NARS Velvet Rope Mini Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Set Review & Swatches
Velvet Rope
NARS Velvet Rope Mini Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Set ($40.00 for 0.24 oz.) contains four shades–all which are from the permanent range–in the brand’s natural matte pencil formula. I felt like the pencils actually had more of a velvety glide to them, which resulted in sheerer coverage than anticipated for three shades. They had medium, buildable coverage to mostly opaque coverage with a smooth, velvety texture that was thin and lightweight.
A full-sized Velvet Matte Lip Pencil contains 0.08 oz. of product and retails for $27.00 or costs $337.50 per ounce, which gives the set a total value of $81.00.
Ingredients
Velvet Rope
LELimited Edition. $40.00.
Bad Girl
Bad Girl is a medium beige with warmer undertones and a matte finish. It had semi-opaque, buildable pigmentation with a smooth, velvety texture that glided easily across my lips. It had a powdery look to it after actual application, though it didn’t feel particularly dry during wear. For as matte in finish as it was, I was impressed by flattering it was to my lips and lip texture. It stayed on well for four hours and was neither drying nor hydrating over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Lisa Eldridge Velvet Fawn (LE, $36.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Estee Lauder Impressionable (P, $32.00) is warmer, glossier (90% similar).
- Rare Beauty Elevate (P, $20.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Can U Even (P, $9.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Casual Dress (P, $9.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Third Eye (P, $7.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Dose of Colors Nude Chica (LE, $18.00) is darker (85% similar).
- Dose of Colors Mintea (LE, $18.00) is lighter (85% similar).
- ColourPop Los Feliz (P, $8.00) is less pigmented, warmer (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Kinky (P, $18.00) is darker, warmer (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, 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.
Bad Girl
LELimited Edition. $27.00.
Sex Machine
Sex Machine is a muted, rosy mauve with subtle, warm undertones and slight shimmer running throughout that gave it a more frosted finish, despite being rather matte (as in no shine). The pencil had a smooth, velvety consistency that was comfortable to work with as it skated across my lips without tugging, but there was a bit of emphasis of lip texture and a tendency to cling to imperfections. It had medium pigmentation in one stroke, which was buildable to semi-opaque coverage. This shade wore well for four hours and was slightly drying while worn.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Mehr (P, $19.00) is darker, glossier (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Anderson (P, $36.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Naked (P, $18.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Bite Beauty Fig (DC, $26.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- MAC Brave (P, $19.00) is less shimmery, brighter (90% similar).
- Bite Beauty Pastille (DC, $24.00) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Indian Rose (P, $57.00) is darker, warmer, glossier (90% similar).
- Givenchy Nude Guipure (106) (P, $36.00) is glossier (95% similar).
- Flower Beauty Petal Kiss (P, $6.98) is lighter (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever #4 (DC, $19.00) is darker (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, 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.
Sex Machine
PPermanent. $27.00.
Dolce Vita
Dolce Vita is a medium, reddish-plum with warmer undertones and a matte finish. It had sheer coverage, which was hard to build up, and it applied a bit unevenly with significantly more emphasis of lip texture than I expected. This shade is part of the permanent range, so I’m not sure why it ended up being so sheer. It almost seemed too heavy with whatever gives it the velvety feeling–almost like an overly waxy pencil that glides but has little payoff. The color lasted for three hours from what I could tell, and the formula felt a touch drying 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 Hey Mr DJ (P, $10.00) is lighter, cooler (80% 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).
- Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Medium (P, $37.00) is more shimmery, warmer, glossier (90% similar).
- Ciate Sydney (LE, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Givenchy Nude Androgyne (P, $37.00) is warmer (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).
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.
Dragon Girl
Dragon Girl is a bright, raspberry red with cool, blue undertones and a matte finish. It had medium pigmentation in a single stroke, which was buildable to semi-opaque coverage. It was such a bright, rich hue that it didn’t seem like it was lacking pigment at a glance, but you can definitely see my lip freckle peeking through. The pencil had a smooth, velvety feel that glided and maneuvered easily across my lips and applied color evenly. It stayed on well for six hours, left a stain behind, and felt neither drying nor hydrating over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Honey Pie (LE, $6.50) is darker (95% similar).
- Guerlain #518 (P, $33.00) is lighter, brighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Laura Mercier Rose Vif (P, $32.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Wild Sumac (P, $27.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- YSL Fuchsia Allusion (99) (P, $38.00) is lighter, warmer, glossier (90% similar).
- MAC If Wishes Were Roses (LE, $22.00) is lighter, less pigmented (90% similar).
- Sephora Cherry Moon (94) (P, $14.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar).
- Kaleidos Cactus Flower (P, $12.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- MAC Anything Goes (P, $20.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Revlon Bread Winner (P, $12.39) is brighter, 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, 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.
It’s so surprising that the Dolce Vita got a D! 😮 I have both the mini and the full sized versions and it doesn’t quite look/feel like the one in your review 🙁 I was thinking about stocking up too. Bummer!
Hmmm.. looks like money saved!
Ah damn, the only one I want is new shade. Oh well.
Bad Girl is available to buy separately on Sephora !
Very tempting. And yet I always seem to buy similar shades time and again. I’m getting into a beauty rut and need to try some different colors.
These are pretty average…and I don’t fancy wear a lip crayon called Bad Girl or Sex Machine….
Meh. This set doesn’t impress me much, at all. Only one LE shade, the rest permanent. And one of those, Dolce Vita, they managed to screw up the formula on! ?♀️
H’mmmm. I thought I’d be super into these, but not so much…
Mecca New Zealand just launched insider access for holiday sets and I saw 4 new NARS glitter lipsticks called Disco Dust – Bianca (nude gold), Debbie (plum gold), Lisa (red shimmer) and Jerry (red with bronze shimmer) and I was surprised to see these pop up here, given that the US launch stuff didn’t seem to have them included. Or did I miss them???
$58 a pop is a bit rich for my blood at the moment (cough, justboughtaViseartGrandePropalette, cough) so I think I’m gonna skip all the NARS holiday stuff.
Per NARS, they will not be available in the US.
Bummer! They do look very festive… I never really understand why some countries get some branded stuff and others don’t, it seems very arbitrary. Even Sephora does it…
It’s really strange!
These all look so dry and unappealing on the lips. Sad, really, as in the tubes, they look quite pretty.