Archived Post

NARS Mind Game Mini Velvet Lip Glide Coffret Review, Photos, Swatches

NARS Mind Game Mini Velvet Lip Glide Coffret
NARS Mind Game Mini Velvet Lip Glide Coffret

NARS Mind Game Mini Velvet Lip Glide Coffret ($45.00 for 0.72 oz.) is a new, limited edition set that features six miniature sized Velvet Lip Glides with three exclusive shades and three from the permanent range. The set will be exclusive to Sephora and available November 1st (but it might go up earlier based on my experience). Since the Velvet Lip Glide formula just released, I only tested the wear of the new shades (and I did not re-swatch the existing shades, but I did check them against the permanent line and did not notice any differences in color or texture), so the ratings for the three shades from the permanent range are based on my previous testing of them. Overall, the set is nice; I think it’s well-worth checking out if this is the type of formula that tickles your fancy. The only downside is that they’re all darker shades, which seems to suit the feel of the collection but may not be enough variety for a set.

Bound is a muted, medium-dark rosy mauve with neutral-to-cool undertones and a cream finish. It had good color payoff, though it was not fully opaque, with a smooth, lightweight texture that was comfortable to wear and non-tacky. The only issue I had with this one was how the color gathered in lip lines noticeably. This shade wore well for four hours and was hydrating over time. MAC Heartmelter (LE, $21.00) is cooler (90% similar). Urban Decay Backtalk (P, $20.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Sydney Grace Sarah (P, $10.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Sydney Grace Haley (P, $10.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Fenty Beauty Mauve Wives (P, $19.00) is lighter (85% similar). NARS Santo Domingo (LE, $26.00) is lighter (90% similar). Sydney Grace Ann (P, $10.00) is lighter (85% similar). MAC Viva Glam Ariana Grande 2 (LE, $21.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). ColourPop Flying Horses (DC, $10.00) is lighter, less pigmented (85% similar). MAC Love Child (P, $21.00) is more shimmery, darker (80% similar). Chanel Bourgeoisie (P, $30.00) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar). Anastasia Raisin (-, $16.00) is darker (80% similar). MAC Lots of Laughs (P, $10.00) is lighter (80% similar). MAC Sweet Tooth (LE, $20.00) is lighter (80% similar). Anastasia Vintage (-, $16.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Make Me (340) (P, $29.00) is cooler (80% similar). Bobbi Brown Spring Bliss (LE, $27.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar). Sydney Grace Tracy (LE, $10.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

