NARS Riot Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Set Review & Swatches
Riot
NARS Riot Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Set ($45.00 for 0.32 oz.) is the boldest of the Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Sets this year with three reds shades and one berry hue to enjoy. All four shades had semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation, four to six hour wear, and were fairly easy to apply, though they could have go on a bit more evenly overall. That being said, from a normal viewing distance, they did not look uneven, so we are talking minor unevenness.
The set contains four full-sized Velvet Matte Lip Pencils, in all new shades, giving it a total value of $108. My information had it exclusively available at NARS, but it is also on Nordstrom, Barneys, and Saks (specialty retailers).
Ingredients
Riot
LELimited Edition. $45.00.
Clash
Clash is a soft, muted red with subtle, cool undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-opaque pigmentation that adhered well but did not apply quite as evenly as I expected it to. The texture felt smooth, velvety, and thin, which kept it lightweight and from feathering/bleeding on me. It wore well for four and a half hours and was non-drying.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- NARS Provocative Red (LE, $27.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Nutcracker Rouge (LE, $19.00) is brighter (90% similar).
- NARS Bonifacio (LE, $27.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Revlon Want It All (P, $12.39) is cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Pure Luck (LE, $22.00) is less pigmented (90% similar).
- MAC Wild Memories (LE, $19.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Tarte Emblaze (LE, $24.00) is lighter (85% similar).
- Anastasia Kathryn (P, $20.00) is more shimmery, lighter, more muted (85% similar).
- ColourPop Fly-Fi (LE, $6.00) is darker, more muted, warmer (85% similar).
- Anastasia Rosewood (P, $18.00) is darker, more muted (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.
Clash
LELimited Edition. $27.00.
Rebel
Rebel is a deep red with cool, pink undertones and a matte finish. The color coverage was nearly opaque in a single layer and easily built up to full coverage with a bit more applied as needed. The pencil had a smooth, velvety consistency that glided easily across my lips and adhered evenly without sliding around over time, yet it was lightweight and flexible. It lasted nicely for six hours and was non-drying.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Tom Ford Beauty LA Woman (P, $60.00) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- NARS Rouge Improbable (LE, $28.00) is darker, warmer (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Screen Siren (P, $34.00) is brighter (95% similar).
- MAC Dance With Me (P, $21.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Ma'damn (P, $18.00) is lighter, more muted (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M401 (DC, $22.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Pretty Vulgar Blood Flower (P, $24.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- YSL Carmin Statement (10) (P, $36.00) is lighter, brighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Bite Beauty Maple (P, $28.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Jouer Cabernet (P, $18.00) is darker, cooler (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.
Rebel
LELimited Edition. $27.00.
Wasted
Wasted is a soft, medium-dark berry with cool undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-opaque color payoff that applied fairly evenly across my lips. It had a lightweight, smooth consistency that felt velvety without a lot of slip, so the pencil didn’t tug during application and the color itself wasn’t high-maintenance while worn. This shade stayed on well for five hours and was slightly drying over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- NARS Damask (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Phoebus (LE, $9.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Guerlain Berry Alchemy (777) (LE, $36.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Guerlain Mauve Plum (520) (P, $36.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- ColourPop Songbird (P, $7.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Acai (LE, $19.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- NARS Damned (P, $27.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Sephora Mulberry (P, $14.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever Daring Mulberry (218) (P, $23.00) is darker, glossier (90% similar).
- NARS Give It Up (P, $26.00) is lighter, cooler (95% 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.
Wasted
LELimited Edition. $27.00.
Riot
Riot is a rich red with neutral undertones and a matte finish. The pigmentation was nearly opaque, but the product seemed to pull away from itself a bit–like it was patchy on a nano scale, just enough where the finish wasn’t as smooth on my lips as other shades, though from afar, it looked fine. It applied without pulling on my lips, and the pencil itself still had the same velvety, smooth texture I expect from this formula. On me, it wore well for six hours but was slightly drying over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Urban Decay 714 (P, $18.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop Season 10 (LE, $6.50) is darker, cooler (95% similar).
- Too Faced Rebel Heart (P, $22.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- ColourPop Fighter (LE, $7.00) is lighter, glossier (90% similar).
- NARS Amontillado (LE, $27.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- L'Oreal Le Rouge Avant-Garde (P, $13.99) is cooler (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Carina's Love (P, $37.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Siempre Selena (LE, $21.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Self Esteem (LE, $19.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- YSL Rouge Extravagant (01) (P, $39.00) is lighter, cooler (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.
Riot
LELimited Edition. $27.00.
NARS Riot Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Set
NARS Riot Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Set
NARS Riot Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Set
NARS Riot Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Set
NARS Riot Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Set
NARS Riot Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Set
NARS Clash Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Clash Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Clash Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Clash Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Clash Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Clash Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Rebel Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Rebel Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Rebel Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Rebel Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Rebel Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Rebel Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Wasted Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Wasted Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Wasted Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Wasted Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Wasted Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Wasted Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Riot Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Riot Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Riot Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Riot Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Riot Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
NARS Riot Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
Solid colors – classic; which means I don’t need any of them as I have numerous dupes, but for anyone ready to branch out into stronger colors while getting some really nice products without overspending, this is a great offering.
Had to come back and say that I’m really loving Rebel … and your eye look! I hope you’re not tired of hearing this Christine, but you are The Queen of Blending!
Thank you, Alecto!
I agree – very easy set to enjoy!
I really want this but realistically, I am not going to use 3 nearly identical matte reds.
It’s gorgeous, great value and I am so tempted… if these were rose and mauve shades, I would be all over it like a rash!
If you aren’t going to use 3 of the shades, yeah, not so great after all!
Not that I need this set, but I sure do want it! I believe this is the first of these sets that I look at and know that I would be using every single shade in it! ?
That is impressive that it has all shades you’d use!
I’m not so into the purple but wow, three gorgeous reds, a cute little bag and what a value. Snapping this up for sure.
Thee out of four is pretty good!
Fabulous shades in this set, well worth the money.
I have dupes for pretty much every shade but this is a beautiful set and of the this years offerings, the only one I would use but since I have dupes I am passing. However, I will be picking it up for my daughter’s advent calendar. She has a much smaller stash of reds than I do and she is blessed with being able to wear both cool and warm toned shades, much like you, Christine. So happy to mark another day off on the advent calendar situation!!
I’ll wait till nars f&f, to decide on this. I think I might go with the all red audacious palette, as these are more duped, and only one, if that, is duped in the palette. I know I’d love these, though, as well as the Sephora selection, which was swatched, but not gotten on w/e 1. He certainly knows how to get me mentally salivating. Gorgeous. Please bury me with my Nars red lips.
My 17 year old self (me as a teenager) would had bought this in a heartbeat. NARS arrived in the scene in my mid twenties. I have too much makeup to buy this now. But back in those days, it was not easy to find cute cosmetic bags… as we are loaded with so many styles today. Back in those days, there were not a flurry of cosmetic brands selling gift sets like this. I love red ? lipsticks and wore them well as a vampy teenager through my early twenties. For the price, I think this is a good deal. If I wore this color today, it would look like a cougar out on her hunt. Nothing wrong with that idea either. I just have other agendas in my life. In other words….don’t hesitate to enjoy ? the moments.
These are so nice, but I always have so much trouble with NARS lip pencils. So much product is wasted when I try to sharpen them. Does anyone else have this issue?
I use NARS’ sharpener but haven’t had that issue!
Thanks! Maybe my sharpener isn’t up to scratch.