NARS Mascate Pure Matte Lipstick

NARS Mascate Pure Matte Lipstick ($25.00 for 0.07 oz.) is described as a “bold red,” and it is certainly that: a decadent, deep red that’s neither blue nor orange. It is a cooler-toned red, so the base is subtly blue, but it is the type of red that will work on cooler and warmer skin tones. The finish is nearly matte, with a touch of shine when the light hits the center of the lips.

The Pure Matte formula is designed to be opaque and long-wearing in a base that glides on and wears comfortably–it also contains wild mango butter to moisturize lips. There is enough creaminess to allow the color to apply easily onto lips without dragging or pulling, but not so much that it causes feathering. The color becomes opaque in one stroke, too–very high pigmentation–and between the matte finish and the boldness of the color, it lasts six to eight hours on me. It does stain slightly if worn for more than a couple of hours.

I don’t find that all of the Pure Mattes are created equal, but the darker and bolder shades like Mascate work wonderfully. They’re mostly matte without being drying or uncomfortable to wear and deliver excellent color coverage with little product. It could be a touch more moisturizing over the time it wears, but for a matte, achieving “not drying” status is good.

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NARS Mascate Pure Matte Lipstick

NARS Mascate Pure Matte Lipstick

NARS Mascate Pure Matte Lipstick