No. 675 is a muted, medium-dark red with warm, brown undertones and a cream finish. It had nearly opaque color coverage that applied very smoothly and evenly, and the color seemed to stay out of my lip lines, too. The consistency had a smooth, almost gel-cream feel and was comfortable to wear. On me, it wore for just over five hours and was hydrating. NARS Kiki (LE, $26.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Sydney Grace Lesley (P, $10.00) is darker (90% similar). Anastasia Bordeaux (-, $16.00) is lighter, brighter (95% similar). Anastasia Vamp (-, $16.00) is cooler (90% similar). Natasha Denona Chestnut (LE, $26.00) is more shimmery, darker, less pigmented (85% similar). MAC Desire (P, $21.00) is cooler (85% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Casablanca (P, $54.00) is more shimmery, cooler (85% similar). Smashbox Brick Trick (P, $24.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Anastasia Fudge (-, $16.00) is more muted, warmer (85% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Supa Dupa Fly (350) (P, $29.00) is darker, cooler (80% similar). ColourPop Tutti Fruity (P, $8.00) is darker, cooler (80% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Orchid Fatale (P, $54.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (80% similar). YSL Intimate Chocolate (217) (P, $38.00) is darker, cooler (80% similar). Hourglass At Night (P, $49.00) is lighter, cooler (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Chez Claude is a muted, medium-dark reddish plum with subtle, warm undertones and very light, fine pearl. It had good color payoff, where just a hint of my lip freckle still came through, which went on evenly and smoothly. I loved how smooth and cream-like it felt on the lips, but it had enough plushness that it didn’t pull into lip lines or appear streaky. It wore well for five hours on me and was moisturizing over time. Jouer Bond (P, $17.00) is brighter (95% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Casablanca (P, $54.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). ColourPop Tutti Fruity (P, $8.00) is warmer (90% similar). MAC Peer Pressure (LE, $20.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). Fenty Beauty Berry Banger (P, $27.00) is cooler, glossier (90% similar). MAC Preserving Passion (P, $24.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar). Smashbox Crush It (P, $24.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). NARS Plato's (LE, $26.00) is cooler (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Orchid Fatale (P, $54.00) is darker, brighter (85% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Exotica (P, $54.00) is more shimmery, lighter, brighter (85% similar). Chanel Distinction (21) (P, $34.00) is lighter, brighter (85% similar). MAC Spare Me (LE, $20.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). Maybelline Caviar Couture (050) (P, $8.99) is lighter, brighter (80% similar). Pat McGrath Flesh 4 (P, $30.00) is lighter, less pigmented (80% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Orchid Fatale (P, $54.00) is more shimmery, darker (80% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Exposed (P, $54.00) is lighter, brighter (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Unspeakable is a muted, medium-dark red-plum with warm undertones and a creamy finish. It had nearly opaque color payoff that went on evenly and smoothly. The consistency had the plushness of a gloss with the creaminess of a satin lipstick, so it didn’t feel heavy or tacky, but it still had noticeable shine. This shade wore well for five hours on me, and it was moisturizing as well. NARS Plato's (LE, $26.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Anastasia Berry (-, $16.00) is warmer (95% similar). MAC At Your Best You Are (LE, $21.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Plum Bite (LE, $21.00) is lighter (85% similar). Bite Beauty Black Coffee (LE, $22.00) is more shimmery, warmer (85% similar). MAC 1 in a Million (LE, $21.00) is more shimmery, less pigmented (85% similar). Urban Decay Apocalypse (DC, $26.00) is warmer (85% similar). NARS Provoke (LE, $28.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar). MAC Modern Drama (LE, $20.00) is warmer (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Plato’s is a muted, dark plum with subtle, cool undertones and a cream finish. The pigmentation was mostly opaque, while the gloss itself spread easily across the lips and left an even layer of color. This shade seemed a little more prone to gathering in my lip lines compared to some of the others, though it wasn’t noticeable from a normal viewing distance (it’s even quite subtle in the closeup photo). On me, it lasted for five hours and was lightly hydrating. MAC Perpetual Holiday (P, $24.00) is cooler (95% similar). NARS Unspeakable (P, $26.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Rare Beauty Affection (P, $20.00) is lighter, brighter (95% similar). Sydney Grace Jeanette (LE, $10.00) is lighter (95% similar). Tarte WCW (P, $20.00) is lighter (95% similar). NARS Mississippi (LE, $26.00) is lighter (90% similar). Anastasia Berry (-, $16.00) is more muted (95% similar). ColourPop Sookie (LE, $10.00) is cooler (90% similar). Maybelline Obsessed (P, $7.99) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Makeup by Mario Mulberry (P, $24.00) is lighter (90% similar). ColourPop Furry (LE, $10.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Orchid Fatale (P, $54.00) is brighter, warmer (90% similar). MAC At Your Best You Are (LE, $21.00) is lighter, less pigmented, cooler (90% similar). MAC Spare Me (LE, $20.00) is lighter (90% similar). NARS Chez Claude (LE, $26.00) is warmer (90% similar). Lisa Eldridge Myth (P, $25.00) is lighter (80% similar). MAC Purple Mocha (P, $21.00) is darker, more muted (80% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Boom (306) (P, $29.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (80% similar). MAC Death by Chocolate (LE, $17.50) is more shimmery, cooler (80% similar). ColourPop Berry Ripe (P, $8.00) is lighter, cooler (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Toy is a deep, purpled burgundy with subtle, warm undertones and a smattering of fine pearl. It had semi-opaque pigmentation, which was even for the most part with minor color pulling into lip lines (this was a case where the color was so dark that it was hard to tell from afar). The consistency was lightweight, smooth, a little gel-like and comfortable to wear over the five hours it lasted for. The formula felt hydrating to me while worn. Anastasia Potion (-, $16.00) is cooler (95% similar). MAC Purple Mocha (P, $21.00) is lighter, less pigmented (90% similar). MAC With Gusto (LE, $20.00) is lighter (95% similar). MAC Dark as Night (DC, $19.50) is darker, warmer (90% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Formula Overview

