied, though it never felt clingy. The color applied evenly and didn’t emphasize my lip lines. It wore well for six hours and felt neither drying nor hydrating over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Lee Hi (LE, $19.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- NARS Too Hot to Hold (P, $34.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Givenchy Rouge Stiletto (P, $37.00) is lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- MAC Wild Memories (LE, $19.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- NARS Shanghai Express (P, $26.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Russian Red (P, $19.00) is lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- NARS Mysterious Red (P, $27.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- YSL Insurgent Red (202) (P, $39.00) is more shimmery, glossier (90% similar).
- Urban Decay 714 (DC, $18.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Viva Glam I (P, $19.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$26.00/0.12 oz. - $216.67 Per Ounce
NARS has reformulated their core lipstick range, which now includes 72 shades across three finishes: matte, sheer, and satin. The formula is supposed to go on "smoothly and evenly with a light feel" that is "long-lasting" and "resistant to bleeding and feathering." The sheer finish has "subtle, sheer color that shines," while the satin finish has "creamy rich color" and the matte finish has "intense color with a velvety finish."
The matte finish has a very thin, featherweight feel to it, but they didn't feel clingy or too prone to dragging during application, though they were definitely a firmer texture in the tube. There was enough glide from the inclusion of dimethicone (first ingredient for the matte finish) that went on evenly, felt velvety but didn't feel as powder-like as some of the other more silicone-heavy matte lipstick formulas that have been released in the last couple of years. Most shades were pigmented and nearly opaque to opaque. The wear ranged from three to six hours with deeper, richer shades staying on a bit longer and leaving slight stains. They were comfortable to wear but felt more non-drying than particularly hydrating.
The satin finish has more slip, feels thicker (though not actually thick or heavy) compared to the matte finish, and of course, there was subtle to light shine/sheen. They applied smoothly, comfortably, and for the most part, went on evenly and didn't sink noticeably into my lip lines but there was some variance between shades. They were typically semi-opaque to opaque in coverage with four to six-hour wear that was lightly hydrating.
The sheer finish had coverage that ranged from semi-sheer to true medium coverage but most had some translucency to them, which gave them a sheerer finish. I found most of the shades I tried were buildable to some degree. The texture was a bit firmer, but they felt more emollient and "melted" a bit more against my lips than I recall the original line of lipsticks doing. Some shades applied well with even application and were flattering on, but there were a few that sank more noticeably into my lip lines. This finish tended to wear between three and five hours.
I don't have many of NARS' original lipsticks in my stash (I have mostly Audacious as they haven't been releasing many in the core range) to compare to. The matte finish was definitely thinner, more matte, and had a velvetier look on lips compared to the original which had a subtle sheen to it. The satin finish seemed a bit more pigmented and not quite as luminous/glossy as the previous formula, while the sheer finish was creamier, more emollient, and was easier to apply. It didn't feel like a vastly different formula, but it felt a bit easier to work with (smoother, more emollient but still lighterweight and thin, far less slip than any of the Audacious range) and was more comfortable to wear across the board for me.
I didn't notice any scent or taste, though there is "fragrance (parfum)" listed in the ingredients--it smelled neutral, not waxy but I just didn't get any scent.
Browse all of our NARS Lipstick swatches.
Ingredients
Dimethicone, Synthetic Wax, Polyethylene, Isohexadecane, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Microcrystalline Wax/Cera Microcristallina/Cire Microcristalline, Kaolin, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Candelilla Cera/Cire De Candelilla, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Polysilicone-11, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Hydroxyapatite, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Propylene Carbonate ·Simethicone, Bht, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum), Linalool, Citronellol, Limonene, [+/- ( May Contain): Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Mica, Red 28 Lake (Ci 45410), Red 33 Lake (Ci 17200), Red 6 (Ci 15850), Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Yellow 6 Lake (Ci 15985)].
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.
Immortal Red
PPermanent. $26.00.
Trans Siberian
NARS Trans Siberian Lipstick ($26.00 for 0.12 oz.) is muted, dark red with neutral-to-cool undertones and a satin finish. It had nearly opaque color coverage that applied evenly and smoothly across my lips without dragging. The texture was creamy, lightweight, and thin without becoming clingy or prone to catching on my lip texture. This shade lasted well for six hours and was neither drying nor moisturizing while worn.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Perfect Score (LE, $19.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- MAC Slay Ride (LE, $19.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Bichette (P, $7.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Guerlain Kiss To Say (521) (P, $39.00) is lighter, less pigmented (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Dominic (P, $36.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Ribbon (LE, $6.50) is cooler (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Vendetta (P, $38.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Bite Beauty Red Velvet (P, $24.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Guerlain #26 (P, $33.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Tarte Miami Vice (P, $21.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$26.00/0.12 oz. - $216.67 Per Ounce
NARS has reformulated their core lipstick range, which now includes 72 shades across three finishes: matte, sheer, and satin. The formula is supposed to go on "smoothly and evenly with a light feel" that is "long-lasting" and "resistant to bleeding and feathering." The sheer finish has "subtle, sheer color that shines," while the satin finish has "creamy rich color" and the matte finish has "intense color with a velvety finish."
