NARS Pussy Control, Dolce Vita, Pop Life Velvet Matte Lip Pencils Reviews, Photos, Swatches
Pussy Control
NARS Pussy Control Velvet Matte Lip Pencil ($27.00 for 0.08 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark purple with subtle, warmer pink undertones and a semi-matte finish. It had good color payoff, though it was not quite opaque without building up the color in layers. The consistency was smooth, velvety, and glided on easily, while the lip color sat fairly well on the lips but some texture was emphasized. This shade wore for four and a half hours on me and was neither drying nor hydrating.
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.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sephora Off-Limits (38) (P, $8.00) is lighter, glossier (90% similar).
- ColourPop Privacy Please (LE, $6.50) is lighter, brighter (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Susperia (P, $20.00) is darker, brighter, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Cheap Thrills (DC, $6.50) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Bijou (LE, $7.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- ColourPop Lumiere 2 (DC, $6.50) is more muted, warmer (85% similar).
- Bite Beauty Spritzer (DC, $26.00) is lighter (85% similar).
- MAC Men Love Mystery (P, $19.00) is brighter, warmer (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Ayesha (P, $20.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar).
- MAC Kawaii Party (LE, $18.50) is lighter (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.
Pussy Control
PPermanent. $27.00.
Dolce Vita
NARS Dolce Vita Velvet Matte Lip Pencil ($27.00 for 0.08 oz.) is a muted, medium rosy coral with warm undertones and a satin finish. It had medium coverage, which I could build up to semi-opaque but could never manage full coverage from this particular shade. The consistency was lightweight and glided on without tugging, but it seemed to feel and look more powdery on the lips. On me, it wore well for four and a half hours but some color pulled into my lip lines over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Sucker (DC, $5.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Missin' U (P, $8.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Mrs. (LE, $7.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Mesmerize (P, $10.00) is lighter (85% similar).
- ColourPop Hey Mr DJ (P, $10.00) is lighter, cooler (80% similar).
- Ciate Sydney (LE, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Medium (P, $37.00) is more shimmery, warmer, glossier (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty OG Lolita (P, $18.00) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Holly Lolly (LE, $6.00) is darker, brighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Beautiful Stranger (P, $38.00) is glossier (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, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Lecithin, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Aroma (Flavor), Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Citric Acid, Dicalcium Phosphate. May Contain: Mica, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), CI 77492 (Iron Oxides), CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 15850 (Red 6), CI 15850 (Red 7 Lake)
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.
Dolce Vita
PPermanent. $27.00.
Pop Life
NARS Pop Life Velvet Matte Lip Pencil ($27.00 for 0.08 oz.) is a brighter, medium red with warm undertones and fine, gold pearl. It had semi-opaque pigmentation that applied evenly and smoothly, despite not building up to full coverage. The consistency was lightweight, thin but velvety in feel, so it was comfortable to apply. It lasted for five hours and was slightly drying.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Chanel Vivant (144) (P, $45.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop It's a Banger (LE, $9.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Burberry Pink Amber (306) (P, $35.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Chanel Impulsive (132) (LE, $45.00) is more shimmery, lighter, brighter (90% similar).
- Buxom Evocative Petal (P, $22.00) is more muted (90% similar).
- MAC My Better Half (LE, $20.00) is less shimmery, brighter, cooler (85% similar).
- KVD Beauty Bachelorette (P, $20.00) is brighter, cooler (85% similar).
- MAC La Vie En Rouge (LE, $19.00) is lighter, brighter, cooler (85% similar).
- MAC Rozz (LE, $19.00) is lighter, brighter (85% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Je t'aime (238) (P, $30.00) is lighter, brighter, cooler (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.
Just as I was afraid of…..these are great. During the swatchfest, found at least 6 I really like. Thank god the old shades I like are already home. PC is quite nice. Most purple people will love it. Just send the display to my house, and I’ll rehome the ones I wouldn’t wear, or have already. Lips & cheeks, FN will get me almost every season. Go swatch these, guys. There is something for everyone to love.
They added some nice colors to the range overall!
I want Dolce Vita for sure. Pop Life is great, too!
Great choices, Ginny!
I was a bit taken aback my the name of the first colour =/ I’ve always liked Dolce Vita in NARS’ entire makeup range!
It’s the name of a Prince song (a few are named after his songs)!
Me too, Stephanie. Well, it might be popular with President Trump…perhaps he’ll buy a case of it for his wife (or maybe not….). I was hoping that the positive and inspiring names of the new Hourglass lip crayons might herald a change in makeup names, away from the vulgar and negative….I am still hoping!
Product naming is pretty gross.
They’re named after Prince songs, just as a FYI!
The name sounds horrible, but Pussy Control is a gorgeous color, might have to get it
The color was more unique as it didn’t have as much pink in it as most purples!
Oh cmon now NARS. “Pussy Control”? REALLY?
Several of the new shades are named after Prince songs, just as a FYI!
Oh my gosh I had no idea! Thanks for letting me know. Still feels like a bit much, but at least now there’s a reason?
Totally understand 🙂 Just thought I’d at least give you a little more context, in case you wanted to look at the lyrics for the song in question!
Pop life looks really great on you but I think I’d choose Pussy Control for myself. I only find Cruella drying if I wear it a few days in a row. I think certain ones are more drying than others though.
Thanks, Erin! 🙂
Pussy Control is exactly my kind of color and also one of my fav Prince songs, buuuuut NARS products tend to not work on me, so I might go into the nearest Sephora this weekend and try it out before I buy it.
Oh, definitely try it in person if you can since NARS’ products don’t work often for you!
I really love Pop Life. I also really loved Prince!
Pussy Control is such a great color.
I’m worried that Pussy Control won’t suit me but it’s an amaaaazing color! Will have to swatch.
I really love Pop Life and Pussy Control! Beautiful shades! For Pussy Control, I do have 2 Colourpop dupes with Cheap Thrills and Bijou, but I still think that this one might still just be different enough. As for Pop Life, I’d much prefer to get Smashbox LA Sunset (or is it Sunrise?) in it’s place, as it looks the same shade but glossier and a bit brighter.
Having a close dupe for Pussy Control I find I really, really want Pop Life.
Really pretty colours all three,
Love the colors and the Prince references.
I’m really loving Pussy Control. I only got it a couple of days ago, but I’ve found that it’s one of the very few lavenders that don’t turn bright pink/fuschia on me. Bonus point for the Velvet Matte lip pencil formula working on my lips (NARS’ Pure Matte lipstick formula dries out my lips in less than one hour).
I”m quite surprised with how Dolce Vita performed. I don’t have this shade in any formula, but if I’m not mistaken, it had a higher rating when it was part of the LE set(s).
To the Canadians – can anyone else see Pop Life as an option on Sephora.ca? HBC seems to sell it (though they have the wrong colour swatch) but it’s not an option for me to buy…?
Heeeelllp…
Do you think PC is similar to bite’s mauvember from either years or maybe nars Dominique?
http://www.temptalia.com/side-by-side/?sbs_1_search=NARS%20Pussy%20Control&sbs_1=274475&sbs_2_search=Bite%20Beauty%20Mauvember&sbs_2=213273
http://www.temptalia.com/side-by-side/?sbs_1_search=NARS+Pussy+Control&sbs_1=274475&sbs_2_search=NARS+Dominique&sbs_2=172263