NARS Velvet Lip Glide ($26.00 for 0.20 fl. oz.) is supposed to be a hybrid between lipstick and lipgloss that is hydrating, richly pigmented, and comfortable to wear. They have stronger color payoff, a non-tacky consistency, and a smoothness to their consistency that is a lot like a good lipstick, while they have a plusher, thicker texture that gives lips a plumper, fuller look along with a glossy sheen that is more like a gloss. Some of the lighter shades settled into lip lines, but it varied from shade to shade. The wear varied between three and five hours for me, which is more like a gloss than a lipstick. They develop a more “velvety” finish, which is code for “less shine” after two to three hours, and at that point, they tend to look more like a natural finish lipstick than a gloss. I would classify the formula more as a pigmented gloss than a glossy lipstick, if I had to put it firmly in one box. The formula has a vanilla scent but had no discernible taste to me.

NARS Mind Game Mini Velvet Lip Glide Coffret (Holiday 2016)

NARS Mind Game Mini Velvet Lip Glide Coffret (Holiday 2016)

NARS Mind Game Mini Velvet Lip Glide Coffret (Holiday 2016)

NARS No. 675 Velvet Lip Glide

NARS No. 675 Velvet Lip Glide

NARS No. 675 Velvet Lip Glide

NARS No. 675 Velvet Lip Glide

NARS No. 675 Velvet Lip Glide

NARS No. 675 Velvet Lip Glide

NARS Chez Claude Velvet Lip Glide

NARS Chez Claude Velvet Lip Glide

NARS Chez Claude Velvet Lip Glide

NARS Chez Claude Velvet Lip Glide

NARS Chez Claude Velvet Lip Glide

NARS Chez Claude Velvet Lip Glide

NARS Plato's Velvet Lip Glide

NARS Plato's Velvet Lip Glide

NARS Plato's Velvet Lip Glide

NARS Plato's Velvet Lip Glide

NARS Plato's Velvet Lip Glide

NARS Plato's Velvet Lip Glide

NARS Bound Velvet Lip Glide
NARS Bound Velvet Lip Glide

NARS Bound Velvet Lip Glide
NARS Bound Velvet Lip Glide

NARS Bound Velvet Lip Glide
NARS Bound Velvet Lip Glide

NARS Bound Velvet Lip Glide
NARS Bound Velvet Lip Glide

NARS Bound Velvet Lip Glide
NARS Bound Velvet Lip Glide

NARS Bound Velvet Lip Glide
NARS Bound Velvet Lip Glide

NARS Unspeakable Velvet Lip Glide
NARS Unspeakable Velvet Lip Glide

NARS Unspeakable Velvet Lip Glide
NARS Unspeakable Velvet Lip Glide

NARS Unspeakable Velvet Lip Glide
NARS Unspeakable Velvet Lip Glide

NARS Unspeakable Velvet Lip Glide
NARS Unspeakable Velvet Lip Glide

NARS Unspeakable Velvet Lip Glide
NARS Unspeakable Velvet Lip Glide

NARS Unspeakable Velvet Lip Glide
NARS Unspeakable Velvet Lip Glide

NARS Toy Velvet Lip Glide
NARS Toy Velvet Lip Glide

NARS Toy Velvet Lip Glide
NARS Toy Velvet Lip Glide

NARS Toy Velvet Lip Glide
NARS Toy Velvet Lip Glide

NARS Toy Velvet Lip Glide
NARS Toy Velvet Lip Glide

NARS Toy Velvet Lip Glide
NARS Toy Velvet Lip Glide

NARS Toy Velvet Lip Glide
NARS Toy Velvet Lip Glide

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

47 Comments

Comments that do not adhere to our comment policy may be removed. Discussion and debate are highly encouraged but we expect community members to participate respectfully. Please keep discussion on-topic, and if you have general feedback, a product review request, an off-topic question, or need technical support, please contact us!