The matte finish has a very thin, featherweight feel to it, but they didn't feel clingy or too prone to dragging during application, though they were definitely a firmer texture in the tube. There was enough glide from the inclusion of dimethicone (first ingredient for the matte finish) that went on evenly, felt velvety but didn't feel as powder-like as some of the other more silicone-heavy matte lipstick formulas that have been released in the last couple of years. Most shades were pigmented and nearly opaque to opaque. The wear ranged from three to six hours with deeper, richer shades staying on a bit longer and leaving slight stains. They were comfortable to wear but felt more non-drying than particularly hydrating.
The satin finish has more slip, feels thicker (though not actually thick or heavy) compared to the matte finish, and of course, there was subtle to light shine/sheen. They applied smoothly, comfortably, and for the most part, went on evenly and didn't sink noticeably into my lip lines but there was some variance between shades. They were typically semi-opaque to opaque in coverage with four to six-hour wear that was lightly hydrating.
The sheer finish had coverage that ranged from semi-sheer to true medium coverage but most had some translucency to them, which gave them a sheerer finish. I found most of the shades I tried were buildable to some degree. The texture was a bit firmer, but they felt more emollient and "melted" a bit more against my lips than I recall the original line of lipsticks doing. Some shades applied well with even application and were flattering on, but there were a few that sank more noticeably into my lip lines. This finish tended to wear between three and five hours.
I don't have many of NARS' original lipsticks in my stash (I have mostly Audacious as they haven't been releasing many in the core range) to compare to. The matte finish was definitely thinner, more matte, and had a velvetier look on lips compared to the original which had a subtle sheen to it. The satin finish seemed a bit more pigmented and not quite as luminous/glossy as the previous formula, while the sheer finish was creamier, more emollient, and was easier to apply. It didn't feel like a vastly different formula, but it felt a bit easier to work with (smoother, more emollient but still lighterweight and thin, far less slip than any of the Audacious range) and was more comfortable to wear across the board for me.
I didn't notice any scent or taste, though there is "fragrance (parfum)" listed in the ingredients--it smelled neutral, not waxy but I just didn't get any scent.
Browse all of our NARS Lipstick swatches.
Ingredients
Dimethicone, Synthetic Wax, Polyethylene, Isohexadecane, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Microcrystalline Wax/Cera Microcristallina/Cire Microcristalline, Kaolin, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Candelilla Cera/Cire De Candelilla, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Polysilicone-11, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Hydroxyapatite, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Propylene Carbonate ·Simethicone, Bht, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum), Linalool, Citronellol, Limonene, [+/- ( May Contain): Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Mica, Red 28 Lake (Ci 45410), Red 33 Lake (Ci 17200), Red 6 (Ci 15850), Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Yellow 6 Lake (Ci 15985)].
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.
Trans Siberian
PPermanent. $26.00.
Transeurope Express
NARS Transeurope Express Lipstick ($26.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a medium-dark plum with subtle, warm undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-opaque color coverage in a single layer, which didn’t build up well to full coverage due to the drier texture.
The lipstick felt quite firm in the tube, which resulted in some tugging and dragging during application; I’d recommend applying in short strokes rather than a fluid one. It stayed on nicely for five and a half hours but was slightly drying over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Hermosa (P, $9.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M102 (DC, $22.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Bite Beauty Radicchio (P, $28.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Executive Realness (P, $38.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Nonsense (LE, $18.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Lisa Eldridge Velvet Myth (LE, $36.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar).
- NARS Trashed (LE, $27.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Rare Beauty Strengthen (P, $20.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Hourglass One Time (P, $34.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Stone's Throw (LE, $20.00) is more shimmery, darker, glossier (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$26.00/0.12 oz. - $216.67 Per Ounce
NARS has reformulated their core lipstick range, which now includes 72 shades across three finishes: matte, sheer, and satin. The formula is supposed to go on "smoothly and evenly with a light feel" that is "long-lasting" and "resistant to bleeding and feathering." The sheer finish has "subtle, sheer color that shines," while the satin finish has "creamy rich color" and the matte finish has "intense color with a velvety finish."
