NARS Tribulation Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil Set Review, Photos, Swatches
Tribulation
NARS Tribulation Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil Set ($59.00 for 0.32 oz.) includes four Velvet Matte Lip Pencils in four new, limited edition shades. Unfortunately, I was not able to finish testing the shades for wear before this set sold out online, but it may still be available at your local Nordstrom (it is an Anniversary sale exclusive). The Velvet Matte Lipstick formula is supposed to have “rich, vivid pigments” with a “velvety matte finish” that is “non-drying.”
Tribulation
LELimited Edition. $59.00.
Maria Carla
Maria Carla is a brighter, light pink-coral with warm undertones and a matte finish. It had good pigmentation, though not quite opaque, that covered the lips without tugging and applied evenly. I did experience the color looking “cracked” along the lip lines, and it had a tendency to settle further while worn. This shade wore well for three and a half hours and was slightly drying.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Makeup Geek Foxtrot (LE, $12.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- NARS Bolero (P, $27.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- NARS Skin Tight (LE, $27.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- NARS Mathilde (LE, $34.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Anastasia #1 (Vol. 1) (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- MAC Kinda Sexy (P, $19.00) is darker, glossier (90% similar).
- MAC Sweet MamaStarrr (LE, $19.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Sephora Crème Brulee (P, $14.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Muneca (P, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Otter (P, $8.00) 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.
Maria Carla
LELimited Edition. $27.00.
Melody N
Melody N is a muted, medium orange with warmer undertones and a matte finish. It had medium coverage, which was hard to build up as the pencil had a very waxy texture–comfortable to use and to apply but not ideal for building up coverage. It was not the most flattering on, as it emphasized the texture and imperfections of my lips. This shade lasted for four hours and was lightly drying.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Too Faced The New Black (P, $22.00) is brighter (85% similar).
- NARS Fly Robin Fly (LE, $26.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- KVD Beauty Lolita II (P, $19.00) is darker (85% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Sexy Sienna (P, $37.00) is lighter (85% similar).
- Makeup Geek Quirky (P, $15.00) is brighter (80% similar).
- MAC Tropic Tonic (P, $19.00) is brighter, glossier (80% 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.
Melody N
LELimited Edition. $27.00.
Soleil de Pluie
Soleil de Pluie is a muted, medium-dark orange with warm, red undertones and a matte finish. The consistency was smooth, waxy, and easy to apply as it never tugged or dragged on the lips. The pencil yielded semi-opaque color payoff in a single stroke, which was slightly buildable but was never opaque for me as the pencil slipped along the lips too much to build. On me, it lasted 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
- Makeup Geek Quirky (P, $15.00) is brighter, warmer (85% similar).
- NARS Red Square (P, $27.00) is darker, brighter, more pigmented (85% similar).
- Rare Beauty Brave (P, $20.00) is lighter (85% similar).
- ColourPop Puddin' (P, $9.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- NARS Pigalle (P, $26.00) is more muted, cooler (85% similar).
- Make Up For Ever Striking Spice (108) (P, $23.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- MAC Sultry Move (P, $22.00) is lighter (80% similar).
- NARS Free Bird (P, $34.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar).
- Sephora Undisciplined (09) (P, $15.00) is lighter, warmer, glossier (80% similar).
- Makeup by Mario Cam (P, $24.00) is lighter, warmer (80% 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.
Soleil de Pluie
LELimited Edition. $27.00.
Justine
Justine is a muted, medium dusty coral with subtle, warm undertones and a flat, matte finish. It had semi-opaque pigmentation that applied evenly and smoothly across the lips and never tugged or dragged. The texture was thin, a little clingy, and did not move around once applied. It wore well for four hours and was neither drying nor hydrating.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- NARS Get Off (P, $27.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Too Faced Sellout (P, $21.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Anastasia #1 (Vol. 1) (PiP, ) is brighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Laura Mercier Catherine (LE, $28.00) is darker (90% similar).
- MAC Teddy 2.0 (P, $22.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- NARS Walk This Way (P, $26.00) is darker (85% similar).
