NARS Mustang Velvet Matte Pencil Set Review, Photos, Swatches
Mustang
NARS Mustang Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil Set ($59.00 for 0.32 oz.) includes four Velvet Matte Lip Pencils in four new, limited edition shades. This is one of two sets that are available exclusively at Nordstrom for their Anniversary sale. The Velvet Matte Lipstick formula is supposed to have “rich, vivid pigments” with a “velvety matte finish” that is “non-drying.” I liked this set better than the Tribulation set, as the shades were more pigmented, longer-wearing, and more flattering applied to the lips.
Mustang
LELimited Edition. $59.00.
Bonifacio
Bonifacio is a muted, medium rosy red with warm undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-opaque color coverage that applied evenly and smoothly on the lips. It had a velvety texture that was thin, a bit clingy, but easy to apply and comfortable to wear. This shade wore well for four and a half hours and felt non-drying.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Pure Luck (LE, $22.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- MAC Nutcracker Rouge (LE, $19.00) is darker (90% similar).
- MAC Anything Goes (P, $20.00) is brighter (90% similar).
- NARS Clash (LE, $27.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Tarte Craze (LE, $24.00) is warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Honey Pie (LE, $6.50) is darker, brighter, cooler (90% similar).
- YSL Rose Curieux (14) (P, $39.00) is lighter (85% similar).
- KVD Beauty Bachelorette (DC, $21.00) is brighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Superbloom (P, $10.00) is brighter (85% similar).
- MAC Damn Glamorous (LE, $19.00) is brighter (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$27.00/0.08 oz. - $337.50 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be “long-lasting” with “rich” and “seamless color.” The texture has a more velvety feel: smooth, thinner but glides on easily, and doesn’t have a lot of wetness/creaminess. The pigmentation varied from shade to shade with most shades having semi-opaque coverage. They were easy to apply along the lips and comfortable to apply, as they did not tug. The formula lasted anywhere from three hours to six hours, and some shades were somewhat drying and others were non-drying.
Browse all of our NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil swatches.
Ingredients
C12-13 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate, Synthetic Candelilla Wax, Polyethylene, Caprylyl Methicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Silica, Dimethicone, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Lecithin, Flavor (Aroma), Dicalcium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Anise Alcohol. [+/- (May Contain/Peut Contenir): Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Mica, Red 28 Lake (CI 45410), Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140)].
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.
Bonifacio
LELimited Edition. $27.00.
Lesbos
Lesbos is a bright, medium red with subtle, warm undertones and a matte finish. The consistency was smooth and velvety, which helped it glide on easily and never tug. It also applied the color evenly across the lips. The pigmentation was nearly opaque, and this particular shade was more flattering on and made my lips look slightly smoother. The lipstick stayed on for six hours, left a subtle stain behind, and was only a bit drying after four hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Revlon Lip Boom (P, $12.39) is lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- Giorgio Armani Lucky Red (403) (P, $38.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Urban Decay 714 (P, $18.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Too Faced Rebel Heart (P, $22.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Follow Your Heart (LE, $17.50) is cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Amontillado (LE, $27.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Urban Decay 714 (LE, $18.00) is brighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Too Faced Lady Balls (P, $21.00) is darker (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Santa Sangre (LE, $19.00) is brighter (90% similar).
- MAC High Heels (LE, $21.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$27.00/0.08 oz. - $337.50 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be “long-lasting” with “rich” and “seamless color.” The texture has a more velvety feel: smooth, thinner but glides on easily, and doesn’t have a lot of wetness/creaminess. The pigmentation varied from shade to shade with most shades having semi-opaque coverage. They were easy to apply along the lips and comfortable to apply, as they did not tug. The formula lasted anywhere from three hours to six hours, and some shades were somewhat drying and others were non-drying.
Browse all of our NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil swatches.
Ingredients
C12-13 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate, Synthetic Candelilla Wax, Polyethylene, Caprylyl Methicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Silica, Dimethicone, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Lecithin, Flavor (Aroma), Dicalcium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Anise Alcohol. [+/- (May Contain/Peut Contenir): Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Mica, Red 28 Lake (CI 45410), Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140)].
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.
Lesbos
LELimited Edition. $27.00.
Rouge Immortel
Rouge Immortel is a vibrant, medium coral with warm undertones and a matte finish. It had nearly opaque pigmentation in a single layer, and the color applied evenly on the lips. The pencil was velvety, wax-like going on, so it never dragged or tugged on the lips, and it felt very fluid to use. The finish could have been more flattering, as there was some emphasis along my upper lip of imperfections. It wore well for five hours and was slightly drying.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Guerlain #40 (P, $33.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Chanel Eclosion (134) (P, $40.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Chanel La Favorite (43) (P, $45.00) is darker, warmer (95% similar).
- MAC Mandarin O (P, $22.00) is darker (95% similar).
- NARS Famous Red (P, $27.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Unattached (P, $24.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar).