The matte finish has a very thin, featherweight feel to it, but they didn't feel clingy or too prone to dragging during application, though they were definitely a firmer texture in the tube. There was enough glide from the inclusion of dimethicone (first ingredient for the matte finish) that went on evenly, felt velvety but didn't feel as powder-like as some of the other more silicone-heavy matte lipstick formulas that have been released in the last couple of years. Most shades were pigmented and nearly opaque to opaque. The wear ranged from three to six hours with deeper, richer shades staying on a bit longer and leaving slight stains. They were comfortable to wear but felt more non-drying than particularly hydrating.
The satin finish has more slip, feels thicker (though not actually thick or heavy) compared to the matte finish, and of course, there was subtle to light shine/sheen. They applied smoothly, comfortably, and for the most part, went on evenly and didn't sink noticeably into my lip lines but there was some variance between shades. They were typically semi-opaque to opaque in coverage with four to six-hour wear that was lightly hydrating.
The sheer finish had coverage that ranged from semi-sheer to true medium coverage but most had some translucency to them, which gave them a sheerer finish. I found most of the shades I tried were buildable to some degree. The texture was a bit firmer, but they felt more emollient and "melted" a bit more against my lips than I recall the original line of lipsticks doing. Some shades applied well with even application and were flattering on, but there were a few that sank more noticeably into my lip lines. This finish tended to wear between three and five hours.
I don't have many of NARS' original lipsticks in my stash (I have mostly Audacious as they haven't been releasing many in the core range) to compare to. The matte finish was definitely thinner, more matte, and had a velvetier look on lips compared to the original which had a subtle sheen to it. The satin finish seemed a bit more pigmented and not quite as luminous/glossy as the previous formula, while the sheer finish was creamier, more emollient, and was easier to apply. It didn't feel like a vastly different formula, but it felt a bit easier to work with (smoother, more emollient but still lighterweight and thin, far less slip than any of the Audacious range) and was more comfortable to wear across the board for me.
I didn't notice any scent or taste, though there is "fragrance (parfum)" listed in the ingredients--it smelled neutral, not waxy but I just didn't get any scent.
Browse all of our NARS Lipstick swatches.
Ingredients
Dimethicone, Synthetic Wax, Polyethylene, Isohexadecane, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Microcrystalline Wax/Cera Microcristallina/Cire Microcristalline, Kaolin, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Candelilla Cera/Cire De Candelilla, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Polysilicone-11, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Hydroxyapatite, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Propylene Carbonate ·Simethicone, Bht, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum), Linalool, Citronellol, Limonene, [+/- ( May Contain): Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Mica, Red 28 Lake (Ci 45410), Red 33 Lake (Ci 17200), Red 6 (Ci 15850), Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Yellow 6 Lake (Ci 15985)].
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.
If I didn’t already have MAC Slay Ride, I would so get Trans Siberian! That actually makes me think of the orchestra for some weird reason, LOL.
I actually have no business even glancing upon another red lipstick, either, but there I go!
I think he meant the railroad. Transeuropean Express and TransSiberian railroad. You know, like the Orient Express? Now I have to look up the orchestra…. I still have a good TransSiberian, and sufficient reds to paint the lips of the whole region. One of my faves for a couple of decades.
This is so off-topic, but I love Trans-Siberian Orchestra, especially “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo.” It reminds me of Disney World’s Osborne Lights, which are very sadly gone now. 🙂
Hi Nancy and kjh, the first 12 lipsticks that NARS ever launched (which is how they started their brand) I believe most or all the names are based off of films and a lot of them film noir that Francois Nars loves and cites as heavy influences to him (I think he also loves Marlene Dietrich). e.g. Blonde Venus, Transsiberian, Scarlet Empress, Shanghai Express etc. Or in the film “The Women” they mention a nail color called “Jungle Red.” But yes the names like Transsiberian and Transeurope Express would refer to the name of the film which refers to the railroad. 😉
These are really nice reds. Trans Siberian is my favorite
Yes I do think that Nars has hit the jackpot with all of these beautiful reds. I think I like Immortal Red the best out of this trio.
Ive got it bad for Transeurope Express. It has such a Marlene Dietrich feel to it. It didn’t settle into lip lines Christine?
Nope, I didn’t notice any settling during wear!
It’s definitely a Dietrich and film noir reference — those first OG 12 lipsticks from NARS are stated in many interviews as inspired by film noir! 😉
I’ve heard that! This one nails it, for me at least. I don’t know what color Dietrich was actually wearing in any of her films but I always interpreted it, for what my interpretation is worth, as something of a mauvey red rather than a really saturated red.
Immortal Red – fans self dramatically!
GORGEOUS.
Wonderful! I’m full-up on dupes for the two reds; I don’t have any dupes for TransEurope, but as amazing as it is, I don’t need any more lispticks, so … I’ll just come back to this page every now and then and sigh longingly. 😉
NARS is really testing my resolution not to buy anymore lipsticks any time soon. I want all. ???