Please help us streamline the comments' section and be more efficient: double-check the post above for more basic information like pricing, availability, and so on to make sure your question wasn't answered already. Comments alerting us to typos or small errors in the post are appreciated (!) but will typically be removed after errors are fixed (unless a response is needed).

We appreciate enthusiasm for new releases but ask readers to please hold questions regarding if/when a review will be posted as we can't commit to or guarantee product reviews. We don't want to set expectations and then disappoint readers as even products that are swatched don't always end up being reviewed due to time constraints and changes in priorities! Thank you for understanding!

Comments on this post are closed.
kjh Avatar

Another narrow color spectrum. Is that a disorder? Personally, I like the narrow focus, bec I either love it, or do not. Having a smattering of pinks/corals that I would not use is less attractive to me than a run of fairly close plums, all of which I would use. If this requires nothing but a clear lip liner to stay in place, I’m in.

Katherine T. Avatar

(groan) So gorgeous, but I have way too many red lippies and red lip glosses, can’t justify this at all. I already have Bound on my buy list for next sale

Nora Avatar

No. 675 is lovely! when you say it dries down to a velvet finish, do you mean like stain or more opaque then a stain? Also do they cover the inside rim of the lip? I hate when u put on a dark/bright color, and u see the pink of the inside of the lips.

Christine Avatar

No, it’s just like a liquid version of a lipstick that doesn’t dry down to a matte formula – I would not say it’s like a stain! I didn’t notice any issues applying it to my lips, but I don’t put color way inside my lips as I find it gets all over my teeth (in general, with all lip color).

Christine Avatar

MAKE-UP 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

jonirae Avatar

I love the idea of this and I really like that Claude shade and the plato’s one… but I do wish there was more variety, even if it meant including more of the original release. Like if that main bleu shade were in here, or even the bright pink, I think I’d be sold instead of on the fence. some of these are just sooo similar to one another!

(but, bound and unspeakable were both on my maybe list already, so getting them together plus bonuses for a decent price is a pretty good draw!)

Cece Avatar

This collection is killing me, all of these colours are gorgeous and play with the trends of our time. And i’m glad to see that the quality is there and that the prices are quite fair for the amount of products !

Christine Avatar

MAKE-UP 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

Fran Avatar

I wish this set had more variety, too, but I’m still thinking it might be a nice way for me to try the formula. I can wear warm reds more easily than warm pinks or warm plums, and these shades all look very pretty to me, even if some of them are a bit similar.

April Rivera Avatar

This is perhaps my favorite lip purchase ever! It was sold out at Sephora when I went on Day 1 of the VIB sale. Then, I went back the second night just because and there it was! One set left! I couldn’t turn it down. I already bought Unspeakable full sized so I gave the mini to my sister. The only thing I noticed was that Plato’s and Unspeakable in both the display and my set were mislabeled aka swapped. Good thing I bought the full sized and swatched at the store too. I got home and changed the labels to the correct ones. 🙂 This set is perfect for someone like myself who wants to experiment with lip colors outside of the standard nudes or ones with darker skin tones (like myself also!). They aren’t liquid lipsticks although they can wear pretty well and will need reapplying but I’ve combined them with liquid lipsticks for the added moisture!

BonnieBBon Avatar

I am a deeply sick individual. Lipstick, especially any kind of lip product from Nars, makes me feel inappropriate they get it so right and so beautiful. To all lip products that I may or may not have had feelings for, I’m sorry. Bwahahahaha, I’m sorry Christine. I figured you must be going crazy about now and just wanted to see if I could make you laugh 🙂 I hope it worked! Happy cyber Monday black Friday sales Sales SALES madness time!!

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!