- Dior Forever Cherie (525) (P, $45.00) is lighter, cooler, glossier (90% similar).
- Chanel Fleur de Lotus (830) (P, $45.00) is more muted, cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Flame (LE, $26.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar).
- MAC Bloombox (LE, $19.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$27.00/0.08 oz. - $337.50 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be “long-lasting” with “rich” and “seamless color.” The texture has a more velvety feel: smooth, thinner but glides on easily, and doesn’t have a lot of wetness/creaminess. The pigmentation varied from shade to shade with most shades having semi-opaque coverage. They were easy to apply along the lips and comfortable to apply, as they did not tug. The formula lasted anywhere from three hours to six hours, and some shades were somewhat drying and others were non-drying.
Browse all of our NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil swatches.
Ingredients
C12-13 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate, Synthetic Candelilla Wax, Polyethylene, Caprylyl Methicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Silica, Dimethicone, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Lecithin, Flavor (Aroma), Dicalcium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Anise Alcohol. [+/- (May Contain/Peut Contenir): Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Mica, Red 28 Lake (CI 45410), Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140)].
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.
Rouge Immortel
LELimited Edition. $27.00.
Rouge Palatin
Rouge Palatin is a bright, medium pink-coral with warmer undertones and a matte finish. The texture was smooth on the lips, but it was moderately unflattering as it exacerbated the look of imperfections on my lips (despite exfoliating prior!). It had good pigmentation, though, that lasted for five hours. I found the formula to be on the drying side while worn but had no lasting drying effects.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Too Faced Bachelorette (P, $22.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- NARS Call Me (P, $26.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- L'Oreal Le Coral Irreverent (P, $13.99) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Prince Edward (LE, $9.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Paparazzi (P, $7.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- KVD Beauty Beloved (P, $20.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- NARS Firework (LE, $26.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Amour (LE, $38.00) is warmer, glossier (90% similar).
- ColourPop Most Curious (LE, $10.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Hermes Rose Inoui (27) (LE, $72.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$27.00/0.08 oz. - $337.50 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be “long-lasting” with “rich” and “seamless color.” The texture has a more velvety feel: smooth, thinner but glides on easily, and doesn’t have a lot of wetness/creaminess. The pigmentation varied from shade to shade with most shades having semi-opaque coverage. They were easy to apply along the lips and comfortable to apply, as they did not tug. The formula lasted anywhere from three hours to six hours, and some shades were somewhat drying and others were non-drying.
Browse all of our NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil swatches.
Ingredients
C12-13 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate, Synthetic Candelilla Wax, Polyethylene, Caprylyl Methicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Silica, Dimethicone, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Lecithin, Flavor (Aroma), Dicalcium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Anise Alcohol. [+/- (May Contain/Peut Contenir): Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Mica, Red 28 Lake (CI 45410), Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140)].
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.
The muted matte finish might make this easier for people who are hesitant to wear reds
True!
Turns out this wasn’t maybe the best pick for me, as I’m really not a coral person. Can’t return it unopened to store, so might just gift the two. Not that anybody described the colors….. First m/u mistake in years. Whatever. Should have waited for the review, of course. Thought they’d all be reds.
Oh no 🙁 Wish you could return it!
Love this set!!! It is utter summer perfection. Hopefully, it’ll still be available later this week. But I’m not holding out hope. Too beautiful for it to stick around much longer, me think.
Let me know if you check it out, Nancy!
Pretty shades!
They are!
It’s too bad Bonifacio isn’t available separately — I would definitely be interested.
I was surprised they put out two sets of ALL LE shades!
Lesbos? LOL Now there’s a word/name of product that might offend some.
Yep, you got it – the name of an island 🙂
Ah ha – Lesbos is the name of a Greek island. Hmm
Lesbos, is a Greek island, sometimes referred to as Mytilini after its capital, but, do not bother… even our Greek prime minister Tsipras, does not know the difference…
These may not feel drying on the lips, but they make the lips look dry. Not for me.
Yeah, you have to keep your lips in tip-top shape with this formula!
Another good set from Nars, but personally I am not really a fan of the matte finish.
I tend to prefer some shine, too!
Rats.. None of these shades are really doing it for me. I’m a bit disappointed as I am wearing this formula and the Bobbi Brown matte pencils to death this summer. Weird. They have both been around forever, but somehow clicking with the type of finish I want.
Which ones do you wear the most from Bobbi Brown?
Electric Pink and Hot Berry (dc’d). They are very bright, but beautiffly matte. I’m rooted blondish now (step one of two so a bit brassy and gold… I’m toning these out a bit until I can lift again in 4 weeks). Anyhow..despite hair being warmer than where we want it to be, I’m liking the effect and contrast of bright lips and little to no eye makeup. Also like the convenience of pencil and lipstick in one product.
Beautiful set! I like that they aren’t the usual reds one sees in a set.