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). Sydney Grace Ann (P, $10.00) is lighter (85% similar). Fenty Beauty Mauve Wives (P, $19.00) is lighter (85% similar). NARS Santo Domingo (LE, $26.00) is lighter (90% 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). 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). 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). 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). Tom Ford Beauty Casablanca (P, $54.00) is more shimmery, cooler (85% similar). Natasha Denona Chestnut (LE, $26.00) is more shimmery, darker, less pigmented (85% similar). MAC Desire (P, $21.00) is cooler (85% similar). Anastasia Fudge (-, $16.00) is more muted, warmer (85% similar). Smashbox Brick Trick (P, $24.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). YSL Intimate Chocolate (217) (P, $38.00) is darker, cooler (80% similar). Hourglass At Night (P, $49.00) is lighter, cooler (80% 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). 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. Tom Ford Beauty Casablanca (P, $54.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Jouer Bond (P, $17.00) is brighter (95% 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). ColourPop Tutti Fruity (P, $8.00) is warmer (90% similar). Chanel Distinction (21) (P, $34.00) is lighter, brighter (85% 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). 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 1 in a Million (LE, $21.00) is more shimmery, less pigmented (85% 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 Modern Drama (LE, $20.00) is warmer (85% similar). Urban Decay Apocalypse (DC, $26.00) is warmer (85% similar). NARS Provoke (LE, $28.00) is more shimmery, lighter (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. Sydney Grace Jeanette (LE, $10.00) is lighter (95% similar). 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). ColourPop Sookie (LE, $10.00) is cooler (90% 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). 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). 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). NARS Chez Claude (LE, $26.00) is warmer (90% similar). MAC Spare Me (LE, $20.00) is lighter (90% similar). ColourPop Berry Ripe (P, $8.00) is lighter, cooler (80% 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). 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 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