- Tarte TBT (P, $20.00) is darker, warmer, glossier (80% similar).
- ColourPop Drip (DC, $5.00) is darker (80% similar).
- Tarte Delish (P, $20.00) is darker (80% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Universal Appeal (P, $54.00) is lighter, warmer (80% 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.
Hey Christine! Do you have any plans to swatch the new Nars Precision Lip Liners? I know you’re super swamped and we appreciate all you do, so if you don’t plan to, please don’t feel bad! I jjust happen to trust your color descriptions better than those of the brands, and you always have just consistent super high quality in your reviews and photography. Thanks for everything you do. I tell my boyfriend all the time that I have no idea how you have time to do it all! (Especially without staff working under you!)
Sorry, I don’t have those and have no plans to purchase them!
I’m a fan of this formula and was briefly interested but…do these shades all look identical to everyone else? Maybe my work computer monitor is wonky?
Here are all four shades side-by-side: http://www.temptalia.com/swatches/nars-velvet-matte-lipstick-pencil-set-nordstrom-2017/tribulation/
1st and 4th similar enough to each other, 2nd and 3rd same story, I’d say? Maybe this was part of why this set didn’t rock my world either.
They would probably show up differently if you have light to pale skin. I like this sort of tight family or pinks and corals but for most people, the shades would be too similar, where I would notice the difference on.
Passing because these shades are all LE as well. Give me a set of permanent shades to try out. 😉
They are so similar. Who needs colours so similar?
Because I like, but don’t love this set due to its rather inconsistent quality, you *know* I’ve checked for dupes! Soleil De Pluie, I do have UD Liar (and with Nyx Ever Slim Lip Pencil, dead-on dupe, I suspect). Justine, CP Drip is already in my cart. Melody N., hmmm, maybe something lying around here? Or on CP’s site will do. Those last 3 shades are gorgeous in color, but lacking *something*.
Drip is more interesting, IMO, as far as a formula goes!
Kind of glad I skipped this set – the colors and finish aren’t really wowing me
Phew! 😀
I almost got this during the early access. Literally removed it from the bag at check out in store. I felt like only looked nice to me. Didn’t make sense to get a set of four when I only wanted of the shades 😀 These look nice on you Christine! Thank you for the swatches.
only one shade*
Yeah, it’s not worth it for just one shade! I’m glad you resisted 🙂
While the lack of full opacity doesn’t wow me, I still find myself drawn to Soleil de Pluie. It’s a gorgeous orange, and dupes for it look sparse.
There aren’t a lot – there’s a muted quality to Soleil de Pluie that made it more original!
Besides the similarity between the shades, that flat look just doesn’t appeal to me. I don’t want a product that makes my lips look dry (even if they’re not).
I saw this set and was incredibly tempted – it’s an unbeatable price and I’ve only heard great things about the formula. It’s really nice that they have both a nude and red option for those who prefer different colour options!
I’m not really impressed with these shades as they are pretty similar to many others out there in the market place at this point in time and I am not sure that these are easily transportable either.
Goofed, bec local Nordie’s no longer has a Nars counter. Ordered the bolder set. Really like the muted orange of Soleil, though. The rest aren’t me at all. Nor is/was the blush palette. Glad. Kind of a Nars ho here.
It’s a shame this is limited edition, sold out, and formulation was so drying. Otherwise, these colors are quite pretty.
Will never understand the way some brands group colors together for sets. They are either identical or are too varied to work for most skintones.
Love the sheer matte balm stain that is gaining popularity. Is it becoming a trend? Glossier Generation G and Colourpop Blotted Lip come to mind. I just sheer out a liquid lipstick over lip balm to make this type of look.
Justine is my kind of color!
I ordered these and they are scented with some sort of cheap smelling fake fruity smell. The Guy Bourdin sets were, too. I a m allergic to fragrance and hate scented makeup except vanillin. I may return them due to that. Mustang is definitely mg favorite of the two.
I’ll have to check mine again as I did not detect any fruitiness myself – sorry to hear you are allergic!